USA > Louisiana > Orleans Parish > New Orleans > Standard history of New Orleans, Louisiana, giving a description of the natural advantages, natural history settlement, Indians, Creoles, municipal and military history, mercantile and commercial interests, banking, transportation, etc. > Part 64
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For the next half decade the society prospered and by an act of Legislature in January, 1860, it became a State institution, insomuch as it was decreed that "in the event of a dissolution of the Historical Society, all books, maps, records, manuscripts and collections shall revert to the State for the use of the State Library."
At this time Charles Gayarre was elected president, but until 1877 there was little interest shown in the work and nothing of importance was done by the organization. In April of that year a new charter, was obtained from the Legis- lature and the domicile of the society was transferred from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Then the work was revived.
From the time of his election, President Gayarre held the office for 28 years, resigning in 1888. He was succeeded by Judge W. W. Howe, who served until February, 1894, when the present officers were elected. During this time interest in the work of the society was greatly revived and the members accomplished much good work in the way of collecting historical data. The membership increased and much outside interest was shown.
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The present officers of the Louisiana Historical Society are: Alcée Fortier, president ; Gustave Devron, first vice-president; John R. Ficklen, second vice- president ; J. W. Cruzat, treasurer ; Grace King, secretary ; and Charles G. Gill, as- sistant secretary. As there is no provision made by the State for the support of the society, an annual sum of $3 has been decided upon as dues, and these funds are used to preserve the historical collections of documents and relics of the early life and growth of the State. The society is in good financial condition and the work is being carried on with great enthusiasm.
LA VARIETE ASSOCIATION.
La Varieté Club, the real title of which is La Varieté Association, is the owner of the Grand Opera House, and has its club rooms under the foyer and orchestra circle of that theater. The association was organized in the early part of 1849, through the efforts of Thomas Placide, who proposed to a number of promi- nent men a plan for the erection of a new theater "for the purpose of producing burlesque, vaudeville and farce." Mr. Placide's idea was to form an association of thirty members in order to raise $15,000 for building purposes. This plan was carried out, but the stock was increased, forty-two subscribers having been secured. Mr. Placide agreed "to build a theater equal, if not superior, to any in this coun- try," and "to spare no exertion to produce the proposed entertainments with the best talent, costumes, scenery and appointments that could be procured."
A stockholders' meeting was held May 29, 1849, and organization was effected with Peter Conery, Jr., president ; C. W. Cammack, secretary, and N. N. Wilkinson, treasurer. Mr. Placide was placed in charge under an agreement which provided that the stockholders should receive 8 per cent on their investment; the associa- tion was to receive half the profits at the end of the season; the members were to have two seats, with a retiring room for their exclusive use, and the theater should be known as Placide's Varieté. The building was commenced in June, 1849, and the corner-stone was laid on the 9th of that month. The site was the corner of Gravier and the narrow passage-way in the rear of the Cotton Exchange, to which the name Varieties allcy was given.
The theater was opened December 7, 1849. The first scason proved highly successful. The second season opened with J. H. Calder the lessee. The stock company then billed included among its members Fred N. Thayer, Ben DeBar and Mrs. Charlotte Howard. At that time French opera was being successfully pro- duced, as were also good plays at the old St. Charles theater. The Academy of
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Music had very little standing as a theater in those days. Fire destroyed the theater April 25, 1855, and when rebuilt was enlarged considerably. The name was changed to Crisp's Gaiety in 1856 and at the commencement of the Civil War the house was closed. It was reopened in 1863 and after one season Lawrence Barrett took charge. The house again burned December 1, 1870.
The association then decided to rebuild on Canal street, and at a cost of $320,- 000, erected the present structure, known as the Grand Opera House. The souvenirs kept in the club room are interesting, as, included among them, is probably one of the finest collections of photographs of theatrical celebrities in the country. An oil painting by Joseph Jefferson is also one of the treasures there displayed. The rules of the club provide that non-residents may be admitted to the privileges of the club rooms without membership privileges in the theater except when intro- duced to the stockholders' seats on extra stock shares. The stockholders are and have been leading men of New Orleans.
FRENCH OPERA CLUB.
The French Opcra Club is an organization of the stockholders of the French Opera, which was formed during the season of 1868-69. At the time of organiza- tion, Mr. Frellsen was elected president of the club and Louis Burthe, secretary. Since then there have been several gentlemen who have held the office of president, but Secretary Burthe has served in the capacity of his office since the day of his election. Judge G. H. Theard is now the president. The club has its rooms in the French Opera House, and during the performances the members are entitled to seats in the club box. The membership numbers about 120.
