The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-03-17
WHAT OTHER PEOPLE. THJNK
How to Get a Music Hall.
@ Editor of The Journal.

To the Editor of The Journal.
I wish 1 might say something which
would indicate to the music-loving people
of Minneapolis the exigency confronting
them. There has been great progress
made the past two years in unifying the
musical interests Of the city and REIN
forcing the colony of contributors there
to, notably the organization of the Min
neapolis Symphony orchestra. No one
unfamiliar with the difficulties attending
this step can have a proper idea of all
it has meant to secure Well-balanced
orchestra and maintain it at a degree of
efficiency satisfactory to the musical pub
lie. That this result has been secured,
Notwithstanding the immense difficulties
incident thereto, is now fully admitted.
Contrast the recent Samson and De-
lilah'' performance with the possibilities
of two years ago. The inspiration aris-
ing therefrom, not only to the attendants
of the Symphony and Philharmonic con-
certs, but to all musical organizations Of
the city. is wonderfully valuable.
AS contributor to the residential adj
vantages Of Minneapolis, looked at from
a purely material standpoint, I consider
the Symphony orchestra and its influence
one Of the most valuable factors which has
come into our municipal life, and one
which every citizen, whether musically
inclined or not, should rate at its proper
worth.
Now that so much has been accom-
plished, the question is, shall it be re-
tanned, or shall the results, the fruit Of
SO much toll, thought and expense, be
dissipated? The guarantors Of the Sym
phony orchestra will this year be called
upon to contribute the full $4,000 guar
anty subscribed by them, and it is no
exaggeration to say that rs per cent of
III; 4,;Io,
essary had there been suitable hall,
well located and fireproof, available. The
results accomplished under peculiarly ad-
verse circumstances are phenomenal a
tribute to the indefatigable work and de-
votion of both the officers and directors
Of the Philharmonic club; Mr.. Oberhoffer,
the director, and the guarantors; but
there is a limit to devotion and public
spirit, and very much fear that, unless
a suitable hall is provided before another
season, 1t will be impossible to hold what
we have secured at the expense of SO
much thought, labor and money.
I want to appeal, therefore, thru this
letter, to all public-spirited citizens,
whether musical or otherwise, to put their
shoulders to the wheel and thru the plan
proposed by the Northwestern National
Life Insurance company, secure the much
needed hall. It can be done, and easily,
{.
million dollars worth of insurance is not
a large amount. There are very few peo-
pie in the city, even Of moderate means,
who could not afford to take out policy
Of $1,000 and agree to maintain it for at
least two years at an average expense OF
$50 year.
The proposed location of the hall at the
corner Of Eleventh street and Nicollet
avenue, one block below Westminster
church. Is admittedly superb. It is the
intention Of the insurance company tc
erect building second in architectural
| beauty, convenience, freproof and acous-
tic qualities to no similar hall in the
country.
! There Is not the slightest question In
| the minds OF fair-minded mon as to the
entire ability Of the company in question
! to fulfill its contracts, but in addition
thereto, there is standing offer by an
interested citizen to guarantee or under
write, on request, any policy taken Out
| in connection with the hall proposition
| so that there is not now the slightest
excuse for any one who really desires tc
aid in the music hall matter to refrain
| from So doing.
| What has been said as to the helpful.
| ness Of the proposed hall to the musica1
interests OF the city applies with equa
force as a matter of general utility. The
hall will be large enough to accommodate
any reasonably sized convention; its seat.
ing capacity will be approximately 81 900
while. for larger gatherings, mass meet.
ings, ETC., the new armory, which viii
accommodate from 5000 to 5000 people
will be available
desire to impress the community witt
| the great Importance OF this matter and
the need Of all OF us making it q per.
sonal matter. Blank applications may BE-
obtained at the Commercial club. at al
the larger retail stores and from the direc.
tors of the Philharmonic club and The
other musical organizations Of the CITY
A little interest on the part OF every one
and we will have by Nov next the
hall we so sadly need. Yours very truly
w. Z. Harris.