A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 5

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 960

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There was an attractive industrial exhibit at the Town Hall, showing prod- ucts of the American Thread Company, the Quidnic-Windham Cotton Com- pany, the Holland and Windham Silk companies, the Chaffee Manufacturing Company (silk braids and fish lines), the Rossie Velvet Company, Hillhouse and Taylor (builders' finish), S. C. S. Box Company, J. M. Tatem Company (handles and picker-sticks), Vanderman Company, foundry and iron special- ties, Hosmer Mountain Beverage Company, J. G. Kirby Optical Company, P. F. Sheehan, cigar manufactory.

Altogether, the entire week was one of rare enjoyment. The weather was perfect and there was a wonderful spirit of unity and good fellowship prevail- ing. In an editorial remarking upon the wonderful success of the celebration, under the caption "A Forward Look to 1925," the Daily Chronicle spoke as follows :

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"A suggestion was made by Toastmaster Allen B. Lincoln, in closing the 'United Banquet of the Old Natchaugers, Willimantic Institute and First District High Schools,' last Friday evening-or rather early Saturday morn- ing-which may well be given careful consideration.

"Mr. Lincoln proposed that 'another reunion should be held ten years from now,' and that 'every ten years henceforth, all former pupils of our schools should come back to drink again from the fountains of old-school inspiration and to help renew the spirit of civic unity which has been evi- denced in the present celebration.'

" 'Old School and Home Week,' every ten years henceforth-why not ? It is a splendid thing-this coming back of our sons and daughters who have gone forth from the old school and the old home. It not only brings joy to them and to us, but it will give again and again, as it has given now, new inspiration to all.

"Such an infusion of life and action from without, such renewal of inter- est and affection from within, will prove a splendid thing in every way. It will mean much for community development, and radiate its beneficence far beyond the community. '

"Back to the old school, back to the old home, back to the old church, back to the old town-once every ten years henceforth! Let the call go forth even now! Yes, the latchstring is always out; always welcome, every year and all the time, are the sons and daughters, and all our friends, to old Windham town and Willimantic city. But every ten years henceforth, let there be a general home-coming, a grand reunion of all former pupils and teachers in school groups ; a renewal of devotion at the shrine of the old-home church! Thus shall we keep ever active and advancing the hope and inspiration which come from the best influences of our lives."

CHAPTER XXXV POPULAR AMUSEMENTS

ENTERTAINMENT ARTISTS-FIRST BRASS BAND IN WILLIMANTIC-THE NATIONAL AND WILLIMANTIC BAND-WHITE EAGLE'S POLISH AMERICAN BAND-FIFE AND DRUM CORPS-ORCHESTRAS-BILLY FORAN AND DUNN'S MASTODON MINSTRELS-MOV- ING PICTURE HOUSES-WILLIMANTIC FIRST BASEBALL TEAM-RUNNING, WALKING, GO-AS-YOU-PLEASE MATCHES-HISTORY OF THE OLD FAIR GROUND-REMINIS- CENCES OF HORSE RACING.

ENTERTAINMENT ARTISTS

Expression through the dramatic art has always been a prominent feature of community life, from the dialogues and charades of school days to the parlor plays and "amateur theatricals" of "the younger social set." Just after the Civil war the intense patriotic feeling would not infrequently express itself in war dramas, as "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh"; scenes of preliminary intrigue would be vividly depicted; there was the breaking up of home life on the border, when one son would go "for the Union" and another for the "Confederacy"; there was the rush to arms, the drilling with broomsticks in lieu of guns not yet to be had, and the antics of the "awkward squad"; the thrilling conferences between leading generals; and the grand climax of a "sham battle" with the noisy firing of real guns but blank charges; the smoke and smell of powder, with consequent "choking" by some in the audience ; the advance of the "Confederates" across the stage driving the "Yankees" before them; then the triumphant return of the "Yankees" to a glorious victory ; with men dropping on both sides, and the "fighting" as fierce as the stage limitations would permit; the happy home coming and reunions; the mourning gowns and black draperies for those who did not come back; the empty sleeves ;- all this was portrayed again and again in the years fol- lowing the Civil war, in amateur plays by "local talent," and greeted by crowded and enthusiastic audiences of the home people. These entertain- ments were usually "benefits"' for the Grand Army of the Republic, and the soldier boys themselves were the principal actors.

The programs were liberally interspersed with the singing of the old-time war songs, as "Tenting tonight on the old Camp Ground," "When Johnny comes Marching home," "The Vacant Chair," and scores of others which grew out of the war feeling; many of these songs, however, not written until the war was over, but seeming to satisfy and temper and gradually assuage the intense feeling as the years passed. But these war plays continued popular for at least a decade after the close of the Civil war.

