USA > Michigan > Genesee County > History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 40
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Many specimens were brought in by farmers and others, and the members generally went to work with a will.
Some, who were occupied during business hours, brought in valuable contributions as the result of their morning and evening excursions with the gun or fishing-rod, and ob- tained for their reward, in addition to the consciousness of aiding a worthy cause, improved health and renewed vigor. The taxidermy was mostly done by Dr. M. Miles and J. B. Clarke, and the numerous specimens of ornithology pre- pared by them form a conspicuous portion of the cabinet at the present time.
At a regular meeting, held April 12, 1854, a vote of thanks was tendered the Ilon. E. II. Thomson for valuable donations, which obligations were subsequently frequently renewed ; and also to Rev. Chas. Fox, Professor of Agricul- ture in the State University, for the donation of a rain-gauge
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and other favors. At the meeting of July 26th following, his lamented death was noticed in appreciative resolutions, which were published in the " Farmer's Companion" and the " Annals of Science."
At the same meeting it was resolved to hold informal meetings on Wednesday of each week, which the public were invited to attend. Dr. Miles read an essay on " The Distribution of Animals."
This was the inaugural of a series of public exercises con- sisting of lectures, essays, and discussions, which were vig- orously continued for many months. The following quota- tions from the record show the financial condition of the institute in those days. Aug. 2, 1854, an assessment of $1 per share was voted to pay indebtedness; and at the second annual meeting, held Jan. 3, 1855, the treasurer reported a balance due him of $1.31.
In March, 1854, a course of twelve lectures having been completed, a series of weekly informal meetings for the dis- cussion of stated subjects was commenced. The subject of geography in all its relations was taken up; the topic being announced two weeks in advance, was discussed after the report of standing committees. The following report of a committee appointed to classify the matter brought under discussion will best give evidence of the method pur- sued :
1st. A committee on topography to report the location- i.e., the latitude and longitude-of the country or district under discussion ; its relations to other countries ; its general contour and boundaries ; its mountain chains, their direc- tion, their absolute and relative heights; its table-lands, plains, and swamps; its rivers, their sources, general direc- tion, and outlet ; its lakes and deserts ; its principal political divisions and important cities.
2d. Committee on Geology, to report on its geological characteristics.
3d. A Committee on Mineralogy, to report what minerals are found and where, with a particular exposition of such as may be peculiar to the country under consideration.
4th. A Committee on Meteorology and Hydrography, to report upon climate, its peenliarities and their causes ; the distribution of heat, moisture, and evaporation ; aerial eur- rents ; storms, ruin, snow, etc., with their relations, causes, and influence.
5th. A Committee on the Flora, to report upon the indi- genous plants, particularly the types, genera, and species peculiar to the region.
Gth. Committee on the Fauna, to report upon the indi- genous animals and their peculiarity of type, genera, and species.
7th. Committee on Agriculture and Commerce, to report upon the cultivation, products, exports, and commercial relations of the country.
Sth. Committee on Ethnology, to report upon the races of men, their peculiarities and affinities.
The first subjeet taken up was " Australia and Malaisia," followed with " South Africa," " South America," " Cen- tral America," and " the West India Islands," " North America," " Great Britain and Ireland," and " Northern Europe," all of which were thoroughly discussed, generally with a full report from cach committee ; taking South
America for example, we find a report was made on topog- raphy by Mr. Stewart; on geology, by Mr. McAlester; ou mineralogy, by Mr. Avery ; on meteorology, by Mr. Beals ; on the flora, by Dr. Clarke ; on the fauna, by Dr. Miles ; on commerce and agriculture, by Mr. Rankin ; and on ethnology, by Dr. Clarke.
Thus it will be seen a wide range was taken and a large portion of the earth's surface was passed in review. Many facts of interest were noted and much thought elicited, and, without doubt, all engaged in the work profited by it.
The subject was subsequently continued with a change, the programme giving more prominence to physical geog- raphy in its general aspects. The following schedule of exercises for the ensuing winter, reported by Dr. Miles, was adopted Nov. 21, 1856 :
No. 1. On Reliefs of Continents,-in three divisions, Eastern, Western, and Australia,-by Prof. Travis.
