DOVERS GREAT THEATRES

Editors Note:
Dover's history records some of the greatest names and talents in the entertainment industry who passed through Dover and in
many cases, lodged in one of Dover's many fine hotels. Dover's rich history depicts the very beginning of America's love for the live
"road shows" (vaudeville) to the very beginning of the motion pictures,"talkies." Enjoy this brief outline of Dover "reaching for
the stars" and satisfying its entertainment needs in the highest of class. Remember, this is only a very brief outline. The complete
story is yet to be told. George Laurie.

The Moller Opera House
C 1850-1921
16 North Sussex Street
Construction between 1850-1860
Architect style: Franco-Italianate commercial vernacular, 3 stories.
Opera House auditorium survives in altered form. One of only a few "freestanding"
buildings in Dover's Historic district.
Robert Guter/Dover Redevelopment Agency
The Moller Opera House and Saloon was perhaps Dovers first large establishment
for major "live" entertainment in this busy mining and factory town. Owned and operated
by Daniel Moller, the Moller Opera House was located along the busy Morris Canal on
North Sussex Street "next to the canal bridge." The music hall and saloon was constructed
sometime between 1850 and 1860, long before the Baker Opera House and the Baker
Theater ever existed. It has also been referred to as "Moller's Opera House and Symphony Hall."
Canal boatsmen patronized Moller's during their weekend stay-overs in Dover and enjoyed the beverages and entertain-
ment the playhouse had to offer. That entertainment at the time was in the form of burlesque and minstrel shows, the forerun-
ners to vaudeville.
Early burlesque used spectacular scenery, beautiful and scantily clad women,
music and comedy acts to attract large, predominantly male audiences. Minstrel shows
relied mainly on the popular songs of the day. Workers from the nearby mines and fac-
tories made Moller's a very busy and popular establishment in its day.
The Theater Regulation Act of 1843 banned drinking in legitimate theaters, but
allowed it in music halls. Between 1850 and 1870 music halls began to spring up all over
the country and became the most popular form of entertainment. Mollers early shows
were often divided into three acts; the first, the line which offered a series of comedi-
ans; the second, the Olio, a collection of variety acts that included animals, singers and dancers; and finally, the after-piece
which might be a short dramatic rendering or comic presentation.
VAUDEVILLE IS BORN
Early burlesque shows began to transform into broader forms of entertainment and by 1865, Tony Pastor developed
modern vaudeville, which would now appeal more to the family audience. Like early burlesque, vaudeville was a collection of
variety acts which also featured comedy sketches and short plays with music, often featuring leading actors and actresses.
Vaudeville became the most popular form of entertainment in the late 1800s, not only in Dover, but around the country.
On Wednesday December 23, 1880, the Moller Opera House presented the performance of

The MOLLER OPERA HOUSE
present
HARRIGANS DOUBLE HIBERNIAN COMPANY
,"Featuring Irish and American Actors
"8 Great Comedy Acts
"The Largest and Most Complete
Entertainment of the kind to exist.
The program is supported by
a strong comedy company
to the fullest of all Comedians.
Starring the TWO BARNEY'S" or
MULLIGAN'S DOUBLE.
A tour through Ireland, Rome
and America
showing all the principle cities.

From 1879 until 1884, the team of Edward (Ned) Harrigan and Tony Hart created the form of entertainment known as
the "musical comedy." Harrigan and Hart developed various characters in a series of musical farces set on the scruffy streets of
New York. Harrigan played "Dan Mulligan" a politically ambitious Irish saloon owner, while Hart won acclaim performing comic
female roles like "Rebecca Allup." The Mulligan Guards Ball (1879) were extremely popular with New York's immigrant-based
lower and middle classes. These usually forgotten people loved seeing themselves depicted on stage. Since every class and eth-
nic group was treated as fair game, nobody took offense. In later years, Harrigan and Hart came up with a routine that poked fun
at the neighborhood militias or "guards" that New York's leading politicians sponsored for their supporters. Little more that
drinking clubs, these militias staged uniformed parades to impress the public, but they were usually so drunk and disorganized
that they made fools of themselves. "The Mulligan Guard March" became a national sensation.









MOLLER'S OPERA HOUSE PLAYBILLS
One Night Only!
MOLLER'S OPERA HOUSE
presents
HOWORTH'S "DOUBLE SHOW!
" Dublin Dan's Comedy Company.
New Features and the Finest Scenery in the World.
Monday, Oct. 17th 1879.
Admission: 35 cents.

MOLLER'S OPERA HOUSE
Presents
Saturday evening March 19th.
One Show Only!
CALLENDER'S GEORGIA MINSTRELS.
Enlarged! Improved!
Many of the Old and Best Faces!
New Jokes! New Songs!
GRAND BAND PARADE!

One Night Only! Monday evening, April 11th. 1880 CHARLEY SHAY'S QUINCUPLEXAL! Best and Funniest Entertainment
on Earth! 30 Star Performers! 5 Great Comedians! 3 Full Bands of Music! Attention Ladies.Every Lady Visiting This Establish-
ment on a Reserved Ticket Shall Be Given A Beautiful Parlor Picture equal to that of the price of the ticket. See samples at the
show window of Vought & Killgore's!
Early Opera Houses were also used as lecture halls. On November 18, 1885 a "medicine show"
came to town. MOLLER'S OPERA HOUSE presents - A Series of Three ILLUSTRATED HEALTH LEC-
TURES by DR. HENRY G. HANCHETT of New York.
The first lecture on Wednesday features an introductory lesson on OUR HOUSE describing
the organs of the body, what they do, and how they do it. On Thursday, the lecture features
HOUSEKEEPING how to care for the body and keep all the members active and healthy. On Friday,
the topic is HOUSE-REPAIRING what the doctor used to do, what he does now, what he can do, what
he cannot do, and what he ought to do for the sick. The lecture is open to everyone who wants to learn
something about his or her body and how to keep it healthy and active. The lectures contain nothing
technical, no advertising of any drugs, medicines or special treatments and no quackery. The lectures
will be illustrated by charts and diagrams. Admission is 25 cents for each lecture or 60 cents for all
three. The doors open at 7 with the lectures beginning at 8 PM.
Some of the other early vaudeville shows booked at Moller's Opera House included: CLARK'S
FIFTH AVENUE CO. of New York presenting the greatest dramatic work of the age, TWO ORPHANS for
One Night Only! Immense Attraction! Tuesday even'g Nov. 16, 1880.
MOLLER'S OPERA HOUSE presents THE NEW YORK IDEAL DRAMATIC COMPANY with
produce the new version of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN, Friday evening, Dec. 17th with new scenery and the
original TENNESSEE COLORED JUBILEE SINGERS will appear in the play with their beautiful songs and
old melodies. Admission: 35 cents. Reserved Seats: 50 cents. Children: 25 cents.
The 1870's saw a phenomenon with the explosion of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," dubbed "Tom Shows." By 1879 at least 50
productions were on the road, playing in tents, riverboats, town halls, churches, opera houses, wherever a platform would hold
them. By the 1890s almost 500 of the shows were reported in operation.
The Ever Popular Favorites! MOLLER'S OPERA HOUSE! Tuesday Evening, January 13th. BAIRD'S FAMOUS NEW ORLEANS
MINSTRELS with 8 GREAT END MEN 8. "THE FOUR INVINCIBLES" The Great London Quartette. BILLY MCALLISTER and 25 PEER-
LESS PERFORMERS 25. In Their Modern Minstrel Carnival. Admission: 35 and 50 cents. I. W. Baird, Manager. Chas. R. Cook, Gen-
eral
The Callenders Georgia Minstrels appear in Dover at Mollers
Americas love for sentimental ballads, comic dialogue and dance interludes, founded on Negro life in the South in the
1800s was attributed to Thomas D. Rice, who copied the mannerisms of an elderly blackman in Baltimore in 1828 and adopted the
blackface and banjo. At first a solo act, minstrelsy soon grew to four performers on violin, banjo, bones (a rhythm instrument) and
tambourine. The shows were based on an imitation of the stereotypical black. The "essential" Negro qualities had become dated
and lost after the end of slavery.

As early as the 1850s, black troupes, such as the Luca fam-
ily, toured the Eastern states. These black-owned companies were
popular throughout the Civil War years, but in the 1870s were taken
over by white managers, such as the popular Callender's Georgia
Minstrels, featuring the great comic Billy Kersands.
The Georgia Minstrels, was begun by a Negro named
Charles Hicks in 1865. Charles Callender had taken over the com-
pany and had in turn been bought out by white manager Jack
Haverly.
Billy Kersands became well known for a dance, the "Virginia
Essence," which sounds reminiscent of Michael Jackson's
"Moonwalk." According to one viewer, Kersands "moves forward
without appearing to move his feet at all, by manipulating his toes and heels rapidly, so that his body is propelled without chang-
ing the position of his legs." Billy Kersands, was supposedly able to hide a billiard ball in one cheek and continue his monologue
without the slightest inconvenience He was also one of the Negroes unsurpassed in the art of creating jazz tunes, jigs, and unusual
steps and dances.
Another well known personality that made an indelible mark on the American psyche was Aunt Jemima. Aunt Jemima
was not a real person. She owes her name to a minstrel song, "Old Aunt Jemima," popularized in 1870 by singer Billy Kersands.
VAUDEVILLE COMES OF AGE
By the 1880s, the big time vaudeville acts and programs existed mostly in the larger cities. When
producers and managers saw the response of the public, they realized the next step was to create traveling
"road shows." With the development of a national railroad system around this time, such traveling shows be-
came more feasible. Wealthy mine baron and Dover civic leader William H. Baker realizing this, decided to
"squeeze- in" on Moller's entertainment business and constructed a new vaudeville playhouse in 1885. Nam-
ing it, THE BAKER OPERA HOUSE, Mr. Baker was clever enough to choose a site close enough to the train
tracks in order to put Dover on the traveling show circuit.







With the arrival of the Baker Opera House on April 3, 1886, the Moller Opera House no longer operated as a major play-
house, but more of a saloon and entertainment center. One newspaper advertisement announced it had just received and placed
into position, THREE FINE NEW, Billiard and Pool Tables from the manufacturer of J.M. Drumwick. The ORCHESTRION had just
been equipped with new music and will delight the patrons of the house more than ever, furnishing music equal to a brass band
of 80 pieces. Highlighted were George Kmarts CELEBRATED LAGER BEER, always on draught and the best Wines, Liquors and Ci-
gars, always provided for the patrons of MOLLER'S OPERA HOUSE and BILLARD ROOMS. Popular songs and sing-alongs were still
the main attraction at Mollers for many more years while the major entertainment moved up the street a few blocks.
Dovers first Firemans Ball was held at the Moller Opera House in 1873.
The saloon closed forever on January 16, 1920 when the 18th Amendment took effect, better known as the National Pro-
hibition Act. Billiards, pool and the bowling alley continued to operate, while the second floor became Dovers leading amuse-
ment hall and the scene of many local events. The room became a drill hall in World War I.
In January, 1921, Herman Moller sold the building to the National Biscuit Company.
Today the building is occupied by Goodales Drug Store, Dovers longest continuous business founded in 1850 by William
H. Goodale. Even to this day, the flyloft that lifted and lowered the scenery back in the wild days of the 1800s can be seen in the
rear of the building. Moller's Opera House is featured in a sketch in Munsells History of Morris County on page 313.
The Baker Opera House
1886-1904

