History of Chicago. From the earliest period to the present time, Part 139

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 1340

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William McFarland was manager of Rice's Theater in 1856.

Public sentiment was no less divided in those days than in the earlier moments of the drama herc. A strong feeling of opposition was encountered by managers, who were obliged to contend against the disadvantage of limited numbers in point of attendance. As an indica- tion of this phase of antagonism, we quote from the Congregational Herakl of October 2, 1850, which edi-

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HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

torially said, as counsel to the parents of those who were attracted to the growing city of Chicago :

" We advise your sons who come to reside in the city not to attend the theater. Should they tell you that they must attend a few times in order to know what it is, we think it will not be difficult to show them that they have no need to attend for this reason. * * * No judicious parent would recommend his son to visit a liquor saloon a few times, and participate in its carousals, in order to know what it is. He surely would not advise him to try his hand at the gambling table, till he had lor himself experienced the effect of win- ning and losing, of cheating and lying. Nor could such a father advise his son even once to enter a den of ill-fame, that he might know from observation and ex- perience what it is ; and the same reasons which would dispense with an experimental knowledge in these cases would also excuse him from attending the theater even once. Not that the theater is, of necessity, so low a place as these others, and yet the same reasoning holds equally pertinent and conclusive. There is no reason that one should visit, in order to know, while the influ- ence of the first visit might be such as would never be shaken off. The first visit would, in most cases, lead to a second, and the second might introduce the series with all its train of cause and consequence. * * If, as many parents do, you have taught them [the sons] that it is always best they should touch and taste and see for themselves, even though the touch should be defiling, the taste poisonous and the sight polluting, they will doubtless on their taking up their residence in the city, feel at liberty to 'go the rounds;' and if they do so, when they have been once, they will be still more in- clined to repeat the circuit. This is the law, and if your sons do not follow it, they will come under the ex- ceptions and not the rule. We, therefore, cordially in- vite them not to go the first time. Visits to such places are a poor investment of time, and, in the most favor- able issue, bring no gain, but are often attended with incalculable loss. If entire bankruptcy of character and entire ruin of soul for time and eternity do not ensue in the case of your son, his will be one of the favored cases. We need men who, from principle, will be more diligent in business than others ; and yet who, in their diligence, will not bow down to the God of this world. * * We need more than Christian

statesmen. * * We need more who can stand at the very head of their departments in business, and at the same time be the support of all good institutions. * * But the foundations of such a character can never be laid in the theater."

C. W. Couldock, supported by Miss Woodbury and Mrs. Pennoyer, opened the year 1857 at Rice's, as Luke Fielding in the " Willow Copse." His repertory included " Richelieu," " Othello," "The Iron Chest," "Lear," and " School of Reform;" but in the character of Luke Fielding the most popular success was attained. This play was originally played by Madame Celeste ; but when she saw Mr. Couldlock in the leading role, she at once sent the manuscript to him as a token of her pro- found appreciation of his acting, and never afterward appeared in it.

The company, regularly employed in 1857, con- tained Mr. and Mrs. Mcfarland, Mrs. Marble, Mrs. Altemus, Mrs. P'ennoyer, Mrs. Linden, Miss Woodbury, Mr. Wright and Mr. Myers. The house was leased February 23 by Perry Marshall, and managed by J. G. Hanley.

The stars who held dates during the year, were J. W. Wallack, Jr., January 26; Mr. and Mrs. Florence,

February 10; Maggie Mitchell, for three weeks from February 23, with a constant change of bill, which did not include " Fanchon," as this was several years prior to her success in that character; Mrs. Farrem, March 16; Miss Irving, March 18; J. H. Hackett, March 30, in Rip Van Winkle, Falstaff and farces; Mr. Neafie, in tragedy, April 14; J. S. Wright, in comedy, with "Yankee" Robinson in his company ; Lola Montez. who failed as an actress, April 28, in the play " Lola Mon- tez in Bavaria," "Follies of a Night" and " Rosalie Boget;" lone Davenport, May 18; Couldock, as Louis XI, June 8; the Raval family and Blondin, July 1; MIr. and Mrs. Conway, August 3; F. S. Chanfrau, August 31; John Brougham, as Micawber, October 19; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, October 26.

Rice's theater then changed hands, William McFar- land becoming its lessee and manager, and U. P. Harris treasurer. The season of 1857-58 opened in November, 1857, with " The Corsican Brothers." Frank Lumbard sang the Star Spangled Banner, a song so popular with the actors and audiences that, from the night Mr. Har- dinge first sang it at the Baltimore Theater. October 19. 1819, no theater could be opened, apparently, without the introduction of the stirring melody.

