Narratives of Newark (in New Jersey) from the days of its founding, Part 22

Author: Pierson, David Lawrence
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Newark, N.J. : Pierson Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 478

USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Narratives of Newark (in New Jersey) from the days of its founding > Part 22

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MARCUS L. WARD INSTITUTES HOSPITAL

unable to control their feelings. Several days passed be- fore the city resumed its routine.

The soldiers who succumbed to their wounds or disease at the Ward United States General Hospital and others in the Southland were buried in a plot in Fairmount Ceme- tery, named the National Cemetery of Newark. Hundreds of tombstone memorials now mark the resting place of de- fenders of the Flag in the stormy days of 1861-1865. Here on each Memorial Day, May 30, the surviving comrades and their children repair to decorate each mound with an emblem of the country, for which they who are thus memo- rialized gave their lives in service, that it might continue in its mission of carrying democracy to all the world.

Entrance to the Soldiers' Plot is marked by a brown stone, on which is engraved "Final Bivouac." A granite shaft erected in 1869 is surmounted by the figure of a Union soldier leaning on his musket, and the inscription on the base reads:

This Monument Is in Memory of the Heroic Dead Buried Here. Who Gave Their Lives for Their Country During the Great Rebellion, Erected by the City of Newark, A. D. 1869

The monument is square and divided into two sections and inscribed with several of the battles of the war. Four pieces of ordnance sunk into the ground grace the corners while two others are at the entrance of the plot.

All the people of Essex County who could raise money in 1865 bought blocks of the $230,000,000 war bonds, payable in three years. They were on sale at the First and Second National Banks, Newark, and the Orange National Bank. This was the 7.30 loan. Government experts figured the income to investors in this way: One cent a day interest for a $50 bond, two cents a day for a

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$100 bond, ten cents for a $500, twenty cents for $1,000 and $1 per day for $5,000. Jay Cooke, of Philadelphia, who brought about the panic of 1873, was the subscription agent for the Government.

Steadily the town went on, welcoming the returning troops, providing entertainment for them and mending here and there the rents made by the war. Families were relieved; men went about in public wearing the familiar blue uniform, some with an arm or a leg missing; business was rejuvenated and the town gathered itself together for the new era of "peace on earth good will to men."

CHAPTER L NEWARK'S 200TH ANNIVERSARY 200TH ANNIVERSARY ODE Written by Dr. Abraham Coles. Read at First Church, Newark, May 17, 1866.

Our fathers' God we bless, We magnify and sing Th' abundant faithfulness And mercy of our King To us, and them whose hands did sow These fields Two Hundred Years Ago. 1

O fair the heritage They from the red man gained,- Passing from age to age The title all unstained! Good men and true they were, we know, Who lived Two Hundred Years Ago.

This city, nobly planned, Adorned with park and shade, Their tasteful eye and hand The first foundations laid. Men fearing God they were, we know, Who built Two Hundred Years Ago.

Though slumb'ring in the ground, Their spirit walks abroad, In schools and workshops found And temples of our God. What they did plant God made to grow E'er since Two Hundred Years Ago.

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O River, smiling near And blue Sky overhead! The same from year to year,- Ye do not mourn the Dead,- The Dead who left this scene of woe For heaven Two Hundred Years Ago.

The memory of the Just Thrice blessed is, and sweet Is their neglected dust We tread beneath our feet- Unfilial feet to trample so Dust of Two Hundred Years Ago.

Thrice has a righteous sword Been drawn in Freedom's Cause, Done for the battle of the Lord, For equal rights and laws; Fraternal blood been made to flow Ah! since Two Hundred Years Ago.

What wonders God hath wrought! Then let us warble forth His love beyond our thought, His majesty and worth,- Exalt His power and grace below Like those Two Hundred Years Ago.

W ILLIAM A. WHITEHEAD, historian of the middle Nineteenth Century, conceived the idea of observing the bi-centennial of the city's settlement on May 17, 1866, under the auspices of the New Jersey Historical Society.

Interest in the observance did not quicken as the pro- moters desired, causing a setback almost to the time of observance.