The Baker Building
Southeast corner of Blackwell and Warren Streets
Construction date between 1885-1886
Architect style: Eclectic, three stories plus a tower. Faade is articulated
with recessed brick panels. Other ornament includes panels filled with
imbricated brick; bands of diagonally-set soldier-course brick; rock-faced
granite lintels, sills, keystones and window-head stops. Granite panel on
north side faade reads "Baker Building." The entire south faade is cov-
ered by a Mail Pouch Tobacco sign.
Robert Guter/Dover Redevelopment Agency
The Baker Opera House, Dovers newest, largest, and most mod-
ern playhouse for vaudeville and live entertainment, with its prominent
tower and imposing faade that has been a major landmark in Dovers
downtown historic district for over 100 years, was constructed in 1885 to
the townspeople's delight. The theater's grand opening was in 1886. Do-
ver was now on the map with this new majestic vaudeville theater and
became a major stop, along the busy theatrical circuit. It's often been said the stage area of this theater was the largest in Morris
County. The touring companies usually brought their own costumes, props and scenery by rail cars. By this time, these Vaudeville
"road shows" became a major source of employment in the entertainment industry. These shows employed not only traveling
stagehands, but would often pick up local crews and musical
talent as well. Roswell Bowlby, superintendent of Dover's
public schools often played the piano at the Baker Opera
House and later at the Baker Theatre.
THE IRON ERA Feb. 20, 1886
Our new opera house in the Baker building for such
we may call it until it is properly christened has progressed far
enough toward completion to indicate the comfort and pleas-
ure it will afford us in the future. The first thing that strikes the visitor is that every seat in the house will be a good one, a perfect
view of the stage being obtained from any part of the receding floor of the auditorium, or any part of the deeply pitched gallery,
while the high ceiling and compactness of the whole auditorium must make the acoustic prosperities excellent. There will be ten
seats on either side of the main isle, and every seat in the house, numbering over 500 in all, will be a folding chair, with a hat rack
underneath.
The heat for the whole building will be supplied by a steel boiler of twenty-five horse power, which is being placed in the
cellar. All sides of the hall are traversed with rows of steam pipes, so that the hall can be quickly and perfectly heated before a
performance and the steam then be turned off, as the heat of the audience is sufficient for comfort after the hall is thoroughly
warmed. The sides of the hall are wainscoted all around and above is the smoothly plastered wall and ceiling, in the center of
which is a beautiful dome from which will be suspended, a large chandelier. Then there will be lamps at the sides, the footlights
and the light in the flies and borders of the stage. All these will be supplied with gas from a machine, and as the gas pipes pass
through the stage, the whole system of lighting is controlled from a convenient station in the wings, where by valve, arrange-
ments in the pipes, the supply of light is regulated to any degree wanted in any part of the house. At this station there are also
speaking tubes by which the stage manager can communicate with his assistant in the flies, or with the leader of the orchestra in
front. The heating arrangement is being effected under the direction of Robert M. Frye, of New York and the gas apparatus input
by Denny Bros. & Co. of Newark.
It was originally intended to have the dressing rooms over the stage, but this arrangement had been changed for obvious
reasons and the dressing rooms will now be underneath. By the first arrangement a part of the rear of the stage would have to
be taken for a stair case, which room is not saved, making the stage much deeper, while the space saved overhead enables the
use of much larger scenery, each set of which will be sent aloft in grooves when not in use, and drawn down when wanted, thus
saving the space usually occupied by sliding scenes. Having the dressing rooms below will also alleviate the necessity of carrying
baggage up and down the stairs. As the permanent scenery of this large stage can be so easily put out of sight, it also becomes
available for the purposes of companies who wish to use their own scenery in their plays. The permanent scenery is now being
painted on the stage by Mr. W. F. Wise, an accomplished scenic artist of Philadelphia. Beside a beautiful drop curtain there will
be six sets of scenes, representing interior and exterior views, with a complete system of
wings and flies. The work as far as it has progressed, shows great merit and will be more
fully described when completed. The proscenium arch and sides will be of papier-mch,
worked in elaborate designs which will be beautifully ornamented when placed in posi-
tion.
Another feature that will be greatly appreciated is the broad stairway, six feet
wide, from the Blackwell street entrance. The steps are very easy, with a broad landing
and turn before reaching the lobby. The lobby is of good size and the ticket office is very
conveniently heated. The winding stairs to the gallery are also very easy and are broken
by two landings. There is also a stairway leading from the stage to Warren Street. This
part of the structure is rapidly approaching completion and it will not be many weeks be-
fore it will be opened to the public. In every arrangement thus far Mr. Baker has spared neither pain nor expense to procure the
best that can be obtained and the work progressed far enough to warrant the certainty that Dovers new opera house, or what-
ever it may be called when dedicated, will exceed in prettiness and comfort any amusement hall possessed by any town of its size
in the State of New Jersey.
Since the foregoing information was in type, we learned that Mr. Baker yesterday made a contract with E. B. Demarest of
Brooklyn, N.Y. to seat the hall. The reserved chairs will be about 2oo in number. They are constructed with iron fences. The
backs and arms will be covered with the best mohair plush and the seat with veneer. The balance of the auditorium will be
seated with the same chair, except that the backs will be of veneer and the arm rests of polished wood. Each seat will be fur-
nished with coat rack, hat rack and a place for an umbrella. The backs are set in a reclining position, but are hinged so that when
the occupant of the seat leans forward the back can also be pushed forward making more room for any one passing to a seat be-
hind. The gallery seating are of different pattern from those below, but all will be good chairs with first rate veneer backs and
seats. Another feature of the seating arrangements is that in the reserved portion of the house there will be placed a number of
seats of special width for the comfort of people who are larger than the ordinary. The seats on the floor will be arranged in circu-
lar form so as to command the best view of the stage.
Mr. Baker has also decided upon the name by which this new amusement resort will be known. It is neither high sounding nor
pretentious, but is modest and pretty and just suited to the place which after this announcement will be known by the tile of MU-
SIC HALL.
THE IRON ERA March 6, 1886 THE WORK IN THE MUSIC HALL
Mr. W. F. Wise, the scenic artist of Philadelphia on Wednesday completed the task upon which he has been engaged the
past month, of painting the scenery for the stage of the Music Hall. The finished work shows to excellent advantage and will com-
pare favorably in its artistic merit and execution with that of any stage in the State. The scenes are six in number and comprise of
a fancy chamber scene, a plain chamber, a kitchen, a street, a garden and a woods scene. As accessories to these there are two
windows and doors, four fancy, four plain and four kitchen wings and six wood wings. Overhead are a grand arch drapery and an
apron drapery, three foliage borders, four kitchen borders, two fancy interior borders and two plain sky borders. For stage effects
in the various scenes there are set corsages, three net racks, a row of foreground and a row of water. All these, besides being
beautifully palated and presenting the finest scenic effects are so set as not to encumber the stage, but on the contrary appear to
enlarge its goodly proportions. All the stage arrangements as well as the paintings have been under the direction of Mr. Wise,
who has exercised admirable judgment in commanding space and has facilitated the work of changing the scenery by the best
mechanical devices. The French flat system of raining the scenes, which is in use in very few theaters for lack of room overhead,
it worked admirable here and relieves the stage of many cumbrances, besides allowing traveling companies to set their own scen-
ery if the wish to. The lighting of the stage and the whole auditorium is effectively provided for as we have before shown and to
avoid danger from fire, the lights in the flies are secured in screen, which prevents any inflammable material reaching the gas jets.
The drop curtain is a beauty. It preserve the illusion of a heavy curtain of red stuff divided to the center and partly drawn
toward each side, being caught up by heavy golden cords with gold trims, which will make a very pretty effect when the stage
lights are turned on as will also a fringe of gold where the bottom of the curtain is expanded. The curtains thus drawn from the
bottom reveal between them a beautiful Vienna scene, the Church of San Giorgio Muggier in Venice.
The wood work of the hall as well as that of the other parts of the building is now about completed by carpenter Vree-
land and Martio, the painter has commenced work on the interior. All the other parts of this fine and remarkable beautiful build-
ing are also nearing their end under the direction of architect P. G. Bottlcher.
It has been ascertained that the number of seats in the hall
will be 581, which with the orchestra will make the seating capacity
of the house just about an even 600. Of this number the gallery con-
tains 160, and besides the excellent means of exit before notice
there is a window at the east end of the gallery by which in case of
need, the spectators in that part of the house can walk out on the
broad flat roofs of the adjoining buildings without the aid of ladders.
IRON ERA April 3, 1886 THE OPERA
Beyond the peradventure of a doubt the opening of the
new Baker Opera House, on Monday and Tuesday evenings of next
week, will operate on a high character, will be the greatest an-
nouncement event ever know in Dover. It is the first time that a
company of such high merit as the Alfa Newman English Opera Company has ever visited this place
and it is doubtful if the town will see such an array of talent again for a long time. We have before us many press releases from
papers in the leading cities of the Union, which are too numerous to publish, but all of which speak in glowing terms of the rare
artistic talent of this company. On Monday evening they will produce Balfes famous opera, The Bohemian Girl and on Tuesday
evening they will sing Gilbert and Sullivans latest comic opera, The Mikado. Both will be presented with a full case of charac-
ters, superb costumes, special scenery and a full orchestra of the finest character. In fact, Mr. Baker has transplanted a complete
city operation performance to this little town, at an immense cost, that his beautiful new opera house may be dedicated with a
performance entirely worthy of him. The people of this town, who have ever so long waited for a good hall, can show Mr. Baker
their appreciation of his efforts to fill the needs by giving him an audience worthy of his enterprise. That the performances will
amply repay them the revenue to be double and we believe the assemblies next Monday and Tuesday evening will comprise the
best audiences of representative people of the section that have ever been seen.
We have heretofore noticed the wonderful beauty and comfort of this hall and its stage making it necessary to go over
the same at this time. The furnishing are not all completed, but everything will be in readiness by Monday night. This week the
gas & fixtures have been put in by the Denny Hess & Co. of Newark. All about the auditorium and in the balcony are numerous
shade covered jets in brass brackets and the whole has made a brilliant illumination by a combination of jets under a powerful
reflector in the center of the ceiling.
The seating of the house with chairs which are said to be the finest in any amusement hall in the State, and which have
before been described is now progressing. With all these superb connivances and first class operas the opening night of the Baker
Opera House should be notable events in the history of Dover.
The box office will be open for the sale of seats on Friday and Saturday evening from 7 oclock and on Monday all day.
The Grand Opening announcement of the new Baker Opera House appeared in the local newspapers on April 3, 1886.
GRAND OPENING of the BAKER OPERA HOUSE on Monday and Tuesday evenings, April 5th and 6th, Featuring the ALFA NOR-
MAN,ENGLISH OPERA COMPANY First night: THE BOHEMIAN GIRL, Second night THE MIKADO. Prices each night with all
seats reserved: Orchestra Chairs $1.50 and Other Chairs at $1.00. The sale of reserved seats will begin at 7 p.m. at the box office
where a diagram of the seating may be seen.
IRON ERA April 10, 1886 WORTHY DEDICATION OF A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE
Monday and Tuesday evenings, the ones assigned for the opening of the new Baker Opera House, were most unfortu-
nately selected from a weather point of view, as they proved to be the two worst nights that have fallen in the neighborhood of
the vernal equtinesx. But on each occasion large numbers braved the pitiless storm to enjoy the musical treat provided for them
by the enterprise of Mr. Baker, and none have since been heard to say that they were not fully compensated for the cost and in-
convenience involved by their attendance. Besides a very fine assembling of townspeople, those noted in the audience were
many well known faces from Morristown, New York, Rockaway, Chester, Hopatcong, Succasunna, Port Oram, Newton and other
places. The first pleasure accorded was the view of the superb new opera house. The artistic drop curtain, the true bronze work
of the proscenium, the complete facilities for lighting and heating, the comfortable seats, and the view obtained from any part of
the house, were all subjects which received the warmest commendations and words of praise were in every mouth for the liberal
proprietor who had given the people to this section such a beautiful and comfortable place for witnessing entertainment, which
good opinion was afterward greatly enlarge by the merit of the initial performances.
On Monday evening was presented Balfes famous opera, The Bohemian Girl by the Alfa Norman English Opera Com-
pany. The regular scenery of the stage was found to be sufficient for its production and special scenes were not required. The
pretty set scenery of the stage was however greatly augmented by the perfection of the costumes, making, during the choruses,
many charming tableau. But more than all to the time audience assembled was the luxury and protection of the material part of
the performance, the thoroughly artistic manner in which the opera was sung. Not only were the leading parties effectively ren-
dered, but the choruses evidenced a training in social culture and dramatic action that raised the whole performance to such a
height of excellence that the oldest opera-goers present did not hesitate to pronounce the delight it afforded them. From her
advent in the second act until the close, Miss Alfa Norman reigned supreme in the hearts of her delighted auditors. The rarity of
her voice, its remarkable quality and her perfect control of it with charming bits of acting, won frequent encores in which she gave
gracefully. The excellence of the central figure was also greatly enhanced by the support of the clever artists who sustained her.
Mr. Henry Hallam, the tenor, sang Thaddeus in excellent taste. His pursuit came in action was fully equaled by the purity of his
voice and his every movement was a delight. Miss Ann Maxwell was a realistic Gypsy Queen imperious in bearing and as vengeful
as became the character, while her rich controlled voice won frequent applauses. So too the realism of the impersonation of Dev-
ilshoof by Mr. Ellis Ryse, proved a strong part of the cast, while his ponderous base as rich as it was powerful, captured all. The
fine singing and action of Mr. James C. Peakes as Count Arnheim and of Mr. M.M. Mertou as Florestein, and the perfect accord
and power of the chorus made the whole a perfectly balance rendition of this sweet old opera that will long be remembered.
But rich and complete as was the production of The Bohemian Girl, the presentation of the Mikado on the following
evening was still more pleasing, if that were possible to the audience. The drollery mirth gayety and artistic grouping were all
rendered most vivid by the vocal excellence that surrounded the whole. Owing to the capital scenic arrangements the company
was enabled to set the stage with their own scenery and thus add greatly to the effect of the whole. The Mikado is the piece de
resistance of the Alfa Norman Company and the completeness of its rendition here convinced every listener that all the good
things said of the company by the press of the principal cities, had been well said. Number of the audience who had witnessed
this opera under the most favorable circumstances in New York and elsewhere, express the opinion that this was the most pleas-
ing performance of it, they have ever seen. There was no slighting of parts to render effectiveness to any special performers and
the whole was so uniformly good that not a few could be detracted. The sweetness, perfection of voice and grace of movement
displayed by Miss Alfa Norman as Yum-Yum, again made her the charming central figure of the performance, but her support was
so excellent in every particular that even she was compelled to divide the honor of the evening. Mr. Morton in his grotesque and
thoroughly Japanese character of Ko-Ko, drew laughs with every grievance and irresistible fun with each rendition, which was ad-
mirable supplemented by the grave drollery of Mr. Peaches Poo-Bah. Mr. Hallam as Nanki-Poo found good opportunity for the
exercise of his pure tenor and used his power with effect and Miss Anna Maxwell as Katisha was so perfect that it was difficult to
tell which was most to be admired, her singing or her acting. Mr. Ellis Ryse created much the same feeling by his rendition of the
Mikado and the sister Martines were installed as favorites from the beginning which Mr. Leshy gave to Pish-Tush all the part re-
quired. With such perfection in the individual parts, seconded by admirable drill in movement and perfect harmony and wonder-
ful power in the choruses, there were many encores and the people of Dover were delighted as they never were before by any
entertainment.
This was not so because of any lucky chance. Mr. Baker had determined to open the Opera House with performances
that should be worthy of it. To this end he made diligent inquiry for the best talent and obtained it. All who were so favored owe
much to his care and liberality in this matter and we trust this will be but an auspicious beginning of a long line of fine entertain-
ment in the Baker Opera House. That it will be as we have no doubt, as the proprietor had determined that the place shall only be
leased to companies of good character and established reputations.
The Theater by Deshler Welch (Grand Opening no so Grand)
If ever there was a musical concern heralded and trumpeted beyond endurance, it was the Alfa Norman Opera Com-
pany. The star of the concern was a young lady with some good look, a little voice, but no culture and less talent. Aided by two
unscrupulous journalists of New York City, the lady was imposed on the public as a prima donna. She appeared at the Fifth Ave-
nue Theatre, where she was announced to sing in a repertoire of operas. The repertoire dwindled to two works, because the lady
could not learn the music of the others. Then she started on the road, deluged with paragraphs from the pens of the unscrupu-
lous journalists. As an English opera singer the road would have none of her, and when her company were about to collapse, the
clutched at the straw of the bogus edition of The Mikado by means of which they have been floating ever since. Miss Normans
company is universally admitted to have given the worst performances of The Mikado seen in the country, while Miss Normans
Yum-Yum is acknowledged to be the feeblest known in history. Last week, the ragged remnant of this preposterous concern,
busted up under disgraceful circumstances, and the unscrupulous journalists who managed the concern was driven out of
Albany by the long suffering public, who drew the line of patience at the Alfa Norman Opera Company.
On Saturday, April 10th the Baker Opera House presented THE GREAT MADISON
SQUARE THEATRE COMPANY in the YOUNG MRS. WINTHROP. Presented by the Madison
Square Theater of New York. Billed as a Supreme Company of Distinquished Artists direct from
the Madison Square Theater in New York. Orchestra chairs and balcony seating available.
At the young age of 22, Harry Houdini appeared at the Baker Opera House for one show only on
January 4, 1896. Having just married his new 18-year old bride Bess Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner,
they became known as The Houdinis. By 1895, the Houdinis achieve some success with their
signature number The Metamorphosis in which they traded places in a locked trunk. Around this
time Harry also began experimenting with public handcuff escapes, which he would later become
internationally known for. Living in New York City at the time, The Houdinis were on a low budget
vaudeville circuit traveling with The American Gaiety
Girls show which was a burlesque, comedy and variety
show featuring as the main act, The Boulton Sisters. The
playbill advertises the troupe as a clever band of mirth-
makers. The Baker Opera House ad says, A Euopean nov-
elty mystery by the original introducers, Harry the Houdi-
nis Metamorphosis. The show also featured The Bloomer Club with a cast of characters,
including The Bloomer Girls. The nights entertainment concluded with 60 laughs per
minute, Rob-Hip-Hur-Roy starring Marion Balsley.
Harry was born as Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary on March 24, 1874. His
family moved to America when he was four years old with his father being Rabbi Mayer Samuel Weiss. By the age of 9, young
Ehrich was a trapeze artist and soon became a professional magician calling himself Harry Houdini. Initially, Houdinis magic ca-
reer resulted in little success. He performed in dime museums, sideshows and traveled the vaudeville circuit. Harrys big break
wouldnt come until 1899 when he went on the Orpheum vaudeville circuit and started performing in major cities and a tour of
Europe. Two churchmen, Rev. George Mallory and Marshall Mallory, in 1880, financed the new Madison Square Theatre where
Steele Mackaye, actor-playwright became director. He put on his "Hazel Kirke" to a record-breaking run of 486 performances and
sent over a dozen companies on tour. By 1882, however, he left the Mallorys and opened the Lyceum Theatre.

BAKER OPERA HOUSE presents, under the direction of H.J. CHAPHAM, starring ARTHUR DEMING and his great company
of minstrel stars. Over 30 artists carrying a strong singing contingent and a clever orchestra. ARTHUR DEMING heads the list in
his pleasing monologue: ALFRED ANDERSON the wonderful male soprano; BENTHEN AND BYRNE the musical comedians in a very
amusing and entertaining act. WILLIAM ROWE the clog dancer and others, making a straight "out and out" minstrel show which
goes with a dash, from start to finish.
Arthur Deming and his great company of minstrel stars will open the Baker Opera House on Friday, September 2, under
the management of H. J. Chapham. The company, numbering 30 artists, carries a strong singing contingent, a clever orchestra
and an olio that is alone worth the price of admission. Arthur Demin heads the list in his pleasing monologue; Alfred Anderson,
the wonderful male soprano; Benthen and Byrne, the musical comdians, in a very amusing and entertaining act; William Rowe
the pedestal clog dancer, and others, making a straight out and out minstrel show which goes with a dash from start to finish.

Other typical vaudeville acts appearing at the Baker included THE ELITE COMEDY COMPANY. NEW YORK BY DAY a
stage production that featured a car-load of scenery. CULBANE, CHACE AND WESTONS MINSTRELS featuring the fabulous
BILLIE CHACE. THE KENNEDY PLAYERS starring the universal favorite MR. JOHN J. KENNEDY and the beautiful young actress
MISS NELLIE KENNEDY, Monday Evening, Featuring THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS on Tuesday THE TWO THIEVES and on Wednes-
day THE TWO ORPHANS. Nightly ticket prices: 10, 20 and 30 cents.

