History of Kalamazoo county, Michigan, Part 73

Author: Durant, Samuel W. comp
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia. Everts & Abbott
Number of Pages: 761

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From the report of the committee on water-works for December, 1878, the following statistics are taken :

Machinery at water-works: one Holly pumping-engine, with two steam cylinders 14 by 24 inches, so placed that one or two pumps can be used at once ; pumps 9} inches

# In April, 1851, the Michigan Central Railway Company offered to donate to the village the surplus water at their depot, and the offer was accepted by the board.

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HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

diameter and 24 inches stroke ; the two deliver at one revo -. lution of the engine 28 gallons of water. This set of machinery will pump 1,290,240 gallons of water in twenty- four hours, running at the rate of 32 revolutions per minute.

One Worthington high-pressure duplex pumping-en- gine, to be used in case of fire or accident to Holly ma- chinery ; has two steam cylinders, 29 inches diameter, 25} inches stroke, and when running at the rate of 78 strokes per minute will pump 2,000,000 gallons of water in twenty- four hours.

One boiler, 72 inches diameter, 14 feet long, with 78 4-inch tubes.

One boiler, 60 inches diameter, 14 feet long, with 78 3-inch tubes.

One Holly boiler, 7 feet diameter, 6 feet high, upright fire-box boiler, with 530 hanging tubes, 1 } inches diameter, 22 inches long.

Average pressure at water-works, 45 pounds; average pressure at Corporation Hall, 30 pounds ; fire pressure at water-works, 110 pounds ; fire pressure at Corporation Hall, 95 pounds ; average depth of water in well, 21 feet; tem- perature of water in well, 48° to 52°.

Analysis of water: solid matter in one gallon, 10.23 grains, consisting of carbonate of lime, 4.60 grains; car- bonate of magnesia, .50 grain ; silica, .51 grain ; sulphate of lime, 3.12 grains; chloride of sodium, 1.50 grains ; organic matter, traces. This analysis was made June 21, 1872, by R. C. Kedzie, Professor of Chemistry in the Agricultural College.

The 'amount of water-pipe in use in December, 1878, was as follows :

Feet.

2-inch.

4,898

969

52,002

6 4

10,023

1,029

2,376

Total

71,297

or 133857 miles.

Total number of hydrants, 128; total number of water- gates, 84; number of cords of wood consumed at water- works for year ending March 31, 1879, as per report of chief engineer, 839.

During the year 1879 two miles of water-pipe were laid in the village, in addition to the amount stated in the fore- going report. This included a new ten-inch main from the water-works to Main Street, connecting with the pipe in the latter at Park Street. This main affords double the facili- ties which had hitherto existed for supplying the village with water, and for furnishing any quantity required in case of a serious conflagration. Sixteen new hydrants were set, and nearly the same number of water-gates. The present chief engineer of the water-works is George H. Chandler, who is thoroughly conversant with his business, and a most efficient and reliable officer.

BRONSON PARK.

This beautiful spot is sometimes claimed to be the " only park in the State," though we should scarcely be willing to concede as much, in view of the many thriving towns and

cities scattered throughout its wide domain. But this much may safely be said : it is among the finest parks in the country, and the people of Kalamazoo are very justly proud of it.

One thing it boasts, which perhaps no other park in the country possesses,-a genuine prehistoric mound ; and a very large and fine one it is.

This piece of ground, covering two of the original squares of the village, and including about 576 square rods, was originally donated for the accommodation of a jail and academy, the jail occupying the west part and the academy the east part. The donation was made by Titus Bronson and Stephen H. Richardson, in 1831, at the first platting of the village. Originally, Church Street passed through between the two squares set apart for these purposes, but upon the property being converted into a park, in 1854, it was vacated.

The grounds were leased to the village by the county authorities in 1854, for a period of ten years, with the un- derstanding that they were to be converted into a public park, and maintained, improved, and beautified as such by the village authorities.

