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 58
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In April, 1862, L. M. Gottschalk gave a number of interesting concerts in this city. He was a young American pianist of wonder- ful power and promise. He was assisted by Carlotta Patti, soprano; George Simpson, tenor; and Sig. Morino, baritone.
On April 22, 1862, the Young Men's Christian association cele- brated its fourth anniversary. The proceedings were interesting and varied, and embraced the reading of a history of the organiza- tion since its commencement.
In 1862 Healy, the artist, completed a full length portrait in oil of General Rosecrans.
Before May, 1862, the old cricket clubs had wholly disappeared. The members had parted and gone to the war. During 1861 the club had won the championship of the West with the single excep- tion of Detroit. The sport was so well liked here that in May, 1862, a new club was organized and took possession of the old Prairie cricket grounds near Bull's Head on the West Side. James Stin- son was president of the new organization, which was named Zin- gari Cricket club.
In May, 1862, the famous Hutchinsons again appeared here in their charming songs and were well patronized. The oratorio of "Elijah" was presented at Bryan hall by a Philadelphia orchestra and a chorus of 100 Chicagoans. The entertainment was pro- nounced a great success. Mr. Balatka was the conductor.
In May, 1862, Edward Everett lectured before the Young Mens' association on the subject "Origin and Character of the War." In May John Ward and Patrick McMullen fought a prize fight on North Water street, but upon being interrupted by the police ad-
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journed and renewed the contest at "The Sands." They were finally arrested and fined. In May Mr. Hackett appeared in Shakes- pearean characters. His rendition of Falstaff was greatly enjoyed by theater-goers. In May Secretary Chase's national banking law attracted the attention of all the citizens of Chicago.
In June John Wilkes Booth, who later became the assassin of President Lincoln, appeared at McVicker's theater. He presented some half-dozen performances, among which were "Shylock" and "Romeo and Juliet." During the balcony scene in the latter the balcony broke down, landing Juliet prostrate at Romeo's feet. He picked her up and retired behind the scenes. The manager came forward, explained and apologized; the balcony was repaired and the act was resumed amid the cheers of the audience.
In July, 1862, Hanbuger appeared here in a sleight of hand per- formance. In June, 1862, William King, of Springfield, and John Farnsworth, of this city, gave a shooting exhibition at the Horse Fair grounds, Cottage Grove. The contest was 25 double birds and 50 single birds each at 25 yards rise and bounds of 100 yards. Of the doubles, King killed 34 and Farnsworth 27 out of the 50. There were 1,000 spectators.
In July, 1862, Mr. Healy, the artist, announced that he expected to change his residence to Boston. He therefore offered his entire gallery of paintings for sale; but the sale was not made and he con- tinued a resident of Chicago.
In July, 1862, Messrs. King and Farnsworth held another shoot- ing match, during which King killed 51 single birds out of 60 and Farnsworth 49 out of 60. Of the double birds, King killed 13 out of 40 and Farnsworth 28 out of 40.
In August, 1862, McDonough appeared here in the character of Virginius. His acting was greatly enjoyed.
In September, 1862, the first music book ever prepared, stereo- typed and printed in this city was issued from the Tribune office. It was called "The Silver Lute" and was designed for scholars and teachers. Its author was George F. Root. Large numbers were sold throughout the United States and orders for this book came even from Boston. Among the songs were "Battle Cry of Freed- om," "Kingdom Coming," etc.
In October, 1862, John Antrobus, a portrait painter of unusual strength and taste, located here. At this date Volk, the sculptor, was at work on an ideal statue of an Indian. In October the sale of Mr. Healy's paintings was in progress. Among the pictures were portraits of Rosecrans, Webster, Fillmore, Pryor, Giles Spring and Marshal Souet.
In October, 1862, the Chicago Musical Union again presented several meritorious concerts which were largely attended by mu- sically inclined Chicagoans. Mr. Balatka was the leader.
In March, 1863, the Young Men's association having concluded
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to build a home for themselves, called for subscriptions, and among the subscribers were the following : Charles D. Ogden, $1,000; John V. Farwell, $1,000; Thomas B. Bryan, $1,000; J. Y. Scammon, $1,000; Doggett, Bassett & Hills, $500; Brown Bros., $500.
In October, 1862, Jastrebski, a celebrated Polish fresco painter, located in this city. A few of his earliest productions were spoken of in the highest terms by the newspapers of that date.
In November, 1862, Robert Kennicott, of Cook county, who had traveled and explored in British North America as far as the Polar Sea, lectured here before the Young Men's association on his ex- periences. While absent he had visited the Yukon river in Alaska. He was a member of the Chicago Audubon club and was traveling under the direction of Smithsonian Institution, Washington. D. C.
