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 56
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In October, 1856, the famous actor James E. Murdock appeared here in a series of plays. He was well patronized, because Chicago theater-goers admired and enjoyed his delineation of Shakespear- ean and other characters.
In 1856 the musical compositions of William B. Bradbury had begun to attract the attention of the artistic public throughout the West. His books of church and society music were selling very extensively in Chicago.
In 1856 the art of photography had so far progressed that artists here were producing excellent results and satisfying the taste of Chicagoans.
Late in 1856 the equestrian ring in North's amphitheater on Monroe street was transformed into a stage and wholly reorganized and changed. The stage constructed was 42 by 100 feet, and the hall as a whole was 93 by 200 feet. It was renamed "North's Na- tional Amphitheater." In November, 1856, modern dramas were exhibited there to immense crowds.
In November, 1856, Mr. P. Stanton did excellent work in oil painting in this city. In December, 1856, Wendell Phillips lec- tured on the anti-slavery movement at Metropolitan hall. Almost the entire city turned out to hear him during the week that he was here. A little later Dr. Boynton lectured on special geological sub- jects. At this date Leonard W. Volk was in Italy, but had an- nounced his intention of locating in Chicago and of engaging in the business of sculpture. George D. Prentiss lectured here about this time, as did Horace Greeley on the subject of "Europe." Elihu
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Burritt also lectured before the Young Men's association at this date. He was known as the "Learned Blacksmith."
In January, 1857, Fannie Kemble appeared in a series of dramas at Metropolitan hall. J. W. Couldock appeared at the Chicago Opera House. The famous Ravels came here at this time. North's Amphitheater continued to be well patronized. In January, 1857, Mrs. Macready gave thrilling dramatic readings, among which was Ann S. Stephens' "A Polish Boy."
Early in 1857 John B. Gough delivered a series of temperance lectures in this city, which were followed by the organization of the Chicago Temperance society with a membership of over 500. In February, 1857, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was presented at North's, or the "National Theater," as it had begun to be called. Joseph Proctor appeared in tragedy at North's amphitheater about this time. The Hutchinson family, famous singers, were here in March, 1857. In the spring of 1857 a grand musical festival was held at North's Amphitheater. In April, 1857, the Chicago Mu- sical Union gave their first concert, which received the approbation of Chicago critics. In April, Yankee Robinson and his circus ap- peared in a tent on Adams street and were well patronized. Ed- ward Everett lectured here on popular subjects at this time. A musical concert in April, 1857, at Metropolitan hall, was conducted by Henry Ahner, who perhaps had done more to cultivate the taste of Chicago for concert music than any other one man. His efforts were fully appreciated and the entertainments were crowded. About this time Mrs. T. S. Hamblin appeared as Hamlet at North's Amphitheater. She was supported by James R. Anderson as Othello. Her rendition of the character of Hamlet was pronounced successful.
In May, 1857, J. W. Wallack, Jr., appeared in "King of the Commons" at North's Amphitheater ; a little later Miss Davenport appeared in "The Lady of Lyons" at the Chicago theater and also in the plays of "Love" and "Maid with the Milk Pail." In May, 1857, Thalberg's grand concerts were given here to large and enthusiastic audiences. A few weeks afterward grand concert or opera was presented at Metropolitan hall. Among the players were Mlle. Theresa Parodi, Mme. Amelia Patti, Sig. Nicolli, and others, who appeared in appropriate parts.
In May, 1857, two new theaters were in process of construc- tion-McVicker's, on Madison street, and Wood's, on Clark street. About this time J. W. Couldock and Dion Boucicault appeared at North's Amphitheater in their standard yet ever attractive and in- structive plays. In June, 1857, the German Musical convention here was attended by distinguishcd musicians from all parts of the United States.
In July, 1857, Mr. Blondin, who had recently crossed the gorge at Niagara Falls on a tight rope, gave an exhibition of rope walk-
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ing here. About this date William E. Burton appeared in farce and was well patronized. William Schmidt was the leader of the Great Western Band, a famous musical company of this period. Spaulding and Rogers exhibited their circus in a tent on Dearborn street.
During the winter of 1857-8 the following lecturers came here under the auspices of the Young Men's association: Rev. Dudley A. Tyng, of Philadelphia, on "Politics and Politicians"; Rev. A. L. Stone, of Boston; George Vanderhoff, of Boston, on "A Discourse on Poetry"; B. P. Shilliber (Mrs. Partington), of Boston; Dr. J. J. Hayes, of Philadelphia, on "Access to the North Pole by Kane Sea"; Horace Greeley ; Prof. O. M. Mitchell, four lectures on "Astronomy and Its Branches"; Prof. Edward L. Youmans, of New York, on "Chemistry of the Sunbeam"; Rev. T. Starr King, of Boston; Wendell Phillips, of Boston; Charles Mackay ; Edward Bates, of Missouri; and James Pollock, Governor of Pennsylvania.