The jail was demolished or removed from the west part of the park upon the completion of a new one on the Court- House Square in 1845. The academy building remained upon the eastern part until 1857, when it was taken pos- session of by the village school board, removed, and fitted up for school purposes.

There was some difficulty with the heirs of Stephen H. Richardson regarding the title to the Academy Square, and Hon. H. G. Wells was appointed by the county, in 1856, to look after the matter and settle in the best manner pos- sible, so as to make a perfect title. A quit-claim deed was finally obtained upon payment of $150.

In 1864, at the expiration of the ten-years lease, the county executed a new lease to the village to run for a period of ninety-nine years. Since that date a large amount of labor and money have been expended in beautifying the park, and it is now all that the most fastidious taste could desire. The fence has been entirely removed, the ground carefully leveled and smoothed, fine broad walks constructed, a magnificent fountain erected, trees planted, and everything made as perfect as possible, and there could be no finer or more agreeable spot found in which to spend an hour in the opening days of spring or on a sweltering August afternoon. Many of the old "burr-oaks" of primeval growth have been preserved, and a large number of maple and other trees planted.

This elegant park is surrounded by fine public buildings, including three churches and the new county prison, and many costly and tastefully-arranged dwellings and lawns, and when a solid gravel walk shall be completed around its margin, but little additional expense will be required to keep it in fine condition.

The following items are taken from the village records, and show at a glance the amounts expended for the im- provement of the premises :

Aug. 6, 1849, it was ordered by the village board, upon presentation to them of a petition on the subject, that a plain fence be placed around the park, the old one being

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partly removed for the purpose .* On the 6th of Decem- ber, 1876, the following ordinance was passed by the board :

" Be it ordained and established by the President and Trustees of the Village of Kalamazoo :

"SEC. 1. That all of the public park in the village of Kalamazoo, bounded north by Academy Street, east by Rose Street, south by South Street, and west by Park Street, shall be hereafter known and designated by the village of Kalamazoo, in all corporate expenditures and improvements thereof, and in all its proceedings relating thereto, by the name of ' BRONSON PARK.'

" By order of the President and Trustees of the village of Kalama- zoo.

"FRANK LITTLE, Village Clerk."

This ordinance was passed in accordance with the pro- visions of a petition which had been sent in, signed by Col. Delos Phillips, Col. Dwight May, and others. The plan for laying out the park was made by Adam Oliver, in 1878, and the sum of $1000 was voted by the board to be ex- pended in improving and beautifying it. Of this amount $909 were expended up to August, 1878, and a further appropriation of $700 was voted; the total expended in the improvement of the park to the 2d of September, 1878, was $1642.71, including the fine fountain in the centre ; and a further sum of $500, to cover all other neces- sary expenses and finish the work begun, was appropriated Sept. 23, 1878. In 1879, $200 were raised by subscription for the purpose of placing gas-lamps and two drinking-foun- tains in the park. The basin of the main fountain was finished in cement the same year, and a wire fence was built around the fountain by E. T. Barnum, of Detroit, costing $200.

The ancient mound was utilized during the existence of the first log jail, built in 1835, for the purposes of a cellar. It has been examined at different times, but nothing of im- portance found in it. On the 4th of July, 1850, it was carefully examined by Mr. A. J. Sheldon, but without success. A glass jar, hermetically sealed, in which were placed a variety of articles, was then inclosed in a box filled with ashes and buried in the centre of the mound.

The mound has been restored to its former symmetrical proportions, and is now covered, in common with the rest of the park, with a luxuriant growth of English grass. It is said to have been a former play-ground for the Indian children.

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. MASONRY IN KALAMAZOO COUNTY.

Among the early settlers of Kalamazoo County many were Masons,-some with dimits, but most of them main- taining membership with lodges located at or near their old Eastern homes. Coming, as they did, from New Eng- land, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio, and meeting here in the wilderness without any previous knowledge of or acquaintance with each other, they nevertheless, when met, quickly knew each other as Masons, and Masonry became in many cases the founda- tion of life-long friendships, and the beginning of intimate business relations, as it was, in all cases, a guaranty of sympathy in trouble and of help in sickness and distress.

