Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 54

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 54

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

On January 17, 1868, Rockford was honored with a visit from that famous violinist, Ole Bull. The spell by which he charmed his audiences was that of a magnificent gentleman as well as an artistic genius.

Anna Dickinson, one of the foremost wonien of her time, delivered her lecture on "Idiots and Women," January 22, 1868. The lecture was an appeal for women suffrage; but in that day the cause was not popular, and local press comment was apparently tinged with the pop- ular prejudice. She was called a "feminine Wendell Phillips," and was charged with being an imitator of that sturdy reformer. In the autumn of 1866 Anna Dickinson was advertised to lecture in Rockford. On arriving in the city she was stricken suddenly and seriously ill, and was obliged to cancel her engagement. She was under the care of Dr. Charles H. Richings, and fully recovered. In January of the following year Dr. Richings received from his grateful patient two beautiful chased solid silver medallion goblets, with this inscription : "To Charles H. Richings, M. D., in remem-

912

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

brance of a life well saved. With grateful regard from Anna E. Dickinson, 1867." Anna Dickinson made subsequent visits to Rockford. One of these was on January 15, 1871, when she delivered her lecture on "Joan of Arc."

John Dillon, a comedian, popular in the Mid- dle West, visited Rockford January 24, 1868, and was always a welcome entertainer there- after, sober or otherwise. In whatever role John Dillon appeared, the personality of the actor was always uppermost. This is not con- sidered consistent with histrionic art, but Dillon was sui generis. Off the stage he was a charm- ing Irish gentleman, of immaculate dress and courtly manner. It is related of him that when he visited Rockford several years later, and first saw the new Grand opera house, he stood squarely in front of it, removed his silk hat, and did low obeisance with an air of Quixotic chivalry. Jolin Dillon was a familiar figure before the footlights more than forty years.

David R. Locke addressed a Rockford audi- ence February 14, 1868. No newspaper man of his time, with the single exception of Horace Greeley, had a greater reputation than David R. Locke, better known as "Petroleum V. Nasby, wich wuz postmaster." Mr. Loocke's subject was "Cursed be Canaan," and the pur- pose of his lecture was to quicken popular inter- est in the recently emancipated negro. Miss Bertha Locke, who became Mrs. Frank G. Smith and prominent in social and musical circles, was a niece of Mr. Locke.

Within two weeks after Mr. Locke's lecture. Fred Douglass, an illustrious son of "Cursed Canaan," visited Rockford and delivered his lecture on "Self-Made Men."

Olive Logan on January 23, 1869, delivered her lecture on "Paris, the City of Luxury." Olive Logan returned to Rockford February 3, 1871, when she lectured on "Our Girls."

Kate Field delivered her lecture, "Among the Adirondacks," February 24, 1870.

Wendell Phillips discussed "The Questions of Today" in a lecture delivered January 4, 1871.

Perhaps the greatest dramatic event in the history of Brown's Hall was the engagement of Lawrence Barrett. On May 23, 1873, he ap- peared in Hamlet and the following night in Lester Wallack's drama, "Rosedale."

James T. Fields, who had retired from the editorship of the Atlantic Monthly, made a "Plea for Cheerfulness" October 13, 1875. Mr.

Fields' volume of reminiscences, "Yesterdays with Authors," still retains a well deserved popularity.

Theodore Tilton, editor of the New York Independent, and a brilliant orator, discussed "The Problem of Life" in a lecture delivered April 4, 1876. The problem, said the speaker, was the development of character. Mr. Tilton appeared to retain his faith in human nature, despite his tragic experience. He was greeted by a large audience and made a profound im- pression.