YOUNG MEN'S GYMNASTIC CLUB.
The Young Men's Gymnastic Club is the oldest organization of its kind in the South and to-day is one of the best equipped institutions in the country. The club was organized September 2, 1872, under the name of The Independent Gym- nastic Club, and had at the beginning a limited membership of 14, made up as follows: J. C. Alcix, A. Rehage, J. A. Rchage, C. G. Collins, F. J. Aleix, C. Wein- burger, J. Roca, F. Kunz, L. A. Nicaud, C. Burkhardt, J. Burkhardt, A. D. Hofeline, F. Claiborne and Wm. Frederichs. At the first mecting J. C. Aleix was elected presi- dent. Among the members who have since served in this capacity are Val. Merz, William Frederichs, James Flynn, Ed J. Gueringer, A. M. Delavallade, W. A. Briant, James J. McCann, George G. Bohne and James J. Woulfe. The name of
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the club was changed a short while after organization was effected and on Septem- ber 12, 1883, it was incorporated under its present title. In 1888 the organization was reincorporated.
From the beginning the object of the club has been to foster and promote work in the gymnasium. The quarters now occupied by the club are at No. 224 North Rampart street. The buildings and furnishings are in keeping with the prosperous condition of the institution. Besides the gymnastic department, which is the principal feature, there is every convenience of the modern social club-reading rooms, billiard and pool rooms, café and all accessories. In connection with the gymnasium is a salt-water bath, which is supplied from an artesian well sunk to a depth of 1,350 feet. The bath-rooms are equipped with every convenience and there is a large swimming pool, in which the water is kept at the proper temperature at all seasons. The club is incorporated as a stock company, and to become a mem- ber it is necessary to hold one share of stock. The present officers are: James J. Woulfe, President ; Vic. LeBeau, Vice President ; William H. Heyl, Secretary, and Hyp. Garrot, Treasurer. The affairs of the club are managed by a board of direc- tors, who have full control.
SOUTHERN ATHLETIC CLUB.
Almost since the day of its organization the Southern Athletic Club has been a leader among the organizations of its kind in the South and it has estab- lished records both on the field and in the arena which stand ahead of any similar club records south of Louisville. The S. A. C. was formed under the name of the Crescent City Athletic Association and incorporated June 19, 1888. The first President elected was S. P. Walmsley, with J. C. Campbell, Vice President ; G. S. Smith, Treasurer; W. L. McGary, Financial Secretary; W. H. Churchill, Recording Secretary, and Joseph Schlesinger, Corresponding Secretary. The founders and first members on the club rolls were: L. E. Bowman, O. S. Smith, G. S. Smith, H. D. Higanbotham, P. S. Campbell, T. J. Kohl, Theo. Holland, C. Janin, W. H. Churchill, D. H. Hoffman, W. J. Henderson, John J. Thomas, C. B. Churchill, P. A. Cooney, P. J. Kennedy, B. Chew, L. T. Tarleton, M. S. Waterman, Maurice McGraw, J. B. Waterman, J. Schlesinger, James C. Campbell, Abe Kottwitz and H. P. Smith.
The formation of the club took place in what was then known as the "skating rink" on the corner of Prytania street and Washington avenue, but in December the building, which had been erected by the club across the street, was completed
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and taken possession of. It was at this time that the name of the organization was changed to the Southern Athletic Club. President Walmsley was elected to serve a second term in 1889, and was succeeded by W. S. Parkerson the next year.
About this time the S. A. C. Battalion, which afterward became the Fourth Battalion, was formed. President Walmsley was elected Major of this branch of the organization. President Parkerson succeeded himself to the office at the next election, as did James C. Campbell, who was elected in 1892. During Presi- dent Parkerson's term of office, the club was reorganized into a stock company and about the same time the spring games, in which the S. A. C. has always dis- tinguished itself, were inaugurated.
During the next two years the club made many improvements and J. P. Bald- win and John Clegg served as presidents. In 1896 T. L. Bayne was elected and served two terms. In 1898 James C. Campbell was again elected, and 1899 John R. Conniff, the present chief officer of the club, succeeded him. The other officers are: John F. Brent, Vice President; C. H. Charlton, Jr., Financial Secretary ; Edward Rightor, Recording Secretary; T. J. Connell, Corresponding Secretary ; Dr. J. Moore Soniat, Captain, and E. W. Alleyn, Lieutenant. These officers, to- gether with the following gentlemen, compose the Board of Directors: D. R. Buchannan, Chas. F. Stott, B. P. Sullivan, Geo. Fuchs, E. S. Lamphier, Pierre Crabites, H. C. McEnery and A. H. Dumas.