In Willimantic the chief places of dramatic amusement of this sort, also for minstrel shows and melodramatic plays and comedies by traveling com- panies, were "Bassett Hall," then occupying the entire upper story of the

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building now known as Bassett Block, corner Railroad and Main streets; also the top floor of Franklin Hall, a three-story frame building, destroyed by fire in 1868. The old Franklin Hall was occupied for a time by David P. Corbin's select high school, and the "'school exhibitions" by his pupils were · very popular.

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The Franklin building was soon replaced by a new brick structure, the present building of that name opposite the Windham National Bank; and a real "opera house effect" came there; for the upper story of the Franklin building was equipped with a "modern" stage and real scenery, several painted roller-curtains, which could be readily changed to reveal a home, or a bar- room, or a street scene with commercial buildings, or a field and forest scene, which practically comprised the equipment. The casings surrounding the stage were decorated in white and gold. Brand new movable settees filled the auditorium, but the same old hard benches found in church galleries were continued in Franklin Hall gallery. Nevertheless, it was altogether an event to have such a "new hall" for "real shows." It afforded much larger op- portunity for the melodramatic art and for minstrel shows, which now came along much more frequently than before.

Local talent was quick to see its opportunity. Among the earliest of this sort was "The Yankee Peddler," with "Tom" Weaver in the title role, and Ida Tracy, daughter of John C. Tracy, the village magnate, as heroine. In the early '70s there was an ambitious production of "The Merchant of Venice," with D. G. Lawson, an eloquent "lay-preacher" and elocutionist, as "Shylock," Mrs. Charrie Leonard Barrows (Mrs. Chas. A. Capen) as "Portia," J. Henry Morrison as "Bassanio," Hadlai A. Hull as "Gratiano," Edna Snow (now Mrs. Coggins) as "Nerissa." Brilliant costumes were secured from Hart- ford, and altogether it was a very creditable performance.

Then "the Hallam girls," daughters of the local Episcopal rector, Rev. Isaac H. Hallam, gave in the autumn of 1874, for benefit of St. Paul's Mis- sion, a wonderfully-pretty "cantata," "The Flower Queen," with Ida Tracy as the "Rose," Mrs. A. M. Hatheway as "Mignonette," Agnes Stone as "Touch me not," Nettie Lincoln (Mrs. F. F. Webb) as "Japonica," and a host of local maidens in flower groups in the "chorus." Amos L. Hatheway took the part of the "Recluse."

A few years later, another local group of all-star cast gave the play "Rich- elieu." J. Henry Morrison took the part of "Richelieu," and among others in the cast were Inez L. Brown, Arthur B. Griggs, Frank M. Wilson, Horace A. Adams, Edward F. Burleson, Charles Robbins, Herbert French.

Beginning at this point, the remainder of this chapter is written by Thomas F. Connolly of the Willimantic "Chronicle," unless otherwise indicated.

During the early '70s the Montgomery Dramatic Club presented many Irish dramas, and some of the leading actors were John Crawford, John An- derson, Thomas Burke and Thomas Ashton.

The Crescent Literary Club was composed of young men with many of them famous in debates. This club had an able actor in Frank J. Corrigan.

The Thread City Cyclers, organized thirty years ago and still in existence, are still holding up the fame of the Thread City in amateur theatricals. The club always had fine talent, especially in the musical line. For the past ten years the Cyclers Thanksgiving Day minstrels is a fixture. Some of the best

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musicians of the city are at the present time members of this organization. The Cyclers had had its ins and outs, ups and downs, was burned out twice, the last time on November 23, 1916, in the Jordan Block, when all the club's famous trophies and pictures of groups were destroyed. The present quarters of the Cyclers is in the hall of the Shea Block, corner of Main and Railroad streets. *

The Ladies' Auxiliary to the Hibernians is another organization that has entertained the public with annual St. Patrick's Day offerings, generally in the producing of an Irish drama.

Most every fraternal organization has had its fling at entertaining, but as a rule the performance given is that of a minstrel show or concert which serves to bring out its talent. The annual Windham High School senior class plays has brought out some very fine talent.

