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four borders (or strips) of lights containing 25 incandescent bulbs. There were 60 foot lights as well. Lighting was controlled
large control panel backstage which could raise and lower the level of lighting, as well as controlling every light in the house from that central point Gas lights were controlled back stage as well. Speaking tubes connected with every part of the building. For complete versatility, there were 127 scene changes possible, including woodlands, Ocean Scenes, fancy and plain rooms, gothic chambers, prison, street scenes, kitchen, a mountain pass, garden, and so on.
The auditorium was ventilated "by an ingenious system of gas burning in the cupolas. It is claimed the temperature can be reduced on the warmest night to less than 70 degrees. While a perfect supply of fresh air can be secured.". As can be seen in the c1892 photo taken when the theatre was new, a domed ceiling was featured. The dome was lit by "24 ground glass electric lights" and an arc light suspended in the dome. The orchestra sat in a pit which was 18" below floor level. a 40 by 40 foot area of the auditorium had removable chairs so dances could be held. All chairs were of plush red velvet and were "the latest improved automatic folding opera chairs.
The were 490 seats in the orchestra section, which was lit by 48 gas and electric lights. In the balcony were 320 seats. The area was lit by 36 lights. The second balcony, or gallery, contained 350 seats and was lit by 14 lights. Every seat in the house was considered to be a good seat. On the sides were loge and box seats. The two lower boxes sat six each, from in each upper box, and 14 in the loges. The boiler which operated the generator also provided steam heat for the building.
The Casino opened February 22, 1892 with a Minstrel show put on by the Excelsius, Hook & Ladder Company. Contractors who worked on the building included Malone & Hedden, foundation; Lindsey Brosl, Carpenters; Robert O. Lewis, Brick Layer; Brink & clark, Tin Roof and Hardware; sliter & Van Hovenberg, Stone Work; Sosman & Landis from Chicago did the Stage Work, Curtains, and Scenery. The Casino was designed by Middletown Architect James E. Mapes.
William D. Stratton, who was a member of the theatre's board of directors, gained procession of the property in 186 after a default judgement. The Casino was closed on May 13, 1903 for renovations and reopened August 5 as the Stratton. Improvements made at the time included increased seating capacity 1200), more electric lights (about 700), an enlarged stage with a new curtain featuring a landscape painting, improved dressing rooms, carpeted aisles and red leather slats. A major change was to set the orchestra seats on an incline for better visibility. As noted earlier, the Casino had originally been designed so it could be used to accommodate dances.
ty In 1907, the Stratton was purchased by Odell S. Hathaway (who