Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-01-02
DIR. ELLIS oBERHoLTZER
On Paaeantry

T,HAT Philadelphia is missing wonder
i ful opportunity Of gaining a worldly wide
reputation through a proper use OF Its nat.
ural assets for pageantry Is the opinion OF
Or. Ellis Paxson Oberholtzer, past presl-
dent of the American Pageant Association
secretary of the Historical Pageant Asso-
citation of PHILADELPHIA and director of the
great pageant OF 1908 and the wcl-remcm-
bered historical play at Belmont In lo12'
New Years Day again brings us the
Shooters said Or. Oberholt2er land
once more Il is in order for us to express
the hope that this characteristic Phlladei-
phia Institution will some day be given under
more unified conditions. We once had II IN
our minds to tender the New, Years clubs
our good Offices, but we soon gave it up.
Control would robrt Of its flavor. When
the clubs we're brought together in one pro,
cesson n good thing was done, and 1t would
be impossible to expect much more.
ITO put what Is spontaneous into
straitjacket would be pity. | should not
wish the task of pouring this multitude
which springs into being each New Years
Day into the mold OF form. l am certain
that any effort to change Its shape and
course would be unwelcOme to every unit
concerned, and we should have, as result,
neither art nor nature.
Like tho Mardi Gras
Il doubt If the shooters parade has
brought the city as much notice as It really
deserves. 1t is az characteristic as the
Mard Gras of New Orleans, which men go
far to see. A few years ago the railroad
companies did make an effort to advertise
it as one of the city's attractions and offered
excursion rates though. | suspect, with only
disappointing results.
THE parade is too informal and too soon
over 10 reward the onooker for coming
long distance. More than this, It Is set for
time of year unfavOrab" to ont of doors
spectaCles. Though we occasionally have fine
New Years day in this latitude. We NAV
and do have them which are bitterly cold
and which find our Broad strcct--unrQuued
for such dlsplays-deep in slush and snow
Either condition is not conducive to
pleasing performances on the part of the
clubs The discomfort Of looking at the
mNsVuCraders in near to zero weather is
great and prevents many persons from re-
pairing to the ~trcetside to see them. All
the conditions. therefore, seem 10 forbid our
giving the celebration any other character
than that which it has. We shall do we'll
then, az it seems to me, to take it as it Is
and be glad that there are so many Jolly
men in our midst, in spite Of high rents.
high taxes, slack times and the other ills
that afiiict us at this day In addition to the
usual cares Of life.
In May or October
recurring procession in Philadelphia In the
good months Of May or October If there were
| thousands Of persons ready to come together
| for such festival, each taking his proper
| place In some general scheme to be evolved
| and put into execution by what I may r,Il.
following England, 'pageapt master Ap.
prOpriately and correctly CUStumcd in chosen
| cOlors 10 illustrate some literary and artistic
| idea. we would have an institution that
would carry the name of Philadelphia
! around the world.
at is not commonly realized what an i'm
! preston was left by the historical pugcant4
| in Philadelphia Of 1908 and 1912 II wa,
| all new then--blessedly new. Every sum.
mcr tourist, each English magazine. brought
MS accounts of the triumphs Of Louis Parker
Benson, LasCcllcs, Ilawtrey or some otbe
English pageant master in one or another n
the little English towns.
"The opportunity was ours and we en-.
braced it. Many one called It pay gent
Chard 'GD, | remember. Men had 10 h
CoCrced into appearing in the street as Brit
ish soldiers. Girls, now young matrons
hoasted to me aftcrward thnt tbev Lo,
thrown lemons At and hissed the members q"
our old Second Regiment when they stpnue,
! down Broad street in beautiful lines I'm thoi
red conts to the strains Of the BritiaI
Grcnadiers' March.
Women Would Not March
Women would not walk in public pro
ccssion in that far day before their traininl
in our last great war, Men begged to b,
allowed to ride on horseback tatterdemaIior
parts it was impossible to assign--al wouIr
wear broadcloh and velvet,
Education came to us In great strides
Now there are pageants al every cross
road, any place where there are three o.
four gathered together on a stage or a Sun
da!k'ehool platform good old word, full