Mr. Whitehead, at the meeting of the society, May 18, 1865, ere the music of bands escorting our brave soldiers home from Southern battlefields had ceased, suggested that the jubilant spirit over the ending of the long war be carried into the following year. The 200th anniversary would

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then occur, he argued, and Newark would be in position to rejoice over her long and honorable history.

Suggestion was also made that the Common Council be invited to participate, thus giving an official tone to the prep- arations. Citizens, too, and all manufacturing and busi- ness interests were asked to assist.

It was too near the war period, however. 'Too many nerves were "on edge" for a general, spontaneous participation by all the people in the proposed season of festivity. Too many households were yet under the shadow of the awful struggle waged for humanity and for Old Glory.

Courageous men connected with the society, however, took vigorous hold of preliminary preparations. William B. Kinney, a distinguished Newark citizen, who had been an accredited minister to Sardinia in 1831 from the United States Government, grandson of Dr. William Burnet, one of our noble patriots in the Revolutionary War, and an ardent student of history, was invited to deliver the oration; William A. Whitehead to prepare a historical paper; Dr. Thomas Ward of New York, born in Newark, to be the poet; Samuel H. Congar to prepare biographical sketches of the Signers of the Fundamental Agreement, and Dr. Abraham Coles to compose an ode, arranged to the tune of "Lenox."

All accepted, and the scholarly and patriotic spirit mani- fested by those who had consented to honor the occasion with their best thought gave an éclat to the program. This was an array of talent worthy of respectful audience. Weather conditions, however, made radical changes in the arrangements for the day's observance and in effect broke up the meeting so carefully planned.

Mayor Thomas B. Peddie prodded the Common Council into action on April 7, when a resolution was adopted favoring the city's co-operation, and on May 4 an appro- priation was made for covering necessary expenses, and other measures were taken toward giving an official character to the observance.

The best laid plans of men often go awry. Sunday, May

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13, ushered in the week of Newark's bi-centennial observ- ance. People at last grasped the significance of the jubilee and decorated their homes and business places with flags and bunting, banners and pennants. Newark was "again itself."

Arrangements were made by the committees in charge for a parade in the morning and exercises in the First Church in the afternoon. In the event of inclement weather the first part of the day's celebration, it was agreed, should be post- poned till the following Tuesday, May 22. Some one mixed the plans and caused no end of embarrassment.

Mayor Peddie's proclamation was all that the most devoted well-wisher of Newark could expect: "Whereas, it is eminently fitting on such an occasion," reads the second clause, "that we should desist from our daily avocations, and honor the men, who, under the blessings of God, and through privation and suffering, and by ministry and energy, planted the tree, the golden fruits of which we enjoy to-day." And the con- cluding paragraph has a tone of civic pride and sincerity : "Therefore, I, Thomas B. Peddie, Mayor of the city of Newark, do hereby direct that the public offices be closed on Thursday, the 17th instant, and I recommend that the day be observed as a public holiday, that the people may unite in said celebration, and that we may show our appreciation of the character and virtues of the noble band of Christian men and women who founded our beautiful and prosperous city."

Thursday morning, when the people arose from their slumbers, outdoor life was dark and dreary. Rain-clouds had fast hold of the skies. Beautiful decorations on build- ings were drooping. Though the rain trickled down on Mother Earth in more than generous quantities, it was decreed later in the day that the celebration must go on.

Colonel Joseph W. Plume, who served his country in the Civil War, was designated grand marshal. His regiment, the Second Rifle Corps, was invited to take part in the parade. When the colonel noted the weather conditions after break-

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fast, he took for granted that the parade would be post- poned and proceeded to business in New York.

A partially cleared sky at noon induced some one to order the parade for the afternoon, regardless of the arranged church exercises. Colonel Plume was in his New York office all unconscious of the change in the day's schedule. Tele- phones were not in use nor were they for thirteen years after- ward, but the marshal could have been reached by telegraph.

