Pittsburg Daily Headlight, Tues. May 3, 1904, p.5, c. 2. “Take Notice. Reservations of seats for the opening of La Belle Theatre will be ready at 1 o’clock Wednesday for all $12.50 and $10.00 subscribers, $7.50 and $5.00 Thursday at 1 o’clock at the office of said theatre, corner 4th and Locust. Seats open for the public Friday noon.”

“Amusements”, Pittsburg Daily Headlight, Mon. May 9, 1904, p.2, c.4 “The new La Belle Theatre will have the Holden Comedy Co. for four nights and a Saturday matinee commencing next Wednesday night. This organization is a popular priced attraction. Besides their company, they carry a number of clever vaudeville artists, who appear between acts. Another feature is the moving pictures and illustrated songs. The western melodrama, “Nobody’s Claim,” will be the opening attraction. There is no character in history so interesting or that appeals so strongly to the public heart as the brawny son of the western hills. Bret Harte’s stories of life among the snowcapped mountains, so extensively read, did much to bring him to a better acquaintance with his fellowman, and when placed in drama, there is a touch of rough nature about him that appeals to every heart. Prices 10, 20, 30 and 50 cents.”

“Opening La Belle Theatre; Little Ceremony Attended the Event, But the Audience Was Well Pleased,” Pittsburg Daily Headlight, Tues. May 10, 1904, p.6, c.4.” “ About eight hundred people attended the opening of the new La Belle Theatre last night and witnessed the production of James A. Herne’s beautiful comedy drama, “Sag Harbor.” The play probably did not attract as much as the desire to see the theatre about which there has been so much talk for more than a year past. Manager Bell had made elaborate preparations for the opening but the beauty of the house in a general way under the soft light of myriads of incandescent lights left but little room for improvement. Ferns, flowers, evergreens and potted plants tastefully arranged added to its appearance. The house is handsomely seated with the latest style opera chairs throughout. Velvet and Brussels carpets cover the aisles and stairways leading to all entrances. While the audience were admiring the finish and arrangement of the house in general by the few lights that were burning, Botefuhr’s orchestra started the introductory of the “Beggar Student,” the opening overture. With a trumpet call, and at each call the lights were turned on in sections from the gallery through the balcony down to the dress circle. The drop curtain then went up and the opening of the house was practically over, and the audience settled down to watch the play. Between the second and third acts, Manager Bell appeared before the curtain and delivered a welcoming address. Speaking of the history of the building of the house he said it was built upon conversation and cost $10,000 more than was expected, and that more conversation would have to be used. He promised that henceforth it would be up to the standard for first class attractions. In the course of his remarks he stated that the free list had been cut out, and tickets were the only commodity he had to sell. His remarks were well received by the audience. Fred G. Herne, of the “Sag Harbor” company, followed with remarks of commendation for the new building. He said among other things, “On behalf of the members of my company and the Actor’s Association of America, I will state that La Belle Theatre building is one of the most modern to be found anywhere. I have traveled for ten years and this is one of the most modern equipped of any I was ever in.” He was applauded as well as Manager Bell, as the curtain was then lowered.”