USA > New Jersey > Bergen County > Englewood > Englewood : its annals and reminiscences > Part 6
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This was the best machine in use, so far as we could learn.
We purchased two machines at a cost of six hundred dollars each. They were lowered into large cisterns near our houses. Before we learned to manage these machines two lives came near being sacrificed. A son of Mr. Monroe was found unconscious in the vault that con-
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tained his machine, and a servant had the same experience in mine.
Our experience with these machines never proved satisfactory. Within a year our Englewood Gas Company was organized, when I sold my patent illumi- nating machine at a sacrifice.
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LXIV.
THE BERGEN COUNTY GAS COMPANY.
GAS was introduced into this town in 1869. It was a fortunate period for the company, as times were prosperous and nearly every one received it into their dwellings. It came high-three dollars and fifty cents per thousand feet-but money was plenty and no complaint was raised.
The charter for this company was ob- tained by James O. Morse, Daniel Drake Smith, Colonel H. W. Banks, and several others. Gas bills of thirty and forty dollars were not uncommon, and coal in 1869 was fifteen dollars per ton.
After thirty years of success this com- pany recently sold its stock to a foreign
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company. Mr. S. F. Gold was superin- tendent and manager. Mr. Gold has always been a faithful and competent manager of the many different com- panies he has represented.
The first officers of the Gas Company were as follows:
Treasurer, William King; superinten- dent, Samuel F. Gold; directors, Daniel Drake Smith, James O. Morse, Ashbel Green, Lebbeus Chapman, Jr., Living- ston K. Miller.
Directors and officers just retired: Col- onel H. W. Banks, J. Hugh Peters, Charles H. Platt, Sheffield Phelps, B. Drake Smith, E. A. Brinkerhoff, O. Drake Smith, Samuel F. Gold, J. Hall Browning; secretary and treasurer, B. Drake Smith; superintendent, Samuel F. Gold.
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LXV.
WATER INTRODUCED.
WATER was introduced into Englewood in 1886 by the Hackensack Water Company. This company has its offices in Hoboken, and the water comes from New Milford. The supply has always been abundant and satisfac- tory, and it was very fortunate for the town that the Hackensack Water Com- pany found it convenient to pass our doors. This will be appreciated more by those who for years were compelled to pump their water from wells and cis- terns that often ran dry than by those that never experienced that labor.
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LXVI.
BROOKSIDE CEMETERY.
ENGLEWOOD had been enrolled among the villages of New Jersey sixteen years before the citizens felt a necessity for a place of burial, which is conclusive proof that this was a healthy place.
The subject was long discussed before a site was chosen.
A committee of twenty-one was ap- pointed to purchase a piece of land suit- able for the purpose. After a thorough investigation and search over the town- ship the committee decided upon the location of the present "Brookside Ceme- tary."
As is often the case in public affairs there was strong opposition to this site.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAPEL.
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ENGLEWOOD.
The columns of the press were open for discussion.
Although situated on high rolling ground far above two streams that sur- rounded it, some thought it damp and undesirable; but time has proved the wisdom of the choice and its purchase has never been regretted.
The cemetery was purchased in 1876, when it was a wild, barren spot filled with chestnut, dogwood, and wild cedars. It is surrounded with streams and swaying treetops with bright sun- light playing among the branches.
Over thirty years have passed, and we find within these forest walks a city of tombs, beneath which repose the remains of a generation of Englewood's pioneers.
The remains of Rev. James H. Dwight sleep under the shadow of the little stone chapel in which he preached so many years. What more appropriate and fit- ting monument to the first pastor of an
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Englewood church and what a strange chain of circumstance that their last resting-place should be side by side in that cemetery.
It became necessary some time ago to enlarge the grounds. As it was not pos- sible to purchase land adjoining the old one the trustees obtained nineteen acres on the west side of Engle Street, run- ning to the Northern Railroad, and bounded by the hospital land on the south. These grounds have been sur- veyed, mapped and are now a part of the old cemetery.