Henry Ward Beecher made his last visit to Rockford February 14, 1877, when he deliv- ered his lecture on "The Ministry of Wealth." He was introduced by Hiram R. Enoch, editor of the Rockford Journal. Mr. Beecher showed signs of age, yet he delivered his message with much of his native force and beautiful imagery. He had been through the fiery furnace, although the charges of scandal preferred by Theodore Tilton had resulted in his acquittal. This pain- ful experience doubtless increased the demand for him on the lecture platform. Dr. Norman told the writer that he paid Mr. Beecher $1,350 for two lectures, one at Rockford and the other at Davenport, Iowa, and made money on the engagement. It was on this visit to Rockford that Mr. Beecher pronounced the county jail a wart on the public square.

Camilla Urso entertained a Rockford audi- ence January. 16, 1878, with a program of violin music.

Annie Louise Cary was an attraction of September, 1878. The Register critic was most enthusiastic in his praise. "As a contralto Cary has no equal on the face of the globe. The full, round, deep tones of Cary, like the solemn, soul-stirring melodies of some monas- tery organ, will course through the memory with a never-to-be-forgotten flood of harmony."

Robert G. Ingersoll delivered his lecture on "The Liberty of Man, Woman and Child" April 18, 1879. The colonel was then in the acme of his fame, and Brown's Hall was taxed to the utmost. Dr. Norman paid Colonel Ingersoll $500 for this lecture. The writer heard Colonel Ingersoll on several ocasions, and waiving all religious considerations, does not hesitate to say this lecture was his masterpiece. His re- markable tribute to Shakespeare lias never been fully preserved, as then delivered, in any of his published addresses.

913

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

A few days later Maggie Mitchell appeared in "Fanchon, the Cricket," and Kate Claxton followed, May 5, in "The Double Marriage."

September 6, 1879, Madame Janauschek, the Hungarian tragedienne, thrilled an audience with her interpretation of Schiller's tragedy, "Mary Stuart."

Remenyi, "the greatest violinist on earth," as the critic called him, was in Rockford June 23, 1SS1. "We have heard Remenyi, and our souls are satisfied," said a local writer. "Schu- bert's Serenade" was "Schubert's conception broadened and enlarged to a beauty of harmony a hundredfold by Remenyi's genius."

The last performance in Brown's Hall was given November S, 1881, by "The Jollities." All these celebrities have passed from the stage of action. The gifts of the artist, the singer, the actor and the orator, if devoted to worthy ends, may be as sacred as the service of priest and prophet. They come from the same boun- teous Creator, who, when he had made all things, saw that they were good. There is an infinite variety in genius, as in nature, and its min- istry is a part of our divine heritage.

OPERA HOUSE COMPLETED.

Brown's Hall was Rockford's amusement cen- ter for a quarter of a century. It then became apparent that it had outlived its usefulness for this purpose, and there was a general desire for a modernly equipped opera house. The first meet- ing for this purpose was held November 6, 1880, at the office of William Lathrop, when it was proposed to incorporate the Rockford Opera House Association. The incorporators were John H. Sherratt, William Watson, T. G. Law- ler, W. T. Robertson, A. C. Deming and C. C. Jones. The first board of directors consisted of Levi Rhoades, G. S. Haskell, John H. Sherratt, C. C. Jones, Thomas Butterworth, R. H. Tinker and T. G. Lawler.

The site on North Wyman street was pur- chased tor $1,700. J. M. Wood, of Chicago, was the architect; David Keyt, of Rockford, was awarded the contract for construction for $15,- 480 ; and Spoor Mackey, of Chicago, supplied the furnishings for $7,500. In May, 1881, the com- pany leased the opera house to Dr. J. P. Nor- man for one year, with the privilege of three. Dr. Norman was to receive one-third of the receipts after paying expenses. The opera house

was informally opened November 11, 1881, with brieť addresses by local citizens, and a musical program by home talent. There was a second informal opening the following night, when Rockford singers presented "The Pirates of Pen- zance." The "formal grand opening" occurred November 14, with Clara Louise Kellogg as the stellar attraction.

CELEBRITIES OF STAGE AND PLATFORM.

