USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois : being a general survey of Cook County history, including a condensed history of Chicago and special account of districts outside the city limits : from the earliest settlement to the present time, volume I > Part 55
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A little later Mrs. Coleman Pope entertained the public with "Dream at Sea," "Forty Thieves" and other dramas.
The Druid Home Players gave an interesting exhibition here in September. About the same time Kimball's Nightingale Ethiopian Opera Troupe entertained the public.
In September, 1851, the celebrated American tragedian Mr. Bu- chanan came here for a series of plays. The press of that date pronounced him as strong as Kean, Kemble and McCready. One of his plays was "A New Way to Pay Old Debts."
In September, 1851, R. Sands & Co.'s large circus and menagerie gave an exhibition in a tent. About the same time the Raymond family, famous character delineators and musical specialists, gave a number of interesting entertainments.
Late in September, 1851, a memorable musical convention was held in this city at Warner's hall. It was conducted by Lowel Ma- son, the famous musical composer of Boston ; Mr. Wm. B. Bradbury was also in attendance. The latter taught a class of musical teachers in this convention.
In October, 1851, Bonyton and Thurston announced that they would on a certain date make an ascension in their immense balloon "Jupiter." This balloon was inflated in the Bridewell enclosure at Wells and Third streets. The date of ascension was about October 25. The balloon was inflated with 65,000 gallons of hydrogen gas and an admission fee to see the process of inflation was charged.
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It was stated that 2,000 pounds of sulphuric acid and 1,500 pounds of iron were used to generate the hydrogen gas. The cost of the ascension was between $300 and $400. The balloon was eighty feet in circumference, thirty-six feet high and contained 400 yards of silk.
In October an important musical festival was held. The leading singers were Mlle. Teresa Parodi, Mlle. Amelia Patti, prima donna contralto; Mr. Arthurson, tenor; Maurice Strakosch, pianist. This festival was held at Tremont hall and was attended by the best peo- ple of the city.
In October, 1851, Miss Julia Bennett appeared here in repertoire.
In the spring of 1852 Dan Rice's famous circus erected a large tent. His performances were crowded to suffocation. During the summers of 1851 and 1852 Weinmann's famous brass band gave public concerts in Dearborn park on the lake front.
In June, 1851, the Chicago Temperance League was organized. It was proposed at the time to raise $100,000 to be devoted to the suppression of intemperance.
During the winter of 1851-2 the Chicago Relief society was very active in assisting unfortunate and poverty-stricken persons in this city. The proceedings of this society were a credit to all connected with the movement.
In 1853 Welsh citizens organized the Ancient Britain's society of Chicago and began with a membership of about twenty-five. This year, also, the Printers' Union was reorganized with James Camp- bell as president, Frances Belfoy, secretary, and Joel Kiddey, treas- urer.
In April, 1852, Mlle. Rosa Jacques appeared here in grand con- cert. She was supported by Henry Squires, tenor, and Herr Brandeish, pianist. About the same time Miss Greenfield, colored, appeared here as "The Black Swan," under the management of Colonel Wood. She was a renowned soprano singer with a voice of extraordinary power and compass. At this time, also, Runkle and Nightingale's Ethiopian Opera Troupe gave a series of enter- tainments, among which were "O, Susanna," "Wait for the Wag- on," and "The Old Sexton." At this date Mrs. Warner, a trage- dienne, appeared here as "Lady Macbeth" and also in "Winter Tale" and "Wrecker's Daughter." In power and effect she was compared to Mrs. Siddons, Miss O'Neal and Mrs. Fawcett. In June Miss Julia Dean again appeared in her attractive and famous characterizations. In June also Van Amburg and Raymond's United Menagerie appeared here in a large tent. They gave three exhibitions daily to crowded houses. In this month also the great United States circus entertained the Chicago public; and a little later Older's circus exhibited in a tent at Wabash avenue and Lake street.
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In August, 1852, Mrs. Emma G. Bostwick appeared here in grand concert. The newspapers of that date praised her perform- ances greatly. At this time also Miss Julia Bennett again appeared as "Lucille," and in "As You Like It," "Satan in Paris," "Twelfth Night," etc.
In August, 1852, the Milwaukee and Chicago Cricket clubs played a match game in this city. It was won by the latter club. At this date Thomas Holbrook was secretary of the Chicago club.
At this time, on the Chicago race course, the horse Chicago Jack trotted against the horse Wisconsin, three best in five mile heats, for a purse of $1,000, and won.
