USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 54
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The largest number in any one year was in 1869, when over $315 worth were distributed. In cases of inability to purchase. the distribution was gratuitous, but most of those not supplied and wishing copies, willingly paid the dollar for a Bible and 25 cents for the Testaments, charged by the American Bible Society. It would seem, from the above figures, that this society was not conducted from purely philanthropie purposes, only so far as the local society was concerned.
TIIE MUNSON FEDERATION
This was an organization of the allied clubs of the city, federated for the pur- pose of improving the condition of the lower floors of the Munson Building, which had become so run down and dilapidated, that they were not a fit place in which to conduct the industrial school. The first meeting of the federation was held at the Munson Building, May 17, 1907. Representatives from twelve different societies were present. Messrs. Lake, Goen, Coy, Morse and Gillett, representing the trustees and directors of the Munson Industrial School, were also present, and after discussion, they decided to assent to Colonel Lake's proposi- tion, already submitted to the federation, whereby the federation for a stipu- lated amount, $60.00 per annum, obtained control of the first floor and base- ment of the Munson Building for a term of three years, and could put on such improvements as deemed necessary, and sub-rent the building if desired,
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with the understanding. as signified in the bequest, that the industrial school must be continued or the property would revert to the heirs. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : Miss Frenella Barnhart, president : Mrs. Josephine Freeman, vice president : Carrie Steinmetz, secretary and treas- urer. Steps to raise the amount necessary for repairs were immediately taken, and suppers and all kinds of entertainments were the methods employed. But before the funds were accumulated, these industrious women proceeded to clean and repair the rooms, doing much of the hard manual labor themselves. The federation expended about a thousand dollars on repairs and decorations- bought a fine piano, eight dozen chairs and other furniture, curtains, stoves, built a stage, put in a kitchen sink and lavatory, and when the room was fin- ished, it was not only elean and comfortable, but beautiful and artistic. Each of the twelve societies which joined the federation paid $5.00 annual dues, which entitled them to the use of the building twice during the year, and which collective sum, paid the annual rent to the directors of the building for keeping up insurance and general repairs. Then the sub-renting the rooms to individuals and outside societies for their various uses, netted the federation a goodly sum. The building proved a great source of pleasure and gratification, not alone to the members of the federation and their respective societies who had labored so hard and untiringly, but to the general public, who had long needed a suit- able place for public performances. The elubs were particularly aetive in those first few years, and the rooms were in constant demand. Scareely a week, but there were several entertainments therein. Church dinners, parties, dances, fairs, and farmer's institute, kept the building constantly busy. The federation itself inaugurated a series of matinee musieals, consisting of six entertainments, to be given for the benefit of the society. These entertainments were given on Monday afternoons, every week during the winter months, tickets were $2.00 for the series. This proved a very profitable venture, both financially and socially, and many fine dramatic, musical and literary entertainments were produced. Usually light refreshments were served. These entertainments eon- tinued for two or three years, until lack of necessity proved a lack of interest.
In 1910, at expiration of the term of lease, it was renewed for a like term, which lease expired in June, 1913. The building was again rented by the federa- tion for one year, at the end of which time the school directors of the Inde- pendence district made arrangements with the Munson trustees, whereby they took charge of the industrial school, and established the printing office and manual training equipment of the high school in the building.
No definite arrangements have, as yet, been made in regard to the domestie science courses which were pursued in these rooms, conducted by the Poor Relief Society, but probably the high school rooms will be at their disposal.
The Munson Federation has, in all probability, outlived its usefulness as a society and having accomplished its mission will pass out of existence. The splen- did work accomplished by it. and the pleasure and profit of those associations leave their influence, and will remain a pleasant memory to its members and shall as far as possible be immortalized, by becoming a part of the Buchanan County history.
