Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-08-21
aug19-21
MGR. SPAULDING
GIVES EXPLANATION
PARK ADMISSION

Mr.. Spaulding the operator and
manager of Island Park Dance
Pavilion, came into the Journal Of
flee this morning, after reading the
account in Wednesday morning
Journal, to the effect, that the people
had been misled, on Monday evening
at Island Park, with fire in his eyes,
to think that anyone, would cause so
much criticism over an absolute legl-
time business proposition. However,
20 those who still feel, that they ola
not get a square deal, MIR. Spauldlng
has this to say, in the way OF an ex-
PLANTATION, of why an admission OF
25 cents was charged on the bridge
at the entrance to the Park.
For the past four years l have
operated the Dance Pavilion at Is
land Park, during this period, have
taken, what was once an eye sore
and blot to the town of Winthrop
and its surrounding cities, and built
up a place, through much effort and
hard work, not a fly by night scheme
but a lasting institution. which is
known, not alone throughout the
State of Maine, but l dare say, as
far as the middle west, as one of the
cleanest, most orderly. most modern
and up to date public dance pavilions
which caters to all classes, that has
no parallel.
During this period, I have
brought to Maine, some of the best
dance music, dancing acts and other
attractions, which have been obtain
able and never at anytime charging
an extra fee, trying to give my dane
ing patrons the best, and at the same
time showing my appreciation for
there patronage.
But what happens? Those who
are just out for a ride during the
evening, have known of such coming
attractions through my adds in the
papers, and as we all know cost mon
ey to bring here and produce, they
drive over, or walk into the Park
for nothing; they don't have to pay
for parking privilege if they don't
care to, and they stand around the
Pavilion listening to the music, or
watching the extra attraction, for
absolutely nothing. On the other
hand some other party may have six
or seven in their car on such nights
as tIlcSC anu pay IlNN GENTS lOk
parking space around the Pavilion,
which really stands them, with a
reserved seat in the front row, the
large sum, of eight cents per head.
What I would like to no, can any
one go. listen to such music. see such
acts. enjoy such an evening for eight
cents a piece? / ask you this in all
fairness. and I find that this class
~ GO no1lnd I, ;r
high rate. or on the most part moth
ing, are the ones who do all of the
criticising and have the most detri-
mental things to say about my place
of business which our Governor of
this State, thinks we'll enough of. to
pay his respects each year. by spend
ing an evening among it's pleasant
surroundings.
"Out of 900 paid admissions to the
dance pavilion of the dance loving
public, after l had made my an
nouncement, that l would be glad to
refund the money to those who felt
they hadn't received their moneys
worth after the evening was over, on
account of my not being able to
stage a battle of music as advertised,
not one asked for their money back
! or refund, which only proves my
previous statement, that all COM
plants and criticisms in this case, as
in the past, have come from those
| on the outside who in the past, have
gotten all of this amusement and at
| fractions for nothing. and felt hurt,
because I charged twenty five cents
on the bridge. Just to get nominal
fee out of this class of patronage
who have never meant anything to
| my business, and have only been a
detriment instead of an asset. in