USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 54
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The Pastime's rooms are handsomely furnished, and have been the scenes of many brilliant social functions of a private and semi-public character. The organization of the club took place on December 4, 1885, and its incorporation on December 23, 1889. the charter list containing the names of fifty of the most prominent citizens. The first officers were: Robert B. Jessup, president; Mason J. Niblack, vice president; H. J. Foulks, secretary : E. J. Julian, treasurer ; board of directors-C. B. Kes-
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singer, P. M. O'Donnell, E. P. Busse, R. B. Jessup, Jr., H. J. Foulks. The Pastime is a prosperous organization and has established an enviable repu- tation by its hospitable treatment of strangers and by the enforcement of rules calling for decorous conduct on the part of visitors and members. The card, billiard and music rooms, and the reading room, which is pro- vided with all important metropolitan newspapers, leading weekly publica- tions, and monthly magazines, are comfortably and tastefully arranged and liberally patronized. The New Year's reception, which is a regular annual event, is always looked forward to with the fondest anticipation. For many years the recurrence of the anniversary of the capture of Vincennes from the British by George Rogers Clark has been celebrated with much ceremony and patriotic fervor by the members of the Pastime. The last celebration, commemorative of this event, was held at the club on the evening of February 25, 1911, on which occasion Elbridge G. Gardner, aged 91 years, and William Green, aged 99 years, gave some interesting reminiscences of early days, Mr. Green relating an experience he had as a stage driver while transporting Col. Francis Vigo, Clark's true and trusted friend, to Terre Haute from Vincennes. The orators on this occasion were Hon. Robt. G. Cauthorn and Hon. Samuel W. Williams.
The present officers of the Pastime Club are: C. C. Winkler, persident ; F. M. Bond, vice president; Harry V. Somes, Jr., secretary; Robt. G. Cauthorn, treasurer ; C. B. Kessinger, P. M. O'Donnell, Guy A. McJimsey, Chas. L. Haughton, F. W. Quantz, directors.
DAUGIITERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
The Francis Vigo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion, in pursuing a mission along lines that is purely patriotic, has at the same time increased the fund of social gaieties. The series of colonial balls and operas given under their auspices recently for the purpose of procuring funds for the Francis Vigo monument and with which to pur- chase the Harrison mansion have been notably delightful events. The chapter, however, was not organized to fill a sphere in the social world, but for the purpose of perpetuating the memory of the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence, by the acquisition and protection of historical spots, and the erection of monuments; by the en- couragement of historical research in relation to the Revolution and publi- cation of its results; by the preservation of documents and relics, and of the records of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots : and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries.
Francis Vigo Chapter was organized on April 20, 1908, at the home of Mrs. William Allen Cullop, who was the real instigator of the movement leading up to that result. The roster of officers selected at that time was as follows: Regent, Mrs. William Allen Cullop; Vice Regent, Mrs. H. W. Alexander ; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Wm. A. Spain: Corresponding
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Secretary, Mrs. Joseph Jones; Treasurer, Miss Katharine McIlvaine; Registrar, Mrs. Chas. L. Haughton; Historian, Mrs. H. L. Gregory. The charter list was signed by fifteen ladies, including Mrs. R. E. Brooks, an original Daughter of the Revolution, who has since died, and the following names appear thereon, together with those of the officers above: Mrs. H. E. Hennis, Mrs. Chas. McClure, Mrs. W. C. Reed, Mrs. J. C. Watts, Miss Mary Haughton, Mrs. Lloyd Allen Johnson, Miss Mary Love. The other members of the chapter are: Miss Mabel Alexander, Mrs. D. L. Bonner, Miss Mary Brittain, Mrs. Florida Davy, Miss Margaret Haughton, Mrs. Geo. W. Parrill, Miss Antoinette Andrus, Mrs. T. H. Maxedon, Mrs. Chas. B. Judah, Miss Bonnie Bierhaus, Miss Bernice Bonner, Mrs. W. F. Calverley, Mrs. R. I. Hamilton, Mrs. David Padgett, Miss Blanche Turrell, Mrs. Frank W. Curtis, Mrs. Ed. Townsley, Mrs. A. Hayhurst, Mrs. Wilfred Reep.
