Pelham Wanted to Be a Hollywood-Like Film Center Before There Was a Hollywood

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The Town of Pelham might be a very different place today had that small child not stepped out of a car into the path of a speeding roadster at the viaduct over 155th Street in New York City late that Friday evening, August 21, 1914.  Indeed, the little Town of Pelham, but for that small child, might have become a national center for the infant movie industry before Hollywood had a meaningful film industry.   

The speeding roadster that fateful night was driven by Charles J. Hite of New Rochelle.  Hite was President and owner of Thanhouser Film Corporation and the Thanhouser movie studios including the studios located in New Rochelle.  Nearly three years earlier, Hite had purchased Thanhouser from its founder and namesake, Edwin Thanhouser, who agreed to a three-year non-competition clause in the sale agreement and promptly departed for Europe with his family to learn more about the burgeoning film industry in Europe.

When Charles Hite saw the small child step out of the car, he swerved to save the child's life.  His roadster skidded and smashed through the iron railing of the viaduct.  Patrons dining at the Manhattan Casino below the viaduct saw the roadster fly high into the air and turn a complete somersault before it smashed into the ground against a wall below the viaduct.  

Rescuers raced to what was left of the roadster.  Hite's crumpled body was tangled in the steel frame of what once was the windshield of the vehicle and it was difficult to extricate him.  Incredibly, though his skull was fractured, both legs and collar bone were broken, his jaw was broken in seven places, and he suffered massive internal injuries, he was still alive and said to those trying to free him:  "My name is Hite and I live in New Rochelle.  I guess I'm in bad shape.  Telephone to my wife, and if they take me to a hospital tell her where I am. Where is the automobile?  Look at the brakes.  they wouldn't stop it."

Hite was taken to Harlem Hospital where he lingered for a few hours before dying early Saturday morning.  He was 39 years old and left a wife and two children.  Witnesses to the accident praised him for sacrificing himself to save the young child that stepped into the roadway and caused the accident.

At this very time, Edwin Thanhouser had returned from Europe due to the fighting that began after Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was shot to death with his wife by the Bosnian Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, prompting the beginning of World War I.  Thanhouser was preparing to found another movie studio to compete against Thanhouser Film Corporation and others in the industry as soon as his non-competition agreement expired in April 1914.

Edwin Thanhouser was interested in locating his new studio in a community convenient to New York City and the stage and screen talent located there.  He knew the Pelham region from his time in New Rochelle before he sold Thanhouser Film Corporation to Charles J. Hite.  He began looking for sites in the area to build his new movie studios.

In December, the Mayor of Mount Vernon announced that Thanhouser had expressed an interest in Mount Vernon as the site for his new studios.  The Mayor solicited proposals from local landowners willing to build a $25,000 studio and lease it with an option to buy or sell it.  The site had to have sufficient adjacent land available for future expansion.  

Soon the Mayor disclosed that although no satisfactory proposal involving lands within Mount Vernon had been made, a group of unidentified Pelham men had made a proposal that involved land on the border between Pelham and Mount Vernon.  Additionally, a group in Eastchester had made a similar satisfactory proposal.

Anticipation mounted as weeks began to pass.  Local newspapers speculated over which of the proposals would be accepted.  Edwin Thanhouser even visited each of the sites, including the site in Pelham as he contemplated his options.

Then, on the morning of Saturday, February 27, 1915, Edwin Thanhouser pulled the rug out from under Pelham and other local communities hoping to be the site of his new studios.  That morning he announced tha the had repurchased his interst in the Thanhouser Film Corporation including its studio operations in New Rochelle and would take "active charge" of that business the following Monday, March 1.

Pelham, it seems, would never be Hollywood, all because a child stepped into the roadway and caused a void at the top of Thanhouser Film Corporation -- a void Edwin Thanhouser decided to fill by repurchasing his interest in that corporation rather than building a competing concern in Pelham. . . .

"Edwin Thanhouser"  Source:  THANHOUSER IS IN FULL CHARGE --

PIONEER FILM MANUFACTURER STILL FULL OF AMBITION AND

ANXIOUS TO MAKE GOOD FILMS.  --  NO CHANGE IN PRESENT

POLICY, New Rochelle Pioneer, Mar. 6, 1915, Vol. 56, No.

