USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > Reports and papers. Fairfield County Historical Society, Bridgeport, Conn. 1882-1896-97 > Part 27
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The upper floor consists of a fine Auditorium with seating capacity for several hundred persons, where the well-known and highly appreciated lectures conducted annually under the auspices of the Scientific society are delivered, as also other lectures and readings under the auspices of the Historical society.
This floor also contains rooms for business purposes and other conveniences. Access to all these floors is through the
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main entrance on State street, by a handsome and wide stair- way well lighted and of easy ascent. A fine room on the second floor facing on Main street is reserved for the uses of the Medical society.
The material of which the building is constructed is red sand stone laid np in rock faced work for the first story. Above the first story the ornamental belts, the clustered col- umns with their capitals and bases, the ornamental frieze hereafter referred to, the quoins and arches, are all composed of dark buff terra cotta, modeled from special designs of the architects.
The treatment of the great dome at the angle of the streets is especially good, the recessed balconies on either side carry- ing the rounded form to nearly two thirds its dimensions. The deep frieze between the circular windows of the third story and the cornice of the dome has received special treat- ment. The massivs square tower to the right, on the Main street front, contains the principal entrance to the building.
The historic frieze which contains figures of about one-half life size has been divided into five panels: the first with its group of Indians in the foreground, a canoe, the warrior on horse back with shield and spear represents Bridgeport during the year 1670. The next panel shows the early settlers re- claiming the virgin soil, hunters returning from the forest, farmers plowing the field, and the dawning life of civilization. This second panel indicates the period of 1760. The third and central panel shows Bridgeport in the year 1810 40, when schooners were sent on their coasting expeditions from this port, and when whaling vessels could often be seeu in the harbor. The fourth panel indicates Bridgeport during the year 1861; volunteers have answered the call to arms, and Bridgeport's quota of brave boys are assembled ready to march to the scene of action. The fifth and last panel shows Bridgeport in 1870, beginning her career of prosperous manu- facturing industry. In the distance may be seen the Howe sewing machine factories. In the foreground the Rosedale dock with its piles of freight, and the Housatonic train pass- ing the docks.
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The medallions between the panels contain portraits of rep- resentative men of the various periods mentioned. This frieze is modelled in bold relief, so as to be easily distinguish- able from the street, and some of the most skilful workers in terra cotta in the country were employed to make it as perfect a work of art as is possible.
The slanting portions of the roof, the covering of the great dome and of the square tower are in red unglazed tile. The upper portion of the dome, also the upper portion of the tower are covered with eopper.
The eagle on the apex of the dome is of eopper, gilded with gold leaf, and is six feet from tip to tip of wings.
The round tower looming up in the background is designed for an observatory. The societies have as yet been unable to utilize this feature of the building, but the intention has by no means been abandoned, and it is to be hoped the time is not far distant when this portion of the structure shall be made as useful as the rest of it has been. The spherical shaped roof with its slit or opening running over from side to side, will then be constructed of steel covered with copper and will be made revolving. Special care was exercised in the construction of this tower in conformity with the require- ments of astronomical science.
The main entrance is flanked on either side by two large massive columns, elaborately carved, as is also the soffit and in front of the arch reaching as high as the line of the first story windows.
The staircase hall is fireproof, and contains no plaster; the the walls are lined with buff colored pressed brick.
The division wall between the flights of stairs reaching from floor to floor. is built of the same pressed brick and is perforated by arehes and ornamental terra cotta columns.
In the southeastern corner and directly under the observa. tory is located on each floor, a large fireproof vault for the storage of such valuable relies and curiosities as the societies may deem necessary.
The building is heated by steam throughout, has ample
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toilet and lavatory accommodations and is in all respects a complete and model building.
The cost of this beautiful structure with the land aggregates about 885,000. The architects Longstaff & Hurd of this city are entitled to great praise for the skill and taste with which they have carried out the wishes of Mr. Barnum. The inscrip- tion which appears across the front of the building expresses the latest wish of the worthy donor, whose desire it was to found for the people of Bridgeport and for all time to come,
"The Barnum Institute of Science and History."
OFFICERS
OF THE
FAIRFIELD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
PRESIDENT, ROWLAND B. LACEY.
VICE-PRESIDENTS,
GEORGE C. WALDO, CHARLES BURR TODD, CURTIS THOMPSON.
TREASURER AND CURATOR, EDWARD DEACON.
RECORDING SECRETARY, HOWARD N. WAKEMAN.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY, JAMES R. BURROUGHS.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, THE OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY, The President ex officio Chairman.
1894-5.
