Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 52

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II > Part 52

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A number of cities in Illinois have voted to build sanitariums for the care of tuberculosis sufferers under the so-called Glackin Tubercu- losis Act. Rockford is the first of these cities outside of Chicago to · complete such a build- ing and open its doors to the public. Following agitation by public-spirited citizens and civic organizations the question was submitted to the voters in 1913, and carried by a large majority. A board of trustees, including Drs. Daniel Lichty, H. A. Pattison and W. E. Park, was ap -. pointed by Mayor W. W. Bennett. The city council and board, under authority of the state law, have the power to annually levy a tax not to exceed one mill on the dollar on all taxable property.

The Rockford Municipal Sanitarium, for the free treatment of tuberculosis patients residing in the city of Rockford, was inspected by the public on January 1 and 2, 1916, and on January 3 patients were admitted for treatment.

The buildings are located just outside the city, four blocks from the city car line, upon a fifteen acre tract of rolling land. The site includes

two magnificent groves of hickory and oak trees on the south and east slopes. Drainage facili- ties are almost perfect, allowing no opportunity for the accumulation of storm water. The buildings crown the highest hill of the tract and ·are protected on the north by dense forests on the hilltops one-half mile away; on the west by a stately forest of oaks, and on the southwest by the pleasing hills of the Sinnissippi Golf Grounds. From the north and west rooms of the sanitarium may be seen a view of the north- ern part of the city, including Rock River. The sanitarium building is of three stories, with a basement. It is a combined infirmary and ad- ministration building with a capacity for twenty- two patients. From year to year its capacity will be increased by the addition of open air cottages. The building is semi-fireproof. A private water system, furnishing a supply of artesian water from a well 450 feet deep, and a sewage disposal plant, are features of the sanitarium. The total cost of the grounds and buildings to date is: Grounds-land, $6,765; improvements, $1,274,78; total, $8,039.78. Build- ing, $17,609.72 ; equipment of building, $3,355.50; total, $20,965.22. Pumping plant, $3,924.63. To- tal cost of properties, $32,929.63. The trustees have selected Mrs. Bertha Logan, of Chicago, as superintendent, and Dr. J. S. Lundholm, of Rockford, medical director.

SWEDISH-AMERICAN HOSPITAL.

An organization has been perfected for build- ing a Swedish-American hospital. A site has been secured, on Charles street, valued at $12,- 000, and the association has collected $80,000 in cash and pledges. There are nine members on the board of trustees: Victor M. Johnson, Gust Anderson, A. E. Freburg, W. A. Peterson, W. A. Brolin, Alfred Turnstrom, Nels Swenson, Rev. J. W. Johnson, and Rev. August Erikson. Contracts for the excavation and foundation were made several months ago. The plan calls for a building of seventy-five rooms, and the total expense will be about $100,000.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY HOME FOR THE AGED.

This institution had its inception in a meet- ing held at the Nelson House, July 7, 1904. A temporary organization was effected, with Rev. R. C. Bryant as chairman, and Kate F. O'Con-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

nor, secretary. An adjourned meeting was held July 14, when a constitution and by-laws were adopted. July 21 a board of managers was chosen, and the organization may be said to date from this time. The following officers were elected : H. Helena Weyburn, president ; Mrs. Fannie B. Waldo, vice-president; Kate F. O'Connor, secretary ; Robert C. Lind, treasurer. The original funds came from private sub- scriptions.

The Crawford homestead, 408 Horsman street, was leased at a rental ot $25 per month, and the home was formally opened October 2, 1904. Mrs. Maria G. Hobart was chosen matron, and served two years. She died in June, 1907. Through the efforts of Mrs. Chandler Starr and M. R. Harned, of the ways and means commit- tee, the board of supervisors made an appropria- tion of $500. In July, 1905, it was decided to purchase a permanent home, and the Crawford property was secured for $6,500.