In October, 1852, Dyhrenfurth's promenade concerts were again enthusiastically attended by the Chicago public. So great was the patronage of these concerts that Mr. Dyhrenfurth was compelled to limit the membership and attendance to 150 persons. At this time Felix Simon endeavored to imitate Dyhrenfurth's concerts and par- tially succeeded. He had an orchestra of twenty instruments, but failed to win the favor of the Chicago public as Mr. Dyhrenfurth had done.
In 1852 "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was exhibited here to crowded houses. W. L. G. Smith, a Southerner by training, prepared a play entitled, "Uncle Tom's Cabin As It Is," representing a different phase of the negro status in the South than that given by Mrs. Stowe. However, his play and his views were not accepted by the North and in a short time his company was disbanded. It was at this time that the story "Uncle Tom's Cabin" created a remarkable furor in England particularly, and also on the Continent. In America it was a permanent sensation.
In October, 1852, the Milwaukee and Chicago Cricket clubs had another match game near Bull's Head tavern, between Madison and Randolph streets, near Union park. This game was won by the Chicago club. Mr. Loomis was owner of the grounds where the game was played.
In October an instructive musical convention assembled in this city under the direction and management of the celebrated musical composer, William B. Bradbury. The convention met in Warner's hall and was attended generally by the music lovers of Chicago. It was a great encouragement to musical education.
About this date also Herr Alexander, the wizard and magician, entertained the Chicago public with a bewildering display of sup- posed mystery. Mr. Neaffie appeared here in October in "Othello," with Mr. Hanley as "Iago" and Mrs. Rice as "Desdemona." About the same time Mr. Collins, the famous Irish comedian, entertained local theater-goers. He appeared in "Teddy the Tiler," "McShane,"
In November, 1852, The Chicago Philharmonic society gave its first general public rehearsal at Warner's hall. The society received the enthusiastic patronage of the Chicago music devotees.
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In December, 1852, a new version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," dram- atized by Mrs. Anna Marble, was presented in this city for the first time. Mrs. Marble herself appeared as Mrs. Shelby. It should be noticed in this connection that when "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was first presented in dramatic form, the character of Topsy did not appear in the play. It was several years before that character was introduced. In Mrs. Marble's dramatization Topsy was not represented.
In December, 1852, Horace Mann lectured here before the Young Men's association on "Young Men," "Woman," and other subjects. At this date Mr. Mann was representative in Congress from Massa- chusetts. Prior to this date and later he distinguished himself as an educator and humanitarian.
On January 18 Mr. Dyhrenfurth presented the ninth of his series of soirees to the Chicago public at Irving hall. His orchestra selec- tions were from Beethoven, Meyerbeer, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, etc.
He instituted a fancy dress soiree which elicited the most un- bounded praise of the press and the extravagant enthusiasm and delight of all who were graciously permitted to attend. Each sub- scriber or patron was required to appear in appropriate character costume. Captain Von Schneidau was his dignified master of cere- monies at this date. This musical presentation and parade had the unbounded approbation of Chicago art, music and society lovers.
In February, 1853, Mr. McVicker's new theater, which had been thoroughly reorganized and refitted, was opened for a series of entertainments. It had been closed for two months. Under the new arrangement the pit was transformed into a parquet.
Perhaps the most important event in the musical circles of Chi- cago prior to the Civil war was the appearance here in April, 1853, of the company of M. Strakosch. Among this talented company were Ole Bull and Adelina Patti. This was considered an event of such importance that Chicago music lovers were notified weeks in advance of the appearance of these celebrated artists. Maurice Grau was advance agent of the company. Ole Bull played "A Mother's Prayer," "Witch Dance," "Grand National Fantasia," "Carnival of Venice," etc. His marvelous rendition of these mas- terpieces completely carried away the immense audience. Adelina Patti sang "Cavatina," selections from "La Somnambula," "Coming Through the Rye," "Echo Song," etc. Her singing was a divine revelation to the people of Chicago. The marvelous sweetness, beauty, power and compass of her voice and her effective and en- chanting manner of singing kindled tumultuous applause. Mr. Strakosch was the pianist. He played selections from "William Tell," etc. The admissions at this entertainment were $1 and $2, depending on the location. Amelia Patti, an elder sister of Adelina, was the wife of Mr. Strakosch; she appeared in songs and charac- terizations during the entertainment.
