The cover of the script of the play, The Yankee Detective, by W. E. Stedman, one of the first plays performed by the Lykens Comedy Company in 1900, Lykens, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The play featured a character named “Sam” who the playwright described as a “colored gemman.”
From newspaper articles in the Lykens newspapers (Lykens Register and Lykens Standard), it appears that the Lykens Comedy Company was formed in early 1900, under the tutelage of Joseph Hoffman, a local merchant and owner-operator of the Globe, one of several clothing stores in Lykens at the turn of the century.
Between 1900 and 1904, the Company produced five plays, at its “home” theatre, the Lykens Opera House, but several of the performances were taken on the road, namely to Elizabethville and Williamstown, Dauphin County, and Sunbury, Northumberland County. Most of the plays had “colored” characters written to be performed by white actors in black-face. All of the plays were nationally known and were selected from catalogs of publishing houses that supplied this type of material.
From the news articles, the following plays were produced or announced by the Lykens Comedy Company:
- Partners for Life. March 1900. Between-act “specialties” featured a black-face “colored” quartette with John Kissinger, Charles Kissinger, George Beidemiller, and Harry Keiser.
- Yankee Detective. November-December 1900. Featuring a character, Sam, described by the playwright as a “colored gemmen,” played by John Kissinger.
- A Noble Outcast – Millionaire Tramp. May-June 1901. April 1902. Sketches by George Beidenmiller and John Kissinger in black-face. This play was also taken on the road to Elizabethville, Williamstown, and Sunbury.
- Santiago – Fighting for the Red, White, & Blue. October 1901. Featuring a “comic Irishman and Negro.” Actors portraying these characters were not identified.
- A Woman’s Honor. Announced in April 1902. Unknown if presented.
- Dutch Jake – True Blue. April 1903.
- A Little Heroine – Self Accused. Announced in January 1904. Featuring Pete, “a colored man,” performed by Henry Gittens. Unknown if presented.
Each of the plays that was presented was for the benefit of some local cause or group. The performance of Partners for Life was to raise funds to purchase a piano for the Lykens High School. Later performances were for funds to purchase initiation robes for the local Knights of Pythias, to support the Lykens Grand Army of the Republic (G. A. R.), to help the local United Mine Workers relief efforts, and other causes.
Beginning in late 1902, Joseph Hoffman’s name does not appear in news items associated with the Lykens Comedy Company, and after the announcement of the play to be performed in 1904, there are no further references to the group in any of the available local newspapers. It also should be noted that at some point around 1903, the company was referred to as the Lykens and Wiconisco Comedy Company (or Wiconisco and Lykens Comedy Company).
This post is part of a series in which news articles, photographs and other “memorabilia” are presented to show how “black-face” was infused into the culture of the Lykens Valley area. White men and women, who blackened their faces, and performed emphasizing negative stereotypical behavior that they attributed to African Americans, for the purpose of getting laughs were often the most prominent people in the community.
The news articles upon which the above history is based are presented below:
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From the Lykens Standard, February 1, 1900:
Remember This
The Lykens Comedy Company are preparing to give a play at the opera house some time in the near future for the benefit of the piano fund of the Lykens High School. For a number of years the pupils have been trying to gather enough, and accumulated a nice sum, but with a special effort they now expect to attain the correct instrument. All persons who are willing to assist will please make their desire known by addressing Box 28, Lykens, Pennsylvania.
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From the Lykens Standard, March 22, 1900:
Partners for Life
Next Tuesday and Wednesday evening, March 27 and 28, there will be produced in the Lykens Opera House by the Lykens Comedy Company, that successful comedy, Partners for Life. The caste [sic] is said to be one of ability and great efforts are being put forth to make a creditable presentation. The performance is given for the benefit of the piano fund of the Lykens High School. The admission will be 25 cents; reserved seats, 35 cents. The costumes will be secured from the city. The caste [sic] is as follows:
Horace Mervyn, a Country Gentleman – Joseph Hoffman
Tom Gilroy, his cousin at the bar – Howard Bingaman
Ernest, Mervyn’s Nephew – H. E. Sheesley
Muggles, his confidential servant – George W. Workman
Sir Archibald Drelincount, a Philanthropist – Warren E. Yeager
Major Billiter, on half pay – Frances Ely
Guppinger, from the Colonies – Fred Wehry
Emily Mervyn, a young cousin of Mr. Mervyn – Miss Florence Smith
Fannie Smith, her old school fellow – Miss Martha G. Davis
Miss Priscilla, Mervyn’s sister – Miss Beulah Smith
Darbyshire, her maid – Miss Clara Fisher
Scene- Mr. Mervyn’s Country House in Hertfordshire. Time – The present.