Many celebrities of the stage and platform were seen at the opera house during the first decade. The record for the first year is as follows: January 30, 1882, John B. Gough vis- ited Rockford for the last time, when he deliv- ered a composite lecture, composed of parts of "Blunders" and "Personal and Platform Expe- riences." On March 2, Oscar Wilde delivered his lecture on "The English Renaissance." One critic referred to him as a "personified conun- drum." The greatest dramatic event in the liis- tory of Rockford was the appearance of Edwin Booth, March 21, in "Hamlet." The sale of seats opened at S o'clock on the morning of March 16, and at 1:30 a line had formed in front of the box office. The highest price for seats was $2; but some fell into the hands of speculators, who doubled the price. Mr. Booth received 85 per cent of the box receipts and the opera house company cleared $200 on the en- gagement. Thomas W. Keene appeared April 26 in "Richard III." On May 27, Januschek pre- sented "Mother and Son." Anna Dickinson, after attaining distinction on the lecture plat- form, sought histrionic honors. She was adver- tised to present "Hamlet," June 12. The recent. presentation by Booth evidently led her to make a change at the last hour, and she appeared in "The Lady of Lyons." The next notable at- traction was October 24, when Mary Anderson: made her only visit to Rockford. Her role was; Parthenia, in "Ingomar," and the scene in which she wins the heart of the barbarian, so they are thenceforth "two souls with but a single thought," is recalled by the writer as the most beautiful picture he has ever seen behind the footlights. Denman Thompson, an old-time fa- vorite, gave his masterpiece, "Josh Whitcomb." November 10. The last attraction of the year was Josh "Billings," who delivered his lecture on "Luv."

The attractions of 1883 were few, but notable.

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

914

Thomas W. Keene made a return engagement May 5, in "Richelieu." September 26, Margaret Mather made her first appearance in "Romeo and Juliet." Emma Abbott, one of the best known grand opera singers of her time, was heard November 1 in "Mignon." Madame Mod- jeska, a distinguished Polish actress of Shake- spearean roles, paid her first visit to Rockford November 9, when she appeared in her greatest character, Rosalind, in "As You Like It." A

reception was tendered Madame Modjeska after the performance at the Holland House. Joe Jefferson visited Rockford for the last time No- vember 26, when he appeared in the role that . made liim famous, "Rip Van Winkle."

The season of 1884 opened January 2 with Theodore Thomas' orchestra, which played to a small house. Madame Modjeska returned May 19, in "Frou-Frou." Thomas W. Keene made another visit June 10, appearing as Cassius in "Julius Caesar."

Several popular speakers were heard in 1885. Robert J. Burdette gave his lecture March 5 on "The Rise and Fall of the Mustache." General Benjamin M. Prentiss delivered his lecture March 26 on "The Battle of Shiloh." Colonel R. G. Ingersoll was here May 7 in his lecture, "Which Way?" Lawrence Barrett presented "Francesca da Rimini" October 6. Madame Modjeska apparently became fond of Rockford. She came the third time within two years, and appeared October 19 in "Twelfth Night."

Rockford was visited by several distinguished lecturers during 1886. January 14, Prof. Alex- ander Winchell, one of the most eminent geolo- gists of his time, and occupying a chair at tlie University of Michigan, gave a lecture in Cen- tennial church on "Sketches of Creation." A reception was tendered him at the home of Miss Mary Holmes. Prof. David Swing paid his third visit to the city as a lecturer February 23, when he gave an address in the opera house under the auspices of the senior class of the high school. Dr. Lyman Abbott gave his only ad- dress in Rockford, June 23, before the graduat- ing class of Rockford seminary, in the old Sec- ond Congregational church. Judge Albion W. Tourgee, a writer of several popular novels deal- ing with the reconstruction period, delivered a lecture in the opera house December 3, under the auspices of the Mutual Benefit Society, a company of young men organized for literary

and social purposes. "Give Us a Rest" was the subject of Judge Tourgee's address.