49, p. 1, col. 5.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"CHAS. J. HITE IN AUTO ACCIDENT PASSES AWAY SATURDAY MORNING
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POPULAR AND HIGHLY ESTEEMED PRESIDENT OF LOCAL THANHOUSER FILM COMPANY SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES IN HARLEM HOSPITAL EARLY SATURDAY MORNING -- HIS TRAGIC DEATH A GREAT SHOCK AND LOSS TO NEW ROCHELLE -- KNOWN AS THE 'MORGAN OF MOVIES.'
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While on his way to his home in this city last Friday evening, Charles J. Hite, President of the well known moving picture concern in this city, The Thanhouser Film Corporation, met with an accident at the viaduct over 155th street, New York City, sustaining injuries from which he died in the Harlem Hospital early Saturday morning.  From what can be ascertained the machine in which Mr. Hite was riding was a high powered one, and from the evidence of eye witnesses of the terrible accident, he was evidently endeavoring to escape running over a child, when from some cause the machine skidded.  Perceiving his perilous position Mr. Hite attempted to get out of the car, before it crashed through the iron fence, but he did not succeed, and went down with the car.

The machine, its steering gear apparently deranged, smashed into the four-foot railing along the bridge and cut through it as though it were paper.  Eight feet of the railing was torn away.  The machine fell into the grounds of the Manhattan Casino, its rear being tilted against a fifteen foot fence separating the Manhattan's  summer garden from that of the Central Casino.

The accident was seen by Robert Walters, of No. 304 West One Hundred and Forty-seventh street, and the crash through the railing was heard to the further end of the viaduct.

The car was literally broken to pieces.  Hite was so tangled in the wreckage it was difficult to get him out.

G. T. Renke, of Kingsbridge Road, who saw the accident, said Hite made a quick turn of his car to avoid running over a child that got off a Bronx car, and the automobile skidded and plunged over the bridge.

The crash was heard by persons dining in the amusement casino, who looked up to see the vehicle make a complete revolution in the air and strike a fence fifteen feet high which surrounds the Casino gardens.  Those who witnessed the accident seemed paralyzed with horror, for no attempt was made to reach Mr. Hite until Howard Duncan, a chauffeur, of No. 267 West 153d street, and Edward Fruidiger, of No. 304 West 152d street, hastened from the viaduct down nearby stairs and began a search for him.  He lay crumbled within the steel windshield which had prevented his escape before the roadster left the viaduct.  To their surprise they heard him speaking.

'My name is Hite.' he said, feebly, 'and I live in New Rochelle.  I guess I'm in bad shape.'

As his rescuers assisted him from the wrecked automobile he continued:  'Telephone to my wife, and if they take me to a hospital tell her where I am.'  They laid him on the sidewalk, and just before he lapsed into unconsciousness he queried:  'Where is the automobile?  Look at the brakes:  they wouldn't stop it.'

There was no chance from the first for the unfortunate man's life, as his injuries were too serious.  His skull was fractured, both legs broken, collar bone broken besides being hurt internally.  His jaw was broken in seven places but despite this he was able to articulate plainly enough to make his last wishes known.

His first thought after the accident was of his family and actor friends at the Thanhouser studio.  He asked the hospital attaches to send for his wife.  The latter hurried to the hospital, arriving there about midnight.

The news of Hite's tragic accident spread like wildfire and despite the lateness of the hour, the news soon reached New Rochelle and friends of the dying man were soon at his bedside, remaining there until he passed away.  George T. Davis' Sons, funeral directors, were notified and the remains were brought to his palatial residence in Residence Park.

In memory of the deceased flags on the city liberty pole, police headquarters and business places were placed at half mast.

Mr. Hite was born in Pleasantville, Ohio, thirty-nine years ago.  He was graduated from the Ohio Central Normal College and taught for several years.  Later he went into business in Bremen, Ohio, and in turn left this to develop the lyceum system in Ohio.  When the moving picture came over the horizon Mr. Hite was ready to meet the new amusement.  He was one of the first men to use the cinematograph in connection with the lyceum bureau.

In 1906, Mr. Hite organized the C. J. Hite Moving Picture Company and then supplied the various lyceum bureaus he had founded.  Two years later he moved to Chicago and opened a motion picture exchange there.

He went into partnership with Samuel S. Hutchinson, and the name of the organization was made the H. & H. Film Service Company.  New exchanges were opened in Detroit, Des Moines and other Middle Western cities and then the Majestic Film Exchange.

Mr. Hite came to New York three years ago.  Two weeks after he arrived here it was announced that he had secured not only the control but practically all of the stock of the Thanhouser Film Corporation in New Rochelle.  He is credited with having made a big fortune in seven years.

He leaves a wife and two children.

Besides his parents, wife and two young children, Mr. Hite is survived by three sisters, two of them unmarried, who live in Lancaster, and Mrs. W. Ray Johnson, this city, wife of
(Continued on eighth page)

C. J. Hite In Auto Accident
(Continued from first page)
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Mr. Hite's private secretary, and four brothers, Claude, Leo, Joseph and Guy.

