USA > California > Sacramento County > History of Sacramento County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, 1913 > Part 49
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The club is recognized throughout the United States as one of the leading musical organizations. It is condneted on the highest artistic plane, and contains more intelligent musicians than most clubs of its kind can show. Its constitution and by-laws have been recommended by a writer in the Philadelphia Musical Etude, "to every club about to organize or desirous of being more successful than it is."
Among workers who have given long and active service are Mrs. Albert Elkus, a member of the board for eighteen years, president for four years and a few years ago paid the courtesy of honorary president. She is the mother of the composer-pianist, Albert Elkus, and is a pianist of great ability, playing with the Scheel Orchestra in 1895. Mrs. Frank Miller was the club's first president and re-elected three times. Mrs. William Ellery Briggs was president for three terms. Miss Maud Blue, now Mrs. Eugene Pitts, was the club's youngest president, and held office for two years. Mrs. J. A. Moynihan presided for three years over the club. Mrs. Francis Moeller was secretary for five years and was one of the vice-presidents when she passed away in February of 1912. Mrs. Louise Gavigan has been the president for the past two years. These, as well as many members not named, have been faithful workers for the welfare of the club.
THE TUESDAY CLUB
The Tuesday Club is one of the prominent organizations of Sac- ramento, and, being officered and directed by some of the most in- tellectual women of the city, it has exerted a strong and beneficial in- terest in the progress of the city. It was organized in 1896, and Mrs. William Beckman was elected its first president by the seventeen charter members. The launching of the club was enthusiastically re- ceived, and within two months the membership had increased to over fifty, making it necessary to procure a hall for the meetings, which, in the beginning, had been held in Mrs. Beckman's parlors. From this nucleus the club of today, numbering considerably over six hundred members, has developed.
For four years the club had social rennions, musical programmes, lecturers and miscellaneous subjects, which programme it still carries ont, but it then began its publie work by sending to the board of city trustees a petition requesting it to pass an ordinance prohibiting the granting of any more saloon licenses in the residence portion of the city. The board passed the ordinance, which is still in effect. The membership increased rapidly, and the eluh became recognized as a center of social and mental culture, with the purpose of encouraging all movements for the betterment of society at large, to further the education of women and foster a broad public spirit in the commun- ity. It was deemed advisable to divide the club into smaller depart-
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ments in order to facilitate study along different lines to suit the diverse tastes of its members.
In the fifth year work of a philanthropic nature was taken up and proved in every respect a success. The club made an enthusiastic campaign which resulted in carrying the bonding of the city for the new high school; also the completion of the club's work begun for the introduction of manual training in the schools. Through the energy of the club, also, domestic science is taught in the city schools. It gives liberally to the Travelers' Aid Society and is foremost in helping financially all objects of a charitable nature. From its in- fancy the members began to devise methods for the improvement of the city, and a recommendation came from the club's department for the formation of an improvement club. The suggestion was approved, with the result that, in combination with other women's organizations, the Women's Council was organized, which now numbers between 2000 and 3000 earnest, active women, who work with the object in view of the betterment of the city and county.
In 1900 a committee from the club requested the purchase by the trustees of a park known as East Park, as a playground for the children and for the use of the citizens. The plan met with opposi- tion from many, but by energy, persistence and persuasion the result sought was accomplished. The park was purchased for $12,500, re- christened McKinley Park, and is now valued at $100,000, a good investment for the city, not only for the welfare of the children, but also financially. In 1892 the club established three traveling libraries, being the second in the state to distribute to the dwellers in remote districts the means of knowledge and culture. In 1903 the club, with the idea of owning its own clubhouse, formed a corporation among its members, calling it the Tuesday Club House Association, to which the club donated $300 as a nucleus for a building fund. Since then the energy of the association has been bent toward securing sufficient funds, and with such success that the club has been housed in its beautiful $30,000 building on Twenty-eighth street, opposite Sutter's Fort.
THE SUTTER CLUB
The Sutter Club was incorporated February 2, 1889, for the pur- pose of promoting social intercourse among its members. The upper floors of the California National Bank building were especially ar- ranged to accommodate the club. Its first president was Newton Booth, who prior thereto had been the governor of the state and also United States senator from California.
