USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > The town and city of Waterbury, Connecticut, from the aboriginal period to the year eighteen hundred and ninety-five. Volume III > Part 57
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ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS.
THE WATERBURY TURN VEREIN was organized in 1871 as a gym- nasium club with about twenty members. Its first officers were: President, William Schmitz; vice-president, Paul Hann; secretary, Charles Keller; cashier, Frederick Nuhn; treasurer, Otto Roehm; instructor, Emil Blasberg. The society occupied the old Turn hall on Scovill street until 1895, when it removed to the new hall on Jefferson street. The society is large in membership and prosper- ous; it holds regular meetings; there are two rehearsals in gymnas- tics every week for the active turners, and a public ball or masquer- ade is occasionally given. The officers in 1895 were: President, George Hauser; vice-president, Christopher Doderer; corresponding secretary, Frederick Schlip; recording secretary, G. L. Sing; finan- cial secretary, John Kreuse; treasurer, Louis Schick; teacher, Otto Bock.
THE TURN VEREIN VORWAERTS was organized September 20, 1893. with about fifty members and the following officers: President, August Wolf; vice-president, William Beerbaum; financial secre- tary, Paul Loeffler; treasurer, William Hager; recording and cor- responding secretary, Charles Blattman; first turnwart, Philip Schwartz; second turnwart, Paul Wennig. The nucleus of the organization was twelve members who seceded from the old Water- bury Turn Verein on account of differences of opinion in social and political matters, the older organization being too conservative for the seceding element. But although the members of the Turn Verein Vorwaerts are mostly socialists, the society is merely a turner society for the physical development of its members. It had in 1895 about eighty members.
THE WATERBURY CALEDONIAN CLUB Was organized in September, 1876, starting off with thirty-five names on its roll. Its member-
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ship was limited to men of Scottish extraction, and its objects were of a charitable and social nature. The Caledonian games, that are now so popular all over the United States, were first given in Waterbury by the Caledonian club in 1876, and every year follow- ing, during the five years of its existence, the " games" were one of the annual sporting events in Waterbury. Most of the men who composed the club were engaged in occupations that left them but little time to devote to its affairs, and, although a financial success from the start, it was voted by the members, at a meeting in 1881, to disband. The following were the first officers: First chief, John Arroll; second chief, Adam Callan; treasurer, Thomas B. Walker; financial secretary, John Henderson, Jr .; recording secretary, James E. Birrell. The First chiefs, in order, have been as follows: In 1876, John Arroll; 1877, Adam Callan; 1878, Thomas Dodds; 1879, James Stout; 1880, Robert G. Speirs.
THE ST. THOMAS CADETS were organized in May, 1887, with a membership of about fifty,-Roman Catholic boys of St. Patrick's parish, between the ages of twelve and twenty. The first officers were : Captain, Michael Crowley; first lieutenant, John Luddy; second lieutenant, Thomas Conlon; secretary, Patrick Courtney; treasurer, James M. Lynch. The Cadets are in good financial con- dition, are well drilled, and on their public appearances, on Colum- bus day, 1892, and in Labor day parades, have won praise for their military bearing. In 1890 a drum corps was organized among the Cadets. In October, 1893, an athletic association was formed from the older members, which has a well-equipped gymnasium in St. Patrick's lyceum. The first officers of the association were: Presi- lent, Edward Dunphy; secretary, James Lawlor; treasurer, Joseph Phelan. The membership of the entire organization is divided at present as follows: Cadets, seventy-two; drum corps, twenty-four; Athletic association, forty-four.
