The Horse Tamer Who Captivated Seattle
Professor O. R. Gleason's horse-taming exhibition at the Armory becomes a city-wide sensation, drawing crowds and high-stakes wagers.
The public generally wonders why Prof. O. R. Gleason, the famous horse tamer, who is packing the Armory every night, does not visit some other Sound cities. He intended to stay in Seattle for one week, but so many were the horses booked and so urgent the requests of the prominent horsemen that he decided to give Seattle at least one more week. Moses Gunst, the famous politician, wagered $25 that Gleason could not handle three unbroken horses in an hour; Murphy, the well-known horseman, covered the bet. The contest will take place in San Francisco, but Gleason's local shows continue to draw massive crowds. Last night, the wager of $25 was won by Prof. Gleason in fourteen minutes. He not only broke the horse to drive, but subjected him to the severest tests, driving him over exploding firecrackers and up to drums. The affair was a most exciting one and there was not an inch of space unoccupied.
“The professor has entirely recovered from his indisposition and will give the public the most wonderful and thrilling performances ever seen in this city.”
Before the automobile, horse-handling was a critical civic skill and a major form of public entertainment. The 'Armory' mentioned was a central hub for Seattle's social life, long before the city's modern entertainment venues existed.
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