USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Logan's History of Indianapolis from 1818. Giving a carefully compiled record of events of the city from the organization of the state government > Part 15
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Alfred Stevens, the City Clerk, died October 26th, and George HI. West was appointed Clerk pro tempore, to fill the va- cancy. Henry F. West, Mayor of the City, died November 8th, and was followed to the grave by an immense concourse of citizens. He was the only incumbent of that office who has died during the term. He had been an earnest and active pro- moter of the public schools, and their suc- cess had been largely due to his efforts as trustee. The Council ordered a special election to be held, November 22d, to sup- ply vacancies in the offices of Clerk and Mayor. It was held, and for the first time in several years the democrats were beaten. Two thousand nine hundred and thirty-one votes were cast; William J. Wallace was chosen Mayor, and Frederick Stein, city Clerk. The republicans in- dulged in wild demonstrations of delight when the result became known.
Early in February, Dunlevy, Ilaire & Co. began business as brokers and ruu.
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ners of the State and free banks, in the interest of Cincinnati bankers. In two months $2,000,000 of the circulation was returned for redemption, causing such financial stringency that a State commer- cial convention was held here, in April, to protest against the course of the Cin- cinnati and Indianapolis brokers in crip- pling the trade and resources of the State, by contracting the circulating mediumn. Delegates from Cleveland, St. Louis, To- ledo and Louisville, were in attendance. Bitter resolutions were adopted in regard to the conduct of Cincinnati business men and bankers, and efforts were made to di- vert the trade of Indianapolis to other points. The meeting had the effect to se- riously diminish the war on Indiana banks, and epen other markets to our peo- płe.
Clinton Watson opened an exchange and reading room in August, in the room over Harrison's bank, but the enterprise failed in a few weeks from want of pat- rons.
Professor Pusey made a balloon ascen- sion on the 28th June, and attempted another on the 4th of July, but failed for want of sufficient gas. The usual cele- bration of schools and firemen occurred, and in the afternoon the first fantastic parade attracted great crowds.
The political canvass this year was unu- sually animated and bitter, both parties putting forth their full strength, and hold- ing frequent great conventions. The lar- gest republican demonstration was held on the 15th of July, attended by many thousands of persons from all parts of the State. A great procession took place, and an almost equally great torch- light procession at night, closing with fire- works and balloon ascensions. During the afternoon, a border ruffian demonstra- tion and dramatic representation of the designs of the slave interest, and life in Kansas, was given by a club of young men in fantastic dress, and with proper acces- sories. It created great amusement at the
A great storm of wind and rain took place November 21st, doing considerable daninge, not only here, but all over the western States.
ber's print and picture store, where the pictures (mostly by Indianapolis or Indi- ann artists. ) were placed on exhibition .- Messrs. Jacob Cox, P. Fishe Reed, Jas. F. Gookins and others, being contributors,- The paintings were purchased by an asso- ciation, at their valne, each member con- tributing a stipulated sum, and the pic- tures were divided by lot. Many good paintings were thus distributed at small cost among the citizens.
The Young Mens' Literary, and the Young Mens' Christian Associations esch gave a course of lectures during the win- ter. Charles Sumner, J. B. Gough. T. A. Mills, S. S. Cox, Elihu Burritt and others, appearing before our people. Judson, John and Asa HIntchinson sang, January 22, at Masonic llall. Ole Bull appeared Feb- ruary 27, Signor Blitz, (the elder,) in April, Tom Thumb in July, Miss Richings October 10th, and 30th; Strakosch, Parodi, Tiberini, Morini, and Paul Julien, Novem- ber 24th ; and a State musical convention under George F. Root, was held there No- vember 20-1. W. L. Woods opened the atheneum in March, for one month ; W. Davidge being the only noted star. It was reopened by Vance & Lytton, May 16. clo- sing June 3; Eliza Logan, Miss Richiugs, and Mrs. Coleman Pope, being the stars .- It was opened by Maddocks & Wilson sev- eral times in Juue and July, for a day or two at a time. Wilson, Pratt & Co. ap- peared there during the State fair; Yankee Bierce aud the Maddern sisters early in December, and on the 16th of December it was opened by Lytton & Co. for the season, closing March 9, 1857. The company in- cluded Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Lacey, Tannyhill, Lytton, and others. Sue Denin, Dera Shaw, John Drew, Char- lotte Crampton, Mrs. Drake and Miss Du- val, appeared as stars. It was reopened for a few days, afterward, for benefits, and in March 1857, for a week or two, under C. J. Smith, as manager.