Specialities will be introduced during the progress of the play by Misses S. Irene Snyder and Clara Fisher; Morris K. Turner, Joseph Hoffman, George Workman. A quartette by John Kissinger, Charles Kissinger, George Beidenmiller and Harry Keiser assisted by Joseph Hoffman. Miss Laura Bingaman will be the pianist, while other music will be furnished by the Alpha Orchestra.
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From the Lykens Standard, March 29, 1900:
Partners for Life
On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of this week, the comedy under the above caption was rendered in the Lykens Opera House.
The moment the Alpha orchestra of twelve pieces, under the efficient leadership of Harry Weirick, made their appearance, the audience burst forth with applause. Their music throughout was fine, and we feel proud of them.
The program in itself was laughable from beginning to end. Our space prevents us from reviewing it although we would like to.
Horace Mervyn, the country gentleman was the leading character, impersonated by Joseph Hoffman, one of our popular clothiers. His part was rendered in a manner that would rival professionals. He brought out the sarcastic English bachelor to perfection. Tom Gilroy, his cousin, was represented by Howard Bingaman. This young man demonstrated his subject faithfully and won the day with the object of his attraction. Ernest Mervyn, a nephew, the part taken by H. E. Sheesley, was also a strong production, well performed, and he too, although several times disappointed, finally conquered. The various scenes of disappointment were excellently brought out. Muggles, the Englishman’s confidential servant, was performed by George Workman, and he kept the audience in a continuous smile by his cool, humorous manner of expression in answering the excitable old man. Sir Archibald Drelincourt the philanthropist, was the part taken by W. K. Yeager, who put on all the airs characteristic of the Englishman who do nothing unless they have a purpose in view. Major Bittinger, the soldier on half pay, was seen in the person of Francis Eby, and the Goppinger was well taken by Fred Wehry. Among the ladies, Miss Florence Smith created much merriment with her old fashioned costume and her per cat which was almost continually with her. She was Mervyn’s cousin. Miss Martha Davis also performed her part well under the name of Fanny Smith, an old schoolmate. Miss Priscilla, the part taken by Miss Beulah Smith, was probably the most amusing of them all. Her short, ready answers always brought forth laughter, and her part was performed very naturally. The last of the caste [sic] was the maid of the house, represented by Miss Clara Fisher, although she did not appear often, her part was well performed.
Taking it as a whole, we cannot see how it could have been improved. One thing seems to be evident. The time of rehearsal was short, and those interested were there and practiced steady and industriously until they mastered their parts. Hard work and determination was what did it, and their laurels are a credit to them and to the town. We heard nothing except the highest praise for them from all sources.
In the line of specialties introduced was a duet by Miss Irene Snyder and Morris Turner, which was beautifully rendered. Joseph Hoffman, attired in a sailor’s dress, sang a baratone [sic] solo, entitled “The Ship I Loved,” after which he gave a splendid exhibition of fancy dancing which was vigorously applauded. Miss Clara Fisher, in her usual sweet way, sang a beautiful solo which was much appreciated. The colored quartette, Messrs. Harry Keiser, George Beidenmiller and the Kissinger brothers [John Kissinger and Charles Kissinger], was very comical, and sang their part excellently, afterwards creating much merriment by way of jokes and tormenting each other.
To review it as a whole we cannot add to their merited praise, simply say it was a very enjoyable occasion, reflecting much credit on all who took part. But we would be doing an injustice if we would not mention the engineer of the whole concern. It was Joseph Hoffman, who made great sacrifices the last several weeks, and worked with untiring zeal toward perfection, and we congratulate him on reaching his mark.. They are rewarded for their efforts with a nice round sum, which will enlarge the piano fund sufficient to secure its purchase.
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From the Lykens Register, August 23, 1900:
Some of the young people of the Lykens Comedy Company are talking about putting a three-act drama on the stage entitled The Yankee Detective. It is fine and very thrilling throughout. They expect to secure an instructor from abroad and will give the people something fine. We trust they will have the hearty support that has been accorded them in the past.
