AN IMPROVED BUILDING, A NEW THEATRE 1865

KELLY

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 7/26/2016 at 22:41:56

Dubuque Herald, Sept. 12,1865

AN IMPROVED BUILDING, A NEW THEATRE – Our citizens have no doubt noticed the fact that a new roof has been placed upon the Julien Theater Building, but they may not be generally aware that the interior of the structure is receiving improvements of still more importance to the public. It was a public calamity when the “People's Theater” was burned six years ago. The renovation of the “Julien” is intended along with the Atheneum, to provide a substitute for that attractive and beautiful edifice. The Juilen Theater was originally well constructed except the roof which was very defective, notwithstanding the many tons of tar, gravel and extra supporting timbers which were from time to time added to it.

The old roof has been replaced by a new hip-roof planned by Wm. Kelly of this city, who has thus proved his ability as an architect. The only addition that could, with propriety be made to the roof would have been a projecting cornice as an improvement to the exterior appearance of the building. But so far as utility is concerned it is compensated by running tin under the shingles for three or four feet under the gutter, so that even the accumulation of ice in the gutter can never make the roof leak. The roof being such an important matter in a building 100 by 53 feet in size deserves special consideration. It is the kind known as the hip-roof, and rest entirely on the exterior walls, which have been taken down three feet to permit six strong trusses to be inserted, all securely anchored by large iron rods extending lengthwise and crosswise the whole length and breath of the building, so that the outside walls alone sustain this strongly constructed well supporting roof.

Over a hundred heavy bolts, in addition to the anchor-rods referred to, fasten the trusses firmly together besides attaching them to the walls.

But the most interesting feature in the improvement of this building is the reconstruction of the theater building. The stage will retain its former size. 51 by 30 feet, but will present a better appearance on account of the reconstruction of the boxes and of the auditorium. Even the orchestra space will be changed from a square to a semi-circular form, to correspond will a neatly arranged parquette, and elevated above it there will be will be the seats of the dress circle, and to the rear of these there will be a gallery extending along the sides and rear of the whole auditorium.

The boxes are to be models of beauty and convenience in their relation to the rest of the improvements, and the whole interior of the auditorium will be constructed and decorated after the model of “Peoples Theater,” which some of the best star actors pronounced to be a “gem of a theater.”

The second story of the building is also being renovated and refitted for offices. All the rooms fronting on Locust Street, are to be occupied by officers of the D. & S.C. R. R. the officers of the D. S. W. R. R. will continue to occupy rooms on the ground floor, as will also of the officers of the other railroads. Some law firms also except to occupy rooms in the second story. On the ground floor there will be one or two stores to be occupied.

No greater substantial improvement has been made in Dubuque this year than gives to this building.

With such excellent public halls as this and the Atheneum, Dubuque will indeed be fortunate. The completion of the Atheneum a year ago last June, was a long stride in advance, and if the proprietors of the Julien succeed in making a hall as complete in its findings as the Atheneum, they will do well.