[newspaper notices of "Esther" attached] Went up home on Wednesday to attend the presentation of Esther taking along the stage jewels and our curtains to construct the throne. Found them all in a great state of excitement and enthusiasm. Gertrude constructing her costume and all the women [?] to help her. Had a carriage come for the performers and we went later. The hall crowded. When the curtain rose I confess I was surprised at the nice effect of the chorus and the excellent manner in which they all acquitted themselves. The people were delighted and at the close of the performance it was announced that it would be given Friday evening making three performances instead of two as originally contemplated. Gertrude acted with great good taste and Miss Lottie Anderson made a most favorable impression. I attended all three representations but the last one was decidedly the best. Many of the Kingston people were down and acknowledged that it was better done than by their company. They decided to give it one more in Kingston and are giving it tonight. I enjoyed the whole thing immensely. The enthusiasm of the people, the rivalry of the two sections of the city and the universal interest shown in it. I think it has been a capital thing for Rondout and I hope something like it may be done next winter. I ordered a carriage today to take our people all up to Kingston to see it tonight. I came down in the noon train. It snowed last night and has hailed at intervals all day. I had a lovely visit home and enjoyed all this excitement very much and shall always have pleasant remembrances of Esther. All these entertainments which call out home talent ought to be encouraged. Rondout has developed musical and dramatic talent quite unusual and no one supposed them to possess much of either.
< Previous Entry | Next Entry >Have you ever wanted to see a handful of folders in a collection at the Archives of American Art, but you couldn't find the time to come to our DC reading room? Then the Archives of American Art’s Digitization on Demand service is for YOU!
Original material can be consulted by appointment in our Washington, D.C. Headquarters.
Copies of unrestricted microfilm materials can be obtained through one of our affiliated research centers.
Research and reference services provides help finding, accessing, and using the collections at the Archives of American Art.
