Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 55

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 55

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ROCKFORD TRAFFIC CLUB.

The Rockford Traffic Club was organized November 9, 1915. The officers are: J. H.

Miller, traffic manager of Emerson-Brantingham Company, president; J. J. Carty, general agent of Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, vice-president ; L. E. Golden, assistant traffic manager of the Manufacturers' and Shippers' Association, secretary and treasurer. The pur- pose is to institute and maintain an educational campaign along traffic lines; and its meetings are to be a clearing house for industrial and railroad traffic matters. The club also aims to develop social interest and general good fellow- ship between men interested in freight traffic affairs.

ROCKFORD CLUB.

The first officers of the Rockford Club, which was formed "to bring together those interested in improving civic affairs, to advance the busi- ness interests of the city of Rockford, and promote sociability among its members," were : E. W. Brown, president; G. C. Purdy, vice- president ; Robert Lathrop, secretary; and Chandler Starr, treasurer. The directors were: F. L. Cleveland, J. August Carlstrom, B. Boll- man, C. S. Brantingham, Eugene F. Garey, P. A. Peterson, Levin Faust, H. C. Porter, John M. Clark and C. H. Wilson. The club was incor- porated February 13, 1909. The present officers are : President, H. S. Hicks; secretary, William D. Knight; treasurer, M. E. Baker. These men, with A. C. Brearley, T. B. Thompson, F. S. Datin, Frank J. O'Brien, W. H. Bruner, M. R. Harned, H. C. Porter and Levin Faust, consti- tute. the present board of directors.

The Rockford Merchants' and Business Men's Association was formed for the purpose of promoting collections. Its most notable work is the annual publication of a rating-book of credits. D. S. Coonrad, the secretary, prepares the ratings from information furnished by subscribers.

The East State Street Business Men's Asso- ciation was formed many years ago, but it is only recently that it lias become a real factor in business. Claude Dunlap is president and Alfred J. Christianson, secretary.

The Seventh Street Business Men's Associa- tion performs a similar function for that portion of the city. George E. Hauson is president and A. T. Ekeberg is secretary.

The Fourteenth Avenue Business Men's Asso- ciation is the latest society organized for mutual

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

business interests. The South Rockford Civic League and the West Rockford Improvement Association look after the interests of their respective sections.

The Rockford Bar Association had its origin in a banquet tendered the late Hon. Rufus C. Bailey, December 1, 1906, upon his retirement from the probate bench. A. D. Early, as chair- man of a committee, submitted a report at a meeting of attorneys at the courthouse January 16, 1907. This report was unanimously adopted and on February 4 the association was incor- porated. Charles W. Ferguson is president ; Harry B. Andrews, vice-president; Thomas E. Gill, secretary ; Blakeman B. Early, treasurer.

The Rockford Real Estate Board is composed of nearly all the agents in the city.

THE ROCKFORD WOMAN'S CLUB.

The idea of a Rockford Woman's Club was born in the minds of a few women whose efforts were at first only partially successful. The best expression of it that could be obtained in 1897 was the Rockford Federation of Women's Clubs, made up of one hundred and fifty women representing twelve existing clubs, namely : The Monday Club, the 'S4 Club, the Century Club, the Outlook Club, the Magazine Club, the Cur- rent Events Club, St. Mary's Reading Circle, Sorosis, the Current History Club, the Advance Club, Mothers' Study Club and the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

Mrs. Seely Perry was first president of this Federation, and it did valuable service for the community. In 1897 it managed with eminent success a Pingree potato patch for the relief of the unemployed of the city. It took up other forms of public-spirited work, among which was the employment of Mrs. Carl Grout as probation officer. This work was the first step which later led to the establishment of the Farm School for Boys by a group of people whose eyes had been opened to the need for it. Another im- portant feature of the Federation work was the aid with which it encouraged Miss Mary Foote, now principal at Jackson School, in her efforts against the sentiment of the school board to establish sewing instruction in the public schools.

After the Federation had been tried for seven years, in 1904 the demand for a distinct and independent woman's club was satisfied. The

Federation was recast into the Rockford Wom- an's Club, quite separate from those twelve original bodies, which still continued their existence. The women who served as president of the Federation are Mrs. Seely Perry, Mrs. Ella G. Root, Mrs. N. F. Thompson and Mrs. William A. Talcott.

The Rockford Woman's Club has had as its president since 1907, Miss Jessie I. Spafford, under whose devoted leadership the membership has grown from eighty-one to one thousand, with a waiting list of more than fifty women. The scope of the club work has broadened with increased numbers and its influence is such as cannot be ignored. Besides the cultural oppor- tunities which the club has furnished and is each week providing for its members through the best to be obtained in programs, it has reached out into unselfish service in other directions. One of these is the maintenance of a cafeteria lunch-room at the High School, which, since its establishment in 1905, has fur- nished the students with varied and nourishing noon-day fare at an average price of thirteen cents a meal.

