Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 59, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 October 1917 — HALE WARNER TO THE FRONT [ARTICLE]

HALE WARNER TO THE FRONT

With Old Rensselaer Band Picture That Antedates ’Em All. Much interest has been taken in the old pictures of the Rensselaer band of years agone which have been on display in Rhoads’ grocery window, mention of which has been made from time to time in The Democrat as the exhibit was added to, and Saturday Hale Warner brought in a picture that puts the others all out of the running so far as age is concerned. Away back about 1881 Rensselaer had a dramatic troupe, and after playing to "full houses” at home they accepted an invitation to put on their play, “The Charcoal Burner,” at Lowell. The narrow guage railroad had but lately been completed and the players, accompanied by the Rensselaer band “took to the road,’’ and played two nights at Lowell. It was the intention to play but one night, but it took so well that they were induced to stay over and repeat the play, which they did and had a crowded house each night. This picture was taken at Lowell by Henri Levino, who was then engaged in the photograph business there but later came to Rensselaer and was engaged in the candy making business here.

The ladies in the troupe were Mrs. Will Phillips and Misses Blanche Burroughs, Mary Yates, Josie Catt, Lettie Hopkins, Babe DeHaven, Alice DeffTaven and Jennie Patton. The gentlemen players and members of the band were Will Phillips, Henry Purcupile, Hale Warner, Jerry Healy, “Bob” Phillips, O. C. Dickey, Lew Roberts, Charles Sears, Samuel Rodgers, David Warren and John Burroughs. The two latter did not happen to be present when this picture was taken. Will Phillips was the leading man and Alice DeHaven the leading la.dy. Henry Purcupile was leader of the band. Seven of those in the picture, also John Burroughs, have since died. r