About six years ago the enlargement of the quarters was under- taken to accommodate the growing membership. The club was also thoroughly refurnished, so that now its rooms are beautifully decor- ated and its furnishings elegant and substantial.
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The organization is thoroughly imbued with the social spirit of good fellowship and is noted for its hospitality, especially to those who visit Sacramento. Many notable banquets and entertainments have been given at the club. It is in the most flourishing condition, and forms an important factor in the social life of Sacramento and North- ern California.
Its officers now are F. W. Kiesel, president; Charles B. Bills, vice- president; E. P. Hilborn, secretary, and with these the following con- stitute the board of directors: D. H. Miller, Dr. G. A. White, F. L. Martin, J. E. Huntoon, C. W. Morton, Ira C. Boss, Dr. T. J. Cox, R. M. Richardson and J. L. Nagle.
Mr. Kiesel succeeded W. H. Devlin, who had been president for six years, and through whose untiring energy and administrative ability the club has attained its present degree of prosperity and efficiency. The present membership is five hundred and seventy-five.
DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL
The getting of gold, while it absorbed the energies of the immi- grants, did not render them oblivious to. other things. As before stated, gambling was carried on openly and to a large extent. Other amusements were sought, and October 18, 1849, the Eagle theater gave its first performance, L. Hubbard & Co. being the proprietors. The box tickets were $5.00 and the pit $3.00. The first play was the Bandit Chief, or Forest Spectre, and the actors, Messrs. Atwater, Price, Harris, Ray, Daly and Mrs. Ray. Not less than $80,000 was expended in the erection of the theater. It was 30x65 feet, and the lumber from which the frame was made cost from $600 to $700 per thousand feet. It was common for the audience in the pit to engage in a game of monte between the acts, using the seats for tables. The flood of 1850 came, and on the benefit night of J. H. McCabe, one of the actors, the water invaded the theater, covering the tops of the parquette seats near the orchestra. On January 4th the theater closed and the company went to San Francisco. The theater and the "Round Tent," in which Mr. Hubbard had made a fortune, were sold at auction for $4500.
The Tehama theater was built in 1850, on Second street, between I and J, and the opening piece was the Lady of Lyons, under the direction of Mrs. Wingard, known theatrically as Mrs. J. Hudson Kirby. June 14, 1851, she married James Stark, and they conducted the theater till August 13th, when it was burned, supposed to be the work of an incendiary.
The Pacific theater was opened by Petit & Luce on M street, near Front, with a grand ball April 25, 1850. In 1851 Junius B. Booth was a member of the company playing there. During 1849 the Stock- ton Minstrels and the California Minstrels had given performances, and in 1851 Donnelly's Ethiopian Minstrels. J. A. Rowes Olympic
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Circus opened at the Pacific theater May 2, 1849, boxes $5.00, par- quette and dress circle $3.00, second tier $2.00. In October, 1850, Sam Brannan built for the circus a large building on Front street.
In September, 1851, Dr. Volney Spalding erected the American theater on J street. The state legislature in one of its removals held a session here. J. B. Booth was manager, and Frank Chanfrau, Louis Mestayer and others were in the company. In August, 1854, J. B. Booth, senior, accompanied by his son, Edwin Booth, appeared in the Iron Chest. The theater was destroyed in the great fire of 1852.
The Sacramento theater, on Third street, between I and J, was opened in March, 1853, but did not pay and was run spasmodically. Among those of fame who played there were Ole Bull, Maurice Strak- osch, Madam Anna Bishop, the Robinson family, Barney Williams and wife, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Judah, Edwin Booth and Walter L. Leman. It was run successfully in 1855 by a stock company, of which Edwin Booth was one. He was not at first a favorite, but captured the public and the critics in the Marble Heart.
The Edwin Forrest theater was opened October 8, 1855, and Mc- Kean Buchanan played through the month. It was a losing invest- ment, was turned into "Sam Wells' " Melodeon in 1860, and burned, supposedly the act of an incendiary, September 26, 1861. The Na- tional, afterwards the Metropolitan, theater, on K street, was built by Lee & Marshall, circus proprietors, and opened by them August 11, 1856. The next month it was turned into a theater. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack appeared in it in 1858. In 1859 it was remodeled and the name changed to the Metropolitan theater. Many of the famous actors of the day appeared during its existence. It was burned about twenty years ago.