THE BROOKLYN ATHLETIC CLUB was organized February 19, 1889, vith a charter membership of about twenty. The first officers were: President, Patrick Cronin; treasurer, Patrick Keough; recording ecretary, Maurice Walsh; financial secretary, Michael Welch. On ach Decoration day the club has one of the most successful field ays held in Connecticut. The club's objects are the cultivation of thletic sport, and are also social, educational and philanthropic. 's weekly meetings are held every Thursday in rooms at 796 Bank reet, and are devoted to athletic exercises and literary entertain- ents. At one of its entertainments during the hard winter of 393-4 the sum of $255 was raised and given for the relief of the or through the citizens' bureau of relief. The present member-
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ship is about eighty. The club occupies rooms which include par- lor, smoking-room and gymnasium, and the officers in 1895 were: President, James J. Kilbride; vice-president, William J. Johnson; recording secretary, Thomas F. Lawlor; financial secretary, James F. Powers; treasurer, John M. Barrett; captain, Peter J. Clark.
THE CENTRAL ATHLETIC CLUB was organized May 23, 1893, and had an existence of only a few months.
THE HILLSIDE AVENUE ATHLETIC CLUB was organized in Septem- ber, 1893, with these officers: President, Lewis E. Fulton; secretary and treasurer, Ogden W. White. The club puts both a foot-ball team and a base-ball team in the field in their season, and has an annual field day for athletic games. The club rooms are on Cliff street. The membership is twenty-eight, and the officers for 1895 were as follows: President, Michael J. Thompson; vice-president, Ogden W. White; secretary, Carl M. Chapin; treasurer, Howard S. White; base-ball captain and manager, Herbert B. Smith; foot-ball captain, Ogden W. White; manager, M. J. Thompson.
THE WATERBURY ATHLETIC CLUB was organized in December, 1894, with forty members. The first officers were: President, Peter Corrigan; vice-president, James Smith; treasurer, Thomas Farring- ton; financial secretary, John J. Horan; recording secretary, Oscar Race; physical director, Thomas Farrington. The club rooms and gymnasium are at 480 East Main street.
OTHER OUT-OF-DOOR SPORTS.
THE MATTATUCK ANGLING ASSOCIATION was formed in 1872 with the following officers : President, John W. Webster; treasurer, Franklin L. Curtiss; secretary, R. S. Griswold. The association leased the main reservoir of the city's eastern water system and stocked it with trout, so that the reservoir and streams leading into it afforded the best fishing in all this vicinity. The association was well managed and the reservoir was kept clean and well cared for in return for the fishing privileges. But others than members desired to fish there, many more desired to become members than could be accommodated, and there was no good ground on which to deny to all the right of fishing in a public reservoir which was accorded to a few. A bitter controversy sprang up over the matter. the newspapers teemed with articles on "the Fish ring," the sub- ject was brought into local politics, and about 1878 the association surrendered its lease and went out of existence.
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THE DRAMA AND OTHER AMUSEMENTS.
THE MARSHALL LAKE FISHING CLUB was organized in 1887 with about twenty-five members. It leased Marshall lake in the town of Torrington, the land surrounding it and the river for several miles for fishing and hunting purposes. It built a house, barn, etc., and set up a well-appointed place for the comfort and convenience of its members. The officers of the club in 1895 were: President, David B. Hamilton; secretary and treasurer, John P. Kellogg .*
THE NOSAHOGAN PISCATORIAL ASSOCIATION had an existence for some time before it was formally organized. Its membership was confined to members of Nosahogan lodge of the Order of Odd Fel- lows, who went off together on fishing excursions. The organiza- tion took place before 1890, and the first officers were as follows: President, Walter H. Billinge; secretary, Charles H. Stancliffe; treasurer, John H. Guernsey. The association has rooms in Irving block and takes an annual fishing excursion to some lake or upon Long Island sound.
THE WATERBURY RIFLE ASSOCIATION was organized about 1876. Its officers were: President, George H. Cowell; secretary, Edward W. Smith. It ceased to exist.
THE WATERBURY GUN CLUB Was organized in 1882. Its officers were: President, Leroy Upson; vice-president, E. E. Cargill; sec- retary and treasurer, John Fitzpatrick.