Since 1913 the club has maintained its most altruistic venture, a social settlement on South Main street. It is named Montague House, for the original owners of the home, which the park board lends to the Woman's Club for the work. Here educational classes of all sorts for all ages, and wholesome recreation privileges, are ar- ranged for and carried through by the well-loved and efficient directors, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Thompson. This successful venture is made possible by the devoted efforts of the women on Montague House committee, led by Mrs. L. H. Clark.

The latest and largest undertaking in the club's history is the building of a permanent home. The club house is to be a memorial to the late Mrs. Ralph Emerson, whose children and grandchildren, together with Mrs. William A. Talcott and Mrs. Wait Talcott, are making possible the project by their gift of the site at the corner of Church street and Park avenue. The Emerson family is giving in addition the sum of $24,000, which is approximately two- fifths of the cost of the building. The remaining three-fifths is to be the gift of the club members. With such splendid equipment the club is mov- ing on to enlarge and better its already im- portant service to the community. Its proposed

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MRS. W. C. MURTFELDT

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

social service will include the agitation for a housing ordinance, recreation facilities and child welfare.

MONDAY CLUB.

The Monday Club is the oldest woman's literary club in Rockford. For nearly forty years it has done a work second to no organiza- tion of its kind in the country, and may be considered a brilliant example of what women are capable of accomplishing where there is real desire and determination. The club was organized in 1877, when a company of women responded to an invitation of Mrs. Harriet Sanford. Mrs. Caroline A. Brazee, who was then Miss Potter, was the first leader; and she and Mrs. W. A. Talcott are the only resi- dent survivors of the original membership.

THE 'S4 CLUB.

The 'S4 Club was formed in 1884 for the pur- pose of taking up the work of the Chautauqua Literary and Social Circle. The leaders were Mrs. L. L. Watson, Mrs. Julia P. Warren and Mrs. J. P. Perkins. When the Chautauqua work was completed in 1SSS other courses were ad- opted and the name changed to the "'84."

THE CENTURY CLUB.

In 1888 a company of women organized a class for the study of Robert Browning. Other fields of literature and history invited them and in 1891 the name was changed to the Century Club. Mrs. H. W. Taylor was the regular leader until her death, January 31, 1915. Mrs. William Dobson is president and Mrs. Eugene Sabin is recording secretary and treasurer.

CATHOLIC WOMAN'S LEAGUE.

In response to a call made by Rt .- Rev. P. J. Muldoon, bishop of Rockford, a number of Catholic women met at St. James' Hall, Novem- ber 21, 1909, to discuss the formation of a league. Two weeks later a temporary organiza- tion was formed. During this preliminary pe- riod great interest was shown and three guilds were formed for study, charity and music. These were active during the winter of 1909-1910. In April the league effected a permanent organiza-

tion. Miss Lillian Storen was chosen president, and Miss Margaret Hennessey, recording sec- retary. The objects for which the league was formed are social intercourse, intellectual improvement and a promotion of the higher interests of Catholic women. General meetings for all members are held quarterly. Bi-weekly meetings of the three guilds are held from October through May.

The work of the study guild consists chiefly of a series of lectures on the New Testament, and a discussion of books and current topics. The charity guild has in many ways become a great power for good. During each year the members make hundreds of pieces of altar linen which are distributed not only among the poor parishes of Rockford diocese, but many of them are sent to far distant missions. The guild also remembers the charitable institutions of Rockford at Christmas time; it makes and sends clothing to St. Vincent's Orphanage at Freeport, and aids families at home. The music guild provides a series of enjoyable programs each year. In March, 1913, the league joined the Federation of Catholic Societies of Illinois, which affiliation also means membership in the American Federation of Catholic Societies. The same year it was incorporated under the laws of Illinois. In April, 1915, it was affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs and participated in the meetings of that organization held in Rockford in November, 1915.'

The most important work of the league is the establishment of St. Elizabeth's Social Center. In September, 1911, a number of the members began to teach sewing to the children in South Rockford. Over fifty children were enrolled in the classes, which met in one of the homes at first, and later in Woodmen's Hall, which was kindly donated for this purpose. As the volun- teer workers who taught these classes became more familiar with conditions among foreigners in this section of the city, they advocated a continuation of the work. Early in the autumn of 1912 the league purchased the property at 1505 South Main street, which has since been known as St. Elizabeth's Social Center. Al- though the Center is maintained by the league, the control of its affairs is in the hands of a governing body of five persons, known as St. Elizabeth's house committee. Since the institu- tion of the Center Miss Alice C. Walsh has served as the efficient chairman of this com-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

mittee; and it is to her unceasing efforts in striving for the social, moral and religious uplift of humanity that Bishop Muldoon, the . spiritual director, and all members of the society feel that in great measure the success of the work is due.