The equipment of the S. A. C. quarters is second to none of its kind in the South, and the club is represented on every football, baseball or other sport field in which the other clubs of the Amateur Athletic Union appear, and has in nearly every meet retired as victors.
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CLUB.
The American Athletic Club, at one time the strongest organization of its kind in the South, was formed in the early spring of 1890 and flourished until 1898, when it was disbanded. Among the organizers were: S. Odenheimer, E. H. Rosenfeldt, Charles F. Alba, Henry Zeller, J. U. Landry, Thos. L. Ross and J. O. Reinecke. M. T. Elfert was the first president and served two terms. He was succeeded by Mr. S. Odenheimer, who served until the election of T. C. Loret, Sr .; and it was during the latter's term of office that the organization disbanded. For several years after the club was organized it was in a very prosperous condi- tion and at one time had a membership of 1,300. Ground was purchased on the corner of Napolcon avenue and Constance strect, and a club-house erected. The
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quarters were furnished completely for athletic and social purposes and were con- sidered equal to any in the South. During its life the American Athletic Club was a staunch member of the Southern Amateur Athletic Union.
SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB.
The Southern Yacht Club is the second oldest yachting organization of this country. It was formed by the members of what was known as the Stingaree Club, an exclusive social organization of New Orleans, in 1849. It was the custom of this club to take cruising trips along the southern coasts, and after one of these excursions along the coast of Mississippi it was decided to place the surplus money in the treasury in new boats, and the result was the organization of the Southern Yachting Club, July 21, 1849. The first commodore elected was Harry Rareshide. The annual yachting season opened in May, and until the Civil War great interest was taken in the events. During the war the club was practically disbanded, but afterward the sport was revived, and regattas have been held each season since. In 1878 the club-house on Lake Pontchartrain was erected and E. J. O'Brien, a wealthy cotton broker, was elected commodore of the club. He served until 1882, when Arthur Ambrose Maginnis succeeded him to the office. Mr. Maginnis served until 1884, when Commodore O'Brien was re-elected and held the office until the election of Commodore R. S. Day, who served from 1887 until 1891. During the next year the office was held by Commodore W. A. Gordon, and he was succeeded by Thomas Sully, who served as commodore until 1894. Commodore Lawrence O'Donnell was then elected and held the office until the spring of 1897, and Wal- ton Glenny was elected for the two succeeding terms. In 1899, the fiftieth anni- versary of the organization of the club, Commodore Albert Baldwin was elected. During this year it was decided to build a new club-house at West End, on Lake Pontchartrain, as a lasting memorial of the semi-centennial anniversary of the S. Y. C. The building is a model of modern club-house architecture, and was formally opened at the spring regatta in May, 1900.
Among the prominent racing boats which have been associated with the Southern Yacht Club, have been Charles P. Richardson's 40-foot sloop "Nepenthe," which defeated the "Wasp" of the New York Yacht Club, in a 40-mile cruising race in New York harbor. Vice-Commodore Alex. Brewster's open 25-foot sloop "Mephisto" is another of the old boats which has established records. She has engaged in over thirty races and has each time been victorious.
Of the new boats owned by members of the club, there are several very fine
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steam yachts. Among these are the "Semper Idem," owned by Commodore Bald- win and Ed. Schleider. She was designed and built here and her engines are of New Orleans manufacture. The "Semper Idem" is the largest boat of her kind ever built in the South. The steam yacht "Oneida," recently sold to the Mexican government, was formerly attached to the club's fleet. The sloop "Florence," now in commission in these waters, was designed by Commodore O'Donnell, after Hereschoff's creation, the "Gloriana," but was afterwards remodeled with spoon bow and modern stern after the style of the cup-racer "Defender."
There have been many interesting races given under the auspices of the S. Y. C. in past seasons. In 1888 the "Silence," afterward known as the "Brown," came from the New York waters to sail against the "Lady Einma," and was defeated by the latter. The race was a match for $2,500 a side.
