USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of Trenton, New Jersey : the record of its early settlement and corporate progress. > Part 31
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ABEL T. BRUERE, M. D., was born in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, June 27th, 1857. He was educated at the Freehold Institute and the Johns Hopkins University. He entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and graduated there- from in 1886. For two years he practiced in Jacobstown, New Jersey, and then came to Trenton. He located at 106 Spring street in 1888, where his practice has grown constantly ever since his arrival. Dr. Bruere has an engaging manner, which has won him the praise of his patients. He was married in 1889 to Julia M. Lightbourne, of Maryland, and has one child-Eleanor Louise. His home is his professional residence.
ELMER BARWIS, M. D., was born June 30th, 1850, at Langhorne (then called Attle- boro), Bucks county, Pennsylvania. At the age of eighteen, he taught school at Old Bridge, Middlesex county, New Jersey, for one year. The succeeding two years he taught at the Trenton Academy, and at the same time read medicine with his preceptor, Dr. R. R. Rogers, Sr. In the fall of 1871, hic entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and was gradu- ated in the spring of 1873. His medical carcer was begun in Chambersburg and Hamil- ton Square, but he subsequently removed to Trenton, where he has remained since 1879. ABEL T. BRUERE. On the twenty-eighth of October, 1875, Dr. Barwis was married to Miss Harriet A. Rogers, daughter of Captain William Rogers, of Old Bridge, New Jersey. Two children have been the fruits of this happy marriage-Mary A. and Harold S. Dr. Barwis is a member of the Mercer County Medical Society, and is a member and Medical Examiner of the National Union and Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also a prominent Odd Fellow and Free Mason, and has represented the Heptasophs, in their biennial Supreme Conclaves, for the past six years, held at New York City, Atlantic City and Richmond, Virginia. From the time of organization until the appointment of Dr. Lalor, a few years since, Dr. Barwis was Physician to the Deaf-Mute School, and while Chambersburg was yet a borough, he was Borough Physician two years ; he was also a member of the borough's first Board of Health.
CHAPTER XXVII.
TRENTON'S CLUBS.
BERKELEY-LOTUS-TRENTON-ELKS-TURNERS-YOUNG MEN'S REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATION-DEMO- CRATIC LEAGUE- COUNTY DEMOCRACY-YOUNG MEN'S HEBREW CLUB-CATHOLIC CLUB- NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY-ATHLETIC ORGANIZATIONS-CANOE CLUBS-FIELD CLUB- CATHOLIC YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION OF SAINT MARY'S PARISH-MERCER COUNTY WHEEL- MEN-POTTERS' CLUB.
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RENTON is not essentially a town where club-life finds marked development. The thousand and one metropolitan conditions which lead to clubs and elubien, are lacking. Nevertheless, the social and political phases of Trenton's life have given the city some very handsome clubs, and these, at least, are marked by a bountiful hospitality and a spirit of bon comeraderie among their members.
One of the most recently-organized of city clubs, and at the same time, one destined to become second to none in this State, is the Berkeley. Selecting its name in honor of Lord John Berkeley, one of the original grantees of what is now New Jersey, the organization, which was instituted for social and intellectual purposes, has chosen for its device the coat-armour of its distinguished namesake. The club dates its existence from December, 1894, and upon the fifteenth of March, 1895, oceupied the entire second floor of the Barnett Building, 24 East State street.
Its originators were the following representative Trentonians : John Hart Brewer, John S. Broughton, William M. Conover, Frederie A. Duggan, John B. Fell, Barker Gummere, Joseph R. Gilkyson, Alexander Hunt, Anthony R. Kuser, Rudolph V. Kuser, Benedict C. Kuser, Alfred Lawshe, Arthur Mountford, John Guild Muirheid, C. Edward Murray, Frank A. Magowan, William Roberts, William Richey, Garret D. W. Vroom, Edwin Robert Walker, Albanus L. Worthington, Samuel R. Jaques, Eckford Moore, Welling G. Sickel.
