Directory City of Detroit, 1837, Part 3

Author:
Publication date: 1937
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 52


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THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Was organized in this city, May, 1812. by the Rev. Wm. Mitchell, a mis- -ionary of the Ohio conference, who remained here until sometime in the month of August of that year. The present minister, the Rev. Edward Thompson was ap- pointed by the Michigan conference in September 1836.


The building in Woodward Avenue is a neat frant: edifice, and cost about $3000. The number of commit- nicants is 175.


THE GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH, in Monroc Avenue, was, commenced last July, and is now nearly completed. It is a plain, handsome wood building, 50 feet long, and 35 feet iu width. It has been erected by subscription, to which the citizens of every denomination liberally &. cheerfully contributed. The congregation is composed of the natives of the "father land."


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HISTORY OF DETROIT.


PUBLIC BUILDINGS, &c.


THE STATE HOUSE, was originally built for the Dis- trict Court of the United States, and the legislative coun- cil of the Territory, is of brick, and measures 90 feet by. 60 feet. The general style of this building is Ionic. In front is a portico supported by six columns. The entabla- ture on the sides is supported by pilasters. The steeple . is crowned with a dome and is about 140 feet high .- The basement story is divided into offices for the officers) of the State government. The first floor contains the) hall of the house of Representatives, Governor's room, li- brary and office of the Clerk of the house of Represen- tatives. On the second floor is the Senate chamber, of- fice of the clerk of the Senate, and the committee rooms of both houses.


THE CITY HALL is a two story brick building with a · hammered stone basement, and is 100 feet long and 50 in width. The height of the first story is 16 feet, and from the base to the top of the cornice, 36 feet-on the front of the roof there is a handsome cupalo. The pring cipal entrance is from the public square. The first story. is occupied by the city market and clerk's office- and on the second story is a spacious hall, used as a council cham- ber and court room. The building was erected in the year 1835, and cost about $20,000 ..


; THE THEATRE, in State street, is a handsome brick building of two stories. It was bu'lt for, and for some time occupied as a Methodist Meeting house. It was purchased by its present proprietor, D. C. M'Kinstry, Esq. about three years ago. The house is divided into a gallery and boxes, and is capable of containing about 400 persons. Attached to the premises is a room containing refreshments for the company.


Immediately opposite to the theatre, stands a spacious frame building, erected by D. C. M'Kinetry, Esq. about one year since, for a circus, but has not as yet been occu pied as such.


HISTORY OF DETROIT.


THE MUSEUM, corner of Jefferson Avenue and Gris- wvold street. This establishment is neatly fitted up, and contains a variety of beautiful and rare specimens of birds, beasts, minerals, shells, &c. together with many interesting curiosities in nature and art, usually collected in a Museum. It also contains a large collection of wax figures. And to interest the general visitor there are many splendid cosmoramic views, and in the evening phantasmagora and phantascopal illusions are exhibited. Maj. D. C. M'Kinstry, proprietor.


MICHIGAN GARDEN .- Among the many improvements in this city, one of the most prominent is the Michigan Garden-laid out with much skill and taste, by our enter- prising citizen, Maj. D. C. M'Kinstry, and opened during the summer of 1835. It is situated at the northern ex- tremity of the town, the entrance from Randolph street, and occupying a" out four acres. The walks are admira- bly arranged, and fruit trees of every description, besides a choice selection of foreign and domestic plants, are dis- tributed in graceful elegance throughout the numerous beds. It is decidedly a summer retreat from the bustle and cares. of business, of no ordinary character, combi- ning utility and gratification with pleasure, there being a commodious bath and splendid recess attached to the concern-also several tasty summer-houses in every part of the garden. The Major, with his usual "go a head" disposition has attached a choice menagerie to the estab- lishment, and in short, spares neither pains nor expense to render it worthy the patronage and support of a liber- al and discerning public.


COLLEGE, SEMINARIES, &c.


