Court Cases

GAMBLERS RAIDED

Constable Cal Smith and Police Officer Randolph made a raid last night on a party of negro gamblers who had gathered around a table at what is known among the negroes as “Flat Top.” “Flat Top” is Arthur Glover’s restaurant and general rendezvous for the colored brotherhood at the old Electric light plant, where in times gone by the police have made more than one raid on the devotees of “craps” and the game called “Georgia Skin.”

Last night it was the Georgia Skin game again and there were five young negroes circled about a table in a back room. It was about 9 o’clock when the two officers discovered the game to be in progress. It is not easy for two men to corner and hold five, especially in a room with several doors, but the officers feared that if they sent for help the gamblers would get the cue and escape entirely. Accordingly they burst in the door. There was immediately a rush and Mr. Randolph was knocked down and run over but managed to retain one of the men and Smith got another.

When brought before Judge Champlin this morning they gave their names as Hunt Harper and Will Avery, and their fines and costs amounted in each case to $6.05.

Jelly Roll mentions the Flat Top honky tonk in Alan Lomax’s book Mister Jelly Roll. [MJR 41]

The Flat Top honky tonk was owned by Arthur Glover and relied on the trade of local turpentine distillery workers who frequented the place for gambling, which included the card game Georgia Skin and also for the services of prostitutes such as Kid Lu, Katie Powell, and Hattie Hearst. [OMJ 141]

Jelly Roll gives an extended narrative about the Georgia Skin card game on the Library of Congress recordings. [AFS 1679-B] - [AFS 1680-A] and [AFS 1680-B]

Court Cases

Lee Nelson and Mattie Bailey, two white women, were each fined $5 and costs for disorderly conduct, to which charge they plead guilty.

Jelly Roll mentions Mattie Bailey in Alan Lomax’s Mister Jelly Roll. [MJR 42]

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

THE STAGE

William Benlow (Benbow) has opened a vaudeville house in Pensacola, Fla., and has played to packed houses each night. The company is composed of ten hard workers, and the house has been open five weeks. Mrs. Alberta Benlow (Benbow) takes them by storm with her coon shouting; Lee Cobb, the Mississippi Sunflower is “breaking their jaws” with his comedy; little Johnny Stevens, the kid buck and wing dancer, has composed a step, entitled “The King of Them All”; Louise Meggs is making good singing “I like a Little Loving.” Prof. Frank Rachel and his orchestra is handling some clever musicians. Wm. Benbow sends regards to Paul Carter, Billy Arnte, and say, what about the coming season?

Court Cases

L. B. Thomas, a colored barber, who has his shop at Croesus street and the railroad, was in police court this morning. There was a bad bruise over Thomas’ left eye and a long blue mark lay underneath the same feature. He was charged with disorderly conduct and after some little hesitation decided to plead guilty.

Ed Hunter, colored, was up for disorderly conduct by word and deed likewise his wife Laura Hunter. Juniu Roux, hack driver and Joe Landry, colored drayman, were the pricipal witnesses against them. Last night about eight o’clock Roux went to Landry’s house on a matter of business. There was a disturbance outside and Mrs. Roux, who had been waiting for Mr. Roux in the carriage, came in to say that some one was throwing bricks. Roux and Landry went outside and found Hunter and his wife there and accused Hunter of creating the disturbance, whereupon, according to their testimony they both began cursing and using opprobrious epithets. Hunter was fined $5 and cost and his wife $1 and costs.

Note: Laura Hunter, Jelly Roll’s godmother, was formerly known as Eulalie Hécaud. She was married to Edward Hunter (born in Louisiana, January 1867), a carpenter by trade.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

PEOPLES’ THEATER
HOUSTON, TEXAS.

