Jean Belasco, manager of the Poli and Life theaters at Meriden, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of June, 1884. He made his start in the business world as clerk in a grocery store, but when he found out that he was actually working only to learn the trade and that the salary of three dollars per week supposedly paid him by the firm was in reality paid by his good mother in order to make him more contented with his work, and also to make him stay, he quit then and there, to strike out for himself without any support from home. After making his own living in various ways--humbled often but always honest--he became identified with theatrical interests. He embarked in the sale of theater tickets on his own account and afterward with a partner bought out the Vorhees business in the Continental Hotel. Subsequently he was connected with Ezra Kendall, the famous actor, then playing “The Vinegar Buyer.” He did everything, almost, in connection with the show, from scenery manager to properties, and also sold the music during the performance.

     It was during these years that he met many prominent theatrical people and ball players, besides other well known professionals. This acquaintance has always been very valuable to him as well as most pleasant.

     Mr. Belasco also did newspaper work for the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. He then went with W. A. Brady, theatrical magnate, as assistant advertising man, continuing in that connection in 1904 and 1905. He later founded the Philadelphia Bill Posting Company but afterward sold out his business in that connection and was associated with Bob Fitzsimmons as advance agent. He also managed the Casino theater at Asbury Park, New Jersey. He continued in charge of the theater in the summer months, while in the winter he was upon the road. This was the first playhouse which he managed. He afterward was employed in New York city and elsewhere and in 1912 he had his own show.

    It was largely accident that brought him to Connecticut. He happened to stop at Stamford and there he obtained a position with the Geronimo Film Company, a pioneer concern of New England. He subsequently managed the Grand Opera House in New Haven, which hitherto had been an unprofitable venture but of which he made a success until the theater building was destroyed by fire. He afterward managed theaters in Norwalk and in Torrington, Connecticut, and in May, 1916, became connected with Mr. Poli in Waterbury, with whom he arranged to come to Meriden as Mr. Poli’s manager on the 28th of August, 1916. In April, 1917, he took over the Life theater for Mr. Poli and is now managing the two. He gives to the public a class of attractions which are making these theaters profitable places of entertainment, and has always closely studied the public taste being also thoroughly familiar with every phase of theatrical management.

     On the 22d of May, 1917, Mr. Belasco was married to Miss Coral Huber, of Meriden, and they have gained many friends during the period of their residence in Meriden.