Logan's Indianapolis directory, 1868, Part 55

Author:
Publication date: 1868
Publisher: Logan
Number of Pages: 416

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The Indianapolis Daily Citizen was started May 14th, 1857, by Cameron & Mc- 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 84 east Washington street, January 3d, 1857. It was the exponent of advanced republican ideas, was issued

HISTORY OF

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 tax 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 29th. It was resolved to continue the schools, and one thousand one hundred scholarships, amount- ing to $3,000, 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 up, 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, 1859, 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 over 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 on 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 bottoms repeatedly during the spring, and on the 14th of June reached a 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 26th 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. 1

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, or 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 Ætna building, Metropoli- tan Theater and the Washington street cul- vert over Pogue'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 for - 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 a considerable cabinet of

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 a pro- cession and grand concert. A German theatrical troupe appeared at the Athe- neum in August, and in January and Feb- ruary 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. Harry Chapman during the State Fair, opened the Atheneum, 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 and 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 lessee, 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. opened 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 1st, the season closing March 2d, 1861. The Webb sisters, Miss Ince, Sallie St. Clair, Marion McCarthy, 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 sea- 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 1863. William H. Riley then succeeded, holding that position till the spring of 1867. He 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 Graus' 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 1868, 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.

HISTORY OF

1859. Some efforts were made in Jan- uary, to organize a corporation for a Uni- 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 of the square and the military grounds. The old seminary was torn down in Au- gust and September, 1860, and the square improved as 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- ton to North street, being in the number.

Early in 1854 a number of young men had 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- lar, 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 was made till March, or April, 1859, when the Indianapolis Gymnastic Association was formed, with Simon Yandes, President, and Thomas HI. Bowles, Secretary. A code of rules was adopted, and the third story of the Athe-

neum building rented, and fitted up with gymnastic apparatus, bowling alleys, &c., at a 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- tractiveness. 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.

A grand procession and celebration by the Odd Fellows took place on the 29th of April.

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- cational 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.

The city election took place May 3d, the city officers being elected for two years, and the councilmen for four years, under the amended charter adopted by the assem- bly March 1, 1859. At the same time a proposition was submitted to the general vote of the people to divide the first and seventh wards, so that two new wards should be created, forming the eighth and ninth wards, but the result of the vote was largely against it. The proposition was again submitted to vote in May 1861 and carried by six hundred and twenty-one majority. Councilmen were elected from the new wards, but were refused their seats, and the wards were unrepresented for a year or two afterward.

The city clerk reported the receipts from May 8, 1858 to May 30, 1859, at $71, 211, expenditures the same, with a debt of $9,- 317. The total city assessment for the year was $7,146,677. The treasurer re- ported the receipts from May 8, 1858 to May 1, 1859 at $59,168. Expenditures $56,442, the leading items being $10,232 for the fire department; gas $4,771; watch- man $4,882. The salaries of the city of- ficers were raised in May and June. The

INDIANAPOLIS FROM 1818.

bouldering of Washington street, between Illinois and Meridian streets, (the first done here,) had been ordered in April and was done in May, and further street improve- ments were designed. The council, in view of the probable expenditures, fixed the tax levy at sixty cents, which so aroused the tax payers that they held a public meeting June 22d, to protest against it. They lit- tle knew what was in store for them in the future.

A proposition was entertained by the / council, during the spring, to build a City Hall on the lot south of the Journal office on Meridian street, but no final action was taken. The city offices and council room were located in the Odd Fellows Hall where they remained till May, 1862, when a lease, for ten years, was secured of the upper stories of Glenns' block. Efforts have often been made to secure the erec- tion of a City Hall and prison, but without success.

The General Assembly of the Old School Presbyterian church met in the basement room of the Third Presbyterian church, May 18th, continuing in session till the 2d of June. Tho eminent men of the church were in attendance, and the de- bates between Dr. McMasters and N. L. Rice, and others, on the establishment of theological schools and the policy of the church on the slavery question, excited great interest and attracted crowded audi- ences.

The national anniversary was celebra- ted with unusual display. The City Coun- cil appropriated $500 for the purpose, and large subscriptions were made by individ- uals. The procession comprised the ar- tillery, cavalry and infantry companies, three bands, Turners, Butchers, Fenians, Catholic societies, Madison firemen and our own fire department, seven companies with eight engines, reels, hook and ladder wagons and a long line of carriages. The engines were beautifully decorated. The procession, which was nearly two miles in length, marched through the principal streets to the old fair ground, where the usual exercises occurred, Caleb B. Smith delivering the address. A great pic-nic dinner was spread, after which the mili. tary were reviewed by Governor Hammond. A grand fantastic parade took place in the evening, and a fine display of fire-works at night. Over twenty thousand persons were present at the celebration. It was rumored in the evening that the " Sons of Malta," a mysterious organization, which had rapidly increased in number during the spring, would parade at midnight; their rigid rules preventing public demon- strations at any other hour. The report

caused much excitement, especially among country visitors and the ladies, thousands of whom impatiently awaited the strange display. It proved to be all that fancy painted it, and the procession was accom- panied through its midnight march by a multitude of half crazy spectators, though the gravity of the puissant Knights and reverend prelates was sadly disturbed by the noisy advice of the street boys, " go faster old tin-head," " step up brass moun- ted man."

On the 23d of August, Adam Deitz drank eight gallons of lager beer together with a bottle of brandy, inside of twelve hours, attaining a wide notoriety thereby and winning a wager.

Much improvement took place during the summer and fall, and a number of good business houses were erected. Yohns', Rays' and Glenns' blocks being among them.

