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masonic ceremonies, but the idea was set aside in favor of pushing construction ahead. Although there were no formal ceremonies, a copper box made by Brink & Clark was set in the brickwork on July 10, 1891. In the box were placed the names of the stockholders, directors of the corporation, a city officials, contractors, newspapers, a map of the city, a dollar bill, and some coins.
The new theatre cost about $50,000 paid for by stock subscription. There were about 100 stockholders, and they were entertained at a pre-opening banquet held February 15, 1892. A spectacular building for the time, there was nothing quite like it except for New York City. On the first floor were five stories; two on James Street 10 by 70 feet, and three on henry Street measuring 20 by 54 feet. Office space was also available. On the third floor was a banquet hall which could seat about 100 people. The hall ran the entire James Street ride. The kitchen and parlors were also on the third floor.
The theatre itself was on the second floor and took up the rear of the structure. A ticket booth was located near the entrance, which was on James Street. An arcade led to an elegant staircase eighteen feet wide. The staircase divided and led to the ladies parlor, gentlemen's parlor and smoking room. The women's parlor was "prettily arranged (with) expensive carpets, pretty upholstered tete-a-tetes chairs, etc. "Oil paintings hung on the walls. The room had a "beautiful fireplace," and dressing rooms were closed off by Japanese portieres. The men's parlor and smoking room were appointed in a similar style. There W toilets, and two additional toilet rooms off the balcony.
In the basement was a 30 hp Armington & Sims generator which powered the theatre's more than two-hundred incandescent lights, four are lights, and ran the elevator which was used for hoisting baggage to the dressing rooms. The building, including the stage, could also be completely lit by gas should the generator fail. The Casino had a sprinkler system in the event of fire, as well as and asbestos curtain which could be lowered to protect the auditorium in case scenery caught on fire.
There were nine dressing rooms; eight were below the stage area, and one, for "the star," was at the rear of the stage. Marble basins in the dressing rooms featured the luxury of both hot and cold water. Two large storerooms were available to store scenery.
The stage was about 40 by 60 feet, with a proscenium (curtain opening) of about 28 by 32 feet. The main curtain featured a scene of Antony meeting Cleopatra. Considered a very fine curtain, it was similar to one that had been recently installed in a theatre in Memphis, Tennessee. Constructions featured the latest devises. Curtains and scenery were operated by a pully system, rather than the 'old fashioned' system where they ran in grooves. Overhead was a generous space in which to "fly" scenery. The stage was lit by