Each year several hundred children have been enrolled at St. Elizabeth's. The work has grown until there are now classes in sewing for the children, dressmaking for the older pupils, cooking, music, and manual training. For the very young children of the neighbor- hood there are two kindergarten classes; one is conducted at the Center; the other has been transferred to St. Anthony's School Hall on account of lack of room at the former place. Each is in charge of a salaried worker, who is assisted by volunteers. There are several evening classes in all branches helpful to for- eigners. Some of these classes, too, on account of crowded conditions at the Center, are ineet- ing at St. Anthony's School Hall,

The Muldoon Club, consisting of over fifty Italian young men, was organized in 1915; there are also three clubs of Lithuanian young men.

During the summer months clinics have been frequently conducted under the direction of the Rockford Visiting Nurse Association. The matron of the Center and a visiting committee frequently visit the homes of newer citizens and report cases worthy of assistance. This important work of visiting has been carried on in connection with the Public Welfare Association, as the league has representation on the board and visiting committee of that organization.

The league now has a membership of more than four hundred. Miss Storen's successors as president have been : Miss Isabelle Duffey, Miss Margaret G. O'Brien, Miss Isabelle Duffey, second term. Miss Hennessey's successors as recording secretary have been: Miss Elizabeth Corcoran, Miss Maude Cavanagh, Mrs. Katherine Moley.

KING'S DAUGHTERS.

The Faithful Workers' Circle of King's Daughters was organized in 1889. For a time the circle was affiliated with the national organization; but local needs impelled it to withdraw, and it has since maintained an inde-

pendent existence. The work of the circle not only includes help to individuals, but aid is extended to such institutions as the Children's Home, Young Women's Christian Association, Farm School, Winnebago County Home for the Aged, and the City Hospital, in which a room is maintained.

As the city has grown, and the needs for charity have multiplicd, the membership has been increased from time to time, until the present limit is thirty. Vacancies are filled from a waiting list, a daughter or near relative of a member, however, being given preference. The officers of the circle are: Mrs. T. J. Der- went, president; Mrs. C. R. Mower, vice-presi- dent; Mrs. W. C. Pool, secretary and treasurer.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

Rockford Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution was organized October 23, 1894, with twelve members, as follows: Mrs. H. N. Baker, Mrs. Horace Brown, Miss Harriet Blake- inan, Mrs. Carrie Spafford Brett, Mrs. Luther Derwent, Mrs. Ralph Emerson, Mrs. Albert D. Early, Mrs. Byron Graham, Mrs. William E. Hinchliff, Mrs. William Lathrop, Mrs. Abby Warren Spafford and Mrs. William A. Talcott. Four of this number are living: Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Derwent, Mrs. Hinchliff and Mrs. Talcott. The chapter has 185 members, including seven- teen life members. The chapter has been served by the following regents : Mrs. Ralph Emerson, 1894-1897; Mrs. Horace W. Taylor, 1897-1899; Mrs. George Woodruff, 1899-1901; Mrs. Good- year A. Sanford, 1901-1902; Mrs. Carrie S. Brett, 1902-1905; Mrs. Luther Derwent, 1905- 1908; Mrs. William R. Franklin, 1908-1910; Mrs. William N. Taylor, 1910-1913; Mrs. Wil- liam Walton, May, 1913, to January 13, 1915; Mrs. Charles H. Godfrey, January 13, 1915, to May 24, 1915; Mrs. William A. Talcott, May, 1915, to May, 1916, when Mrs. Ella Giddings Root was chosen, There have been two "real daughters" connected with the chapter; Mrs. Mary Ann Harmon Meredith, died August 10, 1911, aged ninety-six years; Mrs. Malinda J. Roberts, died February 15, 1912.

Rockford chapter has expended for benevolent purposes, to date, $2,720.85. It has placed memorial tablets and markers in honor of sev- eral Revolutionary soldiers, given four large flags to the Temperance Guards, Farm School,

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Young Women's Christian Association and Chil- dren's Home, and 4,000 small flags to school children in the county.

In the summer of 1915 a nucleus was formed for a historical museum, and two cases have been placed in a room in Memorial Hall.