The funeral services, which were held at his late home Tuesday afternoon were attended by over four hundred persons, among whom were officers, directors and employees of the Thanhouser Film Corporation, officers and directors of other motion picture companies, actors and actresses, and personal friends, neighbors and acquaintances.  The beautiful service for the dead of the Episcopal Church was performed by the Rev. August Ulmer, rector of St. John's Church was performed by the Rev. August Ulmer, rector of St. John's Church, Wilmot, and who is acting as assistant to Rev. Charles F. Canedy, rector of Trinity Church, who is absent on his vacation, who conducted the services from the lower step of the main stairway in the large reception hall.  Miss Alice McCardell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy McCardell, rendered very effectively two violin solos accompanied by Robert Roese.  They were 'Asa's Death,' by Grief, and 'Ave Maria,' by Shubert.  The casket was almost hidden from view in the back parlor by the mass of floral emblems, conspicuous among which was that of a large proscenium arch of asters, roses and lilies of the valley, containing 2,000 asters alone.  The piece represented a lowered curtain with footlights dimmed, and across the curtain on a strip of film:  'The Last Act.'  This was from the Thanhouser laboratory employees.

At the conclusion of the services and just before the remains were taken from the house, Rev. Ulmer stepped in front of the casket and made a silent prayer, the solemnity of which was deeply felt by every one present.

As the remains were being carried to the receiving vault in Beechwoods Cemetery, the hundreds of floral pieces had been placed in a semi-circle about the entrance to the vault, and as the funeral procession passed toward the vault it was a most impressive and beautiful sight, the white doorway of the vault showing out in bold contrast to the variegated flowers.  As the remains were placed in the vault Rev. Ulmer said a prayer.

The pallbearers were Edwin Thanhouser, founder of the Thanhouser concern; Roy L. McCardell, writer and humorist; Dr. Wilbert Shallenberger, vice-president of the Thanhouser Film Corporation; Dr. W. E. Shallenberger, a director of the corporation; J. R. Freuler, vice-president of the Mutual Film Corporation; Paul H. Davis, secretary of the Syndicate Film Corporation, Chicago; Lloyd F. Lonergan, scenario writer and general director of the production of the Thanhouser forces, and Dr. A. E. Jones, treasurer of the Thanhouser Film Corporation."

Source:  CHAS. J. HITE IN AUTO ACCIDENT PASSES AWAY SATURDAY MORNING -- POPULAR AND HIGHLY ESTEEMED PRESIDENT OF LOCAL THANHOUSER FILM COMPANY SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES IN HARLEM HOSPITAL EARLY SATURDAY MORNING -- HIS TRAGIC DEATH A GREAT SHOCK AND LOSS TO NEW ROCHELLE -- KNOWN AS THE "MORGAN OF MOVIES", New Rochelle Pioneer, Aug. 29, 1914, Vol. 56, No. 22, p. 1, cols. 6-7 & p. 8, col. 4.

"Charles J. Hite and his daughters, Marjorie, aged 3, and Muriel,

1 year.  His last and best liked photo."  Source:  CHAS. J. HITE IN

AUTO ACCIDENT PASSES AWAY SATURDAY MORNING -- POPULAR

AND HIGHLY ESTEEMED PRESIDENT OF LOCAL THANHOUSER

FILM COMPANY SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES IN HARLEM HOSPITAL

EARLY SATURDAY MORNING -- HIS TRAGIC DEATH A GREAT SHOCK

AND LOSS TO NEW ROCHELLE -- KNOWN AS THE "MORGAN OF

MOVIES", New Rochelle Pioneer, Aug. 29, 1914, Vol. 56, No. 22, p. 1,

cols. 6-7.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge. 

"Three Concerns Seek To Locate In Mount Vernon And Want Sites At Once
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Mayor Edwin W. Fiske Arranging to have Moving Picture Plant for Edwin Thanhouser, a Co-Operative Paint Factory and a Big Garage Building -- Issues Call For Those Who have Land -- His Honor Tells What is Wanted -- Would Mean Much for the City
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Mount Vernon's advantages as a commerical center have attracted the notice of a number of concerns in search of manufacturing sites, and announcement was made today by Mayor Fiske that he has received the assurance that at least three such plants will be brought here if matters can be arranged favorably.

One of these is a high-class moving picture company which is looking for a site for its studio and office, another is a co-operative paint manufactory, while the third is a New York department store which wants a large garage as a distributing center.  The establishment store of these companies will mean much to Mount Vernon in every way and Mayor Fiske is using his good offices to interest local real estate owners in the propositions.

