1888-89: Montana

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Special Collections, University of Montana

Cotton Chronology 

 

These years began in California and played out in the Territories, those remaining parts of the country that had not yet been admitted as States. Ben Cotton's Dramatic Company had 14 members, includng a musical director and manager, Sam Mott. After appearances in Oregon, Washington, and Victoria, B.C., the Company moved inland, on the Montana circuit controlled by Tom Maguire's brother, John.

The 1889 edition of Jno. B. Jeffery's Guide and Directory to the Opera Houses, Theatres, Public Halls, Bil Posters, etc. of the Cities and Towns of America, outlined Maguire's reach as follows::  Anaconda - Maguire's Opera House; seats 800.  Butte City - Renshaw Opera House; seats 900.  Bozeman - Maguire's Theatre; seats 450.  Deer Lodge - Maguire's Opera House; seats 500.  Helena - Ming's Opera House; seats 900.  Missoula - Bennet's New Opera House; seats 500.  John Maguire, lessee and mgr.; also controlling theatres in Granite, Philipsburg (550 seating capacity), Wickes, etc. 

 

The 1880s
1888-89: Montana