Two state conferences have been held in Rockford : the third, June 6, 1899, and the six- teenth, October 16, 1912. Mrs. William A. Tal- cott was state regent from 1899 to 1901. Miss Anna C. Butler is now registrar of the local chapter.

OUTLOOK CLUB.

The Outlook Club was organized in the autumn of 1892. Its original name was the Columbian, suggested by the great exposition in Chicago. When this name ceased to have special significance the club was re-christened the Outlook. Mrs. Caroline A. Brazee was the leader for many years, but for some time mem- bers have led in turn. Its work has been of high standard throughout its entire history. Mrs. Charles A. Church is president and Mrs. Daniel Lichty is recording secretary.

The Advance Club was formed for the purpose of keeping in touch with missionary activities throughout the world, and is composed of women from several churches. Mrs. Elizabeth Baume is president.

The Mothers' Study Club has been success- fully maintained for more than ten years and aims to give instruction in the care of children.

The Hearth Club is composed of residents of North Town.

THE BURNS CLUB.

The Burns Club is the oldest social club in Rockford. It was organized November 5, 1858, with thirty-six members, of whom D. S. Doig is the only survivor. The original officers were: William McGregor, president; John Belford, vice-president ; D. S. Doig, secretary ; John Mason, treasurer. The immediate purpose of the club was the celebration of the one hun- dredth anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. This event was celebrated January 25, 1859, in the Holland House, which had been recently completed. For fifty-seven years this club has annually observed the birthday of its illustrious patron saint. Walter S. Belford is now presi- dent and Duncan Bennett secretary.

GERMANIA GESANG VEREIN.

The Germania Gesang Verein was organized January 31, 1866, with twenty-five charter mem- bers. The only survivor is F. Kees, a retired banker of Omaha, Neb. Meetings were held for some years in Metropolitan Hall. Germania Hall, a valuable property on South Madison street, was formally dedicated January 8, 1891. Ad- dresses were made by Mayor Sherratt, Hon. J. Stanley Browne, Hon. E. W. Blaisdell, all of Rockford, and Mayor Nieman, of Freeport. The Germania celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its organization January 31, 1916. The Frauen- bund is a woman's organization allied with the Germania.

THE ROUND TABLE.

Two of the earliest literary clubs of the city have ceased to exist ; yet they have a place in the history of the city by reason of the promi- nence of their members. One of these is the Round Table, which was organized in 1872 with seven members: Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Talcott, Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Woodbury, Miss Clara Good- all, Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Woodbury. The membership at one time was about fifty. The meetings were always held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Talcott, and were of a private' nature. Invitations to membership were ex- tended by the host and Mrs. Talcott. It was under the auspices of the Round Table that several distinguished speakers visited the city. Among these were A. Bronson Alcott, Dr. John H. Barrows, Dr. Washington Gladden, Dr. H. W. Thomas, Dr. C. H. Richards, Prof. David Swing and President W. R. Harper, of the University of Chicago.

The second society to discontinue high-grade literary work was the Argonauts, which was organized in 1878. Bi-monthly meetings were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Emer- son. As a branch of the Woman's Union Mis- sionary Society it contributed liberally to the work in India and China. The active member- ship was at one time about forty, with an honorary list of seventy-five.

UNITY CLUB.

The Unity Club is one of the oldest in the city that has maintained a continuous existence. It was organized in 1884 and incorporated in

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

1SSS. The membership is largely, although uot exclusively, composed of atteudants at the Church of the Christian Uuion. The club has pursued a wide range of study, making excur- sious iuto the domains of history, science, literature, philosophy and religion. Two sections are now maintained, book review aud dramatic. An Emersou sectiou was popular for some years. Many notable people have beeu heard in Rock- ford under the auspices of the Unity Club. Among these were John Fiske, who delivered a lecture on Alexander Hamilton ; Ernest Crosby, Elbert Hubbard, Raymoud Robins, Rev. Jenkiu Lloyd Joues, Rabbi Stolz, Prof. Hudsou, author of "Law of Psychic Phenomeua," Arthur Ruhl, European war correspondent of Collier's, and Helen Kellar. Dr. R. G. W. Kinder is uow presideut of the club.

SVEAS SONER SOCIETY.

The Germans and the Scotch were not the only foreigu-boru citizeus to perpetuate the traditions of the mother country in social clubs. The Svea Soner Society, composed of Swedish- Americans, was organized January 23, 1890. The first president, A. G. Larson, held the office more than a score of years. He is uow suc- ceeded by Gustav H. Erikson. Of the original membership ouly four are still identified with the society. They are E. A. Normau, A. G. Larson, Peter Swenson and C. O. Lindell. Svea Hall, on the coruer of Third avenue and Seventh street, was dedicated in 1893. Joseph Wester- berg is now treasurer of the society.

