People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — ELLIS OPERA HOUSE. [ARTICLE]

ELLIS OPERA HOUSE.

It is indeed with a thankful heart that at last, after nearly two months of the harderst work we ever did, the task of publishing this souvenir edition is nearly done. 'As this is being written the last lines are being set. It

is late, very late, but there have been delays for which we were not responsible, and there was much of miscalculation on our part. But it is completed, a paper of thirty-two pages, containing many more illustrations than at first anticipated. There were many things omitted, absolutely because we could do no more. We thank all those who have so generously aided with their patronage and other assistance. We have endeavored to make it a representative exposition of this great county and progressive city. Happy we are to say that jn the work, we have not been hampered by political bias; all have appreciated the magnitude of the undertaking and nobly laid aside party prejudice and accepted our effort in the nonpartisan spirit in which it was made. Thanking you all most sincerely, we are Faithfully yours, F. D. Craig and Associates.

On another page is the illustration of this really line building, owned and managed by J. 11. S. Ellis. It was built in 1878 and has the most solid fire proof walls, and is probably the most substantial block in town. This building is forty-eight feet wide by eighty feet long, and has a seating capacity of five hundred. Mr. Ellis contemplates thoroughly remodeling and enlarging the building next spring. He will build on twenty feet to the rear, widen the stage to twentyfour feet, put in dressing rooms, jy,nl orchestra rooms beneath, and thoroughly refit the stage with new scenery fixtures. A horseshoe balcony will be put in and the main floor raised and supplied with opera chairs, and the seating capacity increased to seven hundred and fifty or more. The front will be converted into office rooms, as that part of the big room is too far from the stage. Mr. Ellis will find his improvements greatly appreciated.