The Washington herald., 1913-09-28
OLD TIME PLAYER FOLKS

ordered closed by the government, Who
later on purchased IL, converting n
into an ONCE building. Fatality fol-
lowed IL. for some years after a por-
tion of the interior collapsed. burning
and killing in the debris twenty-five
clerks. The excitement attending its
caving in stirred all Washington.
Everything in the way of vehicles that
could be utilized for conveying the
dead and wounded from the building
to the hospitals and public buildings
were pressed into service, the city be-
ing covered by q gloom that will long
be remembered with sadness by those
unfortunate enough to have loved ones
In the wreck.
John Wilkes Booth was a "dashins
young fellow" Notwithstanding the coun-
try pictured him as a monster. Those
having intimate acquaintance with him
attested the genial companionship and
delightful hours passed with him were
always a source of pleasure. He was
good entertainer and full OF jokes. Henry
Clay Ford was very intimate with Booth
during the last few months OF his life,
Booth having promised TO appear for
Ford's benefit early in May, which
brought them constantly together, ar
ranging for the big event. Ford says:
For some time before the tragedy April
10 / slept in the same bed with Booth. at
least / thought ! did. as retired every
night before Booth. rarely knew when
he came to bed or when he arose in the
morning. He was always up, dressed and
out before awoke." During their close
intimacy there was never the slightest
suggestion or anything that could have
been construed in any manner that would
have bearing on the event that followed.
Booth was practical joker, and many
anecdotes are told OF him. At the old
Wayerly House. Washington, D. c., a
number of young bloods were standing in
front of the bar enjoying themselves.
John Wilkes Booth, owen Fawcett, and
an Englishman being among the number.
Booth had given several recitations
which seemed to be greatly enjoyed by
the EngIishman. Fawcett said to John
take the slap" Another recitation by
Booth and a wink. which gave Fawcett
the cue" Fawcett passed his hand in
front of Booths face. when the latter
bowed low and brought both hands up
covering his eyes The Engiishman
thought quickly-prObably the first time
on record-that his friend and entertainer
had been struck in the race. He drew
back and gave Fawcett one straight from
the shoulder. knocking him four feet
from where he stood. This was too much
of a ''ioke" for Owen. who. regaining his
feet and gathering himself together, ran
out of the door He did not return for
several days.
Blanche Chapman. who was present at
the funeral of Booth relates the follow
ing: Il was taken to Weaver's under
taking establishment opposite the EN-
trance TO the old Holiday Street Theater
by John T. Ford, and cautioned TO be
quiet. In the room were Junius Brutus
Booth. Joe Booth, or Doctor" as he
was called, brothers of John, Mrs Booth.
and his sister Rosalee. knew them all.
having lived at their home for six weeks
after the assassination. having been sent
from the convent with Marion Booth.
the sisters believing it unwise to have
the children Of actors in their charge
at such a time. There were present in
the room at this time c. B. Bishop, and
Mrs Jane Germon. After the identihca-
tiOn had been made and just before the
coffin was finally closed / cut a curl of
the forehead and handed il to Mrs.
Booth. still have a few strands of it
CAll nights reservedJ
CSext Sunday Dion BoUCicault and
Henry Denman Thompson will appear in
''Old Time Player Folk.'D