BAKER OPERA HOUSE, Wednesday and Thursday, The Musical Novelties--The Famous NOSS FAMILY NOVELTY CONCERT
CO., April 21st and 22nd, 1886. In Their Wonderful New Musical and Sketch Entertainment! Sparkling Music! Brilliant Sketches!
Mirth and Music for Everyone! Endorsed by the Press, Public and Pulpit! A full band. A full chorus. A full orchestra. Presenting a
program of Gems throughout! Mark the date. Doors open at 7 p.m. Commence at 8 p.m. Popular Prices: General Admission, 35
cents. Reserved Seats, 50 cents. Children, 25 cents.
BAKER OPERA HOUSE - Wednesday, March 15, 1899. MR. FRANK SHERIDAN & MR. ARTHUR LARKIN and their New
York Company will appear in the very funny farce comedy, "HIS BETTER HALF." Thursday, April 11, REED & VAN'S "ROOF GAR-
DEN HIGH CLASS VAUDEVILLE CO. with Japanese Band and Orchestra. A Grand Performance of Uptodate Vaudeville.
The Grand Opening of the 1899 season featured, Those funny men MURRAY & MACK presenting the Third Chapter
of FINNIGANS 400 a three-act vaudeville farce constructed in three section for laughing purposes only and with no idea of a
plot, by JAMES D. FLYNN.
Friday Sept. 8, 1899, The British Comedian DAN'L SULLY in the great play "O'BRIEN, THE CONTRACTOR." Monday Octo-
ber 2, 1899, The Great Metropolitan Attraction, AGNES WALLACE VILLA in "THE WORLD
AGAINST HER." Frank Harvey's Greatest Play! A Great Company! A Great Scenic Display! Now in
its Fourteenth Season! Plenty of Comedy and Vaudeville Introduced! One Week Beginning Oct.
9th. "THE GEMS." CHARLES K. CHAMPLIN in a reportoire of original royalty productions. Satur-
day, October 28, 1899 The Peerless Irish Comedienne, MAY SMITH ROBBINS, Supported by a Su-
perb Company of Comedians and Soubrettes, In the Musical Comedy, "LITTLE TRIXIE." Under the
Management of FRED ROBBINS. Bright Music, Pretty Girls and Graceful Dancers. If you want a
good laugh, wait and see Little Trixie. Saturday, November 11, 1899 The New Big Show -
"MULDOON'S PICNIC." The Funniest Show on Earth! Noted for Irish Wit, Dancing and Song. All
laughs from rise to fall of curtain. Monday Nov. 18 - A Musical Treat - KOLLER'S BANDONIAN
PLAYERS & CONCERT CO. Wednesday, The Great Melodrama Success, "THE BOWERY AFTER
DARK." See six big Vaudeville Acts!

On December 30th the return of the favorite GUY BROTHERS MINSTRELS. An entire new show, all new people, a new
first part with all new scenery. This program was billed as the finest costumed setting before the public today. Appearing on
January 3, 1900, the young character comedian: J.C. LEWIS and his Big Comedy Company in the Rural Farce Comedy SI PLUNK-
ARD Entirely rewritten, new situations, new novelties, new scenes and mechanical effects. See the great railroad scene, see the
threshing machine, see the country fair scene, and look out for SI and his Country Band Parade. Look out for the funniest street
parade ever seen. Prices: 25, 35 and 50 cents.
BAKER OPERA HOUSE presents a Great Attraction Week, commencing on Monday April 22d. THE JULIAN COMEDY CO.
headed by the charming actress and singer EDITH JULIAN at popular prices of 10, 20 and 30 cents. Repertoire for the week in-
cludes, Monday, LIFE OF AN ACTRESS, Tuesday, NOBODY'S CHILD, Wednesday, OUR BOARDERS Thursday, A DANGER-
OUS WOMAN, Friday, THE NEW FASHION, Saturday, IRISH HEARTS, with the Matinee featuring the HIDDEN HAND.
BAKER OPERA HOUSE! Dover, N.J. SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT! One Night Only! Saturday, Sept. 27th, 1890 The Distinguished
Artist, MISS JOSEPHINE CAMERON, supported by her own Company in "CAMILLE!" Magnificent Wardrobe! Designed and Made
by Worth of Paris. Admission: 35 cents. Reserved seats, 50 and 75 cents. Advance Sales Now Open.
BAKER OPERA HOUSE, Saturday, Nov. 11, 1899 "MULDOON'S PICNIC" The Funniest Show On Earth! Noted For Irish Wit,
Dancing and Song. All laughs from rise to fall of curtain. Prices: 25, 35, 50. KOLLER'S BANDONION PLAYERS and CONCERT CO.
From Munchen, Germany, appearing in native costumes, will give one of their novel and unique Musical Entertainment. At The
Baker Opera House in Dover - Monday, November 13. A Musical Treat!
BAKER OPERA HOUSE, Dover, N.J. Monday, Nov. 6, 1899. WILLIAM JEROME'S, HERALD SQUARE COMEDIANS. Present-
ing the Evergreen Farcical Success, "A JAY IN NEW YORK." An entertainment in three parts by WILLIAM JEROME. (Musical Num-
bers) Act 1: Opening Chorus "3:33 In The Morning," by Company. "Smoky Mokes," by Misses TEMPLE, QUINIAN, EAMES, HOW-
ARD and BURDOCK, SEDGWICK and MACK. Grotesque specialty by HARRY E. MACK. "Never let your babe go on the stage," coon
melody written by William Jerome and sung by THOMAS H. SEDGWICK. Melody by Company. "Miss Fillipino" by SEDGWICK,
MACK, STEAD, TEMPLE, ALLERN, QUINLIN, ALERN, EVENS, HOWARD, BURDOCK and EAMES. Grand Finale: RICHARD H. WELCH
and BERTA STEAD in a Grand Cake Walk, "My Honolulu Lady," assisted by entire company. Act II: Opening Chorus - "Since he
won that $30,000 prize" by Miss MAUD NUGENT. Author of "Sweet Rosy O'Grady." THOMAS H. SEDGWICK in his new mono-
logue "You don't stop the world from going around." QUINLAN and the "swells," CLARKE and TEMPLE in "The Passing Show."
The Grand Finale: RICHARD H. WELCH as John Philip Sousa and his famous band, assisted by entire company. Act III: Opening
chorus - "My Little Liz," by WILLIAM JEROME, by company. Character change act by the famous ALLEN SISTERS, RICHARD H.
WELCH and BERTHA STEAD in an up-to-date specialty song, "A JAY IN NEW YORK," by entire company. Good Night. Prices: 25,
35, 50 cents.
On September 26, 1903 the Baker Opera House presented a special engagement of Americas Greatest Minstrel Company, THE
GUS SUNS AMERICAN MINSTRELS, introducing the Grand Spectacular First Part Setting; THE DAWN OF DAY. Also the Great
Cycle Wheel, with a superb Band and Orchestra. A street parade at noon. Coming on October 1st. Another big Trust! All the
funny things that are New and Novel have been merged into PECKS BAD BOY, its True, and It's Funny. Admission 25 cents.
Reserved seats 35 and 50 cents.
Gus Sun was a name synonymous with minor league vaudeville; to play smalltime vaudeville was to play Gus Sun time.
As the head of his own booking agency, he once claimed to book more theatres than B. F. Keith, but they were never major es-
tablishments. He introduced the concept of the split week, with the entertainer playing three days at one theatre and, if he was
lucky, three days at another. Many performers were will to work Gus Sun time while breaking in a new act, but probably the
only vaudevillian discovered by Gus Sun was Chic Sale.
The son of German immigrants named Klotz born on October 7, 1868, Gus Sun changed his name while working in a
juggling act withhis brothers. In 1889 he joined the Summerville and Lee Circus as a juggler; he later worked as a vaudevillian.
By 1903 he was the head of his own minstrel troupe. In October 1904, Sun opened a makeshift vaudeville/motion picture thea-
tre in Springfield, Ohio and from that one theatre he expanded, within five years, to eleven others. A lack of acts for his theatres
forced Sun to open his own agency, the Gus Sun Booking Agency, in 1906, providing performers for small-time vaudeville thea-
tres. Following Sun's death in 1959, the agency continued under the management of Gus Sun, Jr., who joined the agency in
1934. In later years, the agency prospered more from booking acts for fairs and amusement parks. Handford, Edgar C. "Gus Sun
--Showman 50 Years." 1939.
Returning back by popular demand: THE BLACK THORN! Americas representative Irish Comedian MR. JOSEPH J. SULLI-
VAN in a picturesque Irish Comedy Drama in 4 acts. THE BLACK THORN! Grander and Stronger than ever. New Songs. New Mu-
sic. New Faces. Admission: 35 cents. Reserved seats: 25 and 35 cents.
BAKER OPERA HOUSE! Tuesday, Dec. 5th. THE ATKINSON COMEDY CO. presents, PECK'S BAD BOY, A Brand New Ver-
sion! Admission: 25 and 35 cents. Reserved: 50 cents. BAKER OPERA HOUSE! One Week Only! Beginning Monday December
11th. THE BROADWAY STOCK CO. in NEW YORK SUCCESSES. Specials, THE GERMANIA ORCHESTRA. Prices: 10, 20 and 30 cents.
No Higher.

BAKER OPERA HOUSE! The Original Musical Comedy, A CHINESE ROMANCE, 58 people in the cast. They Carry Their
Qwn Special Scenery, Elegant Oriental Costumes, and their own CHINESE ORCHESTRA. Admission: 25 and 35 cents. Reserved
Seats: 50 cents. Now on Sale at Killgore's Drug Store.
Toward the end of the Baker's 17-year run as a major vaudeville theater, some of the other acts that appeared during
vaudevilles peak era included the popular SEYMORE-STRATTON THEATER CO. starring LIZZIE SEYMORE and THOMAS STRAT-
TON with the Brass Band and Orchestra. MAE BLOSSOM in the TWO ORPHANS, COLLEEN BAWN in OUR BOYS. Featuring
new and elegant costumes with the PROFESSOR LILLY'S BAND and the CONWAY ORCHESTRA! A band concert each evening in
front of the opera house beginning at 7 oclock.

(Editor's note: The "Two Orphans" was a very popular production in Dover and returned on several occasions. The leading ac-
tress was Mae Blossom. Could this be the source of the naming of Dover's first two fire horses, Mae and Blossom?)
BAKER OPERA HOUSE presents MORAN & THOMAS in the SAN FRANCISCO MINSTRELS! The worlds greatest dancers
PICKERT & MAYON. Featuring: CALLED AWAY by J.F. DAVIS. ISABELLA by J.C. HARRIGAN and BRING BACK THAT OLD
SMILE." The Famous VERNON STOCK COMPANY AND LILLIAN LANCASTER for one week only. Also appearing, The Great Ameri-
can Play, A DEBT OF HONOR. Appearing on April 2, 1904 starring EDWARD WALDMAN in DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE. Monday
and Tuesday April 4th and 5th enjoy MOVING PICTURES, producing a modern and up-to-date CIRCUS PERFORMANCE. A real
circus-day in all its spender by motion pictures. The only entertainment of its kind being produced in this country. A real Nov-
elty, Don't Miss It!
Getting the Bennett & Moulton Comic Opera Company booked in Dover was a popular traveling troupe in the early
days of vaudeville. Getting booked at the Baker Opera House in Dover was a rare treat for Doverites to have such an extrava-
ganza performance for one solid week.
The troupe brought five nights of comic plays including A Daughter of the People, The Belle of Virginia, The Lydon
Bank Robbery, and The Working Girl to name a few. Also on the bill was Walter Fletcher with comic songs and imitations,
The LeBlanc Sisters, singing and dancing comediennes and William H. Malone, monologue entertainer and humorist. Also fea-
tured were The Cuban Nightengales, Bohee and Hyers.
The Company made national news when arriving at its next stop. According to the New York Times, the performers
were driven out of Williamport, Pennsylvania because one of its members was taken ill with smallpox. When their train arrived
in town, armed guards forced the company to walk in freezing temputures for hours before they were allowed to spend the
night in a side-tracked passenger coach. Apparently, word was sent ahead that a member of the group was ill and the disease
was pronounced smallpox. When the train arrived, guards held the local bridge and the company members were not allowed to
cross.
For half the night members walked in the cold weather looking for shelter. By this time the women were suffering from
intense cold. Finally, a railroad employee found two empty coaches where the company spent the remainder of the night.
The Times reported that the members were quarantined for several days and were finally released.
According to the New York Times on December 15, 1903, the members of the company were traveling from Shenan-
doah to Danville when one member became ill and his disease was pronounced smallpox. Word was sent ahead and when the
train arrived in Williamsport, guards held the local bridge and the company was not allowed to cross. For half the night members
of the company walked about looking for shelter. By this time, the women of the company were suffering from the intense cold.
Finally, a Reading Railroad employee found two empty coaches where the company spent the remainder of the night.
On Dec. 18th, The Times reported that the members of the company were quarantined for several days and were finally
released and arrived in Paterson to perform at the Opera House there. The troupe performed at several venues in New Jersey
and New York before arriving in Dover for one week commencing on February 22, 1904.
Bennett-Moulton Co. Playbill
At the Baker Opera House
ONE WEEK
Commencing Monday Feb. 22,
Matinees Monday and Saturday
Producing the Following Plays:
EVENINGS
Monday A Daughter of the People
Tuesday Gotca Out of Society
Wednesday The Bells of Virginia
Thursday Shipwrecked
Friday The Lyndon Bank Robbery
Saturday Way Out Yonder
MATINEES
Monday The Day of Judgment
Saturday Way Out Yonder
SPECIALTIES
WALKER FLETCHER With a budget
Of comic songs and imitations.
SISTER LaBLANC Singing and dancing
WILLIAM H. MALONE Monologue entertainer
And humorist.
BONES AND HYERS
The Cuban Nightingales. The hightest gala
Lead Feature act ever carried with a popular
priced company.
THE GREAT SUCCESS
A DAUGHTER OF THE PEOPLE
By Justin Adams, author of Quincy Adams
Sawyer
DONT FAIL TO SEE
THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
Most popular sensational play of the season.
MATINEE ..10 and 20 Cents


The last vaudeville show to appear at
the Baker Opera House "DALY'S BIG
BLACK SENSATION COMPANY" with
25 artists was on May 7, 1904.

BAKER OPERA HOUSE SUDDENDLY
CLOSED
Without any notice whatso-
ever, William H. Baker suddenly closed
the doors to the Baker Opera House on
May 13, 1904 amid rumors that he had
abandoned the theater. Mr. Baker vehemently denied that to be true. Shortly afterwards he re-
moved all the seats and stage, reconstructed the interior and converted the building into space
for offices and retail businesses. For over a year, "the town suffered for want of a large and properly equipped playhouse." The
local schools and other auditoriums in town filled in as sites for live stage shows. WILL LYLE, The Merry Minstrel and Banjo
Comic at the North Side School Building, Friday Evening, November 23, 1906. Admission: 15 cents.
Rumors spread throughout town that Mr. Baker was about to build a newer and larger playhouse, but every reported
article that appeared in the newspapers came of no avail. Month after month after month the rumors surfaced and faded.
Townsfolk became angry and demanded an answer. Local editorials felt helpless not knowing what to report. On several occa-
sions a story would appear only to be retracted in the next edition to great embarrassment.

