The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1922-06-17
NEW THEATRE DEDICATED.
Splendid Playhouse Opened to Pub
lie With Appropriate Ceremony.

lie With Appropriate Ceremony.
The new Grand Theatre, recently
ercted in ThibodauX by the Grand
Theatre Company, owners or the
playhouse by that name in thus city,
was dedicated and opened Tor busi-
ness with appropriate ceremony last
Thursday night at 7 o'clock.
Unknown to Mr.. Bloomenstlel,
president of the company, the Ihlb-
odaux-L af ourche Association OF Com
MERGE during the day Thursday CIR
culated broadcast hand bills announc-
ing the dedication and formal open
ing of the new movie house and m
viting the public to attend. At the
hour fixed for the opening the build
ing was packed to its utmost capac-
ity, and many who were unable to
gain admission remained standing IN
the lobby and waited for the second
show.
The dedication ceremonies were
brief. The members of the Associa
ton of Commerce attended in body
and the exercises were conducted
from the stage. Mr.. c. Bourg, secre-
tary of the Association, delivered an
address plimenting Mr.. Bloomen-
steil and his associates upon the
; beauty of the new theatre and eX-
pressing the hope that the venture
would prove an unqualified success,
and he presented Mr.. Bloomenstlel
in the name of the mayor and cltl-
zens of Thiboduax a beautiful bas-
ket of flowers. Mr. Bourg was re-
peatedly interrupted with applause
and laughter.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Bourg's
address Mr.. Bloamenstiel arose and
in few words Thanked him and the
association Of Commerce, as well as
the good people of Thibodaux and
Lafourche, for the splendid recep-
ton which they had given in honor
of the opening of the playhouse, all
of which was complete surprise to
him.
Mr.. Bloomenstiel also received sew
eral other wreathes of flowers from
business men of Thibodaux and New
Orleans, and was besieged with tele-
grams, expressing best wishes for the
success of the new theatre. The
stage and lobby were bedecked with
flowers, and all of the ladies brought
flowers, so that the interior Of the
building resembled a huge flower
garden.
The picture presented on the OPEN
ing day was "Fascination' with a
special program of music and songs,
all of which were greatly enjoyed by
the immense crowd in attendance.
81 nf
address delivered by Mr.. Bourg:
"Mr. Alex. Bloomenstiel, Ladies and
| Gentlemen:
This is happy day for all of Us.
We have come this evening to sit in
comfortable chairs, between beau
tiful walls, artisticalIy decorated, to
enjoy an evenings pleasure. But
the occasion is a special one, for it
marks the opening of the finest NOV
ing picture theatre in the state of
Louisiana.
1t is our theatre; ours, because it
has become part of ThlbodauX,
and we who love our little city so
dearly are proud to claim and &C
claim such splendid improvements as
this magnificent building. 1t Is a
most welcome addition to our pro-
crossing community, for it gives to
us playhouse for the young and old
alike.
Edwards Bayou Lafourche we
have the neatest and most attractive
community Fairgrounds of any city
our size in the United States. Thous-
ands are attracted each week to en-
JOY the open air and mingle in true
community spirit The children romr
around in enjoyment, the socially in
clined dance at the pavilion and the
old folks sit about, happy in the
wholesome amusement of youth.
Thus we have our Fairgrounds
and our playhouse, for this theatre
will serve the purpose of indoor
recreation. The moving picture has
won for itself distinct place as an
institution for good in the world
The children come here to laugh
man after day Of trials and fatig-
ues and the depression that comes
|-some to sleep-the tired business
with financial difficulties, seeks di-
version and rest within these walls
But most wonderful of all is to see
the mothers, lonesome for an alb
sent child, Wearied with household
cares, a wandering boy, disappoint-
ment or ill-health in the family, come
into this restful institution and live
for an hour or two in another world
of romance or comedy, relieving her
mind and giving her new courage.
1t is a beautiful thought. Often have
we found that the plot finds some of
its details in our very lives, and
from the moral taught we leave the
| picture show better men and women.
Tonight we are pleased to express
| our appreciation as community to
the generous gentleman who has
given to Thibodaux this beautiful
theatre. 1t will ever stand as a
monument to his philanthropy, for
We we'll know that it was not neces-