That was the year when "Yankee" Robinson, the first man in America to tour a dramatic show under a tent, moved to Davenport, Iowa and nearby Rock Island, Illinois.
Finding no buildings large enough in which his cast could perform, he built a 1000 seat tent theatre with his own hands, hired a cast and transported his touring company by horse drawn wagons and riverboats to Quincy, Illinois where they opened their season on May 29, 1851.
Billed as "The Robinson Family" they toured Illinois, Missouri and Iowa where they closed their first season in Davenport On September 9–10, 1851.
In 1925 Schaffner acquired full ownership and the show remained in his hands until he retired after a heart attack in 1962.
For over three decades Davis continued to operate the touring company as the Schaffner Players, starring Toby and Susie.