USA > Kentucky > Jefferson County > Louisville > Haldeman's picture of Louisville, directory and business advertiser, for 1844-1845 > Part 6
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LOUISVILLE COLLEGE.
This seminary of learning is yet in its infancy. It had a Faculty until very recently, but the gentlemen composing it, have, for some cause, resigned ; and the college edifice is temporarily closed.
This College has an endowment, but which, at present, is not suffici- ently productive, to enable the trustees to provide the proper buildings, and sustain a Faculty. No great time, it is believed, will elapse, before. it will be placed on a respectable footing.
The Trustees, for the present, are-
S. S. GOODWIN, Chairman,
Dr. J. B. Flint, Rev. E. P. Humphrey,
Jabez Baldwin, J. H. Heywood,
J. Hulme, T. S. Malcolm,
Ş. Dickinson,
G. W. Brush.
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CITY HALL AND COURT HOUSE.
This noble structure, erected at the expense of the city and Jefferson County, occupies the south half of the square between Fifth and Sixth streets, and fronting on Jefferson.
Its location is admirably suited to the convenience of the citizens, being in the centre of the most densely settled part of the city, and quite convenient to the business portion of our population.
It is built of stone, and on a scale of magnificence suited to the wants of a people, treble our present number; and little less ample in design, to the Capitols of the old and wealthy States of the East.
It is two stories high, with a basement story, in which are the rooms of the Louisville City Court, the Police Office, offices of the Clerks of the Courts, &c.
The first story, which by the original design, will be entered y broad flights of steps, on the south, east, and west, is variously appro- priated. The Mayor's Office and Council Chamber, occupy the south- west room of the west wing of the main building. Opposite, in the north-west room, the Louisville Chancery Court holds its sittings. The south-east room is occupied by the Jeff. County Court and the Clerk of the Court, where the county records are kept. Opposite to this, is the room of the Jefferson County Circuit Court. All these rooms are fitted up with taste and elegance.
The second story is in an unfinished state. It is divided by the ro- tunda into two spacious halls, with lofty ceilings, well designed for the purposes of State Legislation, whenever the Legislature, in its wisdom, shall decide to abandon the present seat of Government, for one every way more eligible.
Louisville, by its central position on the noble water thoroughfare of the northern boundary of the State, being nearly equi-distant from the east and west boundaries, and possessing unrivalled advantages over any inland city, in facilities of intercourse with the remotest district or town in the State, should seem to mark her out as occupying the most suitable position in which to establish the permanent seat of government. Es- tablished here, the Representatives from the east, the south, and the west, may, with little land travel, reach steamboat navigation, that shall in a few hours, land them at the doors of the Capitol. Louisville, also, from its growing commercial importance, and its great manufacturing interest, so intimately blended with the agricultural interest of the State at large, offers a powerful inducement to the Legislator, to connect with his public duty, attention to his private interests, in no wise con- flicting with, or impairing his obligation to a faithful and honest dis- charge of the former, while at the same time, he may contribute to the advancement of the latter.
The City Hall and Court House was designed by Mr. Shryock, un- der whose superintendence most of the work was executed.
Its present cost has exceeded $280,000, and will, probably, require the further sum of $100,000, to complete it after the original design, a drawing of which, accompanies this work.
NEW CITY AND COUNTY JAIL.
This very handsome building has just been completed and occupied. It is 72 feet in length, and 42 in width ; on the most approved model, and in many respects similar to the celebrated Philadelphia Moyamen- sing prison.
It has 48 single cells, 6 feet by 10 ; and double cells, 10 feet by 13, all of solid stone ; dry, thoroughly warmed, and well ventilated; open- ing on interior galleries, constructed of wrought iron, to the third story. A large cistern on the third gallery, supplies the prisoners with water, and is also used to clean the conduits from the cells. Gas is introduced throughout the various apartments of the prison.
The exterior order of architecture, is Gothic; having a parapet wall three feet high, with turrets and watch towers ; a cupola for a bell, and the roof covered with copper. The whole building is enclosed by a wall twenty feet high, which is of brick, on a stone foundation, plas- tered and pebble-dashed. The plan of this prison, was made by the city architect, Mr. John Jeffrey, under whose superintendence it was completed.
It was originally intended to have a subterraneous communication between the prison and Court house. This has been abandoned.
If our prisons must be located contiguous to Court houses, for the convenience of the administrators of the laws, then no position could be better than that selected for this prison. But in these days of phi- lanthropy and refinement, the prevailing custom has been to place these and other structures for the safe keeping or punishment of offenders against the laws, somewhat remote from general and constant observa- tion.