ST. PHILLIP'S COLLEGE, ( Cote Du Nord est.)-Under the auspices of the Right Rev. Dr. Rese, Bishop of De- troit, is situated within three miles of the city, erected on an elevated bank of the river, and commanding a distant and majestic view of Lake St. Clair. The Regency of the college is Catholic ; but pupils of all religious de- nominations are admitted under , certain restrictions .- The course of instruction embraces the foreign langua-


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ges, classics, and every branch of learning requisite for The following extract from the late printed Circula:, will give some insight into the character of the lustitu- 3 polished and refined education. The diet and health, the pupils are attentively looked to, while attention ation : their morals, forms a prominent part of the duties of the ."In all the branches' the inductive method is pursued, teachers. , The institution is governed by a President and every facility given by familiar and extended illus-


(Rev. Dr. De Bruyn,) and three professors. It is


trations, recitations, and other exercises are' made the contemplation to erect two College buildings, one as occasion for conveying various useful and entertaining male, the other as a female institution. They are cat instruction, correct pronunciation, and grammatical lan- to be two stories and a half high, with domes. A chap guage are 'attended to on all occasions, and a taste for' English literature carefully cultivated. 0 is to stand in the centre, connected with the Colleges wings. The length of the range will be five hundre and seventy-two feet.


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"The Bible'is daily read with explanatory observations, appeals to it, to conscience, and a sense of duty are the means chiefly relied on for moral improvement. Con-


DETROIT FEMALE SEMINARY .- This institution four troversial topics on religion, politics and morals are strict- ded in the year 1834, had its origin in an earnest desit ly excluded." to promote the great cause of Female education in th The institution is designed "to raise decidedly the standard of female education, by furnishing the best in- struction in the several branches taught, and by a course "city and what was then the territory of Michigan. was thought by the citizens that nothing would so effe. tually accomplish this object, as furnishing within the of study sufficiently extended for a solid, enlarged and finished education."


own limits such facilities and means of improvement were enjoyed in the most favored portions of our country The building is a plain, substantial edifice of brick, fifty- The public authorities, with a highly commendable for six feet in front by forty deep, situated on a rise of ground sight, had some years previous, in compliance with a vo in Griswold street, in one of the pleasantest parts of the of the citizens, set apart for the purpose of female edi city. It has three stories above the basement, which ??


: cation, the handsome site now occupied by the Sem contain, inclusive of the school-rooms, eighteen rooms, nary.


besides an ample hall in each story .. The ground was,


The Protestant portion of the community; thinkinggiven by the public authorities of the city, and the build- that the period had arrived for turning to account theing erected by individual liberality, at a cost of about liberal donation, entered with corresponding zeal an eight thousand dollars. The philosophical room is fin- liberality upon the work of erecting a handsome and core ished with a handsome apparatus, both.Chemical and . modious building. : The spirit which so honorably cha Philosophical. - The whole establishment bears ample acterized their first efforts, has continued to be manife testimony to the generous spirit of its patrons. ted, and a valuable Philosophical and Chemical Appar 00 tus has o. late been added to the institution. .


-The school was commenced in 1835, and the Depar ments have been gradually extending until they no comprise whatever is requisite to a solid and finished e ucation. Though the solid branches form the basis? the course of instruction, music, French and Italiam af Drawing are placed within the reach of those who win to be instructed in them.


ST. CLARE'S SEMINARY, Randolph st .- This Semina- ry is superintended by the ladies of St. Clare, and embra- ces all the attainments which are necessary in society .-. Devoted to the education of female youth, they spare no pains to adorn their minds with useful knowledge, and to form their hearts to virtue. The ordinary branches of education are taught, the terms for which are liberal .-- The strictest attention is paid to the cleanliness and health


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of the pupils; the table plain, but plentiful and whole; some. The government is mild but firm. No pupil is received or continued for a shorter time than a quarter The dress of the pupils is uniform, and the articles re- quisite upon entering merely necessary for comfort and convenience. The friends of pupils are allowed to visit them at stated times.


Among the other schools worthy of notice, are the Catholic Theological Seminary at the Episcopal house, St. Anne's English classical and mathematical Academy, under the patronage of the Right Rev. Bishop Rese, and Mr Crane's Seminary on the ground belonging to the University of Michigan ; besides there are several Cath- olic and Protestant free schools, an account of which will be found in the appendix.


LITERARY INSTITUTIONS, NEWSPAPERS, &c


HISTORICAL SOCIETY .- There now exists in this city an Historical Society, formed about twelve years since. The object of the society was the collecting of historical matter concerning the North West, and also of speci- mens of natural history, and the formation of a library? The Sketches of Michigan owe their existence to the society,as does also a very respectable Museum. We are not apprised of much activity among its members at pre- sent, and learn that Maj. Rowland, who has been one of its most efficient members is the President. We trust that its ancient spirit will be revived and its museum rendered accessible.