The latest and one of the most important projects to be broached to the mayor has come from Edwin Thanhouser, of 435 Riverside Drive, New York, the original Thanhouser moving picture man, who is desirous of locating a studio in this city for the production of films.  Mr. Thanhouser organized the Thanhouser Studios in New Rochelle, but sold out his interests to the Thanhouser Film Corporation, when it was agreed that he should not return to the producing field until the expiration of a certain number of years.

For the last two years Mr. Thanhouser has been in Europe, where he has been a close observer of the methods of the Cinematograph studios.  Recently he returned from abroad with the intention of forming a new company and resuming the manufacture of films.  He is restrained from beginning the actual work until April 6, 1915, the date when his agreement with the Thanhouser corporation expires, but in the meantime he has been looking around for a site.  

Mount Vernon attracted his attention, as did several places in New Jersey, but at a conference yesterday between Mr. Thanhouser and Mayor Fiske the Mayor was informed that the moving picture man has decided to locate here permanently if somebody can be found who will build a factory on which he will take a lease for a long term of years.

What is needed is a plot of ground from one to two acres in area at a place where adjacent land can be acquired when the company branches out in the future.  The site will have to be easily accessible to modes of transit, that is convenient to stations.  The studio and office building required to meet the wants of Mr. Thanhouser will cost between $20,000 and $25,000.  He would take a long lease which would warrant the construction of such a plant.

The entire matter of obtaining an investor to build the studio has been placed in Mayor Fiske's charge by Mr. Thanhouser.  All the transactions will be done through the mayor, who is acting in the matter simply as chief executive of the city and not as a real estate dealer.  He will receive no remuneration for his work, except the satisfaction of knowing that he is doing something for the betterment of Mount Vernon.  If Mr. Thanhouser receives any propositions direct from from Mount Vernon real estate owners or prospective investors these will be referred to Mayor Fiske.

'The establishment of a high class moving picture studio as that which Mr. Thanhouser contemplates will mean a great deal to Mount Vernon,' said the mayor today.  'In the first place, immediate employment will be given to 200 persons.  Many women will be employed in the preparation of films and besides a large number of skilled workers will be needed.  It will bring a lot of desirable citizens to Mount Vernon and give employment to some who are here now.

'Secondly, it will be of great importance because of its advertising power to the city.  Look what the Thanhouser company has done for New Rochelle, which has become
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(Continued on Page Three.)

THREE CONCERNS SEEK TO LOCATE IN THIS CITY AND WANT SITES AT ONCE
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(Continued From Page One)
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known all over the country, yes, no doubt throughout the world, as the home of the Thanhouser moving pictures.  Mr. Thanhouser will have one of the most modern moving picture concerns in the country and will introduce methods that are entirely new I understand.

'I believe there are quite a few suitable locations for the moving picture studiio and I am taking it up with several persons who have such land.  Several plots that would be adaptable for this purpose are located in the southeastern part of the city.'  Mayor Fiske made a trip to New York this morning to call on the owners of these tracts in the southeastern section, with whom he intended to discuss the proposition. . . ."

Source:  Three Concerns Seek To Locate In Mount Vernon And Want Sites At Once -- Mayor Edwin W. Fiske Arranging to have Moving Picture Plant for Edwin Thanhouser, a Co-Operative Paint Factory and a Big Garage Building -- Issues Call For Those Who have Land -- His Honor Tells What is Wanted -- Would Mean Much for the City, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 9, 1914, No. 7624, p. 1, cols. 1-2 & p. 3, cols. 4-5.  

"BIG INTERESTS TAKE UP FACTORY PLAN
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Mayor Fiske Receives Inquiries Favorable to Thanhouser Movie Plant
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ONE PROPOSITION NOW IN
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Owner of Land Prepared to Take Mortgage for Full Price of Site
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WARD COMPANY TO OPEN
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More Good News for Mount Vernon -- New Factory to Start on January 1
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The news that Mount Vernon has been selected by Edwin Thanhouser as the home for his new moving picture company, which was announced yesterday by Mayor Fiske, was received with interest throughout the city.  Mount Vernon has always felt a neighborly pride in the fact that the Thanhouser studios are situated in New Rochelle, and now that the original Thanhouser has chosen this city in which to establish another studio is considered advantageous for Mount Vernon.

Several men of large real estate interests after reading the announcement in the Argus yesterday communicated with Mayor Fiske in reference to the project.  Two of these men called the mayor by telephone, while a third received a personal visit from the mayor in New York.  In speaking of this visit, Mayor Fiske said today:

'While he is not in a position at present to build a factory such as desired by Mr. Thanhouser, the real estate owner whom I saw yesterday is willing to sell the land suitable for this purpose as a factory site and will take back a mortgage for the full amount, so no money need be paid for the land required.