The first officers of the old cemetery in 1876 were: Trustees, Sheppard Ho- mans, Charles G. Sawtelle, Robert J. Hunter, Francis Howland, Thomas M. Wheeler, Jeffrey A. Humphrey; presi- dent, Francis Howland; vice-president, Sheppard Homans; treasurer, Jeffrey A. Humphrey.
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LXVII.
AN AUCTION SALE.
AN auction sale of property, and the motive that prompted it is an interesting piece of history, as showing the kind and neighborly spirit that existed here twenty-five years ago.
In 1868 Francis Howland sold to Judge Cowan of Washington, D. C., his resi- dence on Church Street, which included about thirty-three acres of land. This land was located east of Engle Street, and occupied nearly a block, running from Chestnut Street, south to Spring Lane. Judge Cowan died in the spring of 1873, leaving his property incumbered for forty thousand dollars, more than it was supposed to be worth. Out of kind-
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ness to Mrs. Cowan the citizens had the land surveyed, lots laid out, and a map filed in the county clerk's office at Hack- ensack. Winthrop Street was opened at that time from Chestnut to Church.
The auction took place on a beautiful autumn day, when nearly every citizen of the village took a holiday to attend it. They had an unselfish desire to obtain from the property the most possible, as they wished to realize something more than the incumbrance. It was a day of hilarity and pleasure, as the purchasers who were mostly our own neighbors, bid the lots up on each other, retiring to cover, when it was thought dangerous to proceed further.
Robert J. Hunter purchased the house and several acres bounded by Winthrop and Church streets. Daniel Drake Smith, Vincent Tilyou, E. S. Monroe, J. Wyman Jones, J. A. Humphrey and several others made purchases.
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George S. Coe was made treasurer.
When the sale was completed and the purchase money all paid in the result was seventy-one thousand dollars.
This sale gave to Mrs. Cowan thirty thousand dollars in excess of the in- debtedness which enabled her to spend the rest of her days in comfort.
A little before this sale was made J. Wyman Jones sold a few lots at auction in the business center of Palisade Avenue. They brought from four to six hundred dollars, which was thought to be a fair price. These lots were sold a few years later for twenty-five hundred dollars each.
Mr. Jones founded Norwood and built the Norwood House. About this period speculation was extending up the valley, and the building of Norwood was thought to be a wise undertaking. Mr. Jones gave a splendid dinner to his Englewood friends when the hotel was
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completed. This town continued to prosper until the house was destroyed by fire.
This building was not restored, and Norwood has never recovered from its loss.
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LXVIII.
A CONTEST WITH A BURGLAR.
ON a dark and stormy night in the spring of 1886 two brothers who had been spending an evening with friends at a neighboring house on Teaneck ridge were returning home about 10 o'clock. This was a location of scattered farmhouses surrounded by forests and fields, a lonely walk especially in a fearful storm. In returning home they were compelled to pass a schoolhouse which stood opposite a dark forest some distance from their home. As this school building was in their district anything unusual occurring within its doors at that hour would naturally arouse their suspicion. As they approached the building a flash of
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light caused by a match appeared from one of the windows. "What is that!" said one of the brothers. "There must
be some intruder inside." The darkness and surrounding gloom made it a moment requiring courage to enter that building unarmed. This being a family not born to fear, the brothers boldly approached the door and cautiously started to enter. In an instant the flash of a pistol rang through the room and its murderous contents struck the door, falling at their feet. "They are firing bullets," re- marked one. Upon continuing to enter another shot was fired, but without effect, when the young men withdrew. Not the least unnerved by these demon- strations these two fine types of Ameri- can manhood, above the average in cour- age and strength, were alert to meet their foe without stopping to consider the issue, and they took positions on each side of the building under its windows.