THE YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY, now in a most flourish- ing state, was formed in the fall of 1832 : . first pro- positions proceeding from Dr. Douglass Houghton and, Franklin Sawyer, Esq. Its object was the general dif- fusion of knowledge and a condensation of the talents and acquirements of the young men of Detroit, for intel- lectual and moral improvement. It has been with few exceptions, well sustained ; its lectures and debates have for the most part been characterised by deep thought,


HISTORY OF DETROIT.


acquirement, and research ; and a library, well selected .; of 600 volumes, united with the weekly exercises seem well calculated to meet the end desired in its formation. It comprises now 300 members, professional, mercantile, and mechanical, all uniting in the acquisition of knowl- edge, and a desire for personal improvement .* Geo. E. Hand, Esq. is the President.


THE YOUNG MEN'S CITY TEMPERANCE SOCIETY Was formed about two years since. It is on the principle of total abstinence from ardent spirits ; it has achieved much good, and numbers about 300 members.


NEWSPAPERS .- Four papers are published in the city. The oldest is the Daily Advertiser, issued by George L. Whitney, Esq., George Corselius Esq. editor. The Tri- Weekly Advertiser, and the Detroit Weekly Journal, (both for the country) are published at the same office, and are republic ... tions of the Daily. They are Whig in politics.


The Daily Free Press is next in succession ; John S. Bagg, Esq. is editor and proprietor. A Weekly, made up from the Daily, is published by the same gentleman, Democratic in politics. The above papers are managed with admirable editorial tact, and have large subscription lists.


The third is The Michigan State Register, a reposito- ry of State'documents, Statistics, &c. &c. of Michigan, and documents of the general Government, is published Semi-Monthly at the office of the Daily Advertiser. IL was commenced on the first of July, 1836.


The fourth is a literary Journal recently established. It is called the DETROIT EVENING SPECTATOR, AND LIT- ERARY GAZETTE. It is edited and published by Benj. Kingsbury, Jr. and George P. Burnham. This paper, . though in the infancy of its existence, has a wide and rapidly increasing circulation. It professes neutrality in religious and political matters. Its character however is strictly pure, and it bids fair to exert a very important


*The Society have taken preparatory steps towards the erection of an edifice ts contain a reading room and the Library, and a hall for lectures and debates.


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influence in favor of the social, moral and intellectual character of the State.


In this connection it appears appropriate to the Editor to allude to the Detroit Reading Room. The proprie- tors, Messrs. Kingsbury and Burnham have fitted up the Room very neatly, and have on their files the first peri- odicals in the country, and on their table the most im- portant monthlies and quarterlies. Their list of subscri- bers headed, we were happy to -ce, by His Excellency, the Governor, is becoming quite respectable. We consi- der this Reading Room as a very important addition to the city.


A gentleman is now engaged in making the necessary arrangements for the establishment of a Catholic news- paper in this city, and we understand that arrangements are also making for the publication of a Presbyterian pe- riodical, by a gentleman from the State of Ohio-both of which are expected to go into operation carly in the en- suing spring.


Since the above was written, we have been informed that a monthly period cal devoted to the promulgation of the religious notions of the Universalists, has lately been co tanenced in this city.


CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.


WAYNE CO. HOSPITAL AND POOR HOUSE .- Fort Gra- tiot . oad, established in 1832, under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Kundig. This establishment is supported by a county cess. The average number of its inmates ranges from 25 to 40. Three ladies of the order of St. Clair su- perintend the institution.


Attached to the hospital are the WAYNE CO. BATHS. These baths are of every description, even medicinal ones are devised by their ingenious director, the Rev. Mr. Kundig, for the use of the public. The profits ari- sing from these baths are appropriated to charitable pur- poses.


ORPHAN ASYLUM .-- This benevolent institution is situ- ate on the Fort Gratiot turnpike road, at the distance of two miles from the city. The number of children left


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destitute by the ravages of Cholera in 1832, suggested to the Rev. Mr. Kundig, R. C. Clergyman, (who in the exercise of his ministry braved the dangers of this pesti- lence as he walked through its 'valley of death') the ne- cessity of then establishing this Asylum.


It is supported and superintended by its philanthropic founder and a society of ladies. "The average number of orphans here provided for is about twenty. These children are boarded, educated and clothed, and when qualified are apprenticed to useful trades, or placed in comfortable situations.


MARKETS.


There are three Markets-the city market, on the first floor of the City Hall, the Berthlet, at the corner of Randolph and Woodbridge streets, and the Washington Market, corner of Wayne and Larned streets. These are kept in good order by the inspector of provisions, and well supplied with every thing that can be desired at similar places. There is a great variety of vegetables, and also of fish, of which there are abundance in the riv- er, of a most delicious flavor-and wild fowls, geese, ducks, brant, &c. abound in the neighborhood. Beef and mutton in great plenty, equal in quality to any in the castern states. Venison, pork, veal, poultry, inclu- ding turkies, wild and tame, rabits, squirrels, &c. are common ; in fine, although not quite equal to that of Phi- ladelphia, it contains all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of a good market.


