BIJOU THEATER - Revision history

Randylyon at 21:07, 30 April 2022

2022-04-30T21:07:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:07, 30 April 2022
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	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou, a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]], was the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou, a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]], was the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

	In 1904 Jacob ~~Rosenthal~~, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over its management. Rosenthal was well-known in the theater business with ownership and control over six large vaudeville houses in the Midwest. With its opening night on November 14, 1904, the Bijou became his seventh. Complete remodeling of the Coates included new scenery and an "absolutely fireproof" curtain. The new theater was also on the booking list of the International Vaudeville Theatrical Exchange which "insured" first class talent. Rosenthal vowed that, "The entertainment to be presented here is of such a character that a man may take his family to it with perfect assurance that no suggestion of vulgarity will be forced upon him." Until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (2)		In 1904 [[ROSENTHAL, Jacob "Jake"\|Jacob "Jake" ROSENTHAL]], of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over its management. Rosenthal was well-known in the theater business with ownership and control over six large vaudeville houses in the Midwest. With its opening night on November 14, 1904, the Bijou became his seventh. Complete remodeling of the Coates included new scenery and an "absolutely fireproof" curtain. The new theater was also on the booking list of the International Vaudeville Theatrical Exchange which "insured" first class talent. Rosenthal vowed that, "The entertainment to be presented here is of such a character that a man may take his family to it with perfect assurance that no suggestion of vulgarity will be forced upon him." Until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (2)

	Ever the businessman, Rosenthal offered such audience-building inducements as twins coming to the theater together having their choice of seating during the second week in January in 1910. (3) In November 1905 he advertised that a "Real Live Baby" would be presented to someone in attendance on a Saturday evening. True to his word, a beautiful little pink--pig--was bestowed to the winner. (see advertisement)		Ever the businessman, Rosenthal offered such audience-building inducements as twins coming to the theater together having their choice of seating during the second week in January in 1910. (3) In November 1905 he advertised that a "Real Live Baby" would be presented to someone in attendance on a Saturday evening. True to his word, a beautiful little pink--pig--was bestowed to the winner. (see advertisement)

Randylyon at 16:39, 28 April 2022

2022-04-28T16:39:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:39, 28 April 2022
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	[[Image:biz3.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]		[[Image:biz3.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]

	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou ~~was~~ a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] ~~and~~ the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou, a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]], was the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

	In 1904 Jacob Rosenthal, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over its management. ~~Under his leadership,~~ the ~~Coates became a~~ vaudeville ~~house with~~ its opening night November 14, 1904. ~~From then until~~ June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week~~. (1) Ever the businessman, Rosenthal offered such audience-building inducements as twins coming to the theater together having their choice of seating during the second week in January in 1910~~. (2) In November 1905 he advertised that a "Read Live Baby" would be presented to someone in attendance on a Saturday evening. True to his word, a beautiful little pink--pig--was bestowed to the winner. (see advertisement)		In 1904 Jacob Rosenthal, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over its management. Rosenthal was well-known in the theater business with ownership and control over six large vaudeville houses in the Midwest. With its opening night on November 14, 1904, the Bijou became his seventh. Complete remodeling of the Coates included new scenery and an "absolutely fireproof" curtain. The new theater was also on the booking list of the International Vaudeville Theatrical Exchange which "insured" first class talent. Rosenthal vowed that, "The entertainment to be presented here is of such a character that a man may take his family to it with perfect assurance that no suggestion of vulgarity will be forced upon him." Until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (2)

			Ever the businessman, Rosenthal offered such audience-building inducements as twins coming to the theater together having their choice of seating during the second week in January in 1910. (3) In November 1905 he advertised that a "Real Live Baby" would be presented to someone in attendance on a Saturday evening. True to his word, a beautiful little pink--pig--was bestowed to the winner. (see advertisement)

	In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] purchased ~~and renamed~~ the building ~~the Bijou Theater~~. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)		In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] purchased the building. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (4)

	[[Image:bijou.gif\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Ruins of the Bijou.]]The New Bijou, considered one of Iowa's most beautiful, was destroyed by fire on April 7, 1910. Firemen discovered smoke coming from under the stage door. The origin of the blaze was never determined.		[[Image:bijou.gif\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Ruins of the Bijou.]]The New Bijou, considered one of Iowa's most beautiful, was destroyed by fire on April 7, 1910. Firemen discovered smoke coming from under the stage door. The origin of the blaze was never determined.
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	Source:		Source:

	1. "~~At the Bijou~~," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', ~~February 3~~, ~~1907~~, p. 6		1. "Manager of New Theater in City," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', October 31, 1904, p. 3