Mr. Baker would not say a word for nearly two years until December 22, 1905 when he made the announcement in the local
newspapers that the rumors were true and that he had planned to construct for Dover, a new playhouse.
According to The Dover Advance, "Councilman elect, William H.
Baker, for many years known as one of Dovers most progressive citizens,
and in fact, Dovers leading theatrical man having conducted the Baker Op-
era House for several years, has concluded to fill the one expected long-felt
want of our town, William H. Bakers Christmas Gift to Doverities. Accord-
ing to Mr. Baker, the modern building will be erected on the grounds in rear
of the Hotel Dover with the main entrance on Warren Street.
Since Mr. Baker had the seats and stage removed from the old op-
era house about two years ago and has since untilized the space for offices,
etc., the town has suffered somewhat for the want of a large and properly
equipped playhouse. Time and again there have been rumors afloat to the
effect that Mr. Baker was about to erect a new opera house or theater on a
lot just west of the Cummins Building on West Blackwell Street, but all such
rumors failed to reach maturity.
Mr. Baker has now decided on the erection of an update theater building, modern in its architecture and convenient
and accommodating as well. Mr. Baker has two sets of plans under consideration. It will be either of brick or concrete blocks
and will be three stories high. It will face Warren Street and will be 118 feet deep and 75 feet wide.
It will have two balconies, a stage to accommodate 500 people and balconies and orchestra to seat 1200 people. It will
be called the Dover Theater.
The building will be heated throughout with steam heat and will be lighted with both electricity and gas. In some in-
stances either of these lights could be used to better advantage than the other for special open effects, etc. The orchestra pit
will be on the ground floor and the stage will be considerably larger than the old one at the Baker Opera House which was 88 X
88 feet. The curtain will be of asbestos and the scenery fireproof throughout and every detail for the publics safety and conven-
ience will be installed.
The main entrance in the orchestra circle and balcony will be separate from the others. To get to the gallery, entrance
will have to be made by a door to the left which will not permit the patrons of the gallery to come into contact with those of the
orchestra circle and balcony.
Mr. Baker delighted to report that as of December 22, 1905 a force of men are engaged in excavating the lot to erect
the foundation for the most modern theater between Dover and Newark. Mr. Baker hopes the work to be completed by the
spring of 1906, weather permitting, and ready to open to the public by August 15th with a good attraction. According to the
Dover Advance: This beautiful building will be a great improvement to our town and the people of Dover can consider this, one
of the greatest Christmas gifts our town has ever received.
Now the stage was set for Dovers newest, largest and most modern pride and joy, THE BAKER THEATRE. The original
plans were for the new theater to be constructed behind the Dover Hotel on Warren Street. This proposal apparently fell
through as Mr. Baker decided to construct the new building at the western end of Blackwell Street next to the Hoagland Memo-
rial Presbyterian Church on the site that was once McFarlan Park.




The Baker Theatre
1906-1978

39 West Blackwell Street
Construction date 1906
Architect style: Neoclassical commercial vernacular. Round-arched triple-window grouping with limestone lunettes and Corin-
thian columns is set slightly off-center on the faade. Not only does the Baker Theatre have the largest capacity of any thea-
tre in Morris County, it was a culmination of a long line of 19th century "opera houses" and "lecture halls" that made Dover
the unrivaled center for dramatic, musical and cultural events in the County.
Robert Guter/Dover Redevelopment Agency

THE BAKER THEATRE
"NEW JERSEY'S FINEST PLAYHOUSE"
When the doors of this new theater opened for the first time on December 5, 1906, it was considered the finest playhouse in the
entire state and was labeled as the premier entertainment showcase in New Jersey. It seated 1,146 and was billed as the largest
vaudeville playhouse in the entire region


The Grand Opening program was Mr. Robert Mantell & Company in Sir Edward Bulwer's Romantic play, RICHELIEU or
THE CONSPIRACY. Prices for opening night were 50 cents, 1.00 and 1.50. Tickets went on sale at the theater box office the Sat-
urday before the big event
. GRAND OPENING! Of The Baker Theatre, Dover, N.J. Wednesday, Dec. 5th, By MR. ROBERT
MANTELL and company in Sir Edward Bulwer's Romantic Play, "RICHELIEU" or, "The Conspir-
acy." Prices For the Grand Opening Attraction: 50 cents, $1.00 and $1.50. The Box Office of the
new Theatre will be opened for sale of tickets Saturday evening, Dec. 1st at 7 o'clock. After Sat-
urday the box office will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tel. 52 R.
Robert Mantell was a British-American actor born in 1854. He made his debut in 1876
and had his own company in 1905. Mantell was noted for his Shakespearean roles. His most
noted roles included Moonbard, Merchant of Venice and Richlieu. He died in 1928.
The next day, the Dover Index Newspaper wrote the following:
"The Baker Theater opened last night under the most auspicious circumstances. There are 1,146
seats in the house and all by six were taken. Many of the audience attended in evening dress. The inte-
rior of the house was shown to its advantage by the glare of the hundreds of lights, the dainty tints of the
decorations contracting most harmoniously. A special train over the Wharton and Northern Railroad
brought forty people from along that line to the performance. Such was the crowd that the service of the
trolley was by far insufficient, the transaction company failing to make any arrangement whatever for
carrying the people, but running only the daily number of cars.
BAKER THEATRE ON THE SITE OF MC FARLAN PARK
William H. Baker constructed the new Dover Theater on property he purchased from the Henry
McFarlan Estate at the western end of what was once Dovers pride and joy, the beautiful, "McFarlan
Park. The theater was built almost on the very site of the historic 1815 Losey-McFarlan mansion house
and stables. McFarlan Park was the pride of the Village with flowering trees and gardens. Mr. McFarlan often displayed rare and
exotic plants each year to the townspeople's delight. Its often been said that some of New Jerseys first tomatoes were culti-
vated here, long before tomatoes were eaten by the public, believing them to be poisonous. They were referred to then as
Love Apples. Also, tall shaded oak trees lined both sides of West Blackwell Street from Warren Street up to Prospect Street
making this section of town a beautiful showcase.
When Henry McFarlan died in 1882, his family began to sell property lots in the 1890s and soon all the traces of the gar-
dens and beautiful park were gone forever. As Susan Crittenden explained it in a letter dated 1913: "The heirs of the McFarlan
estate sold off this beautiful homestead property, thus giving business an opportunity to creep into this part of the town. As
business increased, trees decreased, and the glory of this portion of the town became a thing of the past."
THE BAKER THEATRE, A MAJOR VAUDEVILLE PLAYHOUSE
By now, vaudeville was Americas most popular form of entertainment and Dover was a major stop along the vaudeville
circuit equal to that of many large cities. The vaudeville road shows brought great happiness and excitement to Dover. Estimates
are that, when vaudeville "road shows" reached their peak in 1904, there were some 420 separate companies touring the United
States and Canada. The acrobats, animal acts, the dancers, singers, the old time comedians and stage productions remained the
popular form of entertainment from about 1875 to 1925. By 1919, there were reported to be more than 900 theaters in the
country playing vaudeville, Dover being one of them.
At its peak, the Baker entertained Charles Champlin and Myrkle Harder who brought stock companies to Dover to play
Broadway hits, such as The Latest Rebel, "The Old Homestead and Bayard Viellers Within The Law which opened on Janu-
ary 29, 1914 with Joe Garson.
Top national touring vaudeville acts turned up at the Baker such as regulars like Joe Cook, The Avon Company Four, Lou Costello,
Vivian Phillips, Annina Green and Joe Frisco.





Joe Cook Lou Costello DeWolf Hopper Lillian Russell
Joe Cook was the famous comedian and Broadway star who also displayed a great deal of amazing juggling talents. Joe
Cook appeared in Rain and Shine a musical comedy he performed on the stage and later in a motion picture. Mr. Cook was re-
ferred to as The One-Man Vaudeville Show" and lived in nearby Lake Hopatcong. Mr. Cook bought his 17-acre lake front prop-
erty in 1924 and it was long remembered as a "party house." By now Joe Cook was a well known Broadway name and entertained
some of the biggest names in show business such as Babe Ruth, the Marx Brothers, Mae West, Abbott and Castello, to name but a
few. By 1935 his wife couldn't take it anymore and left. In 1941 Mr. Cook was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, disappeared
from public view and died in 1959.
Another local regular at the Baker was Patersons very own Lou Costello who later made movies and early television
shows with partner Bud Abbott. Lou Costello was born in Paterson on March 6, 1908. After finishing high school he worked as a
carpenter at MGM and Warners. He went from there to stuntman and then to vaudeville as a comic often using his birth name
Lou Cristillo. In 1931 while working in Brooklyn, his straightman became ill and the theatre cashier, Budd Abbott filled in for him.
The two formed their famous comedy team and, through the 1930s, they worked burlesque, minstrel shows, vaudeville and
movie houses. In 1938 they got national exposure through the "Kate Smith Hour" radio show.
Lillian Russell made her stage debut in 1880 and became an instant star performing in many of Gilbert and Sullivan oper-
ettas. She became a household name and long remembered for being the first voice for Alexander Graham Bell when introducing
his long distance phone service on May 8, 1890. Stationed in New York, Miss Russell sang to audiences in Boston and Washington.
DeWolf Hopper was drawn to the stage where he became one of the foremost comedians of his day in vaudeville, light
opera and theatre. He was tall and possessed of a deep, sonorous voice that could be heard in every corner of the largest theatre.
Despite the many roles he essayed in vaudeville, comic opera and even Keystone film comedies, he is forever identified with his
recitation of "Casey at the Bat."






The bookings at the Baker Theatre for the 1907-08 season were as follows:
December 23 The Ninity and Nine
25 Nip & Tuck
26 Under Southern Skies
28 Little Tycoon Opera Company
30 Human Hearts
31 The Great Divide
January 1 Guy Brothers Minstreals
3 Happy Hooligan
18 Janey Junkins
20-25 Bennett Moulton Company
February 1 Thorns & Orange Blossoms
5 Rudolph & Adoeph
8 Are You a Mason?
15 Dr. Jekyle & Mr. Hyde
18 The Shadow Behind the Throne
22 Too Proud to Beg
24-29 Murray & Mackey Company
March 2 Our Friend Fritz
3 Elks Minstrels
7 The Planter's Wife
10-14 Vitagraph Pictures
16 Rip Van Winkle
17 Vitagraph Pictures
18 Howes
20 Vitagraph Pictures
21 Panhandle Pete
23 Volunteer Organist
25 Vitagraph Pictures
28 Molly Brown
31 George Sidney in "Busy Izzy"
April 1 De Rue Brother Minstrels
3 Hottest Coon in Dixie
4 Pictures
8 Two Jolly Companions
10 Real Widow Brown
11 Pictures
15 His Honor the Mayor
18-25 Pictures
30 Business Men's Carnival
May 1 Man of the Hour
2 Pictures
5 Professor Warford's Opera
August 8 Mayor of Tokeo
12 Little Johnny Jones
14 What Happened to Jones
17 Under Suspicion
19 Billy the Kid
Vaudeville and exclusive pictures at
the Baker Theatre will be topped by The Metro-
politan Comedy Co. in their best play let entitled,
The Grafters. The opening spot on the program
will probably be assigned to Neher & Kappel, in
their whirlwind roller-skating exhibition which
always receives the undivided approval of their
audiences. With the increasing popularity of
comedy character-changing acts, Mason & Mann
will offer one that will be worthy of merit. Russell
& Hayes will balance the program with a timely
vocal and instrumental offering. The exclusive
photo plays will be a sweet little drama by Pathe
in two parts, A Dutch Love Story and A Railroad
Wooing taken on the Wharton & Northern RR.
The Baker program will consist of four
acts, headed by the Bohemian Four, a mixed
quartette of singers and instrumentalists of note. A
comedy skit, Posey Folk, will be submitted by the
Austins & Bartlett, and Bonneau will do their well
known pianologue act. The exclusive service for
the program will be the wonderful three-reel Japa-
nese subject by Melies, The Yellow Slave, and a
comedy drama by Vitagraphs, Back to Eden.
The other three-part production by Pathe are
entitled, The Mystery of the Thoroughbread, The
Barter of Louisa, and one of Seligs favorites,
Cupid Makes a Bulls Eye.
At the Baker, Fred Andrews will be
at home and will introduce to the Dover people
the seasons greatest novelty, The Wonder
Kettle, a scientific demonstration with liquid air
by means of which he boils water in the kettle
after placing it on a cake of ice. A distinct
novelty which will inject variety into a bill com-
posed of Brott & Hepper, comedy sketch,
William J. Mills in his ever popular character
changing offering and one of the greatest trick
bicycle artistic performances by Todeska &
Todeska. The exclusive service will be a three-
part Lubin, The Blind Power.
Kirk Brown, a favorite with
theatre goers, along with supporting actress
Miss Marguerite Fields and a carefully
selected company will begin an engagement
at the Baker. Mr. Brown is no stranger to
Dover audiences and his appearances in the
past have be very successful. The plays
presented are of notable successes, namely:
The Woman in the Case, which ran a year
on Broadway, The Matchmaker, the
famous comedy Browns in Town, and
Thais last seasons greatest hit in New
York produced at the Criterion Theatre..
21 Funny Mr. Dooley
24 Montana
28 Mc Fadden's Flats
30 The Squaw Man
September 2 The Train Robbers
6 Dan'l Sully Company
7 Through Death Valley
10 Red Feather
12 Lion and the Mouse
16 Buster Brown
18 The Shoemaker
21 David Harum
23 King Richard the Third
27 Gingerbread Man
30 Aubrey Stock Company
October 1-7 Aubrey Stock Company
8 The Gypsy Girl
12 East Lynne
15 The Walls of Jericho
19 Metro. Moving Pictures
24 The Way of the Transgressor
26 Hadley's Moving Pictures
28 Jas. O'Neill in Monte Cristo
November 1 My Wife's Family
2 Passion Play
9 Robertson's Pictures
14 The Girl in the Barracks
16 Clara Bloodgood in "The Truth"
18-23 Charles K. Champlin Company
27 Lynian Howe's Pictures
28 The Great Wall Street Mystery
30 Mildred & Rouchlere
December 9-11 Yankee Doodle Stock Co.
12 His Terrible Secret
Yankee Doodle Stock Co.
21 Why Girls Leave Home
TYPICAL BAKER THEATRE PLAYBILLS
BETWEEN 1909-1918
Typical early vaudeville shows at the
Baker Theater included "The Favorite" MA-
MIE FLEMING and her excellent Company
presenting a high-class repertoire, magnificent scenery, and costumes. The plays included, THE STREET SINGER, THE CITY OF
NEW YORK, CARMAN, THE LIGHT HOUSE ROBBERY, WHY HE DIVORCED HER, MY UNCLE FROM JAPAN, YANKEE BESS, UNCLE
TOM'S CABIN and others. Prices were 10, 20 30 and 50 cents.
Baker Theatre, All Next Week! Commencing Monday Matinee, Jan. 13, 1913, EARL D. SIDE presents "THE WINIFRED ST.
CLAIRE COMPANY." Presenting a Repertoire of Broadway Successes: Matinees: Monday - "Cutest Girl In Town," Tuesday -
"Girls," Wednesday - "Way Down South," Thursday - "The One He Loved," Friday - "Mrs. Temple's Telegram," Saturday - "Lena
Rivers." Evenings: Monday - "The Turning Point," Tuesday - "Little Grey Lady," Wednesday - "Mrs. Temple's Telegram," Thurs-
day - "Cutiest Girl In Town," Friday - "The Road To Yesterday," Saturday - " Way Down South." Prices - Matinees: 10 and 20
cents. Evenings: 10, 20, 30 and 50 cents. Seats Now On Sale!








The Dover Advance wrote the following: Perhaps the most imprortant theatrical event of the year is the introduction of
Winifred St. Clair to us as the star of a large company of augumented players. Those that are well posted in the doings of the
theatrical world know of Miss St. Claire and her reputation. She has gained fame and popularity in the west and middle states
and immediately upon her introduction to the east she repeated her other successes. She now has the distinction of being the
foremost star of the traveling stock organizations. In the support of Miss St. Claire are twenty two actors and actresses. Many of
the former New York successes are among the plays presented by this company. Each play be it drama or comedy is mounted
with a complete production. A car load of scenery and effects is one of the important assets of this attraction.


Other popular shows billed at the Baker included BILLY ALLEN'S "BIG MUSICAL COMEDY CO." featuring GIRLS, GIRLS,
GIRLSwho can singwho can dancewho are pretty, with special scenery and electrical effects. LLOYD & CASTANO with Com-
edy, Singing and Talking. FLORENCE BOWES, singing Comedienne, CONROY & WAYNE presenting the comedy sketch entitled,
"THE CLAIM AGENT." The return of the CHICAGO STOCK COMPANY presenting the recent Broadway success "The Delightful
New England Comedy "OUR NEW MINISTER" by DENMAN THOMPSON and HENRIETTA CROSMAN'S Big New York Comedy Suc-
cess "SHAM." Returning by popular demand, CHARLES K. CHAMPLIN and his splendid company presenting the latest New
York successes "THE REFORMER," "THE PRICE WOMEN PAY," "THE MILLS OF THE GODS," and "WHAT HAPPENED TO JONES."









