davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

desperate rush of each succeeding thrill sends
with dizzy head
In the ten cent places elaborate vaudeville
attracts, comedies" diversity the order of the day.
and singing and dancing speciaties enliven the deadly
monotony of the pictures. Variation in some places
is achieved by voice behind the screen which speaks
words to fit the action of the moving shadows In
Fourteenth street quite middle class crowd assem-
bles. Shopping women come and render homage to
the reigning sovereign.
One closes ones eyes; the soft whirring of the
machines reentessly strikes upon the ear; one opens
them pale faces look through the gloom with looks
of enspelled bewchment. One is in the presence of
a very great god indeed, the God of Cheapness He
is the sovereign of the present day amusement and
the moving of his wheels is thinning the ranks OF
his human competitors each day. The King is dead
Long live the King
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21


if it not one would be lonely
1t is rather young audience, plain, respectable
audience. which views the melodrama, and gum is
its great joy. The villain will growl horribly and
threaten dreadfully young eyes will grow dark with
Indignation but ~mastication will continue. The
heroine will be- perhaps, in terrible plight handker
chiefs will surreptitiously wipe away tears, but
underneath all will go the champ, champ, champ of
the triumphant gum. 1t may be chewed Indignantly,
it may be chewed ecstatically, but it will still be
chewed.
And yet with all this the melodramatic audience
is strong to show its feelings "Oh, amt he ferce|
said the tender young thing of seventeen to the
vacuous faced youth who held her hand. Between
the acts storms of Kisses greet the villains appear
ance "Oh you muttw supplemented bawlng voice
in its highest tones. In 1.-THE Cowboys Girl" the
heroine is bound with ropes and dragged from the
stage my God! what are they going to do? cried
a woman, visbly perturbed from one of the boxes
At other times the audience impartialy distributes
criticism ''Beatatr called out voice to the heroine
as the villain ci0le ON. "Stungr' jubiantly shout
dozen voices as he gets the wrong marriage certif
cata
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21


Inside the throne room of the reignng sovereign
of cheap is upon view. The INTERIOR with
its walls and ceiling of stamped paper mache left I'M
adorned, with coloring of cream and green, con-
fronts you Small desk chairs arranged upon the
bare floors with corridor running through the centre
The is dark family lighted with red lamp
two, and at the end, opposite the small stage, is
raised and covered structure, with dark silhouetted
figures standing about the whirring machine within.
In front of the cd piano, the stage youth with
unsmoked cigarette loosely eld in his slack mouth
converses with those upon the front seats and touches
his clanking instrument to the ecstases of Jungle
town and Peekaboo.
AS with the slot machine patrons, the audiences
vary with the location Swarms of children
sttute great part of the patronage in Grand street,
young with shaven necks and well oiled hair,
whose young women friends publicly display their
appreciation of them, appear prominently in Eighth
avenue. But whatever the audience, it appears to
be affected by the machines with species of
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

his kind that this would
mean the invalidation of
his marriage, he being
keen at that time for an
other lady, who happened,
unknown to herself, to
possess a mine of great
value. And so he desired
to combine business and
pleasure. 1t will be, of
course, unnecessary to re-
mark upon his failure to
possess the lady. 1t Is
only in love affairs which
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

But a few PAGES down
the street from the Grand
Street Theatre is another
form of amusement for the
million, the parlor of the
slot machines. "Chaa-ange
here-get your cha-aange!"
is ceaselessly reiter-
ated by the carelessly
dressed man who jingles
the pennies in his pockets
as he walks back and forth
and around and stands
about with preoccupied,
listless eyes. A perspective
of svariously shaped slot
IN a c b in es, of looking
glasses. of electric lights,
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

Copyright 1902 by All Rights Resryed
~ ACK from behind the veil of years and hal
~ lowed by the mellow hues of memory, man
y strobe forth upon little stage, with Its cur
tanned sides and background. he was low
ering dark complexioned rufflan with black
mustache and heavy eyebrows, which had deep
panted lines between them He wore a loose, brown
cloak beneath which could be seen his green tignts
and dark belt with its massive buckle. His long
hoots reached nearly to his knees His pistol to
his hand: his long thick sword by his SIDE
"Hat Ha'' said he, "wance aboard tn lugger-rr
and the gy-urr-rl is miner
Another figure strobe forth at the Grand street
Theatre week or so ago. He also, had black mus
tache but he wore streaming artists tie and Grand
street ranch owning CLOTHES. Let them take a
carrie" said he; "as for the gy-urrl she must ana
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

