Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-11-17
ROCK ISLAND BOY
IS HIT IN PARIS
Fred Loeb Introduces American
Cakewalk in French
Capital.
AT HEAD OF A BIG COMPANY
That Runs for Two Years at One Thea
tire - Home On
Visit.

To Rock Island boy. Fred Loeb be
\ longs the distinction OF having intro
duced the American cakewalk to the
gay Parisians. Fresh from his
triumphs abroad. the young man is
home for a visit. the first in five years.
Mr.. Loeb's career since leaving Rock
Island reads like a twentieth century
romance. He was in New York as the
| representative OF the Hill Bitters
company. which had been formed by
himself and his brothers. when the
firm failed. From childhood Fred had
an inclination for the stage. but his
relatives had invariably talked him out
OF IL when he declared himself in that
direction.
In this instance he was far enough
away to- be his lone counsellor. and
he determined to- take a whirl at the
footiights. Like the experimental with
the medical discovery he decided first
to try il on the dog. and he crossed
the water.
Makes Debut In London.
Fred said in discussing his venture
that he had some misgivings when he
made his initial appearance at Lon-
ion concert hall. and whenever the
first violin player struck bum note
he ducked. supposing that the noise
was caused by a collection from the
woodpile. His first act was produced
with the assistance of young woman
whom he secured from the cast OF
"Winsome Winnie" comic opera
running then at one of the London
theatres. Fred said she never knew
until his reputation had become estab-
lished that she had joined hands with
an amateur. He told her that he had
the American managers doing hand
springs trying TO get his name to cor
tracts. but that the climate there did
not agree with him. and he came TO
London for a change. She was pretty
and clever. and Fred knew that no one
would have the heart to throw any
thing as long as she was on, and his
act called for her presence from its
start to the finish. The team was
known as the Elks. From London
they went To Paris. The cakewall. had
been heard of there. but ii had not
been offered at any OF the playho Uses.
The ambitious young actor saw the OPP
portunity OF his life. and he prepared
an act in which the cakewalk was
the feature.
Causes Sensation In French Capital.
II was an immediate sensation. and
the name of the Elks became house.
hold word throughout the gay city.
The act was elaborated to a srccTacu
lar calling for 100 people. with the
Elks at the head. and the c2ke~aik
continued as the feature. TIE produc-
ton ran for two years 60 ltinuously
at the one house.
II left Paris two weeks ago. Mr..
Loeb said. IF We were known as well
ia our home country as We a. abroad
we would have no difficulty in inter
citing American manosers in on pro-
duction. and bringing II TO this side for
run. Some of the famous and high
{ st paid stais in this coan'ry are new
heard of on the other side. Take.
for instance. Weber & Fields. before
their dissolution. They undoubtedly
were the topnotch comedians in this
country. Well. in London the average
does not know whether
they are hackmen or actors.
London Best Vaudeville Field
London. from my observation, is
the best vaudeville field in the world,
for there are enough of these houses
IN that city To keep high class per-
former engaged the year through. II
is not so in America. A performer.
unless he wants to accept engage
ments in the smaller cities where the
salaries are niggardly. is compelled TO
close after. say from Is to 20 weeks.
and loaf the remainder of the year.
am under contract TO return to Paris.
but probably will remain In this coun-
try If negotiations that I have opened
with American managers turn out as
| hope they shall" Mr.. Loeb will Wis
IL In Rncl. Island three weeks