The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-08-26

Window Autographs, now so indis1ens-
able to the proper advertising of a min
strel company, were unknown IN that
connection until the early seventies. John
RiCaby being the first agent so far as
known to put them TO their present use
Ricaby was an Englishman, who could
see nothing in the blawsted country" as
ne expressed himself when he first came
over but after he had stayed awhile he
found there was. and plenty of it
Years ago he was with Byron Chrissties
ATinstre1e and later we find him with
company headed by Harry Robinson. That
Ricaby tried the experiment OF putting no
paper the walls but instead, using
lthogrdphs in the windows To prove a
success of course. the lthosraphs were
crude affairs as compared with the works
of lthographtc art as now carried by the
n. G.. Fields greater Ministries. bur they
served their purpose equally rs we'll in
those DAYS and the innovation soon be-
came quite general. Still later both window
and billboard advertising became the
regular and recopnized thing with Minis
trnl COMPANIES. hicabv was subsequently,
with nest of the leading attractions OF
the day. including the production OF
Shook and Golfers The Black Crook
etc. He died in New York city few
years ago. Al c. Fields is said to be
the most extensive user OF photographic
printing in the show business. The bills to
advertise his Ministries are of the most
expensive and artistic character
Al. G.. Fields Ministries will be the open
ing attraction at the Academy OF Music
on September Sd.
? It's strong bill that Manager Wells
has signed 10 entertain at the cool Casino
this week 1t has the appearance of one
of the kind that causes the ticket-sellers
much work and gives the ushers an extra
JOB of placing chairs. It is good show
that was carefully selected. It contains
comedy novelty and music. and all of IL
is original. There is not an act in 1t that
does not appear to be an entertaining num-
Der. There are bis featured numbers, and
others that are rapidly pushing 70 the
front ranks Lionel Stronghold whose
stage name is Max Unger, is the special
feature for the week. ard a strong feature
is he, for the young man is the person
who succeeded the mighty Sandow as the
perfect man His name Is synonymous
with strength; his feats remarkable. Ma
ture has endowued him with the powers of
a Sampson. HIS appearance at the Casino
is his last in America for some time TO
come. for ne will sail for Europe Septe;1-
Der 5th. Urger has an act that is entirety
different from the usual strong maii
act" He makes a wonderful display OF
his control OF the muscles. and then per
forms feats Of real strength that are as
founding. Frank Gardner and Lottie III
cent. presenting original musica! iaEcs.
"a Shattered Idol" introducing singing
and dancing. will be favorites before .,e
end of the week. Gardner was at .ns
Bjou last season with another partner ana
was a success Miss Vincent was ons VI
the Three Rosebuds. VINO were dsso
big Yft nj Mr. Wells cosy theatre In regu-
lar season. The RONALD Brothers, marvel
lous head-to-head and hand bataars-s
whose wond er-working has been pisasac
received bv audiences IN America and Al
over the continent. will introduce new
act here Keough and Ballard, The Lee Lee
srirnate VS.. the Variety. promise an act