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From the Lykens Standard, September 13, 1900:
The Yankee Detective will be produced by the Lykens Comedy Company, in the Opera House, November 21 and 22, for the benefit of Lykens Lodge K. of P. Watch our columns for more about it.
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From the Lykens Register, September 20, 1900:
The Yankee Detective
The Lykens Comedy Company, are earnestly at work preparing to render the thrilling three-act drama entitled The Yankee Detective. Their cast of characters is now complete, and they are rehearsing regularly. This drama is thrilling from start to finish, and specialties will be produced between the acts. A full orchestra will furnish the music. It will be produced in the Lykens Opera House on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, November 21 and 22, 1900. The proceeds will go to Lykens Lodge No. 106, Knights of Pythias, and will be used to procure uniforms for the degree team which is about to be formed. The following is the cast of characters:
Robert Miller, the Yankee Detective – Joseph Hoffman
Charles Southard, leader of a gang of counterfeiters – John H. Eby
Wilson, one of the gang, and a bogus detective – Harvey Sheesley
Capt. Dudley, chief of detectives – Fred Wehry
Splinters, a one-horse lawyer – Dewitt Mackenzie
Snifton, Splinters’ right bower and chum – Ralph Moyer
Tucker, a saloon keeper and one of the gang – John McGowan
Sam, a colored gemman from old Tennessee – John Kissinger
Sessions – Frances Ely
Lulu Southard, abandoned wife of Charles Southard – Miss Katharine Radel
Granny Wizzle, housekeeper for the gang – Miss Katharine Radel
Mrs. Willoughby, widow of the late Col. Willoughby – Miss Beulah Smith
Newsboy – Charles Kissinger
Sailors, police, counterfeiters, newsboys, etc.
BILL OF PLAY
Act I – U. S. Detective Agency. Scene 2 – Tucker’s Saloon, resort of the gang. The Yankee Detective as a blind musician. The fire alarm.
Act II – Long Branch. The moving Wreck of the Twilight. The Conspiracy. Abduction.
Act III – Rendezvous of the counterfeiters at the sea coast. The Yankee Detective as a Dutch Peddler. Facing Death. The Police to the Rescue. Capture of Wolcott and the Gang.
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From the Lykens Register, November 16, 1900:
Lykens Comedy Company had a full rehearsal last evening on their drama The Yankee Detective, which will be rendered about the middle of January. They intend practicing hard from now on.
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From the Lykens Register, November 30, 1900:
The Lykens Comedy Company, which will produce “The Yankee Detective” in Lykens Opera House Christmas week, for the benefit of the K. of P. lodge, for the purpose of purchasing uniforms, had a full rehearsal on Monday evening. They are getting their parts down well, and you had better plan to attend.
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From the Lykens Standard, January 11, 1901:
ENTERTAINMENTS.
On the evening of Second Christmas, the Lykens Comedy Company consisting entirely of home talent produced the drama, The Yankee Detective, in Lykens Opera House for the benefit of the K. of P. Long before time to begin every available seat was occupied, and standing room was scarce. From the time the curtain was lifted until the last scene the audience was intensely interested, and the order was something extraordinary. All this goes to prove what fine management was displayed. Every character, without exception, did their part well, and the caste [sic] deserve congratulations. Especially are they due Mr. Joseph Hoffman, who had full charge of the training. His ability and talent in that direction was displayed in a way that would be a credit to the cities. We would do the specialties an injustice not to say mention them. They kept their end by the excellent way in which they entertained the audience between the acts. Miss Beulah Workman rendered a beautiful solo, and Messrs. Beidenmiller and Kissinger, representing a German and Englishman, sang a duet. The proceeds nettled $110, which will go toward the purchase of degree team paraphernalia.
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From the Lykens Register, March 15, 1901:
The Lykens Comedy Company is practicing several times a week for the four-act drama they propose giving on the evenings of May 7 and 8 for the benefit of the United Mine Workers in Lykens Opera House. Joseph Hoffman is its manager , and it is supported by some of the best local talent, which means success.