The CIunie theater was erected in the '90s and is still in existence, many actors and troupes of national fame having appeared on its boards.
The Diepenbrock theater, at J and Twelfth streets, was opened in 1911 and has been well patronized. At present it is used for vande- ville.
Sacramento has always supported high-class operatic and musical entertainments, and many artists of world-wide fame have appeared here and delighted large audiences. Of late several houses have been devoted to vaudeville, and the ubiquitous moving picture shows flourish financially.
The Philharmonic Society was organized in 1855, under the direc- tion of H. J. McNeil, and flourished for some years. The Apollo club, an organization for male voices, was organized in 1880, as also the Cecilia club, for ladies only. They died after a short time.
STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
The history of the State Agricultural Society dates back to 1854.
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In that year a bill was introduced into the legislature incorporating the society. At that time mining was the leading and almost the only industry in the state, and W. S. Letcher said, in reporting favorably on the bill, "It is a measure the provisions of which will act upon every interest, affect all classes of our citizens, and touch with electric power every branch of industry throughout the state." The bill was approved May 13, 1854, and the sum of $5000 a year for five years was appropriated for the support of the society. The first fair was held at San Francisco October 4, 1854, and the amount of premiums given was $4000.
A convention was called and met at Sacramento April 25, 1855, was attended by the foremost agriculturists throughout the state, and addressed by distinguished citizens. The second state fair was held at Sacramento and $6550 was paid in premiums. It was held in the as- sembly chamber of the State Capitol, and all the exhibits were dis- played on two tables, each fifty feet long, and two oval tables for the cereals. The Sacramento Daily Union stated, while speaking of the exhibits at the fair, that a Durham bull had arrived from Sutter county. Two apples from San Jose and two seedling peaches from Coloma were also mentioned. General Hutchinson in his address proudly asserted that 2,000,000 bushels of various grains had been produced in the Sacramento valley.
At the fair in 1854 horses, cattle, swine, sheep and poultry were in the animal show opened at the Mission. At the second fair in Sac- ramento the cattle show was at the Louisiana race track, a place afterwards widely known and now well remembered by old Sacra- mentans. The three succeeding fairs were held respectively at San Jose, Stockton and Marysville. In 1859 the fair was again held at Sacramento, the cattle show being on the blocks between O and L, Eleventh and Twelfth streets. An evidence of the early determination of stock breed- ers to procure the best and highest-bred strains is shown that at this fair Mr. Peterson of Alameda sold a French merino ram for $1500, and a ram, "Crystal Palace," that took first prize at the World's Exposition in Paris, for $1500. Besides these, he sold thirty French merino rams and ewes for $12,000, a total of $15,000 for thirty-two head of sheep. In 1860 the state fair was permanently located at this city.
Up to this year the society possessed no stock grounds, but in 1861 six blocks of land were purchased by Sacramento citizens and pre- sented to the society. The streets were closed and a high brick wall enclosed about twenty acres. Stalls and stables for about four hun- dred animals were constructed, and a half-mile track laid out. In 1862 the people of Sacramento raised enough money to purchase six more blocks for the society. The streets were closed and a five-mile track constructed. It became the favorite drive with owners of fine horses, and Governor Stanford, among others, was led into racing and breed- ing fine stock. This track was on a level at the time when Governor
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Stanford's horse "Occident" made his famous time of 2:161/4, and he suggested that the outer side of the track be raised in order to keep up the momentum of speed while the horses were turning curves. The society had no money for the work, so Governor Stanford ordered it done at an expense of $2000, refusing reimbursement. He asked, how- ever, that the society annually offer an "Occident Stake," which has always been done since, this race for colts becoming one of the features of the fair.