The erection of McVicker's Theater in 1857 (for history of which see second volume of this work) and the opening of Metropolitan and Bryan halls, attracted . the more popular companies from this house. It grad- ually lost its hold on public favor, and in 1861 was converted into a business block.

The first regular bill-poster in the city. of whom mention is made, was S. C. A. Lattridge, who was in business in 1852.

MUSIC.

The history of music, in a high professional sense, begins at a comparatively recent date, subsequent to the period treated of in this volume, although in an amateur way it is coeval with the settlement of the city. Take from Mark Beaubien his famous fiddle and you deprive his memory of one of the most conspicuous adjuncts of his primitive life.

On the authority of statements made by Gurdon S. Hubbard and Hon. John Wentworth, it is recorded that the first piano brought to Chicago was the property of John B. Beaubien, probably in 1834. Soon after that date Mrs. J. B. F. Russell, Mrs. J. H. Kinzie and Sam- uel Brooks brought pianos here; to which number, as time rolled on, others were added by those who, besides their love for music, possessed the means to enable them to become the owners of instruments so costly as were pianos in those times. Undoubtedly the first musical organization in this city was the Chicago Har- monic Society, although the exact date of this institu- tion cannot be ascertained. It was, however, as early as December, 1835; for on the rith of that month it gave its first concert at the Presbyterian church, the proceeds going to the benefit of the association. As this was also without question the first public concert given in Chicago, the programme on that occasion is not without interest. It was as follows:

PART FIRST. The Allegro movement in the Overture to Lodoiska .. .. Krietzer. Wreath-Glee for three voices . Mazinghi.

" While with ceaseless course the Sun' . Webbe.

" Di tanti l'alpiti " . Rosini.

" Behold, how brightly breaks the morning" Masienello.

Sprig of Shillalah, with variations-Violin Solo. . Lewis.

"Oh ! Lady fair "-Glee for three voices .. Moore. Nightingale-Favorite Military Kondo.

"O, sing unto the Lord "-Anthem .. Whitfield.

. .

MUSIC.

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PART SECOND.

Soldier tired-Celebrated movement in Artaxerxes. The Muleteers-Duet.

La Flora Mozart.

Canadian Boat song-Glee for three voices.

"Away with Melancholy, " variations-Violin Obligato. ... Lewis. Deep Blue Sea-Glee for three voices.

Dead March in the Oratorio of Saul.

Schoolmaster-Glee for three voices-Basso Obligato-Violoncello Acompaniment.

To commence at half past six. Tickets 50 cents.

How long this society flourished it has also been impossible to ascertain, but its life was probably of short duration. In January, 1836, the records show that it gave its second concert at the Presbyterian church; after this it is not mentioned.

With the coming of Isherwood & Mckenzie, the theatrical managers in 1837 singing became more pop- ular; for between the plays, of which there were usually three given each night, ballet dancing and vocalization relieved the tediousness of "the waits." Among the most popular singers of those days was Joseph Jeffer- son. Jr., then a lad of about ten years. With the re- moval of the theater to the Rialto, on Dearborn Street, began not only the foundation of the drama in Chicago, but also of the musical art. The year 1839 was the most remarkable of any, from the settlement of Chicago to iS47, in point of dramatic representation; and music necessarily received from the prosperity of this kindred art a consequential benefit.

Among the very early notable managers who visited Chicago with a musical company was P. T. Barnum, who brought Master Diamond, a negro delineator, thirteen years of age, "Yankee " Jenkins, a tenor singer, Signor Marriotte and Falocinni. Three concerts were given at the Saloon, November 25, 26, and 27, 1840. John A. Still entertained the public at the Saloon, August 17, 1841, and during the dramatic engagement of Miss Por- ter and Mrs. Duff, at the theater, in March, IS42, mu- sic formed a special feature of the performances. The Chicago Sacred Music Society was instituted February 13, 1842. The officers were: B. W. Raymond, presi- dent: Benjamin Smith, secretary; T. B. Carter, treas- urer; Seth P. Warren, C. A. Collier. directors; W. H. Brown, E. Smith, executive committee. During the summer of 1842 Mrs. Powell played an engagement at the theater, and, although a tragedienne of no mean ability, that lady won the favor of her audience by her excellent singing. In fact, the local press of that time suggested the advisability of her lessening the tragic intensity of "Othello," on the occasion of the produc- tion of that play, September 14, by the rendering of "Strike the Light Guitar " between the acts. It is not recorded, however, whether the lady accepted the ad- vice or not. H. Cramer, who resided on Clark Street, between Washington and Madison, and Charles Sofftje, who lived with John H. Kinzie, were professsional in- structors in music in 1844. One T. B. Carter is also spoken of as the first singing master in Chicago, and although no date is given of his labors in this field of instruction. yet he was doubtless here several years he- fore either of the gentlemen above mentioned. Mrs. Strangman, organist at the Catholic church, gave a con- cent at the Saloon, January 5, 1843. The record for 1545 -hows that the Slater sisters, performers on the viola and violoncello, appeared at the Saloon January 23. In May Mr. Cutter and his company were at the Western Museum, and on the 12th of that month gave a concert at the Saloon. Master Howard, who was de- clared to be the "young Ole Bull," demonstrated his facility with the violin, at the Saloon, May 15, and Mr.