THE PUBLIC OPENING OF
"The Barnum Institute of Science and History"
Occured in the Evening of February 18, 1893, under the following . . . PROGRAMME. . .. .
QUARTETTE FOR PIANO AND STRINGS IN C MAJOR, Beethoven. ALLEGRO VIVACE.
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN, REV. BEVERLEY E. WARNER, A. M., PRESIDENT OF THE SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY.
PRESENTATION ADDRESS, CURTIS THOMPSON, EsQ.
ADDRESS OF ACCEPTANCE, REV. BEVERLEY E. WARNER, A. M.
SOLO FOR VIOLIN, "Gavotte" MR. FUESSEL, Popper.
ADDRESS ON BEHALF OF THE BRIDGEPORT SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY, Ex-PRESIDENT ISAAC HOLDEN.
"AVE MARIA," MIS. BAKER, Bach-Gounod.
ADDRESS ON BEHALF OF THE
FAIRFIELD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, BY THE PRESIDENT, ROWLAND B. LACEY.
TRIO FOR PIANO, VIOLIN AND 'CELLO IN D Minor, Mendelssohn. OP. 40, ALLEGRO MOLTO AGITATO.
ADDRESS ON BEHALF OF THE
BRIDGEPORT MEDICAL ASSOCIATION BY Ex PRESIDENT, GEORGE L. PORTER, M. D. Mendelssohn.
CORNELIUS MARCH,
MISS M. PECK, ACCOMPANIST, MRS. CARRIE ALLEN BAKER, SOPRANO. MR. RICHARD FUESSEL, VIOLIN, MASTER FULLERTON WALDO, VIOLA, DR. LEONARD WALDO, VIOLONCELLO. STEINWAY PIANO USED.
THE FOLLOWING WERE OFFICERS OF THE SEVERAL SOCIETIES IN 1893. .
The Bridgeport Scientific Society.
PRESIDENT,-REV. BEVERLEY E. WARNER, A. M.
VICE-PRESIDENT,-CHARLES C. GODFREY, M. D. SECRETARY,-ALBERT N. STANTON. ASSISTANT SECRETARY,-HENRY F. NORCROSS
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,-MISS MARGARET SOMERSET.
TREASURER,-GEORGE J. BROWN. ASSISTANT TREASURER, -C. B. AYERS. CURATOR AND LIBRARIAN,-DAVID P. SECOR.
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Executive Committee. PRESIDENT,-REV. BEVERLEY E. WARNER, A. M. D. N. MORGAN. ISAAC HOLDEN, DR. LEONARD WALDO, GEORGE L. PORTER, M. D., WM. E BAILLIE, FREDERICK HURD, AURELIUS STEWARD.
The Fairfield County Historical Society. PRESIDENT,-ROWLAND B. LACEY. VICE-PRESIDENTS.
GEORGE C. WALDO, CHARLES BURR TODD, GEN. WM. H. NOBLE, RECORDING SECRETARY,-HOWARD N. WAKEMAN, .
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,-JAMES R. BURROUGS. TREASURER AND CURATOR,-EDWARD DEACON.
Executive Committee. THE OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.
The Bridgeport Medical Association.
PRESIDENT,-A. J. SMITH, M. D.
VICE-PRESIDENT,-J. REED TOPPING, M. D. SECRETARY,-H. S. MILES, M. D. TREASURER,-F. C. GRAVES, MI. D.
Executive Committee.
A. A. HOLMES. M. D., J. W. WEIGHT, M. D., CHAS. C GODFREY, M. D
,
The Joint Committee on the Opening of the Barnum Institute were on the part of
The Historical Society.
ROWLAND B. LACEY, CURTIS THOMPSON. GEORGE C. WALDO.
The Scientific Society.
F. M. WILSON, M. D., C. C. GODFREY, M. D., GEN. WM. H. NOBLE.
The Medical Association.
A. A. HOLMI'S. M. D., J. W. WRIGHT, M. D., C. C. GODFREY, M. D
.
Reception Committee.
Medical Association.
Historical Society. Scientific Society. JONATHAN CODFREY, H. S. MILES, M. D.,
GEORGE C. WALDO, EDWARD DEACON.
L. N. VAN KEUREN, F. J. BARDWELL, M. D.,
HENRY LEE,
J. W. WRIGHT, M. D., GEO. B. COWELL, M. D.,
M. R. LEVENWORTH.
JAMES R. BURROUGHS, HON. FRED. S. STEVENS.
CHARLES W. Mc CORD. F. W. Mc CLERC, M. D., C. N. HASKELL, M. D.