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In May, 1853, the Swiss Bell Ringers presented an attractive en- tertainment. Martin B. Coombs gave an interesting series of Shakes- perean readings. The Germania Musical society entertained music lovers at Tremont hall.
During the summer of 1853 Neal Dow, of Maine, lectured here on the subject of "Temperance." It was at this date that a dis- tinctive political party based on the subject of temperance was formed, and a candidate for mayor, Mr. Throop, was nominated. In July, 1853, S. M. Brooks, sculptor, of Chicago, made a fine bust in plaster of Mr. Kilbourn, of Milwaukee. In July, 1853, Barnum's famous show appeared here. Gen. Tom Thumb was among the at- tractions ; another was "The Gorgeous Car of Juggernaut Drawn by Ten Elephants." Mr. Barnum called his show the 'Colossal Mu- seum and Menagerie."
At this date Bell's Commercial College had a circulating library of about 2,000 volumes. It was well patronized by Chicago readers.
In September, 1853, the Chicago Musical Conservatory enter- tained the citizens in a variety of performances. Otto Stannis was pianist and professor of music. He conducted the public enter- tainments of the conservatory.
In September, 1853, the Chicago and Milwaukee Cricket clubs again played a series of match games. The first day Milwaukee won by 144 to 88 and the second day repeated the defeat by 154 to 127. These defeats served to awaken the flagging energies of Chicago, and never again was this city beaten at cricket by Mil- waukee. In December, 1853, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was again pre- sented at McVicker's theater. J. H. Mc Vicker was stage manager. Christy's Nightingale Serenaders were here in December, 1853.
In October, 1853, Chicago music lovers were entertained for a week with Italian opera. Among the performers were Madame Rosa De Vries, Madame Sontag, Signor Pozgolini, Signor Coletti, Signor Arnoldi and Mlle. Leidenburg. They rendered in perfect style "Norma" and "La Somnambula," etc.
In December, 1853, Horace Greeley lectured before the Young Men's association on "Reforms and Reformers." Lucy Stone also lectured on "Legal and Political Disabilities of Women."
In January, 1854, a branch organization of the Maine Law Alli- ance, a temperance organization, was established in this city. Its membership embraced the leading men and women of Chicago and vicinity. They first assembled in South Market hall and during 1854 were the most powerful social and political factor in the city.
In January, 1854, Rev. Theodore Parker, of Boston, lectured before the Young Men's association. At this time the Philhar- monic society entertained all music lovers with choice selections. William H. Channing, James Freeman Clark, John G. Saxe, Bay- ard Taylor, Ralph W. Emerson, Horace Mann, George W. Curtis, E. P. Whipple, Bishop Potter, W. H. C. Hosmer and others lec-
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tured before the Young Men's association during the winter of 1853-54. At the conclusion of the lecture season the association announced that it had a surplus of $809.71.
In April, 1854, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," as dramatized by George L. Aiken, was presented here and the character of "Topsy" was delineated for the first time to a Chicago audience. This drama- tization became by far the most popular of that celebrated story. The character of "Topsy" captured the merriment of everybody. At this time interesting entertainments were given at Wood's mu- seum. In June, 1854, Miss Kimberly appeared here as "Hamlet." This was the second time that character was ever presented in Chi- cago by a woman.
Negro minstrelsy was extremely popular throughout the West during the '40s and '50s. E. P. Christy did much, perhaps more than anybody else, to improve and render popular entertainments of that character. He began as early as 1842 and retired in 1853 with a surplus, it was said, of $160,873. In 1850 he made over $26,000 and about the same in 1852.
In October, 1854, D. Thielck was a successful teacher of paint- ing and other forms of art here. He had been a student of the Royal Academy in London. In October, 1854, Ole Bull appeared here again during a grand musical festival conducted by the local musical societies. Decorative painting was taught here by Martin and MacLean in December, 1854. At this time there was adver- tised for sale a splendid collection of oil paintings obtained in the markets of Europe. The sale was conducted at South Market hall and the paintings were put up at auction. It was said that several masterpieces in this collection were sold to Chicago art lovers. H. Park Goodwin, editor of the New York Post and Putnam's Magazine, lectured before the Young Men's association on "The Future Republic." He was the author of the famous article, "Our Parties and Politics," which had appeared in the East some time before. About this time, also, Fred Douglas lectured at Metropoli- tan hall.
Late in 1854 an art gallery was opened in the Metropolitan build- ing by Alexander Hessler. He was probably at this time the best photographer in the West. Early in 1855 "Uncle Tom's Cabin," with "Topsy" and all the other renowned characters, was again presented. Cordelia Howard, a child phenomenon, represented "Little Eva." In February, 1855, Mr. C. Evarts gave an entertain- ment of select readings from his own poems.