Billy
Allen was the father of Steve Allen.
On December 12, 1912 the Baker presented "GET-RICH-QUICK WALLINGFORD" and on December 30th "MADAM BUT-
TERFLY." Larry Boyd presents The Hedge Holmes MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY "In Song plays of Brimful of Music, Mirth, and
Wholesome Entertainment" 24 People, Special Scenery and Electrica Effects. As a special inducement Paramount will offer MAY
IRWIN in "MRS. BLACK IS BACK." Orchestra seats 30 cents, First balcony 20 cents and 2nd balcony 10 cents.
Judging from the length of its run, "Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford" was the greatest success of 1910. It opened in Sep-
tember and ran through the following years piling up 424 performances. Cohan and Harris, producers, also sent several compa-
nies on tour, and it was a popular play with the stock companies. Hale Hamilton, Frances Ring, Edward Ellis, Fay Wallace and
Grant Mitchell were in the original New York company. Among the other big hits of the year were "Alias Jimmy Valentine, "
and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm."

A vaudeville bill consisted of approximately eight acts presented in sequence:
The "Opening" was usually acrobats or animals; a "silent act" that would not be ruined by the
bustle of the audience settling in.
Usually a "singing sister" or "dancing brother" act. The youngest of the vaudeville singing
"Gumm Sisters went on to fame after changing her name to Judy Garland.
A comedy sketch or one-act play.
A novelty or dance act.
Reserved for rising stars or falling ones, to close out the first act.
After intermission came a "big" act involving a large set or bandstand.
"Next to Closing" was the star spot reserved for the headliner.
"The Closing" was reserved for boring or downright annoying acts that might encourage pa-
trons to leave before the next show.
The popularity of vaudeville rested in the fact that there were so many possibilities in every show to find something to
your taste. If you did not like the act currently on stage, you only had to wait a few minutes for something (hopefully) better to
come on.







The Baker, Dover, N.J. VAUDEVILLE, Tonight, Tuesday and Wednesday, Mat. Wed. 2:30, BUCHANAN DE VENS CO. Com-
edy Sketch, "THE SUFFRAGETTS' BALL." "LA PARISE," Big Scenic Production with Posing Dogs. JEFF AND LA VERN HEALY, Sing-
ing and Pianologue. TWO ACROBATIC ZULUS, Comedy Acrobats. Plus, Exclusive Service Photo Plays,Tonight, Two-parts: "THE
SWITCHMAN'S MISTAKE" and "A QUARTER BACK." Coming Friday, Jan. 9th. JOHN W. VOGAL'S, BIG CITY MINSTRELS with two
local boys, LEW VAN ORDEN and JOE PORPHY. Prices: 25, 35, 50 and 75 cents.

VAUDEVILLE WORTH WHILE! The Baker Tonight and Friday Night and Saturday, Matinee and Night. A "LUCKY 13" PEOPLE
VAUDEVILL BILL headed by FRED LARENE AND CO. offering their Spectacular Electrical Novelty, VAUD AND ALLEN, Comedy
Singing and Dancing. THE THREE COMIQUES, Comedy Acrobats. PIERRE PELITIER & CO. Presents the Comedy-Dramatic Playlet
entitled: "THE 10:40 WEST." Attractions For Next Week: Monday night: ROBERT WARWICK in "ALLIAS JIMMY VALENTINE,"
Tuesday night: WILLIAM ELLIOTT, in "WOMEN AND WINE," also Featuring GRACE CUNARD and FRANCIS FORD in "THE BRO-
KEN COIN."







RAYMOND F. WOODHULL NAMED MANAGER OF THE BAKER
On Thursday, May 29, 1913, the Dover Advance ran the following story. Raymond F.
Woodhull was appointed manger of the Baker Theatre on June 1, 1913. Mr. Woodhull, a life long
resident of Dover and better known as "Pete" was born with a theatrical business talent that made
him suitable for such an occupation. As a child he took a deep interest in the show business and
when a very young man he appeared on the stage as an amature black faced comedian, making a
decided hit. For the past two or three years he has been writing and staging the minstrels for the
Dover Lodge of the Elks and that he has made a decided success at this is well known by the hun-
dreds of people in this section who have enjoyed the shows. Though he has held several responsi-
ble positions, we are safe in saying that the cocation of Mr. Woodhull hince boyhood should have
been in the theatrical line. As the old saying goes, "he was just cut out for it."
IMPROVEMENTS AT THE BAKER
Stairways changed, new ladies retiring room, children's nursery, check room and gentle-
men's lounging apartments and being added to the Baker Theatre. Mr. Baker says he is not going to leave a stone unturned in
the way of equipment to assist his new manager, Mr. Woodhull, in making the season 1913-14 the "biggest ever" at the Baker.
The old so-called "peanut heaven" or gallery will be eliminated, and orchestra chairs will replace the present benches, thus
making the second balcony uniformly seated back to the picture booth. At the first landing on both sides, door lead to the l a-
dies retiring rooms and children's nursery, which will be in charge of matrons on all big attractions. Under the new plan Mr.
Baker, Mr. Woodhull and Mr. Hicks will all have private offices together with a special apartment for traveling managers. From
a glance at Mr. Baker's booking sheet, the people of Dover will be permitted during the coming season to witness some of the
best New York productions without the long ride on the theatre train to the big city.
On Tuesday, August 12, 1913, John Philip Sousa and
his world famous band came to Dover for one show only,
The Baker Theatre, Tuesday, Aug. 12th, Matinee Only!
Special Engagement: SOUSA And His BAND! JOHN PHILIP
SOUSA, Conductor. The World Famous Model Soloists: MISS
VIRGINIA ROOT, Soprano: MISS MARGEL GLUCK, Violiniste:
HERBERT L. CLARKE, Cornetist, SOUSA'S BAND compares only
with SOUSA'S BAND! First Appearance in Dover! Concert be-
gins at 2:15. Prices: 35, 50 and 75c. Seats Now Selling!
The Dover Advance wrote the following about the John Philip Sousa Band, John Phillip Sousa has traveled farther and
given more concerts than any other musician. In the tours of Sousa and his band during the past twenty-one years, they have
covered over 600,000 miles and given over 9,000 concerts, and Mr. Sousa has personally conducted the band wherever it had
appeared. Sousa and his band have been heard all over the world by millions of people, for the audiences they have delighted
have often been vast in numbers, even exceeding the almost incredible figures of 100,000 persons in one day.
Sousa is proud of the fact that, in all of these years, he has kept his band up to the highest standard. There is but one
Sousa's Band, and a Sousa concert always means the hearing of the finest players and soloists that the highest salaries can com-
mand. When it is announced that this unequalled organization will be here at the Baker Theatre on August 12, with Miss Virginia
Root, Miss Margel Gluck and Herbert L. Clarke, it is an assurance that the people of this city may expect to hear the same class of
entertainment that has made the name of Sousa so famous throughout the world.
The Baker Carefully Selected VAUDEVILLE! Tonight, Friday and Saturday, Evenings: 7:30 and 9:00. Saturday Matinee:
2:45. Heading The Bill: JOHN B. COOKE and His Company, Presenting His Most Successful Playlet: "THE SWAG" Cooler Than The
Street! A Big Scream: 'THE HARDTS" Burlesque Strong Act. The Well Known Minstrels, GREEVE AND COE, Comedy Musical Act.
The All Around Favorites, THE HARRISON-WEST TRIO, Featuring BUSTER WEST. Coming Friday, "PERILS OF PAULINE" More
Thrilling Than Ever! Special Housewives Matinee.









The Baker Theatre - DOVER, NEW JERSEY - TONIGHT! - MISS BESSE DAINTY, with Himmelein Associate Players, In The
Famous "THE BLUE MOUSE." Friday Matinee, Ladies Only! "THE LITTLE GIRL THAT HE FORGOT." No Men Admitted! No Girls Un-
der 17! Friday Night, The feature Bill of the Week, "THE TRIUMPH OF VIRTUE" Tango Dancing Contest Immediately After Per-
formance. Saturday Matinee, "CINDERELLA" or "WHEN ALL THE WORLD WAS YOUNG." Saturday Evening, CLYDE FITCHE'S Fa-
mous Play, "THE CITY." Prices: Mat. Adults 20 cents. Children 10 cents. Evening 10, 20, 30, 50 cents.
The Daily Advance wrote the following on February 6, 1914: Tonight Himmelein's Players headed by Miss Besse Dainty,
will be seen in one of the wittiest comedies of the day. "The Blue Mouse" is without an equal as a laugh producer and people
who like comedy should not miss seeing Miss Dainty and company tonight in the sparkling comedy of New York Life.
The Baker Official Opening of the 1916-1917 Season! Tonight, The management proudly presents as the inaugural offer-
ing of the Baker's Eleventh Season, The Celebrated American Comedienne: MAY ROBSON, Herself, And Her Excellent Company
in Her Latest Success: "THE MAKING OVER OF MRS. MATT," by JAMES FORBES. Direct from the New Nixon Theatre in Atlantic
City, where Miss Robson entertained thousands of the "city folks." Prices: 25, 50, 75 cents, $1.00, a few $1.50. Curtain Call:
8:20. Carriage Call: 10.45.
Mae Robson was born in the Australian bush. When a young girl she was brought to England and put in a convent at
Highgate and later she studied in Brussels and Paris. At sixteen she ran away from home and married a boy of eighteen and they
sought a home in Texas, near Fort Worth. After several years of hardship, she found herself in New York, a widow with three
little children to support. She crocheted woolen hoods and designed dinner cards. Two of the children died, the sale of cards
declinded and she went on stage.
Her first appearance was in "The Hoop of Gold." She played "Tilly" a London slaxey and made a hit. But for all that,
she had to paint dinner cards for two more years. Then she acted Miss Ashforth in "The Private Secretary." Later she became a
member of the Lyceum and of the Empire companies. Noteworthy among her many creations are "Liberty Hall," Brundy in
"Gudgvons," Miss Prism in "The Importance of Being Earnest," Miss Gemoit in "Bohemia," Mrs. Voskins in "Lord and Lady
Algy," Miss Yesrsuma, with her three legged dance in "The Poet and the Puppets," and Queen Elizabeth in Paul Kestor's
"Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall." For a short time Miss Robson was one of the fun maker at Weber's Theatre. Since 1907 she
has been a star in "The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary."
WILLIAM H. BAKER DIES AT 67
William H. Baker died on November 16, 1918 at the age of 67.
The theater was taken over by his son Henry O. Baker who later became
partners with Raymond F. Woodhull.
William H. Baker (Dover Advance Nov. 18, 1918)
One of Dovers Oldest and Best Known Citizens Succumbs
Founded Baker Theatre Henry O. Baker Raymond F. Woodhull
Was interested in various financial and business projects of the town. One of our largest real estate promoters, a life of activity
in the towns interests.
The death of William Henry Baker, proprietor of the Baker Theatre; one of the largest holders of real estate in Dover,
and one of the most prominent citizens of our town, came as a great shock to the community on Saturday, November 16, 1918,
although it was generally known that his condition was such that hope for his recovery was despaired of. He passed away at
1:45 Saturday morning after an illness of several months from a complication of ailments.
Mr. Baker, sixty-seven years of age, was born October 3, 1851 at the Baker Homestead. His entire life was in and
around Dover. His first position after school was clerking in the post office. Later he went
into the grocery business with David A. Searing, their store being located on the corner of
Blackwell and Warren Streets. Fire destroyed this place. After the rebuilding was com-
pleted a new firm was started, this being known as Baker & Beemer. Later he bought out
Beemer and formed a partnership with Francis H. Tippett. After they dissolved that, he
took full possession and conducted the store known as the William H. Baker Store Com-
pany. He later retired from this and sold top John Lyon and then bought the Hurd Farm in
West Dover (known as the Baker Flats) and devoted his time to developing this tract of
land.
On December 65, 1906, Mr. Baker opened the Baker Theatre, now one of the fin-
est in the State. For many years prior to that he operated the Baker Opera House. He was
a great lover of nature and flowers. Mr. Baker was a director of the Dover Trust Company,
a director of the Dover General Hospital, treasurer of the Park Union Lumber Company and
vice-president of the Halsey Island Land Company. He was also a charter member of the
Protection Hook and Ladder Company and treasurer of the Quaker Meeting House Associa-
tion. Mr. Baker also servered on the Common Council for a number of years.
Mr. Baker was married on January 26, 1898 to Miss Carrie E. ODell of Laporte,
Ind. Who survives him with one son, Henry. Interment will be at Locust Hill Cemetery.
Around this time, motion pictures were just beginning to arrive on the scene and
a typical nightly performance at the Baker featured a short motion picture starting at 7
p.m. and was followed by 5 acts of vaudeville at 8:00 pm. The last show for the night
ended at 11 p.m..
For three days at the Baker with celebrated film stars Charlie Chaplin, Doug-
las Fairbanks and Frank Keenan in "THE RINK, AMERICAN ARISTROCRACY" and
"THE GRIMSBY'S BOY. " Harold Lloyd in the "LONESOME LUKE" Comedy and BLISS
along with four acts of Vaudeville with the Baker Orchestra.
On December 30, 1920, The Baker presents THE BOSTON ENGLISH OPERA
CO. in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Merriest of Comic Operas, "RUDDIGORE" on special
tour after 200 times in New York with the company's own orchestra and beauty cho-
rus.
By the early 1920s, in addition to the regular vaudeville acts and the silent
motion pictures, the Baker began to book major theatrical productions that made
full use of the theatre's five-story flyloft, back-stage and under-the-stage dressing
rooms for the stars and Morris County's largest stage area, that hosted dozens of
actors and dancers along with tons of scenery, all on stage at the same time.
The Baker Theatre, First Show of Season! A Fragrant Romance Studded
With Tunes and Catchy Song Numbers! Bristles With Scintillating Dialogue! THE
MERRY MUSICAL PLAY "BUDDIES" Direct From One Year Engagement in New York!
Laughs Galore--Songs A Plenty! Delightful As A Spring Zephyr. Picturesque Stage
Settings. An Exceptional Cast Of Metropolitan Artists! Prices: Orchestra, $2.00, 1.00.
1st Balcony, $2.00, 1.50, 1.00. 2nd Balcony $1.00. Seats Now On Sale!
The Baker Theatre, Special!!! Today, Tomorrow, Saturday Special!!! On The
Stage. A Musical Comedy In Ten Big Scenes! WILLIAM B. FRIEDLANDER'S "DANCING
HUSBANDS," with CHARLES MARSH and MAX STAMM. MARTHA VAUGHN and
HER GANG, MARTIN and LAKE, CLAY STERNS, ANDY VICARI, in A Riot of Song,
Dance, and Fun! A Whale Of A Show! No Advance Prices.
The Baker Theatre, Dover, N.J. One Performance Only! Friday Evening, Dec. 3rd,
1920, MADGE KENNEDY (Herself) in "CORNERED," A New Play by DODSON
MITCHELL. Staged by JOHN McKEE, With A Brilliant Broadway Cast including: NETTIE
BOURNE, MORGAN COMAN, EDWARD FIELDING, FRANK GRAYSON, JOSEPH V.
TULLER, NATALIE MANNING, THOMAS GUNN, FRANK PATTON, AMELIA GARDNER,
ELMER CORNELL, TOM WALSH, TIMOTHY KANE, ALICE DONALDSON, LESLIE AUS-
TEN, THERESE QUADRI, ROBERT FORSYTH, EDITH FORD. See This Wonderful Show Before It Starts Its New York Engagement at
The Astor Theatre Next Monday Night! Meet MADGE KENNEDY Face To Face. Note: No one will be seated during the first act, as
the dialogue is important to the proper understanding of the play. "CORNERED" is an Electrifying, Comedy-Drama, Laughs, Sus-
pense and Thrills! Prices: 50 cents to $2.00. A Few AT $2.50. Curtain at 8:30.
The Baker Theatre, Dover, N.J. Now Showing! Today, Tomorrow and Saturday. A Special Washington's Birthday Pro-
gram of Vaudeville, presenting JIMMY SHEARER, Favorite of Station WGCP and His Radio Pals in a Novelty Offering "AT THE
MIKE" and 4 Other Big Acts! Special! All Kiddies attending the Saturday Matinee will receive a present from Mr. Shearer.
Attention! Reader of the Saturday Evening Post. You will be delighted with the Paramount Picture Version of CAPPY
RICKS featuring as "Matt Peasloy" the star of stars Thomas Meighan. Cast includes Agnes Ayres. Added feature number one:
First showing in New Jersey of the OFFICIAL MOVIE CHATS. Added feature number two: "NEIGHBOUR NELLIE." Our excellent
Orchestra at all performances.
George Burns and Gracie Allen appear at the Baker on September 6th & 7th 1923.
The Baker Theatre. Be Sure and See THE PRIDE OF PALOMAR "A Picture You'll Like" Our Excellent Orchestra At All Per-
formances! TONIGHT and FRIDAY EVENING, Performances At 7 & 8:30. A Sparkling Ensemble of Big City VAUDEVILLE presenting
as its headlinger "THE EXPLORERS" A Spectacular Laugh-Fest That You Will Enjoy Because It's Different! BURNS & ALLEN, City
Circuit Comedians in a Gala of Laughter, "FIFTY-FORTY." FARRELL & HATCH, Singing Their Own Songs in Their Own Way, FRAN-
CES WOODWORD, GLORIA SWANSON in her new Paramount Picture Romance "MY AMERICAN WIFE." Coming Soon! "THE
PRIDE OF PALOMAR."
A column in the Dover Advance called "The Baker Theatre
Footlights," on September 6, 1923, the following was written about
the upcoming show featuring Burns and Allen: "With the passing of
Labor Day comes the end of the vacation period, the return of the
school pupils and the settling down of the older folks for a fall and
winter of work and recreation. And along with all the rest of the end
-of-summer activities we find the Baker Theatre in full sway for its
1923-24 season. The management states that its bookings indicate
the finest layout of any season in its history and should supply the
most exacting show-goer with satisfying indoor amusement. An
ingenious and original act entitled, "The Explorers" will headline the
vaudeville for the balance of the current week commencing tonight.
This screaming laugh festival is presented by five people, is embellished by elaborate scenery and costumes, contains an abun-
dance of song and dance and its ridiculous plot is centered around the discovery of King Tut's much advertised last resting place.
Last week, "The Explorers" headlined the bill at one of Broadway's leading vaudeville houses and elicited the approval of the pub-
lic and press critics. Another big city feature act will bow to Dover in the personages of Burns and Allen who will spread whole-
some mirth with their standard vehicle, "Fifty-Forty." A noveltyby Francis Woodward will open the show at each performance
while the picture department will have as its crowd-attracting magnet, the glorious girl of the screen, Gloria Swanson in her re-
cently released Paramount film-gem "MY AMERICAN WIFE."
While attending secretarial school, Gracie was invited by her roommate to Union Hill, New Jersey to see if she was inter-
ested in working with either member of an act that was splitting up. The act was George Burns and Billy Lorraine, and she chose
George. In 1922, they made their first performance at the Hillstreet Theatre in Newark, New Jersey where they were paid $5 per
day. George saw that the audience not only found Gracie's character funny, but they fell in love with her, and he did too. He im-
mediately changed the act to give her all the funny lines and played her straight man. They became a hit. George Burns called
Gracie "Googie", while she called him "Natty."
The Baker, Our Escellent Orchestra At All Performances! Big Time VAUDEVILLE, introducing THE SHUFFLE ALONG FOUR,
Direct From The Show! HOLMES, WELLS & CO. in "AN OLD FASHIONED BRIDE." NORTON & WILSON, RIKOMA. The Best In Pho-
toplays! Introducing PARAMOUNTS Greatest of Thrills and Suspense Drama, "FOR THE DEFENSE" starring ETHEL CLAYTON. Yes!
MARION DAVIES in "WHEN KNIGHTHOOD WAS IN FLOWER" will be here soon!
VAUDEVILLE BEGINS A DECLINE
By the early 1920s most of the vaudeville theaters presented vaudeville shows in conjunction with a movie. Theater
owners, like Woodhull & Baker became convinced that it was the motion pictures, and not so much the live shows that were
drawing the crowds, yet vaudeville acts were still popular.
The Baker Theatre - Tonight and Tuesday Matinee and Evening! 3 Performances Daily 2:30 P.M., 7:15 and 9 P.M. THO-
MAS A. EDISON'S, Genuine Talking Pictures! Projected by Trained Mechanicians from the Edison Laboratory on His Latest and
Most Wonderful Invention: THE EDISON KINETOPHONE. Presenting one and two part Features, Including: Monday: EDISON'S
MINSTRELS, ANNIVERSARY OF JERRY & MANDY, TEMPTATION OF FAUST, TWO SHAMROCK'S FROM IRELAND, CHIMES OF NOR-
MANDY, DEAF MUTES (by Rupert Huges) MRS. MURPHY'S HORSESHOE, Band Selections and Many Others! Tusday: JOHN J.
MCGRAW (2 parts,) AFTER COLLEGE DAYS, JULIUS CEASER, BONNIE SCOTLAND, SINGING SOCIETY, Band Selections and Many
Others! Prices: 10 - 15 - 25 cents. Friday Matinee and Evening: The 4th Episode of THE PERILS OF PAULINE, More Thrilling Than
Ever!
Movies became so dominate at the Baker that co-owner Raymond Woodhull became national president of the Motion Picture
Theatre Owners of America. Mr. Woodhull visited many cities and theatres around the country and made addresses in Okla-
homa City, Dallas, Kansas City, Columbus, Ohio and Chicago. He would bring together exhibitors who would assemble all the
wares at convention halls. He also helped develop early trade practices under the auspices of the Federal Trade Commission.
In January 1924 the Baker bill announced that due to the production CLING-
ING VINE starring IRENE DUNN, all vaudeville performances for the 7th and 9th will be omitted because the stage must be
cleared for the program. Instead the following picture program: BAKER LATEST NEWS, SPAT FAMILY COMEDY in "ROUGHING
IT", and the film play supreme, "THE SNOW BRIDE" with ALICE BRADY.
Saturday, January 12th. Matinee 2:30. Evening 8:20. Seats for Both Performances Now on Sale. "The High Water Mark
of Our 1924 Season: HENRY W. SAVAGE'S Magnificent Musical Comedy, "THE CLINGING VINE," with IRENE DUNN and the Origi-
nal N.Y. Production. Our excellent Orchestra At All Performances.
One Night Only, Tuesday March 4th. Direct from POLI'S THEATRE, WASHINGTON, D.C. "The John McCormack of Musical
ComedyAmerica's Leading Irish Actor-Singer: WALTER SCANLAN in "THE BLARNEY STONE." Hear Mr. Scanlan's New Songs.
HEAR HIM SING: "Kitty," "Minstrel's Prayer," "When I Kissed The Blarney Stone," "Shamrock Flirtation," and old favorites. A
Gorgeous Four-Acts Musical Comedy Gem of Youth, Love and Sunshine. Seats on sale Wednesday, February 27th at 10 am.
NOTE: Curtain promptly at 8:20.
BAKER THEATRE UNDER MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION
On April 21, 1924, Baker and Woodhull, announced the theater will be completely remodeled and will reopen in the fall
after elaborate improvements. The farewell performance will take place on Saturday evening, May 3 with the elaborate screen
achievement, BEAU BRUMMEL, with John Barrymore in the stellar role. After that for the next three or four months the theater
will be in charge of experts who will transform it into a theatrical playground that will stand out as one of north Jersey's points of
interest.
According to a report in the Dover Advance on April 21, 1924, BAKER THEATRE TO BE COMPLETELY REMODELED. The