At present there is a
current in favor of chill
dren as the instruments
of vengeance. Boys with
sixth senses track the
criminal, and he is pur~
sued through woods and
delivered over to justice.
The great feature, how
ever, in the moving enter
tainments is the fact that
almost everything seems
to end in a chase. Some
body does something
either criminal or ludic-
rous, and the people in his
vicinity forthwith chase
him. There are, however,
at exceptional moments
other pieces of vague his
torical interest. The as
sassination of the Duke of
Guise is one of this class.
In a manner these per-
formances are superior to
the old melodrama. Cos
tunes are better, access
series are better, but the
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

Nearly Winner. -
the commencement of the first act that villain sue
ceeds in meodrama. After its commencement the
ashes of failure and i'll luck pursue him everywhere.
1.-THE Cowboys Girl" on the whole, is heartening
production.
For sheer activity, however, no meodrama may
compare with that oldest one of ALL "Uncie Toms
Cabin" which here quite recently. Before you
know it you stepped in an atmosphere OF ebony
black mustaches, top boots, soft felt hats whips
and reviewers What heroine may compare with
little Eva all in blue bows pink bows, as the case
may be-Eva who always sits up in bed and de-
claims her dying speech with beautiful articulation?
What melodramatic villain may reflect, even family
the Illuminating atrocity of Simon Legree-Simon
with his raksh soft felt hat his open collar his black
and flowing tie? AS a ruian he stands aone he sets
the fashion, and after him other villains are but vain
and futile things.
II seems hard to leave them all-Legree. Marks
Tonsv and the rest-so old and yet so fresh. But
Ieuree has almost cursed his last and Tom, too, will
saw the words "young masr' but seldom again. The
clouds which come drifting across the stage. with
singular uniformity of shape must make the most
of their chance for their race is nearly done; the
bogie man of the moving pictures viii one day put
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21
Attending to the PopuIace.


No slip is ever excused by the audience amateur
night The hook ravenously awaits the slightest blum
der or mschance 1t is necessary to strike loud and
certain sounds from the first instant if you wish to be
a successful AMATEUR much BETTER however, to be a
dancer. The Gathering of feet upon wooden Boards
to singularly soothing influence upon the
patrons in the side and it is the dancer who in
yariably wins the prize
And they all come out-the raucous, strong
voiced singer, who is unanimously appauded; the
performer whose faintest sign of ndecision
gets for him the hook; the negro, whose stumps Of
legs balance him bottles and who almost wins
account of the sympathy thus engendered; the
quartet of east side boys with their queer strident
harmonies-an there and finally lined up,
hooked and unlocked alike, while the audience in
dicates by its volume of sound its choice in the
matter of the prize.
And so again, next day, through the streets to
Hubers Museum, with its queer collection of genera
ton old photographs and curiosities and collections
upon its walls, with its strong man and its sword
swallowing ladies upon the first door Qadies who
sit and converse easily with the audience between
activities) with its admixture of vaudeville and its
invariabe moving pictures on the second; with its
novelties its slot machines and perhaps its freaks
the third and the overpowering smell of its Gagged
beasts upon the top of ALL
The audience appears greatly interested in the
sword swallowing Gee! L wonder how she can do
that?" said one wondering spectator. "Gee wonder
how she found out she could do it!' specuated
another "Gee! she must have big vacuum inside
of herl" remarked third.
But is it that the times out of joint or that
the moving pictures and slot machines have desc
Grated this sanctuary of bygone time? No con-
gregatons of monstrous freaks now seem almost
in battalions to stand upon its Platforms mere
workmanIike sword swallower does not I'LL the void
created in the far off days of childhood by those
old regiments of monstrous things which kept one
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

sun uia"S as auuieuceS, villain in Grand Street.
but Is MORALLY hurt. The Grand Street Theatre is,
alas! its onlF sanctuary in New York to-day
Other entertainments there are which make their
stand against this modern NIoloch with somewhat
greater success Gay buresquers appearing pink and
round within their well filed tights, engage in repartee
and song which need the findly offices of fumigaon;
but their ranks, too, thinner, though their au-
dlences are faithful and enthusiastic still.
1t was in the direction Of all these things that the
editor waved gestculating hands. Co. said he ex-
pansiyey, land write upon the entertainments of the
million; study the hydra headed it digess its men
tai amusement" And so 1t l found the Grand
Street Theatre, with its flaming posters of virtue in
relieved attitudes and of yiany In pastures indicative
of dismay.
Each class of dramatic presentation possesses par
ticular earinarks which considered proper EN-
phasis is what is demanded in melodrama. Actions
must be deliberately exaggerated infections must be
lingering and deliberate before they will be allowed
as meritorious In Grand street. "Villain, unhand
mel" would be deemed miserable, but VILLAIN MN,
unnerhander muh" would be considered appropriate.
All sentences too must terminate in IA to be thor
oughy correct. This is Val Mobery's work, but he
shall repent it-aa!' is the true meodramatic way.
Noise appears to be important particularly with the
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

