USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. I > Part 68
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
Previous to this a stock company had been formed, with a capital stock of $25,000. The shares were placed at $10 and were chiefly taken by club men- bers. The change of plan alluded to could only be effected by increasing the
429
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
capital stock, or by placing a mortgage upon the building. The latter course was preferred and the club was left, upon the completion of the building, with a debt of $16,000.
Plain and substantial in design and construction, the house has demonstrated over and over again the wisdom of its building. It is free of debt and kept in perfect repair to date. Twice has the Peoria Women's Club been hostess, in her own home, to the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs; twice has the State Conference of Charities found ample and convenient hospitality under this roof.
If, as we are told, the laws which govern the acoustics of a building are im- perfectly understood, a happy accident, it may be said, has made the music hall almost perfect in this respect. Numbers of great singers and players upon in- struments have been enthusiastic in their expression of the ease with which they could play or sing in our hall. This hall, which covers the entire second floor will seat five hundred and twenty-five people, and is frequently rented for theatricals, musicals, and conventions. The lower floor has a large dining room and parlor, ample dressing rooms and a room for the board of directors. This lower floor has proved a delightful social meeting place and is in great demand for dances and receptions. The club possesses a number of really fine paintings -gifts from various members-which add much to its beauty and attractiveness.
Mrs. Clara P. Bourland was the first president of the club and was reelected to this office for twenty-five years, when she resigned and the title of president emeritus was conferred upon her. To her untiring interest and zeal the club owes its home and the larger part of its prosperity.
The club was incorporated in July, 1890, and is a member of the City, District and State Federations of Women's Clubs. It has a record of fine things accom- plished and plans for the future which will make it a still greater factor in the betterment of civic life.
NEW ERA WOMAN'S CLUB
This club was organized in the city of Peoria in 1892, having ten charter members, with Mrs. M. L. White president.
The meetings are held semi-monthly at the home of a member. The object of the club, as stated in the constitution, is the improvement intellectually and socially of its members, but the work has been broadened, and assistance has been given to many worthy objects.
The club holds membership in the Illinois Federation as also in the District Federation of Women's Clubs and the Civic Federation of the City of Peoria.
There is always a banquet in mid-winter and an outing at the close of the year, to both of which the husbands are invited. Next October ( 1912) the club will celebrate its twentieth anniversary. The present presiding officer is Mrs. Isabelle Collins.
CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE
The Catholic Women's League was organized in February, 1894. Strictly speaking, it is not a woman's club; it is an organization for the general good and advancement of humanity in a charitable way. During the Spanish-Ameri- can war, great quantities of bandages, fruits and jellies were sent to the front by the league.
For many years a sewing school, then a cooking school, were maintained by the league at the Neighborhood House, but after a few years the need of a day nursery was evident and the cooking school was abandoned. The nursery, in charge of a competent matron, has been flourishing for the past four years. As many as twenty-four children have been cared for there in a day, although the average is about eleven. The cost of maintaining the day nursery is about sixty-five dollars a month.
430
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
The league's income is derived principally from the annual league supper, which takes place at the Coliseum each November. Over a thousand are served with supper, followed by dancing, and the affair is always a success financially and socially. Another service of income is the annual Tag Day.
The meetings are held at the Knights of Columbus hall on the first and third Monday of each month. The league is connected with the Civic Federation.
The officers for 1911-12 are: President, Mrs. John D. Carey ; financial sec- retary, Mrs. Walter Clogston; recording secretary, Mrs. James E. Tinan; treas- urer. Mrs. Oliver J. Dolan.
CURRENT EVENTS CLUB
The Current Events Club was organized in January, 1896, for intellectual improvement and for the study of important events of the day. It meets every two weeks. Mrs. Eva Van Tassell was the first president, and the present offi- cers are : Mrs. H. C. Linis, president ; Mrs. M. L. Ducker, vice president ; Mrs. A. E. Giles, secretary ; Mrs. J. H. Riggs, treasurer.
The membership is limited to twenty. The club is a member of the Civic Federation and does its full share in assisting all the work thereof, both finan- cially and in other service.