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From the Harrisburg Telegraph, news of Lykens, March 19, 1901:
The Lykens Comedy Company is practicing several times a week for the four-act drama they propose giving for the benefit of the United Mine Workers in Lykens Opera House. Joseph Hoffman is the manager.
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From the Elizabethville Echo, March 21, 1901:
The Lykens Comedy Comedy Company is practicing several times a week for the four-act drama they propose giving on the evening of May 7th and 8th for the benefit of the United Mine Workers in Lykens Opera House. Joseph Hoffman is the manager.
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From the Lykens Standard, April 5, 1901:
A Noble Outcast
The thrilling four-act drama entitled A Noble Outcast or a Millionaire Tramp, will be produced in the opera house on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, May 7th and 8th, by the Lykens Comedy Company, under the management of Joseph Hoffman, for the benefit of Lykens Local, No. 1062, United Mine Workers of America. The play has, ever since its first production in 1888, proven one of the most successful drama ever written. It enjoyed a long run in England, several months of the time in London, and has delighted audiences in New York, Chicago, and in fact, all the principal cities of this country. The play is founded on an older piece, Jocrisse the Juggler, which has been practically obsolete for many years, and it is safe to say that in the whole range of the drams there is no character to be found with such power to compel alternate laughter and tears as shown by Jerry the Tramp. The dramatic interest is intense, the appeal to the sympathy of the human heart powerful, and the comedy is as refined as it is successful in moving the audience to laughter.
SYNOPSIS
Act I – Southern estate. Jerry heard singing. The Colonel breaking the news to Jack. Blackburn discovering an obstacle. Jerry becomes hilarious. Blackburn’s plot against France. Jerry discovered as an escaped convict.
Act II – Drawing room in Col. Lee’s mansion. Jerry breaking the news to Col Lee about France Lee. France meets her father. Col Lee breaking the news to France. Jerry lunching in the parlor. Jerry about to commit forgery, but changes his mind, and wants to be an honest man. Jerry about to take France away when Jack defies him. “The law alone shall take her from me.”
Act III – Jerry’s hut. Jerry about to go to the village when France stops him. A story of a book; or he against the world. Jerry rushes out to get drunk to drown his maddening thoughts. Blackburn pleading love to France. Jerry comes home drunk. France finds letter. Jerry reads letter. Jerry discovers France to be his own daughter. Jerry reforms. Blackburn forced open door in darkness and enters. Jerry about to strike Blackburn. The arrest of Jerry the tramp. “Touch her and I’ll brain you.”
Act IV – Scene same as Act I. – The Colonel ruined. A telegram from Colorado. Entrance of the millionaire tramp. Once a tramp; now a millionaire; but he who guided me in my wanderings to a loving child, directs me still. Go, I am avenged.
Fine specialties will be produced between each act.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Jerry the Tramp – Joseph Hoffman
James Blackburn – D. D. Mackenzie
Jack Worthington – John Kissinger
Col. Matthew Lee – Jacob Lehman
Mrs. Lee – Miss Dora Weineck
France – Beulah Miller
Sadie – Ada Bingaman
Orchestra of 17 pieces. Admission 25, 35 and 50 cents.
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From the Lykens Register, April 26, 1901:
The Lykens Comedy Company had their pictures taken recently, and now are on exhibition in Charles H. Miller‘s window. There will be more satisfaction, however, to see them on the stage May 7 and 8 in the Noble Outcast, or A Millionaire Tramp.
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From the Lykens Standard, May 3, 1901:
A NOBLE OUTCAST
The play of the above caption, or a Millionaire Tramp, will be produced on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week by the Lykens Comedy Company. It has been so well advertised that it is only a repetition for us to mention. The thorough ability of the trainer, Joseph Hoffman, his past experience on the stage, both here and abroad are assurance of success. The caste [sic] though small in number consists of our best home talent, and the devoted rehearsals have brought them to the degree of efficiency where it will be a pleasure to see them perform. It will be to your interest to secure your seats early for the chart is already open at Miller’s store, and is rapidly filling up. The benefits are for the United Mine Workers of Lykens.