low comedy man. Should he fall it must be to &C
compartment of drum and cymbals Words must not
be of mild order, either They must keep pace with
the vigorous action of the play. Ours, dogs and
scoundrels should verbally illumine each scene.
persons name furthermore should always be used in
full; this is the etiquette. 'Phip-p Fentonn-n'
would be rather correct method of address 1t is
important to remember, finally, that the real meo-
drama must always be punctuated with pistol shots.
1.-THE Cowboys Girl" was the occasion of the vel
low poster In Grand street. and the play advanced
1T was with pang that one reflected how soon into
the forgotten limbo of things 1t all to be thrust
for its personages were old friends The heroine,
fearful high minded the hero, open and generous the
villan boasfu and nsuppressby active in his career
of invariably unsuccessful crime; the low comedy
with his chuckes and far down idioces which in any
other land than stageland would have resulted in re-
straint.
OF course there was marriage certificate (what
meodrama could be complete withoutD which the
villain wished to obtain for purposes of destruction
He very firmly of opinion (as is the custom of
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21


small cards, which faith
fully read their character
and advise them as to
their future. One ven
turesome tan colored per-
son spent four pennies and
got as many character
readings, each different.
She was inclined to think
the first was the correct
one, but took them all
home to consult the fam
lily.
The wds which
throng such places as this,
of course, vary with the
S t u a t ion. In Grand
street the patrons seem
mostly dark eyed, curly
headed little children; in
Fourteenth street women
shoppers and nondescript
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

that it's soul hungered for
victims; its thumbs were
to be turned down. II,
when a performer at
tempts his piece the audi
ence is not sufficiently
satisfied it yells, "The
hook!' and if sufficiently
tumultuously a large iron
ring with a long handle is
stretched forth, enveloping
the chanting victim, and
he is drawn to outer
shades. Snow may accom-.
pany it, or enswathing
canvas, or the accelera-
ton of swinging bags,
but whatever the instru.
ment, a sweet quiescence
is the result.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

them in his bag.
The melodramatic audi
ences, however, are quite
as interesting as the melo-
dramas themselves. One
always gets their charac-
teristic popularity when
one reaches the end of the
vestibule of the theatre In
which the play Is staged.
Here 1t is that all the
little squares of candy and
chewing gum are laid out
-delectable offering at the
shrine of the drama. A
young man with large,
watery eyes and a retreat
ing chin will perhaps vend
these, and if one wishes
to gain the spirit of the
surroundings at a single
stride one buys from him.
And let it be gum, because
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

pndt1 pC h'thN.
1t was the voice in the
little side booth at the sgd
ney Exhibition of 1879
again; rariied perhaps,
but in tone, In emphasis,
I'm Infection the same. Use,
tradition has passed the
trick down the years--lts
glory, alas, had departed.
Because the modern melo-
dramatic villain represents
no longer the cheap enter
tainment of our time.
Usurper in his own right,
he has been thrust out
himself. A soft, whirring
sound strikes upon the
ears, a binding fash of
light shoots through the
obscurity, and in front of
us moves, amid n trem-
bling haze, a shadow land
of action.
For moving pictures
have come to be dominant
upon the field of cheap
amusement today. Melo-
drama. with its heroines,
its heroes, its crafty, re-
lentlessly pursuing villains
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21

hypnosm Incident after incident sensational or gro
tesque shadows itself bewilderingly upon the screen
and moves in front of audiences transfxed-audi
ences with staring eyes, who sit in kind Of waking
stupor. No comment is heard. and hardly any
sound of life. Indeed a species of atrophy seems
to affect the mind of the constant attendant at these
places Women sit there for hours each day watching
the same representations again and again with
satisfaction which has in it something of torpor
Many of them pass all their afternoons there. 1t
seems to suggest the generation of new disease
akin in it's way to the speed mania. The moving
pictures for these persons have the obscure fascna
ton Of some serpent.
At some of the places the pictures are diversified
bv vaudeville in the shape of deliberately coifured
ladies with harsh tired voices, who mechanically
crate out songs little posies and the sun will
shine and the dew is the clover, not to speak OF
nv pretty little morning glory. Beated dark come
dams find refuge here, too and deliver monoogues
which conclude to thin scattering of applause The
pictures themselves have chiefly to do with robberies
and the tracking down of criminals
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21