No. 2. On Islands, by C. E. Mc.Alester.
No 3. On Volcanoes and Earthquakes, by II. Seymour.
No. 4. On Ocean Currents, by Dr. Miles.
No. 5. On Winds, by Dr. Stewart.
No. G. On Isotherms and Climates, by C. L. Avery.
No. 7. On the Influence of the Physical Features of the Earth on Commerec, by F. II. Rankin.
No. S. On the Geographical Distribution of Plants, by Dr. Burdick.
No. 9. On the Geographical Distribution of Animals, by .J. B. Clarke.
No. 10. On Ethnology, by Dr. Clarke.
No. 11. On Glaciers and the Phenomena of Drift, by William B. McCreery.
No. 12. On the Distribution of Rains, by H. Wilson.
While these studies were being pursued, the field of dis- eussion was still further enlarged, May 15, 1855, by the adoption of a resolution offered by Mr. Rankin, by which Section B was established to meet weekly on another even- ing, distinet from that devoted to scientific discussion, for the purpose of considering subjects of a wider range, including history, literature, and art. These meetings were carried on simultaneously with the others, with much interest in the animated discussion of a variety of subjects. At the same time the work of collecting materials for the museum was pushed forward until the accumulation became embarrassing, and called out the following resolution, which was adopted June 22, 1855 :
" Resolved, That the Institute meet in a committee of the whole, on Saturday evening next, at six o'clock, and cach consecutive evening, except Sundays, at the same hour, for the purpose of arranging and cataloguing the museum."
Oct. 24, 1855, the executive committee, in a report setting forth the importance of some better arrangement for the increase and preservation of the museum, recom- mended the appointment of curators to take charge of the arrangement of the specimens in their respective branches, as follows : Botany and Entomology, Dr. Clarke ; Mineral- ogy, M. B. Beals; Osteology and Comparative Anatomy, Dr. Stewart ; Reptiles and Conchology, Dr. Miles ; Ornith- ology, C. L. Avery; l'alcontology, C. E. Mc.Alester; Ich- thyology, E. Dodge; Archeology, J. B. Clark ; Miscella- neous, G. Andrews.
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These several eurators reported from time to time the condition and needs of their respective departments.
July 4, 1855, an entertainment was given by the ladies for the peeuniary benefit of the institute, the net proceeds of which were $113.63; for which a vote of thanks was given, and also to G. M. Dewey, Esq., for the very timely donation of $25. This was the first of many entertain- ments subsequently given by the ladies of Flint and Gen- esee County, to whom much credit is due for material and in sustaining the enterprise. With the funds thus obtained at this time valuable additions were made to the library, including a subscription to Prof. Agassiz' great work, " Contributions to the Natural History of the United States,"-a monument to the unceasing labors of the great naturalist.
Jan. 2, 1856, a committee was appointed to inquire into the feasibility of publishing a history of Genesee County. The plan was to combine with an account of the settlement a full description of the physical geography and natural history in all its departments. Many of the materials were at hand, and probably the project might have been attempted but that a thorough geological survey of the State, including this county, seemed to be a desirable preliminary. Accord- ingly a committee was appointed, consisting of Dr. Miles, Mr. Rankin, and Mr. Beals, to which the president was added, who proceeded to bring the subject to the attention of the Legislature by means of petitions which were circu- lated in all parts of the State, receiving numerous signa- tures ; and also by correspondence and personal interviews with many persons of influence, including the senator and representatives of this county. The project involved great labor, as well as considerable expense for printing, station- ery, and postage, and undoubtedly had an important influ- enee in securing by legislative action the geological survey of 1859-60 by Pref. Winchell. Dr. Miles was appointed his assistant, having charge of the zoological department. Ilis preliminary report, containing a very full list of the animals, birds, reptiles, and shells found in the State, was published in the first volume of Prof. Winchell's report. This appointment was a deserved and gratifying compliment to the doctor, and, through his subsequent appointment to a professorship in the State Agricultural College, opened an avenue to his life's work in a congenial field, which he has most successfully cultivated. But what was his gain was an irreparable loss to the institute.
