The Management in giving theatrical benefits paid the expenses of the production and turned over the receipts of the box office to the actor. Often business men and other admirers tendered a benefit to a favorite, who arranged his own program. The liberality of the Washoites during benefits made the Bulletin reporter and others “proud of our residence in their midst” Mrs. Cutler received full houses to champion the cause of education; youthful cadets got new uniforms; fire companies bought new engines and pumps. — Sandwiched between two performances of Oliver Twist, the Opera House staged a benefit for the Sanitary Fund (the precursor to the Red Cross) — August 7, 1863 —