Baker Theatre will be practically torn down and in its place erected a "theatre beautiful" that will take its place near the top of
the list of footlight places. Messrs. Woodhull and Baker say: "We are going to give you a place through which you will conduct
your friends with genuine pride.
A two-story building at 37-39 West Blackwell Street was demolished over night when a crew of workmen razed it to
make room for a new modern structure and entrance to the new Baker Theater. The three companies of the building, namely,
Dover Wall Paper Store, Holland Store and Dover Cigar Company moved out on Monday, and just as soon as the last articles
were removed, the process of destruction commenced. A three-story fireproof structure will be erected, facing on Blackwell
Street, to contain stores, offices and apartments. Entrance to the stores will also be provided through the lobby.
On November 24, 1924 it was announced
that the Baker Theater was near completion. The
interior decoration to be a handsome work of art.
Elaborate designs forming a brilliant array of artis-
tic molds fashioned to suit the most critical will
greet the spectators. The conveniences afforded
theatergoers will be equal to the best in the United
States. Manager R. F. Woodhull, who has traveled
extensively during the past few years, visiting thea-
ters in every section of the country, has given the
work his personal supervision.
A touch of Broadway has been installed at
the entrance in the form of the very latest design
of marquise. Many sparkling lights will envelop the
entrance.
All parts of the theatre behind the prosce-
nium-arch are protected from fire with an auto-
matic sprinkler equipment, which would automatically operate and extinguish a fire in its incipiency. The equipment installed is
of the very highest type and commands the highest prices in its line by the AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CORP. OF AMERICA, New
York City. In order to provide an even dependable warmth throughout the Baker Theatre, the proprietors have installed a
"Richardson" Boiler No. 256, Sectional Type. The modern structural steel framework was fabricated by the Dover Boiler Works.
Over two thousand Edison Mazda Lamps give light to this theatre provided by B. S. Woodman, 49 N. Sussex Street, Dover. The
Hardman Grand Piano used in the Baker was purchased from Nunn Piano Company of Dover. The New Baker Theatre was de-
signed by REILLY & HALL of New York City, designers of The Sheridan Square of New York, The Tivoli of Newark, The Wellmont
of Montclair, The Park of Newton, and The Coney Island Theatre and Office Building. Art glass door panels, ceiling panels and
exit panels, also brass and iron railings were furnished by WM. A. DAUNT CO. of New York City. Sixty tons of plaster, twenty-
five tons of plaster paris, one hundred barrels of lime were consumed in plastering this building by DONALDSON & HEWES of
New York City. About three thousand feet of pipe, five hundred fittings and nearly a ton of lead were used in the plumbing
work by THE KERR CO. of Dover. Painting and Wall Papering was performed by HARRY L. IKE, INC. of Dover. Cut Stone was pro-
vided by DONALDSON BROS. INC. of Harrison, N.J.. Draperies and Scenery for the new Baker was furnished by LANDISH STU-
DIOS of Newark. The theatre lobby display frames, box office, etc. furnished by S. MARKENDORFF of New York City. The thea-
tre was insured by BAKER & RIEGER, INC. of Dover. Stage Department Heads were: CHARLES WILLIAMS, Stage Manager, JOHN
GLATTLEY, Stage Electrician, MATTHEW GLEFFI, Master of Properties.
THE NEW BAKER THEATRE
1924