The foregoing sketch will suffice to give an idea of the plan of work laid out and its results ; it is needless to extend the details further. The institute had made another move to a more commodious room, in the building then recently erected by Dewey & Crosman, opposite the Bryant House. The civil war, which naturally absorbed every other inter- est, told heavily upon the prosperity of the institute. Its members in common with others caught the patriotie in- spiration of the times, and a goodly number responding to their country's call went forth to battle in her behalf for humanity and free institutions,-some of them, alas ! never to return. Nunez Pratt, a sterling young man, a brother of llon. Herbert Pratt, of Lansing, also a member of the institute, was killed in the first campaign in South Carolina. Capt. Simeon Guild, a graduate of Michigan University,
with promise of a useful life conscientiously devoted to the best interests of humanity, was released from his position as principal of the Second Ward Union School to take a captain's commission in the 8th Regiment. Falling in the attack upon Fort Wagner, he was deemed worthy by his chivalrous foe to share the destiny of the gallant Col. Shaw, of Massachusetts, and thus his friends were denied the melancholy satisfaction of giving his remains a Christian burial. Like others, he carried his interest in the institute with him, and a consignment of specimens from Port Royal, received after the news of his death had reached here, is an earnest of what he might have done had his life been spared. Charlie Rankin, son of the efficient secretary of the institute, a promising young man, and true as steel in every position which he was called to occupy, and Charlie Moon, an only son, the pet and hope of his family, a genial companion and active member of the institute, both went forth in the flush and buoyancy of youth, soon to be returned upon a soldier's bier, the former the victim of disease, and the latter falling on the field of battle.
Capt. Damon Stewart, another early and earnest member of the institute, lost his two brothers, killed in battle; as noble, gallant boys as any of the martyr band who fell in the deadly combat. Col. William B. McCreery, the late trustworthy State treasurer, whose romantie escape from Libby prison is so well known, had many marvelous es- capes, and came home well riddled with the enemy's bullets. Capt. C. E. McAlester, still another of the institute's early and active members, was more fortunate, returning after a long and honorable service unscathed by the missiles of war.
With such inroads upon its limited membership it may well be conceived that the most that could be hoped for was to keep the organization alive and preserve its material for future use. This was done, but the incubus of the war was upon every civil enterprise, and it was hard for a time to do anything mere. However, an effort was made, and, after much canvassing, encouragement was received by as- surance of support to attempt a new start, and for this pur- pose the spacious hall now occupied by the Red Ribbon Club was taken in an unfinished condition on a lease for a term of years. Considerable expense was incurred in fin- ishing and furnishing the room, the collection was moved with much labor, and the new hall was dedicated to science, with an address from President Angell, of the University. But disappointment was again encountered, for while many were prompt and ready to meet their engagements, others neglected and declined to redeem their pledges, and deem- ing it unfair and useless to tax the generous friends of the institute further it was decided to cancel the indebtedness by a transfer in trust to the Union School District of the city of Flint. This was accordingly done, and in the doeu- ment of conveyance it is set forth that it is received " upon trust to preserve and maintain the library and cabinet of specimens of said scientific institute in a suitable room or rooms in the high-school builling or some other suitable buikling, and to eause the same to be and remain forever free to the inhabitants of said city of Flint for examination and inspection at all proper times."
Thus the valuable cabinet illustrating the natural history
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of the county and State, the result of years of labor and care in its collection and preservation, has been lodged in a safe place, where it can be made directly available in ilhis- trating the teachings of science, not only to the pupils of the high-school, but to all who may wish to avail themselves of its advantages under proper restrictions. Sinee it is as much at the service of the public as ever, it is to be hoped that the old interest may be revived, and that each citizen will, as he has opportunity, coutribute to its value by bring- ing in such specimens as may come in his way, for should they be duplicates of what is already possessed they may be useful for exchanges, and thus indirectly add much to the value of the collection.
Although the Flint Scientifie Institute has suspended operations it has not disorganized, but still remains a cor- porate body, awaiting the coming time when it shall re- vive its work, and, profiting by past experience, enter upon a new and more successful career in friendly competition with the numerous similar institutions which are being fos- tered in all the enterprising cities of the West .*
THIE LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF FLINT.