dreaming many a night.
And now the picture
shows await one, in col
lection, in succession. In
every crowded street to
which one turns, and the
hoarse voiced man, with
tapping cane. invites the
populace to enter. "The
show is run-nn-ning all
the thine" announces he,
"Come and see-come
and see that gra-and
pictuer Lo-eove and La-aw
come and see that
graa-and pictoriee-l dray-
MAJ" A couple of taps
emphasize the Importance
of the statement. ''Step
in-step in" he continues.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-21
THE MILLION ARE CATERED TO
IN THE MATTER OF ADJUSTMENTS

largely composed of muddy eyed, loose Tipped, self
indulgent looking men, with sprinkllng of knowing
looking women. Some of the places conduct an
amateur night in the week, when higher
prices charged and the character of the audience
changes somewhat for the better.
The amateurs come in motley array, in many condi-
tons of repidation and confidence. Some of the male
performers appear coarless in shirt sleeves. Young
men whom nature has accentuated form dancing
teams or quarets with their lighter coored brethren.
Some of the performers have been amateurs so per-
sisently that they have to possess professional
traits of and gesture The JoJo brothers, key
Shine and little Rose Guggenheim were some of the
names announced on evening recently, when "Un-
der the Chicken Tree" one of the Indicated per-
formances "Thats a bum one" gentleman be-
hind me remarked impartialy. The "Chicken Tree"
performance had evidently created impression upon
some prior occasion.
While listening to the announcements the audience
seemed to undergo change. Something of the spirit
which must have actuaed the populace in an ancient
Roman amphiheatre seemed to possess it You felt
The Newark star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1909, 1909-09-21
The Popular Sequn Work

A MoNG the most popular ant certainly most effective kind If handicraft
~ sequin work holds a prominent place.
4 \ 1t is absolutely simple and easy, and requires no style or even artistic
instincts to create good work in a very shWt time.
The only thing necessary to success is a pretty material for a foundation
iron or traced directly on he material with a pencil.
gold and silver ones adding their I'D fashioned stamp to the quaint shape of
this dainty fran which suggested old miniature portraits of the pompa-
dor period.
The sequins were fixed OF the material following the design by sewing one
sequn at a tne These we're threaded with a needle, which went through a
little hole in the centre. A tiny glass bead was then also threaded on tn same
piece of cotton silk. and the needle put back in H. same hole as it previous
ly came through. The tiny bead kept the sequin in place, and another was
threaded ad laid down in the san way.
In son cases the sequins overlap eeh other fish scale fashion; this is done
by simply threading the sequin through the centrea and the cotton put right
Owe to the edge where the needle is inserted, the next sequn being put in
sch a "a that it over1aps the previous n by half the centre hole coming
OIL a level with the edge OF the first one, n SO o until the end of III trail.
The effect is very artistic and well repays the little trouble taken in the matter.
A little discretion is necessary when introducing color embroidery with
sequn work, but the result is most charming, and a great variety of bazaar
articles cal b. mad in this wy al a very small cost. The mounting of the
ranes u.s. of course a question of individual ability. but the same rules apply
TO al. When the shape has been decided upon a tracing should be made of
the outline on a piece of cardboard which is Their neatly cut all round with a
pair of scissors.
The opening for the photograph itself is ais cut in the same "a This
done the worked silk OF linen is stitched upon h cardboard, and the edges of
he material turned overa glued on the wrong side. Great care should be
taken that the work fits exactly the opening of the photo and the corners
of the frIne. When cutting the silk to fit the frame, half an inch must be
allowed for the turning and glufng o the round openings snaId darts will
hav to be cut to allow the mahria1 to tr under.
A lining is of COURSE necessary, and this is the easiest part, for it only
needs a straight piece o material cut to shape, with the edge, turned in, and
glued or stitched on the wrong sid.
The Newark star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1909, 1909-09-21
Girl Stenographers' Opportunities in Banks
Observation-Disclosures

your work. once in, too, the ambitions
girl will not waste one moment In Idle
ness, for work and work and yet more
work is the only profitable advice to the
beginner here. Never. never lose a
chance to help any Of the other clerks
who viii accept your assistance. for
here is a cas- where bread cast upon
the waters comes back buttered every
time, and Learning by Doing" Is the
motto that every bank clerk. man or
oma must neve for one minute for.
get. This method of learning involves
a great deal of extra labor and time,
for which you will receive no compen.
sation and very often not so much as a
thank you from the person you have
helped.
But do not allow yourself to get dis
couraged: If you are in earnest and will
p~ersevere, the reward is' certain to come
in the shape of advancement and a
larger salary, for once YOU employers
confidence is gained, he is sure to show
his appreciation in a very tangible
tanner This is true because bankers
as a rule are an %ususually splendid lot
of men. of high standards and methods,
whose good opinion is wei worth earn
ing. In fact, II seems to me that to be
associated with a man Of this type is In
itself one Of the rewards OF the work.