Family
Theatre (Vaudeville House) & Reeves Music House
FROM
THE 1961 LAST CHANCE STAMPEDE PROGRAM • COURTESY OF KITTY ANN
QUIGLEY TAALER
|
The Family
Theatre was opened by John J. "Jack" Clark (1864-1938)
in about 1907, and was Helena's leading vaudeville house before
the opening of the Marlow Theatre in 1918.
The entrance
to the Family Theatre was located at 21 S. Main St. The second
story of the building, which still stands, was once home to
Ida's Rooms-- later Dorothy's Rooms -- famous bordellos. The
Windbag Saloon now occupies the adjacent Reeves Music House
space. Although the Theatre entrance was on Main, the theatre
itself was the first floor of the repurposed St. Louis Hotel,
which backed up to Jackson Street. See map below.
In the
above circa 1916 photo, the poster in front of the theater
touts the Frank Rich Musical Comedy Company, members of which
are likely in these placarded automobiles, preparing for a
publicity ride through town.
|
Family
Theatre Entrance on Main St., circa 1911
COLLECTION
OF KENNON BAIRD
Site
of the Family Theatre
The
St. Louis Hotel, seen from the South
Family
Theatre Program ~ Week Commencing Feb. 28, 1909
Click on image to open the full four-page program
in a new window
COLLECTION
OF KENNON BAIRD
After
the Marlow Theatre Opened...
| Shortly
after this closing, Helena dentist Dr. Edward V. Cabbage (he
later changed his last name to Bethel) opened a movie theater
in the ground floor space, and had a dental office and apartment
above. In 1925, his office and apartment were severely vandalized
during his absence by a gang of boys. |
Reeves
Music House
A.
I. "Daddy" Reeves
1864-1951
|
A.
I. "Daddy" Reeves operated his music business in
the above pictured location, next to the entrance of the Family
Theatre, and at least two other Helena locations over the
decades. Reeves was a beloved personality in Helena, and appears
to have been the driving force behind musical entertainment
and instruction in the community. Reeves was also an impresario
of sorts, bringing to Helena various touring musical acts
and companies, including John Philip Sousa's Band.
Reeves
was deeply involved in charitable and fraternal efforts as
well, serving as the city's favorite Santa Claus for 50 years.
He also sponsored an annual "picnic" for the city's
scruffy newsboys ("newsies"), which involved an
outing to Alhambra Hot Springs or similar activity, a movie
in town and other treats.
|
Reeves
Music House Sign, 10 South Main, circa 1911
Interior
Views of Reeves Music House, circa 1911
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Post-
World War I Newspaper Ad
Newsboys' 25th Annual Picnic, Gates of the Mountains, 1928
"Daddy"
Reeves Standing at Far Left
COURTESY
OF THE DAVID POOR COLLECTION • CLICK
ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
A.
I. "Daddy" Reeves Obituary
COURTESY
OF CATHEE CRAPO
"Dear
Old Montana"
by Genee and Mimi Milligan, 1931 •
Inscribed to "Daddy" Reeves
COLLECTION
OF KENNON BAIRD