MARINE HOSPITAL,
This commodious and well arranged house, for the relief of sick and infirm mariners, was erected in 1820. It is endowed by a grant of $40,000, by the State. The ground upon which the Hospital stands, (over seven acres,) was the very liberal donation of the late Thomas Prather and Cuthbert Bullitt.
The site of the Hospital is elevated, and the buildings may be seen from any point of the city.
The interior arrangements and the entire economy of the establish- ment, are admirably adapted to the comfort and want of its inmates.
It is under the special direction, care, and supervision of the Mayor and Council. A Committee of the Board, receive, and make to the Council, monthly reports, of the state of the Hospital, embracing the whole minutiæ of its operations.
The Council, also, appoints its officers,
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Six surgeons and physicians are elected annually, by the Council, from amongst the profession resident in the city, two of which number, as may be arranged by themselves, are denominated the attending phy- sician and surgeon of the Hospital, and give daily attendance in all cases requiring medical aid, gratuitously.
KENTUCKY HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
This society, established for the purpose of collecting and preserving historical matter interesting to the West, was incorporated by the Legis- lature of Kentucky, in 1838. An extensive collection of books, pam- phlets and newspapers, was amassed, principally by the energy, zeal, and industry of the first Librarian, Dr. Edward Jarvis, to whose worth and valuable services, the society has borne public testimony. Judge Rowan, the first and only President of the society, was one of its most active and useful members, up to the time of his death. He bequeathed the society some valuable books.
The principal scholars in the Union, are honorary members of the society ; and the generality of them have taken an interest in its pros- perity. None but a resident of Kentucky, can be an acting member, and the records of the society, show, that many of the citizens of Ken- tucky, feel an active interest in the welfare of the society.
The following is a list of the officers for 1843 :-
Hon. John Rowan, President, (deceased.) Hon. George M. Bibb, 1st Vice-President. Hon. Henry Pirtle, 2nd Vice-President. Simeon S. Goodwin, Treasurer. T. S. Bell, Corresponding Secretary and Librarian. D. C. Banks, Recording Secretary, (deceased.)
Any three of these officers constitute a board called the Executive Committee, and may transact any business of the Society, save the elec- tion of officers, members, &c. The Society meets four times a year for the transaction of business, but may be called together at any time, by the President, provided five members request, in writing, a meeting of the Society,
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JEFFERSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,
This Society was incorporated in 1837. The officers are -- Stephen Ormsby, President.
Lawrence Young,
E. D. Hobbs, Vice- Presidents. William Mix, Secretary and Keeper of the Funds. Geo. W. Weissinger, Corresponding Secretary.
J. W. Graham, L. Sherley,
S. Brice, Executive Committee.
H. Arterburn,
S. Brengman,
Meetings, twice a year, Fall and Spring. Premiums awarded at the Fall meeting.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The subject of public schools early engaged the attention of the cit- izens of Louisville, on the establishment of a city government, and to the noble efforts of a few in behalf of the system, the schools have ac- quired a strong hold on the best feelings of the community, and are sustained with an enlightened liberality worthy of all commendation.
The number of scholars increases yearly, and should no untoward event intervene to mar the system now in successful operation, we may hope to see our Public Schools, ere long, containing double their pre- sent number, and preparing, with good educations, previous to entering on the active duties of life, a vast number of youth, of both sexes, who otherwise would be sent forth uneducated, to lament over their deficien- cies in this respect, and repine at the cast of fortune which threw them so far behind those of their own years. A cultivated mind levels all artificial distinctions. Wealth may be the accompaniment of ignorance and grovelling sensualty, but wealth without a cultivated intellect, is like the tinselled garment of the Merry Andrew-to render more ri- diculous its possessor.
The following statistics are derived from the Report of the Board of Visiters of the Public Schools, communicated to the Council on the 28th July last. The Visiters express high gratification in the discharge of the duty assigned them, from witnessing, generally, the admirable discipline, uniting gentleness and firmness, in just proportion, and a thoroughness of instruction, as characterising the whole department, and giving promise of great good to flow therefrom. The Board adds, that the number of scholars in attendance, is greater than in previous years, and the average attendance better.
The present number of scholars on the rolls in all the schools, is 1750. "The average attendance is 1375. G 1. The number present at ex-
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amination was 1156-a number that is satisfactory, when the season of the year is considered.