The home can accommodate thirteen persons, and men and women over sixty-five years of age are eligible. Each inmate deposits $300 upon entrance, and this entitles him to the priv- ileges of the home for lite. Only residents of the county are eligible. The home is always full, and has a waiting list. There have been thirty-seven inmates to date. Twenty-three have died, one married, and the full number, thir- teen, are now in the home. There are twenty- seven members of the board of directors, one from each township in the county, and the others are chosen from the city. Mrs. Alice L. Shoults is president and Mrs. S. S. Brumbaugh is treasurer. Mrs. J. Frances White has been matron for six years. The home is maintained by public-spirited citizens and from the receipts of "tag day," which is observed annually throughout the county.

JENNIE SNOW HOME FOR AGED WOMEN.

This home was made possible by the late Mrs. Jennie M. Snow, who bequeathed about $100,000 for the purchase of a home and its endowment. Chandler Starr, M. R. Harned and W. W. Ben- nett were made the executors of the estate, and the trustees of the home. Mr. Starr resigned after the estate was settled and Dr. Harned and Mayor Bennett have since administered the af- fairs of the home.

Mrs. Snow had made a thorough study of

such institutions, and formulated plans for man- agement in detail. The W. D. Trahern home- stead on Kent street was purchased, and the home was opened in June, 1907. Women over fifty years of age are eligible to admission, on payment of $200. Twenty can be accommodated at one time. The expenses ot the home have always been kept within the income, so that the endowment is now about $140,000. Miss Carrie E. Slade has been matron since the home was opened.

YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

The Young Women's Christian Association was organized May 28, 1891, in the parlors of the Second Congregational Church. Mrs. Anna Williams was elected president ; Mrs. C. R. Wise, vice-president ; Miss Kate Rising, recording sec- retary ; Miss Ida Allen, treasurer. Mrs. Wil- liams only served a short time, and was suc- ceeded by Mrs. W. L. Eaton, and Mrs. D. S. Clark was chosen to take the place of Mrs. Wise. The first board of directors was composed of the following women: Mrs. E. M. Revell, Mrs. S. L. Kennedy, Mrs. M. S. Parmele, Mrs. S. N. Jones, Miss Mary Sherratt, Mrs. C. H. C. Bur- lingame, Mrs. Frank Brown, Mrs. Charles Her- rick, Mrs. Oscar Hall, Mrs. M. L. Baird, Mrs. Arthur Berridge. Later presidents succeeding Mrs. Eaton have been Mrs. S. L. Kennedy, Mrs. E. L. Herrick, Mrs. Harriet Pease, Mrs. G. R. Vanhorne, Mrs. E. S. Gregory, Mrs. Julia P. Warren, Mrs. W. A. Stapleton and Mrs. H. W. Buckbee. Miss Caroline Griffith was the first general secretary. Her successors have been Miss May McGranahan; Miss Gracia Norton, who served from June, 1894, to June, 1908; Miss Anna Cellars; Miss Jessie M. Vogt; Miss Hazel P. Verry ; Miss Ethel Hendee ; Miss Hen- rietta Moehlmann; Miss Florence Hale.

The first home of the association was the residence formerly occupied by Frank G. Smith, on South Madison 'street. The present building was dedicated in March, 1907, and cost $20,000. The association has been splendidly supported by the women of Rockford and is free from debt. Board and room are furnished to young women at a nominal expense, and educational classes are taught by volunteer instructors. Vesper services are held every Sunday after- noon.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

Rockford formerly supported a Young Men's Christian Association. The first one was organ- ized in 1858 and disbanded January 6, 1862. The second association was perfected May 1, 1876. E. P. Thomas was chosen president, and rooms were secured in the old Ashton building. In 1886 Mrs. D. S. Penfield gave a site for a building at East State and Madison streets. The corner-stone was laid April 18, 1889, and the building was completed in 1890 at a cost of $42,000. The "Y" was an active religious, ath- letic and educational center for years, but its maintenance became exceedingly difficult and it was finally abandoned. A. W. Beckner was the last secretary. The association still keeps up a legal existence, in order to administer the he- quest of $10,000 from Judge Benjamin R. Shel- don, the interest of which is distributed among local charities. The "Y" building is now the East Side Inn.

