Our Past Is Present November 13, 2018

November 13, 2018

          This Is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

  There was an announcement in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in January of 1918, which was important to theater goers!  The announcement stated that: “Beginning Thursday of this week the amusement at the Opera House will be conducted under the personal direction of Mr. Jack Howe, Manager of the Cozy Theater.  Mr. Howe has had several years’ experience in the amusement field and the people of Junction City and soldiers of Fort Riley and Camp Funston may rest assured that he will present nothing but the best and cleanest amusement that can be obtained for this part of the country. In the future, the women and children need not hesitate in going to the Opera House for an evening’s or afternoon’s entertainment.”

            We are not sure what was meant by that last statement in reference to previous shows at the Opera House.  We know and have shared with you in the past that it was common to have vaudeville acts, minstrels that included comedy, singing and dancing as well as some silent films. Some of those presentations may have been offensive and Mr. Howe was going to get things cleaned up for the women and children.

            In March of that same year (1918) the city commissioners leased the Opera House to the Junction City Amusement Company for two years and it was stated that the building would be renovated and re-decorated with a new lighting system installed.  The Junction City Amusement Company also owned both the Cozy and the Airdome Theaters.  All three places were under the charge of Jack Howe as the General Manager.

            And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.