THIE AULD LANG SYNE CLUB
was organized October, 1897, at the home of Mrs. N. J. Jacquin. Mrs. Lucia M. Swayze was elected president, which office she has held ever since. having been elected later for life. The present officers are: Mrs. Lucia M. Swayze, president; Mrs. William W. Meeker, vice president ; Mrs. U. N. Clark, secretary : Mrs. M. M. Bassett, treasurer.
The membership is limited to twenty-five, and is composed entirely of ladies who once resided in Pekin, Illinois. The main object of the organization was to perpetuate this friendship of former years. Meetings are held regularly on the second Wednesday of each month. Short miscellaneous programs are given, current events and civic problems discussed. During the past five years the greater part of dues collected have been donated to philanthropic institutions.
PEORIA WOMEN TEACHERS' CLUB
The Peoria Women Teachers' Club was organized in 1897 and Miss Kate Rutherford was the first president. The others who have served in that capacity have come from all the ranks in the teaching profession : principals of schools, high school and grade teachers and supervisors. All have worked faithfully and well. The present officers are: Miss Edna Earnest, president: Miss Esther Szold and Miss Emma Boynton, vice presidents; Miss Margaret Mauschbach. recording secretary; Miss Elizabeth Persinger, corresponding secretary ; Miss Iva Distler, treasurer.
The club helps support the depot matron and helps financially an industrial school for girls. It is a member of the Civic. District and State Federations and does its share in their good works. It has for a number of years provided a fine course of lectures and entertainments for its members and friends and brought many prominent people to Peoria.
COLLEGE WOMAN'S CLUB
The College Woman's Club of Peoria was organized October 21, 1897, with Miss Helen Bartlett as president. Its present membership is seventy-five, and its officers for 1911-12 are: Miss Mary B. Blossom, president; Miss Elizabeth Jack, vice president ; Miss Vera Hays, secretary; and Mrs. Anne Kleene, treas-
431
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
urer. The aim of the club is to promote college interest and to maintain a spirit of fellowship among its members. It has contributed money to and also sewed for several charitable organizations. This year the proceeds from a number of lectures, which have been given from time to time, accumulated sufficiently to enable the club to offer a $150 scholarship to a young woman desiring a college education, and also to start a loan fund which may be used to tide college students over temporary financial difficulties.
NORTH PEORIA WOMEN'S CLUB
The North Peoria Women's Club was organized in September, 1898, its object being the intellectual improvement of its members, all of whom were busy housewives. Its first president was Mrs. Francis M. O. Schnebly, who held the position for five years. The membership of the club is limited to fifty. At the present time this list is full. The club meets at the homes of its mem- bers fortnightly on Wednesdays, from October through May, inclusive. The study this year comprises three of Shakespeare's plays.
The present officers are: Mrs. William Wex, president; Mrs. L. A. Howes, vice president ; Mrs. William Faber, secretary-treasurer ; Mrs. L. B. Follansbee, assistant secretary-treasurer.
The club is a member of the Civic Federation and has always been among the first to respond when help was needed.
WEST BLUFF NINETEENTH CENTURY CLUB
The West Bluff Nineteenth Century Club was organized in the summer of 1898 for the accomplishment of a systematic course of reading and for the advantage offered by organization, intellectually and socially. There were originally thirteen members.
The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Bourscheidt, Friday, July 29, 1898. At this meeting Mrs. Bourscheidt was elected president and Mrs. J. D. Wick, secretary. Ill health soon compelled Mrs. Bourscheidt to resign and Mrs. Heffner was elected. The membership has increased to twenty. This year Mrs. Clara L. Johnston is president ; Mrs. W. W. Dewey, vice president ; Mrs. Charles Klepinger, secretary ; Mrs. E. T. Grady, referee; and Mrs. L. B. Martin, treasurer. The club is a member of the Civic Federation and supports the federation actively in all work proposed.
OUTLOOK CLUB
The Outlook Club was organized in 1898, with twelve charter members. The objects of this club are, by union, "to promote the happiness and usefulness of its members and to create a center of enjoyment, friendship and culture."
The Outlook Club affiliated with the District Federation in 1901. It also is represented in the Civic Federation of Peoria, and through this organization does more or less charitable and philanthropic work. The club numbers twenty- four members at the present time and the topic for study this year ( 1912) is "America Today."