In the summer of 1857 Leonard W. Volk, sculptor, located in this city and began work. He came highly recommended and had finished a rigid course of study and a period of practical work in Europe. In January, 1857, the Chicago Academy of Natural Sciences was organized. It was located in the Dearborn Seminary building and Dr. J. V. Z. Blaney was president.
One of the first art works undertaken here by Mr. Volk was a bust of Stephen A. Douglas and also one of Dr. Rodgers. At this date Higgins Brothers were large music dealers at 84 Randolph street. It was noted by art critics that Mr. Oldershaw, of the East, had done much for oil painting in the United States.
In September, 1857, the Highland Guards gave a picnic at Hyde Park, on which occasion games of various sorts were played. . Mr. J. Fairweather won the prize at throwing the hammer and putting the shot. Captain McArthur captured first prize by jump- ing fifty inches in height; David Bremner won the 200-yard race and James Finnerty the 600-yard race. The proceedings of the day ended with a game of shinny, or shinty, as it was then sometimes called, and all present who desired were permitted to participate in this game. In the fall of 1857 the Chicago and Prairie clubs played a match game of cricket at Bull's Head on the West side .. In September Mr. Hessler, the artist, painted a fine portrait of Captain Shelly of the Emmet Guards.
In October, 1857, Mrs. J. M. Wallack appeared at the Chicago theater in a series of entertainments, one of which was the famous play, "London Assurance."
Early in November, 1857, McVicker's new theater building was opened. The hall was 80 by 97 feet. It had a parquet, dress circle, second circle and second dress circle. The stage was 60 by 80 feet, and the room was lighted by gasoliers. The opening night was November 5, and the proceedings were commenced with an
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address written by Benjamin F. Taylor and spoken by Miss Alice Mann. It was a poem entitled "The West." The theater was located on Madison between State and Dearborn, and J. H. Mc- Vicker was proprietor and manager. T. Harrington was assistant manager. The building and equipment cost $85,000; there were seats for 2,500 people. A large stock company appeared first at this theater. Later stars to appear were Charlotte Cushman, Charles Mathew, Eliza Logan, James E. Murdock, Edwin Booth, J. M. Davenport, A. J. Neavie, James Proctor, Mr. and Mrs. John Drew, H. A. Perry, Henry Placide, and Mr. and Mrs. Florence. Later Miss Davenport appeared as Parthenia and H. A. Perry as Ingomar. "Honey Moon" and "Rough Diamond" were rendered by this company. In November, 1857, North's amphitheater opened with a splendid display of equestrianism in a spectacular piece entitled "Don Juan."
In November, 1857, William McFarland became lessee and manager of the Chicago theater. He was well known here and began by presenting the "Corsican Brothers." Mr. Neavie was a distinguished tragedian and rendered in excellent style Shake- speare's tragedies. His characterization of Hamlet was spoken of very highly. In January, 1858, Charlotte Cushman appeared at McVicker's. Henry Ahner at this time conducted some of the most popular concerts ever given in this city. He was a master at musical leadership and the crowds who desired to enjoy his per- formances could not be accommodated. The concerts were ren- dered in Metroplitan hall. The Great Western Band furnished the orchestral music.
Wendell Phillips lectured here about this time. G. J. Arnold appeared at North's amphitheater in "Damon and Pythias." There were given at the same entertainment ring performances. Rice's Chicago theater stood on Dearborn street opposite the postoffice, which was at the corner of Monroe and Dearborn streets. The Garden City varieties were exhibited at the corner of Wabash and State streets. There could be seen farces, comedies, burlesques, etc., and could be heard all songs of recent date. In January, 1858, Mr. Basham, a successful oil painter, located here. In February, 1858, Henry Ahner, who had done more for the success of concert music than any leader in the West, died in this city. His death was deeply lamented by all music lovers, as it was felt that his loss could scarcely be replaced by one with qualifications so high and varied.
In March, 1858, Rosa Bonheur's famous painting, "The. Horse Fair," was placed on exhibition in this city by S. P. Oldershaw.
During the winter of 1857-8 there was organized here a con- gress patterned after the one at Washington, for the purpose of debating various public questions of interest. Many of the lead- ing citizens took part in the weekly proceedings.