In 1859 the citizens of Sacramento by an almost unanimous vote taxed themselves one-quarter of a cent and purchased the quarter of a block on the northeast corner of Sixth and M streets, for building a pavilion for the society. On July 1st the cornerstone was laid, and the building, which still stands, was accepted on September 1st. It was used as an Agricultural pavilion till the second one was built in 1884. The second pavilion was built on Fifteenth street, between M and N, in the Capitol Park, and was in use until it was condemned, about three years ago, and torn down. The old race track was sold about eight years ago, and is now covered with fine residences. The new grounds of the society were purchased beyond the county hospital and buildings erected there. The pavilion on Fifteenth street was in the shape of a Greek cross, each part being 400 feet long, and cost $80,000, Sacramento city donating half the amount. To the earnest and intelligent work done by the society California owes a great share of its improvement in stock, fruit raising, grain raising and other di- rections, which have brought it to a front rank in the United States.
SACRAMENTO ATHLETIC CLUB
This organization was organized in June, 1888, by A. F. Klein- sorge, Arthur Arnold, George Crum and Harry Rubenstein. The first meeting was called at the "Stag Club's" rooms at Fifth and J streets, over what was then Lavenson's shoe store. The committee on mem- bership, after one week's canvassing, reported one hundred twenty- five names, the initiation fee being $2.50. At the second meeting, held at the Capital City Wheelmen's rooms in the Masonic Temple, an or- ganization was perfected and by-laws adopted, the initiation fee being raised to $5.00, with dues at $1.50, J. Charles Jones presiding. The by-laws were patterned after those of the San Francisco Olympic club, and the Old Pavilion was secured as the club's headquarters. George H. Clark was the first president, and A. Kleinsorge, secretary. As the club was not in financial position to pay instructors, Joe Mansfield. Arthur Arnold, Al Kleinsorge and Herman Hildebrand volunteered as instructors, and the club flourished wonderfully until it was forced to vacate the building in order that Weinstock, Lubin & Co. might occupy it after the big fire that destroyed their store at Fourth and K streets. After their store was rebuilt, the club returned to its old quarters. At present the Sacramento club contemplates the erection 27
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of a building costing $350,000, which will contain a gymnasium and other appurtenances, and will, if the plans are carried out, absorb the Athletic club.
SACRAMENTO BOAT CLUB
The Sacramento Boat club as one of the institutions of the city has impressed upon both citizens and visitors the great opportunity for healthful pleasures afforded by the beautiful river that flows past our doors. It was founded January 24, 1906, with Albert Elkus, W. A. Meyer, Jolm C. Ing, I. G. Shaw, D. W. Pierson and George Lichthardt as its moving spirits. Papers of incorporation were received during March of the same year. Principally a rowing club in its early years, it has more recently followed the trend of the times toward the motor boat. During 1907 the Sacramento Boathouse Association built and furnished for it a boathouse which cost $2350. The club broke the record for regattas in the United States in 1909 by holding a regatta on Washington's birthday, when the streams of the east were locked in icy fetters. One of its most successful regattas was held on Sac- ramento day, April 24, 1909. Members of the club own some of the most speedy motor boats in the state and have carried off the honors from the San Francisco club. An effort is now being made to revive racing in shell boats, although the river current is rather strong for that sport. At Sausalito in May of 1909 the General II, owned by C. Forrest Mitchell and B. Klune, won over the Kanocti in a regatta, and the General I defeated the Kanocti at Sacramento. In May of 1908 the club, with the assistance of Hon. Duncan Mckinley, secured the consent of Secretary of the Navy Metcalf on the occasion of the visit of the United States fleet to San Francisco, and five gunboats, the Perry, Preble, Farragut, Davis and Fox, were allowed to come up the river to Sacramento, where boats and crews participated in the regatta of the club at that time.
OTHER CLUBS
Several clubs have been formed for sport and for the protection of game and fish, the earliest of these being the Forester Gun club, named for "Frank Forester," a celebrated writer on field sports in the first half of the last century. This club was formed in 1879 with twenty members, the first officers being as follows: Horatio Hurd, president; Capt. J. D. Young, vice-president; John Hotz, secretary, and Henry Gerber, captain. Mr. Gerber is the only one of these officers now living.
The Roosevelt Protective club was organized in 1879 with Charles E. Mack as president, W. L. Willis as secretary and about a dozen members. It was purely protective in object and was named in honor of R. B. Roosevelt, president of the United States fish commission, and an uncle of ex-President Roosevelt.