The year 1886 seems to have been lacking in theatrical engagements worthy of note. Actors and lecturers divided the honors in 1887. Dr. H. W. Thomas spoke January 10 under the auspices of the Round Table, on "Uses and Abuses." General Lew Wallace gave his lec- ture on "Turkey and the Turks" January 11, in the Y. M. C. A. course. Minnie Maddern played "Caprice" February 7. In view of the fact that Minnie Maddern Fiske is now the foremost American actress, the critic's comment is of especial interest : "Minnie Maddern guyed a small audience from the stage. She giggled and cast sheep's eyes and was too utterly silly." Madame Modjeska played "Mary Stuart" April 18. There was a revival of "Pinafore" in May, produced three nights by home talent, with one exception. The character of Josephine was taken by Mrs. Louis Falk, whose husband was at that time the best known organist in Chi- cago. Frederick Warde was here four nights of the week of September 6. His repertoire in- cluded "Damon and Pythias," "Virginius," "Galba, the Gladiator," and "Richard III." On November 10 Hon. B. K. Bruce, of Mississippi, the first colored member of the United States senate, delivered a lecture on the future of his race.

The theatrical event of 1SSS was the appear- ance of Richard Mansfield, March 3, in "Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde." Janauschek was seen in "Meg Merrilles" March 16. Charles Dickens, Jr., delighted an audience April 3 with readings from "David Copperfield" and "Pickwick Pa- pers," from the pen. of his illustrious father. Robert Downing was here in June and Thomas W. Keene in September, in legitimate drama.

Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage delivered his famil- iar lecture on "Big Blunders" in the First Lutheran church March 29, before the largest audience that had ever greeted a lecturer in Rockford up to that time. The church has a seating capacity of 2,000, and it was completely filled.

Mrs. Mary A. Livermore delivered her lecture, "The Boy of Today," in the First Congrega- tional church January 10, 18SS. Sam Jones, who was just then coming into prominence as a platform speaker, delivered his lecture on "Character and Characters" at the opera house. He appeared under the auspices of the Y. M. C.

Henrietta Marse

Lohas. I morse

915

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

A. Susan B. Anthony addressed an equal suf- frage convention November 21, and was ten- dered a reception at the home of Ralph Emerson.

There were few notable lecture engagements during the year 1889. James Whitcomb Riley and "Bill Nye," then familiarly known as the "poet and his lyre," entertained an audience at the opera house. Rev. Washington Gladden paid one of his several visits February 14, when he delivered his lecture on "The Life and Times of Thomas Carlyle," under the auspices of the Round Table.

On April 27, George W. Cable, then in the height of his popularity as a writer of stories of southern life, gave a reading in the First Congregational church.

Mlle. Rhea paid Rockford her first visit May 20, when she was seen as Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing." The appearance of Thomas W. Keene, May 6, 1890, is worthy of note because he presented "Louis XI.," the first time it was ever seen in this city. It was Henry Irving's great role.

Dr. Norman died May 14, 1883, and he was succeeded as manager of the opera house by C. C. Jones. He retained this position until the theater was sold to Chamberlain, Peck & Com- pany. Mr. Jones' successors have been Thomas Hawks, George B. Peck, George C. Sackett, Hugh Flannery, Charles Lamb, Harry F. Grampp and George F. Peck. The opera house is now owned by George F. Peck, George C. Sackett and George M. Gatts. January 7, 1914, the policy of the opera house was changed and moving pictures were made its leading feature.

VAUDEVILLE HOUSES.

Rockford's first vaudeville house was opened in 1904. A. J. Shimp visited the city on his way to Dubuque, Iowa, to open a playhouse. He quickly came to the conclusion that Rock- ford was an inviting field, and established the "Bijou" on East State street, which proved so successful that Mr. Shimp opened the Orpheum on North Main street.