Henry O. Baker and R. F. Woodhull Present for Your Recreation and Approval, The New Baker Theatre, Dover, N.J.
America's Very Latest Exemplification of Modern Theatre Creation, Offical Opening, Monday evening, December 22nd, 1924 at 8
o'clock. Promenade and Inspection from 7 until 8. Brillant Vaudeville & Ensemble, Newest Performences. Reserved Seats on Sale
Thursday, December 18, at the office of Baker & Rieger at 10 a.m.
On Friday December 26, 1924 the Dover Advance ran the following headline news:
NEW BAKER THEATRE MARKS MILESTONE OF PROGRESS.
Prominent Speakers Term It a Theatre of Refinement at Official Opening. "An important part of municipal life," "a mile-
stone of progress for Dover," "a theatre of refinement," were a few of the phrases bestowed by men of prominence at the offi-
cial opening of the new Baker Theatre on Monday night, when every one of the 1,594 seats were occupied by interested specta-
tors, including visitors from far and near. The handsome new amusement house places Dover in the first rank of towns with up-
to-the-minute entertainment facilities. Henry O. Baker and Raymond F. Woodhull, joint owners, were showered with congratula-
tions on their achievement in building a monument to themselves for which the amusement-loving population owes them a debt
of gratitude. The exquisite beauty of the theatre impressed every visitor, and on all sides were heard exclamations of pleasure
and amazement at the transformation.
The opening ceremonies comprised brief addresses, followed by headline vaudeville acts and the motion picture "North
of 36". Recalling the days when the Baker Theatre was first opened in 1906, Rosewell S. Bowlby, superintendent of the local
schools, said that he was decidedly impressed at the wonderful transformation.
As president of the National Motion Picture Theatre Owner's Association, M. J. O'Toole, of Scranton, stated that "This
new Baker Theatre outshines any of its kind that we have had the pleasure of visiting." "It very clearly reveals to the people of
this vicinity that the owners have a cherished belief in the future of Dover," he concluded.
Mr. O'Toole introduced Mayor Frederick Breidenbach of Newark. Responding to the introduction, the mayor said "only
one theatre in his city equaled to the new Baker Theatre."
Mr. Woodhull, speaking on behalf of Mr. Baker expressed his appreciation of the kind greetings and extended, "It is with
a degree of pride that we offer you this theatre as a place in which you may find entertainment. It is your theatre, and if you like
it, be proud of it."
HENRY O. BAKER and R. F. WOODHULL presents The NEW Baker Theatre "America's Very Latest Exemplification of
Modern Theatre Creation" Programme: Orchestral EntreMr. Sparnon and Orchestra. EARL GATES CO. "ARTISTIC BITS OF
ODDS AND ENDS," MARGARET PADULA "SONGS AND A STUDY OF BOYS." (Palace Theatre Favorite.) MORGAN AND SHELDON
"RADIO SALESMAN," The International Star, ELIZABETH BRICE assisted by FRANK KESSLER and THE KESSLER SYNCOPATORS.
The Companion Picture to "THE COVERED WAGON," "NORTH OF 36," from the famous novel by Emerson Hough. An Epic
Drama of Pioneer America. Cast includes, JACK HOLT, ERNEST TORRENCE, LOIS WILSON, NOAH BEERY, DAVID DUNBAR,
STEPHEN CARR, GUY OLIVER, WILLIAM CARROLL.
The FORMAL OPENING program featured K. H. SPARNON and his BAKER THEATRE ORCHESTRA with selections from
"The Dream Girl" by Victor Herbert and Piano Solo, "Nola" by Mr. Sparnon. Speakers included MR. ROSWELL S. BOWLBY,
Sup't of Dover Public Schools, HON. FREDERICK BREIDENBACH, Mayor of Newark, HON. WILLIAM H. HOSKING, Mayor of Dover
and MR. M.J. O'TOOLE, President of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America.
The "live" stage show included, EARL GATES & COMPANY featuring "The Clinging Vine." MARGARET PADULA "Songs
and A Study of Boys." MORGAN & SHELDON "The Radio Salesman." The International Star, ELIZABETH BRICE assisted by
FRANK KESSLER and THE KESSLER SYNCOPATORS.
The main attraction was JACK HOLT in The Companion Picture "NORTH OF 36" from the famous novel by Emerson
Hough. An Epic Drama of Pioneer America.
Now vaudeville acts became the "warm-up" to the motion pictures.
STARTING Monday Ev'ng, Dec. 29th. Annual Engagement of Dover's Favorite Company, CHICAGO STOCK CO. Opening
Production Mon. Eve. SIR PERCY BEAUCHAMP says "One time the Chambaw of Commerce from Pwovidence, Roade Island
came ovah heah; from time to time one of them would remawk in a loud voice, "SO THIS IS LONDON!" And then they would
all laugh uproariously And So Will You When You SeeGEORGE M. COHAN'S Newest Comedy, Spoofing The British! Tuesday
Matinee and Night, "THE ALARM CLOCK," By the author of "The Bat." Wednesday Matinee and Night, "THE OLD SOAK," Ray-
mond Hitchcock's Famous Success. Thursday Matinee, "SO THIS IS LONDON," Thursday Evening, "POLLY PREFERRED" GUY
BOLTON'S COMEDY of the Movies.
Friday Matinee and Night, "THE
WHITE SISTER," F. MARION CRAW-
FORD'S Dramatic Hit! Saturday Mati-
nee and Night, "GETTING GERTIE'S
GARTER," A Laugh Festival by Mr.
Hopwood. Matinees at 2:30. Eve-
nings at 8:20.
The Season's Best Comedy
Show, Today, Friday, Saturday. 5
GREAT BIG LAUGHING ACTS 5. Of
High Class VAUDEVILLE presenting
BENNETT & MEYERS "SONG AND DANCE MOMENTS." VERA "BILLY" POST,
"THE WITTY BOY-GIRL." Direct From The Palace In New York City, MIDDLETON & SPELLMEYER & CO. "LONESOME LAND,"
GORDON AND GATES "MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING," KUMA & COMPANY offer "AN ORIENTAL ILLUSION NOVELTY." THO-
MAS MEIGHAN in A Paramount Picture, "WE'RE ALL GAMBLERS."
Six of the Greatest Hits of New York's Leading Theatres will be presented here by CHAS. H. ROSSKAM, Justly Famous
CHICAGO STOCK CO. INA CLAIR'S success "GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE." MARY BOLAND'S Big Hit "MEET MY WIFE." IRENE
CORDONI'S Sensation "LITTLE MISS BLUEBEARD" a Refreshing Comedy Cocktail. New York critics said: "It's great entertain-
ment, tuneful, cheering, amusing." "It's daring, it's delightful, it's naughty and it's nice." Here is a play all Morris County will
surely enjoy. R. F. Woodhull, Manager.
BAKER THEATRE SOLD
On September 16, 1926, the ownership of the theater changed hands from Baker and Woodhull to the Stanley-Fabian
Corporation. According to newspaper reports, the change meant no change in policy. The new owners are the largest theatre
holding company in America and should be an added valuable asset to the amusement-loving public, as the company owns
225 theaters.
Negotiations between Jacob Fabian and R. F. Woodhull have resulted in the sale of the Baker Theater. The Baker is
now a part of the Fabian theatres in New Jersey and will be under the direction of The Stanley Company.
Bookings of pictures and vaudeville acts assure Dover and the
vicinity the presentation of the best offerings in both fields. The biggest
stars of the screen and the best vaudeville acts are now within the
reach of The Baker.
These photoplays and large acts are now possible because of
the purchasing power of The Stanley-Fabian Corporation. The programs
of latest cinemas will continue as before for the first half of the week
while the second half will be devoted to screenplays and vaudeville.
Mr. Woodhull, who was former president of the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners Association of America expressed supreme confidence in the
type of entertainment which will continue to hold forth at The Baker.
"The Fabian chain of theatres in New Jersey, said Mr. Woodhull, is one
of the most progressive in the United States, and that means in the
world. Mr. Fabian reiterated the beliefs of Mr. Woodhull. "I want to
emphasize the fact that the Baker will not be considered one of the
many theaters, but a separate theater. And I promise the Baker Theater the highest entertainment obtainable."
The Fabian circuit includes many of the finest and largest playhouses in New Jersey. These include the Mosque, Bran-
ford and Rialto in Newark, the Fabian, Regent and Garden in Paterson: the New Montauk, Capital and Playhouse in Passaic; the
Ritz and Regent in Elizabeth, and others
in Orange, East Or-
ange, Hackensack,
Pomption Lakes and
Ridgewood. The Fa-
bian circuit is part of
the Stanley Corpora-
tion of America which
includes theaters in
New York, New Eng-
land, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Washing-
ton, D.C. and Virginia.
A total of 225 theaters.
Important Announcement! Concerning the New Ownership of the BAKER THEATRE, Dover, New Jersey. Effective MON-
DAY, SEPTEMBER 20th, THE STANLEY-FABIAN CORPORATION will have the pleasure of including THE BAKER THEATRE of DOVER
among its vast chain of representative theatres throughout New Jersey. The policy will continue as heretofore. Programs will
change twice weekly. The first three days will be devoted to the ultimate in motion pictures and the last three days, a combina-
tion of Select Vaudeville and De Luxe Motion Pictures. INAUGURAL STANLEY-FABIAN ATTRACTION, Three Days, Starting Mon-
day, Sept. 20th. The Thrilling and Mighty Romance Acclaimed by Press and Public as Being One of the Outstanding Productions
of the Year! THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, with a supporting all-start-cast. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sept. 23, 24, 25. RIN-TIN-TIN,
"The Wonder Dog" in A HERO OF THE BIG SNOWS!
The Baker, Dover, N.J. Thursday, Friday, Saturday RAYMOND GRIFFITH, "YOU'D BE SURPRISED" A Paramount Picture.
4 ACTS OF SUPERIOR VAUDEVILLE! THE FIVE MUSICAL ROSES starring the GARNET SISTERS The Dainty Misses of Song!
BROWNING & BRACKEN, Two Pals From the South! CLAUDE-FONDAU-LUCILLE, DARING FEATS IN THE AIR. K.H. SPARNON and
The Baker Orchestra At All Performances.
The Baker, Dover, N.J. Today, Fri. Sat. On The Screen: DOROTHY GISH in "NELL
GWYN." Five Supreme Acts Of High Class VAUDEVILLE, presenting HOWARD NICHOLS
"HOOPS MY DEAR." O'NEAL AND OLIVER "SYNCOPATED SONGSTERS," CRANE WILBER,
Star of Stage and Screen, and SUZANNE CAUBAYE, Creator of "NUMI." TAYLOR & BOB-
BIE "EASY PICKINGS." "BEHIND THE WALLS," an Unusual Novelty With Seven People.
Today, Fri., Sat. On the Stage--- VAUDEVILLE, AL H. WILSON "World's Champion
Laugh Provoker" SMITH and WARE "Southern Steppers" Alice - KERR & ENSIGN - Jack
in a "high C" scream "FIDDLE UP." MARIE'S COMEDY CIRCUS, "A Clever Group of Four-
Footed Friends." On the Screen -- "THE EAGLE OF THE SEA." A Paramount Picture with
FLORENCE VIDOR and RICARDO CORTEZ.
THE BAKER AND DOVER BECOME A MOVIE SET
On April 28, 1927 in was announced that youthful Doverites will be portrayed in
movie roles to be filmed at the Baker Theater and around town.
The photoplay, "A Dover Romance" will include the making of scenes upon the
Baker stage and exterior shots of important points in our community. The public will be
given their first view of how a motion picture is made on those nights, when the camera
will register the action of the story. Frank Melford, Hollywood director, who has
been with the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for more than three years will have charge of the
casting and directing of the movie. He will be assisted by A. M. Orlick, formerly of
Browning Studios. Mr. Melford is bringing with him as cameraman, Irving Browning, who
has had 10 years experience with Universal, Pathe, Mayer, Loew, Metro-Goldwyn and
Warner Brother and has directed many famous motion picture stars.
The movie will star Rose Zatagotsky, as Mabel Clifton, heroine, and Layton
Northrap as John Harmon, "hero". The film will be shown at the Baker the week of May
1, 1927.
Rose Zara (Zatagotsky) Phillips was barely into her teens when she starred in her
first, and only, movie made by a duo who would later become two of Hollywood's most
prominent directors. When she made the silent movie in the North Jersey town of Do-
ver, the Roaring '20s were in full swing. The flapper was queen of the decade; the
Charleston was the dance and the public's fascination with motion pictures was only be-
ginning. "We heard two big Hollywood directors were coming to Dover to show the lo-
cals how movies are made and audition local people for parts, said Rose Phillips. The
movie was "A Dover Romance" and the big Hollywood directors were George Cukor and
Clarence Brown.
Cukor who died in 1983 at the age of 83, was best known for directing "The
Philadelphia Story," "Little Women," and a series of Spencer Tracy-Katherine Hepburn
movies. He won the Academy Award in 1964 for the musical, "My Fair Lady."
Brown, 97, died on August 17, 1987, was nominated for six Academy Awards in
his 40-year career including such films as "National Velvet" and "The Yearling."
"A Dover Romance" was a story of a poor boy, the girl who loves him and the
wealthy older man she marries.
The outdoor scenes were filmed during the day. The indoor scenes were staged in the Baker Theater at night and the
public was charged admission for the privilege of watching a movie being filmed. "There was so much publicity. Everybody on
the street followed the camera and followed us" Ms. Phillips said. "We had to supply our own wardrobe. Mr. Cukor was so
happy to see me wearing such elegant clothes. After the day's filming we were sent
home for dinner and warned to wear the same clothes to the theater that night."
To this day, the film "A Dover Romance" cannot be located.
BAKER THEATRE UNDERGOES ANOTHER RENOVATION
A few years later, the Baker underwent yet another major renovation. On
February 18, 1929 it was reported that the Baker Theatre will install "Talking Pic-
tures", one of the most significant events in the history of the motion pictures. The
coming of talking and sound pictures have revolutionized the entire motion picture
industry and Manager Samual Roth of the Baker is please to introduce the presen-
tation of the newest attractions of this type made by companies in Hollywood and
New York City. Beginning with the synchronization of music and screen action, the
sound process reached perfection with the synchronization of speech and action.
Manager Roth has been quietly installing the equipment which is necessary for the
presentation of these films. The management has gone to great expense to wire
the theater and attach the various mechanisms that are essential for perfect syn-
chronization. Electrical and projection engineers have been at work for the past
several weeks.
Jacob Fabian, head of the firm that acquired the Baker Theatre two years ago is well
known in the theatrical industry. "Every natural sound that nature has created will
be recreated in the sound films" said Mr. Fabian.
The theater presented "The First Talking Picture in Morris County" on
March 18, 1929 showing Warner Brother's, ON TRIAL starring PAULINE FREDER-
ICK, BERT LYTELL and LOIS WILSON. The Warner Brother's Vitaphone Production
appeared for five days with two showings per night.
Vitaphone was a pioneering sound-on-disc system sponsored by Western
Electric and first used by Warner Brothers in 1926. Vitaphone is important to
vaudeville history in that many early vaudevillians recorded their act on Vitaphone
for Warner Bros. Between 1926 and 1930. In many respects, the Vitaphone system
helped "kill" vaudeville, as audiences turned away from the medium to the enter-
tainment of sound motion pictures, and vaudevillians discovered that one perform-
ance of their act for Vitaphone meant that it was no longer "fresh" for vaudeville
audiences. B. F. Keith actively discouraged vaudevillians from signing contracts
with Vitaphone and Warner Bros., and in March 1927 banned "name acts" from
appearing in talking pictures under penalty of blacklisting by the Keith circuit.
Baker, Dover, N.J. 5 Big Days Starting Today, Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri. Warner Bros. Present "ON TRIAL" A 100%
Talking Picture! With Pauline Frederick, Bert Lytell, and Lois Wilson. It's New! It's Different! It's Sensational! The First Talking
Picture In Morris County! A Warner Bros'. Vitaphone Production. Prices Admission for This Engagement: Matinee, 15 and 25
cents. Evening, 25 and 50 cents. Two Complete Showings in the Evening at 7 and 9 o'clock.
DOVER YOUTH - POPULAR VAUDEVILLE STAR
Dover Youth Wins Fame in Theatricals was the headlines on December 26, 1924 in the Dover Advance. Harry Van Or-
den now appearing on the Keith Circuit. Mr. And Mrs. Lewis Van Orden and Harry Van Orden, Jr., known on the vaudeville stage
as Van Tyson and Van, spent a few days last week with Harry's parents Mr. And Mrs. Harry Van Orden of Garden Avenue in
Wharton. They came to Dover direct from Nashville, Tenn., to complete details in the constrution of a new house on West End
Heights where they intend to make their home when they come to Dover. Harry has been traveling with his uncle and aunt for
the past year appearing in various parts of Canada, on the Pacific coast and throughout the Middle West and much of Florida.
This
week the group played at the Royal Theater in New York City.
The training given to Harry by his aunt and uncle, who are famous vaudeville artists, has made it possible for him to join the B.F.
Keith circuit and perform in such cities as Montreal, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and Nashville to name
but a few.
As vaudevlles popularity began to fade and when economic hard times hit, something had to be cut. It was usually the
vaudeville troupe that found itself back on the street. And with them went the stagehands, as well as the musicians. Times
became tough for the vaudeville performers except for those who went on to radio and motion pictures.
BAKER THEATER BECOMES A WARNER BROTHERS THEATER
In April 1930, the Baker changed from a Stanley-Fabian Theater to a Warner
Brothers Theater, which didnt mean too much since the same booking occurred , but
under different auspices.









BAKER BECOMES "SMALL TOWN" MOVIE THEATER
The Baker continued to entertain vaudeville acts through most of 1929 and into the 1930s with
little mention of the actual acts and performers appearing. Most of the Baker's bills now became advertising for the latest mov-
ies. By the end of 1929 The Baker began to book vaudeville acts only on Saturdays. Major motion pictures like Al Jolson in "The
Singing Fool" with Davey Lee. The Marx Brothers in "The Coconuts" with Oscar Shaw and Mary Eaton. Pauline Frederick in
"Evidence." "Manhattan Cocktail" a Paramount Picture starring Nancy Carroll, Richard Arlen and Paul Lukas, became the main
attraction to the Baker. Interesting enough, as the Baker faded vaudeville acts completely out by the end of 1929, the nearby
Playhouse Theatre, known exclusively for their motion pictures began to book vaudeville acts in addition to their regular motion
picture shows.

By 1930, both the Baker and Playhouse, along with most vaudeville theaters around the country had been converted
into motion picture houses. From about 1930 on, vaudeville theaters struggled to stay alive while the motion pictures and the
radio began to absorb many of the leading vaudeville acts and talents. These new medias continued to take a larger share of
the skilled labor pool in the entertainment industry through the 1930s. By 1931, the Palace Theater in New York was the only
remaining large vaudeville playhouse in the nation.
Over the next 30-years as other competing movie theaters opened in Morris County and in the surrounding communi-
ties, The Baker found the competition to be tough as patrons began going elsewhere. With lower attendance, The Baker began
to book second run movies and in many cases, movies that other nearby theaters refused to play. The Baker eventually became
a small town movie house that featured Saturday Matinees that continued to draw large crowds of kids.
By the 70s, nearby malls opened multi-screen theaters driving customers out of Dover. On August 1, 1978 a fire alarm
sounded at the Baker due to an electrical circuit problem. The fire department responded but was not needed. Following an
inspection the next day, the theater was closed. A sign on the door read, "Closed-Reopen Soon." The original Baker Theater
never did reopen after that and its long, wonderful history will long be remembered. Ironically enough, the very last picture to
be shown at the Baker was titled "The End."




























After several years of sitting vacant, the theater was purchased by a Richard Rossi around 1980 and renamed it The Stargate.
Attempts were made to turn the theater into a major North Jersey rock concert hall featuring major popular bands.
Those attempts failed and for the next 16-years the auditorium of the theater was closed while the apartments and store rent-
als kept the theater as a tax ratable for the town. By the mid 1990s a new interest in the downtown district developed with
the arrival of the Chester Lions Club Flea Market and new demands were made to restore the theater and reopen once again
for business. On Sept. 15, 1998, the Baker Theater was reopened with a gala grand opening celebration and now being named
Hot Tropics. The theater was again renamed the Baker Ballroom and specialized in wedding receptions, concerts, live stage
shows and a banquet hall.
In 2004, new investors purchased the theater, Lee Levitt and Joe Luddy and they invested great sums of money into
making the theater conform to town codes, improved lighting, heating, interior decorating and state of the art sound.
Now the Baker Theater is over 100 years old. Lets all respect this theaters great past, admire its present and remain
hopeful for a long bright future.