In March, 1855, the officers of the Chicago branch of the Maine Law Alliance were: N. S. Davis, president; B. W. Raymond, vice-president; A. G. Throop, treasurer; and George F. Foster, secretary.
In May, 1855, Mrs. Macready entertained the Chicago public with dramatic readings from Shakespearean tragedies, "The Vol. I-33.
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Raven,' etc. About this time Miss Greenfield, the colored song- stress, again appeared here. It was noted at the time that her voice had a compass of four full octaves, or a total of thirty-one notes. About this time, also, Mr. Collins, the Irish comedian, ap- peared here in songs, etc. He sang "A Man's a Man for a' That," "Widow Macree," "The Bowld Sojer Boy," etc. About this date excellent portraits of several Chicagoans were painted by William E. McMaster, an artist of unusual genius.
In June, 1855, a trotting match occurred on the Garden City course, which was located near Cottage Grove. The purse was $500, two-mile heats, best two in three in harness, the wagons weighing 250 pounds. The horse O'Blennis won from Tom Hyer in 6:24 and 6:19. At the same meeting the horse Reindeer won three straight heats from Fanny Wood, best three in five, for a purse of $200. The best time was 2:45. At the same meeting Chicago Maid trotted against Douglas and won, the best time being 2:52.
In September, 1855, the famous New Hampshire family of Hutchinsons appeared here with their beautiful songs. Among the family were Judson, John and Asa. They were the most remarka- ble singers of that era of good voices and musical development. In September, 1855, E. St. Alary painted excellent portraits in pastelle of a number of Chicagoans.
In October, 1855, Henry Ward Beecher lectured before the Metropolitan Literary Union on "Patriotism" and "Love of Power Among Men."
At the State fair held here in September, 1855, William E. Mc- Master, portrait painter, took several premiums. At this date Mr. Hessler conducted one of the best photograph galleries in the city. He furnished daguerreotypes and ambrotypes, the latter being an invention on glass of a recent date.
In October, 1855, at Metropolitan hall, Paul Julian and Adelina Patti appeared in a series of musical entertainments. The general admission was $1, best seats $2. The hall would not hold all who desired to hear them and were willing to pay the price.
In November, 1855, Benjamin F. Taylor read his poem "Going" at an entertainment in connection with a lecture delivered by Rev. D. Eddy. At this time also John B. Gough lectured here on the subject of "Temperance."
In November, 1855, a large musical convention of a week's dura- tion was conducted here by Professor Baker, of Boston. Every musician of note in the city participated in this feast of music.
It was customary in the fall of 1855 for the people of Chicago to promenade every Saturday and Sunday afternoon along Lake park from Randolph to Twelfth street. It was the the principal prome- nade at that date and every evening was thronged with the élite of the city.
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In December, 1855, David Hall Brown lectured before the Young Men's association on "The Passions." It was at this time also that the entertainments at North's amphitheater became fam- ous. The entertainments were after the fashion of an indoor cir- cus, where feats of riding, etc., were enjoyed. In December the riding of Mlle. Marie, whoever she may have been, was considered something marvelous.
Late in December, 1855, the Chicago Phrenological society was visited by Prof. O. S. Fowler, the famous phrenologist, who deliv- ered a course of lectures on that subject to large audiences. At this date Rev. J. Starr King lectured before the Young Men's asso- ciation on "Sight and Insight." Prof. T. W. Dwight also lectured on the subject, "Men of Books and Men of the World."
In February and March, 1856, the foot races at North's amphi- theater attracted the universal enthusiasm and patronage of the sporting fraternity of Chicago.
During the winter of 1855-56 the Young Men's association greatly increased the attractiveness and utility of its reading room. Newspapers and periodicals from all parts of the world could be perused there.
In March, 1856, Healy and McMasters, artists, held public recep- tions at their studios, where numerous paintings and other art works of high merit were on exhibition.
In the spring of 1856 the Chicago Philharmonic society gave a series of brilliant and well-patronized concerts. The music of the Alleghanians, a minstrel troupe, was enjoyed at this date.
In March, 1856, the Chicago Theater company included the fol- lowing members: J. H. McVicker, John Brougham, J. E. Mur- doch, Mr. Chanfrau, J. E. Wallack, Mr. Davenport, Miss Alber- tine, Miss Maggie Mitchell, and others.