The whole number of children, of both sexes, connected with the Public Schools during the academic year, has been about 4000. .
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Grammar School for girls, Mrs. Low, teacher, Miss Mason, assistant teacher, 68 scholars.
Grammar School for boys, Mr. Mordecai, teacher, Mr. Tingly, as- sistant ; 76 scholars.
Two Primary Schools for girls and boys, in charge of Mr. Meara, 14 scholars, and Mr. Murphy, 49 scholars.
Primary School for girls, in charge of Mr. Toy, assisted by Miss Overstreet ; 63 scholars
Primary School for girls and Boys, Miss Harrison, teacher, Miss Corlett, assistant; 62 scholars.
Grammar School for boys, in charge of Mr. McBurnie, assisted by his brother ; 61 scholars.
Primary School for boys, in charge of Mr. Hooper, assistant, Mr. Fleming ; 90 scholars.
Two Primary Schools for boys, in charge of Mr. Stout 58 scholars, and Mr. Beach, 94 scholars, assisted by Messrs. Erick and Storts.
Primary School for girls, in charge of Mrs. Lecompte, assisted by her daughter ; 71 scholars.
Grammar School for girls, in charge of Miss Rogers, assisted by Misses Ingham and Nuttall; 97 scholars.
Primary School for boys and girls, in charge of Mr. Seidt ; 49 schol- ars.
Grammar School for boys, in charge of Mr. Lincoln, assisted by Mr. Birkhead ; 68 scholars.
Primary School for boys, in charge of Mr. Anderson, assisted by his brother ; 100 scholars.
Primary School for girls, in charge of Miss Gilligan, assisted by Miss Duncan ; 68 scholars.
Two Primary Schools for girls and boys, in charge of Mr. West, 38 scholars, and Mr. Rhodes, 28 scholars.
PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES.
The Rt. Rev. Benjamin B. Smith, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky, at his beautiful resi- dence of Kalorama, near the City, admits into his family a limited number of young Ladies, where, under the special guidance of the ac- complished lady of the Bishop, and such assistants as the number of
scholars may render it expedient to employ, a thorough and systematic course of instruction is given.
There are few schools of a higher rank than Bishop Smith's. Him- "self a ripe scholar, sound divine, and of most amiable and bland man- ners, we have never known an instance of a pupil having severed the connexion which an entire course extends to two years, without regret, and a feeling of sadness, like that which agitates the bosom of a child, when about to leave the parental roof.
LOUISVILLE CEMETRIES.
The City authorities, by ordinance, established a cemetry embracing an entire square on Jefferson street, at the West end of the city, and have had it walled in and divided off by avenues, crossing each other at right angles, and subdivided into lots for families or individuals.
Many of the avenues have been graded and partially gravelled. It has been the only place for interment, within the city, for the last few years, in which time the remains of persons of all ages have been de- posited there.
Several handsome monuments have been erected, and generally, they are in good taste, and reflect credit on the artists. It is to be la- mented that, owing to the nature of the ground and the shallowness of their foundations, some of the monuments are beginning to lose their erect posture.
There is nothing that is so sure to weaken our reverence for these " cities of the dead,' as slovenliness and inattention, on the part of those appointed to the care and oversight of them. Weeds and briars, bro- ken and scattered head stones, chips and bits of plank, carelessly strewed about the walks and avenues, or suffered to remain there, often excite feelings the reverse of what a different state of things naturally inspires.
This is a new Cemetry, and, consequently, much' of the evidences of newly constructed vaults and monuments, still remain in view. We know some cemeteries, which are not thus kept. All the masonry of the foundations must be done on the spot ; but every other work is fitted outside, in sheds erected for the purpose, and taken into the yard, piece
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by piece, so as not to encumber the walks, or offend the eye, by un. seemly objects commingling with those sacred memoria, already com. pleted and decorated with shrubbery and evergreens, by the hand of surviving affection.
Mount Auburn, Boston, and Laurel Hill, Philadelphia, are most worthy of example, for the strict observance of these proprieties .- There, the most marked regard is paid to the removal of every object which tends to give offence or create rubbish.
The worthy keeper of this Cemetry is endeavoring, by all the means placed at his disposal, to render it a cherished object of regard to the citizens generally, as it assuredly is to those whose relatives and friends slumber beneath its green sward, and marble monuments.
There is but one tree, a native forest tree, within the inclosure ; and this seems to stand in monumental mourning, both for the living and the dead-solitary and alone.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETRY.