Hazelton conducted a concert December 22. Concerts were also given in this city, during the year by others whose names cannot now be recalled.

Hazelton and Clemens did much to foster musical tastes during the winter of 1845-46, and by repeated public entertainments of genuine merit, encouraged vocal and instrumental culture. Concerning the charac- ter of their entertainments. the Democrat, of Feb- ruary 18, has the following:

" Hazelton and Clemens's concert came off last night (Febru- ary 17, IS46), and the audience, which was large, was delighted with the performance; and if it is creditable to our community to patronize these efforts to excel and please on the part of our city, the performance was still more so as to the performers. It was an- nounced that the concert would be repeated again with variations. in both vocal and instrumental pieces, when those who lost the opportunity of hearing the rich melody last night, and those who . enjoyed it, will avail themselves of the rich treat."

An anonymous correspondent of the Democrat, under date of May 5, 1846, also wrote:

" I had the pleasure of being present at a private concert given by Mr. Hazelton and his juvenile choir, at the City Saloon, on last Saturday afternoon (April 26), and may safely say that all present were highly delighted. The Newhall family give high promise of becoming splendid vocalists. The two little nightingales, one only five and the other six years old, are charming creatures, and reflect great credit on their zealous and experienced instructor."

A society called the Choral Union was formed in 1846, with the following officers: A. D. Sturtevant, pres- ident; A. S. Downs, secretary; J. Johnson, first leader; S. P. Warner, second leader; J. A. Hosington, third leader The organization continued about two years.

A benefit was given Samuel Johnson, at the Univer- salist church July 2, 1847, on which occasion the pro- gramme was composed principally of ballads and glees. Mr. Wall, the blind harper, was at the Saloon July 15. A more imposing entertainment was that given at the court-house December 21, under Signor Martinez's di- rection. An orchestra of twelve pieces furnished the instrumental portion of the programme, and "a young lady, a celebrated vocalist from the East," whose name is lost to history in this connection, sang. The Signor himself astonished and delighted all by "holding a guitar in each hand and performing Mozart's melodies, waltzes, overtures and other popular airs." A "soiree musicale " was given by theb and of the steamer " Lou- isiana," five in number, at the Saloon, December 17; a " grand concert on the piano," at the theater, by B. Auguste Bode, December 27; and a plain concert by A. R. Dempster, assisted by local amateur talent, at the Saloon, January 5, 1847. A repetition of this perform- ance was requested by the citizens, January 19.

The Alleghanians, a troupe famous in their day, first sang here December 7, 1848. In May, 1848, a musical convention, composed of delegates from the various religious denominations in the city, was held in the First Baptist church. The object of the convention was to discuss for adoption the best measures for securing the advantages of a general musical education of the young of the city; the adoption of the study of music in the public schools, and the mode of conducting singing in church services. The officers of the convention, which met on the 9th, were: George Davis, president; I. D. Boone and S. P. Warner, vice-presidents; B. W. Thomas, secretary. A committee consisting of L. D. Boone, George Brown, S. D. Breed. C. B. Nelson and D). S. Lockwood, submitted the following resolutions, which were adopted as the sentiments of the convention:

I. Resolved, That music is naturally in the soul, and if prop- erly exercised, is one of the most powerful of all means used for the clevation, spiritually, of mankind.

2. That instruction in vocal music should begin in public and

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HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

private schools, and it is the duty of those who have the manage ment of them to provide for said instruction.

3. That exercise in vocal music is conducive to health, and all who have at heart the porrsical, as well as the spinal welfare of mankind, will advocate is study.

4 That like all choice blessings which are bestowed on man- Lind, through the beneficence of God, music, as well as other gifts, must be cultivated to insure the benefits resuhang thereirom

5. That the " musical ear," when possessed to any degree, may be improved by study, but cannot be produced where originally deficient.

