1920
As workmen removed the old interior to build a new structure within the original walls
for the 1920 renovation, they discovered a number of relics left behind from the early
years of the theatre. Among them was, carefully packed away, the skull of
John "Pop" Reed, a stagehand who worked at the Walnut for more than 50 years in
the first half of the 1800s. Reed stipulated in his will that he wanted his skull
separated from his body, duly prepared, and used to represent the skull of
Yorrick in
Hamlet. His wish was granted, and the skull is signed by many famous
actors of the day who performed in Shakespeare's play.
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