Item

Arts and Entertainment Over the Years

Standard

July 6, 1843

Mesmerism

On Saturday and Monday evening last Miss Allen, a young lady of Boston, delivered two lectures on Mesmerism before a respectable audience in the town Hall. After introducing the subject in which she alluded to the opposition it had met with, reviewed its progress and alluded to the benefits that are to be derived from it, she mesmerized a young lady who accompanies her and put her in communication with a gentleman of this place in order to test her clairvoyant knowledge, which in this case proved to be tolerably good, but when put in the same relation with another gentleman he said that scarcely one answer out of five questions were correct. On Monday evening as before mentioned Miss Allen delivered a second lecture, and again threw the same young lady into a mesmeric state, and the replies generally with two gentlemen who were put in communication were very incorrect. In fact we believe that clairvoyance is a perfect humbug, nothing but guesswork; and that there is a certain mode of arranging the words in questions which the mesmerizer puts to the mesmerized in order to convey the idea of whether the article be sweet, sour, fruit, tobacco, etc., which the mesmerizer tastes.

Standard

May 22, 1844

Concert

We beg leave to call attention to Messrs. Kendall and Co.'s advertisement in this day's paper. These Gentlemen purpose giving a concert of vocal and instrumental music on Tuesday evening next at the Town Hall, which we do not hesitate to pronounce a rich treat. The Messrs. Kendalls are justly celebrated for their performance on the instruments which they play. Mr. J. K. Kendall has long been admitted the best performer on the clarionette and ophicleide, in the United States, and his brother Mr. Edward Kendall stands unrivalled as a bugle player. These gentlemen we have had the pleasure of hearing and can bear testimony to their great skill in execution and rich tones which they bring forth from those instruments alluded to. Mr. White, we observe by our American papers, is a most popular singer, and Mrs. Jones' execution on the harp is spoken highly of not only in the United States but in England. We learn that it is their intention to visit the principal towns in New Brunswick and the adjoining provinces where no doubt they will be well patronized. We encourage all lovers of music to attend the concert on Tuesday evening.

Standard

July 31, 1844

Circus

Messrs. Rockwell and Stone's Equestrian Company performed here on Monday last. There were upwards of seven hundred persons at each of the performances. These equestrians are not surpassed by any other establishment of the kind in the United States. The stud of horses is of the best description, the feats are good, and Mr. Merriman's jokes are rich.

Standard

July 13, 1853

Siamese Twins

These world-renowned curiosities will be exhibited, or to use the words of the advertisement, "will give a levee" at the Town Hall in this place on Friday next, 15th inst., attended by two of their children. As this will be the only chance of seeing this great physiological wonder, all should avail themselves of the opportunity.

Standard

Sept. 9, 1874

Shows

During the past few weeks a number of shows and entertainments were held here by Americans, and two thirds of them were as great humbugs as ever exhibited anywhere. Their flaming placards worded in the most bombastic style, attracted people to their exhibitions, who were disappointed and disgusted - particularly at the deception openly practiced by those who advertised "Gift Entertainments - no humbug - everyone receives a gift", according to the number of their ticket. In one instance a few paltry gifts were given away when numbers were called out which had not been issued. In a hall that will not contain more than 300, the folly of calling no. 450, 520 or 630 is apparent; the people saw at once that the Yankee claptrap had deceived them. We hope they will profit by the lesson at the expense of 20 cents.

Standard

July 28, 1875

A bear was exhibited in the streets today by a Frenchman and performed a variety of wonderful tricks to the amusement of the bystanders.

Standard

Nov. 24, 1875

Art Entertainment

It is rare that an Exhibition such as Mr. Pickard gave on Saturday evening last in Stevenson's Hall visits St. Andrews. The pictures are beautifully executed and of the most modern style, in the highest perfection of art, and are varied - combining social, political, country and marine views. The combinations are really fine, and the statuary cannot be surpassed for beauty of execution and faithfulness of design. The colored lights have a very fine effect, rendering the pictures almost lifelike. Mr. Pickard deserves and we trust will be largely patronized by all who have a taste for the beautiful and are lovers of aft. He has a large and superior collection of views which would occupy several hours in exhibiting, but enough is shown in an hour and a half to satisfy for one evening. All those present on Saturday evening were well satisfied.