1857. The Germans, during the fall of 1850, had requested that a portion of
expense of the opposite party, and was re- | the city free school fund should be set apart peated with effect by the club at several other points during the canvass. The lar- gest democratic convention followed on the 17th, closing also with a torchlight proces- sion at night, and in numbers and enthu- siasm vied with that of their opponents. for the support of German schools, and the council in December had requested the trustees to report whether the project was feasible and proper. They reported against it in January, 1857, stating that the fund and school accommodations were insuf- ficient for the schools then in operation. There were nine houses (two of them rented, ) and the old seminary, in use. prop- erly accommodating twelve hundred pu- pils, while eighteen hundred were in at- jel to $27,050, the expenses to $19.428; bal-
The Indianapolis Art Society was formed during this or the next year, and held an- | tendance. The fund for less had amount- qual drawings for several years, under the direction of a committee, at llerman Lei- jance $7,616. There were thirty-five teach-
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INDIANAPOLIS FROM 1818.
ers employed in June, and 2,730 children enrolled, being about forty-four per cent. of the children in the city, and but sev. enty-three per cent. of those enrolled were in daily attendance. The first ward house had been raised to two stories, in 1554, and the fifth ward house in 1856. The eightli ward honse was built this year. D. V. Culley, John Love and N. B. Taylor, were elected trustees in January. In August there were twenty-nine sabbath schools, with two thousand nine hundred and fifty scholars.
The city council on the 10th of March adopted the new incorporation law as the city charter, under which the city officers and councilmen were elected for two years. Three thousand three hundred votes were cast at the May election, each party elect- ing part of its ticket. The council organ- ized and drew for short and long terms, and elected Andrew Wallace chief fire en . gineer. The receipts in the general fund for the past year were $32,697; expendi- tures $31,003; balance 81,232; debt 823,- 740; school fund $20,020; expenses $15,- 354; balance $4,045. The assessment was $0,874,700, and a tax levy for general pur. poses of sixty cents on each $100. The salaries of the city officers were fixed as follows : Mayor $800, clerk $600, marshal $500, deputy $400, attorney $400, street commissioner $450, engineer $600, clerk of markets $300, sexton $50, chief fire en- gineer $175, treasurer four per cent. on current and six per cent. on delinquent receipts, and councilmen $2 each meeting.
On the 22d of May the German Turn- ers had a celebration, procession, address and gymuastic exercises on the military grounds.
The spring had been backward and wet, and on the 10th, 12th and 16th of June there were tremendous thunder storms, | ley Tyng, Horace Greeley, Ex-Gov. Bout- resulting in a sudden and high freshet in White river and other streams in the State.
A brilliant comet appeared in the west- ern sky in the latter part of June.
The Fourth of July was celebrated by the Sabbath-schools only, the firemen not parading, and the Guards were at Lex- ington attending the Clay monument dedi- cation. This celebration was notable only as the last general one held by the schools.
Meetings were held in July by the busi- ness men to encourage the establishment of exclusively wholesale dry goods and no- tion houses. A committee appointed by the meeting reported that though there were seventy-five establishments and thir- ty-two manufactories which did a whole- sale business to a greater or less extent, there was but one exclusively wholesale dry goods house in the place. Blake,
Wright & Co., started a dry goods house in response to the demand of the meeting; but the enterprise was short lived.
There were two riots in July in which the firemen were prominent actors, attack- ing houses of ill fame in the western part of the city, destroying the furniture and injuring the buildings. Several af- fairs of this kind occurred afterward in this and the following years, the firemen being principal actors in all of them.
The county fair this year was a failure on account of unfavorable weather, but the State fair was the most successful ever held here, there being over three thousand seven hundred entries of articles for eshi- tition, and the gate receipts amounting to nearly $14,600. A vast crowd was in at- tendance during the three leading days. A grand parade of our fire department, with visiting companies from New Albany and Dayton, was held during the fair.
A negro was arrested here in December under the fugitive slavo law. The arrest caused much excitement, and being fa- vored by the crowd, he escaped, but was recaptured after a long chase in the north part of the city, andI remanded to his mas- ter in Kentucky, being convoyed thither by a large squad of heavily armed deputy marshals.