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They had not long to wait, as the burglar sprang to the window sill, defended by the elder brother, who attacked him with a cane, when the desperado fired, the ball striking and breaking his shoulder blade. He then sprang from the win- dow, when a tug of war never antici- pated before commenced. After a fear- ful struggle the elder brother, although suffering from a broken shoulder blade, succeeded in landing on top. At this time his brother appeared and com- menced to beat the robber over the head with a jimmy dropped by the rascal, which he used with effect.
an unfortunate circumstance that directed the robber's hand to the pistol that he dropped in the strug- gle. Recovering it, he fired, the ball passing through the young man's body, who, finding his strength failing, started for home. After going about one hundred yards he called for help, when
It was
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he was assisted home by his brother and friends. The would-be murderer had been beaten into insensibility, but re- covered sufficient to seek the seclusion of a dark forest. George S. Coe, Jr., for that was the wounded brother's name, by his athletic training and previous cor- rect life had sufficient reserve force to sustain and bring him back to health after long and weary months of painful and patient struggle. Word had been conveyed to the Protection Society that George S. Coe, Jr., had been dangerously wounded by a burglar, when over two hundred people with lanterns and wea- pons appeared on the scene and spent the night in a vain search for the burg- lar. A reward of two thousand dollars was offered by the society for his appre- hension. After wandering several days in the dark recesses of the Palisades he appeared at the Hoboken ferry in an at- tempt to reach New York, but a police-
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man, seeing in that ragged and tattered form the man he was looking for, ar- rested and returned him to the Protec- tion Society. After a long trial he was sentenced to fifteen years in state prison. The courage displayed by these two brothers, Messrs. George S. and Louis S. Coe, is hardly excelled in the annals of history.
The Protection Society is entitled to great credit for the part taken by them in the arrest, trial, and conviction of this daring criminal.
The law has been satisfied as the burg- lar has served his term and is now at liberty. It is reported that Mrs. Balling- ton Booth took an interest in him while in prison, and that after serving out his term he joined her army, and is with them at the present time.
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LXIX.
OUR OLDEST MASTER BUILDERS.
ANDREW D. BOGART and Henry Jones have long occupied a conspicuous place in Englewood history, not only as master builders who have constructed the great- est number of our houses and other build- ings, but as citizens and neighbors who have long been identified as sharing the burdens and responsibilities of the church and the government of the town.
They have lived here nearly forty years, and the finest buildings presented to our view are of their construction.
I refer to them as they are very old residents and are the most conspicuous in our history as builders.
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LXX.
AN EX-TAMMANY SHERIFF
resided in this town at one time in its early history. Ex-Sheriff Orser lived for some years on Teaneck, in an old colonial house situated a little south of Englewood Avenue. He devoted his de- clining years to riding to and from this village, working on his grounds, and re- hearsing the sins of Tammany Hall. He had peculiar ideas about some things, among others was that he was opposed to capital punshment for females, be- cause his mother was a woman. This was said in referring to Mrs. Surrat, an accomplice of J. Wilkes Booth, the mur- derer of President Lincoln.
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LXXI.
A CHAPTER ON TAXES.
THE subject of taxation is ever present, and from it there is no escape. The taxes on property in this township were very light for many years after we came here, even when we consider that the old township of Hackensack, which was three times as large, included Englewood in its boundary. As the village began public improvements taxes rapidly in- creased. Valuations increased by capi- tal being invested in buildings and lands, but never seemed to keep pace with the increasing expenses of the township. The bills for taxes in 1870, 1880, 1888,1894 and 1897 on a piece of property I own will
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show the increase for those years $49, $60, $90, $125, $150. We escape many an- noying taxes of our ancestors, and in com- parison ought not to complain. Tradi- tion states that our forefathers were obliged to submit to personal taxes which extended to females. In 1695 females paid the collector a personal tax of two shill- ings a head, that is, those who earned a livelihood, and males twice the amount; in case of old men and minors, they were often remitted.
The first assessor of this township was Daniel G. Boast; collector, Cornelius Herring.
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LXXII.
GOOD TEMPLARS.
