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SALEM OPERA HOUSE.1
Salem, NJ April 12th
1886
Walt Whitman Esq.
Dear Sir
Can we make arrangements with you to deliver your Lecture entitled "Personal
Recollections of Abraham Lincoln" in Salem some time the latter
part this month. Please
let us know your best terms.2
Very Truly
Smith & Starr
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Correspondent:
Hiram Sholes (1843–?) served
as a private in the 26th Regiment, New York Infantry, and was apparently
admitted into a home for disabled volunteer soldiers in 1867.
Notes
- 1. The rest of this letterhead
contains the following paragraph: "SALEM, N. J. is one of the stands forming the
SOUTH JERSEY CIRCUIT—Salem, Bridgeton and Millville. Wilmington, Del., is
just across the river from Salem, and Companies can thus make out a good route
via. Wilmington to the South, North or West. Wilmington is but two hours by
Steamer from Salem. SALEM, a manufacturing city of 6000 population, is an
Excellent Show Town, surrounded by a good country. Salem is 32 miles from
Philadelphia, and has 6 trains each way daily. The Salem Opera House will seat
900 people; has new scenery and plenty of it; stage opening 25 feet; piano
furnished with house; gas; has 5 double dressing rooms, and all the conveniences
to be found in first-class Theatres. ☞ The best Companies played here last
season to good business. The Managers will book only two Companies a week. We
show our faith in Salem as a Show Town by preferring to share with good
attractions. Address SMITH & STARR, Lessees and Managers. [back]
- 2. No answer by Whitman is
extant and the event never took place. [back]