Harkening back to native or adopted sons of Old Windham who have made the stage their profession, among the number may be found Charles S. Abbe of Windham, who was one of Frohman's stars, now a movie star, Mrs. Ramsay Wallace (nee Esther Dondero), Edward Foran, Albert E. Green, Louis Tracy, William E. Foran, Nelson Frink and Walter Garigan. One of the most famous entertainers in the minstrel line "Sam Johnson" is retired. He was for fifteen years or more connected with leading minstrel aggregations of this country. One of the most noted band composers of America is Thomas H. Rollinson, a Windham boy, and for many years connected with the Oliver Ditson Company of Boston.

Prominent among leading local entertainers of the present day may be mentioned, Alfred Handfield, James Moriarty, William Hussey, T. Frank Cun- ningham, Joseph Ellis, Charles W. Hill, Lawrence Haggerty, Louis H. Ash- ton, James B. Fullerton, John F. Collins, James P. Mustard, "Joe" Ellis, George A. Bartlett, William A. Costello, Michael J. Farrell, John F. Healey, George Herrick, Fred Taylor, Albert Paulhus, John King, Maurice Leonard, John McQuillan, John McKenna, John N. Williams, George Williams, Dwight W. Jordan, Roy Howlett, John F. Healey, Harry Lester, James E. Shea, Wil- liam Connaughton and many others.

Local men prominent in music circles include among a long list, Noah D. Webster, C. N. C. Wheeler, Clinton C. Helmold, Robert E. Pickett, Dr. W. P. S. Keating, Charles H. Caswell, D. E. Abel, Ray Harris, Raymond Parker, George Hickey, J. Del Conant. He'mold's orchestra has for the past decade or more been a constant delight to the community at indoor entertainments while Charlie Wheeler's band provides similar exhilaration at out-door fetes, parades and numerous band concerts.

When Loomer Opera House was built in 1879, this playhouse was considered at the time one of the best in New England. After that the fame of Franklin Hall as a place for shows became less and in a year or two afterward was used only by amateurs. However, the fame of this historic place of enter- tainment still continues. For the past ten years it has been the headquarters of the labor union bodies of the city and is in constant use every evening of the week. Franklin Hall, now known as Labor Union Hall, was from 1880 until the town hall was built in 1897, the most prominent hall in Willimantic for the holding of balls, dances and socials. At times it was also used for the staging of athletic events.

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FIRST BRASS BAND IN WILLIMANTIC

On the evening of February 19, 1858, the first brass band known in Wil- limantie was organized and was christened "The Willimantic Cornet Band." Charles S. Bliven was chairman of the meeting. The following officers were chosen : Captain, William C. Jillson; lieutenant, William H. Osborne; secre- tary and treasurer, George W. Hanover. At this meeting it was voted to ac- cept a constitution and by-laws which consisted of nineteen articles.

Some of the sections of the by-laws were quite binding and would hardly meet with the approval by members of bands organized at the present time.

To become a member of the band, required two-thirds of the members' votes; all members to share the necessary expenses of the band; any member leaving the band on any public day to play his instrument under pay or com- pensation for any incorporate company or parties without a consent vote of two-thirds of the members was taxed a $5.00 fine; members were obliged to give a week's notice in writing to the secretary-treasurer before resigning; members refusing to pay fines imposed to be expelled from the band; nobody to become a member of the band until he first signed the constitution; that the secretary call the roll of members one hour after the appointed time of start of meeting and to carefully check each name; the secretary to take note of absentees and send them word that they were considered fined as per Article 10 of the constitution, which was that if the absentee could not give a good and sufficient reason, said absentee was taxed 25 cents for his absence.

Article 10 of the proposed League of Nations had nothing on Article 10 of the Willimantic Cornet Band as the minutes showed later and for that reason there came a modification of the article.

Section 8, which referred to members playing for incorporate bodies under pay, also struck a snag shortly after the band organized, for the minutes of May 25th read, "Voted to play for the military company for nothing." "In my opinion the most absurd piece of nonsense ever recorded." Attest G. W. Hanover, secretary.

The Willimantic Cornet Band held its name until May 30, 1877, with the exception of a period during the Civil war and a few years following; and then the band was reorganized. In all those years the band enrolled about seventy names; many later became prominent in the musical world as directors or music composers, while others became staid business men. A few of the old members are still alive and recall the days with much interest when they played in Willimantic's first brass band.

