State Box

[Cliff Roberts]

I've always had a problem with the accuracy of the modern reconstruction of the theater boxes. Having not been able to visit the theater in person, this is based solely on the appearance of the box interior as shown in present-day photographs like the one above. Historians had no design plans for the original theater to work from, relying instead on period photographs and drawings. The most reliable was a scale drawing which was used at the conspiracy trial. But even this did not record exact measurements. Comparing photos of the interior of the restored box with views taken from the stage in 1865, it seems to me the original combination-box was wider across the front. The box interior looks so cramped in modern views, it seems almost impossible you could comfortably seat four adults, then add Booth squeezing between Mrs. Lincoln and the center post, then the doctors and others known to have entered the box, all being careful not to step on the President laying full-length on the floor. Also, I've seen the chairs and sofa used by Harris and Rathbone positioned differently in various views of the modern box. Is it known for certain whether Miss Harris was seated next to the center post with Maj. Rathbone on her right (as I've always believed), or was Rathbone seated, at the end of the sofa, next to the post, with Miss Harris on his right, as suggested in this photo? And why was Rathbone seated on the sofa when there was a fourth chair available?