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE
OF THE
SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
HAVING IN CHARGE THE CARE OF
THE BARNUM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY.
ISAAC HOLDEN,
For the Scientific Society. EDWARD R. LAMBERT.
For the Historical Society.
EDWARD DEACON,
GEORGE C. WALDO.
Trustee of the Maintenance Fund. HON. DANIEL N. MORGAN.
OPENING EXERCISES.
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS
BY REV. BEVERLEY E. WARNER.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Citizens of Bridgeport :
It is unfortunate that the first words heard upon an occa- sion like this should be words of apology, inasmuch as I have to say that the announcement of an introductory address by the chairman is almost a mistake. There is no address to be made by the chairman of the evening, but simply the an- nouncement of a few words, of the object of our coming to- gether and introducing to you those who will enlighten you in relation to the objects and workings of the different socie- ties.
The object for which we come together this evening is to receive from the donor of this building the building itself, to accept it on behalf of the different societies, and learn some- thing of the nature of the work that has been thus far accom- plished, and is to be accomplished in this building in the fu- ture.
I shall detain you no further than to introduce you to one who is well known in this community, and who, by his long connection with the founder of this institute knows whereof he speaks.
I will introduce to yon Curtis Thompson, Esq., who will make" the presentation address. in behalf of the representa- tives of the donor, P. T. Barnum. (Applause).
MR. THOMPSONS' ADDRESS.
By your partiality, I am honoredl with the privilege of pre- senting to you this beautiful home: you already hokl the muniments of title and the keys of possession. That this particular act of mine does not impoverish me nor enrich you cannot minify the importance of so remarkable event in the
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life of our city. Leaving the representatives of these socie- ties to speak in their behalf, permit me to direct your atten- tion to the gift, the giver, and the obligations imposed there- by.
If P. T. Barnum were here, he would in his own rare and inimitable way, make an address pleasing and instructive. His remarks were usually of a retrospective and reminiscent character. He would pay the just meed of praise to those who had the industry, intelligence, scholarship and wise fore- sight first to organize and then to maintain these respective societies.
The founders of every worthy and successful institution for the advancement of learning, must ever receive as they de- serve the highest regard. Fortunately these poor, struggling and always ambitious societies survived their early trials, and were in existence tn 1883, when Mr. Barnum's attention was first drawn to them by Mr. Edward R. Lambert, a faithful member of the Scientific Society. Had they not been in being at that time, and afterwards, it is safe to say that they would not now hold the title and possession of this place.
The first recognition of them appears in his codicil of April 29, 1885, by a gift of 81.000, each, to the Historical and Sei- entific Societies.
On June 14, 1SSS. he deeded to them the valuable lot on the corner of Main and Gilbert streets, reserving his life right in the samc.
By another codicil of September 14, 1888. he gave them $50,000, for the erection of a building on such lot.
These codicils were revcked by one made May 24, 1889. in which he describes the structure and provides a room therein for the Bridgeport Medical Association and gives $50,000 for the construction of the building.
In 1888 and '89, much was printed about "The Gospel of Wealth," and the idea of wealthy men administering their estates, in their own life time, was planted in Mr. Barnum's mind. Such idea influenced him to buy this lot and erect this building, in order that it might serve the double purpose
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of benefiting the community and of making a perpetual me- morial of P. T. Barnum.
In the spring of 1890, flushed with the triumphs won in England, he returned to Bridgeport and spent the summer apparently in the best of health and with the confident hope of living many years.
Early in October, he visited his daughter in Denver, ex. pecting to go on to the Pacific coast.
October 13, he wrote mne from Denver, "This delightful eli- mate makes me feel ten years younger than when I left home. I eat, sleep and walk like a boy of sixteen."
But, alas, a change was to come quickly, and as if with some premonition of it, he wrote again on October 20 : "It's a short race at best, and he who does best is the best, and finds ade- quate reward." He returned home about November 1, and was up town daily. apparently as well as ever, until November 6, which was his last day out of Marina. When I saw him again, some weeks later, he said that he had an old heart and the doctors could not eure an old heart. He soon rallied from this attack and appeared much better. November 25, in another codicil he gave these societies 810,000, additional, to cover inereased cost of construction.
Plans and specifications were made and examined, and on March 16, 1891, Mr. Barnum signed the contract with Long- staff & Hurd for the construction of this building. I recall with pleasure the animation of his features on that day as he proudly contemplated the carrying out of his long-cherished plans.