'I don't think there will be any difficulty in making the necessary arrangements for the coming of the moving picture concern to our city.  There seems to be considerable interest in the location of a company of this kind here, as it is an industry to which the public in general pays much attention.  I believe the future of Mount Vernon depends, to a great extent, upon the number of business concerns that we can induce to locate here.  It means a great deal to the city in every way.  It increases the volume of local business and its immediate results will be noticed by our merchants.' . . . ."

Source:  BIG INTERESTS TAKE UP FACTORY PLAN -- Mayor Fiske Receives Inquiries Favorable to Thanhouser Movie Plant -- ONE PROPOSITION NOW IN -- Owner of Land Prepared to Take Mortgage for Full Price of Site -- WARD COMPANY TO OPEN -- More Good News for Mount Vernon -- New Factory to Start on January 1, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 10, 1914, No. 7625, p. 1, col. 1.

"OTHER TOWNS WANT NEW MOVIE PLANT
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Mayor Fiske Says Mount Vernon Must Get Busy if it Wants New Industry
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MORE PROPOSITIONS
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Pelham Man Submits One -- New Rochelle Is Also Taking an Interest
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SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY
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And His Honor Urges the People to Give the Matter Quick Attention
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Mount Vernon had better look alive if it wants Edwin Thanhouser to establish his new moving picture studio in this city.  It now appears that New Rochelle and Pelham are making efforts to have the proposed film factory locate in their respecteive communities and have even gone so far as to submit propositions.  This was the warning note sounded today by Mayor Fiske, in whose hands Mr. Thanhouser has placed the matter of finding a suitable site.

'I have received a favorable proposition, from a large property owner in Pelham, just across the line from Mount Vernon,' the mayor said.  'While I would prefer, of course, to have the factory locate in Mount Vernon, the people of our city should not go to sleep or the first thing they know this chance will slip through.  I won't say now who has made the offer in Pelham or which of the Pelhams it is, but the man has promised to build the factory and made other valuable inducements.

'I have two or three things under way locally, but have not as yet got just what I want from Mount Vernon men.  Three men have so far submitted propositions.  The latest is Albert A. Ultcht.  I would like to hear immediately from men who are in a position to erect a factory building for $20,000 or $25,000 for Mr. Thanhouser who will take a long lease on it.  I certainly hope the people of Mount Vernon will not neglect this splendid opportunity.'

That the coming of Mr. Thanhouser to Mount Vernon would do more for the city than any other single development in its history, is the opinion of Robert Grau, of 53 Elm avenue, who has sent the following communication to the mayor:

'I was greatly interested in the report that there was a probability that Edwin Thanhouser would establish a film studio in Mount Vernon.  

'As a historian of the motion picture industry, having written one volume and preparing one more, I have always hoped that the city of Mount Vernon would be so fortunate, but I did not hope that it would be Mr. Thanhouser, who is one of the great men in this field, a pioneer and one of the contributing factors to the uplift of the entire industry.

'If Mr. Thanhouser comes here to make his films, it will do more for the city than any signle development in its history.  Make no mistake about that.

'Few persons not informed realize that the motion picture has created 
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(Continued on Page Three.)
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OTHER TOWNS WANT NEW MOVIE PLANT
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(Continued From Page One)
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the sixth in importance of the world's industries.  Mr. Thanhouser's activities here would bring new home owners, new publicity, and above all new resources for those who trade here.

'I have not the least interest in this matter, never having even met Mr. Thanhouser personally, but I can say to you that when you encourage such a development in the progress here you are building far greater than even you realize.'

Commenting on Mr. Thanhouser's new project, the New Rochelle Press yesterday said:

'Edwin Thanhouser, founder of the Thanhouser company, now known as the Thanhouser Film corporation, intends to establish another motion picture concern next spring or summer and there is a chance that New Rochelle will be the home of the new 'movies.'

'It is said on good authority, that Mr. Thanhouser has received offers from several localities and that the Development association is in communication with him.  Mayor Fiske is making big efforts to have the proposed plant locate in Mount Vernon.

'Mr. Thanhouser, who sold his interest to the late C. J. Hite, is under contract not to open another concern for the manufacture of motion pictures until next April.  So that it will be at least that time before anything is actually done.  Meanwhile, Mr. Thanhouser is pushing his plans.  It is said that the new Thanhouser plant will be a gigantic one and that many actors and artisans will be employed.'

The following is from the New Rochelle Daily Star:  

'If New Rochelle is going to be the location of the new moving picture plant which, it is said, will be established next spring or summer by Edwin Thanhouser, founder of the Thanhouser Film Corporation, it behooves the city authorities and civic organizations to get busy in the way of offering inducements to the proposed enterprise to make its home here.'"