IN Englewood's early days there was but one Prohibitionist in the town, that was a Mr. Coxhead, who comprised the entire society and elected himself to all its offices. He came from Fort Lee to vote that ticket. Shortly after this the I. O. G. T. Society was organized, when Mr. Coxhead joined them. Their num- bers soon increased until they became quite influential. Their efforts restored to respectable citizenship many con- firmed and excessive drinkers. They accomplished much as a temperance party, but they entered the arena of politics and died from its excessive in- dulgence. They demanded that a good templar should vote the prohibition ticket. This demand retired the party.
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THE PRESBYTERIAN MANSE.
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LXXIII.
CATHOLIC SOCIETIES.
THE Catholic Benevolent Legion and St. Cecilia's Total Abstinence society are accomplishing much for the elevation and assistance of their members. The former in establishing a fund for families left without means of support, and by those who have complied with all its re- quirements. And the latter are en- couraging temperance and endeavoring to elevate its members to a higher plane of morals and intelligence.
These societies are under the protect- ing care of the Catholic Church, and have accomplished much in an effort to attract its people in paths of usefulness.
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LXXIV.
TUSCAN LODGE, F. AND A. M. NO. 115.
TUSCAN Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 115, was organized in 1871. The first officers were: Treasurer, Alexander Cass; Secre- tary, John A. Hyde; Officers, Peter Rogers, W. C. Davis, Moses E. Springer, Alexander Cass, John A. Hyde; Charter Members, Peter Rogers, John E. Wentz, William C. Davis, Alexander Cass, Moses E. Springer, John W. Dale, John A. Hyde, Jacob Campbell, Samuel Stalter, Joseph Conklin; Trustees for 1899, Wil- liam C. Davis, one year; Robert Steven- son, two years; Henry Booth, three years; Finance Committee, John M.
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Booth, P. M., M. Frank Vanderbeek, George D. De Mott.
This lodge is in a flourishing condition and its membership is constantly in- creasing.
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LXXV.
ODD FELLOWS.
ENGLEWOOD Lodge, I. O. of O. F., 197, was founded October 25, 1883, with four- teen members. This lodge has splendid rooms in the Vanderbeek Building, and has always been very active and prosper- ous. It has now ninety-five members.
Its first officers were: First N. G., Samuel I. Demarest; Vice G., Albert H. Clark; Recording Secretary, Alvin Conk- lin; Permanent Secretary, John Henry Ackerman; Treasurer, Henry West.
The present officers are: First N. G., Charles Brucker; Vice G., James M. Gulnock; Recording Secretary, J. Edgar Brown; Permanent Secretary, Samuel I. Demarest; Treasurer, John M. Foley.
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LXXVI.
THE ROYAL ARCANUM.
THE Palisade Council Royal Arcanum was organized March 27, 1889. Officers at the time of organization: Regent, C. O. Dewey; Vice-Regent, R. P. Worten- dyke; Orator, G. B. Best; Past Regent, W. J. M. Byrne; Collector, E. J. Sheri- den; Secretary, Perry Chamberlain; Treasurer, C. L. Vanderbeek; Chaplain, M. Mattison; Guide, J. R. Vreeland; Warden, M. F. Vanderbeek; Sentry, James D. Vanderbeek.
This society was founded for a benevo- ยท lent purpose, which it has strictly ad- hered to and is very economically man- aged.
The officers of 1899 are as follows: Re-
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gent, G. W. Springer; Vice Regent, G. N. Lounsbury; Orator, S. C. Abramson; Past regent, F. Meyerhoff; collector, R. B. Taylor; Secretary, G. W. Whyard; Treasurer, Jacob R. Demarest; Chaplain, A. H. Engelke; Guide, M. Mattison; Warden, J. H. Howe; Sentry, J. H. Garrison.
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LXXVII.
DWIGHT POST.
DWIGHT Post, 103, G. A. R., was organ- ized March 25, 1887. It was named for the Rev. James H. Dwight, who served in the union army, both as soldier and chaplain. The existence of this organi- zation is measured by the lives of its members, and slowly and surely its num- bers must continue to decrease. These veterans meet once a year, and march to the Brookside Cemetery in memory of their soldier chaplain. There an oration is delivered by some citizen, when they sadly return, filled with the memories of scenes enacted thirty years ago.