Late in 1862 the young sculptor, John Rogers, exhibited to the public a few specimens of his work, which received the highest praise of Chicago critics. He molded in plaster the following: "Watering the Horse," "The Picket Guard," "The Sharp Shooter," "Castles in the Air," etc. His works attracted the attention of artists throughout the country and in a short time he removed to New York.
Late in 1862 John Wilkes Booth again appeared here in "Othello," "Shylock," "Richard III," "Hamlet," "Claude Mel- notte," "Marble Heart," etc. His entertainments were largely at- tended and his efforts, while criticised, yet, as a whole, received the approval of critics and the public.
During the winter of 1862-3 skating was probably the most pop- ular pastime of Chicagoans. Washington skating park consisted of five acres and was located on Randolph street a short distance east of Union park. Central skating park consisted of three acres at Twelfth street and Michigan avenue. Ogden skating park was located on the North Side at the foot of Superior street. Thousands of people enjoyed this sport.
In January, 1863, G. S. Calliso and H. Geyer sold an elegant gallery of landscape paintings at public auction. Generally they brought good prices. About this time Carlotta Patti appeared here in concerts. In January, 1863, the Chicago Musical Union gave another of their splendid renditions of Hayden's "Creation." Im- mense audiences listened to the performances. During the winter of 1862-3 Mr. Ford, a distinguished landscape painter who had spent four years abroad in study, opened a studio in the Volk and Antrobus art building.
In January, 1863, home talent gave a series of brilliant musical entertainments for the benefit of the Sanitary commission. Late in January, 1863, Mrs. Jane G. Swisshelm lectured here on the subject of the "Indian Massacre in Minnesota." Her incisive meth- od of discussion, her brilliant criticisms of political affairs and her intense literary style were greatly enjoyed by all who heard her. She was at this date editor of the St. Cloud (Minn.) Democrat.
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Late in January, 1863, the Philharmonic society gave several well attended performances at Bryan hall. Hans Balatka was leader.
In January, 1863, the celebrated actor J. W. Florence appeared at McVicker's theater in several brilliant performances. About this time Ralph W. Emerson lectured before the Young Men's asso- ciation on "Perpetual Forces."
In February, 1863, a new gallery of paintings was opened for exhibition at 107 Lake street. The gallery embraced selections from all modern schools. In February, 1863, Peter Cartwright lectured before the Young Men's association and about the same time the distinguished tragedian, James E. Murdock, presented several in- teresting entertainments.
In March, 1863, H. M. Higgins, music publisher, issued a patri- otic glee book, written and composed by Chicagoans, which had a large sale throughout the country.
In April, 1863, John Antrobus, who had been in the South, ex- hibited here several exquisite landscapes which were purchased by the leading citizens. At this time also Healy's landscapes were greatly admired. It was thought that his specialty was in the line of portrait painting, but he proved that in still life he could also produce excellent effect.
In April, 1863, the distinguished Irish orator, Mason Jones, lec- tured here on "Thomas Curran and the Wits of the Irish Bar."
In April, 1863, a match billiard game was played in this city. The prize was a $500 billiard table, and the points played were 1,500. Among the contestants were W. Campbell, C. Coan, T. McCarty, and H. LeBrun. The match was the' American four-ball carom game. Campbell was the winner of the contest.
In the summer of 1863 another splendid exhibition of the oil paintings owned in the city was given for the benefit of soldiers' fam- ilies. The paintings of artists Healy, Ford, Antrobus and Reed were pronounced specially meritorious.
In May, 1863, Root's operetta was rendered here before a large audience in Bryan hall. It had been shown here before, but was always popular. It was presented wholly by home talent and was given the most beautiful setting ever witnessed in Chicago. The scenery, flowers, shrubs, beautiful girls, rich costumes and en- chanting singing were fully appreciated by the immense audiences which attended.
In May, 1863, John Wilkes Booth again appeared here in trag- edy. About this time Henry Clay Work's famous composition, "Song of a Thousand Years," became popular throughout the country. For weeks every one in Chicago sang the sweeping music.
In June, 1863, Italian opera was presented here. The attendance broke all records in this city. The first day's sale of seats amounted in round numbers to $4,000. On the second day the sales slightly exceeded that amount.
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In June, 1863, Volk completed busts of Dan Rice and Seth Catlin. About this date Antrobus finished a superior painting in oil of Judge Manierre for the Law Institute.