Among the members were William C. Jillson, later a manufacturer, Thomas H. Rollinson, now connected with the Oliver Ditson Music House of Boston, the Jordan Brothers, Charles. B., Van Buren, George, Julius and Julian, the. latter, the famous Jordan twins, are now widely known as musie instructors and composers, Julius in Providence and Julian in New York City. Their father, Lyman Jordan, was also a member of the band. John D. Wheeler, the famed teacher of the First District School and his two sons, Lewis E. Wheeler and Charles C. Wheeler, were members; also John M. Hall, who was later president of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad; Henry L. Hall, later editor of the Willimantic Journal, William H. Osborne, G. W. Goff, O. B. Griswold, George W. Hanover, Peleg N. Tew, John L. Burnham, Nathan A. Stearns, H. F. Palmer, A. B. Greene, Valette A. Stearns, William

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F. Baldwin, Charles S. Bliven, Leander Jacobs, C. Emmett Keough, William C. Macomber, H. B. Gates, P. W. Goff, John W. Rose, Charles Burdick, Henry Allender, Lester E. Braley, R. B. Streeter, Theodore Tracy, Jared H. Stearns, W. E. Goff, A. B. Scranton, John H. Moulton, C. C. Stebbins, Rufus Weston, William Thompson, Elisha Clark, John K. Hammond, Edward E. Fox, Joseph W. Rollinson, James MacFarlane, John W. Corbin, George E. Arnold, Charles E. Clark, Henry Hale, Joel H. Webb, Emory Schaffer and Chauncey C. Fuller who later was one of Hartford's leading furniture merchants as he is today.

The first set of instruments used by the band was adjudged imperfect by Mr. Stratton. Charles S. Bliven headed a committee to have the matter straight- ened out. The first instructor of the band was Mr. White who was hired on March 2, 1858. On the meeting night of April 2d the members were taxed the sum of $1.00 each to defray expenses, also the band contracted with G. W. Hanover to furnish cord wood for heating purposes in the band room. During the fall of that year the band gave an excursion that returned a profit. On the meeting night of October 19th, the band voted to hold rehearsals and meetings once in every two weeks. On December 19, 1859, V. A. Stearns was appointed leader of the band. On April 12, 1859, John M. Hall was elected a member of the band. Another tax of $1.00 was levied on July 19th. Harsh treatment was meted out to one member according to the minutes of May 14, 1860, which in part reads, "Voted to expel forever from the band." In the summer of 1861, shortly after the Civil war broke out, the band disbanded.

The minutes of August 26th of that year had the following: "Voted to instruct the secretary to collect all the property of the Willimantic Cornet Band together and store the same as cheap as possible; voted to appoint A. B. Greene to assist the secretary in collecting the property and that the secre- tary lay a tax on each member sufficient in amount to pay up all arrearages."

It was not until April 16, 1868, nearly seven years later, that the band reorganized. The meeting was held in Hanover's store at the corner of Union and Temple streets. A vote was passed at this meeting to charge all new mem- bers $10 when joining the band. Julian Jordan became a member at this meeting. W. C. Jillson and Henry Hall were admitted as members at the meeting held on April 25th, and at the same meeting it was voted to hire Henry Allender as instructor eight evenings at $6 each. On April 29, 1868, the band held its first meeting in the new quarters, the vestry of the Congregational Church (present Maverick Laundry Building). On August 4th, Thomas H. Rollinson was appointed leader of the band and at the same meeting dropping Henry Allender as an acting member and voting him a life member of the organization. There was some "pruning" at this meeting as eight members were expelled from the band for certain reasons.

On October 2, 1868, George W. Hanover resigned as secretary, which was accepted. A vote of thanks was given him for the faithful discharge of his duties since the organization of the band. On November 16, the band voted to pay the Congregational society $4 for back rent of the vestry. During the year following a number of new members were admitted into the band, socials were held and purchase or exchange of new instruments transacted. In the fall months of 1869 the band gave its services to the Congregational Church festival and the St. Joseph's Temperance Society festival. On Feb- ruary 23, 1870, the band voted to appoint W. C. Jillson as drillmaster for three

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months. The appointment was renewed for another three months according to the minutes of May 24th of that same year. On June 10, 1870, the band voted to hold a strawberry festival. The committee selected to carry out the project was H. L. Hall, T. H. Rollinson and George Jordan. On May 5th Vallette A. Stearns resigned as a member of the band. A fine vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Stearns. According to the minutes his case was covered thusly, "He being one of the oldest members his services and help is deeply appreciated and he is thereby given an honorable discharge, his uniform and band property having been returned to the band." Attest, W. C. Jillson, secretary. On August 18, 1871, the band staged an excursion to Rocky Point, which was successful. On May 25, 1872, Charles E. Clark and Lewis E. Wheeler resigned. The band voted them thanks for their excellent service and assistance during the years of membership. On the same date, the band purchased from A. A. Goodspeed a German silver E-flat alto horn for $45. Along about this time, rehearsals were not well attended and with members resigning, there was talk of the band disbanding. On the annual meeting night of the band, March 3d, after officers were elected, the following vote was unanimously passed :

"That the thanks of our band are hereby tendered to Thomas H. Rollinson for his kindness in teaching and leading-without pay-during the past year and as a further testimony of our appreciation of his services we now present him the silver tea set belonging to the band and ask his acceptance of the same."