The fires of anti-Masonry, first kindled in Western New York in 1826, had extended rapidly and burned fiercely over nearly every State that sent emigrants to Michigan Territory. Its influence was brought by emigrants to Michigan ; and all the Masonic lodges existing and operating in Michigan in 1828-29 (with one honorable exception,-Stony Creek Lodget) suspended their work. But after 1832 these bigoted fires rapidly burnt themselves out ; anti-Masonry having proved to be useless for political purposes in the Presidential election of that year, unprincipled demagogues ceased to supply the factitious fuel by which its fires had been kindled and fed. But these fires were doubly useful : they smothered or scorched their incendiary originators, and they exterminated from Masonry its physical and moral cowards and its selfish and unprincipled leeches. Those who remained were Masons at heart,-brave, honest, and true. These, and such as these, were the Masons who came to Kalamazoo County during the years 1832, '33, '34, '35, and '36. They were congenial spirits, and each knew the other to be gold that had been tried. Under such circumstances it is not strange that Masonry, in an unobtrusive but effective way, moulded the early associations and promoted the personal interests of many of our early settlers.

But Masonry was not organized in Kalamazoo till long after the settlement of the county. In February, A.D. 1848, E. Smith Lee, Grand Master, granted a dispensation organizing a lodge at Kalamazoo. Its first members were Elkanah Walters, Abraham Edwards, James P. Clapham, Charles Stewart, W. H. Fox, John Brown, and John Hall, all of whom are now dead, except James P. Clapham, of Kalamazoo, and Dr. W. H. Fox, of Schoolcraft. By the dispensation, Elkanah Walters became W. M .; Abraham Edwards, S. W. ; and James P. Clapham, J. W. Its first meeting for organization was held March 2, 1848, at the residence of its Worshipful Master, Elkanah Walters,-a one-story cottage on Portage Street, still standing, and the first house south of the present residence of Mrs. James A. Walters. Grand Master Lee was present and opened the lodge for work.

The first petition for degrees bears date April 6, 1848, and was made by Milo J. Goss (since deceased), and on him its first work was done, he having received the first degree April 22d. The first work by the lodge on the second and third degrees was done April 24th, at an " emergent communication," on Alson Beals. During the year, and while under dispensation, all the degrees were conferred on eight, seven were affiliated on dimit, and these, with the seven original members, gave the lodge at the close of the year a total membership of 22.

The first election of officers (preparatory to asking for a charter) was held December 14th of the same year, and resulted as follows, viz. :

Elkanah Walters, W. M .; J. P. Clapham, S. W .; Dr. W. H. Fox, J. W .; John Hall, Treas. ; Amos D. Allen, Sec. ; Dr. J. H. White, S. D .; Wm. B. Lusk, J. D .; and E. Dunning, Tyler. Andrew Mckinstry, of Schoolcraft, was elected its representative to the Grand Lodge.

# The first fence was probably built around the Jail Square about 1836; around the Academy Square at a somewhat later date, or they may possibly have been both fenced at the same time.

t In Oakland County.

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HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

By an order of the Grand Lodge of F. and A. M. of Michigan, made Jan. 11, 1849, a charter was granted to Kalamazoo Lodge, and it was numbered 22, and still holds that number on the Grand Lodge register.

For thirty-two years this old lodge has prospered, having been the birthplace and home of over one thousand Masons. It has now about 300 members, and is exceeded in size by but three lodges in the State.

In January, 1857, Grand Lodge granted a charter to another lodge in Kalamazoo, which was known as " Anchor Lodge of Strict Observance, No. 87 ;" but, after a few years of troubled existence, its charter was surrendered and its members returned to No. 22. In 1874 this lodge was re- organized, and, on its petition, Grand Lodge restored to it its original charter, without change of name or number. But, as before, its career was troubled and its life was short. Its charter was again surrendered in 1878, and its mem- bers once more sought shelter in the old Masonic homestead.