The Burns-Russell Stock Company are offering to their patrons this week the two-act Western comedy-drama, “Arizona Dick” and “Montana Jack,” by Sandy Burns, music by Prof. Sam Davis, who is now making Texas his home for the purpose of studying cowboy life, so he will be able to compose Western songs. Prof. Davis is introducing two of his latest songs this week “The Roundup,” sung by our funny little comedian, Sammy Russell, and “Texas is My Home,” sung by that dainty soubrette, Miss Alma Hughes. “The Roundup” is one of the few Western songs I have heard that have that catchy music to it we call rag-time. Burns and Russell are the same two funny boys, and the people here are certainly enjoying their work. They have an excellent company to support them. They have been here fourteen months. Everyone is pleased so all I can say is “smile on.” Kelly and Kelly are the same two, they don’t sing very much, but oh, how they can say their lines they do their share of the work and look for more. Anna May (Mae) Fritz is with us again after an illness of several weeks, but she has not lost her voice and we are all thankful. Alma Hughes, that tantalizing kid of ours, certainly can sing “Lovey Joe”. Oh, yes, last, but not least, Miss Carrie Huff, our prima donna, is some singer and can certainly sing these Spanish songs, and Tommy Hicks he is here too. Pet does anything, good old Chicago boy. Hicks, he didn’t like the cold weather, so he came to Texas. Prof. [D]avis is our musical director, but he leaves for New York May 1st. Ira Releford is at the traps.

Note: Jelly Roll described Sammy Davis as being “one of the greatest manipulators of the keyboard I guess I have ever seen in the history of the world.” [MJR 43]

Note: “. . . I acted as straight man to Sandy Burns, the blackface comedian and the first eccentric dancer in the United States, and it was through him that I happened to get the name, Jelly Roll. . . .” [MJR 144]

Note: “. . . Anna Mae Fritz (later in the movies) came in with my girl friend, Rosie. Anna Mae and I had an argument . . .” [MJR 146]

NOTICE.

Any one knowing the whereabouts of Stella Lee Taylor will please notify her mother, Mrs. Mollie Taylor, 706 S. State St., Chicago, Ill.

Note: Stella Lee Taylor was one of many women associated with Jelly Roll Morton. [MJR 144]

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

NOTES FROM PEKIN THEATER
SAVANNAH, GA.

William Benbow’s Big Four act is still the center of attraction. Mr. Benbow introduced another high-class act entitled, “Spoony Sam,” and made an instantaneuos (instantaneous) hit. There are four people in the act. Each one looks like a headliner.

The act of Mr. Benbow as Spoony Sam was real pleasing. He is decidedly the best “straight” man that has appeared at the Pekin for months.

Among the clever songs that were introduced during this act, the following ones were big hits: “Tell Her No,” by Mose Graham, was a scream. Mr. Graham is not only a good comedian but has an exceptionally good voice. “All That I Ask is Love,” by Rebecca Kinzey, the “Black Swan,” was real good. “In the Land of Harmony,” by Edna Landry Benbow, made a big hit. Mrs. Benbow is what she is advertised to be, the little lady with the big voice.

The singing of “Sugar Moon” by the quartet was pleasing.

Mr. Benbow has one of the best acts of its kind on the road.

Note: Although there is no mention of Jelly Roll in the above report, he was known to have worked with William Benbow during this period. Jelly Roll Morton sings All That I Ask is Love on the Library of Congress recordings. [AFS 1666-B]

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

NOTES FROM GREAT LA VITA
SHOW CO.

After eight weeks of success, the Great La Vita Show Company will leave the city of Quincy, Ill. While in Quincy the entire company has made many friends and the city at large will hate to see the company leave, as they enjoy the high-class entertainment given nightly by the company. It has been a hard matter to get a lot large enough to accommodate the large and appreciative audiences. The roster of No. 1 company: Prof. Walter Lee, band leader and solo cornet; J. C. Spikes, cornet; B. F. Spikes, alto; Harry Swift, trombone; Mr. Gaus, tuba; Mr. Docket, clarinet; Mr. Jack Johnson, bass drum; Mr. Eddie Woods, snare drum. Fun-makers: Billy Nichols, Jim Jackson, Wm. Webb. The great demand for the medicines of the La Vita Medical Company has been such that it has been necessary to organize company No. 2, and the third company is contemplated. Regards to all friends in and out of the business.

MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC

CHICAGO WEEKLY REVIEW

By Sylvester Russell

The Pekin buffet was newly opened on last Saturday evening, October 5, under the management of A. D. Lazarus. The old grill room lobby has been converted into a music hall wine room. Besides a $2,000 orchestrion, the entertainers will be Daisy Toledo, singer; Albert Carroll, pianist, and George Smith, trap drummer. Mr. Lazarus, who is the most popular and thrifty man who has yet been identified with the house, leases his apartments from Mr. Charmale.

Note: The Pekin Theater (a.k.a. The Pekin Inn, The Pekin Cafe, The Pekin Cabaret) was located at 2700 South State Street, Chicago, Illinois.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

. . . The Sensational Big Three, Bostwick, Green and Bostwick, are at the Elite theater, Selma, Ala., week of the 5th, for two weeks’ run, with Montgomery to follow. The act is new, but a decided scream from start to finish. John Dennis and Hattie Payton are making good.

JENKINS AND JENKINS HAVING SUCCESS

The team of Jenkins and Jenkins known in vaudeville as Dady (Daddy) Jenkins and Little Creole Set, from New Orleans, La., closed six successful weeks at the Elite theatre, Selma, Ala. Will open Monday, January 6, 1913, at the Empire theatre, Dothan, Ala.

The team of Jenkins and Jenkins open this little play house, carrying the crowds nightly with a pack(ed) house. Mr. L. M. Rayfield, our manager, carries a smile that never comes off. This is one of the best houses in Alabama to work. Talking about the ghost he is never crippled, Jenkins talking and no hot air, believe me. I have some more than can say the same. There is the team of Patterson and Patterson still at the house and the Williams Sisters closed here last week. Then again our house man, Mr. Freeny, he can same. Jelly Rool (Roll), our piano player, is there on the piano like a ship at sea. He don’t bar no rag time piano player, and when he plays the rag they calls the New York Rool (Roll), he makes the audience stand up and take notice, believe me pa. Hello Ed Kemp, how is sister Little Lou. Salsby says hello to the team. My regards to the entire theatrical world. Yours in profession, S. L. Jenkins.

Note: The upper part of columns 5-6 is occupied by an advertisement for the song:

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

GREENVILLE, TEX.

Ferd and Rosa Morton are still doing nicely. They are the drawing card of the Pratt Bros. Vendome, playing to crowded houses nightly. Ferd Morton sends regards to Tony Jackson, Harry Bernard, Willminor Cook, String Beans, Porter and Porter, Baby Seals, Leroy White, Ford and Ford, Homer Broadenax, the James Sisters, Bessie LaBelle and Sam Russell. Tony Jackson, write care of The Freeman.

Note: The original article from The Indianapolis Freeman, dated Saturday, 9th August 1913 contains many bizarre spelling errors.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.

Yale Theater.

The Yale, which has been closed for some three or four weeks for repairs, opened Monday night to a crowded house and is having a packed house every night. The house was opened with new faces, Miss Mamie McKenney, Moten and Moten, Mr. Earnest Whitman, Oklahoma City’s favourite, and others. Mr. Ned Bean has spared no pains in making this one of the most beautiful playhouses in Oklahoma, and would like to hear from all first class performers. Write 217 East First street.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE.

STAGE NOTES.

Jelly Roll meeting with great success at the Hughes vaudeville theater, 2600 Poplar street, Cairo, Ill.

The Pompei Cafe and Buffet
Thos, McCain and Mort Shoecraft, Props.
Phones, Douglas, 332; Automatic, 71 313

Unexcelled cuisine and service. The select and exclusive character of the Pompei and its refined environment makes it an ideal place to go. We invite you to visit Chicago’s most magnificent place.

JOE SHOECRAFT, Mgr.
20-22 East 31st St.                                  Chicago, Illinois

Note: The above advert was published in The Indianapolis Freeman on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th January 1914.

In August 1914 the Pompeii Cafe changed to Richelieu and Jelly Roll became its musical director.