THE WATERBURY INDEPENDENT GUN CLUB was organized February 22, 1882. Its officers were: President, Thomas Bland; vice-presi- dent, Frank J. Rametti; secretary, George W. Haight; treasurer, S. P. Williams.
THE INDEPENDENT GERMAN RIFLE CLUB was organized January 17, 1894, with about fifteen members. It meets on the second Monday of each month in Hellmann's hall, and has shooting grounds on the farm of Henry Schildgen. Its officers are: Captain, Rudolph John; first lieutenant, Christopher Doderer; second lieutenant, Peter Hock; financial secretary, Frank Huber; recording secretary, Oscar Joerres; master of finances, Paul Asheim; shooting master, M. Vogt. Its membership in 1895 was about thirty-five.
THE SCOUT CLUB was organized about 1876. Its officers were: President, Louis Meyer; secretary, Frank Reed; treasurer, Thomas Eyman; chief, John Kunkel. It had an existence of several years.
THE FARMERS' AND MECHANICS' ASSOCIATION Was organized in 1877, with the intention of holding an annual fair and trotting meeting.
* The Metabeschowan Fishing club, organized in May, 1888, had a Waterbury membership. The Hon. S. W. Kellogg was its vice-president.
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
The officers were as follows: President, Chauncey B. Webster; sec- retary, C. N. Hall; treasurer, Guernsey S. Parsons. It laid out fair grounds and the foundation of the trotting track on the Watertown road, but the supporters got into litigation over some matter in dis- pute and the enterprise was abandoned.
THE WATERBURY DRIVING COMPANY was incorporated in 1889. It leased from the town the grounds on the Watertown road and laid out the present driving park, on which racing meetings have been held from time to time. The first officers were: President, Edward F. Cole; treasurer, Guernsey S. Parsons; secretary, Albert Hicks. The officers in 1895 were: President, Oliver G. Camp; treas- urer, P. J. Bolan; secretary, Edwin A. Bradley.
THE WATERBURY WHEEL CLUB was organized December 4, 1884, with ten members and these officers: President, F. P. Upson; sec- retary and treasurer, N. C. Oviatt; captain, L. A. White; lieutenant, R. R. Bird. The club has undergone re-organization several times and now has ninety members and these officers: President, F. G. Neubert; vice-president, C. W. Lines; recording secretary, F. G. Cooke; financial secretary, L. A. White; treasurer, E. W. Wilson; captain, L. C. Chapman; first lieutenant, J. A. Garde; second lieu- tenant, H. S. Russell. In the language of the constitution, the objects of the organization are "the practical use of the bicycle and the promotion and encouragement of social and athletic interests among its members." The club occupied handsome rooms in the Castle block on North Main street for several years.
A club known as the WATERBURY RAMBLERS was organized in November, 1886, consisting mostly of members of the Waterbury Wheel club, which had temporarily disbanded a short time before. The officers were: President, Albert Hyatt; secretary and treas- urer, Edwin Hart; captain, W. D. Hall; lieutenant, S. J. Wells. The club occupied rooms over the Citizens' bank, and had sixteen members.
THE RAMBLERS' WHEEL CLUB was organized July 1, 1892. Its officers were: President, Philip Beaulieu; vice-president, Silas Rob- bins; secretary, Walter E. Gaylord; treasurer, William F. Speirs; captain, John Culligan. The club disbanded March 12, 1894.
THE WATERBURY FIELD CLUB was organized in May, 1888, for the protection and propagation of game, the prosecution of offences against the game laws, the promotion of sportsmanship and for social purposes. It numbered about twenty-five members, and its first officers were: President, Wilson H. Pierce; secretary, F. W.
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Whitlock; treasurer, Floyd S. Lewis. At its last annual election Mr. Lewis was chosen president, M. J. Nelligan secretary, and Dr. E. P. Gregory treasurer. It ceased to exist in 1892.