In July, 1863, Miss Hosmer appeared at McVicker's theater, and VanAmberg's menagerie exhibited in a tent on the South side.
In 1857 Mr. Frodsham, principal of the old Dusseldorf gallery of New York, brought to America a magnificent collection of Eu- ropean paintings known as the "French Exhibit." This collection contained many masterpieces and all possessed high merit. By 1863 many of this collection had found their way to the homes of Chicagoans. It was now proposed that a public exhibition of these and other works of art should be given for the benefit of soldiers' families. It was determined to exhibit them amid proper surround- ings and to charge an admission fee.
In July, 1863, the officers of the Chicago Musical Union elected at the annual meeting were as follows : G. R. Chittenden, president ; J. H. Bross, secretary ; C. M. Cady, treasurer. In July, 1863, Healy completed a fine portrait of Governor Yates. At this date the fa- mous songs "Daisy Dean," "Babylon is Fallen," and "Before the Battle, Mother," were popular here.
In August, 1863, the Chicago museum was opened in Kings- bury hall. At this time several interesting trotting races were held at the Chicago Driving park. The park consisted of sixty acres at Cottage Grove. The best time made was about 2:35. One thousand persons paid to witness the races. At that date no liquor was per- mitted to be sold on the grounds and the meeting was attended by the best people of the city.
In August, 1863, another billiard match for $200 a side was played by Campbell, of Chicago, and Parker, of New York. The game was four-ball carom, 1,000 points. Mr. Parker won the first game and Mr. Campbell the second. An ordinance prohibited the contest and both the principals were arrested and fined.
In September, 1863, a match game of baseball was played be- tween the Garden City and Osceola clubs, the score being 19 to 16 in favor of the latter. The game was played at the Prairie cricket grounds on the West side. G. Kinzie, of the Atlantic club, was umpire. Nearly 1,000 people attended this game.
In the fall of 1863 John Antrobus, the artist, painted a life-sized portrait of General Grant. This portrait is now owned in this city. In September, 1863, the trotting horse Black Diamond defeated the horse Cooley at the Chicago Driving park near Cottage Grove in three straight heats, the best time being 2:441/2. The prize was $500. At this time D. Thompson was president of the Driving Park association, and Charles D. Braggon, secretary. At the same meeting Jersey Boy defeated Plow Boy two best out of three, in a trotting match, the best time being 2:53.
In September, 1863, Mr. Hackett appeared at McVicker's theater in "Mazeppa," "Rip Van Winkle," etc.
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The studio of Mr. Antrobus was on State street. In September, 1863, he showed portraits of Mrs. McVicker, Joseph Rutter, John V. Farwell, Russell Jones, Carrie Church and others.
Late in 1863 a new negro minstrel hall was built on Washington street between Dearborn and Clark. At the Northwestern Sanitary fair held here in 1863, Mr. Volk had charge of the art department.
Musical concerts by Mrs. Mozart and Mr. Thomas were enjoyed by the Chicago public in October. Late in 1863 Gilbert & Sampson opened an art exhibit at 48 Dearborn street. The most of their ex- hibit was offered for sale.
The first Chicagoan to become a prima donna was Miss Anna Frederica Magnussen, who made her debut in October, 1863. She had recently returned from Europe where she had pursued a course of musical instruction.
In November, 1863, A. E. Darling, a successful painter of land- scapes, opened a studio at 161 Lake street.
In January, 1864, Grace Greenwood (Mrs. Lippincott) lectured here before the Young Men's association. About the same time Louis John Rudolph Agassiz lectured here on various subjects of natural history. During his lecture he made the statement that Col. J. W. Foster, of Chicago, was the first scientist to define Azoic rocks. He stated that in the course of a lecture delivered by Colonel Foster some time before at Cincinnati on the subject of "Primeval Continents of North America" he described the Azoic strata of rocks. This paper had been submitted to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This recognition of the service of Colonel Foster by so renowned a naturalist as Professor Agassiz was commented upon favorably by the newspapers of that date.
During the winter of 1863-4 Wood's museum exhibited several interesting features. A sea lion was shown in various tricks. Numerous freaks could be seen there. One called an "Invisible Lady" surprised the audiences. Gen. Tom Thumb appeared there several times during the winter. At that date the Chicago Acad- emy of Music was well patronized, proving how deeply interested Chicago families were in musical culture.
Early in 1864 Anna Dickinson's powerful lectures on "The Hour" and other subjects surprised the intellectual celebrities of this city. She had previously been a poor working girl, but by sheer force of intellect and beauty and strength of oratory had become the most prominent and popular female lecturer before American people. Early in 1864 Maggie Mitchell appeared in repertoire at McVick- er's theater. Adolph Bamnack, the musician and teacher, located here about this date.