The following are the charter mem-
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bers: P. C., William C. Davis; S. V. C., Charles Barr; J. V. C., Rudolph H. Smith; Adjutant, John H. Hopper ; Q. M., John D. Christie; Surgeon, Robert Man- ger ; Chaplain, William Fredericks; O. D., Frederick D. Coyte; O. G., James H. Demarest.
THE LYCEUM.
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LXXVIII.
LOAN AND BUILDING ASSOCIATION.
THE Englewood Loan and Building As- sociation was organized in 1887 and has accomplished much in assisting families of small means to obtain a home with- out much ready cash. The western part of the town is thickly populated with handsome, inexpensive houses which may have never been built if assistance had not been rendered by this associa- tion. It has been faithfully, and eco- nomically managed and has been very successful as shown by its reports. Moses E. Springer, its efficient secretary, has held the office since 1890.
Its first officers: President, Samuel Riker; Vice-President, R. S. Mangham, Treasurer, Henry Jones.
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LXXIX.
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION.
MEMORIES of the old "Liberty Pole" have been restored to new life, and its historic events revived by the Daughters of the Revolution. The "Liberty Pole" Chapter of Englewood was organized in 1893. It revives pleasant memories of our patriotic forefathers to whose cour- age and valor we are indebted for the freedom and religious liberty we all en- joy. The thanks of our citizens should be extended to the patriotic women who have founded a society to keep green not only the memory of our ancestors, but the spot so dear to all where liberty's banner was unfurled in the trying days of the revolution.
Lexington and Evacuation day, the beginning and end of our struggle for
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liberty are to be remembered by this society.
The following were the first officers: Mrs. Livingston K. Miller, Regent; Mrs. William A. Childs, Treasurer; Mrs. Ed- ward W. Clarke, Secretary; Miss Ada- line Sterling, State Historian, N. J. So- ciety D. R.
This society celebrated the battle of Lexington on the 19th of April of the present year, when a bronze shield was unveiled, the inscription on which is: "Erected by the Liberty Pole Chapter, D. R., to commemorate the Liberty Pole which stood on this spot in revolutionary times."
The ceremony was opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Samuel M. Hamilton, after which a very interesting address was delivered by Mayor E. A. Brinker- hoff.
The tablet was presented to the society by Mr. Abram De Ronde.
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LXXX.
THE WOMANS' EXCHANGE.
THE Womans' Exchange is an institu- tion of recent years. Like many things in nature and commerce it appeared when required. It is an institution peculiar to itself, and differs from all others as it is conducted by women, and forms a social and commercial ex- change, where producer and consumer are friends and neighbors. The business is conducted by a third party who re- ceives and disposes of the wares on com- mission.
The Woman's Exchange in Englewood was organized in 1887, and occupies a very useful position in this community.
Its first board of managers were Mrs. Samuel Duncan, President; Mrs. Shep-
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pard Homans, Treasurer; Mrs. George D. Hall, Secretary.
In 1897 it became incorporated under a special act.
The following persons were the first members of the society : Sarah B. Banks, Mary B. Barber, Emily A. Brinkerhoff, Eva B. Browning, Julia S. Childs, Paul- ine M. Clephane, Mary E. D. Coe, Helen R. Congdon, Elizabeth Coppell, Sophia G. Davison, Jeanette L. Enos, Sarah C. Evans, Sarah H. Homans, Emily B. Kid- der, Mary W. Oliphant, Mary A. Peters, Louisa A. Rochester, Persis A. Rock- wood, Henrietta L. Sawtelle, Ellen Squire, Mary E. B. Story, Janet T. Wells, Charlotte B. Whittemore, Ellen P.
Wickes.
The following persons were its officers : Emily A. Brinkerhoff, President; Char- lotte B. Whittemore, Vice-President; Mary E. B. Story, Secretary; Mary B. Barber, Treasurer.