That there was occasion-and still is-for the organization of such a club as this is shown in an interesting way in the following extract from the (manuscript) Reminiscences of Horace Hotchkiss, already quoted in preceding chapters. These memoranda have their value also as a contribution to the natural history of the town:
It need not seem strange that so many animals and birds, denizens of the woods and streams, and once familiar to the sheltered haunts about Waterbury, should have disappeared or greatly decreased in number, when we consider that the dimi- nution of forests and water courses has reduced their coverts and breeding places, and that they have been driven to seek elsewhere for undisturbed retreats.
Long Cove was a prolific breeding place for muskrats and minks, and I have occasionally seen otters there, and also near the covered bridge [page 77]. I do not remember to have found the latter in any other locality. The otter killed on the Green probably came from the cove, through the brooks I have before mentioned. In the cove and contiguous ponds I used to set my traps for the muskrat, the fur to be used in my father's shop [see page 203], and seldom a night passed that did not bring me, in the proper season, one or more as prisoners. If, instead, I found a mink, I was not pleased, as mink skins were then of little value. Beavers must have been long gone; I never saw or heard of one near Waterbury, and since in my father's business their fur was constantly used, I should have been likely to be aware of their presence.
Among the birds that came fearlessly about the homes of men, and were very common, I now recall the meadow black-bird. the bobolink, the red-headed and orown wood-peckers, the jay, the oriole, and barn and bank swallows. The whip- poorwill's plaintive call came from some hidden lurking place near the dwelling, and was the summer harbinger of a storm; and on summer evenings the night lawk, high in the air, rested for a moment on well-poised wing, and descending hence with rapid sweep, made the heavens resonant with his whoop. Partridge „nd quail were very abundant in my youth, and every winter, in snares and pit- alls, I caught numbers of them, Partridges frequented the apple orchards, to eat he buds, and were easily killed. Wild geese frequently sought the coves, but the rild turkey has disappeared. An old resident of Derby, one of my father's con- emporaries, told us that during the Revolutionary war he used to go to Nyumphs, etween Naugatuck and Seymour, to harvest his wheat, and that the wild turkeys me in flocks, at evening and on Sundays when the fields were quiet, to feed on le grain.
, Doubtless wanton destruction by sportsmen and boys has had much to do with ssening the numbers of birds and game, and although it is a digression, I would in make a plea in their behalf. Not only do we lose much in losing the beauty of e form and plumage of these winged visitors, but we can ill spare them as a fence against insects. A neighbor told me that last summer, in Winchester, he. ot 135 partridges, besides numerous quail; and many a gun makes equal havoc, nong not only game birds, but song birds.
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
SOCIAL CLUBS.
THE WATERBURY CHESS CLUB flourished about 1860, and for several years before and after that year its members met to play. The organization was little more than nominal, except on occa- sions when match games were played with Hartford or New Haven players, but the practice of the game was regular and frequent among those who constituted the club. It was perhaps twenty years later before playing ceased entirely among the members of this little group.
A HEBREW SOCIAL AND BENEVOLENT CLUB Was started in 1868, and had an existence of about two years.
THE ROSE HILL SOCIAL CLUB was organized May 21, 1869, as the Rose Hill Social and Base-Ball club. The first meeting was held in the old band stand on the green. There were only nine members at that time and they with subsequent additions constituted for seven years one of the leading amateur base-ball clubs of Water- bury, The first officers were: President, John McGinn; secretary, Edward McElligot; treasurer, Andrew F. Carney. In 1876 the club gave up its base-ball organization, and since then has been a promi- nent social club, including in its membership at different periods many who have been influential in the city's affairs. It is probably the oldest social organization in the state. It has entertained many distinguished visitors to Waterbury, especially members of the theatrical profession. The club has had only two treasurers during its existence: Andrew F. Carney, who served in that capacity until 1876, and Matthew A. Wallace, who has filled the office during the twenty years since then. The club is in a flourishing condition as regards membership and finances. It occupies rooms in the Jones & Morgan block, and its members number at present sixty-five. Its officers in 1895 were: President, Matthew J. Smith; vice-president, Patrick H. Hanley; recording secretary, Charles Delancy; financial secretary, George A. Gibson; treasurer, Matthew A. Wallace; direct- ors, Frank Bergin, Michael H. Bergin, John L. Tierney.