6. That it is the duty of choirs to sindy sacred music, and as- sist im imparting to religious services that spark of devotion which their duty properly performed enables them to do.

It was also resolved that, in the opinion of the con- Tention, congregational singing was the most desirable method to be employed by religious bodies.

The Misses Newhall and Perry sang at Market Hall, March 22, 1849

Professor Nathan Dve's first juvenile concert, con- sisting of sacred music, was giren at the First Baptis: church, April 3, 1849. Rer. J. B. Tucker delivered a lecture on the importance of instructing children in the elements and practice of vocal music, during the even- ing.

The Empire Minstrels, a company composed of E. D. Palmer, J. F. Taunt, G. G. Snyder. I. Gardiner. E. L. Baker. R. H. Slicer. J. H. Goodrich. G. W. Vining. musical director, Williams & Hubbard, proprietors, gave an entertainment at the city hall, May 15, 182g. The special attraction was Sliter's " appearance in his popu- lar rattlesnake jig statue dance and Lucy Long in char- acter_"

The Alleghanians returned May :5. 18eg, and the Columbians Erst sang July 15 and 16. at the City Hall Conrad Charles Reisenger, a pupil of Ole Bull, was here in August, and David G. Griswold. aided by ama- teur vocalists, gave an elaborate concert September =;.

Mozar: Society was formed December 4 1849, by the members of the late Choral Union; C. N. Holden. president. At the initial meeting. the constitution of the defunct organization was adopted, with the excep- tion of the name of the society. The officers elected were: George Davis, presiden: ; A. D. Sturtevant, secre- tary and treasurer; A. Runyon, C. N. Holden, S. John- son, executive committe ; W. N. Dunham, first director: Frank Lumbard, second director: W. B. Alken, third director. It should bere be noted, tha: George Davis, Those name has already been mentioned in connection with several of the earlier leading musical organizations, was always an active and indefatigable worker in pro- moting the advancement of musical culture in the city. " He was himself a pleasing and popular singer, and was highly esteemed as a man and citizen by all who knew

During 1850 concerts were given by various travel- ling companies. Joseph Borke, violinist: Richard Hoff- man, pianist, and George Davis, vocalist, were at the court-bouse June 28. The Original Ethiopian Se :- enaders sang at the city hall September 24 A con- cert-room was opened in the Trem at Home, called Tremont Music Hall, in October. This room was one hundred by forty in size, and seventeen feet in height. and was " lighted by instreight burners in massive chandeliers" The manguration truk place on the zach of that month, by the first concert of the Philharmonic Society under Julius Drhrenfera. This society which bad just been organized was a most promising institu- tion, and the first concert. siren on the occasion jas: mentioned, was the first of a series of eight sul-cri;xion entertainments giren with the object (f placing the or- ganization un a permanent financial basis. Following

is the programme presented at the opening of :his new ball:

L Popouni -- Fille du Regiment Orchestz

2. 500g. (With vocal quartetde accompaniment )

Violoncello Sole. Carlino Lensen

Comic Sung and Chores

Weinman.

The " Chicago Wahz". Composed for the occasion-Orchestra

Tocal Trio ... .Messrs. Davis, Lumbard and D'unnam

7. Polka-French Song. Orchestra

E. Medley Overteres (Negro Ais). Orchestra

9. French Grand Chorus. .. ... ..

(With full orchestral accompaniment, arranged from " Precisa."

" November 20, the Alleghanians were at Tremon: Hall, and December 6 and : Tam Wormer's Minstrels A company bearing up nader the terrific name of the Campanologians, with Herr Freebersbrer and his three sons gate a performance. Mrs. Reigaolds and he: daughter, Miss C. M. Reigaolds, sang in concer. De- cember 23, and on the ofth, Frank Lombard's Gley Club delighted the public.

In 1851, the Baker family was the first troppe to ap- pear, singing at Tremont Hall January 2. On the same date Julies Dyhrenforth began a series of proo- enade concerns on Tuesday evening of each week at the City Hall The order of exercises at these con- certs was Ers. music. then promenading, after which dancing closed the entertainment I: was pos long natil the young people became more interested in das- cing than in the music and came so late to the cooperts that Mr. Drbrenfurth wisely discosmed: haie =

The Kimiste family, consisting of father and three daughters, gere a concert at Warmer's Hall January 1. 18:2. Mr. Weinman also gare subscription concerts in Dearborn Park during the summer eretings of I6:1 and 18:2. The second series of Prof. Julius Dyhren- furth's subscription or Philharmonic concens began Jamey 5, 1852, at Tremon: Hall and entertainments were given from time to time at brief intervals dotter the rear. Among the number Henry Ahner also gave a series of concerts at Old Metropolitan Hall.