But, notwithstanding these failures of No. 87, the old Lodge No. 22 has sent out from its hive several healthy Masonic swarms,-it is mother to many prosperous Masonic colonies. Climax Lodge, No. 59, at Climax ; Prairie Lodge, No. 92, at Galesburg; Schoolcraft Lodge, No. 118, at School- craft ; Cooper Lodge, No. 149, at Cooper Centre ; Brady Lodge, No. 208, at Vicksburg ; Richland Lodge, No. 217, at Gull Corners; Augusta Lodge, No. 225, at Augusta ; and Portage Lodge, No. 340, at Portage Centre, are its children, and they all regard " Old 22" as their " Mother Lodge."

Her Masonic vitality and vigor, besides giving birth and health to numerous Masonic colonies, have also imparted Masonic power and influence to many of her individual sons. This Masonic Cornelia numbers among her jewels two Grand Masters, one Grand High Priest, one Grand Commander, and one Grand Secretary (the latter being the author of the Masonic Constitution and Code which now governs the State Masonic jurisdiction), and in this and other States, to which many have emigrated, she proudly . points to many others who have been noted for Masonic ability and worth.

It will doubtless be interesting, as a bit of local history, to indicate the location of her several lodge-rooms or places for meeting. As before said, the first meeting of the lodge U. D. was held at the residence of the Worshipful Master, Elkanah Walters, on Portage Street. Its next meeting was held in the second story of what is now Thomas O'Neill's meat-market, on Burdick Street, the lower story or ground floor having been used as a post-office. Here it continued to hold its meetings and do its work until Novem- ber, 1848. At this time it fitted, furnished, and occupied as a lodge-room, the third story of what is now the brick block on the southwest corner of Main and Portage Streets, adjoining Union Hall. Here, on the 1st day of February, 1849, it held its first meeting as a chartered lodge. Here it remained until February, 1854, when it moved into larger and pleasanter quarters, in the third story of what was then known as the " McNair Block," the lower part of which is now occupied by the First National Bank, on the southwest corner of Main and Burdick Streets. In the spring of 1857 it was moved to the third story of the brick block now num-

bered 144, on the north side of Main Street, and thence, in 1868, it removed to its present elegant and commodious quarters in Masonic Hall.

Kalamazoo Chapter of R. A. M., No. 13, was established at Kalamazoo by dispensation of Michael Shoemaker, M. E. High Priest, and held its first meeting, U. D., Dec. 22, 1853. J. P. Clapham was H. P .; Frederick Booher was K .; and L. D. Strong, S. Eight others being present work was done, and the first work was on Toyllys C. Ransom, A. D. Drake, and Salmon C. Hall.

Having secured at once the requisite numbers and strength, a charter was granted it by the Grand Chapter in January, 1854, and on February 5th, following, the services of institution and consecration were performed by Andrew Murray, Deputy G. H. P .; Benjamin Porter, G. Lecturer; and Reuben S. Cheney, G. Sec. The first election of offi- cers resulted as follows : James P. Clapham, H. P .; Fred- erick Booher, K .; L. D. Strong, S .; Salmon C. Hall, C. of H .; Toyllys C. Ransom, P. S .; John R. Baker, R. A. C .; A. D. Drake, M. of 3d V .; Peter Grimnps, M. 2d V .; A. Smith, M. 1st V. At a subsequent meeting, held February 15th, James K. Knight was appointed Secretary, and M. M. Barrows, Treasurer.

From this beginning till now the chapter has prospered. The degree of R. A. M. has been conferred by it on over 500, and among its members have been many whose influ- ence in Royal Arch Masonry has been conspicuous.