SNOWSTORM  TO  CONTINUE  TONIGHT
SUBURBAN TROLLEYS FORCED TO ABANDON SCHEDULES
CITY’S TRAFFIC TIED UP: TRAINS LATE

15 INCHES OF SNOW
FALLS IN TWO DAYS;
DEEP DRIFTS FORM

Street Car Tie-Up on Broadway Between Pine and
Olive; Typical of Downtown Conditions This Morning

Weather Bureau Forecasts Fall to Go on Through the Night, With Temperature of About 10 Degrees — City Battles With Drifts in Effort to Clear Crossings and Local Interurban Car Lines Keep Sweepers and Salt Cars Busy on Tracks.

Research conducted by Prof. Lawrence Gushee suggests that Morton’s arrival in St. Louis probably occurred in February 1914. [C 25-26]

Jelly Roll tells us: “For a time I had been working with McCabe’s Minstrel Show and, when that folded in St. Louis, I began looking for a job. My goodness, the snow was piled up till you couldn’t see the streetcars.” [MJR 147]

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

WHAT’S WHAT ON THE S. H. DUDLEY CIRCUIT WEEK OF MAY 4, 1914.

Cleveland, Ohio — Alpha Theatre, M. Endelman, manager: Queen Dora and other acts.

Cincinnati, Ohio — Lincoln Theatre, Marion Brooks, manager: Kenner & Williams Stock Company.

Chicago, Ill. — Monogram Theatre, M. Klein, manager. Buster & Rockpile and other acts.

Louisville, Ky. — Ruby Theatre, Mrs. S. H. Dudley, manager: Morton & Morton, John Pamplin, Phil Giles, Berringer & Berringer. . . .

THEATRICAL NOTES.

The Pekin.

Morse & Edwards, Satanka, Morton & Morton.

Lincoln Theater.

The Only String Beans, Stock Co.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

Morton and Morton, Ferd and Rosa, as New Orleans Jelly Rolls and Ragtime Piano King, are meeting with great success at the Pekin, Dayton, O. Gordon and Graham and Baby Ethel are also cleaning up. Morton and Gordon think strongly of making up a good stock company.

Morton & Morton
As Jelly Rolls
Working White Time.
Managers write care The Freeman.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE.

MORTON & MORTON
Comedy, Music, Dancing.

Ferd and Rose (Rosa) Morton are an interesting pair, who do a number of good taking [sic] stunts. Miss Morton is a wideawake performer, helping out the fun all the way through. She puts out the “Blues” to the satisfaction of the audiences who for some reason take very kindly to that kind of singing. Her voice is of good quality.

Mr. Morton, “Jelly Roll” is a slight reminder of “String Beans.” He does a pianologue in good style. He plays

FERD MORTON
As New Orleans Jelly Roll.

a good piano, classics and rags with equal ease. His one hand stunt, left hand alone, playing a classic selection, is a good one.

They do an amusing comedy bit, singing “That Ain’t Got ’Em.” This is sung by both of them in duo style. They make a hit in this, which is Morton’s own composition. In fact he composes most of his own songs and arranges his other work. As a comedian Morton is grotesque in his makeup and sustains himself nicely through the work. They are a clever pair, giving a pleasing show.

Note: String Beans, the stage name of Butler May (1894-1917), was a native of Montgomery, Alabama. He moved along the same vaudeville circuit as Jelly Roll Morton.

Jelly Roll’s claim to the song That Ain’t Got ’Em may be incorrect. Prof. Lawrence Gushee has established that there exists a published song from 1910 titled That One Ain’t Got ’Em, Babe by Henry W. Paschal, a clarinetist, who appeared briefly with the troupe of Billy Kersands Minstrels in Jacksonville, Savannah, and Richmond, Virginia. Morton was also known to have been part of the same troupe and also in Jacksonville in 1910. [C 26-27]

The only known source for the picture of Jelly Roll Morton above is from The Indianapolis Freeman newspaper.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

Butler and Johnson at the New Monogram.

Although Mr. Butler was a newcomer, his ability to be an amusing comedian was enough to welcome him with his well known partner, Miss Eloise Johnson, who has at last become a real actress, who knows how to dress, look [s]weet and play a part. Rosa Brown was another well known favorite, who looked well in pants but danced and sang better than she talked. Chenault & Singleton, who are good artist cartoonists, were both attractable, and Kid Thompson was also on the bill. Charels (Charles) Elgar, the violinist, has joined the orchestra.

