PETER AND THE BRIGHAM CITY DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION

     And I thought I knew everything there was to know about Peter Forsgren!!  Tonight I was reading  the recently reprinted edition of the History of Box Elder County: 1851-1937 published by Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Box Elder South Company (the bulk of which was researched & written by Lydia Walker Forsgren, 3rd wife of John Heber Forsgren). 

     In 1863, the Brigham City Dramatic Association was organized under the direction of Peter and Alexander Baird.  Most of the presentations were staged in the basement floor of the County Courthouse.  Originally the actors called were also called as missionaries so no play was staged that did not teach a moral truth as well as entertain.

      Quoting from the book:  " This dramatic company was active for over twenty-five years, during  most of which time Peter A. Forsgren was stage manager and invented, among other conveniences, a system of footlights by which, from his position backstage, he could darken the stage by putting a tin shade between the stage and the lights."

     Price of admission was 50 cents.  It was the custom generally to rehearse four nights a week and perform every Saturday.  Later on the Mutuals of each ward in the county were in charge of dramatic presentations.  Touring groups also went to Malad and Bear River City.

     It was the council of President Brigham Young that, "suitable amusements be furnished for the people."

     I remember coming across several articles in the Ogden Standard Examiner and Box Elder News which reported that Victor E. Madsen was very active in this company.  He married Cleofa Forsgren, the daughter of John Heber Forsgren (thru his wife Ann Jane Evans) who also appeared in many of the presentations.