Dodworth's New York band, ninety in number, gave a concert on the 30th of June on the military grounds, under contract with H. Stone, of Cleveland, in his gift con- cert enterprise. They also gave a concert at night in Masonic hall, for their own ben- efit; but neither of the performances was largely patronized.
Edward Everett delivered his Mt. Ver- non lecture on the 4th of May at Masonic hall. Thalberg, Parodi and Mollenhauer gave a concert May 7th at the hall. Dud- well and others lectured during the fall and winter for the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Kunz and his daughters gave a series of German theatrical per- formances, during June and July, at the Apollo Gardens. Stetson & Wood opened the Atheneum September 5th, with Mr. and Mrs. Harry Chapman and an indifferent company, closing November 2d.
The Indianapolis Daily Citizen was started May 14th, 1:57, by Cameron & Me- Neely, at their office, 10 east Pearl street. It was regularly issued by them till June, 1858, when it was discontinued. It was republican in politics, and well conducted. The Western Presage, a literary and polit- ical weekly paper, was first issued by Bidwell Bros. at SI east Washington street, January 33, 1857. It was the exponent of advanced republican ideas, was issued
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in expensive style, resulting in the failure of the firm and the discontinuance of the paper in April. It deserved a longer life and better fate.
Much building was done in 1857. The block opposite the court-house, the Episco- pal, and Third and Fourth Presbyterian churches, the United States post-office, Metropolitan Theatre and many other prominent buildings being in progress.
1858. The question as to the constitu- tionality of the free school tas was deci- ded in January by the Supreme Court, against the tax. The citizens of each ward were requested by the city council to meet and, if possible, devise means by which the system could be maintained. The meetings were held January 20th. It was resolved to continue the schools, and one thousand one hundred scholarships, amount- ing to $8,000, were subscribed to keep them going for the current quarter. At the end of that time they stopped, the teachers left, the system was broken np, and the houses were closed. Some effort was made to re-establish private schools, and the free schools were opened each year for a short time under the State law.
Three thousand, three hundred and for- ty-three votes were polled at the May elec- tion, the republicans electing the entire ticket and a majority of the councilmen. The council elected Samuel Lefever chief of police, and the fire association having presented the name of Jos. W. Davis for chief fire engineer, he was elected to that office on the 22d of May. Much dissatis- faction arose among the firemen at his election, and from this date, till November, 1853, when it was disbanded, the efficien- cy of the department was much impaired. The opposition to Mr. Davis was mainly owing to his imperious manner, for other- wise he was a good executive officer. The assessment of city property for the current year showed a total of $10,475.000, and the increase in buildings ever last year was $600,000.
The spring of 1857 had been unusually wet, and the spring and early summer of this year were still more so. Constant and heavy rains fell from early in April to the middle of June. Great storms oc- curred on the 11th of April, the 11th and 12th of May and about the 10th of June. Pogue's run completely flooded its val- ley ou the 12th of April. Several street bridges were swept off; the Central rail- road bridge giving way as a locomotive was passing over, throwing it into the creek. The culvert under the canal was also carried off. White river was over the bettoms repeatedly during the spring, and on the 14th of June reached & point but
little below the flood-mark of 1847. caus- ing great loss in fencing to the farmers along the valley. The wet season was succeeded by very hot, dry weather, and on the 20th of June eight cases of sun- stroke occurred, five of them being fatal. Several cases happened the next day, and for two or three days afterward all persons kept in the shade as much as possible.
A brilliant comet, which passed very near the earth in its course, was visible in the western heavens in September and Oc- tober, its train bending like a bow.
A Bible investigating class was origi- nated during the summer or fall, holding meetings every Sunday at the court house, for investigation of the authenticity of the Scriptures, er the meaning of disputed passages. Atheists, Deists and members of all orthodox churches participated in the discussions, which were often keen and searching, sometimes acrimonious. The meetings were kept up during this and the next year, were well attended, excited much interest, and if they did no other good, at least caused more study of the Bi- ble by some persons than they otherwise ever would have given it.
Four or five miles of mains were laid by the Gas Company during the summer and fall, and several miles of streets were lighted. Much building and street im- provement also were undertaken. Black- ford's block, the AEtna building, Metropoli- tan Theater and the Washington street cul- Feri over logue's run were built.