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LYCEUMS
In the very earliest papers, we find notices of numerons lectures and debates being given in Independence by the prominent citizens of the town. It was probably in the early fifties that the Independence Lyceum was organized and in January, 1859, the "Independence Leetures" began and both continued for some years. Generally the lectures were given by home talent, but frequently a noted speaker from abroad was procured. These lectures furnished both entertainment and instruction of a rare and cultivated sort. Just as a sample of the high class entertainments in which they indulged, we submit their programs as arranged for the year 1859. (W. Chandler, January 15th, "Pro- gression ") ; (George B. Parsons, January 23d, "Liberalism vs. Ultraism") ; (Jed bake, January 29th, "Astronomy vs. Divine Revelation") ; (J. C. Dimiek, February 5th, "Immortality: its Metaphysics and Probabilities") ; (C. E. Lathrop, February 12th, "Speech") ; (C. F. Leavitt, February 19th, "Vol- taire") : (C. A. L. Rozzell, February 26th, "Free Thinking") ; ( Matthias Harter, March 5th, "Thomas Paine") ; (S. S. Allen, March 12th, "Things Not Generally Known") : (James Jamieson, March 19th, "Coincidence of Geology with Mosaie llistory") : (S. P. Webster, March 26th, "The Tower of Babel") ; (Alfred Ingalls, April 2d, "Deism vs. Christianity"') ; (II. M. Baeon, April 9th, "Traps That Catch Sunbeams") ; (D. S. Lee, April 16th, Subject not selected) ; (Stephen J. W. Tabor, April 23d, "The Noachian Delnge; its Geology, Extent and Characteristics") ; J. S. Woodward, W. G. Donnan, h. W. Hart, and many other prominent citizens were often among the speakers. This certainly is a very formidable array of subjects for discussion and shows a deep and ex- haustive study of history, science, literature, and theology, and moreover dis- plays the characteristic intelligence and depth of thought of those earlier-day folks.
Such topics as the above, I dare say would be beyond the scope of com- prehension of the vast majority of our money-mad, self-centered, business men. These gentlemen expended a great amount of time, energy, and research in pre- paring these subjects and therein laid the foundation of their universal knowl- edge and wide command of valuable information for later life. Very often the style of entertainment was changed and the lecture would give place to debates- of pertinent, np-to-date questions.
Independence was noted as a lecture-going community and if numbers and enthusiasm are a guarantee, still contines so. At this early time, there were three lectures each week-one before the Temperance Society, one before the Lyceum and one of the "Independence Lectures."
The Lyceum rather confined itself to debates and this lively entertainment kept the interest from lagging for many years. Questions such as, "Has a State the Right to Secede from the Union ?" with such learned men as C. Hedges on the affirmative and W. S. Marshall on the negative. W. G. Donnan was president and W. S. Marshall secretary, at that time.
In Byron Township they organized a Lyceum which met once a week, also a Farmer's Club, which met weekly to discuss farm topies, a most profitable engagement.
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In 1865, the Independence bycem was organized with the following officers : Rev. Henry Adams, president ; W. G. Donnan, vice president : J. L. Loomis, secretary ; Lieutenant Hemenway, treasurer ; D. D. Holdridge, librarian. Esquire Chandler, General Dickinson and Albert Clark as executive committee.
Quasqueton, too, had the "Liberty" Lyceum, conducted along the same lines as the one at Independence. Reverend Smith was president; G. W. Heath, vice president ; L. II. Gould. secretary : Thomas Turner, treasurer. Both Jesup and Littleton had lycenms and indulged in joint debates.
At Ward's Corners they had a very active lyceum, indulging in all kinds of programs and disenssions from Woman's Suffrage to Stock Raising.
These lycems kept up in interest for many years, scarcely a community but had some such organization and their refining and broadening infinence and educational valne can never be estimated. The lecture courses which have been established in the cities and many of the smaller towns have practically annihilated the old-fashioned lyceum, which is to be regretted, for although the lectures and entertainments are highly enjoyable and profitable, they do not develop any forensic or literary ability.
CHAUTAUQUA LITERARY CIRCLE
Like so many of the most successful undertakings, the Chantanqua Literary Circle has been an evolution from an unpretentious beginning to a useful and important factor in the life of the community. For the inception of this or- ganization, Mrs. J. N. Ritchie deserves the credit.