Monthly meetings of the chapter are held at the homes of members, at which programs of a historical character are usually rendered, and an hour of pleasant social intercourse enjoyed. Besides contributing its full quota toward Colonial Hall, the chapter has set a handsome shaft at the grave of Col. Francis Vigo, built a monument on the site of Fort Sack- ville, and recently closed negotiations, and partially raised funds for the purchase of the Harrison House. The patriotic zeal with which the mem- bers are imbued is displayed in their enthusiastic observance of Flag Day, Memorial Day, Washington's birthday, the anniversary of the capture of Vincennes, and other seasons the recurring anniversaries of which suggest demonstrations of patriotism. The present officers of Francis Vigo Chap- ter, Daughters of the American Revolution, are: Mrs. W. A. Cullop, regent; Mrs. H. W. Alexander, vice regent : Mrs. Clarke E. Stewart, re- cording secretary ; Mrs. Jos. Jones, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Chas. Haughton, registrar ; Mrs. T. H. Maxedon, historian; Miss Katharine Mc- Ilvaine, treasurer. Mrs. Cullop is a member of the committee, recently appointed by the National Congress, D. A. R., to have the portrait in oil of Mrs. Caroline Scott Harrison removed from the basement of the White House, Washington, to the Indiana room of Continental Hall.
THE HARMONIE VEREIN.
This organization was founded July 8, 1888, largely through the efforts of E. W. Determann and Louis A. Meyer, who issued invitations to about twenty prominent German citizens to meet them at the law office of Mr. Meyer, where the advisability of forming a club whose primary object was sociability, and where the German tongue would be spoken and the songs of Fatherland sung, was discussed, resulting, as stated, in the formation of the society. The first officers were: Louis A. Meyer, president ; Edward Lindner, vice president; E. W. Determann, secretary; Frank Liebermann, treasurer : Edward Bierhaus, Sr., Eugene Hack, Henry J. Hellert and Fred
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Samonial, directors. The following gentlemen, in the order named. have filled the office of president: L. A. Meyer, H. J. Hellert, Albert Zepf, George Reinbold, Edward Lindner, Anton Bey, E. W. Determann, Joseph Schmidt, Benoit Fritsch, E. W. Determann, John Friesz, August G. Meise, Mathias Zaepfel, Henry Schwartz and Frank A. Thuis, (incumbent). The secretaries since the organization of the society have been: E. W. Deter- mann, Edward Lindner, Fred Eageler, Jos. Scheefers, Jos. Clausman, (in- cumbent ).
On September 10, 1890, the Harmonie Verein was incorporated under the laws of the state. The articles of incorporation were signed by twenty- nine members of which number nine have since died. In the incorporated articles it was set forth that the object of the association was to encourage and propagate musical and social culture, indicating that in conversation and song the German language was to be employed.
The first place the society held regular meetings was in the Greater building, corner Third and Main streets. In 1890 the verein leased the upper floors of the LaPlante building, which it still retains, corner Third and Busseron streets, and fitted them up in splendid shape, by providing the club rooms with all modern conveniences and comforts, and placing a roomy stage in the large assembly room, which has been the scene of in- numerable dances which only Germans know how to enjoy. Within its ranks the society has some fine dramatic talent who have given worthy ren- ditions of difficult German plays.
Several years ago, in order to stimulate an interest and encourage pupils in taking up the study of German, the verein offered handsome gold prizes as awards in all the schools for the best German scholars.
Harmonie Park, which fronts on Fairground avenue and adjoins the beautiful country home of Noble B. Judah, is a very attractive place and is utilized by the club for picnics, dances, etc. It was purchased by the verein in 1896 of James I. Kelso for $12500. At the time the price was considered high for five acres of ground, two miles from town, but it is doubtful if it could be bought to-day for ten times that amount. The park is equipped with three large handsome and substantial pavillions, one of which is used for dancing purposes, and a number of smaller ones for refreshments, etc. It is the intention of the verein to have erected in the park before celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary, in 1912, a commodious club house.
lIarmonie Verein is affiliated with the German American Alliance of America and sends two representatives each year to the annual convention of that organization. Since the law providing that applicants for member- ship must be thoroughly German has been repealed, the already large mem- bership of the society will no doubt rapidly increase. All that is required now to insure the elegibility of an applicant providing he is a desirable fel- low in other respects, is to be the son of a German father, or German mother, or the fortunate possessor of a German wife, and like "the way the Ger- mans do." The present officers of the verein are: Frank A. Thuis, presi-
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dent ; Wm. Bey, vice president ; Jos. Claussman, secretary ; John Weiler, treasurer ; Matt. Zaepfel, Anton Bey, Jos. Duesterberg, John Nestlehut ; Wm. Baker, Jr., directors.
TIIE TEUTONIA CLUB.
