From the end of the 1800s through the early 1900s, most theatre and opera house managers in the United States and Canada had to book their entertainment through Syndicates which controlled the touring schedules of most traveling shows and entertainers. One of the most prominent Syndicates was run by Marc Klaw and Abraham Lincoln Erlanger in New York City. This lot is a letter sent in 1910 from A. F. Hartz, manager of the Euclid Avenue Opera House in Cleveland, Ohio. In the letter, Hartz explains that he was approached by an advance man for “The House Next Door” traveling performance. He goes on to say that he lost money the last time he booked that show and that it would be useless to do it again.

Augustus Frederic “Gus” Hartz (September 8, 1843 – May 22, 1929) was a prominent figure in Cleveland’s theatrical scene during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Liverpool, England, he began his career as an apprentice to a stage magician at the age of eight, balancing his performances with evening studies under a tutor. In 1863, Hartz immigrated to the United States, where he continued his stage career until settling in Cleveland around 1880. ​

In Cleveland, Hartz managed the Park Theater, which opened in 1883 as part of the three-story Wick Block on Public Square. Unfortunately, the theater was destroyed by fire in January 1884. Following this, Hartz became both lessee and manager of the Euclid Avenue Opera House from 1884 until 1920. Under his leadership, the Opera House became a central venue for theatrical productions in Cleveland. The theater itself faced adversity when it was destroyed by fire in October 1892 but was rebuilt and reopened in September 1893, continuing to host performances until its demolition in 1922.

The handwritten letter is on Euclid Ave Opera House letterhead and is approximately 7.25″ tall by 8.5″ wide. It is hand-signed by A. F. Hartz.

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