There is always something new, fun, and interesting to do right here in our hometown, as the pages of this issue of Owensboro Living magazine prove – but don’t think for even a moment that our ancestors of 100 years ago were sitting around bored and lonely.
By 1925, the bustling metropolis of Owensboro boasted a Carnegie library housing more than 12,000 books. Among the most popular books of the year were “Under the Big Top” and “The Painted Veil.” The library also housed displays maintained by the Green River Museum and Art Society; one that had attracted significant interest among patrons featured a collection of Indian flints.
Music lovers here could enjoy a municipal band, the only symphony orchestra in Kentucky, and the largest music store in the western section of Kentucky.
There were at least 23 churches and temples within the city limits (18 Protestant, three Catholic, one Christian Science, and one Jewish), offering socialization as well as solace for the soul. Recitals of both vocal and instrumental music were often performed for the enjoyment of those in the pews.
Clubs and fraternities, including three luncheon clubs (Rotary, Lions, and Optimists), welcomed new members who enjoyed spending time with others who shared their interests, hobbies, and values. The Elks Lodge alone had proudly enlisted 407 members, and the local Knights of Columbus council met in “a well-equipped building.”
The invention of television was still a few years away, but in the meantime, there were the movie theatres – including the Bleich, the Empress and the Grand – bringing to life such hits as “The Rag Man” starring Jackie Coogan or “A Man of Iron” starring Lionel Barrymore, as well as “one of the laugh hits of the season,” featuring Mary Astor in “Oh, Doctor.”
For those preferring to enjoy a quiet evening at home, the Rudd House Cigar Stand invited prospective customers to stop by to listen to a recording of “Peter Pan” on one of their gramophones, an early version of a record player. (De Luxe Black, $20; leather, $25.)
The Chautauqua movement that had swept across the country had not overlooked Owensboro! The 1925 season promised to be an enormous success, not only financially but also in providing “a worthwhile program for the instruction and entertainment of the community.” Season tickets for the 915 individuals who had patronized the programs the previous year could be renewed at $3 for adults and $1.50 for children. Those joining for the first time would pay an additional 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. However, that money would be well invested, as one could then attend “a brilliant and varied program of lectures, concerts, opera, drama and other entertainment” designed to “appeal to widely differing tastes.”
Those looking for the answers to life’s mysteries in addition to entertainment were assured they would not be disappointed by attending a week-long series of appearances by “Marjah the Mystic,” who supposedly “sees – knows – tells all.” His engagements included an afternoon matinee for ladies only, during which even the male ushers and musicians would be compelled to leave. “Marjah will answer questions of an intimate nature positively for ladies only,” the promotion promised, adding that “he works along entirely different lines and literally has his audience in the palm of his hands.” Perhaps the word “literally” meant something different in 1925.
Anyway, if all that were not enough, “The Social World” pages of a century ago were filled – literally filled – with announcements of surprise parties, dinner parties, birthday parties, card parties, game parties, receptions and social engagements of all sorts. All in attendance were reported to have enjoyed the most wonderful times together, proving that time spent with family and friends is a form of entertainment that never, ever goes out of style. OL