By his last codicil made March 30, 1891, (eight days before he died) he ratifies the contract which he had made, and an- thorizes his exeutors if the building should not be finished in his lifetime, to finish and pay for the same out of his estate. This simple record exhibits but little of his extraordinary inter- est in the great work, which was his last and crowning act of benevolenee in behalf of this community.
He chose its name with the pardonable pride of a parent naming his offspring. Nor do I think the criticism just
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which is sometimes made on thus perpetuating one's name. No one appreciated less the magnificent Park given to this city by the late James W. Beardsley, or the Widows' Home given by the Sterlings, because they bear the names of their generous donors.
Mrs. Pettengil christened her magnificent bequests "Bur- roughs," because, being the last lineal descendant of her hon- ored father, Isaac Burroughs, and receiving her wealth from his family, she desired to preserve the name, and she did well. So long as the Library-aud Chapel and Home-established by her splendid bequests shall be used and enjoyed, so long will the name of "Burroughs" be honored and remembered. I may be excused for now saying that in many interviews during many months with this modest and noble woman. while her will was being made, I was most profoundly im- pressed with her strong conviction, joined to an intelligent appreciation and sense of obligation and duty, that the riches which had been gathered by her kinsman largely from the prosperity of this community, and which had fallen into ' her control without her efforts, should be disposed of by her for the benefit of its people. The day after Mr. Pettengil's death, Mr. Barnum was among the first, told by me, of her gifts ; and his joy was so intense that he spread the news far and wide. In this connection it can be said to Mr. Barnum's credit, and as a suggestion to all, that he never hesitated to help worthy institutions, bearing the name of other donors. In September, 1890, he said to me "I have looked over my will and find I have not given anything to the Burroughs Home. I will give it $5,000." It was done accordingly. I have no doubt that the example of Mrs. Pettengil had a powerful in- fluence on the will of Mr. Barnum. He had always been a liberal contributor to Universalist institutions, but his special contribution to Tufts College for a Museum of Natural His- tory was not made public until 1884. A large and elegant building had been built, and the name of the donor had been kept secret.
At the commencement exercises of that year, President Ca- pen announced that it was the gift of P. T. Barnum, and it
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would be known as "The Barnum Museum of Natural His- tory." It was accepted with enthusiastic shouts of delight and gratitude. Mr. Barnum was not present, but he wrote a letter to the president of the college, a part of which I will read to you.
"Deprived in my own youth of rare educational advantages, I have learned to appreciate their worth and to take solid de- light in every evidence of greater enlightenment and pro- gress. My interest in higher education has ever been con- stant and profound. Had my earlier educational advantages been greater, I might have achieved more. I have conscien- tiously labored to elevate and ennoble public amusements, which play no small part among the educational agencies of the times. I hope the college may possess for many decades to come, facilities sufficient to inspire its students to investiga- tions in a branch of science which so wonderfully reveals in varied form the infinite wisdom and power of the Creator."
Mr. Barnum was upon the original Board of Trustees of Tufts College, and all that remains of the colossal "Jumbo" are in this museum, to which altogether he gave nearly $100,- 000. It seems to me proper to advert briefly to some facts which have linked forever his name and fame with what he many times called, "my well beloved city of Bridgeport."
Born in Bethel. July 5, 1810, of pure New England stock- the best in the world-with a sturdy frame and a large brain, though illy schooled, he became by dint of constant applica- tion, tremendous force, and dauntless genius, a wonderful man. What he would have been had he enjoyed the benefits of a collegiate and university training, we do not know.
An irate parent after many complaints to the college faculty of his son's backwardness, was told by a professor that it was not worth while to give a 85,000 education to a $5 boy. P. T. Barnum was a 85,000 boy with a $5 education, and yet he met with grand success as a Lecturer ; he won a high place as as a Statesman in our legislative halls ; he acquired a reputa- tion as a Theologian : and he was always welcomed as a public speaker. Bafiled in his early enterprises, at last in 1836, he found his true vocation. He afterwards said. "fame
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and fortune awaited me when I appeared before the public in the character of a showman. I did not seek the position or character, the business eame my way and far beyond any of my predecessors on this continent I have succeeded.
By force of a remarkable ability which aroused the com- munity and won its patronage, and a lofty purpose to ennoble the business, he not only made it profitable, but also respeet- able and instructive.
Of special moment to us was his choice of this location as his permanent residence. In a speech in 1874, he said: "I first came to Bridgeport as an experiment in 1842. I preferred Bridgeport to any other place, and I have never changed my opinion. I had a pride in the place of my selection, and had no desire to expend my money elsewhere ;" and with frank- ness he added, "I am glad to have it understood that mine is usually a profitable philanthropy. If by helping those who help themselves, I ean do it without loss, and if by improving and beautifying our city and adding to the pleasure and pros- perity of my neighbors, I can do so at a profit, the incentive to good works will be twice as strong to me."