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From the Lykens Standard, May 10, 1901:
A NOBLE OUTCAST
As we predicted the drama Noble Outcast , or A Millionaire Tramp, by the Lykens Comedy Company, in the Opera House on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings was a grand success. Never before did local talent perform as well. The scenes were like a reality all through. The various recitations were well rendered and could not help but touch the chord of sympathy of the audience. So well was it rendered that frequently they were interrupted by applause of approval. Too much praise cannot be given the manager, Joseph Hoffman, for the successful way it was handled, and supported well by a splendid caste [sic] they have made themselves subjects of commendation from all sides. The orchestra, under the management of Prof. Elijah Page, also came in for a good share of praise. They played well, and showed their ability in great style. The solos by Mr. Allen Smallwood and Miss Beulah Workman were well received with a hearty encore.
The attendance was not quite as large as it should have been, although it is partly attributed to price of admission being a little high. But when we consider the proceeds are for the benefit of the U. M. W. of A., to relieve their brethren who get hurt in the mines, we cannot think it should have received more encouragement. The house was comfortably filled both evenings, but it should have been packed. The play, the cause, and the successful rendition were all worthy of it.
On behalf of the committee, we heartily thank all who helped to make it such a success.
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From the Lykens Standard, May 31, 1901:
A Noble Outcast, or a Millionaire Tramp, will be produced by the Lykens Comedy Company under the management of Joseph Hoffman, at the Williamstown Opera House, on Thursday evening, June 6. Tickets, 15, 25 and 35 cents.
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From the Harrisburg Telegraph, news of Elizabethville, June 13, 1901:
A Noble Outcast will be produced in the school auditorium on Friday evening by the Lykens Comedy Company.
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From the Lykens Standard, June 14, 1901:
A Noble Outcast, or the Millionaire Tramp, will be produced in the Elizabethville auditorium by the Lykens Comedy Company this evening. The play as rendered by this company is first class in every respect, and from all appearances will be greeted by a crowded house.
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AT ELIZABETHVILLE
The Lykens Comedy Company will play the comedy, A Noble Outcast, or A Millionaire Tramp, the third time tonight, Friday, June 14, at Elizabethville. On Thursday morning only 11 reserved seats were left. About to expect to go down from Lykens on teams.
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From the Harrisburg Telegraph, news of Lykens, June 18, 1901:
A Noble Outcast, or the Millionaire Tramp, was produced at Elizabethville by the Lykens Comedy Company on Friday evening to a crowded house.
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From the Lykens Standard, June 21, 1901:
A Noble Outcast, under the direction of Joseph Hoffman, which was reproduced at Elizabethville last Friday evening was a grand success in every particular. Every part was well performed, and the large audience which filled the house did not fail to show their appreciation of the performance. The Lykens Comedy Company extend thanks to the Elizabethville people for their liberal patronage.
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From the Lykens Standard, September 20, 1901:
The military drama Santiago, or Fighting for the Red, White and Blue, will be produced in the near future by the Lykens Comedy Club for the benefit of the G. A. R. of this place. Notice of date will be given in due time.
According to the publisher’s ad, pictured above:
The best Cuban war play ever written. easy to produce, but very effective. Thrilling situations, fine comedy, intense climaxes. Comic Irishman and Negro. Three magnificent female parts. Picturesque Spanish villain and heroic juvenile lead. No special scenery if required, as every regular theatre, in its ordinary equipment, has every set called for. Adapted to both professional and amateur companies.
The publisher’s ad also describes the “comic Irishman and Negro” as follows:
Beverly Brown, Walten’s butler, afterwards Red Cross H. S. In love with chickens – Negro Comedy
Cornelius Dwyer, Walton’s coachman, afterwards U. S. A. In love with “Naygers” – Irish Comedy
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From the Elizabethville Echo, October 24, 1901:
A Military Drama entitled Santiago, or Fighting for the Red White and Blue, will be produced by the Lykens Comedy, Joseph Hoffman, manager, in the Opera House, Lykens, for the benefit of the G. A. R. Fifty people on the stage. Don’t miss it.
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From the Lykens Standard, October 25, 1901:
The great military drama, Santiago, or Fighting for the Red White and Blue, will be presented in the near future by the Lykens Comedy Company, Joseph Hoffman, manager, for the benefit of Heilner Post, No. 232, G. A. R., of this place. About 50 people will take part. Watch for further announcement next week.
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From the Lykens Standard, February 21, 1902:
Word has been received from two of the most popular organizations of Sunbury requesting the management of the Lykens Comedy Company to produce A Noble Outcast, or a Millionaire Tramp, for the benefit of the organizations mentioned.
