USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Flint > The book of the golden jubilee of Flint, Michigan 1855-1905. Published under the auspices of the Executive committee of the golden jubilee and old homecoming reunion > Part 14
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DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Genesee Chapter, No. 352, G. A. R., was organized at the home of Mrs. Harriet P. Thompson, Dec. 27, 1897, with a membership of 18. This order, which claims to be the largest national organization of women, has for its object the promotion of patriotism, and to arouse an interest in and
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preserve historical land marks. The local chapter has had small opportunity for work on the latter part of its objects, but has contributed to local philanthropic work and assisted in the erection, in Washington, D. C., of a Memorial Conti- nental Hall, in honor of Revolutionary heroes. It now has 30 members.
MODERN BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA.
Flint Lodge, No. 1286, M. B. A., a beneficiary order, which originated in Tipton, Ia., in the year 1897, was organ- ized March 22, 1894, in Foresters' Hall, with 34 charter mem- bers. Its present meeting place is G. A. R. Hall and its mem- bership is about 100.
MICHIGAN FUNERAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATION.
What is now the Michigan Funeral Benefit Association was organized at the office of A. W. Dodds, June 10, 1899, by A. W. Dodds, Rev. H. E. Wolfe, I. N. Walker, A. D. Alvord, E. P. Bailey, Geo. Archer and J. N. Willett, all resi- dents of Flint, under the title of the United Mutual Death Benefit Society. It was organized under a plan devised by one of its originators for the payment of a sum graduated accord- ing to age, upon the death of its members. It was successful from the start and in a few years numbered 4,000 members. A more elastic organization was then found to be necessary, and the society incorporated Feb. 3, 1904, at which time its present title was adopted. The order is purely beneficiary in character, having no lodge or fraternal features, and is now doing business in a number of other states, with a total mem- bership of about 12,000.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
Flint Council, No. 695, K. of C., a Catholic order, founded upon unity and charity, began its corporate existence
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September 14, 1902, in Loyal Guard Hall, from where it afterwards removed to Fr. Murphy Hall. Its popularity and efficiency are perhaps best evinced in its growth from an origi- nal membership of 92 to its present roll of over 200.
GIDEONS.
The local branch of the Gideons, a purely fraternal asso- ciation of Christian commercial travelling men, was organized in the Baptist Church building August 4, 1904, by five zealous members, under the name of Flint Gideon Camp, No. 4. Its members, who now number thirty-one, and their visiting brothers, meet on the first and third Sundays of each month, in different church buildings, alternately, the order being non-sectarian in character. The large number of commercial travelling men who appreciate the advantages of Flint as a place of residence should make this a fertile field for an order of this character.
Literary Clubs of Flint -- Old and New
By MRS. MARY A. FAIRBANKS
The club is the growth-a natural product of our civili- zation-along business lines is the syndicate professional-men form associations. Athletes have their organizations in high school and university; so in literature and art, like seeks like.
In the pioneer days of Flint there was never wanting some cultured man (or woman) who, driven hither by some stress of fortune, brought his books and his thoughts with him, which he longed to share with another. Such an one was the club in embryo, and when he discovered a number of like cult, they formed an ideal society.
These persons, unlike fellows of old universities who dream in antique libraries, came after a day of prospecting or surveying, or mill erection, or log scaling, to the home of a member, to weep or laugh with Charles Dickens, or to rev- erently mingle with Shakespeare's men and women. The place of meeting might be a log house or that new creation, the frame house, unplastered and redolent of sweet, resinous pine; but in the presence of the masters of human thought and passion this passed unnoticed.
Later several fine houses were erected, notably the Payne, Hazelton and Thomson homesteads-these became centers of refinement which did much in giving tone to social life.
Then, too, appeared the pioneer piano, around which gathered the lovers of music who had not forgotten the dear old songs, and who had brought their knowledge and voices clxxxi
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with them. Music gives the highest expression of human thought and feeling, and in those delightful gatherings the whoop of the Indian and cry of the wolf were unheard, and the commonplaces of life "passed in music out of sight."
Among these music lovers of the olden time are remem- bered still the name of Rugg, and Little, and Thayer, and Bishop, and Decker and others.
