USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria of to-day with Peoria blue book directory, 1915 > Part 8
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
MUSIC AND ART IN PEORIA
Topography, shaded streets, well paved avenues, handsome boulevards, spacious home places, well trimmed lawns, schools, churches, parks, contribute to beautiful Peoria, but other elements must be considered. Song and verse exert an influence and create inspirations that are vital.
Peoria is a music center. Four conservatories are the hubs around which revolve musical activities. Aided by two musical societies and the proposed Municipal Fine Arts Center it is destined to be a leading factor in the musical world and already is exerting its influences in Central Illinois.
THE AMATEUR MUSICAL CLUB By MRS. BESSIE CURRAN SMITH
Away back in the summer of 1906 the need of association of people with a common interest became evident to Miss Katherine Hart, who was meeting her piano pupils, individually, each week. So they agreed to meet regularly together to give programs and to study music for the love of it and the benefit to be derived from such association. The mothers came when they could and in the fall, when school work must be re- sumed, the older ones decided to meet in the mornings and continue the work. This was done from September to May, when Miss Hart decided that, as a club, it must handle its own affairs and have regularly appointed officers, as her work would not permit her to manage these affairs any longer.
That was eight years ago, when Mrs. Hinckle became the first official president of the Amateur Musical Club. The next year the club attained the dignity of a printed year book, and step by step it has grown until it has now become a magnificent in- stitution with over one thousand members. After five years of service, Mrs. Hinckle retired and the work, so well begun, has been carried forward under the direction of Mrs. Wellington Housworth and later by Mrs. H. M. Brown. Each year the club has financed some of the best attractions available in America.
The club is indeed fortunate in securing Mrs. D. C. Chaffee for president during the coming year. Her long experience with musical affairs assures a series of artistic events. The other officers, who are just entering on their duties for the new year, are: Mrs. Jacques Bloom, first vice-president; Mrs. Frank T. Miller, second vice-president; Mrs. Arthur G. Smith, recording secretary; Mrs. Walter Thede, corresponding sec- retary; Miss Helen Nixon, press secretary; Miss Anna Resor, financial secretary; Mrs. David Lackey, federation secretary; Mrs. W. S. Parry, treasurer; Mrs. Leonard Hillis, auditor. Directors: Miss Emma Frances Martin, Miss Harriet Kidder, Mrs. Alonzo Wookey, Mrs. Rosa Kahn, Mrs. M. L. Houser, and Mrs. Leroy Bird.
In thinking of the object of the Amateur Musical Club, the whole spirit of it is incorporated in the name itself. In its purest sense, an amateur is one who follows an art for the love of it-not a superficial or defective person. So the Amateur Musical Club is an association of people who are banded together by their love for music, so that in a united effort this love may become so strong that it will fill our whole city.
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VIEWS OF THE STUDIOS
PEORIA MUSICAL COLI EGE, MADISON AND FAYETTE
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THE RECITAL HALL AND ORGAN
THE OFFICE AND LOBBY
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PEORIA MUSICAL COLLEGE
The Peoria Musical College, incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, is authorized by its charter to issue certificates and diplomas and confer degrees. It is the largest and best equipped musical college in this section of the state; its aim being to maintain the highest standard of excellence in all its branches of study, and to provide at nominal expense, courses of instruction equal to those in the best in- stitutions of the country. With Franklin Stead as its director and Henry G. Gamber, business manager, men of unquestionable ability and reputation, the school has enjoyed a remarkable growth since its organization four years ago, and is noted throughout this and surrounding states for the thorough, systematic and careful training the students receive. During the past year the beautiful and modern building (as seen on the opposite page), was erected by the college officials for the exclusive use of the institution.
Twenty-three teachers, many of whom have enjoyed the advantages of study with the best American and European masters, comprise the faculty. Courses of instruction are offered in piano, organ, voice, violin, violoncello, public school methods, theory of music in all its branches, normal training, musical history, ensemble playing, cornet, trombone, clarinet, saxaphone and other orchestral instruments, school of expression and dramatic art, modern languages, English, physical culture, classic and aesthetic dancing.
The Pekin School of Music which was opened about a year ago, is a branch of the Peoria Musical College, and the courses of instruction and requirements are identical.
