Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 July 1885 — THE MODEL THEATER. [ARTICLE]

THE MODEL THEATER.

It la Located in Chicago, and McVicker’s Is Its Name. (From the Chicago Inter Ocean.] The work of reformation at McVicker’s Theater has been bo quietly conducted that most people will be surprised to find how radical it has been. While the two upper stories were building to the public view, the interior of the theater was undergoing the reconstructive process which has made it one of the most delightful auditoriums that may be found anywhere. From stage to dome the remodeling and redecorating has been carried so far that, with the single exception of the balcony sweep and the supporting columns, nothing remains to suggest the old auditorium, and these will not be recognized as familiar because of the novel surroundings of which they have been made a part. One of the most important alterations, «ne that will not be perceived by the majority of the patrons of the house, was the elevation of the gallery ceiling by several feet, by means of which that portion of the house has been made as comfortable as any other part. This was done in conformity with Mr. McVicker’s idea that all patrons of his house should be entertained agreeably and without suffering unpleasant annoyances, whether they paid $1.50 for admission or only 25 cents. For the same reason he has furnished to every portion of the house, gallery included, separate retiring rooms for ladies and gentlemen, and stationed a watjr fountain for the supply of ice water upon every landing. These attentions, together with the seating arrangements and the unique plan of ventilation introduced, will certainly tend to make this theater a model in the care of patrons. The ventilating system referred to is rather complicated, but it may be sufficiently explained in a few words: By a senes of ducts and revolving fans the air, which has first been purified by passing through a filter of charcoal and gravel, is conveyed to the top of the building and forced downward into the auditorium through large induction tubes. The air is not only forced in by pressure, but it is drawn downward by suction of fans located beneath the auditorium and carried off through innumerable exits at regular intervals about the house and under the seats. This keeps going a continuous supply of fresh, pure air without creating a draft, and prevents the dust and refuse particles of the floor rising into the atmosphere to be inhaled. In winter, by the same process, heated air will be supplied. It may be well to state that boilers, furnaces, and all fire appliances have been removed from the theater building to one across the alley, and as all the lighting will be done by electric burners, there is no danger by fire to be apprehended. Nevertheless, as a further precaution against any possible contingency, a heavy twenty-inch fire wall has been built underneath, dividing the stage and auditorium spaces, so there is no chance for a fire to spread in that way from stage to auditorium. But if there are timid ones who think even these measures insufficient to reassure them, they will find consolation in the fact that the auditorium has been so arranged that each one of its seven aisles leads directly to an exit, and that each exit opens straight upon the street or alleys. There are twenty-three exits of this description throughout the house. Mr. McVicker feels satisfied that this will be pronounced the model theater of the country, and, in order to have that said by the profession as well as by the public, he has made the improvements behind the stage conform with those in front A general invitation is extended to people living outside of the city to inspect this model theater when visiting Chicago. Here the play can be enjoyed with a feeling of safety by all lovers of first-class drama. As a Cure for Sore Throat and Coughs, "Brown's Bronchial Troches” have been thoroughly tested, and maintain their good reputation.