The club of to-day is the product of the labor and thought that preceded it, and in every community individuals may be found, who by a potent personality become the center of an eager circle, waiting for some word of instruction or power; such an one was Dr. Daniel Clarke, a nature lover, learned in natural science, a collector of botanical specimens, still pre- served,-who has left his mark on this community.
Still another, a woman, who once wielded a great influ- ence in social and literary circles-teacher, student, thinker, traveler, endowed with sound common sense-Miss Sarah Bush, later Mrs. E. H. Thomson, formed a class in English history, followed by studies in French history, to whom she communicated her own knowledge and enthusiasm. These classes were largely attended, and set the pace for much that followed.
In traveling along Italian lakes one is enchanted by cer- tain atmospheric effects produced by distance-where a rocky shore seems glorified by tints of rose color, and gold, and pur- ple, so the informal gatherings of the pioneer days wear a halo of distance all their own.
The formation of the Ladies' Library Association was necessitated by the need of the public for books, and reflects great honor upon charter members and their friends, as it gave an impetus to literary study. But this subject will appear in another paper.
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No doubt the noble collection of different editions of Shakespeare's works now at the University of Michigan, made by Hon. E. H. Thomson, made citizens proud of the unique distinction it gave their town, and led to a thoughtful study of the dramas by individuals and in neighborhood gatherings, and these circles have existed in different forms in this city for more than a quarter of a century.
Our Neighborhood Club, held at the pleasant home of Mrs. A. L. Aldrich, on Court street East, shall not be without record here. Mrs. Aldrich, a life long student of these dramas, had accumulated many valuable books of reference, which she placed at our disposal, and in conversation that fol- lowed the reading of each play, led us to share in her own enthusiasm, and thus we made the acquaintance of Portia and Cordelia, Desdemona and the rest.
Other circles, from which I have no official report, are doing similar work; one under leadership of Mr. Egbert Bangs; another made up of young people, high school gradu- ates-both highly interesting.
Since the inception of the Chautauqua idea, Flint has never been without its "round table," about which have gathered a goodly number of earnest people who by dint of industry and sacrifice have passed unchallenged through the "Golden Gate."
The influence of these circles cannot be overestimated as securing for busy people an outlook into the world of science, literature and art, from which they had been hitherto excluded.
Mr. John R. Hall, formerly of this city, is the honored projector of a new up to date course which is very popular.
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CLUBS OF TO-DAY.
In our city at present there are clubs, and clubs, amuse- ment clubs, athletic clubs, and the rest, but as the writer is limited to literary and study clubs, we will consider next those belonging to the City Federation.
This Federation was formed in 1900, to bring club women into closer relations, thereby increasing their influence and ability to perform any proposed work. Mrs. Sarah Durand, then President of the Columbian Club, was one of the most earnest workers and was chosen the first president of the Federation.
Officers elected for current year are :
Miss Minnie, King, President. Mrs. Kaufman, Vice-President. Mrs. E. D. Black, Recording Secretary. Mrs. C. H. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. Dr. Chamberlain, Treasurer.
On February 10th, the Federation favored the clubs with a fine entertainment,-an address on forestry, by Prof. Gilbert Roth, Professor of forestry at State University and Forest Warden. The address was a success and highly appre- ciated by those present.
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HISTORY CLASS OF '76.
A charter member tells me that on February 6, 1876, seven (7) ladies met with Mrs. Gregory Dibble to discuss the practicability of organizing a club for the study of Ameri- can History. As a result a class was formed, with president and Secretary; membership limited to twenty,-to be known as the American History Class.
With the exception of a few months, the class has met every week since, to read history or historical fiction bearing upon the subject.
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During the progress of years the class took up an exten- sive study of English history, by Knight, Macaulay, Greene and others.
History Class of '76 continued their French history and History of the Dutch Republic, which caused a change of name by dropping the word "American" in 1894.
At present they are studying along the line of "Our New Possessions." No papers are presented, but reading and dis- cussion are in order.
Meetings are held at the houses of members-a month at a place-the hostess acting as President.
The writer calls this the Banner Class.
ART CLASS.