This institution-the first of its kind in the State, and perhaps in the known world-was seemingly the offspring of necessity in the early days of this rustic village. It was organized carly in the spring of 1851. By special invita- tion of Mrs. T. B: W. Stockton, a small band of ladies met at her residence to consider the practicability of forming some society to meet the wants of the community, with their limited means, to supply the lack of culture for them- selves and their families.
This work the ladies of Flint felt to be theirs; and while the fathers, brothers, and husbands were felling the forests, erecting mills, tilling the soil, and building for their fami- lies new homes, the mothers, wives, and daughters did what was in their power to furnish wholesome food for the in- tellect.
The result of the first meeting was the forming of an association for mutual improvement, and the decision to meet once a week to discuss literary subjects, to read and compare ideas on what was read, and a resolution to do what they could to establish and sustain a permanent library.
A constitution was written and presented by Mrs. R. W. Jenny, which was adopted.
The following officers were chosen for the first year : Mrs. T. B. W. Stockton, President ; Mrs. J. B. Walker, Vice-President ; Mrs. R. W. Jenny, Recording Secretary ; Mrs. Dr. Manly Miles, Treasurer; and Miss Hattie Stew- art, Librarian. A corresponding secretary, a book commit- tee of three, and an executive committee of five persons were added to the list of officers during the first year. After some discussion relative to ways and means, and the prospect of supporting a library, the ladies adjourned to meet the following week at the residence of Mrs. William M. Fenton.
At their next meeting was expressed their firm resolve to establish a library, and their organization was called a
" Ladies' Library Association ;" although they had no funds in the treasury save the small sum of $10 from member- ship-fees. This sum was immediately laid out for books, and the members decided to supply the lack of reading matter by furnishing, cach from her own store, books and periodicals, and exchanging with others.
Some donations of books followed, the most valuable of which was a complete set of works known as " Harper's Family Library," the gift of Chauncey S. Payne, Esq.
Lectures and various kinds of entertainments were im- provised to gain funds for books, the proceeds of which the first year amounted to $160 only; still, the ladies were in no wise disheartened, and they continued to feast and to entertain the public by lectures, readings, tableaux, and dramatic representations until 240 volumes were placed upon their shelves, as shown by their first catalogue. These were all carefully chosen.
With increase of members, some liberal donations and renewed efforts, the next catalogue, in 1854, numbered about 500 volumes. The next issue contained about 2000 volumes, and the present catalogue (1879) not far from 3000 volumes.
In 1853 the association became incorporated under the direction of the following officers : Mrs. C. S. Payne, Pres- ident ; Mrs. II. I. Higgins, Vice-President; Mrs. A. Thayer, Recording Secretary (pro tem.) ; Mrs. F. II. Rankin, Corresponding Secretary ; Mrs. A. T. Crosman, Treasurer; Mrs. R. W. Jenny, Clerk ; and Mrs. J. B. Walker and Mrs. O. Hamilton, Librarians.
Amid many discouragements, the association renewed its efforts. In 1861 the library was nearly destroyed by fire, but by the awakened sympathies of the community, and the amount insured being promptly paid, they were enabled to take advantage of the low prices of books from a failing publishing house, which nearly repaired their loss, and placed in their collection many valuable works.
At this time the circulation of a subscription paper for the purpose of providing for the library a more commodious building met with great success. A lot was purchased on the corner of Beach and Kearsley Streets, and preparations made for building thereon.
Donations of $200 each from several citizens started the subscription list, which soon reached a fair sum, and dona- tions of building materials, lumber, and labor, were freely contributed, and within the same year of its commence- ment, the corner-stone of the edifice was laid, with Masonic eceremonies, under the supervision of the Ilon. Win. MI. Fenton.
The address on the occasion was by Hon. George W. Fish, now United States consul to Tunis. A few original songs and poems, appropriate to the occasion, added to the interest of the exercises.
The cost of the building was about $6000. It was dedicated June 30, 1868, and the event was replete with interest to the association and their many warm friends who were present. The exercises were varied, consisting of addresses, music, congratulatory poems and letters, senti- ments and responses. The music was well selected, and conducted with good taste by Wm. Stevenson, Esq.