Commodore O'Brien's flag-ship, the "Zoe," was one of the best sloops of her day. She is a 25-foot boat with cabin and is still in commission, and has been every season for the past twenty-five years. 1
The Southern Yacht Club rules are accepted as authority in all regattas in Eastern Gulf waters. The club has a membership of 500 and there are 75 boats of all descriptions in the fleet-steam yachts, motor launches and sailing boats.
During the summer months regattas are in progress on the Southern circuit, under the auspices and rules of the S. Y. C. The clubs which take part are the Mandeville Club, Mandeville, La .; the Pass Christian Club, of Pass Christian, Miss. ; the Biloxi Regatta Association, Biloxi, Miss .; the Pascagoula Yacht Club, of Scranton, Miss .; the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club, of Bay St. Louis, Miss .; and the Point Clear Yacht Club.
SOUTHERN AMATEUR ROWING ASSOCIATION.
Prior to 1893, the amateur rowing clubs of New Orleans and vicinity were banded together and known as the Pontchartrain Rowing Association, but in the spring of that year the association was disbanded. Two of the clubs which had been members of the association-the St. John Rowing Club and the Louisiana Boat Club-founded what is to-day known as The Southern Amateur Rowing Association, and all of the local clubs which were formerly members of the Pontchar- train Association have, at different times since, applied for membership and have been admitted into the new organization. The association now includes the St. John Rowing Club, the Louisiana Boat Club, the West End Rowing Club, the Tulane Rowing Club, and the Young Men's Gymnastic Rowing Club, all of New Orleans; and the Southern Racing Club, of Pensacola, Florida.
1
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STANDARD HISTORY OF NEW ORLEANS.
After the reorganization in 1893, the first officers elected were: Commodore, George Maspero, of the Louisiana Boat Club; Vice Commodore, T. R. Richardson, of the St. John's Rowing Club; Secretary, A. C. Norcross, of the same club; and Treasurer, Jules M. Wogan, of the Louisiana Club.
Afterwards Gus Eitzen, of the Pensacola Club, was elected Commodore; J. J. Woulfe, of the Y. M. G. C., First Vice Commodore; W. B. Vail, of the West End Rowing Club, Second Vice Commodore; O. Lagman, of the Tulane Rowing Club, Treasurer ; and Ed Rodd, of the St. John's Club, Secretary ._ A constitution was drawn up and adopted and every season regattas are held under the auspices of the association. Since the reorganization of the amateur oarsmen in New Orleans, the races have been held on Lake Pontchartrain, with the exception of those of 1898, which were rowed at Pensacola, Fla. The races have attracted much attention and the prizes have been sufficient to cause sharp competition among the local oarsmen and some records have been established.
The rules of the association governing the races are very explicit and are accepted by the oarsmen of this part of the country. It is a distinctly amateur association, an amateur oarsman being defined as follows, and no person who does not come under these requirements is allowed to compete in any of the events :
"We define an amateur oarsman to be one who does not enter in an open competition ; or for either a stake, admission money or entrance fee; or compete with or against a professional for any prize; who has never taught, pursued, or assisted in the pursuit of athletic exercise as a means of livelihood; whose mem- bership of any rowing or other athletic club was not brought about, or does not continue, because of any mutual agreement or understanding, expressed or implied. whereby his becoming or continuing a member of such club would be of any pecuniary benefit to him whatever, direct or indirect, and who has never been em- ployed in any occupation involving the use of oar or paddle; and who shall other- wise conform to the rules and regulations of this association."
LOUISIANA BOAT CLUB.
The Louisiana Boat Club was organized August 29, 1879, and is one of the oldest corporations of its kind in the city. The first officers elected after organiza- tion were: E. B. Musgrove, President ; J. H. Lafaye, Vice President ; George Mas- pero, Secretary ; J. A. Boze, Treasurer ; E. J. Soniat, Captain; F. M. Boze, First Trustee; S. F. Lewis, Second Trustee; R. Coutourie, Third Trustee. The club had an active membership of 67 at this time, with two honorary members on the rolls.
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On May 11, 1883, the organization was incorporated under a charter for twenty-five years, and since that time has figured prominently in all the regattas of the Southern Amateur Rowing Association. In 1894, the season following the organization of the association of amateur oarsmen, the members of the Louisiana Boat Club won thirteen of the sixteen medals offered. At this regatta the cham- pion four were W. G. Ellis, George Maspero, C. M. Wogan and Alfred Archinard. James C. Harris, of this club, won the medals for both the junior and senior single sculls in the regatta of '95.