The Roman Catholics have a place of interment by the side of this Cemetry, in which those of that faith, exclusively, are buried. The monuments are few, and not much attention seems, as yet, to have been devoted to laying off and beautifying the grounds.
METHODIST CEMETRY.
The Methodists have a Cemetry beyond Preston's woods, and not far from the first gate on the Bardstown Road. The grounds are not laid off, and but little attention seems, as yet, to have been given to- wards improvement, the main avenue, only, having been ornament- ed with two rows of trees.
THE OLD CITY CEMETRY.
The old City Cemetry between Jefferson and Green and 11th and 12th, is no longer a place of interment. Some attention was paid to ornamenting this relic of the olden time, by the late city authorities, and quite a number of sycamore trees were planted within and outside the pailings, which, in a little time, will render this square quite agree- able to the residents in that vicinity.
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PACKET LINES OF STEAM BOATS.
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UNITED STATES' MAIL LINE OF STEAM BOATS. Between this City and Cincinnati.
This line is conducted with great regularity, and is not excelled in any particular, by any boats on the river, for affording all those com- forts and conveniences so desirable to the traveller. The officers under whose charge these boats are navigated, are distinguished, alike for their skill and all those attributes which characterise the gentleman.
One boat leaves the wharf, at the foot of Third street, daily, at 11 o'clock, A. M. Hour of arrival from Cincinnati, between 11 and 12 o'clock, P. M.
THE KENTUCKY RIVER.
Four fine steamers, viz: the Tom Metcalfe, Bob Letcher, Oliver An- derson and Little Mail, ply between Louisville and Frankfort, and the landings above the latter place, as far as navigation will permit. One of these boats leaves this city each day.
Since the State's improvements on this noble river have been com- pleted, a vast amount of produce, from the rich and productive counties of the interior, is brought to Louisville, by this channel, which former- ly came over land, at greatly enhanced freights. These boats are sump- tuously fitted up for passengers, carrying great numbers, and are com- manded by experienced, obliging and gentlemanly officers.
J. C. Buckles, Agent.
LINE TO HENDERSON AND SHAWNEETOWN.
The steam boats Fawn and Swallow run alternate days from Louis- ville to Henderson and Shawneetown. These boats are well supported, and being well adapted to the purpose, carry a great many passengers. Their commanders receive the meed of praise from the united travelling public, as being all that passenger-boat officers should be, to win the es- teem and confidence of those under their charge.
LINE TO MEMPHIS.
The steam boat Reindeer has been put up as a regular Packet, to run to Memphis, Tennessee, once a week, leaving this city every Satur- day. E. C. King, Agent.
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FERRY BOAT
Between Louisville and Jeffersonville, Indiana.
There has just been finished and placed on this great crossing. a splendid boat of the following dimensions and power :- length on deck, 140 feet; breadth, 55 feet, having a large cabin over the engine room, divided into two apartments, and provided with seats, fore and aft; two engines, 6} feet stroke, 18 inch cylinder.
The proprietors, Messrs Strader, Thompson, Walthen & Shallcross, deserve rich returns from the public for their liberal provision to secure to travellers and farmers from Indiana and the citizens of the cities, be- tween which this noble boat is constantly passing, a safe and delight. ful excursion across the Ohio. The Ferry Landing is at the foot of 2d street.
LIBRARY UTES
POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY Of Kentucky.
No.
FOUNDRIES.
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The foundries of Louisville, are, in all respects, equal to any in the Union. For durability, strength, and power, the engines turned out here, justly rank pre-eminent. Repeated trials on the river below, du- ring the past season, have proved the Louisville boats the swiftest.
Some of these establishments are very extensive, and employ over one hundred hands. Others, not as extensive, are not the less deserving of the confidence of the community, for the work they turn out.
The revulsion experienced by the mercantile community, a few years since, of necessity affected in a greater or less degree, our large manu- facturing establishments. Fewer boats were constructed, and, as a con- sequence, the demand for the products of the foundries, diminished.
A restoration of confidence, and a return to a healthy state of the general business, infused new life and activity into every branch of me- chanical labor.
The liberal policy of the State, in exacting from the Banks a division of their loans amongst that class of the community heretofore seldom receiving bank accommodation, had a most beneficial tendency. Loans were made to good and solvent houses, which were thereby enabled to lay in stocks of raw material, that put their establishments into active and profitable employ.
FULTON FOUNDRY, On Main, between Ninth and Tenth, Glover, McDougal, &f. Co., Proprietors.