The present officers are : President, Mrs. S. R. Quigley ; vice president, Mrs. A. N. Dunseth; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. R. T. May; critic, MIrs. G. A. Parkhurst ; journalist, Miss M. E. Whitaker.
THE RESEARCHI CLUB
Fourteen years ago some ladies decided to form a club whose object should be the careful study of current events and the discussion of literary and scien- tific questions which entailed considerable research. The Research Club was the
432
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
result of that decision. The members have lived up to the club's motto: "From each according to her ability; to each according to her needs."
The club colors are pink and white. The carnation is the club flower and the active membership is limited to thirty. Meetings are held every alternate Friday at the residences of members.
The officers for the season of 1911-12 are: President, Georgie Niebuhr ; vice president, Cleo Barbour; recording secretary, Edith Frye; corresponding secretary, Florence Merrill; treasurer, Katherine Wheeler; critic, Drusilla Daily; treasurer of flower fund, Carrie Allison.
The club is a member of the Civic Federation, contributes annually to the support of the truant officers' work and has also given to many other philan- thropic enterprises.
WOMEN'S AID CLUB
The colored Women's Aid Club was organized in May, 1899, by Mrs. Eliza- beth Lindsay Davis, of Chicago, and Mrs. B. Y. George, of Elmwood; also Mrs. Franklin Hall, formerly of Peoria. The object was charity alone when first organized, but since then it has branched out and is helping along all lines of philanthropy and civic improvement.
The club has made arrangements for the purchase of a lot on Globe street, and as soon as a sufficient amount of the purchase price has been paid, it is earnestly desired, by the members, that improvement of the property, in the erection of a suitable building, will soon be started, so as to meet the needs and demands of the colored people.
This club is incorporated under the state laws and has a membership of about forty-five. The officers : President, Ida Savage; vice president, Melvina Cotton ; secretary, Sarah Sheppard; assistant secretary, Effie Harper; treasurer, Sarah Floyd.
AS YOU LIKE IT CLUB
The idea of a club for a limited area of the West Bluff originated with Miss Julia Arnold Kempshall. Mrs. E. O. Sisson, wife of the first dean of Bradley Polytechnic Institute, was persuaded to give it her support, and on January 2, 1901, the club was organized at her home. The first regular meeting was held on January 15th and Miss Julia Kempshall became the first president.
The club was not named until February 20, 1901, when, at the home of Mrs. Sisson, the name As You Like It, was chosen as most appropriate, because of the peculiar character of the organization. Its members are required to have residence within a certain restricted area, and must be voted in by secret ballot. The basis of membership is ability and willingness to share in the work of the club. The membership is limited to thirty.
The present officers are: I'resident, Mrs. William J. Balzer ; vice president, Mrs. Hugh Weston; secretary-treasurer, Mrs. Luther C. Hinckle.
For the year 1912 the study is on the Growth and Development of the Mid- dle West. The club's meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays from October to June. In addition to study topics the club is interested in civic problems and is ready and willing to aid in any undertaking that has for its object a better and more beautiful Peoria. It is a member of the Civic Federa- tion.
MOTHERS' CLUB
The Peoria Mothers' Club was organized January 15, 1904, its object being to promote a higher and more perfect standard of motherhood among its mem- bers. The seven charter members were Mrs. Charles A. Bennett, Mrs. W. H.
GFE
PEORIA WOMAN'S CLUB
NI
M 3. MFANA
433
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
Packard, Mrs. M. C. Fritts, Mrs. W. F. Raymond, Mrs. S. G. Lutz and Mrs. C. S. Van Deusen. The club has since grown to a membership of thirty-five and has joined the Illinois Congress of Mothers. In addition to their object of increasing their own efficiency in the home and studying the methods which will best develop the physical, intellectual and spiritual nature of their children, they have given special attention to child welfare in a broader sense, also to women in industry. Through their efforts the children's rooms, in connection with the public library, were opened, and the Child Welfare League organized. This league which has only just commenced its activities (summer of 1912), is preparing to establish branches in every school and will meet a great need in Peoria by extending the spirit of true motherhood and fatherhood into the community life. It is a member of the Civic Federation.
