Mr. Von der Ahe has secured a lease on Sportsman's Park for another year at a rental of $3,000, so the Browns will remain at the same old stand for at least another year.
About noon yesterday the pipe of the stove in the fireworks house at the Sportsman's Park fell and threw hot embers among the pyrotechnics stored there, setting fire to them. Several small explosions occurred, but none of them were of any consequence. The building and contents were entirely destroyed. The loss on the building was $200 and on the stock $1,500. There is no insurance on either building or stock, both the property of the Sportsman's Park Association. The building was erected on a permit issued by the Commissioner of Public Buildings, calling for the erection of a storehouse. It was obtained by Congressman-elect O'Neil for Mr. Chris Von der Ahe. When it was ascertained that the building was to be used for storing and manufacturing fireworks material, several citizens called upon the Commissioner of Public Buildings and endeavored to induce that official to revoke the permit. No action, however, was taken by the Commissioner.
Prof. Wm. Hand will give a closing display of fireworks at Sportsman's Park to-morrow evening, and a brilliant programme is promised. Amongst the sets are the mammoth battle scene and the base-ball set, with motto. Miss Hand, who is reputed as the only female pyrotechnic expert in America, will fire the pieces.
Buffalo Bill's Wild West show met with a large and flattering reception at Sportsman's Park yesterday afternoon. This exhibition is certainly one of the most realistic and instructive shows ever seen in any country...The rifle shooting and horsemanship of the handsome Buffalo Bill excites the admiration of all. Sitting Bull, the renowned Sioux Chief, looking unconcerned and stately as a veritable king, was observed of all observers. The Indians in their many colored costumes and war paint, the dashing appearance of the hunters, trappers and cowboys, the many beautiful horses, the hunters' camp, with its tents and backwoods appliances, all pleased and inspired the vast audience, and for the time being gave the impression that it was in reality living amongst the scenes of which the show was only a tableau vivant. Too much can not be said in favor of this grand entertainment. Every man, woman and child in the country should see it, not only as a means of an hour or two's amusement, but as a matter of historical education. To those most skeptical as to the merits of the Wild West, one visit to it will be a revelation and make them warmest friends in its praise. There will be a performance this afternoon and then daily performances during the remainder of the week.
Two grand attractions for one admission price are offered at the park to-day. Buffalo Bill's Wild West will give its regular performance, including Sitting Bull and his staff of chiefs, and a game of base ball will be played between the St. Louis champion Browns and the Cincinnatis. Game will be called at 2:30 in the afternoon, and at its conclusion the great Wild West show will be given complete.
As the crowd was leaving the grand stand yesterday, after the game at Sportsman's Park, one of the joist supporting the upper stand broke with a loud crash, and caused some little excitement for a few moments. Several ladies who were near the scene of the accident fainted, and the crowd made a rush for the exit. Order, however, was speedily restored and no damage was done. Investigation proved that the accident was caused by defective scantling, and the stand itself was not injured.-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, April 10, 1887