The club was organized in January, 1882, being four months late in starting, but so enthusiastic were the members that they passed their written examina- tions the following year. Some of them studied like school girls, four and five hours a day. There were five charter members, as follows: Mrs. J. N. Ritchie, Mrs. J. B. Jones, Miss Carrie Bartle, Mrs. W. H. Chamberlain, and Mrs. H. A. Fisher. Later in the year Mrs. Gearheart and Mrs. Gersham H. Hill joined the club. The class graduated in 1885. One member, Mrs. Jones, going to ('hau- tauqua to graduate, where she received her diploma and with it seven seals, which were given for special courses of reading accomplished during the four years. One of the members of the Chautauqua, though not a member of this club, received for special courses in reading, twenty-six seals.
The club grew in membership and interest as the years went by and in 1897 decided to affiliate themselves with the State Federation of Women's Clubs. This was accomplished through the untiring efforts of Mrs. J. W. Lamb, Mrs. Mary Allen and Mrs. Charlotte Hussey Ross. Whereas self-culture had been the primary object of the club, after federation the club broadened and its sympathies were enlisted toward social betterment and such topies as household economy, civies, child labor, industrial conditions, juvenile courts, public health, liquor traffic, and suffrage form topies for the study program. These expressed the keynote-''Service." The club began to serve others as well as themselves.
In 1899, the name of the club was changed to the Alice Carrey Circle, ob- jection being made to the use of the name Chautauqua, when that study was not a feature of the program, but the old name was resumed the following year.
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The course of study pursued during the past years included art, literature, history, travel, and religion and for several years the Bay View course was Followed.
In 1911, the membership reached fifty under the leadership of Mrs. D. W. Fiester, a woman of broad sympathies.
The special occasions which the Chautauqua observe are Washington's birth- day, which for years included not only a patriotie program, but a dinner at the hospitable home of Mrs. E. Little. Another red letter occasion is demonstrated by a favorite recipe day and a guest night on the anniversary of the club, when oceurs a elub banquet and a program consisting of music and literary numbers, and for the past four or five years this entertainment has been an original play, one written by Mrs. Mary Chappell, another by Mrs. Katharyn Chappell, mem- bers of the club, which were highly enjoyable and a derided success, and de- veloped some astonishing histrionie abilities among the members. Two of these plays were repeated in the Independence High School Auditorium, at which admission was charged, which proved a great financial success.
The Chautauqua Literary Cirele has identified themselves with all publie enterprises and liberally contributed to home institutions as well as outside interests. They have contributed a handsome davenport to the high school rest room and $35.00 to the High School Athletic Association and in 1913, $40.00 to the scholarship loan fund. They have also given to sufferers from flood, fire and war, contributed books to the public library, and last year inaugurated the Good Fellows' Stocking Idea, for the poor of our city.
The club now has a membership of forty-nine, among whom are not only young and middle aged women, but some of the oldest ladies in the community, who, although past three score years and ten, study with enthusiasm and seem to have discovered in the C. L. C., a fountain of youth by the perpetual joy in its work.
TIIE SHAKESPEARE CLUB
The Shakespeare Chb was organized in Independence in the winter of 1897 through the instrumentality of Captain Holman, who was its leading spirit until 1903. when he removed to Oelwein. The removal of Captain Hohnan, following the death of Stephen Tabor, took from the club two of its most brilliant and enthusiastic members and the organization was abandoned.
This club, which as its name signifies, worshiped and studied at the shrine of that peer of all literary geniuses, Shakespeare, and the men and women who for several winters enjoyed the weekly meetings of this elub gained a wide knowledge and understanding of those masterpieces of drama.
Many years previous, in the early '80s, another Shakespeare Club had flourished in Independence. Whether they be Lord Bacon's or Shakespeare's, the products of that marvelous creative mind has always maintained a host of admirers in every village and hamlet where the English language is spoken.
THE INDEPENDENCE SOCIABLE
In 1861, "The Independence Sociable" society was organized. Its members were the Liberal Friends, known as the Universalist or Liberal Christians,
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although they maintained that there would be nothing of a denominational, or seetarian character about their meetings.
They were to be simply social gatherings and the proceeds were to be devoted each week to charitable purposes.
The form of their entertainments was wide and varied, including dancing, tableaux, charades, chess, checkers, backgammon, whist, and "the idea of doing good" will be the purest, most sparkling drop in our brimming eup of social enjoyment.