The present officers are: President, Mrs. Rudolph Pfeiffer; vice president, Mrs. F. P. Lewis; secretary, Mrs. C. E. Goss ; assistant secretary, Mrs. Hugh Weston ; treasurer, Mrs. J. F. Cooper.
THE PEORIA WOMEN'S CIVIC FEDERATION
The Peoria Women's Civic Federation was organized in April, 1905, and was the outgrowth of a concerted effort on the part of Peoria club women to secure a truant officer for the city. The nineteen clubs who requested the school board to appoint such an officer accomplished by the combining of forces what individual clubs had tried in vain to do. Thereafter each agreed to send its president and two other delegates to a monthly meeting and to unite in all work for civic betterment.
The first officers were: Mrs. Julia P. White, president; Mrs. J. A. Black, vice president ; Mrs. Minnie A. Fritts, secretary ; and Mrs. A. B. Fink, treasurer.
From the first the federation took a very active interest in the juvenile court work, then just beginning in Peoria, and the members assigned to a Juvenile Court Committee acted as voluntary probation officers until the county was able to appoint a paid official. The need of a county detention home, as a supplement to the juvenile court work, very soon became apparent, but after long and arduous work on the part of the Detention Home Committee, it was found impossible to combine the city and county forces and neither alone was willing to erect the home. The committee then succeeded in having the legisla- ture pass a law which permits each county in the state to submit to its voters the matter of levying a special tax for such a home. Other financial burdens, however, lay heavily upon Peoria county and have made it seem unwise to submit the proposition so far. In the autumn of 1911 the need became so great, steps were taken to arrange for a temporary detention home, the rent of a building having been donated for a three year period by the Peoria Betterment Association. The federation agreed to remodel the building if the county would maintain the home, and under its president, Mrs. Julia Starr, raised $1,119.79 for this purpose. The home was opened in April, 1912, but the federation will not rest satisfied until a permanent detention home built for the specific purpose is established.
Very valuable work is being done by the Dorcas Committee, organized in December, 1907, which maintains a weekly sewing class at the Neighborhood House throughout the school year. Here women are taught to mend and darn, to make new garments and remodel old ones. Their time is counted worth fifteen cents an hour and is paid for in the finished garments, or shoes, hats, etc., if desired. This work was started to assist the truant officer who says it has, in that district, practically done away with the excuse that children cannot go to school because they have not proper clothing.
The Garden Committee, in the spring of 1907, gave seeds to a number of school children in the crowded districts and later prizes for the garden showing the best care and results. In 1908-9 two large, vacant lots in opposite ends of Vol. I-28
434
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
the city were divided into small squares and apportioned to children interested. Many valuable lessons in manners and morals, as well as gardening, were given, and many a home was supplied bountifully with vegetables, but the work was greatly hampered by the lack of a worker who could give his or her whole time to it and must wait for the best results until such a one can be hired.
The various committees, such as the Saloon and Cigarette, Garbage, Clean City and Public Health, have each worked hard along the lines indicated by their names, but each has in the end bumped hard into city ordinances, boards of health or state laws and has found in the bumps unanswerable arguments in favor of woman's suffrage.
The federation assists materially in putting the kindergartens into the public school system and in securing later in placing the salaries of kindergartners on an equality with other teachers. Through its efforts a curfew law was adopted, which has proved an effective weapon in many cases, and would be a greater one if all policemen had the training of probation officers and realized the bene- fits of keeping children under sixteen off the streets in the evening. Members of the educational committee have given talks on social hygiene to the mothers in public school meetings and elsewhere and have awakened a greater interest in this vital question among the teachers of the city. The federation cooperates with the Y. W. C. A. in supporting a "traveler's aid" and has from time to time raised substantial sums of money for various charities.
The federation now includes twenty-nine societies-literary and philan- thropic organizations and those connected with churches. In November, 1911, it became a member of the National Municipal League. Its meetings are held in the Peoria Women's Club building ( through the courtesy of that club), and at each one reports are given by the truant officer, the probation officer and the police matron, and as often as possible by the woman in charge of the traveler's aid work and the representatives of various philanthropic organizations. The meetings are thus a means of keeping the clubs in touch with each other's work and acquainting all with the preventative and corrective work of city and county officials. Throughout its existence the federation has been a constantly in- creasing force for good and has demonstrated again and again the power which comes from united effort.
