The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1915-04-30
Statement to the Public

There has been considerable speculation among aw Paw
people regarding the opening of the theatre and ap-
pears that the report has spread and gained
credence that establish and operate Moving
Picture House in this City.
have given below the facts the case exactly as they
all of which thoroughly substantated by reliable
witnesses.
My object in publishing statement is not to be con-
strued anagonstc denuncatoy of Mr. M L. Decker
who is responsible for the injunction against
moved to this action solely seIdefense, in eff
fort to present the exactly stands and clear my
self from sur and nnundoes that have circulated my
return home,
In December 1913 l sold my Moving Picture Theatre
the idle Hour, to Mr. M l.. Decker. Thanks the c-
zens of Paw Paw and vicinity time ENJOYING
profitable patronage and when approached by Mr. Decker
sell out refused.
After repeated efforts buy out Mr. Decker said that
if insisted retaining the Idle Hour he would open another
theatre and force out
1 knew that shows could exist but short tine
Paw Paw; there not enough business for
profit at that time and given understand that the
theatre would be financed sufficiently strong enable
withstand the resulting loss of business for longer time than
consequently after time necessiatng closing and leav-
ing the theatre in possession.
Naturally having the PROPOSE ion put to in this
ner, was virtually compelled to SELL
This much desire plainly understood. | did desire
SELL had intention of selling and sold only when the pres
brought bear stated above made selling necessity
When sold Mr.. Decker signed clause which stated
that would open moving picture theatre Paw Paw
for term of five years. But also received Mr. Deckers
word in writing, signed that the of his selling the
theatre any time during the five years my agreement
open wonld be null and void
Mr. Decker did sell out shortly aterward to his Royal
Decker and R. ]. Crosby The purchasers bought the
business contract paying certain amount down, the
balance to be paid the of ten dollars per week Cros
by made his initial payment moving picture apparatus while
Royal Decker paid his share in cash.
AT the time the deal closed Crosby said his partner
that he thought the payments week too high but the lat
ter said would be all right that Mr. Decker would take
of them.
Briefly in the spring. when business began pick up the
partners requested pay up and being unable do
Mr.. Decker re-assumed possession of the business.
his iS | have return to Paw
where have lived for many years. and in the employ
OF Byron L. Sowle on salary manager OF the Colonial
Theater. Since selling the Idle Hour have been in
business in Alegan and lost 5000. and in Lawton where
dropped 5000 more am not returning to Paw Paw with
the intention of breaking any agreement with M l.. Decker
When he sold out to Crosby and r. Decker my agreement
according his signed statement became null and void
The Moving Picture business is spending money
proposition with me-Ifs bread and butter proposition
When decided to Paw Paw did not do intend
ing to make million dollars merely wanted to make de-
cent living and this intend to-
Because of the injunction the theater will be closed until af
ter the hearing deeply regret the circumstances which
cestae this action at the very outset and trust to be able
to continue the show Yours sincerely.
GEO. PIERCE.