Several ladies, formerly members of a class in Roman history, led by Miss H. V. Walker, visited the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876, and became so inter- ested in the fine art display that they, later, formed a Club to continue their studies in art. Beginning with ceramics, they took up history of art, distinguished artists and their work, the several schools of art, and much more of great interest to the student. But later the club has taken a wider range In a very pleasant letter from the Secretary, Mrs. Geo. Hub- bard, she says that the class is regularly organized, has its constitution and by-laws; membership limited to twenty- eight ladies, who present original or compiled topics; the line of study decided each year by vote of class; does not belong to City Federation, and is in every way informal and retiring.
Mrs. Irwin, President.
Mrs. George Hubbard, Secretary.
GARLAND STREET CLUB.
Organized in 1888, is one of our most active and enjoy- able societies. The Secretary, Mrs. Geo. McQuigg, writes
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me that it was organized for study, reading and mental improvement; membership limited to twenty-eight,-twenty- five active and three associate members.
Meetings are held with members on Garland street, from the first Monday in October to the last Monday in May, with two weeks' recess at Christmas.
Officers at present are :
Mrs. John Hotchkiss, President.
Mrs. George McQuigg, Secretary.
Mrs. Kaufman, Mrs. Partridge and Mrs. Wilson, Executive Committee. Miss Minnie Dell, Mrs. Geo. Durand, Mrs. William Partridge, Critics.
THE COLUMBIAN CLUB.
The Columbian Club was formed in response to request of State Commissioner for the Great Exposition of 1892, that people take up a study of incoming exhibits as reported by the press, and incidentally of the countries represented.
During the first few months these studies led,-after- ward, according to Article II (2) of our Constitution, we moved along the lines of history, science, literature, art and ethics.
About thirty members were enrolled, and Miss Helen V. Walker, eminently fitted by culture and refinement to lead acceptably, was chosen president.
Once under way, we proposed to be a hard work club, not only mastering facts but seeking best modes of expression and presentation.
Several years since we joined the State Federation of Women's Clubs, and receive our reference books from the State Library, suited to program for the year. This year it is Japan, its history, great men, fine arts, etc .; also the great events of the Russo-Japanese War.
Last year our Industrial Committee made a thorough can- vass of factories where women are employed, with the result
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that an interesting auxiliary was formed, which proved a success.
Our several presidents have been Miss Helen V. Walker, Mrs. Sarah Durand, Mrs. A. L. Aldrich, and Mrs. Gracia Mahan, who passed away greatly lamented, in the autumn of 1904.
The Club has been fortunate in choice of official members. There has been a strong leadership, faithful and loyal mem- bership.
Mrs. Mary A. Fairbanks, President.
Mrs. Sarah Durand, First Vice-President.
Mrs. H. R. Lovell, Second Vice-President.
Mrs. Chas. H. Johnson, Recording Secretary.
Mrs. G. L. Countryman, Corresponding Secretary.
Mrs. L. R. Campbell, Treasurer.
Mrs. Ed. S. Lee, Auditor.
HELEN HUNT CLUB.
Miss Sadie Williams, of the Helen Hunt Club, writes me that they organized October 7th, 1893, with twenty charter members; object, to obtain a higher degree of literary culture by studying along any line of work chosen by those associated together.
Membership limited to twenty-five, and only ladies resid- ing in Fourth ward to be eligible.
Officers for the year 1905 are :
Miss Clara Nixon, President.
Mrs. B. Gault, Vice-President.
Miss Sadie Williams, Secretary-Treasurer.
Mrs. Tina Lawrence and Mrs. H. Zimmerman, Examining Com.
Our work this year is on Germany; its history from the earliest times ; its artists, musicians, statesmen.
DAUGHTERS OF REVOLUTION.
We are proud to report a flourishing chapter of Daughters of American Revolution, organized June 3, 1897, with a mem- bership of 18, now increased to 40, which is doing much to
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keep alive the patriotic spirit of revolutionary days, and awakening a new interest along genealogical lines.
No true American can weary of the glorious history that forms its chief study, and any lady showing her "passport" is welcome.
During each year some very pleasant entertainments are given at homes of members.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : Mrs. Thompson, Regent.
Mrs. Cummings, First Vice-Regent.
Mrs. Dr. Burr, Second Vice-Regent.
Mrs. Pier, Secretary.
Mrs. Palmer, Assistant Secretary.
Mrs. Demorest, Register.
Mrs. Connelly, Treasurer.
It was thought best to change the day of meeting to the second Saturday of each month so that the teachers from the schools could attend.
TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB.
Was organized 1897 for literary study. Charter mem- bers, twenty-five in number ; all young women full of life and hope, looking out on the coming century, rather than indulg- ing in retrospect,-hence the name. They are making the most of their study, reading, and opportunities for travel at home and abroad to present papers of interest before the Club. Invited guests find members exceptionally courteous and atten- tive to the reader; notwithstanding, some needlework is in progress.
Officers for coming year are :
Mrs. Charles Cumming, President. Miss Mary Beattie, Secretary.
THE ST. CECILIA SOCIETY.
Composed of some of the best musical talent in the city, is ably conducted and enjoys an enviable reputation, and
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through its recitals and concert work, affords great pleasure to lovers of music.
Mrs. Flint P. Smith, President. RESEARCH CLUB.
A new star has appeared on the horizon of study in the "Research Club," and although we have received no official report, we understand that it is doing some thorough work in language studies, English and German, beside following with enthusiasm a carefully prepared literary program.
We will be glad to welcome this society to the City Federa- tion.
The great need of our woman's clubs today is a club-house. Now the several societies meet at homes of members, but with a hall of their own the City Federation might form a closer union and undertake some work needed in the municipality.
Some leading writers express alarm at the progress of Women's Clubs, notably Ex-President Cleveland, who fears for the home, and the chivalrous T. Hopkinson Smith, who dreads the possible loss of that delicacy and refinement which are woman's chief charm, in wrestling with social and political problems discussed by clubs.
But may we not trust in the finer instinct, which makes home and loved ones the center of happiness,-that woman will never push her way to the front, rather smilingly wait, until husband, brother, or friend, bowing low, shall lead her into the arena.
A Flint Record of Library Evolution
By MRS. DAMON STEWART
Less than a century ago the Chippewa Indians were in the full possession of this locality, camping on the Flint River, hunting in the oak openings and the pine forests. There the United States Government made sundry bargains and treaties with the aborigines and gained a title to their lands.
June 12th, 1825, that Campeau, who was the connecting link between the two races, received a patent from the govern- ment for a section of land on the south bank of the Flint River. Five years later he sold to the white man, John Todd, and a new era began.
The early pioneers were men and women of intelligence and enterprise. They came to the new country bringing ideals, seeds and tools, as well as rifles, for it was civilization they were initiating. From Detroit they followed the narrow Indian trail, and as they had teams and wagons, there was no question about the imperative necessity of good roads, but not until 1833 did the territorial road reach what is now called Kearsley street.
Flint River Settlement began with a few homes, but all the neighbors united in raising a log school house, and the children were provided with spelling books and quill pens.
In the year of 1836 the great tide of emigration to the west, brought many new and worthy settlers to the Village of Flint. They came mostly from New England and New York, a few being of foreign birth.
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Business increased rapidly. The land office and the post office were established, and in quick succession, during the following years, a court house and churches were built, and newspapers published.
In 1837 Michigan became a state, and school district, "number one," of Flint was organized. The free school system, however, was yet a dream, for rate bills were not abolished by legislative act, until 1869. The library as the adjunct of the schools was awaiting development.
Plank roads with toll gates were built, and the proud stage driver, through his horn, proclaimed that this village had attained a very satisfactory growth in twenty-five years.
Social conditions improved, and a marked taste for culture and refinement was manifest. Various societies and clubs were well sustained, and there were a few private libraries. E. H. Thompson's famous Shakespearian library was already an inspiration.
The Scientific Institute was organized by an association of gentlemen, with the object of forming a library and museum.
In the spring of 1851 a noble band of women, feeling the need of books and literary fellowship for themselves, their families and the community, with original and distinct pur- pose, organized The Ladies' Library Association, the library being a subscription library. This was the first institution of the kind, and proved to be the model for many others.
A constitution, framed by Mrs. R. W. Jenny, was adopted, and the following officers elected for the first year: Mesdames T. B. W. Stockton, president; J. B. Walker, vice-president; R. W. Jenny, recording secretary; Manly Miles, treasurer ; and Miss Harriet Stewart, librarian.
The first membership fees amounted to ten dollars, which were expended for books, and the members agreed to loan and exchange their own books also. Donations of books were invited and gladly received.