Pilot

Aug. 19, 1886

The Boston Comedy Company wound up a successful season at St. Andrews, Monday evening last, by the performances of the tragical drama, "Lady Audley's Secret," to a very large audience. The cast was a good one, Mrs. Webber's rendition of Lady Audley was most natural; Miss Hillman as Miss Audley, was a clever conception, as was Mrs. Hillman's that of Phoebe Marks. Price Webber's impersonation of Luke Marks, the game keeper, was exceedingly clever, as was Eugene Sullivan's of Sir Michael Audley. The play throughout was rendered with that consideration of the details that characterises all the performances of Mr. Webber's company, and is one of the most important reasons that makes his troupe so popular. At the conclusion of the play, Mr. Webber, standing in front of the footlights, in a neat and witty speech, thanked the people of St. Andrews for the generous patronage bestowed upon him by them and announced his intention of returning again later on in the spring or early summer. He also spoke of the comfortable quarters he and his company had in Kennedy's Hotel, and of the attention paid to the guests thereof by the proprietor Mr. Angus Kennedy. The entertainment concluded by the performance of the laughable farce, "The Silent Woman," in which Mr. Webber had an opportunity of displaying the versatility of his conception of Corporal Smirk, of the Campobello Home Guards and the Bocabec Rangers.

Beacon

Aug. 18, 1892

Mr. Wadsworth Harris' dramatic recital, on Monday evening last, was listened to with delight by a very select audience. His selections, being of a varied character, gave a fine opportunity of displaying his versatile talents. They were all admirably given, but his rendition of "The Raven" was probably the best. He possesses a voice of wonderful depth and compass, which he has under perfect control. This, added to a face which one moment can be a black as night and the next supplied with good humour, makes him the success that he is.

A captivating Mr. Jarley visited St. Andrews last week and gave two exhibitions in Stevenson's Hall in aid of the Parish library. The figures she brought with her might very easily have been mistaken for real flesh and blood, so lifelike were they in the general appearance. The "giggling lady" bore a very close resemblance to a charming young lady belonging to Montreal, and some stupid people actually believed that it was the lady herself who stood before them. But, of course, they were mistaken. There were other figures so natural so as to excite comment of a similar nature. The artiste had evidently taken the most of her models from among the guests of the Algonquin. There was a very striking likeness of Miss Wheeler on the stage, also of Miss Gardiner, Miss Delgardo, Miss Meighen, Mrs. Baumgarten, Mrs. Gormally, Mr. Wilson, Jr., Mr. William Jr., Mr. Tilley, Mr. Forster and others. During the evening Mrs. Jarley kept Queen Victoria and President Harrison constantly informed by telephone as to her movements. The telephone messages she received in reply were a source of much wonder, but in these days of invention and rapid transit there was really nothing in that to excite wonder.

Beacon

July 11, 1895

Poetry and Humour, rich and racy, were delightfully intermingled at the entertainment given last Thursday night by Miss Pauline Johnson, the celebrated Indian poetess, and Mr. Owen A. Smily, the well-known Canadian humorist. Costumed in the trappings of an Iroquois maiden, Miss Johnson recited several selections from her own poetry in a most entertaining manner. She also gave a recitation or two in the habiliments of civilization. Mr. Smily's humor kept the audience roaring with laughter, and it was the unanimous verdict that a more entertaining combination than Miss Johnson and Mr. Smily had never visited the town.

Beacon

Nov. 24, 1898

Through the kindness of Mr. W. E. Mallory a number of people listened to a public exhibition of Mr. Ingram's gramophone on Wednesday evening last. It proved very entertaining. The following evening, Mr. Ingram gave a public hearing in Stevenson's hall.