The 4th of July happening on Sunday, no general celebration took place. The 3d and 5th were devoted to pic-nics by the schools, firemen and Turners, the military companies going to Richmond.
A Jewish church, Rev. T. Weschler, was organized in August, worshipping in Ju- dahs' block till 1866, when the Synagogue on east Market street, built in 1865-6, was completed at a cost of $25,000, and occu- pied by the congregation.
There was great rejoicing and an ex- temporised illumination on the night of the 7th of August, over the completion of the Atlantic Cable, and on the 17th a fer- mal celebration of that event took place in the Circle, with a display of fire-works and an oration by Governor Wallace. The National Guards held a three days en- campment, in October, on White river, north-west of the city.
The Indianapolis Academy of Science was organized during the summer, R. T. Brown, J. W. Barnitz, and others, being prominent in the matter. A room in Ju- dahs' block was rented, meetings and dis- cussions held, papers read on scientific subjects, and & considerable cabinet ef
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INDIANAPOLIS FROM 1818.
geological specimens accumulated, but the community not taking sufficient interest in it, the society was suspended in July 1860, and its collections scattered.
Lectures and amusements were not lack- ing this year. Thomas F. Meagher lec- tured, February 17th, at Masonic Hall. Ormsby M. Mitchell began a series of as- tronomical lectures there, October 27th, B. F. Taylor, M. F. Maury, E. L. Youmans, Bayard Taylor, Dr. Holland, and others, lectured during the season before the Young Men's Christian Association. An- drew Jackson Davis, the "Pokepsie seer," gave a series of spiritual lectures there, beginning December 16th. The German singing societies of the State held a con- vention, June 10th-13th, with & pro- cession and grand concert. A German theatrical troupe appeared at the Athe- neum in August, and in January and Feb- rnary there were two German theaters at Washington and Union halls. Sam. and Kate Denin Ryan had appeared with a small company at Washington Hall in April. llarry Chapman during the State Fair, opened the Athencum, Mrs. Drake and J. K. Mortimer appearing on the boards. It had also been opened for a few nights by strolling companies, several times during the summer.
The dramatic event of the year, how- ever, was the opening of the Metropolitan Theater, the first building specially devo- ted to amusements here. It was erected by Valentine Butsch in 1857 -- 8, on the north- east corner of Washington aud Tennessee streets. The corner stone was laid in August 1857, and the house opened Sep- tember 27, 1858. The building was eighty- two by one hundred and twenty-five feet, three stories high, of brick stuccoed in im- itation of sandstone, and, with the lot, cost when completely fitted up, about $58,- 000. The cellars and ground floor are used for business purposes. The dress cir- cle and parquet are well arranged, but the gallery was not well designed for a proper view of the stage. The building will com- fortably seat about twelve hundred persons. The interior was neatly frescoed and gil- ded by artists from Cincinnati, and the scenery was mostly painted by S. W. Gulick.
E. T. Sherlock was the first manager and lessce, opening September 27th, 1858, with a rather indifferent company, and closing Feb'y 29th, 1859. Harry Chap- man continued it as manager till March 13, 1859. The Keller troupe, H. W. Gossin, Sallie St. Clair, Hacket, Dora Shaw, the Flor- ences, J. B. Roberts, Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Mrs. Howard, Adah Isaacs Menken, the Cooper opera troupe, Eliza Logan, Mr.
and Mrs. Waller, Mrs. Edwin Forrest, Mr. Sedley and Miss Matilda Heron appeared as stars during the season. George Wood & Co. openel it again for a short time in April. John A. Ellsler opened it in April, 1859, for a two months season ; Miss Kim- berly, Collins, and Kate and Sam Ryan appearing as stars. He again opened it, October Ist, the season closing March 2d, ISGI. The Webb sisters, Miss Ince, Sallie St. Clair, Marion MeCarthy, F. A. Vin- cent, Barras, J. B. Roberts, the Richings and others being the stars. The war having begun, and thousands of men thronging here, the theatre was re-opened by Mr Butch, as proprietor and manager, on the 25th of April, F. A. Vincent being stage manager, and Miss McCarthy lead- ing lady. A good company was also se- cured, and from this date until after the close of the war, the enterprise was well supported and profitable. Most of the leading members of the stock company continued here for several successive ses. sons, and some of them, as Mr. and Mrs. Hodges, and F. C. White, until the thea- tre was finally closed in the spring of 1868. Vincent continued as stage man- ager until 1833. William H. Riley then succeeded, holding that position till the spring of 1807. lle then removed to the St. Charles theatre, New Orleans, dying shortly after his arrival there. M. V. Lingham became manager for the season of 1867-8, and in the spring of 1868 Charles R. Pope became the last manager, with a good company, and giv. ing the people the most brilliant season ever witnessed there. Edwin Forrest played an engagement of five nights, be- ginning March 16th, to crowded houses, at double the usual rates of admission. Since April, 1861, nearly all the leading actors and actresses in the country have appeared on the boards of the Metropol. itan, and among others, Adelaide Ristori appeared there with her company, under Grans management, on the 25th March, 1867.