The Palace Amusement Company was incor- porated in 1915, with a capital stock of $100,- 000. The stockholders are practically the same persons who had been interested in the Or- pheum company, a dozen local citizens being associated with Walter S. Butterfield, Marcus

Heiman and Joseph Finn, of Chicago, in the enterprise. The officers of the Palace company are : W. S. Butterfield, president ; Fred E. Sterling, vice president ; Marcus Heiman, treas- urer; and Fred E. Carpenter, secretary. In 1914 the Palace company purchased of A. J. Shimp and Fred E. Carpenter the 99-year lease which they held from the Lovejoy, estate, of Janesville, on the site of the new house, which had a trontage of S8 feet on North Main street, running through to Wyman street. Then the work was undertaken of securing a new 99-year lease on the property, with terins more favorable for the lessees, this requiring many months ot dickering between the attorneys for the two sides. A satisfactory lease was executed and printed in book form. The theater, as it stands complete, represents an investment of $110,000, and was opened February 22, 1915. Bert Da- mon is manager.

MOVING PICTURES.

"The Palm" is a beautiful show house de- voted exclusively to moving pictures. It was dedicated December 1, 1913. A large pipe organ is played during all exhibitions. Charles Lamb is secretary and manager. "The Palm" is the only building erected exclusively for moving pictures, although there are several others oc- cupying leased buildings in various parts oť the city.

CHAPTER XXXV.

CLUBS AND COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS.

CLUB DEVELOPMENT-ORGANIZATIONS AT ROCKFORD -CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-MANUFACTURERS' AND SHIPPERS' ASSOCIATION-TRAFFIC CLUB- ROCKFORD CLUB-ROCKFORD'S MERCHANTS' AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION-EAST STATE STREET BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION-SEVENTH STREET BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION-FOUR- TEENTH AVENUE BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION- BAR ASSOCIATION-REAL ESTATE BOARD-THE

916

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

ROCKFORD WOMAN'S CLUB-THE MONDAY CLUB- OLDEST WOMAN'S LITERARY CLUB IN BOCKFORD- THE 'S4 CLUB-THE CENTURY CLUB-CATHOLIC WOMAN'S LEAGUE-KING'S DAUGHTERS-DAUGH- TERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION-THE OUT- LOOK CLUB-THE ADVANCE CLUB-THE MOTHER'S STUDY CLUB-THE HEALTH CLUB-THE BURNS CLUB-OLDEST SOCIAL CLUB IN ROCKFORD GER- MANIA GESANG VEREIN-THE ROUND TABLE- THE ARGONAUTS-UNITY CLUB-SVEA SONER SOCIETY-COMMERCIAL CLUB-ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY-ROCKFORD ART ASSOCIATION-ROCKFORD ART GUILD-UNIVERSITY CLUB-SINGERS AND PLAYERS CLUB-COUNTRY CLUB-MOTOR CLUB- THE WALTONIANS-THE NATURE STUDY CLUB- OTHER OUT DOOR CLUBS.

CLUB DEVELOPMENT.

Clubs are a development of complex modern life. Men and women organize for commercial, social, literary, scientific and other aims. The church was once the social center of the com- munity ; but this is no longer the fact in many cities. The church has not lost any of its power ; but that power is diffused through many channels. The club may be, in fact, an aid to the church. It is a melting pot which fuses all in a common humanity. Rockford is a city where Jew and Gentile, Protestant and Catholic, ineet in their clubs and discuss problems of civic welfare. The ideal club is a little democ- racy : it is a herald of good will.

The mention of every club of Rockford would make this chapter of unreasonable length; but an effort has been made to include those that have made some real contribution to the com- mon good.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce was or- ganized in the fall of 1910, but did not begin active work until the latter part of January, 1911. This was the first organization of its kind in Rockford and one of the first in the northern part of the state, and the citizens were unfamiliar with the aims and purposes of such an organization and the wide scope of work which it might embrace. A number of prom- inent business men were active in the initiative effort to perfect the organization, and at the election of officers R. K. Welsh was named as

its president, and A. G. Brown as secretary.