Beacon

Jan. 21, 1904

Brilliant Ball

The New Andraeleo Hall has Gay Opening

There were sounds of revelry by night at Charlotte's capital on Wednesday last, the occasion being the opening of the new and splendid hall of the Andraeleo Club of St. Andrews. The youth and beauty of St. Andrews and of adjacent locality had been invited to be present at the inaugural ball, and notwithstanding the fact that the roads were in bad shape and the weather very unpleasant the attendance was large.

                  The hall itself looked magnificent with its spacious polished floor, high ceiling and the decorations of evergreen and bunting with which it was adorned. All the windows were encased in trimmings of spruce, while across the ceiling and along the wall, flags and bunting were artistically festooned. When the floor was peopled by gorgeously-attired ladies and well-dressed, manly-looking men, the scene was a brilliant one. View from the balcony, which was thronged throughout the evening, it looked like a picture from fairyland. The arrangements were in the hands of efficient committees of the Club, who spared neither pains nor expense to make the inaugural ceremonies a success. They were assisted by a reception committee of ladies composed of Mrs. R. A. Stuart, Mrs. G. H. Stickney, Mrs. Jennie Clark, Mrs. J. S. Thebaud and Mrs. A. B. O'Neill. Splendid music was furnished by Woodbury's orchestra, of Calais, composed of Austin Woodbury, violin; George P. Ryder, bass violin; Wm. F. R., trombone; Isaac N. Jones, cornet; R. Davidson, coronet; Thomas Woodbury, tenor drum; Angus Tyrell, piano.

 The musicians occupied seats on the stage, so that the whole floor was free to the nimble dancers, who "chased the flying hours with flying feet" until almost the dawn of day.

Beacon

Jan. 23, 1910

Moving Pictures

Wilbur A. Shea's Acme Theatre Moving Picture Co., will be the attraction at Andraeleo Hall this Thursday evening, June 23. Among the interesting pictures will be the one now creating so much profound interest all over the world, "The Funeral of King Edward." "The Sardine Industry," showing the process of manufacture from the weir to the consumer, is a picture of local interest as many familiar scenes and faces are shown, the picture having been made in and about our local waters and the great factories at Eastport.

Beacon

Aug. 2, 1912

St. Andrews's Last Circus

The last circus to play in St. Andrews came here forty years ago. It was a memorable performance, we are told, as the circus employees came in collision with the townsmen and a lively battle was the result. The local scrappers won out,though not before Sheriff Paul had to interfere in behalf of peace. There were a number of broken heads as the result of the scrim. That night the circus gave a free performance.

Beacon

Oct. 31, 1912

Opening of Picture House

The opening of St. Andrews' first picture-house, the "Acme," took place on Monday last under very auspicious circumstances. It is located on the northern end of the lower floor of the DeWolfe store, and extends out over the wharf buildings. It is supplied with a first-class Edison apparatus and dynamo. On Monday afternoon, a matinee performance for children was given. In the evening, the hall was densely packed at both performances. The programme was a most entertaining one, the pictures being put on as clearly as at any of the city picture-houses. The hall is not yet in a completed state, but it soon will be. At the suggestion of the local authorities, the proprietors will add another exit, to be used in case of fire.

Beacon

Feb. 25, 1915

"David Copperfield" in seven reels is being shown at Andraeleo Hall. Also the popular serial "Dollie of the Dailies" will be shown, and the "Hearst-Selig New Pictorial" which is always good.

Beacon

April 2, 1915

"Quo Vadis" Coming

"Quo Vadis," the world's greatest motion picture, in eight reels, will be presented at the Andraeleo for two nights during next week. Dodgers announcing dates will be distributed early in the week. Not less than half a million dollars was expended, and two years of arduous toil to complete this wonderful production. The scenes were laid in Italy, and the play covers the entire period from the crucifixion of Christ to the death of Nero. The scenes of the burning of Rome are too spectacular and thrilling to relate. This is the same photoplay which played to over thirty thousand people at P. F. Keith's Hippodrome in New York City.