NAVIGATION & COMMERCE.


The increase of the navigation and commerce of De- troit within the last few years, is perhaps unparalleled in the history of nations. In IS19 there was but one Steam Boat on the Lakes-she wus named the Walk on the Wa- ter, and sufficed for the trade at that period, whereas at the present time, there are thirty Steam Boats of the largest size, engaged in the navigation of the Lakes, be- tween this port, Buffalo, Chicago, Milwaukie, &c. Sev- enteen of which forming an aggregate of 2060 tons are owned in this city. Two of the first class and one of the


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second, arrive and depart daily ; the former average 200 passengers each way, and 50 tons import freight; the latter 50 passengers and 20 tons import freight.


One hundred and fifty vessels of all denominations are employed on these waters-of these, an average of three arrive and depart daily, averaging each way ten passen- gers and 100 tons import freight.


Eighty four of those vessels registering in the aggre- gate, 5147 37-95 tons, belong to this port.


A monthly average of 20 pair of horses, 200 pair of oxen, and 800 persons, having come up through Canada are crossed at the Detroit Ferry.


The average is calculated for seven months in the year, the period during which it continues. It is stated in round numbers but purposely within the mark. It presents a result for 200 days of 1000 persons coming & going daily, or 200,000. 400 tons freight import daily, or 80,000 tons.


The receipts of the Western Stage Office, since the first of March last have been upwards of 892,0001- This affords a flattering and unequivocal proof of the prosperity of the capital of Michigan, and gives a glimpse of what it will be ten years hence.


RAIL ROADS.


Several Rail Roads are chartered to terminate in this city-two of which are now in progress of construction.


THE DETROIT AND ST. JOSEPH RAIL ROAD commenced in the spring of 1836. Forty miles is under contract 30 of which will be in operation in the summer of 1837. The route of this road is through the counties of Wayne, Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, and Berrien to the mouth of the St. Joseph river, on Lake Michigan. Whole length, 196 miles.


THE PONTIAC AND DETROIT RAIL ROAD, capital $100,- 000, twenty-five per cent. of which has been paid in .- Twelve and a half miles of the road is now under con- tract, rapidly progressing and will be completed and rea- dy for cars about the first of April next. The remaining distance is to be finished within two years from the first of March next.


BANKS.


There are three banks located in the city, all possess- ing in an eminent degree the confidene. of the people in regard to s undness and stability, and a s no doubt wor- thy of the high character they sustin, being conducted by mon of prudence and financial ability.


BANK OF MICHIGAN is the o'dest institution of he kind in the city. It has a brunch located at Kalam: zoo .- Capital 8100,000, with the privilege of increasing it to $350,500, in the bank and branch.


FARMERS AND MECHANICS' BANK OF MICHIGAN. We believe is the next in p io ity of existence. I: pos esses the power to loe ite a branch at St. Jo cph .- Capital $100,000 which may be extended!, in bank and branch, to $700.000.


MICHIGAN STATE BANK is last in order of date. Its capital is $100,000. and not to exceed 500,000, and no privilege to establish a branch.


WATER.


The city is supplied with water from the Detroit river by means of a hydraulic establishment, forme ly owned by a private company charte. ed with the exclusive right of furnishing the e ty with water. The works of this company together w ta the r gut, have lately been pur- chased by the city Corporation, who are now erceting new and exten ive works, so as to affo.d a more abun- dant supply, and to insure purer water.


POPULATION.


In March 1834, a census was taken by Mr. Heathon, from which it appears that the four wards in this city, contained not mo.c than 4973 persons, of whom 2904 were males, and 206) temalos. At that time there were 477 dwellings, and 64 stores and ware-houses. At this moment the population of De. roit is 9763, and the num- ber of dwellings and stores exceed 1300-so rapid is the increase of this number, that in a ] probab.lity, it will be doubled in less than four years. D


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ABREVIATIONS USED IN THE DIRECTORY. .


St. for street-al. alley-av. avenue-ct. court-ab. above-r. comer-a resides -¿ colored persons.


03-Notc-The numbers are regulated as follows, viz : All streets running parallel with Woodward Avenue the numbers commence in the lower ends; in those run- ning parallel with Jefferson Avenue, the numbers com- mence at Fust st. and run up. In all streets it will be observed the even numbers will be found on the right hand side, and the odu on the left.


