Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-26
IMPROVING THE GARFIELD.


Something like four years ago few OF
the active members of the Garfield Post
conceived the idea of erecting memorial
hall in this city that should stand as a
monument to the memory of the nations
defenders, when all should have passed
over to the silent camping ground. This
was the sentimental aspect Of the under
taking, but it had its practical business
aspect as well; which contemplated, when
fully sized up, large. commodious hall,
for post meetings, social gatherings and
dramatic entertainments; likewise rooms
on its first floor for business purposes,
which would render the whole at least
self-supporting, if not a paying investment
for its stockholders. The project
was carried forward to completion
and the founders have fully realized the
fruition of their hopes.
No city in the state Of Kansas, nor per-
haps in all the west, can boast Of an edi-
flee such as this, owned and controlled
solely by the members of the Grand Army
of the Republic. For more than two years
it has afforded commodious quarters for
the ever increasing business of the post
Office, and this without dollar Of expense
to the government for fixtures. rent, light
or fuel. To what extent the business COM
munity has reimbursed the Grand Army
for such magnanimity towards govern
ment that must needs assume a pauper' S
garb. will be known when all
obligations are Xcancelled by the
occupancy OF that splendid mon
ument of a nations generosity
on the corner Of William and Market.
The management of Memorial hall, or
Garfield opera house by which it is more
generally known, recognizing the impor-
lance Of keeping abreast OF the times,
have completely renovated the second
floor, by painting and papering, until it
presents en- appearance so bright, cheerful
and homelike, that it is with diffiultyJani-
tor Plummer can pursuade himself to leave
it for sufficient length of time to get his
meals In fact it is limited at that he has
them brought to him. Talk of frescoed
and gaudily painted walls and ceilings of
European churches and palaces, but here
is work of art never once contemplated
by the 'old masters" in their
widest flights of fancy. but as comparisons
are odious, we will merely say that this Is
a neat and tasty job, designed and execut-
ed by Carrot Bros, with commendable
artistic skill. 1t is the intention OF the
management that before snow flies (S-no
flies on this) gallery will be erected in
the rear end of the hall with a seating
capacity of two hundred, and new floor
will be laid of such exceedingly smooth
ness that dancers will scarcely realize
whether they or on their heads or heels.
There will be no improOriety in stating
that the g. A. R., take pride in their hall,
and with grave reluctance yield to de-
mand from outside pressure to hold
their memorial services on the Goth
inst, in the Crawford opera house.
But as good citizens who recognize the
soundnesss of the axiom that ''the great
est good to the greatest number" IS the
cap sheaf to patriotism. they will keep
step without murmur to the music that
conducts them from the largest, coolest
and most comfortable hall in the city TO
the Grand Opera house, whose seating
capacity will be taxed to the utmost TO
accommodate the vast throng that desire
TO hear the clean cut phrases uttered by
the lips of Kansas statesman. NJ. ;.