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From the Lykens Standard, March 14, 1902:
The Lykens Comedy Company, at their rehearsal in Bueck’s Hall last evening, had as an audience 200 invited guests to witness the production of the Millionaire Tramp, or Driven From Home, which will shortly produce for the benefit of fraternal societies at Sunbury and other points.
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From the Lykens Standard, March 28, 1902:
Lykens Comedy Company
The Lykens Comedy Company, under the management of Joseph Hoffman, will present the drama, A Noble Outcast or Millionaire Tramp, in the beautiful opera house at Sunbury tomorrow afternoon and evening. It is to be given under the auspices of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, and a lively sale of seats has been going on for some time, insuring crowded houses at both performances.
Following is the cast:
Jerre, the Outcast – Joseph Hoffman
Jack Worthington – John Kissinger
James Blackburn – DeWitt Mackenzie
Colonel Lee – Jacob Lehman
France Lee – Miss Mamie Ulsh
Mrs. Colonel Lee – Dora Weineck
Sadie – Ada Bingaman
Specialties:
Albert Smallwood – cornet and vocal soloist
Charles Kissinger and George Beidemiller – in their Dutch and Irish Sketch, “A Trip Around the Town.”
Saturday evening the company gave a reception to its members at the home of Miss Ida Koppenhaver, which was highly enjoyable.
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From the Lykens Standard, March 28, 1902:
The Lykens Comedy Company will produce A Noble Outcast, or the Millionaire Tramp, at the Chestnut Street Opera House, Sunbury, for the benefit of Sunbury Lodge, No. 43, Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, tomorrow evening.
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From the Lykens Standard, April 4, 1902:
Local Talent Win Fame Abroad
The production of A Noble Outcast, or the Millionaire Tramp, in the Chestnut Street Opera House, Sunbury, by the Lykens Comedy Company, on Saturday evening, was greeted by a large and appreciative audience. From the time the curtain rose on the first act until it was dropped on the final scene there was a continuous round of applause, save when Miss Mame Ulsh as France Lee, in the 3rd act, by her pathetic appeal to her father, Jerry, the Outcast, to save her from becoming the wife of James Blackburn, melted the eyes of many in the audience to tears. Joseph Hoffman as Jerry, and in fact the work of the entire cast, was of the highest order, and the sketches by Kissinger and Beidenmiller were greeted by rounds of applause, as well as the cornet solo by Alfred Smallwood.
The cast returned home Sunday well pleased with their reception and greatly encouraged by the many words of praise.
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Conductor Charles had two very merry crowds on his train Saturday morning – the Lykens Comedy Company, bound for Sunbury, and the democratic representatives who went to Harrisburg to vote on the new party rules.
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From the Lykens Standard, April 18, 1902:
A Woman’s Honor, a thrilling four act drama from start to finish, will be produced in the Lykens Opera House sometime in May by the Lykens Comedy Company, comprising the best local talent. The company has been strengthened considerably since their last appearance before a Lykens audience, and no doubt will be greeted by a crowded house at their next performance.
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From the Lykens Standard, February 6, 1903:
The Lykens Comedy Company expects to present a play in the near future.
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From the Lykens Standard, April 3, 1903:
Dutch Jake, or True Blue, will be produced at the opera house Friday evening, April 17, for the benefit of Wesquenesque Tribe, No. 177, I. O. R. M., of Wiconisco.
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From the Lykens Standard, April 10, 1903:
Dutch Jake, or True Blue, will be produced at the opera house Friday evening, April 17, for the benefit of Wesquenesque Tribe, No. 177, I. O. R. M. of Wiconisco.
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From the Lykens Standard, April 17, 1903:
Dutch Jake at the opera house tonight.
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From the Lykens Standard, April 24, 1903:
Dutch Jake, the comedy produced by the Lykens and Wiconisco Comedy and Dramatic Company in the opera house on Friday evening for the benefit of Wesquenesque Tribe, No. 177, I. O. R. M. of Wiconisco, was one of the finest ever given here by home talent. The play was also a success financially. We have been requested to thank the patrons of the play and those who took part therein.
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The complete script for The Yankee Detective is a free download from the Internet Archive.
The complete script for Partners for Life is a free download from Google Books.
News articles from Newspapers.com.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.