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To Miss Henrietta L. Sawtelle is due especial credit for her great ability and untiring efforts to make this exchange a success.
It owns and occupies a beautiful build- ing in a pleasant locality away from all other business enterprises, and is con- ducted on a higher and more restricted plane than other institutions of business. It has no bargain counters, nor does it grow rich by false pretenses.
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ENGLEWOOD.
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LXXXI.
THE LYCEUM.
THE Lyceum Building was erected in 1889, several years after the Atheneum was destroyed by fire. It is located on the corner of Palisade Avenue and Engle Street, and is a very substantial and sightly building. It includes a fine con- cert hall, a "Gentlemans' Club," which occupies several large rooms, where its members can meet and enjoy themselves as they wish in reading, billiards, cards, conversation, etc.
A large circulating library is located on the first floor of this building, which was organized in 1890, and has met with great success. It comprises all the newest
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publications, and now has over six thou- sand volumes. The needs and benefits of a library are appreciated in this age of civilization.
The Citizens' National Bank is located in this building and has been a great benefit to the town. It started with a capital of fifty thousand dollars which it has doubled in ten years.
The first officers of the Lyceum were: President, Dwight A. Jones; Vice-Presi- dent, E. A. Brinkerhoff; Treasurer, C. H. Blake; Secretary, B. Drake Smith. It has an efficient board of directors and is conducted in a conservative manner.
A BUSINESS SECTION.
DAISY FIELDS.
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LXXXII.
DAISY FIELDS.
THE sympathies of the civilized world are always aroused by the cry of suffer- ing
from innocent children. We hardly realize this condition as we ought un- less it is brought within our vision.
On the outskirts of our city to the northwest, and near the Knickerbocker Road is located a home and hospital for crippled children, called "Daisy Fields." A beautiful name suggestive of meadows and flowers, forests and streams. In 1893 a kind and philan- thropic family who have long made Englewood their home, feeling that they might make happy and brighten the
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lives of a few unfortunate and crippled children, kindly engaged a cottage on the borders of the city. This place in- cludes several acres of land, inclosing meadows with many fine shade trees overhead, and through which passes a small brook where the children can for- get their troubles, and enjoy fresh air and peaceful surroundings. A few of these children are able to roam in the fields and enjoy a beautiful stream of water that supplies a pond recently con- structed within these grounds, but the children are nearly all cripples or in- valids for life, and it is sad to think that they can only remain spectators in the scenes that surround them.
We forget in our busy lives that there are many things we might contribute that would be inexpensive, and greatly add to their pleasure and comfort, such as toys, games, books, clothing, etc.
We may amuse them during their
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youth, but their pathway through life is hard to contemplate. As men and women their paths may lead to the gate- way of the hospital or the institutions for the poor.
The result of the first year's experience was such that this institution was incor- porated and the enterprise successfully continued from that time. The cottage was recently enlarged and the grounds improved. The children have been greatly benefited under this kind treat- ment, and many have returned to their homes. This institution depends upon its own contributions or those of its friends, as it has no endowment. The following were its first officers: Presi- dent, Mrs. Herbert B. Turner; Vice- President, Miss Francis E. Lyman; Secre- tary, Mrs. D. Webster Evans; Treasurer, Mrs. Joseph E. Tillinghast.
The officers at the present time (1899) are: President, Mrs. Herbert B. Turner;
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Vice-President, Miss Frances M. Lyman; Secretary, Mr. Thornton Floyd Turner; Treasurer, Mrs. Joseph R. Tillinghast. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert B. Turner deserve great credit for their efforts in behalf of these crippled children.
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LXXXIII.
A NEW CHURCH.
THE West Side Presbyterian Church was organized in April, 1898, from a Sun- day school which began in 1894 by mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church.
Some time previous to the Rev. Dr. Henry M. Booth's departure from Engle- wood he had noticed the rapid increase of population on the west side of the town, north and south of Palisade Avenue extension, and made the remark that there would soon be a demand for a church in that thriving locality.