At the sale of paintings in March, 1864, made by Gilbert and Sullivan, one painting by Sontag brought $600; another by a dif- ferent painter, $245; another, $237, and one by Bierstadt, $110. Many oil paintings of superior merit were sold from this gallery to Chicagoans.
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In March, 1864, James Van Etta was president of the Chicago Driving Park association. At this date it was announced that the receipts of the association for 1863 were $10,746 and the expenses $10,885. It was further announced that other debts raised the total obligation to $2,383.
In the spring of 1864 the pianos of W. W. Kimball were being sold here in considerable numbers. The house was then located at 142 Lake street. William McMaster's fine paintings, both figures and landscapes, were sold here in considerable numbers early in 1864.
In April, 1864, Mr. Volk finished his first clay model of the Douglas monument. It was greatly admired by lovers of sculptural art. About this time among the musical successes of George F. Root were the following: "Brother, Tell Us of the Battle," "Va- cant Chair," "Just Before the Battle," "Just After the Battle," and "Battle Cry of Freedom."
In May, 1864, the State Street railway cars ran within two blocks of the Chicago Driving Park Association grounds. At this time an important trotting race occurred between the horses Black Dia- mond, General Grant and Boston. Black Diamond won the first, third and fourth heats and the match. The best time was made in the third heat in 2:39. In May, 1864, at Union park, the Chicago cricket club defeated the Canada cricket club.
In May, 1864, the artists of Chicago placed 200 of their best pic- tures in the "Art Emporium" of Jevne and Almini at 101 Wash- ington street. They were placed there on exhibition and to be sold. Among the artists whose pictures were thus offered were the following: H. C. Ford, Mrs. S. H. St. John, J. Forbes, Paul Brown, J. R. Sloan, S. J. Woodman, H. N. Goger, Miss E. Mack- way, T. E. Harrison, Mrs. Nicholsen, J. H. Drury, P. F. Read, Jacob Cox, D. F. Bigelow, Alfred Sederberg, Kate E. Cameron, Mary E. Thomas, Wm. E. Voegtlin, Minard Lewis and Mrs. Hall.
In another race at the Driving park, the horse Tom Hyer defeated General Grant and Black Douglas three best out of five, the best time being 2:3712. The next day Black Diamond defeated John Paul and Brown Dick in three straight heats, the best time being 2:4034. The following day Harry Clay defeated Quaker Boy and Princess in one of the best races that ever occurred in this city up to that date. The best time was 2:311/4.
In 1864 Mr. Darling, the artist, exhibited excellent oil portraits of Rev. Nathan Colver, of the Tabernacle Baptist church; General Ransom, Dr. I. B. Limb, Rev. James Dixon, and J. B. Bradwell. He also exhibited a large painting entitled "The Three Marys at the Tomb of the Redeemer." This was considered one of the greatest paintings ever exhibited here up to that date.
In July, 1864, G. F. Bailey's famous circus exhibited here in a tent. William Warren, of Boston, a distinguished actor, appeared
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in repertoire at McVicker's theater in July. Mr. Highwood and Paul Brown were successful oil painters at this date. The former painted exquisite portraits.
In 1864 Robert Bonner, editor and proprietor of the New York Ledger, had become the owner of several of the fastest trotting horses in the United States. He had a gray mare that broke the record by trotting a mile to wagon in 2:2314. A Chicagoan vis- ited him and proposed selling to him "the best horse in the world." Mr. Bonner replied, "I don't want the best horse in the world unless he can beat my gray mare." The sale was not made.
At a running race held here in September at the Chicago Driving park, the horse Knight defeated the horses Endeavor, Blue Flag and H. W. Beecher, the time being 1:591/2.
In 1864 the sculptor Mr. Volk distinguished himself by designing the superb ornamental work for the facade of Crosby's opera house. This was considered the finest architectural structure erected in Chi- cago up to that time.
It was noted in the fall of 1864 that nobody visited Chicago with- out seeing Colonel Wood's museum. It was considered the greatest attraction in the city for the common people.
In October, 1864, Lawrence Barrett made his appearance at Mc- Vicker's theater. He afterward became a great favorite with Chi- cago audiences. In October, 1864, C. M. Chadwick was the man- ager of a successful variety theater at 117 Clark street.