Its growth is a very flattering tribute to the members of the faculty, and officers of the institution, while its reputation and influence is one of Peoria's assets.
THE ASSOCIATED MUSICAL INTERESTS By EMMA HINKLE
The Associated Musical Interests combines the musical forces in Peoria for the purpose of bringing to the city attractions of such magnitude and artistic worth as seem to be financially beyond the individual organizations. That such an organization was needed cannot be disputed in the face of the fact that Peoria Musical Clubs have produced a concert going public on which the foreign managers have fastened their business eye and on several occasions have crossed the border of Peoria's stimulated musical territory and swept away thousands of dollars which might easily have been reaped by a Peoria organization.
Peoria is now so well organized musically that it can manage the biggest at- tractions which the city's taste can be educated to demand, hence the invasions of the foreign manager need not be tolerated.
The policy adopted by the Association to devote the net proceeds of its concerts to a fund for a Temple of Music and Art is an instant public spirited appeal to every one who believes in a "Greater Peoria."
The Coliseum acoustically and otherwise is unfit for artistic performances; only the greatest singers and orchestras find it an adequate medium. The Shrine Temple, of which Peoria is justly proud and of which Mr. Stock, conductor of the Thomas Orchestra has said, "the most beautiful and complete orchestra hall in America, " is, alas, even now too small to accommodate our concert going public.
What next? A Municipal Temple of Music and Art, where all clubs may have a home, where music festivals, grand opera, for grand opera is but a step away, and spectacular performances may be held.
We have many public spirited citizens who realize that the art side of our city must. keep pace with its industrial growth and in completing the organization of the
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Associated Musical Interests, it was no task to find one hundred people who considered it a privilege to be instrumental in making financially solid so worthy a movement viz: to bring to our very doors for the least possible price the world's distinguished artists for the upbuilding of our tastes and the pleasures of hearing the best.
The Association is governed by a council of seventeen members composed of individuals and clubs represented by delegates. Each individual in the council bears an equal responsibility with the clubs in case of a deficit in handling attractions. Those composing the council are: Mrs. W. A. Hinckle, president; E. C. Heidrich, chairman; Mrs. C. M. Anthony, first vice-president; Mrs. Frederick Smith, second vice-president; Philip Wolf, third vice-president; Mrs. Alfred Mills, corresponding secretary; Dr. Chas. Smith, treasurer; Miss Maud Curtiss, Mrs. D. C. Chaffee, Mrs. Nathaniel Griswold and J. Wachenheimer. The delegates are: from the Association of Com- merce, Gerald B. Franks; Amateur Musical Club, Mrs. H. M. Brown; Peoria Women's Club, Miss Juliett Dodge; Women Teacher's Club, Miss Delia Miller; Peoria Musical College, Franklin Stead; Runnell's School of Music, Harry D. Runnells; Plowe Con- servatory of Music, Eugene Plowe.
The council is backed by a substantial list of one hundred citizens who agree to bear a responsibility of ten dollars a year on any deficit which might obtain, and are known as Associate Guarantors.
The attractions which have been arranged in its two years are the Thomas Or- chestra in two May Festivals, John McCormack, and the world renowned violinist, Fritz Kreisler.
LYON & HEALY
PIANOLA PLAYER PIANOS
VICTOR VICTROLAS AND RECORDS
LYON& HEALY 424 MAIN ST.
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PIANOS STEINWAY WEBER
HARPS BANJOS GUITARS VIDLINS MANDOLINS
LYON & HEALY WASHBURN
LELAND
BAND INSTRUMENTS VICTOR VICTROLAS
VICTOR VIGTROLAS
A branch of the well known Lyon & Healy music house of Chicago. Managed by Mr. N. Hubsh. Exclusive agency for the Lyon & Healy and Steinway pianos. Also a complete line of everything known in music, victrolas and records.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
MUNICIPAL FINE ARTS CENTER By MRS. JULIA PROCTOR WHITE
Peoria is making rapid advancement commercially and her great material re- sources are being finely developed. But equal advancement is made in aesthetic lines. The recent co-operative movement of all organizations and individuals interested in Peoria's social and artistie life is convincing proof. Those interested have decided to secure a building which shall be a center for all the arts, bearing the suggested name, "Municipal Fine Arts Center." This is a herculean effort, but the enthusiastic group which is planning for it has already received great encouragement and does not doubt that its hopes will be realized in the near future.
