An undated newspaper photograph of a performance of the stage of the Academy of Music, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, during the play, “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh.” The original photo is from the collection of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County, Pottsville, and a better copy can be obtained from them. It was presented as part of the “Looking Back” feature in the Pottsville Republican, March 22, 1980, along with the following text written by Joseph M. Hanney, vice president of the society:
THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC
The Academy of Music was long the center of entertainment activity for the Pottsville area, and indeed much of Schuylkill County, before and after the tur of the century.
The play pictured, “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh,” was often repeated as a vivid reminder of the Civil War. Many plays, such as “East Lynne,” and “Over the Hill to the Poor House,” graced the stage featuring greats and near-greats. The Academy, from orchestra to parquet loges, was an exact replica of Philadelphia’s Academy of Music.
Today [1980] a parking lot across from The Republican on Mahantongo Street marks the Academy’s former location. It was destroyed in the devasting “Million Dollar File” of December 1914.
The article also noted that the Historical Society of Schuylkill County is located at 14 N. Third Street, Pottsville, C. Tyson Reilly, president; Robert Scheer, curator. “Historical items and memberships welcome.”
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