Soon after dinner the streets resounded with the music of the marching host proceeding to rendezvous at Military Park. Rain was falling copiously, and as the line formed shortly after 2 o'clock, paraders and spectators received a drenching. In a drizzling mist the parade continued down Broad Street.

Next to the military division, in which were Captain Gerth's Newark City Cavalry, Captain Water's Newark City Battery, and the Second Regiment Rifle Corps, the fire department created the greatest interest.

"No. 5," as the old gooseneck engine, one of the first used in fire-fighting in the early part of the century, was af- fectionately known, had the position of honor; next came the oldtime hand engines, and the six steam engines which had just superseded them. "No. 5" was in charge of the exempt firemen.

Bands of music followed at short intervals. Former chief engineers of the fire department, John R. Crockett, Abner D. Jones, Charles Crossley, George H. Jones, William H. Whittemore, and Henry C. Soden, with former assistant engineers, were all in line. David Benedict, foreman of Neptune Hose Company, No. 1, was in after years chief of the department.

"Oldest inhabitants "had a place in line, civic societies also, and a leading position was given to Governor Marcus L. Ward of Newark, one of the most honorable and public- spirited men ever holding the high office of New Jersey's Chief Executive.

The New Jersey Historical Society was holding, according

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to program, its exercises of a dignified character in the First Church. Drums rattled, brass instruments blared outside the edifice, and the shouting of the people recognizing friends and kindred were plainly heard within doors.

John Rutherford, vice-president of the society, presided and the platform was filled with distinguished citizens. Governor Ward left the parade after it had passed down Broad Street and entered the church with his staff. Mayor Thomas B. Peddie and representatives of various historical, genealogical and antiquarian societies were also in attend -. ance.

Dr. Samuel H. Pennington, chairman of the executive committee, was master of ceremonies. Rev. Dr. Jonathan F. Stearns managed to finish the prayer without much diffi- culty, the ode was given with accompaniment of organ (and by brass band and drum corps). Mr. Whitehead had delivered a masterful paper so that all could hear about the early settlers, and Dr. Thomas Ward gave his poem.

Rustling here and there, the congregation was preparing itself for an hour of quiet as the orator, Mr. Kinney, arose for rounding out the program. Much was expected of him on that memorable May afternoon, and he was prepared for the occasion with one of the noblest efforts of an eventful public career. As a hush came over the people and the lips of the speaker began moving a band in the procession came along and started playing "Rally 'Round the Flag," with more or less confusion outside the edifice.

Mr. Kinney was born of an ancestry one of whose chief qualifications was determination to proceed with a task when once begun. The paraders proved conquerers, how- ever, and the speaker was compelled to pause abruptly in his address and take his chair.

Sternhold and Hopkins' version of the 100th Psalm was sung and the benediction was given by Rev. Dr. J. Fewsmith, pastor of the Second Church.

"All is well that ends well." The day ended with a re- ception in the rooms of the Historical Society. And the

The Home for Disabled Soldiers at Kearny

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rain continued falling through the evening and well on in the night. Thus ended the 200th anniversary celebration of Newark's founding.

Eaglewood Cadets of Perth Amboy invited to take part in the jubilee parade believed that postponement was made till Tuesday. It was a beautiful May day, and they came to Newark in full force, ready to take part in the parade with Rubsam's brass band. Disappointed they were when told that they were five days late.

"We'll have a parade, anyway," said the officer in com- mand.

So they marched here and there about the city till they were sore of feet and hungry. After dinner the line of march was taken up to Market Street Station and they left for home.

One of the events of the fifty-year-ago period was the dedication of St. James's Church on June 17. The ser- mon at the dedication was preached by Rev. J. T. Hecker of the Paulist Fathers, whose text was from the third verse of the 109th Psalm, "Glory and riches shall be in thy house."

Newark organized the first New England Society of New Jersey in the spring of 1886 in the old Library Hall. Its first public appearance was in an order of exercises on the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17 of that year.

The Thomas P. Way, a popular Passaic River steamer, was welcomed home as an old friend in May, 1866. It had been on duty in government service in Southern waters dur- ing the war. On May 11 a grand excursion in its honor proceeded by way of Newark and New York Bay into the Hudson as far as Yonkers. On the return trip the excur- sionists went out to the ocean and around the lightship. The boat was declared to be as "sound as a dollar."