Source:  OTHER TOWNS WANT NEW MOVIE PLANT -- Mayor Fiske Says Mount Vernon Must Get Busy if it Wants New Industry -- MORE PROPOSITIONS -- Pelham Man Submits One -- New Rochelle Is Also Taking an Interest -- SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY -- And His Honor Urges the People to Give the Matter Quick Attention, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 12, 1914, No. 7627, p. 1, col. 1 & p. 3, col. 4.

"NO LOCAL OFFERS
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For Thanhouser Factory That Suit, But Good Propositions From Three Adjacent Towns
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Edwin Thanhouser, of New York, will call on Mayor Fiske tomorrow afternoon to go over the propositions submitted in regard to a site for the new moving picture studio.  The mayor will conduct Mr. Thanhouser to the various proposed sites in this city, Pelham and Eastchester.

'I have received favorable propositions from Pelham, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, but as yet have not received what I want from Mount Vernon,' said the mayor today when asked what progress is being made.  'Men in Pelham and Eastchester have made excellent offers and are willing to erect the buildings required by Mr. Thanhouser and give a long lease on them, but so far none of the real estate owners in Mount Vernon have come forward with a proposition that can compare with these.'

The mayor added that he doesn't understand the reluctance on the part of local investors to take hold of the project, which, he said, he figured would be a 'good eight per cent. investment.'

He said that he was informed yesterday by a prominent attorney about another concern which wants to locate in Mount Vernon, but as yet he has not got in touch with the company."

Source:  NO LOCAL OFFERS -- For Thanhouser Factory That Suit, But Good Propositions From Three Adjacent Towns, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 16, 1914, No. 7630, p. 1, col. 6.  

"THANHOUSER HERE TO INSPECT CITY.
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After Tour of Suggested Locations Will Confer with Mayor Fiske
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LIKES MOUNT VERNON
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Understanding Is He Will Make Decision in Order to Have Factory Ready
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BY APRIL FIRST NEXT
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Visits Proctor Theatre on Arrival Here -- Will Also Go To Pelham and Eastchester
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Edwin Thanhouser, of New York, who intends to re-enter the moving picture field, came to Mount Vernon this afternoon to go over with Mayor Fiske the propositions that have been received from local real estate owners and investors interested in bringing the new film factory to this city.

The appointment between the mayor and moving picture magnate was for 2 o'clock, but it still lacked ten minutes of the hour when Mr. Thanhouser entered the mayor's private office.  Shortly afterward they set out in a limousine on a tour of inspection, but before viewing any prospective sites, Mayor Fiske first took his guest to Proctor's theatre, knowing that Mr. Thanhouser as a member of the profession would be interested in seeing this modern theatrical plant.  Mr. Thanhouser expressed surprised that a city of the size of Mount Vernon should possess such a beautiful and well equipped playhouse.  They remained at the theatre but a brief time and then resumed their tour of the city.

'I can't say anything definite concerning my plans until I go over the city,' Mr. Thanhouser said, when interviewed in the mayor's office.

'Has Mount Vernon impressed you favorably as the home for your new studio?' he was asked.

'Well, if that wasn't the case, I wouldn't be here now.  I am open to conviction and I have come here to be convinced.  Now we shall see what Mayor Fiske has to offer.  I can only say that it is my tendency, purpose and wish to locate in Mount Vernon.  You see, it isn't as if I were a stranger to Mount Vernon, for I have been a next door neighbor, so I know something about this city.'

After escorting Mr. Thanhouser over this city, Mayor Fiske will take him to Pelham and Eastchester, where real estate owners have made inducements which are said to be more attractive than those offered locally.

Mr. Thanhouser will have to choose soon which city or village he intends to locate in, because his contract with the Thanhouser Film Corporation, of New Rochelle, which prevented him from engaging in business for a term of three years, expires next April.  By that time he would like to have his factory ready for occupancy.

In order to deliver his first releases on time, he must sign a lease without delay.  He has already made arrangements to market his films and would at the outset resume business at least on as large a scale as when he sold out to the late Charles J. Hite.  Mr. Thanhouser's salary roll at the beginning, he figures, would be not below $2,500 a week and with the plans now in view would soon be considerably more."

Source:  THANHOUSER HERE TO INSPECT CITY -- After Tour of Suggested Locations Will Confer with Mayor Fiske -- LIKES MOUNT VERNON -- Understanding Is He Will Make Decision in Order to Have Factory Ready -- BY APRIL FIRST NEXT -- Visits Proctor Theatre on Arrival Here -- Will Also Go To Pelham and Eastchester, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 17, 1914, p. 1, col. 5.  

