The Theater Owner's Divorce
John Considine, proprietor of the People's Theater, admitted to adultery and desertion, but claimed bankruptcy to minimize alimony payments.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
John Considine, known to the public as the owner of the People's Theater, was sued for divorce by his wife on the grounds of adultery and desertion. Considine admitted to both charges, but contested the alimony suit. He claimed he was practically bankrupt and had sold his interest in the theater, now working for a salary of $25 a week. Judge Lichtenberg granted the divorce, awarded custody of their child to the wife, and ordered Considine to pay $10 a month in alimony.
“Considine showed, however, in the trial that he was practically bankrupt and had little or nothing except mortgaged furniture in the house where he lives with his mistress.”
Considine would go on to be a legendary and controversial figure in Seattle theater and boxing history. This case shows how even public figures in the 'boom' era faced standard-issue legal and moral reckonings.
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