The Teutonia is one of the many private societies which provides enter- tainments of a public character. The organization has been in existence for more than a quarter of a century. As the name implies, the Teutonia is composed of Germans, its members being all young men of that na- tionality. It is a thespian as well as social organization, and its enter- tainments, usually given in St. John's Hall, over which it has super- vision, evince that the Teutonians are well versed in the art dramatic and possess a high order of histrionic ability. Its present officials are: Rev. Carl Kabey, president ; F. P. Hans, vice president ; MI. J. Boeckman, secre- tary ; Leo Schulties, treasurer.
THE OLD POST COUNTRY CLUB.
While the members of this organization, which was formed in 1904, are of the male persuasion, their ladies are not denied the comforts and pleasures afforded by its hunting and fishing preserves, and the excellent accommodations of its commodious club house, located on Robeson's Lake. from which stream large quantities of game fish are taken annually. Not only are the families of members (numbering 100) privileged to go at will and take possession of the premises, but they are permitted to invite lady friends who are without representation in the membership to join them on these expeditions in quest of pleasure, fresh air and delightful rural scen- ery. The officials at present in charge of this famous club and its splendid property are: Robert Robeson, president: Steve Eastham, vice president ; John T. Boyd, treasurer; William Simpson, secretary: William Propes, Guy McJimsey. Myron Rindskopf, directors; John Brown, warden.
THE FIVE O'CLOCK SWIMMING CLUB.
This institution which was organized in 1909. is composed of a coterie of unselfish young men who believe in the healthfulness and delights of beach bathing. The two brief seasons in which they disported in the waters of Hack and Simon's Lake has convinced them that there is much to be gained physically and mentally in taking a swim; that for one not to acquire knowledge of how to swim is to disregard one law of self-preserva- tion ; that women as well as men should learn to swim, not alone for the pleasure it affords, but for the advantages it gives in protecting themselves and others who may be so unfortunate as to encounter mishaps while traveling on the waters. For the purpose of giving the ladies an opportu- nity of learning how to swim and enjoying at the same time the delights of
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bathing, the swimming club has arranged to admit the fair ones to member- ship at the opening of the coming season, when it is expected to fit up bath houses on the banks of the Wabash. The swimming club's officers are: James Garrard, president ; Harley P. Presnell, vice president ; Chester Weems, secretary and treasurer. Besides these officials the executive com- mittec consists of Joseph Meuntzer, Edward Kixmiller and Robert G. Cauthorn. The club will be incorporated under the state laws before the beginning of the bathing season of 1911.
THE TECUMSEH BOAT CLUB.
The splendid facilities afforded by the Wabash river for regattas, the delightful scenery to be enjoyed in lengthy boat rides, many years ago sug- gested the formation of the Tecumseh Boat Club-but not as far back as when the great Indian warrior, from which the club takes its name, was here, although rowing in the Wabash was a popular diversion even in those days. The Tecumseh club was organized about thirty years ago. Capt. Joseph Schmidt, the retired snuff manufacturer, was the real promoter of the enterprise, and among his trusty lieutenants were Fred Harsch, W. M. Hindman, E. J. Julian, Alfred Crotts, Henry Eberwine, and many others. In 1897, a feature of a monster Fourth of July celebration was the unique and costly float the club rigged up for the street parade, in which many others were entered, the incentive being a handsome prize for the most elaborate and appropriate representation. The club's effort represented the battleship "Vincennes," the name of one of the first men-of-war in Uncle Sam's navy. The design was a marvel of beauty, taste and accuracy, necessitating the employment of much time and labor for the expenditure of which the builders felt amply repaid in receiving the first prize. In naval battles, which have always been made a prominent feature of all big pyro- technical displays on the Wabash, the Tecumseh Club has furnished all the "men-of-war" and provided the vessels with marines from among its own members, having the satisfaction of fighting on three different occasions subsequent to the year 1897 in the presence of more than 20,000 specta- tors-the last event taking place on the final night of home-coming week, October, 1908. The club maintains a boat house at the foot of Main street, on the river wharf. Its officers are John N. Bey, president ; John L. Baker, secretary ; Chas. L. Robinson, treasurer.
THE EUTERPERAN SOCIETY.
The matinee, driving, whist, bridge and all other clubs have representation in the Euterperan Society, and yet it is a youthful organization, and con- sidered the least bit exclusive. The society, which has for its purpose the correlative study of all the arts, is a flourishing federation composed of the recognized leaders in the various lines of arts and those who take chief delight in the study of the artistic. In its motto, "Each of the fine arts is
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but a refraction of one and the same ray of light," is expressed the real aims and objects of the society, whose members seek to justify the quotation by analyzing the poet, painter, sculptor and musician simultaneously with the subject under discussion. The officers of the organization are Hammet D. Hinkel, president; W. C. Mason, vice president ; Miss Margaret McJimsey, secretary.