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In the spring of 1858 Mr. Collins, the Irish comedian, again ap- peared here in plays and songs.
In April, 1858, Maggie Mitchell gave an interesting entertain- ment at North's Amphitheater. About this time Julius Unger's Wednesday night concerts at Metropolitan hall were well patron- ized and were considered attractive and artistic. In May, Joseph Hayden's famous oratorio of the "Creation" was rendered by home talent at Metropolitan hall. The Chicago Musical Union presented it and received the unbounded praise and approval of Chicago. The newspapers declared that the rendition surpassed that given by companies of far greater pretensions.
In May, 1858, Louis Paulsen advertised to play ten games of chess at one time, with his eyes blindfolded, with the best players Chicago could produce. These games were played at Light Guard hall, on the corner of State and Randolph streets, and an admission fee of 25 cents was charged. Large audiences witnessed the play- ing. In May, 1858, Chanfrau's splendid imitations of Booth, Bur- ton, Barney, Williams, Dan Rice and Edwin Forrest were enjoyed at North's amphitheater. In May, 1858, also, Miss Davenport appeared in "Love," "Adrienne" and as Juliet, Camille, Charlotte Corday, etc.
At North's amphitheater, in June, Mr. and Mrs. John Drew appeared in their powerful dramatic representations. Standing room was at a premium, so the newspapers of that day stated. In June, 1858, Sanford's opera troupe of minstrels gave an interesting entertainment at Metropolitan hall.
In September, 1858, a wrestling match at Ontario and Wells streets was well patronized by the sporting fraternity. The wrest- lers were Jacob J. Winkle and John Peters. The prize was $100 a side. Mr. Peters won the match. In June, 1858, Dan Rice was here with his famous circus in a tent on Adams street between Wells and Clark. He had many trained animals and several noted equestrians.
In the fall of 1858 the Chicago and Prairie cricket clubs played several match games near Bull's Head on the West side. The Prairies won the first game, but subsequent contests were won by the Chicagos.
In July, 1858, at the Garden City Race Course at Cottage Grove, Lady Kate won a fast trotting race from Ike Cook and Tom Murray. The best time made was about. 2:33-fast for that date.
As early as 1856 baseball began to be played in this city, but did not attract general attention until 1857 and was not well patronized until 1858. In the latter year it suddenly became popu- lar, and an admission fee was invariably charged thereafter at all match games. There were in the city in 1858 some half dozen clubs, and a series of games was played to see which was the best. The grounds were at the corner of South Halsted and West Harri-
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son streets. An important game was played on July 7 between the Union club of Chicago and Downer's Grove club. The latter won the contest.
"Baseball .- A ,baseball club was organized on Monday evening by a number of young men of this city. They style themselves the Niagara Baseball club and hold themselves open to play with any junior club that may challenge them after the first of next month. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Presi- dent, P. P. Wood; vice president, G. McCagg; secretary, C. S. Birdsal; treasurer, E. P. Wood; steward, J. O'Neil."-(Chicago Democrat, July 2, 1858.)
There were written here in the '50s several plays that were pre- sented to Chicago audiences. One, entitled "Chicago Playwrights and Their Productions," and another, "Fact and Fiction," were presented to the Chicago public. The latter was a serio-comic musical libretto. The music was composed by William H. Curry and the play written by William Toothe. Another play that was written but not presented was called "E-X, or The Adverse Fac- tions." Another farce, that was issued in pamphlet form but not presented on the stage, was entitled "Ye Kort Martial." It was an interesting farce and should have been successful, according to the newspapers.
In July, 1858, the Chicago Associated Congress debated many of the important political questions then agitating the people of Illinois. The slavery, Kansas and Dred Scott questions were dis- cussed in detail. At this date Col. James Speed was president of the congress, O. B. Maple secretary, and L. C. Blake treasurer. E. T. Ingraham was president of the Senate and James M. Smith speaker of the House.
In August, 1858, the Union and Excelsior Baseball clubs played a match game at Bull's Head on the grounds of the Prairie Cricket club to an audience of about 1,000 people. The score was: Union, 11; Excelsior, 17. At that time the pitcher actually pitched the ball-was not allowed to throw it.
In August, 1858, at the Garden City Race Course a trotting match of nine miles, for a purse of $1,000, was given. The black mare Gypsy Queen won from the horse Tenbroeck. The nine miles were trotted in mile heats.