The dedicatory address was by Ilis Excellency Governor
# The foregoing history of the Flint Scientific Institute was kindty prepared for this work by Dr. Daniel Clarke, of Flint.
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Crapo, and contained a high tribute of praise to the ladies for their zeal and perseverance: " They, from the begin- ning to the present time, have never abandoned their task, or become disheartened in view of discouragements and difficulties. . . . Conseious of the good work in which they were engaged, they have yielded to no obstacles or embarrassments, and the result is this fine structure, both a eredit and an ornament to the city, these volumes, the chariots of knowledge, and this hall, which they so well adorn, and of which we all may so well be proud."
This dedication of a ladies' library building was an event new in the annals of our country, but it was soon to be fol- lowed by numerous like associations throughout the State.
In the spring of 1869 the building suffered damage from a freshet, which caused the association much expense for repairs. But this band of ladies, holding the institution in trust for the future women of Flint, allowed nothing to deter them from continued efforts for its advancement.
They even petitioned the Legislature of their State, hop- ing to secure to themselves some benefits or immunities thereby ; and it did not prove quite in vain, for their peti- tion is recorded at the capitol, to be read by all, and its benevolent influence was felt, and the example emulated by the establishment of ladies' libraries in every considerable village or hamlet throughout Michigan, as well as some of the bordering States, who were stimulated to the work by the reports of their various representatives.
In 1871 the library also celebrated its 20th anniversary. Ou this occasion many literary and floral offerings were contributed, and valuable gifts in money and books, and many tokens of encouragement and commendation received from persons of long-established literary merit. Varied exercises were held in the library-rooms, many compli- mentary sentiments offered, and supper served in the lower rooms to all the guests.
On March 22, 1876,-the centennial year of our nation's life,-the ladies celebrated the quarter-centennial of their library.
About 500 invitations were issued, and many distin- quished persons honored the occasion by their presence. Complimentary responses, both in prose and verse, greeted them, and valuable gifts in money, books, pictures, flowers, and relies were sent in from abroad, as well as from the cit- izens of Flint, who opened their houses to invited guests. Supper was served to all at the library building, and exer- cises were held both afternoon and evening at the library- hall,-all of a high literary character.
Several sister libraries were well represented, and partici- pated in the exercises by able addresses and poems. Many congratulatory letters were received, some of them from former members who were unable to be present.
The objects of the society at the outset could not be better expressed than by quoting a portion of one of these letters from one who was present and bore a part in its organiza- tion,-Mrs. E. M. Pratt, of Lansing: " We remember," wrote she, " this organization eame of a sentiment to secure and foster a more cultivated social and moral atmosphere,- not only for ourselves, but for a field beyond,-securing avenues for wider views, for higher and nobler aspirations." Mrs. K. Bartow, of Buffalo, a former member who aided
in its formation, writes thus : " Your kind invitation brings a rush of pleasant memories. Its life and growth have been a precious desire of mine. I regret I cannot clasp hands, as of old, with the members on the appointed day."
The poem written for, and read on the occasion by IIon. F. II. Rankin, was a grand feature in the evening's enter- tainment. It was able, appropriate, and contained a fine eulogy on the ladies' taste in their selection of books. The following extract may not be out of place :
"Why talk of printing thoughts ? Look around. Upon these shelves the answer may be found. No cave of rubies, no Golconda's mine, No golden vein, no Oriental shrine, E'er knew the wealth of treasure locked away- Preserved in printed thoughts ; that grand array You ladies have accumulated here,
Which we, in this august centennial year- Your quarter-centenary-have met to greet The fruit of all your labors, so complete. Could guests have fiuer banquet than we find ?
Or with more choice companionship he joined ? The kings of mind; the emperors of thought; The intellectual giants who have wrought In every field of literary fame, Is company entitled to acclaim."
Among the most valuable gifts of books at these an- niversaries, should be mentioned " Audubon's Birds of America," a magnificent volume (colored from nature and life-size), with three descriptive volumes, the munificent gift of Hon. Wm. L. Bancroft, of Port Huron ; and " The ITistory of the Pacific Races," in five large volumes (con- taining author's autograph), accompanied with a donation in money from Mr. J. L. Browne, of California, the son of the late Rev. Daniel E. Browne, a former resident of Flint.
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