	2. "~~He Wore Gold Coins in His Vest~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~October 17~~, ~~1937~~, p. 7		2. "At the Bijou," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', February 3, 1907, p. 6

	3. "Dubuque Will Have New Bijou," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 9, 1910, p. 3		3. "He Wore Gold Coins in His Vest," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 17, 1937, p. 7

			4. "Dubuque Will Have New Bijou," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 9, 1910, p. 3

	[[Category: Theater]]		[[Category: Theater]]
	[[Category: Buildings]]		[[Category: Buildings]]
	[[Category: Postcards]]		[[Category: Postcards]]

Randylyon at 00:48, 20 September 2021

2021-09-20T00:48:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:48, 20 September 2021
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	[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]		[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]
	[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]		[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]
	[[Image:biz3\|~~LEFT~~\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]		[[Image:biz3.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]

	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

Randylyon at 00:46, 20 September 2021

2021-09-20T00:46:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:46, 20 September 2021
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	[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]		[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]
	[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]		[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]
			[[Image:biz3\|LEFT\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]

	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

Randylyon at 05:38, 16 November 2019

2019-11-16T05:38:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:38, 16 November 2019
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	[[Image:THEATERHISTORY.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Theater History. Courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]		[[Image:THEATERHISTORY.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Theater History. Courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]
			[[Image:baby.jpeg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Advertisement. Courtesy: Telegraph Herald and Paul Hemmer]]
	[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]		[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]
	[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]		[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]
	~~[[Image:baby.jpeg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Advertisement. Courtesy: Telegraph Herald and Paul Hemmer]]~~
	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

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	In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] purchased and renamed the building the Bijou Theater. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)		In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] purchased and renamed the building the Bijou Theater. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)

	[[Image:bijou.gif\|~~left~~\|thumb\|350px\|Ruins of the Bijou.]]The New Bijou, considered one of Iowa's most beautiful, was destroyed by fire on April 7, 1910. Firemen discovered smoke coming from under the stage door. The origin of the blaze was never determined.		[[Image:bijou.gif\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Ruins of the Bijou.]]The New Bijou, considered one of Iowa's most beautiful, was destroyed by fire on April 7, 1910. Firemen discovered smoke coming from under the stage door. The origin of the blaze was never determined.

	The theater owners announced immediately that architects would be arriving the following week to draw plans for a "larger and grander" theater. The actors and actresses left unemployed and in loss of their costumes by the fire sold tickets to a benefit at [[UNION PARK]] that was arranged to help them re-establish their acts. Work began on what became the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]].		The theater owners announced immediately that architects would be arriving the following week to draw plans for a "larger and grander" theater. The actors and actresses left unemployed and in loss of their costumes by the fire sold tickets to a benefit at [[UNION PARK]] that was arranged to help them re-establish their acts. Work began on what became the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]].

Randylyon at 05:36, 16 November 2019

2019-11-16T05:36:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:36, 16 November 2019
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	[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]		[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]
	[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]		[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]
			[[Image:baby.jpeg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Advertisement. Courtesy: Telegraph Herald and Paul Hemmer]]
	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

Randylyon at 18:04, 15 November 2019

2019-11-15T18:04:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:04, 15 November 2019
Line 4:		Line 4:
	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

	In 1904 Jacob Rosenthal, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over its management. Under his leadership, the Coates became a vaudeville house with its opening night November 14, 1904. From then until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (1) Ever the businessman, Rosenthal offered such audience-building inducements as twins coming to the theater together having their choice of seating during the second week in January in 1910. (2)		In 1904 Jacob Rosenthal, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over its management. Under his leadership, the Coates became a vaudeville house with its opening night November 14, 1904. From then until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (1) Ever the businessman, Rosenthal offered such audience-building inducements as twins coming to the theater together having their choice of seating during the second week in January in 1910. (2) In November 1905 he advertised that a "Read Live Baby" would be presented to someone in attendance on a Saturday evening. True to his word, a beautiful little pink--pig--was bestowed to the winner. (see advertisement)


	In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] purchased and renamed the building the Bijou Theater. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)		In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] purchased and renamed the building the Bijou Theater. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)

Randylyon at 19:59, 9 February 2018

2018-02-09T19:59:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 9 February 2018
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			[[Image:THEATERHISTORY.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Theater History. Courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]
	[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]		[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]
	[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]		[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]

Randylyon at 19:20, 5 February 2018

2018-02-05T19:20:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:20, 5 February 2018
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	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