The necessity for a building of this kind is self evident. for all the fine arts, that developed in co-opera- the stimulus of the at- STAGE STAGE LECTURE can not be doubted. It place for the Amateur STUDIO prospered so wonder- OTODIO of a home, which at STUDIO give it; the Associated AUDITORIUM CORRIDOR CORRIDOR likewise greatly ham- ART GALLERY SOCIAL HALL suitable auditorium; the Allied Arts needs a place other treasures, which POYER acquire for Peoria, so have an opportunity MEIO GEST LADIES enjoy them; and num- and societies in sym- FIRST-I'LOOP-PLAN PROPOSED.YINE. ART.>DUILDING FOR. THE ASSOCIATED ART- AND. MODICAL: INTERESTO-OF-THE-CITY-OF-PEORIA. WARREN W DAY ARCHITECT will have a meeting place
It is to furnish a home each may be more fully tion with the others and mosphere so produced, will provide a meeting Musical Club, which has fully and is in dire need present Peoria can not Musical Interests is, pered by the lack of a new Peoria Society of for the pictures and it has commeneed to that the people may continually to see and erous other smaller clubs pathy with these arts for further development.
The project is gaining more favor daily. The Peoria Association of Commerce and the Associated Musical Interests, the first organization to agree to give all its
Proposed Municipal Fine Arts Center.
profits (made at concerts) toward the fund for the center, has endorsed it, and the day is not far off when the general publie will respond and make its realization possible.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
Being in its infancy there is much to be planned, and the foregoing illustrations are offered as a suggestion.
The building, to stand on at least a city block of ground, is so planned that additions could be made as the needs require. Of the two auditoriums, the seating capacity of the large one approximates three thousand, wherein great dramas, pageants, oratorios and grand opera can be given; while the smaller one, seating from three to five hundred, is to be devoted to smaller musicales, dramatic performances, amateur theatricals and rehearsals. In addition there is a large room 35 by 70 feet, for dancing, which might be reserved by different clubs, or be open to the public evenings; a large hall for the housing of the pictures and historical objects collected by the Society of Allied Arts, and a number of smaller studios and rehearsal rooms that may be used for various purposes.
It is hoped that the larger part of the entertainments given in this center will be self-created; that it will materially aid and be an incentive to people to write their own plays, produce them, and act them; compose their own music; invent their own dances, and in every way work out and develop their own abilities and talent. To sit in an audience and be entertained by others is pleasant but only half the situation is met thereby. Our great need is for constructive, active amusements.
Peoria needs this center and wants it, and what Peoria wants it always gets. The ultimate erection of this center can not be questioned and the committee invites suggestions, requesting that they be mailed in the care of the Peoria Association of Commerce.
CHAS. C. ADAMS & CO. Peoria's Music House
For more than a score of years the house of Chas. C. Adams & Co has been known to music lovers of Central Illinois. In that time they have continued to grow until now they operate eleven branch stores throughout the state with an output of more than one thousand pianos yearly.
A visit to the Peoria warerooms at 309 Main Street proves most interesting. On the second floor the pianos are shown in small studios, which shows the in- struments as they would appear in one's home. Here an elaborate display is made of pianos, player pianos and Grands.
Rooms for the demonstration of player rolls are also located on the second floor. The third floor is given over to the repair and tuning departments.
The first floor is given over to the music department and the display of Columbia grafonolas, together with sound proof booths for the demonstration of talking machine records. Taken in its entirety the store of Chas. C. Adams & Co. is a complete musical establishment in itself and a credit to the growing city in which it is located.
PEORIA SOCIETY OF ALLIED ARTS By WARREN W. DAY
The Peoria Society of Allied Arts, which is one of the chapters of the American Federation of Arts, was founded on August 1, 1913, at Peoria, Illinois. It was the outcome of several previous meetings between the Arts and Literature Department of the Women's Club, the Peoria Art League, the Manual Arts Department of Bradley Polytechnic Institute, and the City Planning Committee of the Association of Com-
MUSIC HOUSE.