In 1858-59 billiards became a very popular game in this city. Almost every saloon put in one or more billiard tables, and contests here and elsewhere throughout the West were frequent. Prior to 1858 billiard halls were few here and were distinct from places where liquor was sold.
In October, 1858, Kark Formes' grand mammoth concerts and oratorios were rendered here by a celebrated and distinguished company, Mr. Ullman being manager and director. These concerts were attended by the best people of the city. The rendition in many
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cases was superior to any ever before given here. Particularly the oratorios were rendered in grand style.
Late in 1858 the mare Flora Temple, then thirteen or fourteen years old, was advertised to trot against the Chicago horses Rein- deer and Ike Cook, best three in five, to harness. A few years before, Flora Temple had trotted a mile in harness on Long Island in 2:241/2. At that time it was the fastest mile that had ever been made in the United States. In the race here, though, she was probably "pulled." She easily defeated both Reindeer and Ike Cook in 2:3212. The other horses apparently were not in her class.
In October, 1858, the famous fight between John Morrissey and John C. Heenan (the Benecia Boy), which took place in Canada opposite Buffalo, attracted great interest among sporting men in Chicago. Twelve rounds were fought in twenty-two minutes.
In December, 1858, Horace Greeley lectured before the Young Men's association on "Great Men." Bayard Taylor also lectured here at this date. Fred Douglass and George Sumner delivered lectures in February, 1859.
During the winter of 1858-59 the Chicago river was frozen nearly solid. It was customary for horsemen to race on the river from the Forks to the lake. Large crowds gathered along the bank and congregated on the bridges to witness the contests.
Early in 1859 Mr. Strakosch and company appeared here in Italian opera. On this occasion the company rendered "Martha," "Lucia di Lammermoor," etc. In February, 1859, the Chicago Billiard club was in active operation. At this time an important billiard match was played at Detroit by two of the greatest players of the country, and attracted the attention of Chicago billiard en- thusiasts. The players were Serreiter and Phelan, the latter win- ning the contest. They played 2,000 points for $5,000 a side. The newspapers of that date declared that the $5,000 offered was not real, but was used for advertising purposes. So great was the interest that the Tremont billiard hall received the news of the game by wire as it progressed.
In April, 1859, the Chicago Musical Union presented with splendid effect to crowded houses the oratorio of the "Messiah." The executive committee of the Union at this date were J. S. Platt, J. J. Lumbard, C. M. Cady, D. A. Kimbark and A. L. Coe.
About this time Henry Ward Beecher lectured in Metropolitan hall on the subjects, "Success and Failure" and "The Burdens of Society."
In April, 1859, a beautiful comic opera was rendered in Metro- politan hall by a company of distinguished artists and musicians, among whom were Maria Piccolomini.
On May 9, 1859, Chicago's first fine art public exhibition was opened at the corner of Lake street and Wabash avenue. It was an
4
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exhibition of celebrated and approved works of art-paintings, sculpture, etc., contributed by the citizens of Chicago. It may be presumed at the present time that in 1859 few good oil paintings or works of sculpture were owned in this city, but such is not the fact. Among the best citizens in Chicago were people of great culture and of unbounded wealth who had in the past purchased here and in the East or abroad some of the finest masterpieces in the world. This exhibit was to reveal to the people of Chicago the art collections of Chicagoans and was a splendid success. There were exhibited over 300 pictures, many of which were of exquisite coloring and design and none of which was inferior. The exhibit was patronized by every Chicagoan who loved art for art's sake.
In May, 1859, baseball again became the rage. Nearly a dozen clubs were organized and began playing a published schedule of games throughout this city and with adjoining cities. In May, 1859, also, the Chicago and Cincinnati cricket clubs played a series of games here and in Cincinnati. There were here at this time at least two strong cricket organizations, namely, the Chicago and the Prairie clubs. From these two clubs the best players were selected to play against the Cincinnati club. Probably the latter selected the best players of Cincinnati, as did the Chicago clubs. The latter won from Cincinnati.
In May, 1859, a dog fight was witnessed at Brighton. The law prohibited such an exhibition, but it was carried out nevertheless, and over 200 men paid $3 apiece to witness the contest. It lasted for two hours and was a bloody and brutal exhibition.
In June the Excelsior and Atlantic baseball clubs played a match game at Bull's Head on the Prairie cricket grounds, and a news- paper of that date said: "We are pleased to note the growing in- terest in this truly American game." Five hundred spectators, including many ladies, witnessed the contest. The newspaper further said: "The game was excellently played." The following are the names of the players and the scores :
ATLANTICS.
EXCELSIORS.
