The daily morning journal and courier., 1906-08-22
RANDOM RDCOLLECTIONS OF
 FAMOTTg DRAWERS
CNFV


 in the days of the civil war New Haven was indebted largely to the pro- prletors of the Boston Theater for the presentation of high class theatrlcals, as the engagements of that manage ment generally included tour of the principal New England cities, Lowell & Simmonds, of New York, also com peted with the Boston firm in the in- troduction of ''the best of the best" Alexander Calhoun, the show printer of Hartford, at later date entering the field with theatrical stars ranging from Salvini to Little Nell, the Cali fornia Diamond" The Boston and New York managers rented Music Hall, now known as Bunnells New Haven Theater, but at the time that Calhoun stepped in the local managers were playing on sharing terms and ex- ercislns degree of caution as to their bookings. Henry Grattan Plunkett, before the days of the rebellion, had played at Exchange Hail stars of the calibre of Joseph Proctor, famous for his Nick of the Woods" Julia Daily and Wayne Olwyne and J. ". Lingard, and made some notable productions. Wyatt, with the Wyatt sisters as stars. had also brought out at the Temple Cherry and Fair Star" ''Un- cle Toms Cabin" and Katie, the Hot Corn Girl" Tony Pastor and his all- star vaudeville troup came to New Ha- ven sometimes twice a season for many years. There was also steady Invasion of the minstrels, gift shows and transforming theatrical troupes of uncertain financial and artistic so- lidity. CHARLOTTE CUsHMAN. Charlotte Cushman played Meg Merrilles" at Music Hall and was at
 her best in that character, although she was 8 great artist. Miss Cushman
 was not blessed with feminine beauty. The writer came to town from Whit neville on the omnibus run by "Wes" Roggers of Centerville and returned on foot after the performance, seeing the awful Meg all the way home along the dark country road now known as Whitney avenue. Houses were sparse on that route and the way was unit, and the blazing orbs of the terrible Meg illuminated every step in the gloom. It was a mercy that the elms were but sapplings and did not cast a deep shade. HACKETT Hackett was the accepted Falstaff of the stage, but he failed to draw in this city, only producing what is pro- nounced by kindly press 'an artistic success" An ingenious device of the scribets let the star down easy when
 the receipas are not up to expectation deserts.
 B. l.. DAVENPORT.
 Davenport and wife and J. W. Wal lack came to New Haven frequently in standard plays. E. l.. Davenport was without question one of the greatest all-round actors America ever pro- duced. His versatility was marvellous
 and there is little doubt that his adap-
 tablity to so many stellar roles was to his financial detriment. Davenport
 was too good In too many parts to win a shining mark and establish public favor and secure fortune and & draw 1 ing power in one or a few roles. l My estimation of Davenport was les-
 sened in a degree by his borrowing a
 package of books to be used as proper
 ties under the pledge of personally
 seeing that they were returned after
 the performance. Davenport forgot to get back to 76 Church street with the
 loaned literature and the books had to
 be dug up the next day, The great ac-
 tor was but mortal!
 OPERA STARS
 New Haven always was set down as musical town, but Caroline Richlngs and Clara Louise Kellogg were draw. ing cards Parepa Rosa came to town
 on an occasion and was set down for an extra matinee performance. the
 managers intention being to get all
 the noey in sight did not pan out well; matinees not having a vogue, the alt tendance was slim and the prilna don. | na in her chagrin at the meagre at- tendance had the audacity to do her turn" as Poli would put it, just as she came from the street. The audienca
 took the affront and Parepa took an encore.
 MAGGIE MITCHELL.
 Maggie Mitchell was for wears tba strongest drawing card thar came here. Everybody whose conscientious