PEORIA CHAPTER, DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
-
June 14, 1896 ( Flag Day) fourteen ladies, descendants of Revolutionary sires met at the home of Miss Caroline Montgomery Rice, and organized the first Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in Peoria. Miss Rice being Regent by appointment of the National Society D. A. R., the other necessary officers were elected, and Peoria Chapter took her place ready for earnest effort along the lines designated by the general purposes of the order. America was sung, and all present united in the Lord's prayer, thus at the first meeting adopting an order of exercises which has never since been omitted. A paper was read on "The origin and evolution of our Flag," which naturally led to the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, before adjournment.
Of the next meeting we will use the words of the historian, Mrs. Esther T. Ellis: "June 30, a meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Lucie B. Tyng for the express purpose of giving each member opportunity to relate the heroic deeds of her Revolutionary Ancestors.
Some very interesting stories were told. We have a different interest in the occupation of New York when we know that our own grandfathers, and great grandfathers were in it, and we apprehend with a keener sympathy the suffer- ings of the soldiers at Valley Forge, when they are related by some one whose grandfather told her the harrowing tale, out of his own experience; and it gives one a curious sense of kinship to find that we and our neighbors had each an ancestor who lived in the same town and served under the same captain. The
435
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
study of history was continued and each new member admitted to the society brought a fresh chapter. Lineage was traced to heroic men and brave women and we have in our archives unpublished records which will some day have a place in the pages of history which the children of the future will delight to review.
June 10, 1902, Peoria Chapter unveiled, near Wesley City, a monument marking the site of Fort Creve Coeur. The tablet deeply cut in the fine red boulder contained the inscription
Fort Creve Coeur 1680 Peoria Chapter D. A. R. June 14 1902.
Mr. Charles J. Off deeded the land, upon which the monument is placed, to the Peoria Chapter.
May 25, 1908, the site of Fort Clark was rescued from oblivion by placing a bronze tablet suitably inscribed, upon the walls of the Gas and Electric building in Peoria, said building having been placed upon the spot where the old fort had stood.
The Daughters of American Revolution are first of all a memorial and historical society, but are much more than that. We seek not only to keep alive the patriotism of our Revolutionary fathers, but we take an interest in the laudable work of the present. We have helped to build every memorial structure in our city ; time and labor and money were freely given for the comfort of our brave boys during the Spanish war.
We have given prizes to stimulate the study of American history in our schools, and could point to many institutions in our midst to which we have gladly contributed. The Stars and Stripes have waved from more than one flagstaff because we have had our eyes turned to the future. It is a part of our work to fit for good citizenship those to whom will be committed the future destinies of our country and we must inculcate lessons of patriotism, and foster the love of our country and her flag.
Peoria chapter is but a small part of a very large national society with headquarters in Washington, D. C. With a membership of eighty thousand, it is the largest society known which is comprised of women only.
As a memorial monument, Continental Hall has been built at Washington and the chapter at Peoria has contributed freely toward the five hundred thousand dollars which it has cost to build and furnish this beautiful building
We now number one hundred and fifteen members. Our membership has been depleted by death, removal and withdrawal, yet there is a steady increase in our number.
We have had one real daughter-Mrs. Lydia Moss Bradley-so well known for her munificent gifts to Peoria and Bradley Polytechnic school-a worthy daughter of a worthy sire.
A children's chapter D. A. R. was organized with sixteen members, some of those who were children when they first had membership are almost old enough to be transferred to the daughters.
Some day all the historic sites will have been marked, and all the monu- ments builded, but loyal American women will continue to find work to do for God and home and native land.
The ladies who have given efficient service to Peoria chapter as regents, are : Miss Caroline M. Rice, Mrs. Lucie B. Tyng, Mrs. Joseph Elder, Mrs. B. F. Ellis, Mrs. Henry Mansfield. Mrs. John W. Rowcliff, Mrs. John I. Black, Mrs. Robt. S. Waddell, Mrs. Julius S. Starr, Mrs. George T. Page."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.