BOYS' CLUB.

The Rockford Boys' Club is the result of efforts of the Woman's Auxiliary of the local Young Men's Christian Association. When that organization closed its doors, the women as- sumed the responsibility of carrying on a work for the upbuilding of the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of the boys of Rockford. The club was incorporated April 13, 1908. Miss Jes- sie I. Spafford was chosen president; Mrs. L. M. Reckhow, vice-president ; Mrs. Edith J. Shut- tleworth, secretary; Mrs. Walter Anglemire, treasurer. Quarters were secured in the old Y. M. C. A. building. From April until Septem- ber, 190S, the work was supervised solely by volunteers, with a view of securing a competent superintendent as soon as possible. F. M. Duckles was engaged and began his duties in September. When the old Y. M. C. A. building changed ownership it became necessary for the club to secure another home. The Dr. H. B. Hale homestead, at the corner of South Madison and Walnut streets, was purchased in 1910, and in September, 1911, the home was thrown open to the boys of Rockford.

The club is managed by a board of twenty- eiglit directors, elected annually. · Mr. Duckles served as superintendent until September, 1912, and was succeeded in October by C. A. Dickin-

son, who is still serving. Miss Spafford has been president of the club from the first; Win- throp Ingersoll is vice-president; Mrs. J. V. Hawkinson, recording secretary; Miss Edith Sackett, corresponding secretary ; A. W. Robert- 'son, treasurer. The club has a membership of 205.

WINNEBAGO FARM SCHOOL.

The Winnebago Farm School Association was organized January 21, 1907, at a meeting of citizens, called by Mrs. Seely Perry, chairman of a joint committee of the Rockford Women's Club and The Forum. The president and directors appeared before the board of supervisors and obtained a five years' lease of the Horsfall farm belonging to the county, and funds having been secured, proceeded to render the old farm house sanitary and habitable, to erect necessary build- ings, and in March, 190S, entered on their beneficent work with half a dozen boys commit- ted to thein by the judge of the juvenile court.

The association reaches out its helping hand to delinquent and dependent children, who gen- erally are the victims of neglect or unfortunate circumstances, most of them never having been sufficiently fed, clothed or warmed, or given any training except that of the streets. It is rescuing and transforming those who, without its sheltering care and daily training, would surely tread the downward road ; it is gathering in the unprotected who else would be homeless, and leading them all into ways of usefulness and uprightness. Its aim is to make good, law- abiding citizens out of the neglected "by-prod- uct" of the streets.

The association is incorporated, owns ten acres of land adjoining the Horsfall farm, and upon this has erected a fine fireproof home, capable of housing forty boys and the necessary helpers ; it also has partially equipped a manual training shop, constructed a large vegetable cellar and has set out an orchard upon its own grounds. A new lease for fifteen years, dating from March, 1913, has been granted by the super- visors.

The results of seven years of endeavor, ap- parent in the transformed lives of those com- mitted to its care, are most gratifying and encouraging. The officers are: President, Mrs. Seely Perry ; vice-president, Charles Tritle; secretary, Herbert Hicks ; treasurer, Miss Mary

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

I. Beattie ; executive committee, Mrs. Katharine Keeler, C. F. Henry, W. F. Barnes.

WORKING GIRLS' HOME.

