Morgan & Hunt, 1866
The Morgan and Hunt Minstrels who visited Jamaica in the summer of 1866 seem to have combined musical, theatrical and circus performances in their programme in Spanish Town, and at the Theatre Royal in Kingston. There is little information on the members of this troupe: W C Morgan was a member of other such entertainments before and after, but A Hunt does not seem to appear elsewhere. Possibly they made a tour of places in the Caribbean and Central America when their careers flagged in the USA.
Daily Gleaner, June 9, 1866
Parlour Entertainment at Date Tree Hall.
Mr. A. Hunt, the celebrated Guitar Player, assisted by Messrs W. C. Morgan and son, late of the Californian Theatres, will give a grand Parlour Entertainment at the DateTree Hall, this evening, consisting of Songs, Dances, Burlesques, and Gymnastic Feats. The programme is very interesting, indeed; and as the price of admission is only two shillings each, we have no doubt the performance will be well attended.
Daily Gleaner, June 14, 1866
The Minstrels in Spanish Town.
Messrs. Morgan and Hunte, New York and California Minstrels, will give a performance on Friday evening, the 15th inst. at the Court House in Spanish Town; when we hope they will meet the same support and success as attended their performance at Date Tree Hall in this City on Saturday evening last.
Daily Gleaner, June 15, 1866
Daily Gleaner, June 18, 1866
The Minstrels in Spanish Town
A Correspondent, who was an eye-witness to the performance of these Artists in SpanishTown, on Friday evening last, says — "Messrs. Morgan & Hunt gave an entertainment here on Friday evening, which was highly amusing and satisfactory. They had not as good an attendance as they should have had, owing to the uncertain appearance of the weather. They have been prevailed upon to give another, when it is hoped they will meet with more success They really deserve support as every one present felt satisfied with their performances. Master Frank Morgan deserves notice, as he contributed considerably to the fun of the evening — he is really a smart little fellow. The folks in Spanish Town will not be disappointed if they should patronize Messrs. Morgan & Hunt's next entertainment.
Daily Gleaner, June 26, 1866
Morgan & Hunt's Entertainment
Messrs. Morgan & Hunt will give an Entertainment at the Theatre Royal, on Saturday Evening, the 30th instant, at the request of the numerous friends who have witnessed their performances. They have met with immense success both in this city, (at the Date Tree Hall,) and in Spanish Town, (at the Court House.) Their performances consist of Songs, Choruses, Ballads, Gymnastics and Vaulting Exercises. They are really worthy of extended patronage, and we trust they will meet with it.
Gleaner references to W. C. Morgan's Performing "Elephant" - which was certainly not Lalla Rookh, which had died in 1860; was it some kind of mechanical creation? I've had no success in discovering the secret!!!
June 26, 1866
Mr. W. C. MORGAN'S celebrated Performing Elephant Lalla Rook, has arrived, and will be introduced and go through his wonderful tricks at the Theatre Royal, on Saturday June 30th, 1866.
June 27, 1866
Go And See
Lalla Rookh
THE PERFORMING ELEPHANT
On Saturday Night.
June 29, 1866
THE CELEBRATED ELEPHANT.
LALLA ROOKH,
Will be introduced by Mr. W.C. Morgan, who will exhibit him.
June 30, 1866
Morgan and Hunt Minstrels.
Messrs. Morgan and Hunt will give a performance at the Theatre Royal this evening, consisting of Songs, Dances, Gymnastic and Athletic Exercises, &c. Mr. Morgan's "Elephant," which we are informed, will be a real YANKEE notion, (whether dead or alive these gen[tle]men don't say), will also be exhibited, and no doubt, afford amusement.
July 3, 1866
Morgan and Hunt's Minstrels
Messrs. Morgan & Hunt, New York and Californian Minstrels, assisted by several gentlemen of this city, gave an entertainment at the Theatre Royal, on Saturday evening, the 30th ult. The evening passed off most agreeably, and the several performances were very entertaining. . . . .
The Performing Elephant, Lalla Rookh, was very amusing, and but for Mr. Morgan disclosing the real material of which the Elephant was composed, it would no doubt have remained a disputed point.
Morgan & Hunt, 1866 (click on for slide show)
There seem to be no references to either the arrival or departure of this troupe of performers, and the reference material on such American troupes has so far produced no information about them. If more facts are found they will be added to this page.