String Beans (Butler May) Returns to the Monogram
More Popular Than Ever.

Since String Beans has improved by criticism, the lanky bewildering idol of unexpected joy, has taken on a new coat of popularity and kept the house full at every performance. And while he paid too much attention to the trap drummer, and people in the audience, he got through all right on his dancing, which was legitimate. Miss Baby Mack, who assisted him is a fine soubrette. . . .

Note: The Monogram Theatre was located at 3435-40 South State Street, Chicago, Illinois.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

Morton and Morton. “Jelly Rolls,” going big this week. The house is crowded nightly. Vaudette Theater, Detroit, Mich.

Morton & Morton
As Jelly Rolls
Will produce Stock at the New Crown
Garden Theatre, Indianapolis.
STOCK PEOPLE WRITE.

GOSSIP OF THE STAGE

WHAT’S WHAT ON THE S. H. DUDLEY CIRCUIT

Week of July 13, 1914.

. . . Philadelphia, Pa. — Standard Theater, John T. Gibson, Mgr.: Robinson & White, Morton & Morton.

Detroit, Mich — Vaudette Theater, C. L. Dudley, Mgr.: Scott & Simmons, Jones & Jones, Johnny Lee.

Cincinnati, Ohio — Lincoln Theater, Marion Brooks, Mgr.; Original Rags, Stock Co. . . .

Note: Gibson’s Standard Theater was home to African-American entertainers and integrated audiences from the turn of the century until it closed in 1931. It was located on South Street, Philadelphia.

Chicago Stage Notes

. . . The Ragtime Trio is at the Virginia. Saparo & Thomas have been booked on the Western vaudevillie time. Moton (Morton) (Jelly Roll) & Moton (Morton) have arrived in town [Chicago]. Eddie Gray, who has arrived from the Pacific Coast, is booming his latest song, “It Is Hard To Love Someone Dearly.” . . .

MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC

“All Passes, Art Alone Endures”

. . . Miss Lucile (Lucille) Hegamin, the Georgia peach, with that strong voice, is entertaining at the Willow Springs Cafe. Looks like a nymph of paradise assisted by that sweet dream, Miss Ethel Cole, and Mr. Will Abel. They make good anywhere, as both are very clever.

The famous Pompeii Cafe name has been changed to Richelieu, under new management, that of the genial Geo. L. Cook, a man with a personality with a charm to it. He will place a Chinese and American cafe in connection with the best of decorum. His entertainers are of the highest calibre. Mr. Ferd Morton, musical director, and Mr. Harry Bernard, our great lyric tenor, the prince of entertainers, will direct the amusements. This will be one of the best places for the stroller to receive their just enjoyment. . . .

The grand opening of the new DeLuke (DeLuxe) Cafe took place last Saturday evening. The tables were decorated with flowers and the waiter service was perfection. Morton’s Orchestra of seven pieces was the life of the occasion. The soloists were Cook & Bernard, the two sweet-voiced cabaret entertainers. William Bottoms and Frank Preer are the proprietors. The DeLuxe is located at 3503 State street [Chicago] and is destined to become popular. . . .

Mule [Perry] Bradford is booked from Dietrick’s office to open at Blue Island [Illinois] in one week, with Benton Harbor [Michigan] to follow.

Note: According to Perry Bradford, Morton was involved with the Blue Island vaudeville act. “Jelly and I became fast friends. We put together a big act and went out to South Chicago to break it in, but the act laid an omelette, it was so terrible. The manager canceled the act, and some of the group had to walk back to the city. Mamie Smith’s first husband, Sam Gardner, was in the group. Sam had two dollars and he paid all the girls’, Jelly Roll’s, and my car-fare back to Chicago.” [BWTB 95]

THE “JELLY ROLL” BLUES

On 22nd September 1915, Will Rossiter, the Chicago music publisher, copyrights ORIGINAL JELLY-ROLL BLUES. The registration number is Class E 372536 and the Catalogue of Copyright Entries lists this as for “piano.” Unfortunately the copyright deposit itself is missing, so we can’t be sure whether this is the manuscript Morton produced when Henri Klickmann was unable to notate the piece, or the printed piano music. [MJR 150]

The illustrated cover of the published version is shown above as THE “JELLY ROLL” BLUES. In addition, Rossiter went on to publish a version of this for band and orchestra.