Its present officers-President, Barker Gummere ; Treasurer, Joseph R. Gilkyson ; Secretary, William M. Conover ; who, together with William Roberts and Frederic A. Duggan, specially- appointed members, form the Governing Committee. Into the hands of this committee the absolute control and government of the club is committed.
The Berkeley Club, enjoying the prestige of an honored name, has its apartments fitted in keep- ing with its position in the city. Not only great care but much taste has been exercised in the artistic unities of the decorations, resultant in a particularly harmonious effect throughout the suite of rooms occupied by the organization.
THE LOTUS CLUB.
From the old Trenton Club the Lotus Club, as at present organized, has developed. To a large extent, this prominent city organization is not, in the strictest sense, a club. It is really a body of gentlemen maintaining social intercourse, through this association, in a most informal and confi- dential manner. Indeed, the Lotus bears a very close relationship to the old-time Wistar parties of Philadelphia.
The constitution shows that "the object of the society shall be the promotion of literature, science and social intercourse, "'
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
The Presidents of the society-for such it really is-sinee its incipieney in the latter part of 1872 have been Dr. James B. Coleman, January 7th, 1873, to October 27th, 1873 ; Alfred S. Livingston, October 27th, 1873, to his death, February 1st, 1875 ; Garret D. W. Vroom, March 4th, 1875, to January 5th, 1883 ; Charles Scott, January 5th, 1883, to January 2d, 1886 ; J. Everts Claney, January 2d, 1886, to January 1st, 1887 ; John H. Stewart, January 1st, 1887, to his death, March 8th, 1890 ; Ferdinand W. Roebling, January 3d, 1891, to January 7th, 1893 ; Jonathan H. Blackwell, January 7th, 1893, to date.
The following is a list of the members who have signed the constitution or the agreement of original members : W. W. L. Phillips, James B. Coleman, M. D., Wesley Creveling, Thos. S. Stevens, Edward S. Ellis, Moses D. Naar, Charles C. Abbott, Henry S. Little, Mercer Beasley, Jr., Charles Scott, Samuel A. Kennedy, John A. Hall, Captain Edward M. Yard, Benj. F. Lee, Wm. L. Dayton, G. D. W. Vroom, Charles H. Skirm, Benj. Van Cleve, Charles Carr, John Taylor, Alfred Reed, Levi T. Hannum, Wm. H. Barton, Edward L. Campbell, Stephen D. Dillaye, Alfred S. Livingston, John H. Stewart, John R. Emery, Robt. S. Woodruff, G. A. Anderson, Lewis Parker, Jr., Randolph H. Moore, Clark Fisher, Jos. L. Naar, F. W. Roebling, Richard F. Stevens, Wm. Whittaker, Edward T. Green, John L. Murphy.
THE TRENTON CLUB.
This organization was originally a club devoted entirely to bicycling, and was the first bicycle club ever formed in Trenton. The preliminary meeting was held in the parlors of the Trenton House, on June 8th, 1884, at which time an organization was effected. The name adopted was "The Trenton Bicycle Club." S. S. Staples was elected President ; D. Scott Quintin, Vice Presi- dent, and Sherman P. Camp, Secretary. At the next meeting, June 12th, 1884, a constitution and by-laws were adopted, and thus the Trenton Club was launched on its career. It did much toward promoting the interest of bicycling in Trenton, being then the only bicycling club in the city. The members rode the old "Columbia Crank " and "Star" wheels in those days and bicycling then was not the luxury it is to-day.
Burroughs S. Rose was the first Captain of the club and Franklyn W. Whitehead was First Lieutenant. Subsequent meetings were held in public lecture-rooms until September 5th, 1885, when the club rented and furnished "luxuriant " quarters at No. 107 East Hanover street, which is known as the old Arcade Building. In July, 1886, the club removed to its present commodious quarters at No. 26 East State street, the rooms formerly occupied by the Lochiel Club.