This is one of the most extensive and complete establishments in Louisville, and, perhaps, is not excelled by any similar one in the Union. It covers a lot extending in depth from Main to Market, on which are erected the various shops for the different branches of work, entering into the construction of engines of the greatest power and com. pleteness.
The engines for many of the first class boats, running on the river, have been manufactured by Messrs. G., McD., & Co., and have inva- riably sustained a high reputation.
The amount of material consumed annually, may be stated as follows, viz. : 400 tons pig metal ; 40 tons boiler iron ; 10 tons sheet iron ; 30 tons bar iron ; 5 tons old copper or brass castings ; and consumes 25,000 bushels of coal, annually. Employs, on an average, 60 hands.
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JEFFERSON FOUNDRY.
This extensive establishment, whose proprietors, Messrs. Curry & Miller, are so extensively and favorably known in the line of their business, is in full operation-employing about 100 hands, 75 of whom are employed in the foundry, and the balance on the various new and old boats in the port.
The engines and machinery from this foundry, will favorably com. pare with those of any other establishment in the Union.
Consumes about 500 tons pig iron ; 75 tons boiler and sheet iron; and 100 tons bar iron, annually, chiefly from Tennessee ; and 30,000 bushels of coal.
WASHINGTON FOUNDRY.
This establishment, located on Ninth, between Main and Market, is carried on by Schnetz & Hewitt. They manufacture land and steam. boat engines ; all kinds of machinery for grist and saw mills; wagon boxes; oven lids; fire dogs ; iron railings ; globe and cannon stoves ; mantel grates; and all descriptions of agricultural machinery. Hay, tobacco, and lard oil screws; &c., &c.
Consumes about 6 tons iron per week, and 12,000 bushels of coal per annum. Employs, the year round, about 30 hands.
THE PHOENIX FOUNDRY,
William H. Grainger, proprietor, on Water, below Ninth,
Manufactures every description of castings; steam engines, for saw and grist mills; cotton gins; mill and plough irons; cranks; bells for churches and steamboats; iron and brass castings of every descrip- tion. Employs 30 hands ; consumes 6 tons iron per week, and 10,000 bushels of coal, per annum.
LOUISVILLE FOUNDRY.
J. B. Redd & Co. ; on the Bear-grass, near Brook street bridge,
Was put in operation this spring. Employs 40 hands ; and manu- factures every description of steam and mill machinery, and all kinds of castings.
ROLLING AND SLITTING MILL,
Redd f. Heming, proprietors ; on Brook, near Bear-grass ;
Capable of making and rolling into all sizes, 10 tons bar iron in 24 hours. All the machinery for this mill, was made at the Louisville Foundry.
CITY FOUNDRY.
Jabez Baldwin, proprietor ; on Main, between Preston and Floyd ;
Manufactures mill machinery ; fire fronts ; enamelled grates ; plough irons; sad irons; &c .; and every description of castings.
LOUISVILLE FOUNDRY.
J. H. Hughes, proprietor ; on Water, between Seventh and Eighth.
This establishment is being enlarged, and is now prepared for the heaviest work. All descriptions of steamboat and mill castings and machinery are made and repaired by the present proprietor, at the short- est notice.
The number of hands employed, varies from ten to fifteen.
Has one large tilt-hammer, for forging the largest sized steamboat shafts, anchors, screws, &c.
Consumes from 4 to 5 tons hot blast iron per week, principally Kentucky.
GOWAN, McGEE & CO.'S FOUNDRY ..
On Water, between Eighth and Ninth.
Manufactures steam engines, saw and grist mill machinery, bells and brass work generally.
Consumes 150 tons pig metal ; 3,000 lbs brass and copper ; ard 50 tons wrought iron, annually.
Employs, on an average, 25 hands; and consumes 10,000 bushels of coal.
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D. & J. WRIGHT'S FOUNDRY,
On Seventh, near Water.
At this establishment, a vast amount of work is done. Superior style and finish of the articles manufactured by the Messrs. Wright, command for their house a large custom.
At this foundry, stoves of all sizes, from those for family use, to those of the greatest capacity, for steamboats, are made in the best manner.
They also cast all descriptions of hollow ware ; grates ; fire dogs; tea kettles ; &c.
And at their extensive store and manufactory, on Main, above Sixth. where the articles from the Foundry are on sale, they manufacture every kind of copper, sheet iron and tin ware, for steamboat and family use.
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