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Small, from the Olympian Rink at Coney Island, was the featured skater. Nearly 1200 tickets were sold, with about 200 people being turned away.
ess than a year later, on August 7, 1885, the Casino was closed so improvements could be made. Also at that time, frank Pronk, one of the original six Owners, sold his share to John D. Stivers. The enterprise was, as a result, jointly owed by Stivers and A.S. Wells.
Wells and stivers purchased from Hannah Horton the property on which the Casino stood, as well as the adjoining house for about 10,000. The Casino was to be remodeled into "one of the most attractive halls for all purposed in this part of the state." A beautiful twelve - eight chandelier (and ) a number of three - burner bracket side lights" were installed. Acoustic qualities were found to be excellent, as was the new lighting system. Although eventually refitted for use as a theatre, it continued as a skating rink.
E.B. Stillwell, "artist and scene painter," painted the scenery as well as the main curtain. In the center of the curtain, "in an oval border, (was) a large picture at least nine by twelve feet - giving a view in Venice. This included the Grand Canal, gondolas, old palaces and churches, and other prominent features. Business signs were also painted on the curtain. Some thought had been given to changing the name to "Music Hall," but this was not done. The new Casino made its theatrical debut October 3, 1885, with a double bill featuring "A Russian Honeymoon," and "Nan, the Good for Nothing."
Half a year later, on April 10, 1886, the Casino again closed for "extensive alterations, the better to adapt it to the various purposes of a public hall." By this time, it was owned by M.D. and J.D. Stivers. A large chandelier and new gas fixtures were put in; new folding opera chairs increased seating capacity to over 1000.
The proscenium was rebuilt, improvements were made to the side galleries and two "handsome double boxes" were put on each side of the stage after tearing out the old ones. The front of the building was remodeled, with two stores being added. Peter F. Miller was the architect and builder for the improvements.
The improved Casino opened May 11 for a tax payer meeting, and on May 13, a ball and concert were held. On May 17, 1886, the rebuilt Casino was used as a theatre with the Madison Square Company's production of David Belasco's "May Blossom, or the Fisherman's Bride."
The Casino theatre was completely destroyed by fire on February 27, 1891. The loss was about $20,000. Before March was half over, preliminary plans for a new Casino were underway. Debris was cleared, the foundation built and construction of the building began in June. It had been planned to lay the cornerstone with