The officers last elected were: J. A. Boze, President; H. J. Lafaye, Vice President ; H. Tremoulet, Treasurer ; M. C. Monroe, Secretary; H. B. Daborel, Captain ; and Hugo Fernandez, Lieutenant. The club has grown in membership, and, while not the oldest, is one of the strongest amateur rowing clubs in the city.
WEST END ROWING CLUB.
The West End Rowing Club was formed after the old organization known as the Orleans Rowing Club had disbanded in 1880, and the membership at the start comprised many of those who had belonged to the old club. The new organiza- tion was incorporated May 9, 1890, and has among its members amateur oarsmen who are among the more prominent contestants at the annual regattas of the South- ern Amateur Rowing Association. This club won the pennants for 1896, '97 and '98. The officers are Thad. G. Stehle, President; Dan Edwards, Vice President ; D. J. Manson, Treasurer ; John Bigler, Jr., Financial Secretary ; John C. Weber, Record- ing Secretary; and A. J. Hamilton, R. L. McCormack and Albert Ducombs, Trustees.
YOUNG MEN'S GYMNASTIC CLUB'S ROWING CLUB.
This organization was known as the Crescent Rowing Club prior to the re- gatta of 1898, which was held at Pensacola, Fla. Several months before this event it was decided to organize a new club known as the Young Men's Gymnastic Club's Rowing Club, being a branch of the Y. M. G. C. of New Orleans. The club-house is on Bayou St. John, where many of the local rowing clubs have been formed. Members of this club have made good records at the annual mectings and won the pennant for 1899. The officers of the club, who were elected when it was organized and have served since, are: John B. Cefalu, President; F. O. Reinecke, Vice President; E. J. Reiss, Treasurer; Paul Landry, Financial Secre- tary ; Nat. Dreyfus, Recording Secretary ; John Wells, Captain; and W. Demoruellc, Lieutenant.
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WASHINGTON ARTILLERY.
The Washington Artillery was organized in 1839, through the influence of General Persifer F. Smith, as a battalion under the command of C. F. Hoxey, with J. B. Walton as adjutant. February 22, 1840, it was reorganized as the right- flank company of the Washington regiment, Colonel Persifer F. Smith, this regi- ment being the only military organization in the American quarter of the city. In 1844 J. B. Walton was Lieutenant Colonel of this reigment, and in 1846, when it entered the service of the United States, Lieutenant Colonel Walton was in com- mand of the regiment. After serving under General Taylor on the Rio Grande and returning to New Orleans, Colonel Walton was elected Captain of the artillery battalion, so remaining until 1861, at which time the command was increased to four companies or batteries, and moved immediately to the seat of war in Virginia. However, a reserve force of twenty men in charge of Lieutenant W. I. Hodgson, of the fourth company, was left at home to recruit a fifth company, which company was mustered into the service of the Confederate States, March 6, 1862, and on the 8th of the same month left for the seat of war. Having served through the war the organization returned to New Orleans, leaving 139 of its members on the various battle-fields, who had been killed or who had died in the service, and here it was practically disbanded. In 1875 it was reorganized, with Colonel Walton in command, he serving until 1877. The full list of the colonels in command of this military organization is as follows : J. B. Walton, May 26, 1861, to July 8, 1864; B. F. Eshleman, July 8, 1864, to April 9, 1865 ; J. B. Walton, July 22, 1875, to May 17, 1877; W. M. Owen, May 17, 1877, to February 22, 1880; and John B. Rich- ardson, from that date to the present time.
The battalion has erected in Metairie cemetery a large and handsome tomb and monument, above which stands at ease a Confederate artilleryman in uniform, and upon the four sides of which is a roll of the dead of its members. The arsenal originally owned by the command, located on Girod street, was confiscated and sold during the war, and in 1880 Colonel Richardson purchased its present large and commodious three-story brick building on St. Charles street, between Girod and Julia streets, and extending through to Carondelet. The command has its own cannon, rifles, sabers, equipment, uniform and ammunition, and also a shooting range in the building. The walls of the building are ornamented with a fine painting by Julio, "The Last Meeting of Generals Lee and Jackson," at Chancel- lorsville, and a large number of other pictures and relics of the Civil War.
The command was incorporated under the laws of the State March 15, 1878,
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and on June 26 following decided to enter the Louisiana State National Guard. The battalion is composed of some of the best known men of the city, is open- hearted and open-handed to all old soldiers of the Civil War, whether of the Con- federate or Federal side, and has extended courtesies to numerous military organ- izations from all parts of the United States.
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