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CHAS C. ADAMS & CO.
PIANO BALEA
EO BALL PPCPRIETOR
KIMBALL PIANOS
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LO BALL
ERBALL CASH CA PAYMENTS
PAYMENTS
UNITED STATES
KIMBALL GRAND & PLAYER
KIMBALL PIANOS -PLANENSO
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
merce. At these meetings it was decided that the time had come when the art interests of the city could and should be united into an effective working organization.
The Society was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois on November 6, 1913. The object for which the Society was formed is the promotion of art and art education in Peoria, Illinois; the purchase, preservation and exhibition of works and objects of art, science, history and craftsmanship; the making and exhibiting of such works and providing instruction in the industrial and fine arts; and, to that end, to acquire real estate and personal property, and to do and perform all other kindred things which may be convenient and necessary in carrying out the purpose of said Society. During the first year the Society became a chapter of the American Federa- tion of Arts, and held an important exhibition of paintings by Chicago artists, a lecture on Municipal Art obtained from the American Federation of Arts was given, and an exhibition was held of the works of Joseph Goss Cowell. The Society also purchased at the first exhibition the painting, "The Hills of Marin, " by Edgar Payne. This picture, which now hangs in the Peoria Public Library, is the nucleus for a future art collection which is to be added to every year. The purchase of the picture was made possible through private subscriptions.
During its second year the Society held five lectures, seven exhibitions of prominence, and several other lectures and talks by different members of the Society. During this year another picture was added to the Society's collection.
The number of members is now about two hundred and fifty. The officers for the present year are: President, Charles A. Bennett; first vice-president, Mrs. Jacques Bloom; second vice-president, Mrs. F. M. Holloway; secretary, Warren W. Day; treasurer, Dr. R. C. Willett, and a board of twenty-four directors.
The Board of Directors have regular meetings on the second Monday in June, September, December and March, and the annual meeting of the Society is held on the fourth Monday in May.
KIMBALL PIANO PARLORS
When E. O. Ball, who has for many years been prominently identified with the piano business, came to Peoria four years ago to locate permanently, he decided on the Kimball piano and purchased the agency at 125 North Jefferson Avenue. Ever since the early seventies Kimball pianos have been sold in Peoria. The satisfaction that they give is evidenced by the fact that in one block on the west bluff there are seven Kimball pianos and the majority of the public school buildings are equipped with this piano and organ. W. W. Kimball Co. was established in 1857. With almost sixty years experience in the piano and organ business, and having produced thousands of instruments which have been sold in all parts of the civilized world, the Kimball piano stands like a beacon light. The concert grand has no equal in perfection of touch, sonority, beauty and variety of tone; the baby grand is the happiest imaginable combination of quiet elegance coupled with artistic excellence uniting a rare and ravishing tone color with an absolutely astounding volume of power; the upright gives unfailing satisfaction under the most trying conditions and lasts a life time; and the player pianos are easiest to pedal, they accent the melody automatically and do not sound mechanical . The Kimball is recommended by the world's eminent artists and the output of the plant is more than double the size of any similar institution in the world. Mr. Ball's experience and knowledge of the piano business and his desire to please and give the maximum satisfaction to his patrons directed him to select the Kimball piano. He gives his personal attention to every customer or person interested in the Kimball piano and conducts his business entirely on merit. Through his honesty, uprightness and devotion to business he has built up a large business in Peoria and vicinity and is recognized as one of Peoria's leading business men.
READING ROOM
READING ROOM
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ERASTUS S. WILLCOX 1891 LIRBARIAN 1915 DIED MARCH 30, 1915
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ERASTUS SWIFT WILLCOX
With the passing away of the late Erastus Swift Willcox, Peoria lost one of her most substantial and prominent citizens, whose active connection with the Peoria Public Library as its librarian for more than twenty-four years made him one of the dominant factors in the educational world.