THE HEALTH AND HAPPINESS CLUB.
The Health and Happiness Club is one of those helpful organizations that has its highest expression in true happiness as the resultant factor of right and sane living. The club, which is yet in its infancy, is destined to wield a power for good in the community, not alone by the exercise of prin- ciples laid down for the government of its members, but by providing for non-members a series of lectures by expert authority on hygienic subjects and all questions pertaining to household economics, as is being done by the Fortnightly Club, which gives the public occasional opportunities of listen- ing to dissertations along these lines by such talented domestic economists as Mrs. Sarah Tyson Rorer. The officers of the Health and Happiness Club are Mrs. Ida B. Zener, president ; Mrs. Mabel Clarke, vice president ; Mrs. Eliza Morgan, secretary and treasurer ; Miss Gretchen Crook, corres- ponding secretary.
THE VINCENNES CIVIC FEDERATION.
Not least among the many commendable societies exerting an influence for the public good is the Vincennes Civic Federation, an organization of recent birth. The purpose of the association is to unite all organizations of the city, and all public spirited citizens thereof, into an organization for the purpose of inaugurating, encouraging and sustaining social improvement work of all kinds, such as civic cleanliness and public health, beautifying the city, establishing day nurseries, labor employment bureaus, and all other social improvement work. Already nearly every social and fraternal order has representation in the federation, which has thus early in its career been responsible for the adoption of municipal measures which will eventually lead to the abolition of the pole and sign nuisances on the business thorough- fares of the city. The common council, harkening to the voice of the fed- eration, has enacted laws providing for the removal of telephone, telegraph and electric light poles and overhead signs, from the commercial centres, and requiring all wires in the business districts placed underground. The officers of the Federation are: Robt. G. Cauthorn, president; Frank Oli- phant. vice president ; Miss Ida L. Lusk, recording secretary ; Mrs. T. H. Maxedon, corresponding secretary ; Miss Eleanor Beach, treasurer.
MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES.
Prominent among the other societies entering into the social, fraternal, educational, religious and commercial life of Vincennes, are the following :
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Old Post Court of Honor, No. 432, Bessie Presnell, recorder, meets every Monday evening at Noble's Hall.
The Good Samaritan Hospital Association, Clarence B. Kessinger, pres- ident ; Mrs. J. L. Bayard, secretary ; meets at Court House first Monday in each month.
The High School Alumni Association, Harley Presnell, president ; Ray- mond Rielag, treasurer ; Miss Emily Keith, secretary ; meets at high school auditorium monthly.
The Vincennes Board of Trade, No. 116 Main street ; Wm. H. Vollmer, president ; B. F. Harsha, secretary.
Home Defenders of America, No. 45, Joseph Scheefers, Jr., financial secretary, meets first Monday of each month at No. 30 South Fourth street.
Knights and Ladies of Honor, Review Lodge, No. 362, Alice Bicknell, protector ; I. E. Townsley, recording secretary ; Mrs. Ella Wood, treasurer ; WV. E. Wood, financial secretary ; meets first and third Tuesdays of each month.
The Home Missionary Society meets second Friday of each month ; Mrs. Thos. Campbell, president; Mrs. C. E. Purdy, secretary ; Mrs. Jno. Wagner, treasurer.
Independent Order B'nai Brith Etz Chain Lodge, No 205; Ike B. Kuhn, president ; Daniel Oestreicher, secretary.
The Indiana Retail Merchants Association, Thomas F. Paltry, secretary.
The Knox County Agricultural and Mechanical Society, whose beauti- ful fair grounds are located on Fairview avenue, at the edge of the city's eastern corporate limits, is officered by Eph. Gilmore, president; James House, secretary ; B. M. Willoughby, treasurer. The offices of the secre- tary and treasurer are in the Bishop building.
The Ladies Aid Society of the M. E. Church meets on alternate Wed- nesdays; Mrs. George Gardner, president; Mrs. Park Colenbaugh, treas- urer ; Mrs. Paul Ritterskamp, secretary.
The Knox County Medical Society meets the second Tuesday of each month in the city hall building; Clark E. Stewart, president; Charles S. Bryan, secretary.
The Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association of Vincennes is offi- cered by Herman Brokhage, president; T. F. Palfry, secretary ; James Emison, treasurer.
The Mutual Protective League, Vincennes Council, No. 451; Olive Donaldson, secretary and treasurer.