"MR. THANHOUSER MAKES ANOTHER VISIT OF SITES
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Edwin Thanhouser came to Mount Vernon yesterday for another conference with Mayor Fiske concerning the location for his new moving picture studio.  The mayor presented several additional propositions that had been submitted to him since Mr. Thanhouser's last visit a week ago and together they went over the details.  After that the mayor took the visitor on another tour of the city, stopping at several prospective sites, the owners of which have made propositions.

When asked if any of the propositions exactly suited Mr. Thanhouser's requirements, Mayor Fiske declined to give out any specific information, but said:

'I think that Mr. Thanhouser is more favorably disposed to come to Mount Vernon than any other place in Westchester county.  So far he has been much impressed by the city's advantages and all I can say now is that things look very favorable for Mount Vernon.':

Source:  MR. THANHOUSER MAKES ANOTHER VISIT OF SITES, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 23, 1914, No. 7636, p. 1, col. 2.  

"MR. THANHOUSER WILL DECIDE AFTER JANUARY 1
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Edwin Thanhouser is expected soon to announce his plans for the location of his new moving picture studio.  Whether he will decide in favor of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Pelham or Eastchester is the question that is causing much interest in these communities.

According to Mayor Fiske, to whom Mr. Thanhouser delegated the authority to consider propositions, the moving picture magnate will reach a decision after January 1.

'There's nothing new in the matter,' the mayor said today, when appealed to for information.  'I understand Mr. Thanhouser called me by telephone yesterday, but I wasn't here at the time.  I believe, however, that he will be ready to announce his decision after New Year's.' 

'Do you think he will select a site in Mount Vernon?'

'Well, there are several propositions under way which I hope will work out to a successful solution.  All I can say is that it looks favorable.' 

Mr. Thanhouser will have a reach a decision soon if he hopes to get his films on the market by April 6, next, the date of the expiration of his agreement with the Thanhouser Film corporation to remain out of the moving picture business.  He will have but three months to put up the studio and because of the winter weather work cannot be pushed ahead as rapidly as would otherwise be possible.

It is said that he has contracts to supply films by next spring, but if these contracts are to be kept work must soon be started on the studio.  Mr. Thanhouser is understood to be anxious to get back to his calling so that he can put into execution his many new plans which he has evolved during his three-year retirement."

Source:  MR. THANHOUSER WILL DECIDE AFTER JANUARY 1, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 30, 1914, No. 7641, p. 1, col. 2.  

"E. Thanhouser Back In Fold
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After all the trouble that Mayor Edwin W. Fiske, of Mount Vernon, put himself to, Edwin Thanhouser, moving picture company promoter, is not to establish a plant in that place, for it was announced Saturday morning that Mr. Thanhouser had repurchased  his interest in the Thanhouser Film Corporation, taking active charge of that establishment, Monday morning.  Mr. Thanhouser has taken the place of Dr. Jones, the Vice-President, who acted as manager since the tragic death of Charles J. Hite, who was killed in an automobile accident six months ago, and is now centering his entire mind on retaining the high standard that has always been set by the local establishment which is one of the most important concerns of its kind in the world.

Every one is happy at the studio for with Mr. Thanhouser there have returned a number of former executive heads, directors, actors, actresses and other individuals who are necessary to constitute a successful motion picture establishment. 

When interviewed, Mr. Thanhouser said he did not know what his policy will be, but he did say that he was glad to be back again and that he would try to get the Thanhouser product where it ought to be and that he hoped to do it very soon."

Source:  E. Thanhouser Back In Fold, New Rochelle Pioneer, Feb. 27, 1915,  Vol. 56, No. 48, p. 1, col. 2.  

"THANHOUSER IS IN FULL CHARGE
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PIONEER FILM MANUFACTURER STILL FULL OF AMBITION AND ANXIOUS TO MAKE GOOD FILMS.  --  NO CHANGE IN PRESENT POLICY
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Ever since the return to this country last fall of Edwin Thanhouser there have been reports that he was again to become interested in the making of motion pictures.  To those who in the old days -- and old days in the film business are not so many years remote -- knew Mr. Thanhouser or knew his work it seemed the logical, the psychological thing that he should again be associated with the brand that bears his name, with the company that nearly seven years ago he founded:  it seemed inconceivable that his unusual picture-making talent should be devoted to the production of pictures placed on the market in competition with the film to which for over four years he gave the best he had.  That he had much to give will be ungrudgingly conceded by those who were then his keenest competitors.