CHICAGO WEEKLY REVIEW

by Sylvester Russell

The withdrawal of the De Luxe proprietors, Bottoms and Preer, from cabaret entertainment, was quite a surprise. The two popular proprietors have decided to try a pool and billiard parlor policy. The De Luxe stag hotel upstairs already has a billiard room. The buffet is still doing nice business. The winners at the Pompeii contest were as follows: Gold-plated safety razor to the singer, Earl McKinney; a pair of gloves to the pianist, Jelly Roll; manicuring set to the comedian, Bojangler (Bojangles) Robinson. Will Thomas is manager. Harry C. Jenkins managed the program. . . .

Note: The DeLuxe Cafe was located at 3503 State Street, Chicago, Illinois and the Pompeii Buffet and Cafe was at 20-22 East 31st Street, Chicago, Illinois.

STAGE NOTES.

“The Birth of a Nation,” the big noise by way of moving pictures, will be at the English Opera House next week. We shall endeavor to see what it’s all about. Reviewed in exposition number.

Jelly Roll Ferd Horton (Morton) will be ready to go to work now after three weeks of baths. He says, “lookout, Chicago, I’ll be back soon.” Some ragtime player. Tim Moore write, care of The Freeman.

Note: As to the baths, the long-obsolete practice of taking the waters at various hot springs was still alive and well in the earlier part of the 20th c. There were two places in southern Indiana which offered this form of rest and therapy, French Lick and West Baden Springs. West Baden Springs has a magnificent octagonal hotel, which several years ago was in the process of restoration. My guess is that Jelly Roll would not have been allowed past the front door. There was, however, a sanitarium run by “Waddy”, an African-American, since ca. 1902, where, in 1918 Bert Williams spent some time. This would be interesting to look into. I should add that these may have been the closest such establishments to Chicago, unless there were some in Michigan. All this is surmise, not backed up with documents, except for the information about “Waddy” [Wadsworth?]. [LG]

Deaths of the Week
(From Records, Department of Health.)

Arment. (Armant) Alexander, 47 yrs., 3359 Wabash ave., Dec. 10.
BANDMASTER PASSES AWAY
Former Leader of the Eighth
Regiment Band Laid to Rest at Mt.
Olivet Sunday.

The recent and sudden death of Prof. Alexander Armant, the noted musician, was a shock to all. He was known to all throughout the state, having played at many of the best society dances. He was a conscientious worker and an excellent cornetist. Prof. Armant joined the Eighth Regiment band after its return from Cuba. He was soon made chief musician, which he held until 1905, when the entire band was mustered out. After that he organized an orchestra and became affiliated with the Twelfth Regiment Odd Fellows’ band. Mr. Armant was a cigar maker and a member of that union. He leaves a wife to mourn his loss, besides, thousands of friends who knew him as “Alex.” The deceased was buried from his home, 3359 Wabash avenue, at 11 o’clock Sunday morning. Father Morris officiating. Charlie Jackson had charge of the funeral. Interment was at Mt. Olivet.

Note: Alexander Armant is mentioned on separate two occasions. First, in an article titled Jelly-Roll Morton At 52 Has Ancient Jive To Spare! by Marshall Stearns in Down Beat, dated December 1937. Then, in a hand-written letter, dated 27th April 1938, from Jelly Roll Morton to Earle Cornwall. Also see Prof. Lawrence Gushee’s article in Storyville Magazine, issue 127, dated October 1986. [C 27]

“Vaudette Theatre, Detroit, Mich.”

(By Single Henry Jones)

Fred (Ferd) Morton. “Jelly Roll,” just arrivel (arrived) in town from St. Louis, Mo. He he [sic] working at the Fairfax hotel [Detroit]. He is the town talk, because he wrote the “Jelly Roll Blues.” Some class to him. . . .

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