The Working Girls' Home was formally dedi- cated February 14, 1914, by General Balliugton Booth, assisted by General Edward Fieldiug, of Chicago, officers of the Volunteers of America. The building was the Blackman home, on North First street, and was purchased for $7,000. Of this sum $2,700 has been paid by citizens of Rockford. The furuishiugs have cost $1,200, which have beeu contributed by women of the city. The home is now furnished to accommo- date thirty young women, but when completely equipped fifty can be housed. Board and room are furnished at a cost that will make the home self-supporting. Although the institution was founded by the Volunteers of America, its af- fairs are supervised by a woman's auxiliary and a men's advisory board, both composed of Rock- ford people. Educational classes will be con- ducted at the home. Miss Lillian B. Austin is matron.

THE CHILDREN'S HOME.

The society for the founding and maintenance of a children's home was organized in Novem- ber, 1905. The former residence of R. H. Shum- way, on Sixth street, was secured for $8,000. Ouly $1,000 was paid down. Mr. Shumway sub- sequently cancelled the indebtedness for $2,500, thus practically making a gift of $4,500. Sev- eral trade unions did work gratuitously during the winter in making the home ready for use, and it was formally opened in March, 1906, with seven children. Since that time the home has cared for 163 children. Besides the main building, which will accommodate twenty-five children, there are two cottages; oue is used as an infirmary, and the other is rented. A day nursery is maintained for the purpose of assist- ing mothers who are obliged to be away from home during the day. Five hundred meals have been served to day nursery children during the last year.

The membership fee is one dollar a year. Other sources of revenue are personal gifts, be- quests and entertainments, given by various clubs.

Miss Eleanor Holland was the first president

of the home, and Mrs. Ella Dahlin was secre- tary. The present officers are: Mrs. H. M. Whipple, president ; Mrs. Edith Robertsou Root, first vice-president ; Mrs. Sarah T. Josliu, second vice-president; Mrs. Carrie Ashton Johnson, recording secretary ; Mrs. John Dobson, cor- respouding secretary ; Mrs. Fred G. Shoudy, treasurer; Mrs. E. E. Bartlett, auditor. Mrs. Frances C. Terry is the house-mother.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY ALMSHOUSE.

The Wiunebago Couuty Almshouse is four miles from Rockford. The situation is unusu- ally beautiful. The maiu building is a yellow brick two-story structure, with a basement on the ground level. The building is heated by steam and lighted by electricity. There are 147 acres of good land in the poor farm, aud the land has been brought to the highest producing value. The cost of the institution for the year, March, 1914, to March 1915, exclusive of re- pairs, was $8,186.75. The county pays the salary of a nurse for the hospital. George W. Smith is superintendent. Inspectors have prouounced the institutiou a model in all respects.

LADIES' UNION AID SOCIETY.

The Ladies' Union Aid Society came into ex- istence in the fall of 1877. It grew out of the work of the W. C. T. U., its members finding more relief work than they could do iu connec- tion with families made dependent through in- temperance. As the result of a meeting, through the efforts of Mrs. Melancthon Starr and others, the original organization was effected with Mrs. Seely Perry, president; Mrs. S. C. With- trow, first vice-president ; Mrs. Henry Freeman, second vice-president ; Mrs. J. A. Hepburn, sec- retary and treasurer; Mrs. Melancthon Starr, assistant secretary, and a ward committee for each ward. The society did efficient work until it was united with the Public Welfare Associa- tion. It still maintains a legal existence, in order to realize on some bequests that have been made. Mrs. A. C. Brearley is president.

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Rockford was organized in the autumn of 1911. Its board of directors was composed of members repre-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

