"F.A. Lerch, a well known young townsman, this week concluded one of the most successful advertising contests in Milton. It was conducted for "The Dreamland", a moving picture concern." The Mount Caramel Item, Feb 5 1909
Felix Lerch was a well known "Contest Man", born in Sunbury Pa and working in the Schuylkill County area. He specialized in publicity contests, meant to fill theaters and sell papers.
In 1909 he launched a contest for The Dreamland, a moving picture show owned by the Rotharmel brothers in Watsontown. Readers of the Milton newspaper were encouraged to cast votes for their favorite local amateur actors and actresses, who would them be cast in leading rolls in a locally produced teleplay to be shown in theatres in Milton and Watsontown.
Participants were allowed to vote daily, and according to an article in the Mount Caramel Item, over 700,00 votes were cast.
Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to locate information on who the votes were cast for.
About "Dreamland"
The Miltonian 1907
"Dreamland" appears to have been a theatre room inside the Hotel Haag in Milton Pa. There are numerous Dreamlands in papers all across the east coast, so it's possible this was an early theatre chain.
For More About The Hotel Haag
The first mention I found of Dreamland was in a November 1907 article that reported it had been purchased by Mr. Barto, of Watsontown, who "promised first class entertainment". In February of the following year, the Miltonian reported that Dreamland "has changed hands and the new owner has taken charge."
The Miltonian
March 12 1909
The Rotharmel Brothers were George E. Rothermel, who married Miss Artie Worth, and C.A. Rothermal.
In March of 1908, Dreamland constituted the entire receipts of their Wednesday performance to the poor of Milton - "which was a public spirited act and worth of all praise - as was the fast that the "Bijou Dream" purchased a large bunch of tickets for the good cause". The Miltonian, March 13 1908
On April 15th, 1908 the Miltonian reported that Dreamland opened in Buoy Block, Milton.
On August 7 1908, The Miltonian reported that the Rotharmel brothers, of this place, who formerly owned "Dreamland" have purchased the "Savoy" theater at this place (Milton) and will hereafter show their fine picture on the west side opposite Hotel Haag, which will once again undergo repairs.
Although they purchased a new theatre building, the name Dreamland continued to be used.
On January 22 1909 the Miltonian reported "Dreamland invited the Grand Army to see the performance on Monday last, and the Ladies Of The Sons Of Veterans on Tuesday night. This generous action on the part of the Rothermel boys is much appreciated."
On March 12 1909, "The Rotharmel Brothers, proprietors of "Dreamland" will open a moving picture show at Watsontown Saturday Night.
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Where The Movies Played
An Index Of Old Movie Theaters
In & Around The West Branch Valley
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The Mount Caramel Item, Feb 5 1909
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