THE AULD LANG SYNE FRATERNITY was founded in November, 1872, "to perpetuate the memories and friendships of our school acquaintance in the Waterbury high school." Teachers and pupils who attended the high school between 1860 and 1865 were eligible to membership. The first reunion was held November 29, 1872, and the proceedings were published in a pamphlet, which included addresses by the Rev. A. N. Lewis and Frederick E. Snow, a poem
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by Solomon C. Minor and a catalogue of teachers and pupils from 1860 to 1866. The officers elected were: President, Rev. A. N. Lewis; vice-presidents, John B. Mullings, Frederic L. Adams; sec- retary, Rebecca M. Webb (Mrs. Reuben H. Smith); treasurer, Lillie J. Hurlburt.
" THE CHOSEN FEW" SOCIAL CLUB had a short existence about 1880. Its officers were: President, William Bergin; vice-president, Matthew F. Cassin; treasurer, Richard Phalen; secretary, Peter Keefe.
THE ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES was organized about 1880 with these officers: G. P., George Husker; C. M., James Hudson; treasurer, John Moriarty; secretary, Henry Franklin; A. of B., John Thackery; G. D., John G. Birkenshaw. It was devoted entirely to sociability in the form of weekly dinners, and flourished for about three years.
THE BACHELORS' CLUB consisted of twenty or more unmarried men who organized with reference to returning the hospitalities they had enjoyed during the social season. Its officers were: Pres- ident, William B. Merriman; secretary and treasurer, Herbert P. Camp. The club gave receptions at the Scovill house on February 28, 1882, and February 5, 1883, which were brilliant and notable social events of that time.
THE IDLEWILD CLUB was organized in January, 1882, with eighteen members and the following officers: President, Frank W. Bronson; vice-president, Clifford G. Caswell; secretary, Charles B. Curtis; treasurer, Charles F. Caswell. It flourished for several years as one of the leading social clubs of young men, and included many who were or have since become prominent in the commercial, profes- sional or official life of the city. Its rooms were located first in the Abbott building on Bank street, then in Brown's block on East Main street, and then in the Commercial block on Bank street, where it occupied the entire fourth floor. It declined in member- ship and importance after a time, and ceased to exist.
THE LOTUS CLUB was organized September 30, 1883, with the following officers: President, D. C. Reed; vice-president, C. H. Adams; financial secretary, James Pilling; treasurer and corre- sponding secretary, John Hurlbut. It had an existence of several years.
THE " BIG SIX" SOCIAL CLUB was organized about 1884. Its officers were: President, P. Kennedy; vice-president, Thomas Crannell; treasurer, John Cross; secretary, F. Keenan. It ceased to exist.
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
THE SYLVAN STAR PLEASURE CLUB was organized about 1884. Its officers were: President, J. C. Hamilton; secretary, Thomas Ash; treasurer, Patrick Halpin.
THE UNION SQUARE SOCIAL CLUB was organized about 1884, with George Griswold as president and Arthur Griswold secretary. It ceased to exist.
THE ACME CLUB Was organized October 6, 1885, and had twenty-two members, the aim being to provide rooms where young men could spend their evenings and leisure time pleasantly and profitably, and to promote good fellowship among its members. Its first officers were as follows: President, A. N. Trott; vice-president, T. M. Fre- ney; treasurer, H. A. Tripp: financial secretary, U. S. Delkescamp; recording secretary, Joseph Taylor. The first club room was on the second floor of Rice's block, and the club has since occupied rooms in the Bronson, Bowditch, American (Bank street), Hayes and Lewis blocks. Its present quarters are in the Lilley block. From the date of its organization the club has been represented on the base-ball field by one of the best amateur clubs in Connecticut. It also has an excellent quartette. About December 1, 1892, a dramatic company was formed in the club, which has put upon the stage successfully three dramas, namely, "Colleen Bawn," on February 9, 1893, "Under Two Flags," on February 6, 1894, and "Clouds," on February 26, 1895. The largest membership has been seventy. The present membership (1895) is forty. The present officers are: President, P. S. Bergin; vice-president, J. T. Fox; recording secretary, M. J. Ryan; financial secretary, George T. Jackson; treasurer, T. F. Bergin.