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By entertainments of various kinds, the sum of $160 was added to the purchasing fund the first year, and the catalogue listed two hundred and forty volumes. In connection with this epoch, the names of Mesdames Barlow, Pratt, Page, Skidmore, Van Vechton, Wesson, Case, Buckingham, Fenton, Bishop and others are held in tender rememberance.
In April, 1853, the Association was incorporated, and the following officers were elected: Mesdames C. S. Payne, president; H. I. Higgins, vice-president; A. Thayer, record- ing secretary; F. H. Rankin, corresponding secretary; A. T. Crosman, treasurer; J. B. Walker, librarian. The catalogue of 1854 contained five hundred volumes, and the next issue in 1859 about two thousand volumes.
There were many discouragements, in spite of much enthusiastic effort, and in 1861 the library was nearly destroyed by fire. This was the first year of the Civil War, with all its sad and depressing influences, and the sympathy of the library members was in a measure diverted to the Soldiers' Aid Society, and its urgent calls for hospital and camp supplies.
On the other hand the fire insurance was paid, and so much public spirit manifested, that it was decided that the Association ought to own a building instead of depending upon rented rooms.
Flint had been an incorporated city since 1855. The rail- roads to Saginaw and Holly were completed in 1862 and 1864, and there was caused a new demand for lumber, so that the lumbering business was very much enlarged, and Flint was in a high degree prosperous.
Such was the condition when in July, 1866, a subscription paper was drawn up and circulated for the purchase of a lot and the erection of a library building. Seven gentlemen very cheerfully put down their names for two hundred dollars each.
GENESEE COUNTY COURT HOUSE. FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
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They were: Henry H. Crapo, James B. Walker, Henry M. Henderson, Josiah W. Begole, A. Thayer, A. M. McFarlan and Reuben Van Tifflin. Their names were followed by a long list of subscribers, many of whom have passed away, who gave by hundreds, by fifties, by twenties, by tens and smaller sums.
The surviving members of the Soldiers' Aid Society gave a balance of $89.00, which had been deposited in the Patterson Bank, to be devoted to the erection of a Soldiers' Monument, should one be built, since that project had been abandoned.
February 15th, 1867, a lot was purchased, corner of Beach and Kearsley streets, for $600.00. A building committee was chosen by the association, consisting of Mesdames J. B. Walker, chairman, E. H. McQuigg, J. W. Begole, Treasurer, H. M. Henderson, A. Thayer, G. M. Dewey, F. H. Rankin, and R. W. Jenny, secretary.
In March, 1867, plans and specifications submitted by R. Van Tifflin, were approved, and J. B. Walker was engaged to superintend the erection of the building, in co-operation with R. Van Tifflin, H. M. Henderson, and the building com- mittee of women.
The corner stone was laid September 17th, 1867, with Masonic rites, under the supervision of Col. Wm. M. Fenton. The address of the day was by Dr. Geo. W. Fish. Original songs and poems appropriate to the occasion, added interest to the exercises.
The subscription paper and the building were pushed with zeal, and the dedication took place January 30th, 1868. Gov- ernor Crapo gave the dedicatory address, in which he said of the ladies, "They from the beginning to the present time, have never abandoned their task, or become disheartened in view of discouragements and difficulties. Conscious of the good work in which they were engaged, they have yielded
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to no obstacles, nor embarrassments, and the result is this fine structure, which is both a credit and ornament to the city."
The program included short speeches, poems and letters, and the music was conducted by Wm. Stevenson, Esq.
The records of the building committee of February 22nd, 1868, give as the whole amount of subscriptions $3,049.13. Donations in labor, lumber, and materials $365.88, and the amount received from lectures and festivals $895.90, whole cost $3,640.24.
It became necessary to borrow $2,000 (at 10% interest), to complete the building, and the mortgage was not cancelled until Nov. 13th, 1878, for the income from the store on the ground floor did not meet expectations.
In 1871, the Association celebrated its twentieth anniver- sary with literary exercises, and many friends brought beauti- ful offerings of sentiment, flowers, pictures and about two hundred books.
In December of the same year, a bazaar and exhibition was held with the usual attractions, besides a display of pic- tures of more than ordinary merit. Anticipating the time when pictures and other works of art would be considered a part of the educational equipment of schools and libraries, the Association had the ambition to encourage art in every way possible.
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