E. Van Buren, catcher 1
W. Hartshorne, first base.
A. L. Adams, pitcher 1
W. F. Prouty, catcher 6
B. Burton, first base. 2
T. Malcom, pitcher. 4 G. Child, second base. 1
T. A. Hayes, third base. 1 W. Scates, third base. 2
S. Farwell, second base. 6
C. Scates, left field.
2
Dr. Hunt, right field. 1
F. F. Burton, right field. 4
W. Houghten, center field 3
E. Bean, center 2
G. C. Smith, left field .. 3
S .. Child, short field. 2
F. H. Bostock, short field. 3
Total
17 Total 31
The fine art exhibition closed late in June, 1859, having received a total attendance of 12,000. The receipts were $2,000 and the profits between $700 and $800. It was a grand success from every point of view. Hundreds of people revisited the exhibit in order
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to study the paintings and thus cultivate their taste for the beautiful and strong in art. Leonard W. Volk, G. F. Rumsey and Lieut .- Col. J. D. Graham took an active part in making the exhibit a success. Mr. Volk assisted in preparing the exhibit and during the display served as curator. Among those who were actively in- terested in the success of the exhibit were C. B. McCagg, E. K. Rogers, W. Barry, W. L. Newberry, Mark Skinner, S. H. Kerfoot, I. N. Arnold, I. H. Burch, J. E. Wilkins, H. H. Magie and Alex- ander White.
In July, 1859, the following trotting horses were owned in this city : Reindeer, Prairie Boy, Chieftain and Mountain Boy. Mr. Moore, their owner, shipped them all to Louisville, Ky., where they participated in a series of races late in July.
On July 27, 1859, the Excelsior and Columbia baseball clubs played a match game on the Prairie cricket grounds near Bull's Head. The score was as follows: Excelsior 49, Columbia 33.
In August, 1859, J. W. Brougham appeared at McVicker's theater in a series of plays, among which were "Dombey and Son," "Good for Nothing," etc.
In the fall of 1859 the Audubon Shooting club held matches near this city. Contests were carried on a short distance from the lake shore. Hunters were interested at this time in making records of killing game. In one day Hall and Scoville killed in the Winne- bago swamp the following game: One hundred and fifty seven prairie chickens, 92 ducks, 11 rail and about 25 miscellaneous birds. This broke the record for a day's shooting up to that time.
During the fall of 1859 the drilling of Ellsworth's cadets at the big gymnasium in Garrett block attracted the attention of Chicago- ans. Captain Ellsworth was a master in teaching military evolu- tions. The perfection of the drill of his command was marveled at by all Chicago. A little later his cadets made a tour of the East and were the sensation of the season.
In June, 1859, the Chicago Model Yacht Club advertised that in August a regatta would be held near the mouth of the Chicago river. There were three classes of boats and three different races. The course was from the North pier around a stake boat east of Hyde Park and return, the total distance being about ten miles. This race attracted the attention of all persons interested in lake shipping or vessels of any description. The race was witnessed by thousands of Chicagoans from the lake front.
In June, 1859, the Peak family appeared here in an interesting musical entertainment. The Ravells exhibited at McVicker's theater about this time. In June, 1859, the Prairie Cricket club of Chicago, which had won the city championship, played a match game with the Cleveland club for the championship of the West. This game was played in Cleveland and was won by the Prairie Cricket club.
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Several years before 1859 the trotting mare Princess was owned by Daniel Gage, of the Tremont House. In fact, Mr. Gage first developed her trotting qualities at the race course on the lake front at Cottage Grove. He finally sold the mare for $200. She was taken East and in June, 1859, defeated Flora Temple at the famous race course on Long Island. Mr. Gage, upon learning this news, expressed regret that he had parted with the famous mare.
In July, 1859, Cooper Opera company rendered here in English Verdi's famous "Il Trovatore." This was an important event in musical circles and the rendition was witnessed by the most cul- tured music lovers of the city.
In August, 1859, the famous European tragedian, Barry Sulli- van, presented several of his most attractive entertainments to Chicago people. Among them were "Beverly," "The Gamester," "Twenty Minutes with a Tiger," etc. His acting suited the dra- matic critics and was witnessed by large audiences.
It was late in the '50s that athletics began to attract great atten- tion. Baseball started the furor and billiard tables next attracted lovers of sport. Finally water athletics engrossed attention, and about the same time boxing and running became favorite amusements. In August, 1859, the water athletic carnival was held in the lake off Jackson street. Great crowds witnessed the splendid exhibition of swimming, diving, etc.
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