Incendiarism was annoying the fire and police depart- ments. On the night of April 23, No. 10 engine house was fired and damage done. Gipsy wagons frequently passed along Broad Street in April and May; soldiers' burials were

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rain continued falling through the evening and well on in the night. Thus ended the 200th anniversary celebration of Newark's founding.

"We'll have a parade, anyway," said the officer in com- mand.

So they marched here and there about the city till they were sore of feet and hungry. After dinner the line of march was taken up to Market Street Station and they left for home.

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almost of daily occurrence; shad were coming to Commercial Wharf at the rate of 1,000 a day, says a report of April 18; the Fire Department was called out by a false alarm to a point "Down Neck" (most "provokingly humbugged" was the way a reporter put it) on a stormy night. in mid-April, and flags were displayed at half-staff on April 14 in re- membrance of the first anniversary of Lincoln's death.

A new car was added to the Orange and Newark Horse Railroad Company and was the wonder of the day; balloon . ascensions at Crump's Park were the most thrilling amuse- ment of the spring and early summer, while the Eureka base- ball nine, with a number of crack players, was playing fast ball (it was the era when a runner was "pegged" with the ball; that is, when running for a base the ball was thrown at him and if landed he was "out"); other nines came into ex- istence as the season advanced and games were played till nearly November 1.

On June 25 Governor Ward was riding on a Broad Street horse car when about twenty members of a brass band were taken aboard. With the horses jogging along, the band played "See the Conquering Hero Comes!" The Governor enjoyed the rather embarrassing situation.

Newark had a smallpox epidemic in the spring of 1866, but no alarm was expressed, though 500 cases were reported to the Board of Health.

Independence Day in 1866 was clear and warm, a gentle southwest wind blowing. A feature of the parade was the appearance of several hundred veterans of the Civil War. General Ezra L. Carman was commander. Veterans of the War of 1812 also took part, and the Fountain Hose Company of Bridgeport came over to help in the demonstration as the guest of the Newark Fire Department.

Colonel Samuel McKee, member of Congress from Ken- tucky, gave an address at the exercises in Halsey Street Methodist Episcopal Church in the afternoon and electrified his hearers with his patriotic utterances. During the day 13,398 visitors were brought into the city by horse cars,

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Orange sending by its line 4,551 fares. An exciting incident of the day, "somewhere along the line," was the crumbling away of a back platform, many people falling to the roadway. No damage was done except to personal dignity.

The Broad Street line brought in 5,483 passengers and from Belleville came 1,825. Newark was the centre of a happy, rejoicing people on this anniversary of the country's natal day. No account was taken of steam railroad, stage, or private conveyance traffic. It is probable that 25,000 visitors were in Newark. On the eve of Independence Day the new armory of the Second Regiment in Oraton Hall, on Broad Street, was dedicated. Colonel Plume, commandant, was master of ceremonies.

CHAPTER LI FAMOUS INDUSTRIAL EXPOSITION

New glory to workingmen, whose cunning hands to-day

Have wrought the wondrous things we see spread out in grand array!

Not as of old as the conqueror with blood-bought trophies decked Appears this scene, the wealth of skill of many an architect; For freeman's hands have forged the iron and worked the shining gold,

In wood and leather, glass and brass, each labored to unfold Some delicate fabric, deftly planned and fair and useful, too, And each has fairly triumphed-builded better than he knew.

T THUS sang a choir of mixed voices at the Newark In- dustrial Exposition on the night of August. 30, 1872, while an audience of 8,000 approved the sentiment by cheer- ing. After an experimental period of ten days the greatest civic enterprise of the United States had proved a success.

Nothing like it had before been attempted in the country, and visitors were attracted from every corner of the world. Newark was in holiday attire, was proud of her manufactur- · ing interests, proud of her many institutions in other lines of activity, and happy in her long and eventful history.