On March 25 another foot race of Chicagoans occurred at North's amphitheater. The runners werc compelled to make the circuit fifteen times, the distance being 115 feet over one-third of a mile. A man named Logan won the race in 1:43 and Mr. Ottig- non was second in 1:44.
In April, 1856, the German theater on the North side, at Wells and Indiana streets, was formally opened to the public. At this time Christy's Minstrels appeared at North's amphitheater, which was situated on Monroc strect on the South side.
During the winter of 1855-56 the lecturers before the Young Men's association were as follows: . Bishop Clark, George Sumner, Professor Felton, Wendell Phillips, Rev, William H. Milburn, the blind preacher; S. S. Cox, Rev. Dr. Eddy, James Russell Lowell, the poet; Professor Hitchcock, Rev. A. L. Brook, Rev. E. H. Chapin, Rev. T. Starr King, Professor Dwight, and others. At this date the Young Men's association was the most powerful social and literary organization in the West. It had a membership of
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1,554 of the best citizens of Chicago, of whom 625 were added during the winter of 1855-6. In their library were 3,250 volumes and in the reading room more than 100 newspapers and magazines.
In April, 1856, a splendid circus was on exhibition at North's amphitheater. The Campbells exhibited at Metropolitan hall. In May the Garden City race course on the lake front at Cottage Grove was thrown open for a week. The best time made by trot- ting horses was about 2:34. Among the trotters were the follow- ing: Reindeer, Fanny Wood, Lady Kate and Chautauqua Chief. The trots were usually in mile heats, best three in five, for a purse of $200. At this time the races were patronized by the wealthiest and most exclusive men and women of the city.
In May, 1856, music patrons were regaled with a splendid musical festival held at Metropolitan hall. All citizens of Chicago musically inclined participated in this attractive festival. They rendered in excellent style George F. Root's splendid composition, "Flower Queen, or The Coronation of the Rose," a cantata, given under the direction of Messrs. A. Mareschal and W. H. Currie. William Burkhardt's famous band, with silver instruments, fur- nished the orchestral music.
In June, 1856, Mr. Strakosch and his splendid company again made their appearance before Chicago audiences. Among his talented artists were Ole Bull, Sig. Parodi and Adelina Patti. A little later Emmett's minstrels gave an enjoyable entertainment in Metropolitan hall.
It was in the summer of 1856 that the lovers of amusement demanded the construction of a new theater. The best one then in existence had been built five years before, and as the city bad tripled in population it was demanded that a new and up-to-date theater should be erected. North's amphitheater had been remod- deled and reopened, but did not meet the artistic requirements of critical Chicagoans. The amphitheater was renamed National theater, and the lease was taken by Charles Thorne, an actor. Mr. Thorne had previously exhibited at North Market hall, which he named National theater, but after securing the lease to North's amphitheater he called the latter by that name.
In August, 1856, Miss Matilda Heron appeared at Rice's thea- ter as "Camille" and as other characters. The newspapers spoke very highly of her characterizations. At this date W. McFarland was manager of Rice's theater.
In August, 1856, a trotting meeting was held at Brighton race course. The best time made at this meeting was about 2:35.
In September, 1856, at the German theater on the North side, was given the first operatic performance ever rendered in the city wholly by Chicago people. Previous to this date operatic perform- ances had invariably been presented by performers from abroad, though sometimes they had been assisted by Chicago singers and
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actors, but this performance at the German theater was wholly by Chicagoans. It was a comic operetta and was pronounced a suc- cess. In the fall of 1855 a Mr. Robbins conducted here a success- ful cantata and repeated the same at Metropolitan hall in the fall of 1856, much to the gratification and delight of a select coterie of Chicago music lovers.
In September, 1856, the celebrated gallery of paintings owned by Mr. Coleman, of Buffalo, was placed on sale here at auction. Among the collection were several masterpieces. In October the famous oil painting, "An English Farm," was placed on exhibition in this city. The Democratic Press of October 30 said: "It is without doubt the finest painting ever brought to Chicago."
In September, 1856, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence appeared in repertoire at Rice's theater.
In September the Chicagos defeated the Milwaukees at cricket in this city. About the same time, at the Garden City race course, there was an exciting contest between Indian runners and horses. Previous to this date, at Buffalo, the horses had defeated the In- dians in a running match; but in 1856, in this city, the Indians outran the horses, the former covering three and one-quarter miles and the latter six miles.
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