In September, 1887, the club disbanded and re-organized the following November under the name of "The Trenton Wheelmen," the purposes of the organization remaining the same. C. Thompson Sutphin was elected President ; Gardner H. Cain, Vice President ; Robert V. Whitehead, Treasurer, and Charles T. Aaronson, Secretary. In April, 1892, an important change was made in the purposes of the organization. The constitution was revised, all the bicycling features of the club were expunged, it resigned from the League of American Wheelmen and changed its name from "The Trenton Wheelmen " to "The Trenton Club," and the purposes of the organization were changed so as to eliminate the bicycling features and make it purely a social organization, and it has so remained, although nearly all of the members are still enthusiastic devotees of the popular sport-wheeling.
The present organization of "The Trenton Club " is as follows : President, Gardner H. Cain ; Vice President, Robert V. Whitehead ; Treasurer, Arthur H. Wood ; Secretary, Walton M. Watson. Trustees-Gardner H. Cain, Robert V. Whitehead, Arthur H. Wood, Alfred N. Barber, Franklyn W. Whitehead.
The members (thirty-two in number) are all well-known young business and professional men of this city.
THE ELKS.
Trenton Lodge, No. 105, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was instituted November 22d, 1888. The lodge at first secured quarters in Updegrove & Letts' building, Nos. 23 and 25 North Warren street, where the parlors were furnished in such a manner that they were pronounced to be the finest in the State.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
On January 11th, 1894, the lodge moved into the property No. 38 West State street, which they had purchased and fitted up for their accommodation.
Ever ready to assist the needy, the Elks were the first to come to the relief of the victims of the Johnstown calamity ; 8100 was subscribed shortly after the news reached the city, and the Elks immediately formed a relief committee for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions and receiving . clothing. A benefit given at the Opera House under their auspices netted over $600, and a base- ball game, also arranged by them, secured 8140 more for the sufferers. In this way thousands of dollars and a large amount of clothing, food and other necessaries were collected.
The charter members of the lodge were Richard A. Donnelly, Charles Slee, Welling G. Siekel, Ernest C. Stahl, Francis T. O'Neill, Harry F. Smith, W. H. Linburg, Watson F. Van Camp, A. E. AAllen, Chas. H. Young, Fred. F. Katzenbach, Horace Biddle, Jos. B. Shaw, John Hart Brewer, Elijah Mountford, Daniel J. Bechtel, Manuel Kline, Chas. Y. Bamford, W. B. Johnston, A. C. D. Wilson, Henry F. Cook, Frank N. Roberts, William Richey, S. T. J. Byam, Fred. Duggan, T. H. Parry, Harry C. Taylor, Chas. A. Reid, J. B. Cox, T. N. Conrad, S. J. Jackson, J. S. Cleaver, II. M. Casper, C. T. Sutphin, Edwin Fitzgeorge, M. T. Laird, Augustus La Rue, A. J. Cahill, Felix M. O'Neill, Wm. Henry Koons, Jno. F. Speeler, H. A. Donnelly, Jno. H. Heil, E. D. Boyd, Jno. C. Owens, Walter Lenox, A. R. Kuser, W. S. Cadwallader, H. O. Stewart, E. F. Hooper, Jas. McDonald, W. B. Davis, John Rellstab, Eckford Moore.
The first officers of the lodge were as follows : Exalted Ruler, Richard A. Donnelly ; Esteemed Leading Knight, Charles Slee ; Esteemed Loyal Knight, Welling G. Sickel ; Esteemed Lecturing Knight, E. C. Stahl ; Secretary, F. T. O'Neill ; Treasurer, H. F. Smith ; Esquire, H. A. Donnelly ; Inner Guard, F. N. Roberts ; Chaplain, Elijah Mountford ; Trustee, A. E. Allen ; Finance Con- mittee, W. S. Lenox, Edwin Fitzgeorge, Manuel Kline.
The membership list includes many of the leading citizens of Trenton. The following are the officers : Exalted Ruler, Wm. Y. Johnson ; Secretary, Edwin Fitzgeorge ; Treasurer, William Foster.