The Baker as it sat abandoned for many years.
The projection room when the Baker reopened in 1995.
Interior of the Baker before renovations in 1995. Interior of the Baker after renovations in 2000.
Scenes from The Wrestler filmed at the Baker
THE PLAYHOUSE THEATER
1913
South Morris Street
On Saturday October 18, 1913 a new theater, the Playhouse
Theater opened on South Morris Street. It was built as a competing
vaudeville playhouse to the Baker by The Essex Amusement Co., which
ran it for six months until taken over by the manager of the Bon Ton
Theater, John Howell. It was a modern, fireproof construction seating
750. Gracing the facade was a stone figure, probably "Dionysus", God
of Tragic Artand protector of the Theaters. (The stone face of
"Dionysus" can been seen to this very day at Triangle Park, across the
street from the Baker Theater.)
The Dover Advance ran the following story on Friday, October
3, 1913. The Playhouse, the latest link in the chain of sumptuous vaudeville houses controlled by the Essex Amusement com-
pany, will open its doors to the theatre-going public of Dover on Saturday, October 11, when its initial attraction will be placed
in view. For the first time an opportunity will be accorded local amusement lovers to inspect its somewhat exclusive appoint-
ments.
Having control over several other theatres in the northern section of the state, the management is in a position to
make contracts for the exclusive production of first-release films and for the introduction at its local theatres of several of the
most conspicuous entertainers on the vaudeville circuit. By this arrangement, attractions will be transferred from one theatre
to another and the patrons of the Dover Playhouse will thereby enjoy the advantage of seeking the same attractions that are
booked for Newark, Jersey City and other large metropolitan centers.
The Playhouse became the Baker's main competitor for patrons seeking entertainment. The first playbill for the Play-
house appeared in the Dover Advance and read as follows: GRAND OPENING! PLAYHOUSE, Morris and Blackwell Streets, Do-
ver. Matinee Every Day 2 P.M. Evenings: 7 and 9 P.M. Saturday, October 18th. Photo Plays and High Class VAUDEVILLE Acts.
Week of October 20th. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, OLYMPIC COMEDY FOUR, Singing, Talking and Harmony. DIXIE
BARRY, Character Comedienne. Tuesday October 21st. Special Feature: "TWO MOTHERS." Wednesday October 22nd. ORIGI-
NAL PICTURES OF THE WORLD SERIES BASEBALL GAMES. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, ISABELLA TRIO, Refined Musical Act.
ROBERTS, Singing and Talking Comedian, Friday, October 24th One Day Only, Matinee and Evening: America's Greatest Play!
"ARIZONA" By Augusta Thomas in Six Reels. Featuring MR. CYRILL SCOTT and all star cast. 10 cents Pathe's Weekly, Every Sat-
urday 10 cents.
Although mostly a movie theater from the start featuring serial productions, the Playhouse hosted vaudeville acts as
well. PLAYHOUSE, Morris Street, Howell & McDavitt, Managers. Today: "EVERY INCH A KING," with Francis X. Buchman in 3 acts.
"KILLED AGAINST ORDERS." Three-part Edison drama with Miriam Nesbitt. Tuesday: "HIS NIGHT OUT," with Chas. Chaplin, the
funny man. "THE WRITING ON THE WALL," the girl detective series, in two parts. With Viola Dane, the wonderful child actress.
"TWO AND TWO," a real comedy with Flora Finch and Kate Price. "RUNAWAY JUNE," number 12. Nearing the end of this beauti-
ful serial. Wednesday: "SHORE ACRES" and PATHE WEEKLY. Thursday: "THE ADVENTURES OF A BOY SCOUT," "A FORTUNE
HUNTERS," "THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN," a two-part Edison drama.
PLAYHOUSE - Morris Street, Today "BRONCHO BILLY AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE" Featuring G. M. ANDERSON
"PROFESSOR'S ROMANCE" A comedy drama that will please everyone. "MOTHER'S WAY" A near to the heart Biograph story.
"UNDER ROYAL PATRONAGE" A two-part offering featuring FRANCIS X. RUGHMAN. Friday: "THE
TREY OF HEARTS" Being the final number of this great series. "THE MASTER KEY" A new series that
will appeal to everyone. Written by JOHN FLEMMING WILSONA thrilling story of Mystery and
Romance. "AN AFFAIR FOR THE POLICE" A Vitagraph mystery of unusual interest. Saturday:
"PATHE WEEKLY" No. 88. Showing Mrs. Breck, a former Doverite, who has been missing from her
home in Orange since Dec. 4. "THE STOLEN ENGINE" Another thrilling episode of the "HAZARDS OF
HELEN." "SWEEDIE" This time in "A MAID OF WAR." Sweedie is gaining more friends every week.
Wednesday, Jan. 20th, MARY PICKFORD in "A GOOD LITTLE DEVIL" A human film echoing the cry of
the world. Admission this day only: everybody 10 cents. All Other Days 5 and 10 cents. The Home
Of Select Photoplays. Matinee: 2:15. Evenings: 7 and 9.
Like the Baker, The Playhouse underwent extensive renovations in 1924 and reopened with
"THE VIRGINIAN." The first talking picture was shown on Christmas in 1929 featuring "THE GREAT
GABBO" starring Eric Stroheim and Betty Compton.
By now the Baker Theatre had all but ended its booking of vaudeville acts and relied mainly
on top name, major motion pictures. As an added attraction to the motion picture, The Playhouse
decided to book vaudeville acts again.
PLAYHOUSE, Positively The Coolest Place In Town! Today and Friday - On Stage VAUDE-
VILLE and presentations with STAGE BAND. Wow! What A Show! 6 ACTS 6 of Broadway VAUDEVILLE
and SPARNON'S STAGE BAND, Presented at 3:45 and 8:45 o'clock. Here Is Entertainment! GOOD-
MAN & MACK, "FUN MAKERS," VICTOR FRIER, Broadway's Singing and Whistling Newsboy. RICHARD SISTERS, Music, Song and
Dance. HARRY VAN ORDEN, JR., Here and There. POWERS AND MACK, Surprise Novelty. THE FOUR JESTERS, 4 Girls That Are
Different. Prices: Adults - Matinee 35 cents, Evenings 50 cents. Children - Matinee 15 cents, Evenings 25 cents. On The Screen!
"TRIAL MARRIAGE" NORMAN KERRY, SALLY ELDERS, and JASON ROBARDS. Plus "OUR GANG COMEDY." Saturday, Two Big
Hits! BOB STEELE in "THE AMAZING VAGABOND" and AUDREY FERRIS and MYRNA LOY in a Warner Bros. Production "FANCY
BAGGAGE!" Monday and Tuesday COLLEEN MOORE in "WHY BE GOOD."
PLAYHOUSE, Every Tuesday! 4 Big Acts 4 of VAUDEVILLE headed by BROWNING SISTERS AND BOBBY, In A Musical Pro-
duction of Songs and Dancing. Also Feature Picture! RIN-TIN-TIN in "LAND OF THE SILVER FOX!" also LEATRICK JOY in "TROPIC
MADNESS!" Coming! JACQUELINE LOGAN in a Tense Drama, "LOOKOUT GIRL." Comedy and News!
For the next 30 years or so, The Playhouse Theatre operated its business as, what
was often referred to as, a "B-Rated Movie House" featuring serials and low budget motion
pictures. The Playhouse was very popular with the kids, with affordable prices and "fun"
movies. Meanwhile, The Baker operated more as an "upper class" motion picture theater
featuring "first run" major motion pictures. These sophisticated movies appealed mostly to
the adult audiences at higher prices and more comfort.
The old Playhouse Theatre building, left abandoned for many years, was demolished as part of Dover's Urban Renewal
program in the late 1970s. Many of the seats and main curtain were donated to the Dover Little Theater, while the Masonic
Temple on Thompson Avenue received several chairs with "PH" written on the sides. The only visible remains of the Playhouse
Theater to this day is the stone face of "Dionysus", "The God of Tragic Art and Protector of the Theaters," which is sitting on the
ground at Triangle Park, located at the intersection of West Blackwell and Prospect Streets.
THE BON TON THEATER
1906-1912
11 West Blackwell Street


Not too much has been written or documented about the Bon Ton Theater only that it was known as the earliest
"silent" movie theater in Dover which showed only motion pictures. It opened in 1906 and was located next to the National
Union Bank on Blackwell Street. It seated 75 to 150 people and admission was 5 and 10 cents. Patrons entered the theater,
walking under the screen, facing the audience. Movies ran about an hour and were changed twice a week. During early silent
movies, it was customary to have a piano player accompany the film to dramatize the picture by highlighting each episode.
Elizabeth Dalrymple Ball and Mae Bowlby Howell, wife of John Howell manager of the Bon Ton were the nightly pianists. The
Bon Ton closed in 1912 when the management moved to the newly constructed Playhouse Theater on South Morris Street. The
building that housed the Bon Ton, itself was constructed in 1868 and became a retail business store.
Recently Mr. Marco Matteo of Washington (Warren Co.) N.J. contacted the historical society and wanted more infor-
mation about a Dover resident who started The Washington Theater, which Mr. Matteo is considering buying. When told the
gentleman in question was John T. Howell, we knew immediately that it was the same John Howell who started Dovers Bon Ton
Theater and later managed The Playhouse Theater. What we didnt know was Mr. Howells history.
Born in Chester in 1873, John Howell later met and married Miss Clara Bowlby of Dover in 1896. A year later, they both
moved to Dover where Mr. Howell became interested in a new form of entertainment called motion pictures. He immedi-
ately began purchasing these films and conceived the idea of projecting these movies on screens by taking them from town to
town in a covered wagon. According to the Dover Advance (11/22/28) it was perhaps the first chain movie theater on record
and forerunner of the famous theatrical combines of today.
Mr. Howell began his successful traveling road-show enterprise around 1900. By 1906, he opened his first all motion
picture movie house in a building constructed in 1868 on Blackwell St. called The Bon Ton Theater. The theater seated about
75 to 150 patrons who paid either 5 or 10 cents to see a movie. As one entered the theater he or she would face the audience
with the screen above the entrance, similar to the old Boonton Theater. Mr. Howell changed the movies twice a week. During
the early silent movies, it was customary to have a piano player accompany the film to dramatize the picture by highlighting
each episode. Clara Bowlby Howell and Elizabeth Dalrymple were the piano players.
In 1913, the Essex Amusement Co. constructed a new vaudeville playhouse on Morris St. called The Playhouse Theater.
Six months later, Mr. Howell closed the Bon Ton and took over the management of The Playhouse. He later opened the Wash-
ington Theater, which brought much joy to many people in that part of the state.
John Howell was very popular in Dover, not only for his popular motion pictures, but for the mere fact of owning Do-
vers first automobile. He and his wife lived at 23 Fairview Ave. and was a member of the Dover Lodge, R.P.O. Elks, a member of
the Chamber of Commerce, the Exempt Firemans Association, a former member of the Kiwanis Club, a member on the Board of
Fire Wardens and very active in community affairs. John Howell passed away on October 20, 1928 and was buried in the Locust
Hill Cemetery. The old Playhouse and Bon Ton theaters are long gone, but John Howells memory will live on forever in Dover s
history.
DOVER LITTLE THEATER
1933-Present
The second, longest continuous, in-operation little theatre in the state of New Jersey.

In 1933, The Dover Little Theater was sponsored by the Dover's Women's Club, an interested group of theatre-minded
individuals who met at the Fire House with a capacity crowd attending its first production. This was not the first theatrical
movement in Dover, for the Dover Dramatic Association bowed February 18, 1875 at the Moller Opera House, with Dick Turpin
and Tome Kingin in a drama and the farce "The Indian Box Mystery." There were 40 members in the original Little Theater com-
pany and 20 more joined by the end of the first year. It got its start on September 25, 1933 with the production of "Ladies Of
The Jury" to a capacity audience at Dover High School. The remaining plays the first year were "Gold in the Hills," and "Lady
Windemere's Fan."
Miss Ruth Beth Watts of Kingston, Pennsylvania moved to Dover in 1933 with her parents and became resident-
director. She had attended Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, and had public speaking and dramatics at Texas State College of
Women, and at Winona State Teachers College in Minnesota. She did post-graduate work at Boston and Yale, and she also stud-
ied direction and interpretation in London for four months. Early in 1934, the group purchased the old Gillen and Young Chapel,
showroom and morgue on Elliott Street for $1,000, contributed by 10 public spirited citizens and gave its first full-length play
there on May 2, 1934. Membership the first year was 115. There was a steady growth and the building was renovated and
modernized. The Dover Little Theater is the third oldest little theater in continuous existence in the state. Miss Watts died on
January 21, 1977, at the age of 87. She had directed most of the 190 productions and was active up to the time of her death.
DOVER DRIVE-IN THEATER

Probably the shortest-lived theater in the history of Dover was The Dover Drive-In Theater. When the theater opened
for the first time on September 12, 1958, it was said to be the first ever to be built about-the-ground-level in the middle of a
downtown city; and the first ever to introduce a wireless speaker system. Walter Reed Jr., President of the Walter Reede Thea-
ters Circuit and owners and operators of the Dover Drive-In made that announcement to the news media on September 8,
1958.
Located in the new Dover Shopping Center in the heart of downtown Dover, the theater was located on the top deck
of a double-decked parking area. During the day it served as a parking area for the Shopping Center and during the evening, as
a drive-in movie theater.
The new speaker system incorporated the use of a wireless induction system that eliminated the need for the conven-
tional speaker posts and any direct wire connections for the transmission of sound to the automobiles.. Designed specifically
for the Dover Drive-In, the self-contained speaker unit could be placed anywhere in the automobile or even carried to the snack
stand for refreshments. The speakers were issued to all cars entering the theater and collected upon leaving.
In order to operate the theater all year long, portable, individual gas heaters
were issued to each car during the colder months. The mammoth theater screen was
constructed off of the parking deck and towered more than 80 feet in the air and
more than 100 feet wide. It was capable of showing wide-screen projection.
There was also a fully equipped childrens playground with childrens car-
toon shows every Friday evening prior to the regular program. The modern restau-
rant was available for movie goers as well as for shoppers during the day. There
were more than 200 comfortable seats at the restaurant area for those wishing to
view the screen from that location.
The ribbon cutting ceremonies began at 8:00 pm on Friday, September 12,
1958. Theater manager Charles Sutton termed the Saturday night event a very successful
opening. About 490 cars filled the 550 spaces available for the grand opening event. In a brief
speech, Mr. Reede thanked everyone who made their theater possible. The feature movies for
the event were The Hungers with Robert Mitchum and Kathy-O with Patty McCormack.
The opening was attended by Town officials, local business owners and people associated with
the theater trade who all attended a reception at the Dutton Hotel at 9 pm.

Then the problems began. The picture on the screen was faded. A red tint glared onto
the face of the screen coming from the glow of the nearby neon signs that hung on the sides of
the buildings of the nearby shopping center. When asked to dim or turn off their lights during
the movie, store owners maintained that the signs needed to remain lite, for it was a major
source of their advertising efforts to bring public attention to the place of business. As the word
got out of the poor quality of projection on the screen, business began to suffer for lack of atten-
dance and the outdoor drive-in theater came to an end after about one-year in operation.
When the Dover Drive-In Movie Theater opened for the first time on September 12,
1958 it was said to be the first ever to be built above-the-ground-level in the middle of a down-
town city and the first ever to introduce a wireless speaker system. Walter Reed Jr., president of
the Walter Reede Theaters Circuit and owners and operators of the Dover Drive-In, made the
announcement to the news media on September 8.
Filling in the Mill Pond in the Rockaway River and widening the Bassett Highway, previously known as Canal Street, to
create a broad thoroughfare, the town leaders built a first of-its-kind "in town" shopping center.
In 1956, the threat of nearly highway shopping centers like Rockaway Sales on Route 46 in Rockaway, and shopping
centers going up on Routes 10 and46 in Roxbury, coupled with a lack of parking along Blackwell Street, caused Mayor John
Roach to promote an inner-city shopping center, the first of its kind any-
where. It was built by New York developer, Milton Ehrlich.
The multi-million-dollar Dover Shopping Center boasted of two su-
permarkets, Acme and Food Fair. Three department stores, W.T. Grants and
F.W. Woolworths (both relocating from Blackwell Streets to larger quarters),
and J.C. Penny. It had several men's and women's clothing stores, three shoe
stores, a jewelry store, an upstairs bowling alley, and several other shops and
businesses. It even had one of the first in the area Chinese restaurants, The
Shantung.
More importantly, it had over 2,000 parking spaces with a decked
parking lot, which for a short time had a Drive-In Theater on the upper deck.
Opened in 1957, this along with the Blackwell Street businesses
represented one of the peaks of Dover's retail strength.




Playhouse Theater demolition in the 1970s.
Baker Theater as a music hall, hosting such greats as Tom Jones, James
Brown, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn Bridge,
Uncle Floyd Show, to name only a few. Today, the Baker Theater is the host
of church services and community events.
This presentation is only a brief look at the history of Dovers great
theaters. The Dover Area Historical Society is in the possession of
volumes of theater posters, newspaper clippings and detailed
descriptions and accounts of the great vaudeville shows, personali-
ties and events that have taken place in Dover since around the
Civil War. Also a vast amount of information on the photoplays
and moving pictures from the silent years to the early talkies.

For more information, contact the Dover Area Historical Society at:
info@doverhistoricalsociety.com