The memory of such a man can never die while living monuments remain upon which were imprinted the touch of his noble soul. If success is reckoned by worldly gains he was not a successful man, for no fortune crowned his efforts. Some one has said: "Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes through us is the measure of our success," and judged by this standard Erastus Swift Willcox was a highly successful man. He was the author of the first general statutory law in the United States giving the general public the right to use libraries without cost, a law that has been copied and is now upon the statute books of nearly every state in the Union with slight or no modifications, and which in its beneficient operations has done more for the enlightment of the public of this country than any other individual or any law passed by the state or national legislative bodies. Mr. Willcox's alma mater was Knox College, from which he graduated in 1851, and which in 1914 honored him with the degree Doctor of Literature. In 1853 he went abroad for two years to study languages at Germany, France and Rome, being the first Illinoisan to make the "grand tour," as it was then called. On his return to this country in 1856 he was made Professor of Modern Languages at Knox College, which place he held for six years until it was temporarily discontinued on account of the Civil War. He then removed to Peoria and immediately became connected with the then City Library, containing some two thousand volumes, with a membership of three hundred paying a fee of two dollars a year. Under his supervision the library grew very rapidly and in 1872 Mr. Willcox succeeded in having the State Legislature pass his bill, thus making the libraries as free as the public schools. Quietly, modestly, unostentatiously, Mr. Willcox went about his daily tasks. All Peoria honored him for what he was. A gentleman and a scholar, and when all is said, the one man in this western continent who has done the most to bring free literature within the reach of every person in this country, be he rich or poor.
PEORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Peoria Public Library traces its genealogy back fifty-six years, to the autumn of 1855, when two rival libraries were started here at the same time-the Mercantile Library and the Peoria Library. On November 19th, 1896, the Peoria Mercantile Library Association merged into the Peoria Public Library and in the same year the city of Peoria erected the present building on Monroe Street, between Main and Hamilton at a cost of $83,856.34. The moving of the books into the new building marked the commencement of an educational epoch in the history of Peoria. The present membership is 10,480, and more than 200,000 books are issued to card holders annually. The books and magazines in the library reach a total of 160,000. The ground floor of the building on the right hand side has the children's room, while the room on the left hand side is devoted to newspapers. The bindery, employing a binder and three assistants, is located in the rear. The second floor is devoted to the main reading rooms and the offices of the librarian and directors. The third floor is the art gallery, from which lead several rooms, among which is the studio of the Peoria Art League and the United States document room. To the rear of the entire building is the fire proof stack room, five stories in height. The Lincoln branch in the lower part of the city opened July 1, 1911, in an attractive building, costing $10,000, the gift of Andrew Carnegie. In addition there are a number of school libraries in the various
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public schools. Mr. Erastus Swift Willcox, who for twenty-four years was librarian, planned and brought into good running order all the multifarious details so necessary to the smooth working of a modern public library. The erection and equipment of this library was largely due to his efforts, and at his untimely death on March 30th, 1915 left a well selected and well arranged library, and an efficient corps of assistants. He is succeeded by the present librarian, S. Paterson Prowse, a man of great learning and literary ability, who was unanimously selected by the board of directors.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
In addition to the public schools, Peoria has twenty-eight Parochial schools, Catholic and Lutheran, the principal one being the Spalding Institute, built and endowed by Bishop Spalding for the education of Catholic young men, and the Bradley Polytechnic Institute, having an endowment of more than two million dollars, which is so invested that it increases with the wealth of the city.
BRADLEY POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Bradley Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1897 by Mrs. Lydia Bradley. Its department of Horology (Watchmaking, Jewelry, Engraving and Optics) occupies a building especially designed for it and is open throughout the entire year.
The School of Arts and Science occupies six build- ings and presents a great variety of opportunities. I. Academy work, college preparatory and vocational. The latter prepares draftsmen, metal workers, wood- workers, and includes a thorough automobile course. II. There are two year college courses in Science, Engineering, Classics and Literature and also courses for teachers of Manual Training and Domestic Economy. The four year course gives the B. S. degree. The Institute has a fine gymnasium, one for women and a large athletic field.
PEORIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The people of Peoria point with pride to its excellent school system. The policy of the Board of Education has been to furnish comfortable, well adapted modern quarters. In the public school system there are two high schools, twenty grade school buildings, and eighteen kindergartens; a general enrollment of eleven thousand six hundred and twenty pupils, and a most proficient corps of teachers numbering three hundred and seventy-five. The buildings are equipped for the most up-to-date work in manual training, domestic science and art.
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