Today in History, 1898: Play adapted from Mark Twain novel to be staged in Fargo

By Kate Almquist Today at 12:01 AM Listen Comments Share Share this article Behind the story Behind the story Clarifies why and how a story was reported. The Trust Project What is this? On this day in 1898, actor Edwin Mayo was set to bring Mark Twain's popular play "Pudd'nhead Wilson" to the city following successful performances in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here is the complete story as it appeared in the paper that day: ADVERTISEMENT THE THEATRE. The coming to this city on Saturday Nov. 19, direct from his phenomenally successful engagements at the Metropolitan Theatres in St. Paul and Minneapolis of Edwin Mayo, in Mark Twain's remarkable play, "Pudd'nhead Wilson," which has been so skillfully dramatized by Frank Mayo, will no doubt bring out one of the largest audiences of the season. This will be the first appearance here of this beautiful production, which is one of the biggest successes this country has seen in years. See more history at Newspapers.com Nov 12, 1898 The Fargo Forum, Daily Republican, and Moorhead Daily News (Fargo, North Dakota) Newspapers.com And why should it not be so? With two such minds as Mark Twain and Frank Mayo in collaboration it would be strange indeed if their work were anything but interesting and of the highest order. "Pudd'nhead Wilson" is not only a great play and a great comedy, but is founded upon a most original theme, the theory of the thumb marks as a means of personal identification. Since the play has been produced the theory has been taken up by scientists and secret service men. Little did Mark Twain think when he wrote the story, that it would be taken seriously. Edwin Mayo's performance of the good-souled old "Pudd'nhead" is said to be one of the best creations the stage has seen in years, and he has with him the same supporting company that played in the performance during its long run at The Herald Square Theatre, New York City. CATCH UP ON THE LATEST TODAY IN HISTORY ARTICLES Today in History, 1965: Fargo North stages first play in new theater 1d ago Today in History, 1998: Skeletal remains found in car pulled from Red River 2d ago Today in History, 1925: Thousands of farmers to flock to Moorhead for day of entertainment, chicken dinner 3d ago Today in History, 1984: Democrats sweep North Dakota’s statewide elections 4d ago Today in History, 1963: Moorhead high school PTA found to be mostly dormant in runup to failed bonding vote 5d ago Comments Share Share this article Behind the story Behind the story Clarifies why and how a story was reported. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags FROM THE ARCHIVES TODAY IN HISTORY By Kate Almquist Kate Almquist is the social media manager for InForum. After working as an intern, she joined The Forum full time starting in January 2022. Readers can reach her at [email protected]. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Lifestyle Female veterans find healing on Honor Flight 20h ago · By Danielle A. Teigen Arts and Entertainment Jim Gaffigan will return to Fargo for 2027 show 1d ago · By Staff reports Community The Archives Live — Digging through decades of headlines with you 1d ago · By Kate Almquist ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep Preps Plus: Region's athletes ink collegiate future on Signing Day 8h ago · By Andrew Haugland Moorhead Moorhead man accused in deadly shooting says he's ready for second trial 6h ago · By Matt Henson Minnesota Veteran’s lost wedding ring finds its way back to him in unusual manner 13h ago · By Dennis Doeden Women's Sports Bison women's basketball signs two North Dakotans, part of large 2027 signing class 13h ago · By Dom Izzo