COMMERCIAL CLUB.

The memory of the old Commercial Club has a historic interest, although it maintained a brief existence. It was organized Jauuary 7, 1891, and included in its membership many of the leading business men of the city. The first officers were: O. P. Trahern, president; T. D. Reber, vice-president : Paul Schuster, secretary and treasurer. The Butterworth home, on the site of Memorial Hall, was fitted up as a club house, and was a popular institution for some years.

ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY.

The Arts aud Crafts Society was organized April 7, 1905, at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth

Hatch, with five members : Miss Frances Walker, Miss Louise Conant, Miss Grace Braut- iugham, Mrs. Elizabeth Hatch, Mrs. R. K. Welsh, The object of the society was to promote haudicraft. The membership, although never large, was moved by a desire to stimulate inter- est in fiue and useful arts.

The first exhibit was held in a room in the Ashton block, December 6-7, 1905, and later exhibits were giveu. In 190S the society was granted the use of a stone cottage on North Maiu street by the owner, Ralph Emerson. This cottage was razed in October, 1911, and meetings were held during the winter at the homes of members. Iu 1912-1913 a room in the public library served as a meeting place. In the sum- mer of 1913 the Arts and Crafts Society rented the Gregory place on North Second road for a summer colony, and couducted classes in out-door sketching and woodcraft. In 1914 the rooms over the Orpheum at 11S North Main street were used for similar purposes and for exhibits.

ROCKFORD ART ASSOCIATION.

The Rockford Art Associatiou effected a temporary organizatiou at the city hall February 15, 1913; a permanent organization was com- pleted March 25, with the following officers : F. F. Wormwood, president; Rev. N. B. Clinch, first vice-president ; Rev. T. B. Thompson, second vice-president ; Mrs. Norman E. Catlin, record- ing secretary ; Mrs. H. H. Hamilton, correspond- ing secretary ; Mrs. D. M. Keith, treasurer ; Miss Anna Coy, gallery director.

The first exhibit of pictures was opened at the gallery, 114 West State street, February 2, 1913, and continued two weeks. Through the courtesy of Mrs. D. M. Keith and Mrs. E. P. Lathrop the association was able to secure a valuable col- lection of pictures from New York. By the generosity of Ralph Emerson the association became the owner of two large cauvases: "Old Covered Bridge," a winter scene, by Elmer Schofield, and "Beech Woods," by J. E. Bundy. The secoud exhibit opened March 15 of the same year, with pictures from the Artists' Guild of Chicago. The collection contained paintings and etchings of prominent artists of Chicago and northern Illinois. The third exhibit was held from April 1 to 12, 1913. During the first two exhibits more thau 10,000 people visited the

FREDERICK MUTIMER

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

gallery. Exhibits and lectures were given in 1914 and 1915. The association attained a membership of nearly six hundred.

The Rockford Art Guild is the result of an amalgamation of the Arts and Crafts Society and the Art Association, which was effected October 30, 1915. The officers of the Art Asso- ciation were retained as officers of the Guild, and officers of the Arts and Crafts Society were made members of the board of directors of the new club. Popular interest in the guild is maintained by lectures and exhibits. Member- ship is of three kinds, active, sustaining and family, each with its own separate annual dues.

UNIVERSITY CLUB.

The University Club of Rockford was formed at a meeting in the Nelson House ordinary, held on November 26, 1911. The following officers were elected : President, G .. C. Purdy ; vice-president, Dr. W. H. Fitch; secretary, W. S. Hays ; treasurer, R. M. Gibboney. These men, together with C. P. Briggs, Harry F. Forbes, Harry Severson, E. M. St. John, and Rev. R. B. Davidson, constituted the first board of direct- ors. It was largely through the efforts of W. S. Hays, the first secretary, that the club was organized, and he did an immense amount of work. The membership has shown a steady growth and now numbers about 180 men, includ- ing college and university men of all ages. The annual meeting of the club is held in December and monthly meetings are held during the year. The club has a weekly luncheon, gives an annual dinner and has an annual field day. Its annual holiday dance has established itself as the lead- ing society event of the year. Speakers of note are brought to the city from time to time. The present officers are : President, William D. Knight; vice-president, B. B. Early ; secretary, Frank A. Welsh ; treasurer, George C. Spafford. The directors are William D. Knight, B. B. Early, Frank A. Welsh, Roy H. Brown, Dr. W. H. Fitch, George P. Gallaher, J. C. Holderness, Carl A. Smith and Norman F. Thompson, Jr.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 55

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