South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-28
BY ]. COOPER

- lily PATTERsONs departure sudden II was
precipitated by BIy's desire for the unearned in.
- crernent. that caused before and
after Billy Pattersons time 70 do likewise.
Bys ingratiating manner his ability to gain the
confidence OF his white acqaintances and his apparent
willingness 20 be accommodating gave no indication that
IN heart that beat under the mulatto skin was
lodging fc- quick wealth absence OF regard
20 how that wealth might be acquired
Many o. those Who knew Billy Patterson still re-
member him. Along with the memory OF the little
services for them by Billy s the stronger memory
OF great wrong them by the disappearing mulat
10. night failed keep important appoint
= with number OF prominent white residents OF
the community
Biy when he suddenly disappeared did three things.
He failed 10 keep appointment with a number OF
persons hs took wit money belonging those
With whom he failed 10 keep the appointment and he
deprived these same persons Of seeing an excellent
RESENT MISSING SHOW MOST.
And strange as it may seem. Bllys action in prevent
ing a his white acquaintances from attend
ting the theater on the night OF his disappearance was
considered by far the greatest crime OF the three
bad to meet Billy. and the loss OF
the the mulato took with him could be forgot
ten TO seeing the performance that night
absolutely unforgivable and unforgettabe.
any those had trusted Billy Patterson with
their money had been possessed o slightest
that Billy altogether honest they surely would
have made other ngeents for tickets at the opera
house although such arrangements might have
Stated standing in the line leading to the opera house
ticket office from al early hour in the morning
And that what they would have been compelled TO
do stand In line. Blys time the early days OF
the oliver theater. days when there such thing
telephone
Torrance sending in mail order reserving seats
= There Of South Bend residents who remem-
Tber the early days OF the Oliver Many have for
gotten the scenes that place in front Of the
theater. when fought for places in the
line Of persons who wanted 10 buy tickets to show
that give a performance in this more than
ular playhouse.
Built by james oliver, founder OF the Oliver
Chilled Plow inventor OF the Oliver chilling
process the middle SOS, the Oliver theater be-
OF the most popular community theaters in
existence. The theater formally opened the
nights Is and 26 1885 1t to have
opening nights TO accommodate all those who wish
ed 20 be first nighters
Jimmy oliver. the builder OF the theater. was af
fectionatey known among his fellow townsmen, be-
having the best. and he believed in sharing
with his fellow citizens
BOOKED BEST REGARDLESS OF LOSSES.
nights OF Oct 25 and % red letter nights in
the community days previous the open
ing the theater, the coming the main topic
OF conversation among business men we'll house
wives and the younger generation.
W f. Sheridan, the well known dramatic star, with
Louise Davenport, another well known dramatic star,
as leading lady book ed by Mr. oliver for the
opening. Louis XI and King Lear the two we'll
known Shakespearean plays were the two attractions
for the opening nights.
Every seat in the theater occupied at both per-
formances and hundreds Of and women were
away owing the Inability Of the theater
c0mmodate them
MI. Oliver and party occupied OF the boxes. and
Mr. Oliver is said 70 have hugely enjoyed both per-
But that Is said 10 have been characteristic