Chin Chin played the Burley Theater, Burley, Idaho, on December 2, 1919.
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| Beauties of Chin Chin Burley Bulletin – 28 Nov 1919 – Page 11 |
I was able to view the microfilm of the Burley Bulletin and the Burley Herald thanks to the University of Idaho Library and WorldCat– Interlibrary loan is awesome! What this exercise really did show me was that the Chin Chin company probably didn’t have many, if any nights off and that it is because of the lack of newspaper resources that I am unable to track every action of the company.
I looked pretty carefully, the print is small, the projection is dim, and the neck begins to hurt looking up to read the text through my bifocals, but I was unable to find any articles, press releases, or reviews of the “Chin Chin” show in Burley. I did find that they played there on December 2nd and there were some really nice ads in both the Herald and the Bulletin.
The ad in the Burley Herald included a great photo of the four principal with fans covering their faces. I’ve seen the photo before but this microfilm version was higher quality than others that I have seen. The ad mentions:
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| Beauties of Chin Chin Burley Herald – 29 Nov 1919 |
With Its Wealth of Novel Effects
And Wonder Scenes
Including The Flight of
THE PAGODA AND AIRSHIP
Caravans of Pretty girls – Company of 65
Tingling – Jingling Numbers – Quaint Toy Bazaar
The Famous Clown Saxophone Band (Tom Brown’s)
I had not heard of “the Flight of the Pagoda and Airship” before. Sounds interesting.
Burley Theater, Burley Idaho
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| Burley Theater Prob. 1930 Courtesy Cinema Treasures |
In the theaters I’ve followed regarding “Chin Chin” performances, the Burley Theater is the first building I’ve come across that is still in use as a theater, albeit a motion picture theater. Stanley J. Osika was the proprietor and manager of the theater during the “Chin Chin” show. It is not clear to me when it was built, but it appears to have been about 1917. Apparently the original stage is intact. [I would love to find a photo if it.]
By the 1930’s it had vertical signage added that allowed the theater name to be seen from up the street and a marquee added. The theater’s facade was restored in 1991 and is mostly original.
Today
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Sources:
Burley Bulletin (Burley, ID) November 28, 1919 – Thanks to Interlibrary loan from University of Idaho.
Burley Herald (Burley, ID) November 29, 1919 – Thanks to Interlibrary loan from University of Idaho.
Cinema Treasures – Burley Theatre
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