Theater Group Vacationed in Mendon in 1856

    James Cunnabell's  invitation to his cousins to spend some  vacation time in Mendon in the
    summer of 1856 seemed like a great idea. George Cunnabell Howard, his family, and a few
    friends were performers in a Boston based theater group, and they welcomed the opportunity
    to spend some quiet time in the countryside to visit with their colorful relative, who lived at 7
    Maple Street. James was well known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, so it
    was no surprise when he began to tease his house guests about their line of work. His
    teasing continued, and after a while, it became evident that he wanted the members of the  
    group to put on a play in the Town Hall to give Mendon people a sampling of their work.
    Surely, the theatrical cousins had to wonder if the summer of 1856 would be as relaxing as
    promised.

    George agreed to "give a show," so the group built a stage and painted scenery in the upper
    Town Hall.  James invited his family and friends to an evening of entertainment.

    The performance that evening was quite memorable. The "show" was Uncle Tom's Cabin
    based on the controversial book by Harriet Beecher Stowe. George Howard's theatrical
    group had recently performed the play to 326 sold out audiences at the National Theater in
    New York City, and most recently to many sold out audiences at the Boston Museum Stock
    Company.  The locals were treated to a first class play by  superb professional actors. The
    book and the play focused on the issue of slavery, the divisive theme of the 1850's. Mrs.
    Stowe was originally against the idea of allowing the dramatization of her book, but after
    watching  Howard's  play , she was pleased that her powerful message was being spread
    about  the evils of slavery. The stage production had become a tool of enlightenment.  
    Howard's production of Uncle Tom's Cabin filled capacity seating in city theaters throughout
    the Northeast, but on a summer evening in 1856, in the Mendon Town Hall, James
    Cunnabell's family and friends enjoyed a stage presentation that awoke the nation's
    conscience.

    Richard Grady
    August 27, 2012

                                                                 Mendon Menu   

    The “Brown and Reeves Band” on the 1869 poster above is the precursor
    to The American Band out of Providence RI.  I’m not sure about the Brown
    part but they were referred to as “Reeves Band”  They also played at our
    200th anniversary.  They are still a performing group. Henry Morel plays
    with them. Click here for a history of the band. Sent by Daniel Byer.