BOUNDARIES OF THE WARDS.


First Ward, is all south of Jeffersen Avenue, between Brush st. and Woodward Avenue.


Second Ward-All south of Jefferson Av. and west of Woodward Av.


Third Ward-All that part of the city between Jeffer- son Av. and Adanis Av., and between Woodward Av. and Brush st.


Fourth Ward-All that part of the city west of Wood ward Av., including a pit of DeGarmo Jones' farm be- tween Jefferson Av. and Adams Av.


Fif h. Wurd-All that part of the city lying cast of Brush st.


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STREETS, ALLEYS, &C.


LIST OF STREETS, LANES & ALLEYS.


Abbott st., from Seven'h st. to Michigan Avenue. Adanis Avenue, from C.fford st. to B ush st. Atwater st., from Gillet's Wharf to Hamtramck. Baker .t., fiom S xth to Seventh st.


Bates st., from the river to Fa mer st.


Beaubien st., Iram uver to St. Mary :t. Berthlet Alley, fram Randolph st. to Franklin st.


Bolivar st., from river to Jel'er on Avenue.


Brush s' .. from river to Adams t. v. Cass st., from river to Michigan Avenue. Catherine st. St. Mary st., to Russel st. Casar Alley, from Four h to Griswold st.


Centre st., from Grand River st. to John R. st. Centre Alley. from Woodward Av. to Randolph st. Clinton st., from S'. Mary st. to Russel st. Clifford st, from Colum it st. to Woodward Av. Commercial A ley, from Woodward Av. to to Randolph st. Congress si., from Sixth st. to Res-el st. Creghan st., from Randolph st. to S'. Anto'ne st. Elizabeth st., from William st. to B ush st. Emni y Allev, from. Ca.s st, to Griswold st. Farmer st., fiom John R. st. to Randolph et. Farrar st., from John R. st. to Randolph st. Fif h st., from river to Chicago turnpike. First st., from Jefferson Av. to Michigan Av. Fortst , from Seventh st. to Russel st. Fou. th st., from Woodbridge st. to Chicago turnpike. Frank in st, from Berthler Alley to Rivard st. Furnace Alley, from Cass to Shelby st. Gouin st., between Atwater and Franklin sts. G and River st, fram G. R. tu:np ke to Randolph st. Griswold st., f.om river to John R. st.


Harriet st., from Randolph to B. ush st. Hastings st., from r.ver to Jeffer on Av. Howa d st., from F.f.h to Seventh st. Jefferson Avenue, from First > t. to Witherell farm John R. st. from Woodward Av. so Monteahn's'. Julius Al cy. from Fourth st. to Griswold st. Labross st., from Fifth to Seventh st.


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Lafayette st., from Fifth to Seventh st. Larne.l #t., from First st. lo Russel st. Mac Cabe Alley, from Cass to Griswold st. Macomb st., from Miami Square to St. Antoine. Macomb Avenue, from G. R. st. to the Grand Circus .. Madison Avenue, from Randolph st. to Grand Circus. Margaret Court, rear of Atwater, between St. Antoine and Hastings sts.


Miami Avenue, from Randolph st. to Grand Circus. Miami Square, from Randolph st. to Miami Av. Michigan Avenue, from Randolph st. to Cass st. Middle st., from G. R. road to Clifford st. Military Square, crosses Woodward Av. Monroc Avenue, from Military square to Randolph st Monicalm st., from Witherell to John R. st. Mullet st., from Rivard faim to Russel st. Palmerst., f.om Grund River to Clifford st. Park st., fiom Michigan Av. to Grand River st. Pine st., between Hastings and Rivard str. Poline Alley, rear of Pal.ne Market, Randolph st,


Porter s ., fram Fifth to Seventh s'.


Rail Roid Alley, f. om Cass to Shelby st. Randolph st., from river to Adams Avenue. Rivard st., from river to Jefferson 'Av .. Rowland st., from Mich gan Av. to Grand River st.


Russel st., f.om Jefferson Av. to St. Mary st.


St. Antoine st., from river to Clinton s .


St. Mary st., from Miami square to Catholic Cemetry. School Lane, from Gr swold, between Woodbridge and Jefferson Av.


Shelby st. from Woodbridge st. to Michigan Av. Second sh, from lower Woodbridge st. to Fort st. Seventh st. fiom Woodbridge st. to Michigan Av. Sixth st., from Woodbridge st. to Michigan Av. State st., from Park to St. Mary s'.




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