Under the leadership of Albert M. Holbrook, the rink was opened on the night of August 20, when the greater part of the 30,000 feet of floor space was taken by local manufac- turers for exhibiting their special lines. J. H. G. Harris operated a calcium light at the Four Corners, directing the throng of visitors coming in from out of town to the show. This, it must be remembered, was ten years before the advent of electric lighting.

Former Governor Marcus L. Ward, president of the board of managers, delivered the opening address, and speeches

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were also given by Mayor F. W. Ricord and General Theo- dore Runyon, a former Mayor. It was Newark night and no outside talent was permitted in the program.

Of exhibitors on September 1, when the exposition was well under way, there were about 1,000, and the array of Newark-made articles was bewildering. The harness ex- hibit alone was valued at $10,000, and gold-plated sleighbells were displayed costing from $75 to $200 per set. The Gould Manufacturing Company showed a steam fire engine and thirty different styles of leather were from the tanneries.

Among the varied exhibits were 100 styles of table oil-

The Skating Rink, Where the Famous Industrial Exposition Was Held

cloth, books from Newark printing houses, two sewing ma- chines run by steam, pearl buttons, ribbons, and all kinds of notions, 100 different qualities of varnish, paint, etc., and an art gallery in which local artists were represented. A large fountain played every night, pure Passaic River water cooling the atmosphere as it sprayed out into the basin, and a brass band furnished music. No articles were on sale, but orders were taken.

On the night of August 29 the bust of Seth Boyden, Newark's noted inventor, now in Washington Park, was pre-

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sented to the people, the address being made by Dr. San- ford B. Hunt, soldier, physician and editor.

Another popular night was on September 12, when Miss Sophia P. Ricord, daughter of the Mayor, exhibited an excel- lently chiseled bust of her distinguished father. She received the congratulations of several thousand persons attending.

Secretary Holbrook maintained the interest in the exposi- tion by inviting prominent persons to visit the city. There was an abundance of hospitality and the hotels accommo- dated increasing crowds.

Metropolitan newspapers were generous in reporting the various events.

From one of the articles the following is taken:

In Newark industry and thrift prevail on every hand.

Very few people are idle.

Best relations exist between employer and employee.

General health of city is good the year around.

An efficient department keeps the streets clean.

Street cars are clean and comfortable.

Everything is done on the steady and save plan.",

The Sunday Free Press of Scranton, Pa., said many pleas- ant things of that historical period. "We are completely charmed with the beauties of Newark," wrote the editor after a visit here. "Its nicely paved streets, broad sidewalks, mag- nificent buildings, parks, and beautiful shade trees are in- numerable. I saw the beautiful Passaic River in all its splendor and the court house and the postoffice, venerable and stately. Earlier in the morning, just after breakfast, I took a walk through the beautiful parks, in which are truly splendid fountains of crystal water. Large shade trees and gravel walks are strewed about all of them. The city com- plete is large, grand, and businesslike. It is just such a city as one would like to live in."

Secretary Holbrook proved himself a master in the art of conducting expositions. The national political campaign was working up to the climax and Horace Greeley, editor

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of the Tribune, Democratic candidate for President, accepted an invitation to visit Newark on September 16.

He arrived in the early evening over the Erie Railroad and was escorted to the home of J. H. Dennison, member of the Tribune editorial staff at 150 Belleville Avenue, where he was entertained at dinner, a number of local Democratic politicians attending. When Mr. Greeley appeared at the exposition Governor Ward acted as host, personally escort- ing him during the evening. Politics were forgotten and a crowd of 10,000 persons cheered mightily the Democratic standard bearer. In his speech accepting the cordial greet- ing extended by Governor Ward, Mr. Greeley said a number of agreeable things about Newark.

The banner day of the fifty-two through which the ex- position extended was September 19, when General Grant, President of the United States, paid an official visit to New Jersey.

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Narratives of Newark (in New Jersey) from the days of its founding, Part 22

Author: Pierson, David Lawrence Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Newark, N.J. : Pierson Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 478

Author: Pierson, David Lawrence
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Newark, N.J. : Pierson Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 478