It was not very long before Dr. Booth's prophecy came true, as meetings for prayer were held in different families until October, 1894, when a room was engaged in Professor August Kursteiner's
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school building, where services were held every Friday and Sunday evenings, and a Sunday school established. The Presbyterian Church kept a watchful eye on this new church, and encouraged its development in every way.
The Rev. James Eells and E. A. Brinkerhoff, two members of the session of the Presbyterian Church suggested that Dwight Chapel was too large for the wants of Calvary Mission, and advised its gift to the West Side Presbyterian Church.
In reference to Dwight Chapel it may be stated that this building was a noble gift by one of Englewood's former resi- dents to the memory of the Rev. James H. Dwight.
The condition of the gift of Dwight Chapel was that it should be located where it would do the most good, and was placed under the care of the Presby - terian Church.
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A meeting of this church resulted in presenting Dwight Chapel to the West Side Church on condition that it would incorporate under the title of the West Side Union Chapel for the purpose of en- abling them to receive the gift. These conditions all being complied with Dwight Chapel was transferred to the West Side Presbyterian Church.
Money was raised and a new building was placed on the old foundation of Cal- vary Mission of sufficient size for their needs.
Five thousand dollars were speedily raised to purchase land, build a founda- tion, move the building and prepare it for its new condition.
When the new church was organized, the Presbytery, at the suggestion of the people, appointed the Rev. Fisher H. Booth chairman of the meeting, and Charles F. Park was also made a member of the committee.
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The Presbyterian Church gave letters of dismissal to thirty-six members, that they might be received into membership of the West Side Church.
This church was established with fifty- two members.
The church is now established on a solid foundation, and is growing rapidly under the charge of their esteemed pas- tor, the Rev. Charles A. Junkin.
DEPOT PARK IN WINTER.
L
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LXXXIV.
OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT.
WE have a very efficient fire depart- ment, and since its existence very little damage has resulted from conflagration. Previous to this organization we had some heavy losses. The most noticeable were the Palisade Mountain House, and the extensive dwelling of William Walter Phelps, one overlooking the Hudson
River, the other on Teaneck Ridge. These buildings were situated at the ex- treme east and west end of the town- ship, and were a total loss. They are beautiful ruins, as ivy and creeping vines cover the walls and reach to the tops of their tall chimneys.
The Mountain House was a great loss
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to Englewood, as its summer guests added much to its life and business. A large stone mansion was consumed a few years ago, which stood on a large piece of ground near the center of the village, upon which there was no insurance, and within its walls in some unsafe deposit trunk or closet rested twenty thousand dollars in unregistered bonds. All the owner received for said bonds was the lesson it taught.
It will be well for the rising generation to take a little stock in this lesson of experience.
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LXXXV.
A CITY OF DWELLINGS.
FORTUNATELY we are not a manufactur- ing town. Several attempts have been made to locate large factories here, but they did not mature. A silk mill was started here a few years ago, but after running some time it went into the hands of a receiver. The only mill that succeeds too well here is the gin mill. A statement of the fact is sufficient. It is hard to realize how the residents of Englewood, with their beautiful homes, could be benefited by making this a manufacturing town.
The object of the founders of Engle- wood was to build a town of substantial homes, where peace and happiness
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might dwell. The future to them was a pleasant dream of gilded hopes, which lured them into paths, the termination of which they knew not.
The class of men they induced to settle here throws a pleasant light across their pathway, and proves that their motives and desires were of a high order.
Death called one after another before their work was completed.
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LXXXVI.
THE CHARACTER OF OUR CITY.
THE character of a town becomes what its founders make it. They form its institutions and direct its affairs; they unfurl its banner and proclaim its prin- ciples.
The character of this town has always been maintained, though the ranks have been thinned by a relentless fate, but for- tunately a kind Providence has sent us others who have filled their places and assumed the responsibilities that rest on the town.
Englewood's good name has reached far beyond the hills that surround the town, and within its gates the fathers are proud of their children.
THE END.
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