Uncle John
On Saturday morning, June 22nd, at 2:30 a.m., the Carlisle Hospital informed
us that John W. Heinze had quietly passed away. This was very sad news for all
of us here at Allenberry. Even now it does not seem possible that Uncle John—as
we all affectionately knew him—will not be at the theatre tonight. Allenberry
and the Playhouse, which he created with his son, Charles A.B. Heinze, were
his great pride and joy. Uncle John would be up at the crack of dawn each day
making sure the grounds were all in order...the grass trimmed, the trees pruned,
the flowers watered...he would check the Inn, the dining rooms, the lodge, the
Playhouse, the snack bar, and always he would have a cheerful and warm greeting
for each of us as we started our day at Allenberry. And in the evening he would
don his white jacket and bow tie, make attractive all the goodies in the snack
bar, and greet you, our audience, with that same wonderful warmth and enthusiasm.
Uncle John was a happy man and he shared his happiness with each person he met.
No, we cannot believe he will not be here tonight. No, that is wrong. He has
not gone away. We need only look at his lovely trees, the grounds, the flowers
he tended so carefully, the apple trees that now are bearing fruit, and we see
the touch of Uncle John. Everyplace is his mark, his personality. He cannot
be gone. For as the curtain rises on another show and you, our audience, settles
down for a pleasant evening of theatre, we backstage pause and give a nod of
thanks to Uncle John whom we know is here with us tonight, enjoying the show.From the Playgoer July 1 - July 13, 1957
(John W. Heinze 1879 - 1957)
Charles A.B. Heinze
Charles A.B. Heinze established Allenberry with the express purpose of offering the best food and entertainment at the most reasonable prices in a wholesome country atmosphere. He was always visible… greeting, talking with guests and seeing to their comfort. Provide comfort, service and hospitality. This was the credo and goal for the man whose dream is now the reality known as Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse.
In a 1970 Playgoer he wrote, “There is nothing that pleases me more than to hear your laughter throughout Allenberry. Laughter is the best medicine for the cares that beset our troubled world and the staff is dedicated to helping you forget your problems.”
Heinze, a native of Johnstown, graduated from Penn State in 1929 majoring in Hotel Administration. After working in New York City and State College, Charles and his father, John W., purchased a dairy store in Carlisle in 1934 and operated the Carlisle Inn. The war years presented an opportunity to manage a needed and successful military catering service. Upon learning that Dr. Sadler was interested in selling his summer home, Charles saw a vision for the fifty- seven acre property. After completion of sale in June 1944, Charles, Mary Lucinda and children, John, Mary Jane and Jere, moved into their Allenberry home.
Development of the estate into a commercial property began immediately. Two years later, Allenberry-on-the-Yellow Breeches welcomed its first guests.
Realizing the need for an additional attraction for his resort, Charles considered craft and specialty shops, but became intrigued with the idea of developing a summer theatre. Richard North Gage was hired and the Playhouse was built… the history of theatre at Allenberry had commenced.
 “The play is the thing.”
“Actors must act.” - Richard North Gage |
Dreams, plans, diplomatic solicitation, heartaches, disappointments, hard work and great joyous satisfaction have all been part of our development at Allenberry. When I first saw this gem it was too good to keep from
the public.- Charles A.B. Heinze |
Richard North Gage
Charles A.B. Heinze remembers his introduction to Richard North Gage was via a rather noisy phone call. “He must have been calling from their workshop. He explained that he had been directing that summer in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. His desire was to go to New England, but he agreed to explore the possibilities of a theatre at Allenberry. He was my guest for dinner the following Sunday.”
Thus began an association and friendship that lasted a quarter of a century. More than beginning a summer theatre, the relationship developed a theatre of national prominence.
The reasons for the success of Richard North Gage are many, but it boils down to something he first wrote in the Playgoer for Oklahoma. Oklahoma was his five hundredth career production, of which over two hundred had been presented on the Allenberry stage.
“I have discovered through trial and error that the people of central Pennsylvania want to be entertained when they come to Allenberry. It would be nice to do prestige shows, but...you don’t argue with your customers. I give them what they want — comedies and musicals.”
Stalag 17, 1955A comedy-melodrama written by Donald Bevan and Edmund Trzcinski.
The all male cast as seen here from left to right:
Reginald Rowland, Framk Hammerton, Mannie Lax, Walter Massey, Chris Flanders.
“A turbulent staging that underscores the tension of the play and makes
the most of the gutsy comedy.”