	~~The Bijou came into existence in~~ 1904 ~~when~~ Jacob Rosenthal, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over ~~the~~ management. Under his leadership, the Coates became a vaudeville house with its opening night November 14, 1904. From then until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (1) ~~Even~~ the businessman, Rosenthal offered twins coming to the theater together choice seating during the second week in January in 1910. (2)		In 1904 Jacob Rosenthal, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over its management. Under his leadership, the Coates became a vaudeville house with its opening night November 14, 1904. From then until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (1) Ever the businessman, Rosenthal offered such audience-building inducements as twins coming to the theater together having their choice of seating during the second week in January in 1910. (2)

	In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] ~~comprised of the same people who had been the owner, renaming~~ the building the Bijou Theater. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)		In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] purchased and renamed the building the Bijou Theater. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)

	[[Image:bijou.gif\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Ruins of the Bijou.]]The New Bijou, considered one of Iowa's most beautiful, was destroyed by fire on April 7, 1910. Firemen discovered smoke coming from under the stage door. The origin of the blaze was never determined.		[[Image:bijou.gif\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Ruins of the Bijou.]]The New Bijou, considered one of Iowa's most beautiful, was destroyed by fire on April 7, 1910. Firemen discovered smoke coming from under the stage door. The origin of the blaze was never determined.

Randylyon at 19:13, 5 February 2018

2018-02-05T19:13:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:13, 5 February 2018
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	BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].		BIJOU THEATER. The Bijou was a famed Dubuque theater located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main [[STREETS]] and the successor to the [[COATES OPERA HOUSE]].

	The Bijou came into existence in 1904 when Jacob Rosenthal, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the ~~[[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]]~~ to take over the management. Under his leadership, the ~~Bijou~~ became a vaudeville house with its opening night November 14, 1904. From then until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (1) Even the businessman, Rosenthal offered twins coming to the theater together choice seating during the second week in January in 1910. (2)		The Bijou came into existence in 1904 when Jacob Rosenthal, of Siegfried and Rosenthal of Omaha, Nebraska, was hired by the building owners to take over the management. Under his leadership, the Coates became a vaudeville house with its opening night November 14, 1904. From then until June 1905, the theater daily presented a two-hour afternoon and two-hour evening performance with an admission price of ten cents. Six musical numbers were presented at each performance. The infamous Cherry Sisters whose "singing" often led to fruit and other produce being thrown at them were booked in 1906. In February 1907 Rosenthal offered for the fourth time since taking over the theater eight acts in the same week. (1) Even the businessman, Rosenthal offered twins coming to the theater together choice seating during the second week in January in 1910. (2)

	In 1908 the ~~Dubuque Opera House Company~~ renaming it the Bijou Theater. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)		In 1908 the [[DUBUQUE OPERA HOUSE COMPANY]] comprised of the same people who had been the owner, renaming the building the Bijou Theater. Extensive remodeling began almost immediately. The stage was lowered from the second to the first floor, and four box seats were installed on each side of the expanded stage. The horseshoe-shaped gallery was often the scene of verbal exchanges between the "Packing House Row" on one side and the "Dutchtown Gang" on the opposite side. (3)

	[[Image:bijou.gif\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Ruins of the Bijou.]]The New Bijou, considered one of Iowa's most beautiful, was destroyed by fire on April 7, 1910. Firemen discovered smoke coming from under the stage door. The origin of the blaze was never determined.		[[Image:bijou.gif\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Ruins of the Bijou.]]The New Bijou, considered one of Iowa's most beautiful, was destroyed by fire on April 7, 1910. Firemen discovered smoke coming from under the stage door. The origin of the blaze was never determined.

	The theater owners announced immediately that architects would be arriving the following week to draw plans for a "larger and grander" theater. The actors and actresses left unemployed and in loss of their costumes by the fire sold tickets to a benefit at [[UNION PARK]] that was arranged to help them re-establish their acts. ~~In 1911~~ the ~~Dubuque Opera House Company was dissolved.~~		The theater owners announced immediately that architects would be arriving the following week to draw plans for a "larger and grander" theater. The actors and actresses left unemployed and in loss of their costumes by the fire sold tickets to a benefit at [[UNION PARK]] that was arranged to help them re-establish their acts. Work began on what became the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]].

	~~See:~~ [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 9 February 2018
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			[[Image:THEATERHISTORY.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Theater History. Courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]
	[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]		[[Image:bijou2.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bijou Theater at 4th and Main. Photo courtesy: Frank and Vincent Hoffmann Collection and Diane Harris]]
	[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]		[[Image:bij3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Interior of Bijou in 1910. Photo courtesy: Joseph Jacobsmeier]]