It was noted at the time of his death that Mr. Ahner was the first to introduce the orchestra in this city, and that he had died unrequited for the great service he had thus performed for musical Chicago. When he died he was neglected, poor and comparatively unnoticed. His effects were sold to pay his funeral expenses, but it was observed in after years that his efforts still lived. He was particularly remembered when Crosby's opera house was first opened to the public. The opera house itself, its origin and its future were considered the result of the efforts and trials of Mr. Ahner at a previous period.
Important art works completed in 1864, though perhaps begun before, were as follows: By Mr. Volk, "Minnehaha" and a statue for the firemen's monument. By Mr. Siebert, "Judith" at Clark and Oak streets. By Healy, the painter, General Ogelsby, Jonathan Burr, Rev. D. Woodbridge, Thomas Hoyne and General Hecker. By Mr. Haywood, the painter, Colonel Ducat, General Grierson. By Mr. Woodman, the painter, Colonel Osborne, Mr. Child and At- lantic ocean scenery. By Mr. Drury, the painter, "Atlantic Coast Views," "Rock Formations," "A Girl," etc. His representation of rock formations was spoken of in the highest terms. By Mr. Ford, the painter, "Pennsylvania Mountain Scenery," etc. The office of Mr. Ford was in the old studio of Antrobus.
In December, 1864, Mr. Honigman conducted an oil portrait
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studio at 114 Randolph street. He had recently painted portraits in oil of H. J. Miller and Hans Balatka. He also exhibited a beau- tiful fruit scene and a country landscape. About this time Henry Clay Works' famous songs, "Wake, Nicodemus," "Kingdom Com- ing," and "Song of a Thousand Years," were very popular in this community.
During the winter of 1864-5 the Young Men's association had the most successful season it had ever enjoyed up to that date. The largest assemblage during the winter heard Bayard Taylor lecture; 1,600 persons were present. The smallest assemblage during the winter numbered 400. The total receipts from all the lecturers ag- gregated $2,216, and the expenses were $1,476. After the season had closed two additional lectures by S. S. Cox and Bayard Taylor raised the total receipts to $3,308, and the expenses to $2,386, leav- ing a surplus of over $900 for the season. Among the lecturers and the subjects were the following : E. H. Chapin, D. D., of New York, "Modern Chivalry"; Josiah Quincy, Jr., of Boston, "The Mormons and Joseph Smith, their Prophet"; George William Cur- tis, of New York, on "Success"; Parke Goodwin, of New York, or "Our Future Republic"; Clark Hopkins, D. D., Professor of Wil- liams College, "Nature a Language and Knowledge a Power"; Rev. A. N. Littlejohn, of New Haven, "Our Characteristic Wants"; Rev. T. Starr King, of Boston, "Substance and Show"; and Wil- liam Stark of Nashua, N. H., "The Miracles of Time."
In December, 1864, citizens of this city determined to form an organization for the purpose of retaining here the celebrated Healy Art Gallery of paintings. An organization was effected called the "Art Gallery of Chicago" and the paintings were duly secured. Among the subscribers to this movement were the following : H. W. B. Ogden, U. S. Crosby, George P. A. Healy, N. K. Fairbanks, George F. Rumsey, D. J. Ely, E. H. Sheldon, J. Y. Scammon, C. T. Scammon, John T. Stafford, H. N. Thompson, John B. Turner, Bishop Duggan and William Bross.
In January, 1865, Ralph W. Emerson and John B. Gough lec- tured here before the Young Men's association.
Early in 1865 spirit manifestations attracted the attention of many citizens. Public exhibitions were held, judges from the audi- ence were appointed, and long descriptions of the tests given ap- peared in the newspapers.
In February, 1865, the Mendelssohn Musical society under the leadership of Mr. Doolin gave a series of enjoyable entertainments at Dearborn Seminary.
In June, 1865, a collection of choice oil paintings known as "Rug- gles' Gems" were sold here at public auction. The Tribune said, "They possess rare and peculiar excellence. For the splendor of their tints and excellency of pictorial effects they are unsurpassed."
In July, 1865, a foot race for $1,000 a side occurred at Chicago
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Driving park. The race was for five continuous miles and was run by three Indians named Deerfoot, Smith and Stevens. Smith quit at the end of the third mile and Deerfoot and Stevens ran a dead heat in 27 minutes 49 seconds. The first mile was made in 5:161/2, the second in 5:241/2, the third in 6:51, the fourth in 5:33 and the fifth in 5:25. Later Deerfoot and Stevens ran against two trotting horses. The Indians were scheduled to run two miles and twenty rods while the horses trotted four miles. The horses selected were Princess and Cooley. The Indians covered the distance in 10 minutes 17 seconds and the horses in 10 minutes 53 seconds.
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