senting the Woman's Club and the different prominent philanthropic societies. Mrs. W. A. Forbes was chosen president; Miss Elizabeth Wright, first vice-president; Miss Margaret Linn, treasurer ; Miss Evelyn Gregory, secretary. About this time the Winnebago County Anti- Tuberculosis Association was organized and in search of a nnise. The following officers were elected : Dr. W. H. Fitch, president ; Rev. Thos. Finn, first vice-president ; Dr. S. R. Catlin, sec- ond vice-president; Herbert S. Hicks, treasurer ; Dr. M. R. Harned, secretary ; Dr. H. A. Pattison, assistant secretary. Its fund was increased by the sale of Red Cross Christmas seals and mem- berships. At a conference of the two new organ- izations it was agreed that one nurse might be sufficient to do the work of both, and in this way lessen expense to each and prevent overlapping. In January of 1912 Miss Violet M. Jensen, R. N., began her duties as visiting nurse. The field of work included the care of the sick in their own homes, infant welfare, including mothers' con- terences, tuberculosis work, and Metropolitan Life Insurance industrial nursing. Later in this year a second regular nurse was added, and later a third for special work in the summer. In April, 1914, Rockford Hospital Training School supplied a pupil nurse, who receives one month's training on the visiting nurse service on part time.

PUBLIC WELFARE ASSOCIATION.

The rapid growth of Rockford, with its cosmo- politan population, made organized charity a necessity. In the antnmn of 1911 Francis H. McLean, of New York City, secretary of the National Association of Societies for Organizing Charities, was brought to Rockford, and made a report of the local situation December 2, 1911. He recommended the formation of a leagne for social service. The time did not seem ripe for , action and nothing definite resulted until two years later, when the Rockford Chamber of Commerce appointed a committee, of which L. H. Clark was chairman, to sound local sentiment and receive suggestions from other communities. On February 28, 1914, this committee submitted a plan for the association of charitable and philanthropic societies. Only two organizations, the Ladies' Union Aid Society and the Visiting Nurse Association, became amalgamated in the new organization, which took the name of the Public Welfare Association. However, the board

of directors was representative of practically all the social agencies of the community and the idea of the promoters was that closer co-opera- tion would be secured even if there were not an amalgamation of more agencies.

On October 1, 1914, the Ladies' Union Aid So- ciety and the Visiting Nurse Association gave up their independent existence and became a part of the new organization. On December 7, Virgil V. Jolinson, who had been a resident of Union Settlement in New York City and had worked there under the anspices of the Charity Organization Society, began his duties as gen- eral secretary. The central office of the associa- tion was opened December 29, 1914, in the Electric building. Since that date the Welfare Association has been organizing the work; es- tablishing a confidential exchange in which the names of about 700 families have been re- corded ; and has investigated over 400 families, a majority of whom have been given material relief. In this same year the Visiting Nurse Department made about 7,000 calls upon 670 pa- tients. The purpose of the Public Welfare Asso- ciation is to unify the relief work of Rockford in order to prevent imposture and duplication of relief. It is further working with a large group of volunteer workers of whom the ward committecs of the Ladies' Union Aid Society formed the nucleus, to the end that the associa- tion may be kept in friendly tonch with a large number of needy families. The ultimate aim of the Welfare Association is family rehabilitation. Families are studied and material relief is given as an incident in a well thought ont plan which means the ultimate self-support of needy fam- ilies. The Welfare Association is in close affili- ation with similar organizations in other cities so that it is in a position to obtain information regarding families in Rockford who have had previous residence in other communities.

The first president of the Public Welfare Asso- ciation is Mrs. A. C. Brearley, who had been for many years the president of the Ladies' Union Aid Society. The visiting nurse work has been continued under the supervision of Miss Violet Jensen, supervising nurse of the Visiting Nurse Association, since its organization in 1911.

SWEDISH UNION AID SOCIETY.

The Swedish Union Aid Society has abont forty members, and holds monthly meetings throughont the year. The organization is the

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

outgrowth of the Swedish Hospital Aid Society. All its receipts are devoted to philanthropy, as there are no rentals or salaries to be paid. Generous donations are received from manu- facturers, singing societies and individuals. Benefactions have been extended almost entirely to widows and children. Mrs. Wilhelmina Eng- strom has been president twenty-one years ; Mrs. William Johnson, secretary ; Mrs. Al Abramson, treasurer.

HUMANE SOCIETY.

