Local businesses really made this town stand out from others. A promotional video was made in 1928 showcasing different businesses like car dealerships, clothing, sweets, furniture, jewelry, and a host of other shops with readily available goods in town. Restaurants and hotels thrived and taverns and theatres could be found anywhere in the area. What made these places work was the strong communication and transportation infrastructures that were part of the community since the beginning. As the towns grew, more places did begin to open up to invite socialization. Places like the poolrooms as well as the theatres that brought vaudeville, boxing or wrestling matches — the theatres also provided more avenues for gambling.
Starting in the late 1800s, vaudeville became a theatrical form of entertainment into the 1930s. Vaudeville became very popular throughout our towns. Performances varied from act to act — anything from magicians, acrobats, comedians, jugglers, singers, dancers and more. The theatres would pack the house with eager citizens looking to spend a night out on the town.
One memorable performance took place in January 1928. Captain M.W. Plunkett’s Dumbells came to town with their annual revue, “O-o, La, La!” at the Goldfields Theatre under the auspices of the Timmins Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire. They had two evening shows, which both sold out. Many were in awe of its top-notch scenery, costumes, acting, singing, dancing, stage sets, lighting effects and cleverness. The “pretty girls” of the exclusively made audience won for most popular part of the show.
Other notable vaudeville acts included Scotch Lads and Lassies, Arlie Marks and her Players, The Princess Abdi Hamid, DeLuna & AbDel, Ben Loughlin & John Mead, Bessie Hawthorne, Clarence Kane, The Great Andrews, and so many more.
The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre regularly provides TimminsToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more of what the Timmins museum has to offer here and read more Remember This columns here.
