Year: 1879

Everything in this house except the walls and
roof are new." observed Mr.. Augustin Daily. as no
looked up from the sidewalk ut the transformed
front of what was formerly the Broadway Theatre
and prior to that gave shelter to Woods and Ban
wards museums at different times. There certainly
appeared great change in the building exteriorly
and little nothing left to remind one OF its
original self. row Of four massive Auted Doric
pillars-two close together In the centre and at
either side of the entrance-with plain capitals and
Egyptian bands. painted in a deep greenish drab
stand up boldly from the sidewalk and give an inn
posing look to the exterior. The arrange
ment of the pillars allows of two wide
entry ways to the theatre and over each
hangs suspended by gilt bronze pipe
a large square, bevellej plate glass lamp in bright,
polished brass frame. Facing the entrance way is q
partition in which are two doors. and which. filled
with cathedral glass containing variety of designs
forms striking innovation in the establishment OF
u theatre. In front of this partition is the ticket
Office with ample space around for purchasers.
Within the stained glass partition is the vestibule
covered with Persian carpet, and on either hand is
mantelpiecc composed of cherry and maple woods.
surmounted by massive mirror framed in tho
same kind of woods. the fireplace having floor of
Minton tiles, with q brass fender in front. Three
steps up from tho vcstbule is the lobby. after the
European fashion, where the audience may retire
between the acts and lounge about to the music OF
piano which is there placed; while above, in tho
lobby Of tho dress circle, similar provision is
made. The Hobbies 70 by 90 feet. All the wood
work hcrcabouts is fashioned and painted in
the style Of tho English revival while the pan
cling above IL IL after the Pompeian fashion,
From the first to the second, or interior, lobby
there Is ascent of throo stops, and this
brings tho visitor q level with the hoor
OF the parquet, which he enters through
the parting folds of heavy Turkish tapestry
curtains, with wide. ruby colored plush bor-
ders. The surroundings up to this point havo
little to indicate tho theatre. All is quiet subdued
and elegant. like tho interior OF dwelling owned by


man of expensive and aesthetic tastes. Within the
curtains the of seats in the parquet. bright
with crimson aud blue, reveal themselves. On either


wall is observed mnntcl OF polished walnut, with
an antique bronze shield suspended above it. Over
painting, nearly life size. of tho Triumph or
Comedy" containing about nine figures. and ON the
right hand sido IL OF Clautus reading his first


comedy to the artists of his time. There arc vast


preston OF comfort beyond anything elsea pleasant
place to sit when the winter winds howl dismally


outside. There In no drop curtain. II never used
drop curtain in any of my theatres, observed Mr..


DAILY In place of the traditional drop Is heavy
drapery curtain that drawn aside at the beginning
of each performance and this Is sot, Il were, in
huge gilt frame over twenty inches wido that on
compasses the whole front of the stage, from the
footlighs to the coing. The private boxes are fur


nished with carved mahogany chairs OF the Queen


lovers made;" and the approaches from tho
parquet are covered with portitres. The stage
is entirely new, and To assist the ventilation
the footlights are faced with strip OF open IRON
work extended across he stage. calculated to draw
away the noxious vapors OF the gas, while In the
centre OF the celng s tcn-foot crystal fanlight
that carries OF effectually tho vtiaed air of tho
terror. noticeable feature In the decorations OF