It was in November, 1912, that Edwin Thanhouser took leave of the men, and women who since 1908 had been associated with him in the making of Thanhouser films.  He had disposed of his interests six months before his departure, but he had remained to aid his successors in getting the hang of things.  When from his shoulders were removed the responsibilities that for so long had been heavy and insistent he determined to take a good rest.  With Mrs. Thanhouser and their two children he went abroad.  His vacation came to an abrupt end with the breaking out of the European war.  Like most Americans, he had exciting experiences getting away from the Continent, but arrived safely in New York late in August.

On Monday of last week, as general manager of the Thanhouser Film Corporation, Mr. Thanhouser was back at his old desk in the local studio.  When two days later a Pioneer representative called on him he very suddenly discovered that Mr. Thanhouser is not a talkative man.  To a somewhat thinly veiled reference to this outstanding fact the founder of the institution of which New Rochelle is so proud said that he much preferred to be judged by results than to be estimated by promises.  He readily admitted, and that he was anxious to make good films.  He said it would take some little time for him to find himself.

'Since your retirement from the film business have you not experienced a desire to get back into it -- in other words, have you not found that there is a lure in picture making?' Mr. Thanhouser was asked.

'Yes, that is true,' he said.  'Even when I was in Europe I visited the different studios for the purpose of learning what I could of the way things are done on the other side of the water.  Of course, I find conditions in the film market very much changed in the last two years.  Different methods are noticeable.  For instance, there is the advent of the feature film and there is the engagement of the best talent -- and, what is perhaps even more notable, the availability of the best talent.  These are some of the factors that make the business of producing pictures to-day quite another matter.

'As to the relative merits of European and American productions I will say that when I left the studio I was firmly convinced that the European pictures were better than the American.  Since my return to the United States my opinion has altered.  I think the American producers have made wonderful strides and that their work is now on a par with the best that comes from Europe.  The feature film proposition is and probably always will be a vexed question.  A long film does not necessarily constitute it a feature -- that is, where a subject has nothing to recommend it but its length.'

It was just here the writer recalled the fact that Mr. Thanhouser was the first manufacturer, so far as his knowledge extended, to make a plea for the natural length story,' to employ a term which he believed Mr. Thanhouser had coined.  'Yes,' said the returned traveller.  'I always have advocated the natural length film.  I believe I was the first one to produce 
(Continued on page five)

Thanhouser is in Full Charge
(Continued from first page)
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a fifteen-hundred-foot subject.  My reason was that the particular story naturally ran just that distance.  It was too good to cut to a thousand feet and I didn't think it good enough to extend to two thousand feet.  So that it follows if a subject runs naturally to four thousand feet it will be a good story and a good feature, too.  It is the story that does not naturally run to the length that is tiresome, and consequently hurts the feature as a market asset.  I don't think it will be disputed that the longer the film the better the story must be -- the interest must be cumulative.

'Of course, the revival of old plays has helped the feature film business, but just as soon as these are exhausted producers will have to look for original manuscripts or adaptations.  Personally, I do not think the possibilities for adaptations of novels and poems and classical literature has been touched -- that is, as compared with the approximately limited field of plays.  It is patent to every one that plays are not being produced on the stage as fast as they are being adapted to the screen.  There is a good deal in literature, what is described as classical and that which is not so termed, that has not yet been used for the screen.  It may be remembered that the Thanhouser company made many adaptations when I was in charge here, and I think these were responsible for some of the kind things that were said about our pictures. 

'We were the first to put on Ibsen and make the works of that author commercially acceptable.  We were among the first of the independents to put on Shakespeare plays.  It is my intention to make more adaptations, because as I said the field practically is inexhaustible.'

Asked if his re-entrance into the affairs of the Thanhouser company portended any change in policy, the new general manager said it would not.  'We will make the regular program as strong as possible,' he added.  'You may be sure that the film that bears my name will be as good as anything I can do will make it.  Our output now is six and a quarter reels a week, of which all but two go into the regular program.  We plan soon to increase that amount.  In spite of the fact that our facilities here are capable of material expansion over present requirements, it is our intention soon to erect an additional studio on adjacent property.  We may begin construction during the summer.'

It is pleasant to record the return to the manufacturing fold of this veteran of the film industry and of the theatrical world as well.  We may be sure he will make his presence felt, and for the good of pictures as a whole."

Source:  THANHOUSER IS IN FULL CHARGE -- PIONEER FILM MANUFACTURER STILL FULL OF AMBITION AND ANXIOUS TO MAKE GOOD FILMS.  --  NO CHANGE IN PRESENT POLICY, New Rochelle Pioneer, Mar. 6, 1915, Vol. 56, No. 49, p. 1, col. 5 & p. 5, col. 3.  

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