Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-14

Mr.. Ford was probably as we'll known In
Washington as he was in mis- own city of
Baltimore. He had been connected with
various theaters here, having first remodel
ed in 1859 the theater on 10th street, which
was formerly Baptist Church, and which
acquired such unenviable notoriety as the
scene of the assassination Of President
Lincoln. He continued to manage that
theater until the tragedy referred TO, and
then, after being closed for a year, the
building was purchased by the government
At that time this theater was the most
fashionable place of amusement in Wash
1ngton, and during the period of his man.
agement Mr. Ford brought to this city Ed
win Forrest, John Sleeper Clarke the Rich
ings' Opera Troupe, Julia Dean Haine and
other notable people both in the theatrical
ana operate world generation ago. Mr..
Ford also, for four years. managed the Ma
tional Theater in this city, and then took
charge of what is now known as Harris
Bijou, which he managed for quite num-
Der OF years under the title Of Ford's Opera
House.
OF Wide Acquaintance.
During his career in this city Mr.. Ford
became acquainted with nearly every
prominent man In the country anG gained
the reputation Of being an upright man in
his business and of endeavoring to furnish
the community with the best class Of
amusements. His relations with actors and
companies that played at mis- house We're
always eNlTemely aSreeaDle, ana ne fOrrn-
ed friendships in the profession which con-
tinued up to the time of his death. He was
one of the first managers to have the
courage to attempt to exploit rising am
bition, and was the one Who placed Mary
Anderson before the public ana gave her
the start that she needed To become the
stellar attraction which she was before her
retirement. MIR. Ford was man OF kind
ly disposition, correct habits and a close
student, not only Of literature regarding
the theatrical profession, but upon sub
jects relating particularly TO municipal
government, in which he was deeply inter
ested. He was for many years connected
with the city government of Baltimore,
holding many positions of nonor and trust,
and was greatly respected n the commun-
ity in which he lived.
1t is perhaps unfortunate for the theatrical
profession that he was taken away just at
this time. because he was engaged in ar
ranging for grand ShalleSpearean revival
by a company headed by Creston Clarke
and his own daughter, Miss Martha Ford.
He had watched the education of this
daughter with the greatest of care, and the
talent that she had exhibited caused him
to hope that she would fill the place in the
theatrical world deineator of Shakes
pearean heroines that has not been filled
since the retirement of Mary Anderson.
There will be as much regret felt in this
city at the death OF Mr.. Ford as can pos
sibly be experienced in his own city of Bal
timore. The stage has lost in him one who
had it's best interests at heart. the actor has
lost a judicious counsellor and friend, and
those who knew him feel in his removal
sense of personal bereavement.
The Old Ford's Theater.
Mr. Ford, on Decen ber 10. 1861, purchas-
ed from David w. Heath the old theater on
10th street between Z and + streets north
west, which since has become memorable as
the scene of the assassination of President
Lincoln and of the disaster in June last
when a score or more of War Department
clerks. without warning, met their death
because of the collapse of the floors of the
buildrg.
Previous to the purchase the edifice had
served as a church, being constructed by
the First Baptist congregation in 1853 Mr.
Ford, who was then well known as theat-
rical manager, altered the building In order
that it could be utilized for concerts and
other performances, and on November 10
and p, 1861, the Carlotta Patti concert
troupe gave the first performances there.
The house was reaIiy opened, however,
by George Christy's Minstrels, and for
short season they designated it on their
programs as George Christy's New Opera
House. Mr.. Ford, in 1862, had more re-
pairs made, and fitted up his building so
that complete theatrical performances
could be given, the stage being widened
and new scenery painted, and it was again
opened Wednesday evening, March 10, 1862,
under the title of Ford's Atheneum.
After numerous noted stars and COM
panies had occupied the boards. the Athe-
neum, on Decembe- 80 1862. at half-past
) o'clock in the afternoon, during the en-
gagement of the Rchings, was discovered
to be on fire, and, Notwithstanding the
cxertions of tho fire department. the
theater that had been constructed out of
the old Baptist Church was totally de-
strcyed. Although his loss was heavy
Mr.. Ford was not at all dishea tened. hut
at once set about putting up another
theater on the old site. With his char
acteristic energy he pushed the work, and
structure
August, 1863. 1t was well furnished and
upholstered, and was perhaps the most
fashionable theater of its kind. Mr.. Ford
from his long experience as a manager,
was able to present to the people of Wash
ington the very best attractions. There
was no break in the success of the thaater
until the fatefu tragedy of April H. 1865
when President Lincoln met his death. and