The theatre has not been so well sup- ported since the close of the war. Its po- sition was against it, being too far west. The proprietor, Mr. Butsch, early in IS58, purchased Miller's Hall, (then nearly completed,) on the corner of Illinois and Ohio streets, for about $50,000, and has fitted it up in tasteful style for a theatre and music hall, to be opened in the fall of this year. The building is much larger than the old theatre, and the auditorium will comfortably accommodate a much larger audience. The old theatre will hereafter be used for concerts, lectures, meetings, &c.
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HISTORY OF
1859. Some efforts were made in Jan- | nenm building rented, and fitted up with uary, to organize a corporation for a Uni- gymnastie apparatus, bowling alleys, &c., at & cost of about $1,200, and the room opened for use in June. The older men were also invited to share in the enter- prise, and with their aid it did very well for two or three years, the bowling alleys and chess tables largely adding to its at- traetiveness. The interest gradually di- minished, however, and though the ladies were asked to share its advantages. the organization became defunct at the break- ing out of the war. versity at this point, and in February an- application was made to the Assembly for a lease of University Square for a term of ninety-nine years, as a site for the con- templated buildings, the property to be surrendered to the State at the end of the term. As there was some doubt as to the ownership of the square, between the city and the State, the application was not granted, and the project was dropped. The city terminated the dispute as to ownership in 1860, by taking possession A grand procession and celebration by the Odd Fellows took place on the 20th of April. of the square and the military grounds. The old seminary was torn down in Au- gust and September, 1860, and the square improved us a park. In 1867-8 the mili- tary grounds were fenced, and also im- proved as a park, at the expense of the city. The ownership and possession of the city will probably be uncontested here- after.
The gas company had laid a number of miles of mains during 1858, and during this year were still further extending the pipes. Many applications for street lamps had been granted, and others were pend- ing, and as no uniformity existed in the position of the lamps, or their number to the square, and no regulations had yet been adopted on the subject, the Council, on the 12th of February, passed an ordi- nance prescribing a general plan for lighting the city, fixing the number of lamps at four for each square, and their position, and distance from each other. Under this ordinance several additional miles of streets were lit for the first time, in the fall and winter of this year, Washington street, from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, and Illinois from Washing- tou to North street, being in the number.
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Early in 1854 a number of young men lad formed a gymnastic association, adopted by-laws, fixed admission fees, dues, &c., and elected officers. The third story of Blake's commercial row was rented, and fitted up with a complete set of apparatus. The gymnasium was popu- lur, and well patronized for two or three months, but as the novelty wore off and the hard work began, the interest rapidly lessened, and but few steadily availed themselves of its advantages for exercise and health. The association declined for want of members, and died in a year or two, after spasmodic efforts to continue it. No further effort wus made till March, or April, 1859, when the Indianapolis Gymnastic Association was formed, with Simon Yandes, President, and Thomas H. Bowles, Secretary. A code of rules was adopted, and the third story of the Athe-
In April, Rev. Gibbon Williams bought the house and one and a half acres of ground at the north- west corner of Penn- sylvania and Michigan streets, and shortly afterward opened the Indianapolis Female Institute, a school which has increased in importance and prosperity to the present time. The building, (at first small and ill arranged) was greatly enlarged and improved at several subsequent periods, and at present is one of the largest edu- eational structures in the city, having a capacity for nearly two hundred boarding, and three hundred day pupils. Rev. Mr. Williams left in 1863, and was succeeded in the presidency of the institution, by C. W. Hewes. A full corps of able pro- fessors are connected with the college, and the number of pupils has steadily in- creased since its origin.
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