The professional musical events of the year 185: were : February 2. Malome Raymond and family, Tre- mont Hall; the Blakely family. Februar ;, at Tre- mon: Hall : Rose Jacques, vocalist Henry squires. tenor. and Herr Brandeis, in concer. z: Tremoct Hall April ;. an occasion remembered as one of the most satisfactory to the public of those early days : Miss Greenfield " The Black Swan" Apal == at Tremos Hall: Kunkel's Minstrels, a: Chr Hall Mer 13. 1: aod 15 ; Catherine Hares, in concerts at Tremo =: Hall June 21 and 23 : Alfred Howard, the violinist mbose first appearance here was in ilgs. when but a lad, July I: : Momsien: and Madame Thillom Frederick Homes and Mr. Hodson. at Tremos: Hall, Juir 16, ic concerts: Mrs. Emma G. Bostwick, who became a fomerze with Chicago people, assisted in maven Arme a by Heury Appr. the pored rioliais: Felix 1. Era Ein amu and Herr Herid, piscis_ a popul of Mendeli: Nathan Dre's music class Assas 5. at the louianz- street Methodis: Episonpal church : Mirs. D.cinci's second cocer a: Temne: Hall Au == s: 6. co which event the Ilmocra: sad : - Mrs. Boxwick Sas actiered one of the Greatest triumphi ever obtained by a pablo singer in this city." Felix Simon, riominix Anges 16 : the Baker family. at Tremon: Hall Acree 16: M: Kummerer's jureste dass of two beadded payela. Sen- fermher ge, at the (Ty Hall : Campbell. Minstrels. Tre-

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MUSIC.

directed by William B. Bradbury, and lasting three days, at Warner's Hall, beginning October 26 ; Camp- hell's Minstrels, return engagement, October 15 and 16; John Muir, the Scottish vocalist, aided by Mr. and Mrs. Kerrigan, November 6 ; and Well's Minstrels, beginning December S, lasting one week.

FIRST OPERA IN CHICAGO .- The first opera season in Chicago was inaugurated unuer what were far from flat- tering auspices, and its duration was confined to a very smail part of a single evening's entertainment. On the evening of July 30, 1850, an opera company consisting of Mr. Manvers, Mr. Guibelei, Mr. Lippert and Miss Brienti, assisted by a home-chorus and orchestra, began the first season of opera ever given, or rather ever attempted, in this city. The piece for the opening night was " Son- nambula," and the place of presentation Rice's first theater, located on Randolph Street. A fair audience was present to witness this initial performance and everything had progressed smoothly until the rising of the curtain on the second act. At this juncture the alarm of fire was given, and in an hour's time, the thea- ter in which the opera was progressing lay in ashes, in- volving a loss to its owners of over $4.000 .* Thus ab- ruptly terminated, before it had even fairly begun, the first opera season in Chicago. Undaunted by his ill- fortunes, Mr. Rice soon purchased a lot on Dear- born Street, and immediately began the erection of a new theater. From this time until in October, 1853, no operas were given. The second season of this class of entertainments began in Rice's new theater on the 27th of October, 1853, and lasted one week. The company was the Italian Opera Troupe from New York. In the Democratic Press preceding the opening of the season the following card from the manager of the troupe is found :

" The undersigned, acting in the name and in behalf of Ma- dame De Vries and Signor L'Arditi, known by the name and style of the Artists' Association, has the honor of calling the attention of the musical community and of the citizens of Chicago in general, to the fact that he has made arrangements with Mr. Rice, the man- ager, to have the Italian Opera Troupe on Thursday evening, Octo- ber 27, at the Chicago Theater, to perform the opera, in three acts of "Lucia di Lammermoor." The undersigned begs leave to intro- duce the following artists : The grand prima donna, Signorina R. De Vries, the favorite tenor, Signor Pozzolini, the tenor Signor Arnoldi, the comprimaria, MIme. Sidenbourg, late of Madame Al- bani's troupe, the unrivaled baritone, Signor Taffenelli, and the eminent basso, Signor Calletti. Also a grand and efficient chorus, and grand orchestra. This great company numbers over forty members, the whole under the most able direction of the distin- quished maestro, Signor L'Arditti.

C. POGLIANI.

The leading characters in the opera were cast as fol- lows :

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History of Chicago. From the earliest period to the present time, Part 139

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas Number of Pages: 1340

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 1340