The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1911-09-15

believed it feasible but Aldrich never lost faith
In his ability to carry it to successful conclu-
SION
In this ideal abode are assembled thirty-one
former votaries of the sock and buskin. They
are the Romeos. Melnottes, Rosalinds and Ca
miles of bygone days. They were the idols of
your fathers and your grandfathers-yes, and
some Of your great-grandfathers for none is ad-
mitted to the home under ffty-fve, and many of
the inmates are octogenarians.
On winters evening the silver-haired women
are accustomed to gather in the parlor or library
and over their sewing crocheting tell once
more of the beauty and charm of Adelaide Mel
son, the wonderful characterizations of Lucille
Western. and sublime genius Of Charlotte Cush-
man; while downstairs in the billiard or card
room the men have gone back to play again with
Davenport, Mccullough Warren Owens Burton
and the peerless Forrest Jefferson, Barrett and
Edwin Booth are spoken of casually; they belong
too much to the present.
."Ahl there are no tragedians like Forrest now
adays." one veteran signs in voice that sug-
gests the ghost in Hamlet
"And no comedians like Burton" depiores an
other. 81. ~ ;ssssl.s
mo, any pantomimists Ike George Fox
the art died with him." laxnents a third. ss,sas
There were giants in those, days. il these
veterans are to be believed; and who shall gain
say them? None can; and surely none would
care to-
Two married couples grace the home, refuting
marriages in the profession" They are Mr. and
Mrs. Samuel Chester and Mr. and Mrs George
Morton. Mr.. and Mrs. Chester have been mar
ried forty-seven years. and have seldom been
separated during their long connection with the
stage. Mr. and Mrs. Morton have been married
somewhat shorter time than the Chesters
The oft-repeated question. .Are they happy?"
Is well answered in the following incident An
old friend Of one of the couples mentioned ex-
tended an invitation to them to visit him and
his family at their country home. The pair re-
piled. thanking him for his invitation and apollo
giving for not accepting. but stating that they
were so happy in their new home that they could
not bear the thought of leaving it. even for a
short time
One of the most interesting figures in this
unique household Is Harry Langdon-"Handso
Harry" they called him in the days when he
played dashing parts opposite Adelaide Nelson
Charlotte Cushman and Eliza Logan Though
we'll into his eightieth year. Mr.. Langdon was
reading book without glasses when l was in
troduced to him. s4s
w No. i have never felt the need of glasses :" he
said in answer to my question regarding it. Il
may have to get some later but now read by
either daylight or artificial light without any In
convenience"
Tell me something about Forrest. Mr.. Lang.
don. asked him; some anecdotes, If you can
think of any"
There are SO many" he replied, shat it is
hard to think where to begin. One that has been
tod often and sometimes attributed to other
people, really occurred while was present A
young actor was rehearsing a part. but did not
seem to grasp the proper meaning Of the lines
Forrest finally lost his patience and after re-
hearsfng the scene for the Young man with all
his tragic power. surned to him and exclaimed:
There. that's the way it ought to be done-why
dom you do It like that?'
could DO i like that Mr. Forrest the