The Elks' building on West State street is the former S. K. Wilson mansion, and has been remodeled and refurnished. The parlors are adorned with costly pictures, whilst the room devoted to the lodge meetings is of particular beauty. During the winter "Social Sessions " are held, when the programme includes, as a rule, Trentonians who are entertainers. These hours of festivity are extremely popular features of local life.
THE SOCIAL TURN-VEREIN.
Upon the third day of June, 1855, the Social Turn-Verein was organized in the old Hoboies Hotel, on North Warren street. Upon that occasion twenty Germans signed the roll : First Speaker, Jacob Angermuller ; Secretary, C. Eccles ; Treasurer, P. Schimmell ; First Turnwart, John Boh- linger ; Second Turnwart, M. Straab, and Zeugwart, Andrew Metzler. Of those who signed the first roll but four remain : Jacob Klemmer, John Bohlinger, Charles Woerner and Andrew Metzler.
In a few months the society removed to Keeler's Hall, Broad and Hanover streets, and soon enlarged the rules, admitting persons of other nationalities to become members. In 1857, the Turn-Verein removed to a small building near Lawrence Farrell's store on North Broad street. At this period athletics, in a small way, were introduced, and about 1867 Professor Louis Gerichten, of St. Louis, was secured as athletic instructor. In 1868, the Turners were located in Winter's Hall, where they conceived the idea of having a house of their own. The old America Hose house on Montgomery street and Peters alley was secured, and fifty members appeared on the roll. The society next moved to " Washington's Retreat," on the Assanpink creek. The athletic instructors at this time were Andrew Metzler and Jacob Klemmer. The growth of the society necessitated further change, and Captain John Winter and Christopher Wentz were appointed a House Committee. In the fall of 1871 they purchased the old Turner Hall property on South Broad street from Peter Crozer for $10,000. In 1873, the old Turner Hall was con- pleted and the Turners were at last established in a fine new home. The old building cost $5, 000. The new Turner Hall, the most notable building on Broad street between the Assanpink and the Court House, and one of the finest structures in the city, was dedicated October 19th, 1891. The society estimate their property to be worth to-day at least $60,000.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
Among the young men belonging to the Turners are many prominent athletes who have made some excellent records, both here and elsewhere. The exhibition which the Turners' class gives to the public at various times is highly interesting. The Turners started a rifle corps in 1877 under command of Colonel E. C. Stahl, but sufficient interest was not taken in it and it dropped out of existence before very long. What was known as a theater section was another flourishing feature for a time, in which Colonel Stahl's services were valuable. Police Justice Coutier was First Speaker previous to Mr. Blunck. Many prominent citizens are included among the members. Following are the present officers : First Speaker, Henry C. Blunck ; Second Speaker, Louis Zahles ; First Turnwart, Henry Clark ; Second Turnwart, Al. Vialkovitch ; Financial Secretary, Win. A. Klemann ; Recording Secretary, F. H. Endebrock ; Treasurer, A. C. Hammer ; Zeugwart, Edward Metzler ; Trustees, E. C. Stahl, Chas. J. Woerner and Wm. Zanger.
THE YOUNG MEN'S REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATION.
The Young Men's Republican Association grew out of a movement started by John C. Owens and Henry F. Smith, which, in the days of unassociated Republicans in Trenton, had for its objects "the perfecting of a representative organization of the Republicans of the eity of Trenton, providing a place for them to hold meetings and for the purpose of arousing and stimulating greater interest in politics." The first general meeting, by virtue of a call of thirty-nine signatures, was held at the Board of Trade rooms, in the building now occupied by S. P. Dunham & Co. At this preliminary meeting a Committee on Constitution was appointed, consisting of William B. Allen, Joseph R. Gilkyson, C. Albert Brewer, William Richey, John C. Owens. At the meeting to organize, William H. Skirm was unanimously elected President ; Joseph R. Gilkyson, First Vice President ; Thomas S. Chambers, Second Vice President ; John C. Owens, Secretary ; C. A. Brewer, Assistant Secretary ; Alburtus E. Allen, Treasurer ; William B. Allen, Henry F. Smith, Walter S. Lenox, William A. MacCrellish, William S. Covert, Trustees ; H. F. Baker, Joseph M. Mongar, Charles A. May, Membership Committee ; F. C. Griffith, C. A. Brewer, Joseph R. Gilkyson, Samuel J. Jackson, Charles D. Waters, Auditing Committee. The name decided upon at this time was "The Young Men's Republican Association of the City of Trenton." The second meeting (adjourned) was upon the twentieth of February, 1883, when the Room Committee's report, recommending the suite of rooms in the Dippolt Building at $250 per annum, was adopted. The association remained in this building until they removed to their present East Hanover street edifice. At a meeting held July 15th, 1884, a new constitution was adopted.