The Pacific Sportsmen's club was organized in 1881 with the fol-
+ Thomas Grace Bishop of Sacramento
BIOGRAPHICAL
BISHOP THOMAS GRACE
One of the most noble acts of abnegation of which the human soul is capable is the renunciation of the pleasures of the world, and worthy of the highest reverence is the man or woman, who, actuated by the necessity for the administration of divine love and mercy to a wandering people, answers the appeal of the spirit. In the life of Bishop Grace, whose diocese embraces the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament of Sacramento, are exemplified those quali- ties so essential to the sustainment of the role to which he has been assigned and throughout his ministerial service his conduct has evidenced his intensity of belief and his fitness for his high calling.
A native of Ireland, Bishop Grace was born August 2, 1841, in Wexford, where he spent his early youth. His father, James Grace, a merchant, was of Norman lineage, being a descendant of Raymond le Gros, who lived in the twelfth century. He married Miss Ellen Armstrong, of Irish birth. Mr. and Mrs. Grace never came to America, preferring to spend their last years in the old country among the friends whom they had known and loved so long. Thomas Grace received his preliminary education in the private schools of his home section and having decided to enter the priesthood, was placed in St. Peter's Seminary under the tute- lage of Bishop Furlong. In 1862 he entered All Hallows College, Dublin, distinguishing himself by his earnest spirit and rapid mastery of the technical details which formed a necessary part of his curriculum. Upon being ordained in 1867 he made prepara- tions for his journey to California, leaving Queenstown in 1867 on the steamer Aetna and arriving at his destination eleven days later. Coming to California, he took charge of a newly established parish at Red Bluff, Tehama county, where he erected the Convent of Mercy, and two years later removed to a charge in Humboldt county. In 1869 he was transferred to Carson City. Nev., and in 1871 became assistant to Father Dalton at Grass Valley, Cal., re- maining in this charge four years. In 1875 he became pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Marysville, Cal., officiating seven years prior to his removal to Sacramento in 1882. Here he was given charge of St. Rose's parish and continued there until 1896, when he was exalted to the bishopric. In sorrow, sickness and death, he has comforted his flock by his tender compassion, divine in its close
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association with the source of all love, and his faithful service has greatly endeared him to his people, who feel themselves for- tunate, indeed, in having for their spiritual leader a man so un- selfish, so representative of the great character which he seeks to glorify.
A brief history of the Catholic church in the Sacramento Val- ley is very fitting in connection with this concise biographical men- tion.
"A matter of first care among Catholic families in settling down to live in a new center is to find out what opportunity will be afforded them to practice their religion and to give their children a Christian education. Hence, an outline of the work of the church in the Sacramento valley thus far, with a summary account of its present status therein, will undoubtedly be useful to those about to come to live in this far region, and not without interest for those who already are so far blessed by living here. We are ar- rested by the name of this beautiful valley, Sacramento, a sacred and beautiful name, which recalls to us the symbol of Christian charity, the last supper, and its perpetuation of Divine love in the blessed sacrament. Whilst the missionaries named their other conquests in California in honor of one or the other of the saints, how meet that the fairest of California's fields, with its lordly river, later on that its chief city, and later still that within that fair city the principal church, in point of architectural style and in the number of worshipers, should be dedicated to Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar, under the comprehensive name of Sac- ramento.
"From the early part of 1850, when Father P. A. Anderson, a Dominican priest, arrived in Sacramento to form a nucleus church, the growth of Catholicity has been well in proportion with the rapid development of the capital city and the country tributary to it. A small building on L street between Fifth and Sixth served for a time as a chapel. Then Governor Peter H. Burnett gave a deed to Archbishop Joseph Sadoc Allemany for the property where stands the present postoffice building. On this site three struc- tures were in turn erected. Saint Rose's, the last of these, was in use until 1887. Father Anderson died of typhoid fever in the fall of 1850 and his work was taken up by Rev. John Ingoldsby. Oc- tober 29, 1854, the corner-stone of St. Rose's Church was laid. All that remains of St. Rose's now, except fond memories, is its bell, which is daily heard from the turret of St. Francis' Church, still calling the faithful to prayer. When the corner-stone was opened, on excavating for the foundations of the postoffice build- ing, among other interesting finds were copies of the daily and weekly Sacramento Union.
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