Chapters of Royal Arch Masons have also been estab- lished at Schoolcraft and at Galesburg, and, though not blessed with a large membership, both have been zealous and faithful in the work of capitular Masonry.

Peninsular Commandery of Knights Templar was origi- nally organized under a dispensation granted in A.D. 1856 by William B. Hubbard, General Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment of the United States. Its first meeting was held at Kalamazoo, March 2, 1856, and on the same evening its first work was done on Dr. J. Adams Allen, Frederick Booher, Charles S. Brown, William B. Lusk, and Hugh Rawlins.

Early in 1857 a movement was made to organize a Grand Commandery in this State, but Peninsular Commandery de- clined to participate in the matter, preferring to maintain direct relations with the General Grand Encampment of the United States. It continued to maintain its chosen re- lations, doing work and prospering until A.D. 1860. Mean- while the Grand Commandery of Michigan had been formed, and on January 11th, A.D. 1860, it granted charter and register to " Peninsular Commandery, No. 8."

In equipment, drill, discipline, and perfection of work this commandery is noted among Templar Masons throughout the Northwest. Its harmony has seldom been disturbed, and its prosperity has never been interrupted. Last year it furnished a Grand Commander to the State, and many of its Sir Knights are accomplished Masons.

Kalamazoo Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. F., was originally instituted in 1845, and included among its members D. S. Walbridge, Joseph Miller, and other prominent citizens. This lodge, as its number indicates, was the seventh one of the order formed in the State. From its inception it stead-

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ily grew in importance and numbers, until its numerical strength rivaled, perhaps, even that of the Masonic fra- ternity in the place. During the great civil war of 1861- 65 the lodge suspended work, from the fact that its mem- bers were widely scattered, and it was difficult to meet with a sufficient number to transact business. Immediately after the war it was reorganized, and is at present in a more flourishing condition than at any period of its earlier ex- istence, although it does not number as many members, probably, as at the zenith of its prosperity before the war. The present membership is about 80, and the officers are Ezra B. Fox, N. G .; William Shakespeare, V. G .; Z. T. Pierce, R. S .; A. B. F. Palmer, P. S .; Henry Stern, Treas. ; W. W. Peck, Representative to Grand Lodge for 1880. The rooms of the order occupy the entire third floor of the Baumann block, on Main Street, east of Burdick, and are finely fitted up.

Kalamazoo Encampment, No. 78, I. O. O. F., was in- stituted in September, 1876, with about 8 meinbers. The present membership is between 30 and 40, and the officers are the following persons, viz. : William M. Hollister, C. P .; A. B. F. Palmer, S. W .; E. P. Titus, J. W .; Z. T. Pierce, Scribe; Henry Stern, Treas .; L. N. Burke, H. P .; L. N. Burke, Representative to Grand Encampment for 1880.

Social Degree Lodge, No. 35, Daughters of' Rebekah (I. O. O. F.), was organized Dec. 29, 1879, with 34 charter members, and has the following officers : L. N. Burke, N. G .; Mrs. W. W. Peck, V. G .; Mrs. A. C. Hooker, R. S .; Miss Effie White, F. S .; Miss Jennie M. Pierce, Treas.

Kalamazoo Lodge, No. 690, Knights of Honor, was organized July 3, 1877, with a membership of 23. This order has for its object the protection of its members through the establishment of an endowment fund, by which, at the death of each member, his widow or family is paid the sum of $2000. The present membership of this lodge is 36, and its officers are Edgar E. Brownson, Dictator; E. D. G. Russell, Vice-Dictator ; H. H. Schaberg, Assistant Dictator ; W. W. Peck, Reporter; George McDonald, Financial Re- porter; George W. Bigelow, Treas .; Tabor S. Skinner, Guide; Morris Cohn, Sentinel ; Henry Stern, Guardian ; Rev. C. G. Howland, Chaplain ; W. W. Peck, Representa- tive to Grand Lodge for 1880.