Winnebago County maintains a branch of the Illinois Humane Society. Fay Lewis was a lead- ing spirit in its organization and he has always had its work at heart. Mrs. Nellie T. Rew is secretary.

WOMEN'S TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS.

The women of Rockford maintain six temper- ance organizations ; a seventh, in the southeast end, has been discontinued. These women held aloft the standard of temperance when it was an unpopular cause, and many of them have seen their distinctive principle thoroughly en- trenched in law. Rockford owes its women a debt of gratitude which it will recognize more in time to come.

The Central Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized March 27, 1874, with Mrs. Gilbert Woodruff as president. It was the out- growth of the "crusade," which started at Hills- boro, and had for its object the abolition of the saloon. The union owns its own building on West State street, where temperance liter- ature is on file. Some of the most prominent women of the city have served as president. Mrs. S. B. Wilkins has served at intervals which aggregate fifteen years. Mrs. W. A. Storey is now president. The membership is eighty.

The Non-Partisan Women's Christian Temper- ance Alliance dates from 1891. It has main- tained the "Temperance Guards," an organiza- tion of boys pledged to temperance. Miss Katherine Foote has been superintendent of boys' work from the first.

The North Rockford W. C. T. U. was organ- ized in 1892, and now has a membership of sev- enty. The union owns a building worth $15,000, and it served as a social center when that por- tion of the city was sparsely settled. The late

L. H. Bailey loaned the women several thousand dollars without security, and just before his death he said it was the best investment he ever made. Mrs. Angus McFarlane has served as president many years, and she has been an effi- cient leader in securing a home.

The Swedish W. C T. U. was organized in March, 1911, and now has seventy-two members. Mrs. Oscar Hall is president and Mrs. Conrad Erickson is recording secretary. The union ex- tensively circulates literature of a religious and reformatory nature.

Unions are also maintained by the women of South Rockford and the West End.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

ROCKFORD AS A MUSICAL CENTER.

ROCKFORD SPONTANEOUSLY MUSICAL - ROCKFORD

MUSICAL ASSOCIATION-SERIES OF FESTIVALS- HARMONIC SOCIETY ORGANIZED - LOUIS M. GOTTSCHALK - THE CHORAL UNION - THE MENDELSSOHN CLUB - ORGANIZES IN 1884 --

LARGE

MEMBERSHIP - PRESENT

OFFICERS -

MRS. CHANDLER STARR-GREAT ARTISTS VISIT ROCKFORD-SCHUMANN CLUB-ROCKFORD CELEB- RITIES-BANDS AND ORCHESTRAS-FOREST CITY BAND ORGANIZED IN 1867- ROCKFORD MILITARY BAND - DEDRICKSON'S ORCHESTRA - HADDORFF PIANO COMPANY BAND-BARBER-COLEMAN COM- PANY BAND-ROCKFORD HIGH SCHOOL BAND- EMERSON-BRANTINGHAM COMPANY BAND- BENEDICT ORCHESTRA-METROPOLE ORCHESTRA- OPERA HOUSE ORCIIESTRA-WEBER QUARTET- LATER SINGING SOCIETIES-SVEAS SONER-LYRAN CLUB-AMERICAN UNION OF SWEDISH SINGERS -- GESANG VEREIN-MUSIC DEPARTMENT OF ROCK- FORD COLLEGE - CHURCHES ARE PATRONS OF MUSIC.

ROCKFORD SPONTANEOUSLY MUSICAL.

"Rockford is spontaneously musical, affectedly literary, but it has the good sense not to pretend to be scientific." Thus wrote the late Prof. M. S. Bebb, nearly twenty-five years ago, to the

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

writer of this volume, in response to a request muade by the latter for a newspaper article on a subject on which he was an eminent authority. There may be a chance for au argument on Prof. Bebb's first two propositions, but it will be generally agreed that Rockford is "sponta- neously musical." The musical life of Rockford is so interwoven with its history, even from the earliest days, that oue would be incomplete with- out the other.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 52

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972