The Daily Atlas was first issued by John D. Defrees as editor and publisher, in July, from an office in Van Blaricum's block, on south Meridian street. The presses were run by a small Ericsson hot air engine, (the only one ever used here,) which at- tracted many visitors. The paper was regularly issued till about the end of March 1861, and then discontinued, the material and subscription list being sold to the Journal office, Several other newspaper enterprises have been started here before and since the Citizen and Atlas were estab- lished. The Brookville American was transferred to this point by the editor and proprietor, Thomas A. Goodwin, in 1857. It was afterward sold to Downey & Co., who issued it as a daily for a short period, and then sold the establishment to Jordan & Burnet. They changed the name to the Evening Gazette. Dr. Jordan afterward issued it till the spring of 1865, when he sold it to Smith & Co. They afterward sold it to Macauley, Shurtleff & Co., and they sold the office and list, in May or June 1867, to the Journal Co. The Gazette was issued most of the time from an office in Hubbard's block, and latterly from the Sentinel office on Pearl and Meridian streets. It was well conducted during a part of its existence, and attained a con- siderable circulation during the war.

The Daily Telegraph, the only German daily in the city, was issued by the Free Press Co., in 1866, and has continued to the present time. The office is on west Maryland street.

The Evening Commercial was estab- lished in 1867 by Dynes & Co., and issued from Downey & Brouse's Publishing House in the Sentinel building on Pearl street. It was subsequently moved with their of-

HISTORY OF

fice to the old Journal building, on Circle and Meridian streets, and is now pub- lished by M. G. Lee.

The year 1859 was dull so far as lectures, concerts and amusements were concerned. Geo. D. Prentice lectured at the hall on the 6th of February, and Henry S. Foote, of Mississippi, at Roberts' chapel, December 2d. Dr. Boynton delivered a series of geo- logical lectures, at the hall, in December and January, 1860. Miss Laura Melrose sang there March 24, and the Cooper opera troupe April 1st.

The coming political contest began to excite attention. Gov. Corwin addressed a large serenading party at the American House, on the 6th of July. Abraham Lin- coln visited the city for the first time, and addressed a large audience at Masonic Hall, on the 19th of September. He was personally unknown to the great mass of the citizens, and considerable curiosity was manifested to hear the man who had so gallantly struggled with Senator Douglass, then at the zenith of his power.

Richard Cobden, of England, then on a visit to this country, reached the city on the 5th of May, but remained a few hours only, passing on to the north-west. The year closed with excessively cold weather.

1860. The military grounds being thought too small to properly accommodate the visitors and exhibitors, at the State fairs, the agricultural board determined in 1859 to secure a large tract for the pur- pose, and locate the fair permanently at this point. Proposals were invited in the fall of 1859, and an unsuccessful effort was shortly after made here to form an as- sociation to buy the grounds for the board. An appropriation of $5,000 was then asked from the city, and the proposition being submitted in February to a vote of the pco- ple, it was authorized. A question arising, however, as to the legality of such an ap- propriation, it was not made. The rail- ways and the board finally made an ar- rangement for the purchase of the grounds, and after much competition between the advocates of various sites, the Otis grove, of forty acres, north of the city, was bought in the spring of 1860. Extensive and costly improvements were made du- ring the summer, and the fair held there, October 15th to 21st. It was not as suc- cessful as had been desired. $11,900 only were realized, and a part only of the award- ed premiums were paid. The board was seriously embarrassed for several years afterward, but is now getting out of debt.

In April a Mr. Bell, of Rochester, New York, submitted a plan for water works to the council. The project was discussed at a number of meetings. Estimates were

made, but no definite action was finally taken. It was again broached by the cen- tral canal company in July, 1864. They proposed to furnish water from their ditch. This project was also considered, and com- mittees appointed who reported on it, but the subject was finally dropped without definite results. In October, 1865, the Mayor again brought up the subject by a message, urging the building of such works, and recommending Crown Hill as the point for a reservoir The council passed a resolution declaring it expedient that such works be built, and that it was inexpedient for the city to undertake them. This action was intended to invite propo- sals from private companies, but had no immediate effect. In May, 1866, the Mayor again brought the subject before the coun- cil, introducing questions propounded by him to James B. Cunningham, civil engin- eer, and the answers and estimates made by that gentleman in reply. The subject was again brought up October 15, 1866, on a proposition by R. B. Catherwood and his associates to build water-works if a liberal charter was granted them. The council thereupon by resolution declared it expe- dient that water works be built, and inex- pedient for the city to build them. A committee on the subject was appointed .- It reported an ordinance on the 22d of Oc- tober, authorizing R. B. Catherwood & Co. as the Indianapolis water works company, to build such works, and furnish the city and people with water for fifty years. The ordinance, after various amendments, was finally passed, November 3, 1866. It gave the company the right, for fifty years, to furnish the people and city with pure water, to be taken from White river or its tributaries, several miles above the city .- To use the streets and alleys for pipes, the company to repair the streets when torn up. The city reserved the right to buy the works after twenty-five years; required operations to be commenced within one year, and a given sum to be expended within two years. Hydrants and fire-plugs were to be located where desired, and the city was to pay from $40 down to $25, ac- cording to the number ultimately erected. The amount of capital was specified, and the amount of profit on it limited to fif- teen per cent., water rates to be placed as low, from time to time, as practicable. The company was organized under the charter, with R. B. Catherwood, president, Jno. S. Tarkington, secretary, and accepted the ordinance, November 5, 1866, filing it with the mayor, who, on the 6th of November, issued his proclamation, stating that fact, and publishing the ordinance. The com- pany, within the year, and to save their

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Logan's Indianapolis directory, 1868, Part 55

Author: Publication date: 1868 Publisher: Logan Number of Pages: 416

Author:
Publication date: 1868
Publisher: Logan
Number of Pages: 416