Their first object of charity was the Soldiers' Aid Society, then, when their help in that direction was not needed, they would seek out the poor of the village. If there were none such, they would find an object, wretched and miserable enough on the Main Street sidewalks, or they could contribute their mites toward a fence around the forlorn and desolate burying ground.
Five cents was the stipend for all these pleasures and all these charities. but calls were made in those early days and money searee though it went com- paratively farther. This society prospered for quite a while and did some real good, both finaneially and socially in the village.
THIE ATHENIAN SOCIETY
In May, 1870, the Athenian Society was started in Independence by the young men, having for its object mutual improvement and the acquisition of a knowledge of parliamentary rules and usages and the ineitement of its mem- bers to study and research. Their programs consisted of select readings, declamations, essays, orations and debates. I. H. Carter was president ; C. D. Jones, secretary ; Daniel Burr, treasurer.
THE INDEPENDENCE READING CIRCLE
The Independence Reading Cirele was organized in September, 1875, by the young people of the town, for the purpose as set down in the preamble of their constitution, of mental and moral improvement and social advancement. It was in existence many years and judging from its constancy to its aims and purposes, exerted an elevating and refining influence in the social and literary circles of Independence. Its meetings were held bi-weekly, and with great regu- larity, and for five or six years, with the exception of but an occasional meeting, excellent literary programs were produced.
THE INDEPENDENCE DRAMATIC CLUB
The Independence Dramatic Club was another organization worthy of men- tion. It comprised a membership of powerful histrionie artists and many and fine were the productions which they put on in the early days. Nothing seems to have been beyond their limitations, numerous Shakespearean and other high elass dramas were produced every winter. The club generously contributed their time and talent for the benefit of all publie enterprises and several very laudable projeets were their especial charge, the Public Library being one. Vol. 1-28
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In 1880 the club disbanded, several of the members being unable to devote the time necessary for the work, but nevertheless Independence was not without theatrical attractions. For years they were extremely popular here and scarcely a winter without the production of two or three home talent plays. These productions were, according to the crities of the day, far above the average and much better than most of the traveling troupes produced. Professor Gibney was director of several exceptionally fine productions.
INDEPENDENCE MUSICAL ASSOCIATION
In Independence, in 1869, was organized the Independence Musical Asso- ciation, the first musical society of any importance in Independence. This association numbered sixty members, among them the very best singers and musicians in the city. This association gave very fine concerts and in the winter of 1870-71 engaged a Professor Bumm, of Cedar Falls, to drill them in classical musie and the opera. After several months of diligent practice, they concluded that they had arrived at such a degree of excellence as to warrant them in appearing before the publie ; so in 1870 they gave a concert at Munson's Hall, under the direction of Messrs. Myers, Holdridge and Jacobs : solos, duets, trios, quartettes and choruses were included in the program, and the concert quite fulfilled every expectation.
In March, 1871, this society, in connection with the Cedar Falls Philharmonic Society and Waverly Musical Association, gave a grand concert at Independence ; the program included choruses from the oratorios of Haydn, Mozart, Rossini and others.
In April, 1873, another musical society was organized among the young people of Independence.
LADIES' MUSICAL SOCIETY
On the afternoon of November 11, 1884, a number of ladies met at the residence of Mrs. J. B. Jones, for the purpose of forming a musical organi- zation. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Richard Campbell, who acted as temporary chairman. The object of the meeting was stated to be an incentive to practice and a means of entertainment, and the following officers were elected : Mrs. R. Campbell, president ; Mrs. I. B. Jones, vice president ; Mrs. Archer E. Clarke, secretary. There were about thirty charter members.
Meetings were held every third Tuesday afternoon, alternately at the houses of Mrs. J. B. Jones and Mrs. R. Campbell, and each member present was expected to be prepared to appear on the program. Later the time of meetings was changed to every fourth Tuesday, and this enstom is still adhered to. the meet- ings now being held the first Tuesday evening of each month, from October to June, inclusive. The latter custom was soon changed and the society was divided into two divisions, the Enterpeans and Cecilians, with chairmen ap- pointed, who should have charge of a certain number of programs. The stimu- Ins of this harmonious rivalry prodneed some very excellent programs. Now members conform to the printed programs, which designate who shall take part on certain programs.
