Page:History of Cumberland, Maryland 2.djvu/453

1866-75.] being 60 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 18 feet high. The south side of this edifice, above the market, is devoted entirely to the purposes of amusement, and is known as the ^* Academy of Music." It is elegant in all its appointments, and is one of the most beautiful interiors to be found in any place of amusement in the country. The ceiling is a work of art, upon which was expended the skill of the best painters in the employ of Eramart & Quartley, of Baltimore. The lower floor of the Academy is divided into the "Orchestra," and "Orchestra Circle," and is supplied with nearly 500 patent folding chairs. The next floor is the "Dress Circle," and above this the "Balcony." The balconies are supported by hand- some iron columns, and the fronts are of iron open ornamental work, in soft colors, picked with gold, and a vermilion background. The "Sunlight" re- flector in the centre of the ceiling illumines the house, but is supplemented by handsome brackets on the walls.

The dimensions of this room are : from the door to the curtain 66 feet; width 62 feet; to the ceiling 43 feet; stage 31 feet deep and 30 feet wide between the boxes, the entire width being 62 feet; the pro- scenium is 27 feet in height to the crown of the arch; there are four private boxes, two on either side. The drop curtain is a handsome painting, represent- ing the "Decline of Carthage." On the apron border is a faithful portrait of Shakespeare, with suitable surroundings.

Dressing rooms, with water, heat and all conve- niences occupy a portion of the space under the