The Chautauquan (Volume 54) - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909. Excerpt: ... IN TtlE HOLLOW-LAND Part VIII. The Theaters-The Stork--The Quaintness of Some Shops--The Tramways-Travel on the Canals--The Sabot Maker By George Wharton Edwards THE Hollander takes his pleasures very seriously, and he undoubtedly thinks himself justified in so doing. His business during the day is carried on in a very business-like way, but when he goes to his luncheon at midday he foregathers at his clubs and in the restaurants with a great show of leisure. I do not refer now to the peasantry but rather to the better class. Although my knowledge of the Dutch language is rather elementary, as necessarily a foreigner's must be, from the character of the tongue which is most difficult, I have witnessed what must be characterized as very good performances at the play-houses in Amsterdam, and which were certainly received with great enthusiasm by the audiences. Considerable taste is manifested in the theaters, and they seem to be well supported, although the prices are rather high. But one feature is missed and agreeably so: the ticket speculator; this individual is conspicuous by his absence. In Amsterdam are the "Stad Schouwburg" devoted to the Dutch drama and French opera, the Grand Theater, the Park Schouwburg, in the oriental style of decoration and given up to the spectacular, the "Frascati" and numer Copyright, 1908, by George Wharton Edwards. ous cafSs Chantants. In these last smoking and drinking are permitted. The large theaters are closed in the summer as the people of the better classes are at the seaside resorts, but at the "Paleis Voor Volksvlijt," said to hold 12,000 persons, there are occasional concerts, and also in the zoological gardens and in the "Vondel Park," or at the "Tolhuis," a large tea garden situated on the farther bank of the Y...