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At this first meeting, a very fine program, consisting of eleven numbers, was given. Two of those appearing on that first program are honorary mem- bers of the organization, and one, Mrs. C. D. Jones, is still an active member. Many of the charter members are still actively interested in music, although they do not retain their membership in this organization. All of the first pro- grams gave evidence of careful preparation and great interest in their own and the society 's progress. The members studied diligently and nothing seemed too ambitions for their efforts. Grand operas, oratorios and the great masters occu- pied their attention. Not for two years did this unusual society deem it neees- sary to draw up a constitution and code of laws. The first public entertainment given by the society was on New Year's Eve, 1885, at the Presbyterian Church, for the benefit of the Ladies' Social Society of that church. The next was given for the Episcopal Church, and the third. for the Methodist. Musical recitals and concerts have been a feature of the programs.
In the first four years of its organization it had registered fifty-two members, held forty-nine sessions, given three public entertainments for the benefit of churches, and seven parlor concerts, to which each member invited a guest. The society had studied 144 composers, very many of whom were elassieal.
It seems that the work of the society was not confined just to the study of music, as the following legislative business will testify. In February, 1888, this society presented a petition to the Legislature, favoring the introduction of vocal musie into the public schools throughout the state.
On November 1, 1889, the society gave its initial grand concert, at the Bap- tist Church, with imported artists, Miss Neally Stevens, pianist, of Chicago, Miss Anna Louise Allen, of New York, vocalist, and Miss Lena D. Rowley, of Cedar Rapids, accompanist. These three were all fine artists, and the concert proved a rare treat, and the large appreciative audience which was in attendance made it a financial success as well.
In 1899 the society joined the National Federation of Musical Clubs, and revised their by-laws to include male members. For some years printed programs were a feature of each meeting.
In January, 1901, Mrs. P. G. Freeman, a charter member of the society, and one who was always actively interested in its welfare, died, and Mrs. C. R. Wallace dedicated a very beautiful poem to her memory, which was spread on the minutes of the society.
For many years, the society gave a spring concert at the hospital. In June, 1901, the society gave its first publie sacred concert. The choruses were under the direction of Mr. Frank Martindale, the noted singer and composer, who was for several years a resident of Independence.
This society had given several high-class concerts with imported artists, among the best were Max Bendix. the famous violinist, Dudley Buck, Jr., the noted singer, Axel Skovgaard, Danish vocalist, Professor Winberly, pianist, Professor Bryson, violinist, Miss Beatrice Pickthal, soprano, Miss Cleveland, of Waterloo, and others of lesser fame. The concerts with the home talent artists, of which the society membership has ineluded several noted ones, have been equally as meritorious, and in November, 1913, "The Hiking Suffragette," a musical comedy, composed by two of the members, was given. Every tifth year since its organization, the society has celebrated its anniversary with spe-
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eial attractions, such as banquets and fine programs. The society has been organ- ized over thirty years, has held over three hundred meetings, and has had probably one hundred and seventy-five members enrolled.
At present, 1914, it numbers twenty-nine active members, nine associate mem- bers, and three honorary.
This society has always been associated with the other organizations in all the public improvement enterprises.
THE MENDELSSOHN MUSICAL CLUB
The Mendelssohn Musical Club was organized in the winter of 1900, with thirteen charter members, as follows: Mrs. C. E. Purdy, Mrs. D. F. Logan, Mrs. C. E. Rosemond, Mrs. A. M. Donau, Miss Elva Lamb, Miss May Sher- man, Mrs. C. E. Ransier, Mrs. R. F. Clarke, Mrs. F. B. Ireland, Miss Daisy Tabor, Miss Alice Herrick, Miss Kate ( 'larke, and Mrs. H. C. Chappell.
The meetings were to be strictly informal, no officers were elected and no constitution or by-laws were adpted. The society was equally divided into the F and G clefs and the programs were under the direction of a chairman appointed from eael elef. Members were expected to take part when possible. The society was eondneted along these lines for several years, when on account of the grow- ing membership, it was deemed expedient to eleet officers, adopt a constitution and by-laws, and have printed year-books. At the election the following were chosen as officers of the society : Mrs. Lillian Rosemond, president; Mrs. Katharyn Chappell, vice president ; Miss Kathryn Bitner, secretary and treasurer.
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