Mr. Welsh served successfully in the capacity of president for three years, and Mr. Brown as secretary for about two years. Upon the accept- ance of the latter's resignation, F. D. E. Bab- cock was elected secretary, and has served in this capacity for three years. Succeeding Mr. Welsh, E. H. Keeler was elected president, serving for one year, and he, in turn, was fol- lowed by Adam Gschwindt, who also guided the destinies of the organization for a year. The present officers are: Judson S. Joslyn, presi- dent ; Claude Dunlap, vice president ; F. D. E. Babcock, secretary, and Ralph B. Spottswood, treasurer. The following are directors: R. K. Welsh, E. H. Keeler, W. H. Keig, F. E. Carpen- ter, F. S. Datin, E. W. Brown, G. M. Olson, W. H. Barnes, W. A. Stapleton, E. L. Thayer, J. S. Joslyn, Claude Dunlap, Adam Gschwindt, A. T. Jackson, W. C. Sparks, F. G. Hogland, I. H. Clark, H. C. Porter, A. J. Holtz, J. T. Peters, G. E. Hanson, J. E. Armstrong, John Camlin, H. B. North, Henry Hultberg, L. Fred Muller.

The Chamber of Commerce was not organized for the purpose of booming Rockford, but for the purpose of developing its natural advan- tages and to assist in every way possible in the enlargement of its manufacturing industries ; the improvement of its civic conditions, to work for anything which might be in the way of betterment for the city; to make Rockford the best place for the citizen, the business inan, the laborer, the manufacturer, and the home-seeker. In this respect it has aided materially in making Rockford the beautiful and progressive city that it is today. The officers have been active and, together with the members, have shown a spirit of co-operation which has culminated in many better things for the city, and to the fact that the Chamber of Commerce exists is due many improvements and the location of several industries which have been of notable value to the city. It not only has been active in its endeavors to secure new manufacturing indus- tries, but it has worked hand in hand with any organization which was endeavoring to improve conditions as they existed. It has also acted as host to numerous conventions, and to societies and delegations of visitors from other large cities. While it has not erected any monument to itself, yet its influence is felt in many direc- tions, and it is constantly in receipt of requests

917

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

for assistance in worthy causes that are taken up by the church and civic societies. It is always ready to co-operate with local organiza- tions in anything that will make Rockford better and more attractive to its own citizens and to those who live outside. At the time of organ- ization, the results to be obtained were prob- lematical, but with the indomitable Rockford spirit which pervades the entire community, the organization was able, by the earnest co-opera- tion of its members and of the city at large, to perform many things which have been of ines- timable value to the city.

MANUFACTURERS' AND SHIPPERS' ASSOCIATION.

On March 3, 1903, twelve of the leading busi- ness men of Rockford held an informal meeting for the purpose of discussing the advisability of forming an association of the various business interests of the city. The object was to con- serve the interests of the manufacturers and others of the city in every legitimate way, and at an adjourned meeting on March 4, 1903, the organization was perfected and the following officers elected :

P. A. Peterson, president ; H. F. Forbes, vice- president ; C. S. Brantingham, secretary ; T. D. Reber, treasurer. On May 13, 1903, it was decided to obtain the service of someone to con- duct the affairs of the association, and on May 13, 1903, J. M. Allen was appointed traffic manager of the association. Mr. Allen has been succeeded as secretary and traffic manager by C. B. Gregory and C. S. Bather.

The work of the association, while mainly pertaining to matters relating to transporta- tion, is sufficiently broad in its scope to take care of all other matters of interest to associa- tion members ; particularly legislation before the federal congress and the state legislature, and much good has been accomplished along these lines. Rockford is an important industrial cen- ter and is in need of an organization of this kind; it has been found as much a necessity as it has in other industrial cities of the country, as has been demonstrated by the results obtained in the past.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 54

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