The Washington critic., 1890-05-20
AN EvENTrUL CAREER.
Something About the Popular Man
ager of Kernan's Theatre,


Manager Eugene Herman, whose
friends are rejoicing over the large sale
of tickets for his grand testimonial
benefit on Monday, May 20, is one of
the kindest and most considerate of
men, whose life has been one of great
usefulness. Though ripe in experience,
there is tender spot in his heart that
an appeal never fails TO reach. To say
tha, man of such generosity had often
been deceived scarcely covers the num-
Der of impositions he has suffered.
Friends have often demonstrated with
him on learning of some rashIy gener-
GUS act, but Manager Herman, with the
simplicity of child has invariably re-
piled: ooh, ! can't help 1t; always was
that way 1t is said that when he
kept hotel in Baltimore many years
ago, onethird of his guests were on the
free list, and in many instances, espe-
cially if the case was a deserving one.
the invited guest received an entire
outtitof new clothes.
1t is this generosity, this goodness of
heart, that has made Mr.. Herman one of
the most popular managers in the
United States. He takes this benefit
with the bashfulness of boy. His
friends, indeed, met with difficulty in
gaining his permission to give him
testimonial of the. character intended,
and only after much persuading did he
consent.
Manager Herman is of rowing dis
position and fond of adventure. In
early boyhood he became infatuated
with the sea, and lost no time in per-
suading the captain of merchantmen
to take him away He proved an ex-
cellent sailor and followed the sea
number of years, circumnavigating the
globe again and again. He became first
mate of his vessel at very early age
and was captain of the finest trading
ship on the Atlantic when he gave up
sea faring life. His life on the sea was
full of adventure. 1t was in the days
of pirates and smugglers, with whom
Captain Herman often had to contend.
He was instrumental in running down
number of piratical vessels. His
courage and his honesty made him one
of the most respected captains of that
period, whose services traders eagerly
sought.
No sooner, however, had Captain
Herman given up this adventurous life
than he was rendered the governorship
of the Island of Navassa, then a wild,
Isolated spot, almost cut off from all
means OF communication with the civil
lied world. This was a most response
BILE and trying position, requiring an
indomitable will, great courage and
absolute integrity. Governor Herman
took charge with his characteristic
fearlessness, and ruled the little island
without difficulty.
Next we find him back to his native
city. Baltimore, laying the foundation
for the enterprises that have made the
name of Herman familiar one in the
theatrical world. Manager Herman
started the original Herman Theatre in
Baltimore over twenty.fi five years ago.
Before long his brother, James l.. Ker-
nan, was invited into the enterprise,
and added his rare managerial ability TO
the theatre. Both shared the belief
that the variety stage could be elevated,
and. looking years ahead, realized the
importance of its elevation. 1t was
here the Kernans began the great work
that they have accomplished. After
serving in the City Council of Baltimore
with marked faithfulness, Manager
Herman found several of his travelling
companies requiring his attention, and
leaving the Baltimore house to the care
of his brother, once more began to rove.
He carried a number of excellent COM
panies across the country, averaging
!. one season $1,000 week profit, and
was the last manager of the late Alice
Oates. Manager Herman has realized
handsomely on his theatrical enter.
piises.
Mr.. Herman became manager of Ker-
! mans New Washington Theatre in 1886
when the house had gone to ruin. But
his brother, determined to save the
theatre, placed him in charge, confident
that his ability and experience would
enable him to restore the old house to
popularity. Washington knows toe
well how the theatre has been elevated
and built up to need any further infor
nation.
Tickets for Manager Kernau's beneti
are on sale at the box office of the theatr,
and at many of the business houses
around the city. The matinee mex
Monday will probably be the biggest il
the history of the house. Besides thu
regular attraction, which includes tn,
celebrated Dominick McCafferY. there
will be host of volunteers, making thu
grandest entertainment of the season.
| IsuVan MA Ihart In william Knaha !,