In reply, Mr. Rollinson thanked the band for their expression of their con- fidence in him-and that he should try in the future as in the past to do all he could for the improvement of the band.

On July 7, 1873, but ten members were present at the meeting, Thomas H. Rollinson, John H. Moulton, John D. Wheeler, George B. Jordan, Van Buren Jordan, William Thompson, Jared Stearns, George S. Arnold, O. B. Griswold and J. K. Hammond. At this meeting it was voted that T. H. Rollinson sell all surplus instruments belonging to the band, also to pay Mr. Rollinson $50 for his E-flat cornet as band property, also voted "to buy one E-flat cornet for J. D. Wheeler of such make as he may want." John H. Moulton tendered. his resignation as lieutenant, but the same was not accepted. Mr. Moulton at a later meeting tendered his resignation as a member of "The Willimantic Cornet Band," but it was not accepted. In February, 1874, it was decided to make a change of band quarters and at the meeting held April 20th, Thomas H. Rollinson and Van Buren Jordan were appointed a committee to secure a suitable room for the band. It was a year before the change was made. At the meeting of February 19, 1875, on motion of Van B. Jordan it was voted, "that the band hire the upper room of the bank building as offered by Theo- dore F. Tracy at the rate of $125 per year, to warm the same two nights a week and take care of room and instruments without other charge. Should band use the room more than two nights per week the band to pay only the extra cost of heating. Members of the band to have access to the room when desired and privilege to leave the key in some suitable place where any mem- ber can get it."

At the next meeting, February 22, 1875, J. K. Hammond made the band a present of a show case to keep music books in and W. C. Jillson presented the band with a "five dollar bill" to be excused from acting as secretary-treasurer, and received a vote of thanks. At the meeting of September 14, 1875, the finish

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of the band became evident wlien it was voted, "to excuse all those that wished to be excused from active membership, they to retain an interest in the band property." At the meeting of March 7, 1876, fifteen of the members of the band were in attendance. "After a long debate in regards gas and other bills," so the minutes state, "it was voted to lay the business over one week." At the meeting held one week later it was voted to accept Mr. Tracy's offer- i. e., to pay him $40 and take a receipted bill for the same to date March 14, 1876. At this meeting it was voted to lay a tax of $4 on each member to pay back bills of the band, also it was voted to appoint the following committee of three, J. H. Moulton, J. D. Wheeler and T. H. Rollinson, to appraise the band property and report at a future meeting.

April 25, 1876, a meeting was held at which time the death knell of the Willimantic Cornet Band was sounded, when the following three resolutions were passed :

I. "Resolved that any member of the Willimantic Cornet Band have the loan of any instrument to play in a band to be organized and located in Willi- mantic, Conn., they giving a writing to a committee appointed for that purpose for the safe return of the same when called for by the committee.

II. "Resolved that the committee have the power to sell or rent any or all of the Willimantic Cornet Band property at such prices as they deem proper.

III. "That a meeting of the Willimantic Cornet Band shall be called at the earliest opportunity by a petition to the secretary of the band, the petition to be signed by three or more members, also voted that a committee of three be appointed for the purpose of selling or renting the Willimantic Cornet Band property."

The committee named was Thomas H. Rollinson, John H. Moulton and J. D. Wheeler, also it was voted to hurry the members along in paying the tax of $4 levied the month previous. According to surviving members today the plan of some of the members was at that time to sell the band property and divide the money with the members in good standing. At a meeting held on June 27, 1876, there was a long debate and it was voted that "all members who had not paid their tax" be notified by the secretary to call and settle up immediately. On May 3, 1877, a meeting was held at the office of J. H. Moul- ton. Those present besides Mr. Moulton were T. H. Rollinson, J. W. Rollinson, J. D. Wheeler, E. E. Fox, T. J. Tracy, O. B. Griswold and Stearns. It was voted at this meeting that all members who had not paid their $4 tax on or before May 20th to be stricken from the roll. The minute book of the Willi- mantic Cornet Band went no further in the recording of the doings of the . organization, but it is related by the surviving members that a few paid in the $4 tax and from the sale of what band property was left at that time a dividend was paid to the members who were in good standing when the obse- quies were pronounced shortly after.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 5

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 960

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 960