Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, March 27, 1909, Page 65

“»the Twin Cities, IS H } e e e e e T A YT IR R e T e BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BIJOU THEATRE. - Bemidji people, as well as visitors to this thrifty city are constrained to wonder how the Bijou Theatre maintains the high class of entertainment furnished by this widely known and popular play house. This vaude- ville house books none but recognized art- ists, and hence it is plain why the manage- ment succeeds. They have played such people as The Benningtons, Temple V. O’Brien, Oxman & Oxman, Frazo Trio, Joseph Gay, the world- renowned banjo player; DeLaceys, The Wenwoods, Harry Mayhe, all artists with national reputations as comedians, acro- bats, musicians and teams. They have al- ready booked for future appearance such celebrities as The Musical Pearsons, The Bennet Sisters, The Morses, The Nelsons, The Parkers, and a score more other uni- versally known entertainers. The manage- ment of the Bijou also furnishes the latest and most costly pictures to be seen west of and in greater number than any amusement place in Bemidji. The performances and pictures witnessed at the Bijou are clean, and diversified; they change weekly, and three perform- ances are nightly given. This play house does the bulk of the show business in Be- midji, and has, from the day of its open- ing, engaged the best talent obtainable, and still continues to do so. Mr. G. A. Lasher and Mrs. A. Thompson are the controlling factors of the Bijou, and to what extent their comprehension of the show business has achieved in the public mind is manifested by the glowing success. They are conducting a thoroughly metro- politan vaudeville house and theatre; they have publicly proved their right to public favor and general patronage, and the re- spectability of the house is such that it is regularly visited by our best people. Mr. Lasher is an experienced theatrical man. He is familiar with the names, repu- tation and drawing powers of the high class histrionic world, not to mention his per- sonal acquaintance and contact with hun- dreds of them. He is careful as to his selection of the artists whom he bills, tak- ing note of diversity as well as of the at- tainment of those whom he books. Mr. Lasher and Mrs. Thompson have proved that Bemidji is a desirable and re- munerative place to live in, and that Beltrami county is O. K. in every re- spect. This they know from the immense trade they enjoy from our amusement lovers. They are also aware that Beltrami county has a class of people who patronize home interests, and that they are a good class to tie to. Mrs. A. Thompson, the business partner of Mr. Lasher, is among Bemidji’s most estimable ladies. She is well acquainted throughout this vicinity, and her Kkindly mein and ideal precepts have had much to do with the success of the Bijou. She is the quintesence of circumspection and pos- sesses all the lady-like attributes which go to make up true womanhood. It is greatly owing to these truths that no one hesitates to attend the Bijou, regardless as to their youth or sex. Taken all in all, the Bijou represents the real amusement place in Bemidji, its man- agement is enterprising and moral to the last degree, and The Pioneer, in bringing this worthy vaudeville house before its readers, can do naught but heartily com- mend it to the confidence of all. FRED E. BRINKMAN. This is another gentleman who had faith in Bemidji’s future greatness, and who has realized on his judgment. He is a citizen who is an extensive real estate owner, and consequently he is deeply concerned in all matters pertaining to the advancement of Bemidji. Mr. Brinkman has beén a resident of Bemidji from the time that this city was a hamlet. More than that, he was selected to represent his wardspeople for LAKE BEMIDJI, FROM BASS CREEK. two terms, a showing which in itself is com- mendable. Mr. Brinkman is among our most able and prosperous business men. He con- . ducts a high class cafe and rooming house, and in addition thereto he directs the pop- ular amusement house known as The Fam- ily theater. The last mentioned medium of enjoyment is one well worthy of comnsid- eration, inasmuch as Mr. Brinkman pro- duces the best that money will procure. “Punk” companies and cheap acts do not obtain in his theater, and neither are boisterous or maudlin spirits ever permitted to interfere with the completion of a set piece. The Family theater is an ideal play house in every way. It is well lighted, well ven- tilated, the seats have been arranged for comfort, the ushers are courteus and accom- modating, and the music furnished is par excellent. There is nothing of a metro- politan character which has been overlooked by Mr. Brinkman, Being as he is, on the Webster circuit, he is in a position to exhibit the most popular attractions and mnotable people possible of securing, satisfying the public desire for good clean theatricals. The program of the Family theater changes twice a week, none but recognized artists are permitted before its footlights, and the general management of the place in its entirety is characteristic of dispatch, metropolitan spirit and knowledge of the business. Mr. Brinkman, commonly known as “Fred,” is one of the leading and in- tellectual lights of Bemidji. He is not only a heavy taxpayer, an exemplary citi- zen and ‘“booster,” but a good fellow withal. The Pioneer is gatisfied to allot to Mr. Brinkman the space here awarded and calls particular attention of its thousands of readers to Mr. Brinkman and the widely known playhouse he so ably manages. éé |