This association was one of the most potent factors in bringing about the change in municipal government, by the Republican successes of April, 1886, followed by the "sweep" of 1887. In April, 1887, occurred the great "sweep," and a reception to Mayor-elect Frank A. Magowan was held, inaugurating this system of recognition of the successful candidate. The rooms were opened alike to Democrats and Republicans, and were beautifully decorated with palms, flags and plants. Two hundred members and guests were present, among whom were many of the Democratic leaders. Speeches were made and general good feeling prevailed. This was the first Republican Mayor elected in Trenton in twenty-six years. His majority was 1,018.
In 1891, at a meeting held October 27th, William H. Skirm, of the Committee on Club House, reported "that the Dunn property, No. 139 East Hanover street, had been purchased for a few dollars over $9,500," and it was resolved that the association indorse the action of the committee, and that the committee proceed with the matter of having the association incorporated. In Novem- ber, 1891, the association was incorporated under the act of March 27th, 1878. At this time the name "Association " was stricken out for that of "Club." The money for the purchase of the Dunn property was temporarily advanced through the liberality of William H. Skirm, and a com- mittee to solicit subscriptions was appointed. The club thereupon issued a series of $100 bonds to be used in paying for the property. The house was furnished by subscription.
Of the officers, Frank A. Magowan continued in the Presidency until January, 1893, when William S. Hancock was elected President ; John Rellstab, Vice President ; C. W. Thompson, Secretary ; Charles P. Brown, Treasurer. The present officers of the club are the four above men- tioned, who have, since 1893, been re-elected, together with the following Trustees : William H.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
Skirm, Thomas S. Chambers, Barker Gummere, John W. Cornell, Alexander C. Yard, Richard P. Wilson, Edward S. Parkinson.
The club-house is a three-story brick, with a two-story extension, on a lot forty feet in frontage. On the first floor are the parlor, reading-room and janitor's quarters. On the second floor are the bath-room. billiard-room and game-room. On the third floor are Trustee and committee-rooms.
The rooms are particularly worthy of notice, from an artistic standpoint. The large, tiled vestibule, with side medallions of Lincoln and Grant, and a Mosaic floor containing "R. C." in stone, leads through cherry doors, with plate glass and monogram thereon, to a wide hall. To the left are the parlors, furnished in white and gold, the walls being adorned with portraits of Blaine, Dayton, the elder ; Lincoln, Washington (after Houdon), Grant and Sewell. A hand- colored print of "Clay Addressing the Senate" and a reproduction of the celebrated painting " Washington Crossing the Delaware" are also attractive features. This room is lighted by elec- tricity and gas. In the angles of the ceiling panels are the heads of Logan, Hancock, Farragut, Sherman, Washington, Lincoln, Grant and Garfield. The reading-room, luxuriously furnished, is at the end of the hall. The second story is devoted to billiard and game-rooms, whilst the com- mittee and Trustees' apartments occupy the third floor. Bath and toilet-rooms complete the mem- bers' portion of the house. The janitor's apartments are in the rear of the building. A remarkable feature of the life of the club is, that gambling and the sale of any kind of intoxicating liquor are positively prohibited.
The club-house is, in short, one of the finest houses of its type in the State and is equipped with taste and wisdom.
DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE.
The history of the Young Men's Democratic League may be traced to the beginning of the Democratic Pioneer Corps. This latter association dates from the campaign of 1872, when ex-Mayor Daniel J. Bechtel first planned and carried into effect the organization of the corps. It is still in existence under the leadership of Captain Frank Allaire, and has grown in membership from six to sixty-eight. In the early days the corps met in the Barnett Building, and later moved to the Shreve Building.
In the campaign of 1886, some of those active spirits interested in the corps, proposed a permanent organization of the Democracy. As a result, the Young Men's Democratic League, with thirty-five organizers, was instituted. Its membership is now two hundred and fifty. The league met in the corps-rooms, in the Barnett Building and in the Shreve Building. Upon the first of April, 1890, the Democratic League occupied the Dolton residence on North Warren street, which has since been its headquarters. In this edifice the league, which is a strong and influential body of the city Democracy, has an enviable location and home. The house itself is well adapted for political assemblages, receptions to prominent party men and similar purposes. It is fitted throughout in a plain and substantial manner. The league has accomplished a vast amount of political useful- ness. The present officers of the Democratic League are James H. Wilson, President ; Harry Provost, Secretary ; Harry W. Slack, Treasurer.
THE MERCER COUNTY DEMOCRACY.
Pursuant to a call inserted in the "True American," that the Democratic voters of Mercer county should attend a meeting for organization, the club started its existence upon the first of September, 1891. Among those instrumental in this initiatory movement were Peter A. MeAuley, Edward Reading, Patrick Bruther and Philip A. Tallon. Of the officers for temporary organization we find the Chairman was Samuel Caminade, and Secretary, Charles Cassidy. Upon a permanent organization there were elected President, John Briest ; Vice President, George Murphy ; Recording Secretary, William Fitzgibbon ; Financial Secretary, Charles Cassidy ; Treasurer, James Bruther. The Governing Committee was composed of Samuel Caminade, Edward Reading, Michael MeDade, Peter A. McAuley, Thomas Cahill, Patrick Bruther, Thomas Abbott, John Grimes, Robert Convery and M. A. Smith. The present officers are : President, John Briest ; Vice President, Edward Reading ; Recording and Financial Secretary, Frederick H. Endebroek, Jr. ; Treasurer, James
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
Bruther, and this Governing Committee : Joseph McEvoy, Michael Collins, Thomas Webb, Patrick Diamond, Edward Maher, Thomas Henry, Thomas Abbott, Michael McDade, Patrick Bruther, H. S. Brennan.
The first meeting was held at No. 19 Perry street, between Broad and Warren, on the south side, which place is still the headquarters of the elub.
The purposes of this well-known organization are political, social and recreative. The qualities necessary for eligibility are that a prospective member must be a white male person of good standing and character, of the age of twenty-one, and a believer in and supporter of Democratic principles. The club-house is a well-furnished, commodious, three-story brick building. A basement is oecu- pied by a janitor. The first floor consists of one room, handsomely furnished, and used as a parlor and meeting-room. The second floor is divided into three apartments, consisting of toilet, reading and consultation-rooms. The third floor is a large, furnished room, used exelusively for games.
THE YOUNG MEN'S HEBREW CLUB.
For a year past the Young Men's Hebrew Club has been in existence, having a membership of about thirty. The club-rooms are located at 26 East State street, and are furnished with much taste. One of the distinguishing features of the elub is the library and reading-room, which with the social features renders membership particularly enjoyable. The following are the officers and committees : President, Samuel Kahn ; Vice President, Eph. Fuld ; Treasurer, Abe Seigel ; Secre- tary, Jacob Bermard ; Financial Secretary, David Mandel ; Sergeant-at-Arms, Dan Block ; House Committee, E. Fuld, B. Elting, J. Levy ; Entertainment Committee, P. Lazarus, M. Grumbacher, J. Kahn ; Library Committee, M. Fuld, C. Cohn, J. Bermard ; Membership Committee, D. Block, H. Frank.
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