Return of the Forresters in "New York by Electric Light"

 

 

The Cortland News, Friday, May 22, 1885.

A Big Blaze.

   An alarm of fire was sounded at twenty minutes past one Sunday morning that brought the fire department out in double quick order. The burning building was an old wooden one opposite the E., C. & N. R. R. [Elmira, Cortland & Northern R. R.] car shops, and occupied by the road to store locomotives in as a sort of round house.

   The flames were first discovered in the cab of engine No. 13 and before the watchman could give an alarm they had communicated to the roof of the building, so that by the time the fire bell had awakened the department the whole building was one mass of flames.

   The hose companies were on the ground in a very short time, but before a stream could be turned on the building had fallen down. However one stream of water was brought from the hydrant opposite the wire mill and another from the pump in the car shops soon drowned out the fire.

   There were six locomotives contained in the building only one of which was taken out leaving five that had the entire wood-work burned off. So rapid was the work of the flames, and the building not containing but little combustible material, the iron work on the engines is but little injured. The loss is estimated at about $25,000 which is covered by insurance. It is believed that the night watchman was sleeping instead of tending to his business, although it is impossible to find out whether he is at fault or not, as he strictly adheres to his story that he was tending closely to the duties of his position.

 

Wedding Bells.

MILLER-MURPHEY

   A large number of invited guests assembled at Grace church Wednesday afternoon, it being the occasion of the marriage of Frank Miller and Miss Mabelle Murphey, one of Cortland's belles. After the ceremony the company were received at the home of the bride's parents on Port Watson street, and made merry from four until six, when it was time to repair to the depot. The happy couple left on the D. L. & W. road [Delaware, Lackawanna & Western R. R.] at 6:10 for Syracuse and will make an extended tour to Boston, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Chicago.

SWEET-TYLER

   A quiet and happy occurrence at 5 o'clock Wednesday afternoon was the marriage of Fred F. Sweet, one of Cortland's promising young business men, to Miss Effie Tyler, at the residence of the bride's parents, 132 South Main street, Rev. W. H. Annable officiating. Mr. arid Mrs. Sweet will make a tour to Rochester, Buffalo and Niagara Falls and will be absent about a week or ten days.

 

Return of the Favorites.

   After an absence of several years, during which time they have made an extended tour through the West, Mr. and Mrs. N. C. Forrester will again appear before Cortland people at the new Opera House for three nights and a matinee, commencing next Monday evening. That they have not lost any of their charming ways on the stage will be seen by a perusal of the press notices below. See advertisement in another column for the plays they will present and the prices of admission.

   The return of the Forresters, with a company playing at popular prices, proved an event in Auburn. It was early in the evening when the Academy began to fill up and by 8 o'clock every seat was taken. At 7:45 more tickets had been sold than there were seats and orders were given to shut doors on them. Many people stood in the gallery and down stairs during the entire length of the play. The Forresters were the same old Forresters. Mr. and Mrs. Forrester appeared no older than they did twenty years ago, and their company, a large one, comprises much talent. There was considerable new scenery and their "whole train of cars" was really put on the stage The company which remains a week, play the Lady of Lyons, tonight.—Auburn Advertiser, Feb. 24, 1885.

   Last evening the Forresters gave "New York under the Electric Light," otherwise "The Streets of New York." It was just the play to suit a mixed audience and long before the time for ringing up the curtain there was not a vacant place in the hall and it required, two policeman to keep back the crowd who wanted to come in and could not for lack of space. It was a jolly crowd too, and one which appreciated the really excellent performance. The dock scene was very good and the picture of New York gaming life well rendered throughout. Mr. Forrester in his little speech complimented the audience for the good order maintained, and the compliment was well deserved. The Forresters have no reason to complain of their reception here.—Oswego Times and Express, Jan. 13th, 1885.

 

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

  The Board of Health are looking after the back yards and alleys throughout town and are causing many cess pools and refuse heaps to be removed. If possible they don't propose to let the cholera have a footing here if it happens to visit this country.

   William Roberts, who shot Jennie Tracy at Oxford, last August, was sentenced last Thursday, to ten years in Auburn prison at hard labor. The young lady has never fully recovered from the shock to her nervous system.--Cincinnatus Register.

   Adams brothers have opened a tin shop in the wooden building 66 North Main street, and will be pleased to do all work in plumbing, gas and steam fitting, tin and sheet iron work entrusted to them.

   The rails for the Homer end of the Horse Railroad have been distributed and the work of laying them was commenced yesterday.

   Luke Gerald, an employee of the gas works has been given a life pass to the opera house, for his thoughtful action in preventing an explosion at the time the gas escaped last week, which would probably have occurred had he not discovered the leakage of gas.

   The Auburn Bulletin reports a life convict in the prison who has not lost a single day's work in twenty-seven years and who has not once been reprimanded. He was sent from Madison county for having killed his father and mother during an attack of delirium tremens.

 

The Forresters.

   Monday evening the Forresters presented the "Lady of Lyons" to a medium sized audience.

   "New York by Electric Light" was given Tuesday evening to a crowded house and met with hearty applause. At the close of the second act something happened to one of the ropes that run the large drop curtain, and a tedious delay was the consequence. Mr. Forrester appeared before the curtain and explained the cause of the wait and in a happy little speech thanked the people for their liberal patronage and for the hearty support which was accorded them in this place.

   Wednesday evening "The Octoroon" was presented to an appreciative audience. Mr. Forrester, although getting somewhat aged, does not look a day older and has as much vim as he did years ago when he dedicated Taylor Hall by a three week's stay among us. Mrs. Forrester, however, does not appear to put as much life into her acting as formerly, although she gives good satisfaction to all. The support given by the remainder of the company is far above the average, and we hope they will return again ere long.–The Cortland News, May 29, 1885.