Kalamazoo Lodge, No. 7, A. O. U. W .- This lodge was organized July 23, 1877, with 20 members. The first Master Workman was Irving Clendenen. The present membership (January, 1880) is 86. The lodge has grown steadily in numbers and importance, and contention has not been known among its members. It meets on the first and third Fridays of each month, in Odd-Fellows' Hall. The present officers are A. S. Whipple, P. M. W .; L. N. Burke, M. W. ; E. G. D. Russell, Recorder ; J. L. Brown, Financier ; R. W. Southworth, Receiver; W. W. Peck, General Foreman ; W. B. Standiford, Overseer; A. H. Budd, Guide; C. Miller, Inside Sentinel; A. Watson, Outside Sentinel.

Pioneer Lodge, No. 1, Imperial Knights .*- This order has similar objects to those of the Ancient Order of United

Workmen, and the same endowment,-$2000 to the family or widow of each deceased member. It is strictly a State institution. Pioneer Lodge was organized March 14, 1879, with 30 members, and has at present 31. Meets in Odd- Fellows' Hall. The officers are M. W. Richardson, P. D. C .; H. B. Leckenby, D. C .; H. J. Gage, Recorder ; D. D. Brown, Financier; R. W. Southworth, Receiver ; C. N. Pease, S. D. G. ; H. H. Everard, J. D. G .; C. D. Root, Marshal ; Charles R. Cooper, O. S .; J. A. Newell, I. S.

The Northern Mutual Benefit and Relief Association was incorporated, under the State laws, January 22, 1880, and has a membership of about 1000 from the old order of Imperial Knights. It is on an improved plan of mutual life insurance, combining the best features of the different aid and benevolent societies, without their secrecy, and has a graded assessment for death losses, making it equitable for all members, whatever their age. It has also a system of weekly relief, securing, in the manner of an accident policy, a certain sum to the unfortunate, whether disabled by acci- dent or sickness. The central office is at Kalamazoo, and the following is a list of the officers : President, Hon. John S. Tooker, Lansing; Vice-President, William F. Hicks, Hastings ; General Secretary, John L. Brown, Kalamazoo ; Treasurer, D. Longyear, Lansing; Medical Director, Hon. Foster Pratt, Kalamazoo; Auditor, T. J. Crowe, Detroit ; Legal Adviser, R. A. Montgomery, Lansing.

The greatest strength of this association is at its home in Kalamazoo, which fact speaks well for its future pros- perity. Among its members at this place are such promi- nent men as Hon. Foster Pratt, M.D., Thomas R. Sherwood, Esq., Theron F. Giddings, County Clerk, W. W. Peck, Collector of Internal Revenues, and others. The plan of the association, with the start it has already made in pop- ular favor, assures its future. Its membership is rapidly increasing, and it is destined to become one of the great institutions of the State.

Mishan Lodge, No. 247, Independent Order Benai Berith (Sons of the Covenant), was organized July 21, 1875, through the efforts of Morris Miller, of Kalamazoo. It started with 21 members, and has increased to 50. During the existence of this lodge not a member has been suspended nor expelled, which is a remarkable fact, and an evidence of the intelligence and honor of those belonging. It is at present in a flourishing condition, and has a capital of about $1400. Members when sick receive $5 per week from the lodge, which also contributes generally to benevo- lent causes. Meetings are held in Odd-Fellows' Hall. The present officers are Morris Cohn, President; B. M. Desen- berg, Vice-President ; Morris Miller, Recording Secretary ; Samuel Rosenbaum, Financial Secretary; M. Cramer, Treas- urer; Henry Friedman, Warden ; Isaac Greenbaum, Guar- dian; B. M. Desenberg, Henry Stern, D. Lilienfeld, Trustees.

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History of Kalamazoo county, Michigan, Part 73

Author: Durant, Samuel W. comp Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia. Everts & Abbott Number of Pages: 761

Author: Durant, Samuel W. comp
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia. Everts & Abbott
Number of Pages: 761