St. Croix Courier

Feb. 4, 1926

The ice carnival that took place in Seaside Rink last Thursday evening was well attended in spite of the bad weather. A number of original costumes were in evidence. The prizes were won by Miss May who went as "Half-Bride and Half-Groom," Miss Edna Canavan as an "Indian Maiden," the fireman on the steamer Grand Manan as "An Indian Chief," and Ralph Howe as "A Frog." The rink was beautifully decorated with different shades of paper.

St. Croix Courier

Dec. 20, 1934

Talkies Inaugurated in St. Andrews

Mayor J. F. Worrell gave a short address at the opening of the new talkies last evening. Three cheers were given Edward Finigan and William O'Neill for the work they have been doing in getting it started. There was a packed house and Ann Harding in "The Gallant Lady" was the picture shown.

St. Croix Courier

Aug. 27, 1936

"Shiretown Items"

"The Great Ziegfeld" showing at Marina

Another example of the progressive policy of the managers of the Marina Theater may be seen this week in "The Great Ziegfeld." The show will not be released to theatres until 1937. At present it is in the nature of a road show, and St. Andrews is the only small place in Canada to show this masterpiece. The show took 2 years to produce and has 50 stars and 300 girls. "The Great Ziegfeld" is a biography of the great producer and contains parts of all Ziegfeld's best productions. The show is three hours long and can be seen at 6:30 and 9:30 pm on Thursday and Friday. The only way the management was able to get this superb production was to guarantee to charge reserved seat prices and go on a percentage basis.

St. Croix Courier

Sept. 7, 1939

"Shiretown Items"

Better Than they Want

It is generally accepted that one of the first principles in the development of a successful business is to give the public what they want. The two young men who own and manage the Marina Theatre have gone beyond this in giving the public even better than they want. No low-class thrillers or melodramas, which might satisfy many of the patrons, are shown at this theatre, and in consequence it has proven not only a place of entertainment but an institution with a considerable educational value as well. In an endeavour to suit all tastes, as great a variety of pictures as possible is shown. But they are all of a high standard. Some of these films are so expensive that the receipts do not cover the cost of showing. But the boys take their loss with a smile and continue giving the best. One of the finest pictures to be shown this summer was "They Shall Have Music," starring Jascha Heifetz, now the most outstanding violinist in the world. Although this show may have been "caviar to the general," it was angelic food to the music lovers. The splendid pictures of the Royal Tour which have been shown throughout the summer have given us a much more intimate acquaintance with our King and Queen than we had from seeing them for a few minutes in person. So long live the "Marina"! May its lights never flicker, its sound-box stutter, nor it treasury go dry.

St. Croix Courier

April 16, 1942

"Shiretown Items"

The Pageant, "A Story of St. Andrews," which was presented by the programme committee of the Women's Canadian Club on Thursday evening, April 9, in Andraeleo Hall, was successful in every way and far exceeded the highest hopes of the committee. A capacity audience applauded every scene and went home feeling that they had enjoyed one of the best shows to be produced here by local talent in a long time. The sketch read preceding each scene was interesting and explanatory. The scenes were impressive and instructive, the costumes quaint and beautiful and the characters, both male and female, all portrayed by women of the Club, were excellently done. The net proceeds will amount to considerably over $100. The scenes depicted with date of each are as follows: 1604, Champlain and DeMonts at Dochet Island; 1760, The Indian Wedding; 1775, The Trading Post; 1783, The Landing of the Loyalists; 1788, Robert Pagan, M. P.; 1788, A Parliamentary Ball, "The Minuet"; 1812, The Blockhouse, "A British Grenadier"; 1838, Coronation of Queen Victoria, celebrated by the roasting of an ox in Market Square; 1850, the Bucket Brigade; 1867, A Valentine Ball, "The Mazurka"; 1852, Advent of the Railway; 1895, Fashion Parade of the Gay Nineties; 1942, "Land of Hope and Glory."