The National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch No. 112, of which Edward Ritterskamp is president, and Wilford Reep, secretary, meets in postoffice building on call of latter official.
St. John's Benevolent Society, Gerhard Bergman, president; Joseph Clausman, secretary ; Benoit Fritsch, treasurer; meets on Sunday of each month in St. John's Hall.
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The Round Table Club of the First M. E. Church meets on the third Friday of each month; Mrs. Martha Gilkey, leader.
The Standard Bearers, of which Miss Orpha Purdy is president ; Miss Alice Hall, recording secretary, and Miss Grace Crabbs, financial secretary, meets on first Monday of each month.
The Travelers' Protective Association, Post H, L. P. Colenbaugli, sec- retary, meets at Masonic Hall, on the second Saturday in each month.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Mrs. Matthew Fields, president ; Mrs. J. D. Roof, treasurer; Miss Alice Bell, secretary ; meets first Tuesday of each month.
The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the First M. E. Church, Mrs. J. N. McCoy, president; Mrs. J. T. McJimsey, treasurer; Mrs. Chauncy Olin, secretary ; meets on the first Friday of each month.
The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Second M. E. Church meets on the first Tuesday in each month, Mrs. Chas. V. Wathen secretary.
FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
MASONIC LODGE NO. 1-ITS NOTABLE MEMBERS.
A lodge of Masons was instituted at Vincennes at a time when, it is presumed, the Masonic order was the only secret fraternal organization in existence. In November, 1806, a petition was sent from the Old Post, through Abraham Lodge, No. 8, of Louisville, Ky., to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, praying for a dispensation to form a regular lodge at Vincennes, in Indiana Territory. On August 27, 1807, the Grand Lodge of Kentucky granted a dispensation to install officers and set the craft to work. The dispensation was allowed to lapse, but was renewed at a session of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, September 1, 1808. On March 13, 1809, Jona- than Taylor, P. M., of Abraham Lodge, No. 8, installed the first officers of Vincennes Lodge, with William Jones as Worshipful Master. Besides the gentlemen above named there were present at the organization the follow- ing members: John Caldwell, W. M., late of Union Lodge, No. 92; Chas. Firsher, W. M., late of Brownsville Lodge, No. 60; John Gibson, F. C., of Lancaster, Pa., Lodge; Henry Vanderburg, W. M., Army Traveling Lodge, New York.
The first business transacted was on March 14, 1809, when John Gib- son, F. C., was raised to the degree of Master Mason. On March 17, 1809, Parmenas Beckes was initiated, passed and raised, which gave him the dis- tinction of being the first man in Indiana to become a Mason. Mr. Beckes had the misfortune to lose his life in a duel, fought with Dr. Scull, on the morning of July 15, 1813, and was buried two days later with Masonic cere- monies, the first to be performed in Indiana. Whenever the name of Beckes is mentioned the celebrated duel is recalled, which was brought about by Beckes calling Scull to account for giving expression to an indecent remark in which the honor of his (Beckes') step-daughter, a beautiful and
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pure girl, was assailed. When questioned, Scull acknowledged that he had said, "If she's as good as she's pretty, she's a jewel." The altercation be- came personal, resulting in the duel and its attendant result.
When Vincennes lodge was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, on August 31, 1809, it was assigned No. 15. After Indiana Territory was admitted as a state to the union, the first steps toward the organization of a Grand Lodge of Indiana were taken in Vincennes lodge, by the appointment of a committee which called a meeting for a conference of lodges at Corydon, July 17, 1817, where General W. Johnson appeared as the representative of the local lodge. At this convention, which adjourned to meet at Madison on January 13, 1818, the plans were formulated for the organization of a Grand Lodge. Capt. Benj. V. Beckes (brother of Parmenas Beckes) was in attendance as a delegate from the local lodge and was elected Grand Junior Warden. As such officer he surrendered the charter of Vincennes Lodge, No. 15, receiving in its stead the new charter of Vincennes Lodge, No. I, bearing date of January 13, 1818, under the Grand Lodge of Indiana. The new lodge was instituted by General W. Johnson, who was not only the most distinguished Mason of No. I, but also the moving force which brought Masonry to Indiana. He was appointed proxy of the Grand Mas- ter by the Grand Lodge and in the performance of the duties of that high office installed the following officers, making a profound impression on all who witnessed the ceremonies: Elihu Stout, W. M .; John B. Drennon, S. W .; John Decker, J. W .; Henry Ruble, treasurer; Volney T. Bradley, secretary ; Jacob Catt, S. D .; Henry Dubois, J. D.
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