October 30, 1846, Oran Sherwood sold him the land on which he built the famous "Iranistan " (then in Fairfield). Here Jenny Lind eame in 1850. This oriental villa was a great attraction for many years. It burned down December 18, 1857. October 31, 1851, William H. Noble sold him inter- ests in large traets of East Bridgeport lands, and Barnum and Noble became promoters of that section of our city. These are the first purchases of land by Mr. Barnum in this vieinity. Volumes would be required to state his subsequent transae- actions in real estate, which he was always ready to improve, use and dispose of on fair terms. His first order to his agent after buying a new piece of land, was to plant trees, and long rows of beautiful shade trees, so planted, now form a delight- ful feature of our city streets. Our parks, hundreds of com- fortable homes, and many factories, have been aided by him. The Gymnasium built expressly for that purpose, at the re- quest of Henry E. Bowser, is said to be the best in Nex Eng- land, outside of the colleges.
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My acquaintance with Mr. Barnum began in 1865, when we were members of the Legislature. The assembly of that year was noted for its eminent men, and for its important aets. Mr. Barnum astonished, delighted and convinced the assen- bly time after time by his eloquence, wit, and argument. His labors were untiring and his victories complete. As Mayor of our eity he also won an enviable reputation. For many years my relations to him were very intimate, and I saw him frequently at his best. He grew more charitable and gentle as he grew older. Devotion to his family and kind words for all, marked the later years of his life. Had he died in 1882, he would have left in his will but 85,000 for charitable pur- poses, and in 1891, when he died, he left (including the gifts to these societies and to Tufts College) nearly $250,000 for such purposes.
Mr. Barnum stated in his will of 1882 as a reason for not giving more to charity, that a large share of his income for nearly 40 years had been devoted to the public and private charities of Bridgeport. That his mind during these years was mneh occupied by testaments, you may gather from his letter to me, of October 13, 1890, in which he says: "It be- ing more than 10 days sinee I have made a codicil, I hope you will excuse me, as absence from home, and a busy time have prevented."
He was always loyal to his convictions. His patriotism never yielded to the elaims of partisanship. In his wide and varied experience he mingled with men of all classes, and his wit, humor and characteristic originality, made him a wel- come guest on all occasions. Among his loyal and devoted friends were sueh men as Greeley, Chapin, Colyer, and other distinguished men of his time. This indicates the versatili- ty of his mind and the breadth of his attainments. The words applied to another great man can be applied to him. "He was not a type, he stands alone, no ancestors, no fellows and no successors."
Happily for himself and others, he was one of the rich in whom old age brings a deeper sense of stewardship, and having first provided liberally for the natural objeets of his
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bounty, he relished the pleasure of assisting others. His youthful and buoyant nature continued, and his interest in new thoughts, objeets and enterprises, did not eease, but rather increased with advancing years.
The great Darwin at 59, wrote that his soul was too dried up to appreciate the " Messiah," as in old days, and that he was a withered leaf for every subjeet except science, but the lapse of time produced no such lamentable result in the mind of P. T. Barnum. To the very last, his active intellect was engrossed in developing original projects for the improve- ment of his adopted eity. The night before he died, he said to me, "Have we everything in order?" I said, "Yes, I think so." He said, "There is the . Emporium,'" which he desired to put upon the site of the Baptist Church, " that we will leave." He added, " I have to go, and I am ready. I have invited Dr. Colyer to preach my funeral sermon from the text 'Not my will but thine be done.'" I have never seen such a calm, perfect resignation in the hour of death. It was an ideal departure from this world. "Calmly he looked on either life, and here saw nothing to regret, there to fear." From Nature's temp'rate feast rose satisfied, "Thanked Heaven that he had lived, and that he died."
With the calm consciousness that he had only a short time to live his cheerfulness, courage, constancy and contentment were surprising and inspiring, and literally, he approached his grave, "Like one who wraps the draperies of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."
He died April 7, 1891.
Two years almost have gone since his death and this unique, imposing and useful structure is finished. We have had in completing the same the active co-operation and assistance of Mrs. Barnum,-the executors, Wm. B. Hineks and Benj. Fish, and the agents, Charles R. Brothwell and Henry B. Bowser. You have examined its spacious halls, elegant rooms and am- ple accommodations. It will remain a most enduring monu- ment to the memory of P. T. Barunm in the city he - loved so ardently.
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