Theater Patron Swindled at The Comique
A local man claims he was robbed by theater managers and a companion after purchasing wine and beer.
The story, cleaned up
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J. E. Weber, who says he was swindled out of $150 at the Comique theater the other night, has sworn out a warrant for the arrest of Annie Hicks, who drank the wine and beer which Weber bought, and W. Holmes, one of the Comique managers. Weber charges them with robbing him of $50, which he says they stole out of his pockets.
“Weber says he was swindled out of $150... he charges them with robbing him of $50, which he says they stole out of his pockets.”
Early Seattle and Tacoma life featured a vibrant, if dangerous, variety theater scene. This incident highlights the 'sporting life' and the frequent petty criminality associated with nightlife venues of the era, long before the temperance movement succeeded in shutting such establishments down.
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