THE COMUS CLUB Was organized about 1889, with these officers: President, Henry Cross; secretary, Lewis J. Carder; treasurer, J. T. Sullivan. It ceased to exist.
THE PASTIME SOCIAL CLUB Was organized September 18, 1890, with fourteen members and the following officers: President, William Speirs; vice-president, Joseph Tracy; secretary, Julius Miller; treas- urer, Hugh Flood. The membership in 1895 was twenty-two.
THE ROSEDALE SOCIAL CLUB was organized in 1893, with sixteen members, mostly young French Americans, although membership is limited to no one nationality. Its present membership is thirty- six. The Rosedale orchestra is composed of members of the club. The first president was Joseph Gendron. The officers in 1895 were: President, Rudolph Laller; vice-president, Joseph Gendron; secre- tary, Joseph Baker; treasurer, Charles Martell.
THE LAFAYETTE CLUB was organized October 29, 1894, for pur- poses of sociability, fraternity and literary improvement among
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THE DRAMA AND OTHER AMUSEMENTS.
French young men. Its officers are: President, J. G. Baril; vice- president, Alfred Benoit; secretary, Ulrich Poirier; treasurer, John B. Pelletier.
The members of Speedwell lodge, K. of P., organized a social club on March 31, 1895, and elected the following officers: President, Edward B. Condit; vice-president, Nathan W. Reed; secretary, Clyde M. Howard; treasurer, Elihu T. Barber. The club started off with about seventy-five members, and two rooms were taken and fitted up in Brown's block, East Main street.
THE UNION CLUB was organized June 1, 1895, with eighty-six charter members. It is composed of business and professional men who come together for social purposes, without regard to nation- ality, religious beliefs or political opinions. It was incorporated October 1, 1895. The first meetings were held in Congress hall, but on October 5 the club became established in the building on North Main street which was formerly the residence of E. U. Lathrop. Its first officers were: President, Dr. E. W. McDonald; first vice-presi dent, W. E. Thoms; second vice-president, Moritz Grelle; treasurer, Christopher Strobel; secretary, T. J. Moran. In December, 1895, its members numbered 103.
CHAPTER LI.
THE MASONIC ORDER-A LODGE IN 1765-HARMONY LODGE, ORGANIZED IN SALEM-OLD LODGE-ROOM AT THE CENTRE-MASONIC TEMPLE -LIST OF MASTERS-CONTINENTAL LODGE-BOARD OF RELIEF- MONUMENT-EUREKA CHAPTER, OXFORD-COUNCIL-COMMANDERY -MASONIC CLUB-THE MODERN FRATERNITIES - ODD FELLOWS- NEW BUILDING-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, FORESTERS, RED MEN AND OTHERS-"FATHERLAND " FRATERNITIES-INSURANCE AND INVEST- MENT FRATERNITIES-UNIONS FOR MUTUAL PROTECTION.
THE MASONIC ORDER.
On July 17, 1765, a Masonic charter was issued by Provincial Grand Master Jeremiah Gridley, of which the following is the essential part :
JEREMIAH GRIDLEY, G. M .- To all and every one, right worshipful, worshipful and loving brethren, Free and Accepted Masons, now residing or that may here- after reside in Waterbury, New Haven county, and colony of Connecticut, the Right Worshipful Jeremiah Gridley, Esq., Provincial Grand Master of the ancient and honorable society of Free and Accepted Masons of North America, sendeth greeting.
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