"The Play's the Thing" With a "Special" Mention
A Day in the Life: September 3rd
(Aged 14)
Wea. THU. SEPT. 3, 1896 Ther.
We all went to Celoron. Got me a bicycle for $15. Can ride it.
(Aged 16)
Wea. SAT. SEPT. 3, 1898 Ther.
Went to factory then went hunting. In eve went coon hunting but didn’t get any.
(Aged 17)
Wea. SUN. SEPT. 3, 1899 Ther.
NO ENTRY MADE.
(Aged 18)
Wea. MON. SEPT. 3, 1900 Ther.
Started for Toronto. Had a fine trip. Started at 9 A.M. got there at 6 P.M. Then found a boarding place and went to the Toronto Theatre. The play was “The Evil Eye”.
(Aged 19)
Wea. TUE. SEPT. 3, 1901 Ther.
Worked cutting weeds in corn.
(Aged 20)
Wea. WED. SEPT. 3, 1902 Ther.
Gail helped pa plow. Alice + I went to Jamestown.
(Aged 21)
Wea. THU. SEPT. 3, 1903 Ther.
NO ENTRY AGAIN UNTIL OCTOBER 10th
Editor's Note: The fact that Allen declares "Can ride it" in 1896 is what makes me think this is his first real bike. There probably would have been a question because of his leg.
In 1900, Allen is off on a jolly with some mates--all of whom I am unsure--but it puts yesterday's extraction of a promise from Alice in a different light. Do we think he asked her to write him or keep true in his absence? I'm thinking they are already engaged so what gives?
The play "The Evil Eye" has led me down an interesting path. It was written by the British playwright Richard B. Peake around 1831. Peake was apparently best known for bringing Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to stage but while researching I found something else rather interesting. In 1832, the British Parliment ordered a Select Committee on Dramatic Literature. Many playwrights and theater owners were called to the hearing to testify on their experiences and what should be changed to revive and update regulations regarding their community. I found this transcribed document in which Richard Peake was called to witness. I think he is a bit circumspect in his answers to the point of arrogance whether real or not. Apparently, his work was never rejected. Whatever, he died in poverty.
Shameless Plug: My brother-in-law the playwright Wm S. Leavengood's latest play Special is opening in NYC this month. If you are in town be sure to check it out!
(Aged 14)
Wea. THU. SEPT. 3, 1896 Ther.
We all went to Celoron. Got me a bicycle for $15. Can ride it.
(Aged 16)
Wea. SAT. SEPT. 3, 1898 Ther.
Went to factory then went hunting. In eve went coon hunting but didn’t get any.
(Aged 17)
Wea. SUN. SEPT. 3, 1899 Ther.
NO ENTRY MADE.
(Aged 18)
Wea. MON. SEPT. 3, 1900 Ther.
Started for Toronto. Had a fine trip. Started at 9 A.M. got there at 6 P.M. Then found a boarding place and went to the Toronto Theatre. The play was “The Evil Eye”.
(Aged 19)
Wea. TUE. SEPT. 3, 1901 Ther.
Worked cutting weeds in corn.
(Aged 20)
Wea. WED. SEPT. 3, 1902 Ther.
Gail helped pa plow. Alice + I went to Jamestown.
(Aged 21)
Wea. THU. SEPT. 3, 1903 Ther.
NO ENTRY AGAIN UNTIL OCTOBER 10th
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Editor's Note: The fact that Allen declares "Can ride it" in 1896 is what makes me think this is his first real bike. There probably would have been a question because of his leg.
In 1900, Allen is off on a jolly with some mates--all of whom I am unsure--but it puts yesterday's extraction of a promise from Alice in a different light. Do we think he asked her to write him or keep true in his absence? I'm thinking they are already engaged so what gives?
The play "The Evil Eye" has led me down an interesting path. It was written by the British playwright Richard B. Peake around 1831. Peake was apparently best known for bringing Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to stage but while researching I found something else rather interesting. In 1832, the British Parliment ordered a Select Committee on Dramatic Literature. Many playwrights and theater owners were called to the hearing to testify on their experiences and what should be changed to revive and update regulations regarding their community. I found this transcribed document in which Richard Peake was called to witness. I think he is a bit circumspect in his answers to the point of arrogance whether real or not. Apparently, his work was never rejected. Whatever, he died in poverty.
Shameless Plug: My brother-in-law the playwright Wm S. Leavengood's latest play Special is opening in NYC this month. If you are in town be sure to check it out!
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Thanks, Sister-in-law! I will be in NY Saturday but word from the Big Apple from Director and Star suggest this could be wonderful! Don;t know how to post as anything but anonymous, but it is me, Wm. S.
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