USA > New Jersey > Atlantic County > Atlantic City > The Daily union history of Atlantic City and County, New Jersey : containing sketches of the past and present of Atlantic City and County > Part 18
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At this time, the success of Atlantic City as an all-the-year resort is assured. It is the only resort in America that can attract tourists four seasons in the year; it is the only resort in America that has a combination of business men who will stop at no expense that Atlantic City may continue in this enviable position. Con- tinuing in the future as the city has in the past, it is a question of but a very short time when we reach the position as the popular all-the-year health and pleasure resort so far removed from any possible successful competition that to be a citizen of this progressive city will be a matter of pride to all.
This is merely another demonstration of what newspaper publicity will do, combined with perseverance, enterprise and skill.
WALTER E. EDGE.
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327
OUR CITY HOSPITAL
Our City hospital.
HE first attempt to provide a hospital in this city was made a dozen years or so ago when one of the rooms in the old City Hall was set apart for emergency cases. In 1891 or 1892 the ladies and others interested effected an organization and held receptions at the Mansion and United States hotels and raised the first hospital fund, about $1,100. Later when this money with the interest amounted to $1,253, it was turned over as a free bed fund to Superintend- ent Rochford, of the Sanitorium Association, who under a contract with City Council was doing the hospital work of the city. By means of progressive euchre parties, an Academy concert and other schemes promoted by Mr. Rochford, this fund finally amounted to $3,000.
For five years the hospital work was done at the Sanitorium under contract with council or the board of governors at an expense as follows:
1894. Paid for rent, $500; 42 weeks at $5, $210.25. Total, $710.25.
1895. Paid for rent, $900; 44 weeks at $5, $224.25. Total, $1, 124.25.
1896. Paid for rent, $1,200; 116 weeks at $5, $583.65. Total, $1,783.65.
1897. Paid for rent, $1,200; 248 weeks, I day, at $5, $1,241. Total, $2,441.
1898. Paid for rent, $1, 100; 157 weeks at $7, $1, 101. Total, $2,201. Total for five years, $8,260.15.
The first year the work was done at the Carrolton on New York avenue, and the four years following at the Sanitorium at Pacific and Mt. Vernon avenues. It was at the latter place that those injured in the Baltic avenue Casino crash during the Elks convention, July 5, 1895, were cared for. Also the sixty odd persons injured in the meadow railroad accident July 30, 1896.
During these five years the city was favored in having ample hospital facilities but the rates were so low that they were provided at a loss and disadvantage to the Sanitorium Association.
On February 12, 1897, a meeting of representative citizens was called by Mr. Rochford at the Sanitorium to organize a hospital association. The result was a regular incorporated body and the selection of the following board of governors, except that Mr. C. J. Adams has succeeded William G. Hoopes, deceased. Presi- dent, Franklin P. Stoy; secretary, A. M. Heston; treasurer, Lewis Evans; Chas. Evans, Stewart R. McShea, Louis Kuehnle, James D. Southwick, Harry S. Scull, J. Leonard Baier, M. A. Devine, H. H. Deakyne, M. V. B. Scull. Isaac Bacharach, J. F. Hall.
The certificate of incorporation bears the date of April 9, 1897, when the con- stitution and by-laws were adopted and a permanent organization effected which has since continued. In September of that year council appropriated $2,500 for hospital expenses and placed that sum at the discretion of the board of governors. The next year the appropriation was $4,000, the Henry J. White property on south Ohio avenue having been purchased and the building enlarged and renovated at an expense of $3,000 for hospital purposes. The building contained twelve good rooms, the lot 100 x 175 feet and the price paid $16,000.
MRS. BOICE.
PETER BOICE.
OUR CITY HOSPITAL
Mr. Charles Evans, of the Seaside, was the first person to donate $t,000 cash which was applied to the purchase money.
The Woman's Auxiliary organized November 27. 1897, and contributed several hundred dollars worth of furniture and furnishings. Individual members furnished rooms and contributed supplies. This organization consists of Mrs. J. F. Hall, president : Mesdames J. D. Southwick, H. S. Scull and Sarah W. Leeds, vice-presidents; Mrs. John Glover Shreve, secretary; Mrs. Carl Voelker, financial secretary; Mrs. M. A. Devine, treasurer, and nearly one hundred other ladies.
In April, 1899, Miss Elizabeth C. Boice, of Absecon, expressed a desire to erect a brick annex to the Hospital as a memorial to her father. the late Henry Boice. The board of governors greatly appreciated her generous offer and
CITY HOSPITAL SHOW,NG BOICE ANNEX.
Secretary Heston and others discussed plans and suggestions with Miss Boice and reported from time to time to the board. Architect Harold F. Adams prepared plans and estimates which were finally approved.
On Thanksgiving Day, 1899, at a public reception in this handsome brick building, which cost slightly more than $10,000, Mrs. Elizabeth Nourse, nee Boice, in a very appropriate and pleasing address formally presented the keys and deed
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DAILY UNION HISTORY OF ATLANTIC COUNTY.
to President Stoy, that the institution might ever be as intended, a memorial to her father. One of the rooms was designated as a memorial to her mother, Mrs. Kate M. Boice.
Several other generous friends furnished rooms and Mrs. Peter V. Brown gave $5,000 cash to endow a room as a memorial to her late husband who died in this city.
The development and progress of this institution has been very gratifying. It is in constant need of funds and supplies to meet expenses which are nearly $100 per week and to liquidate the mortgage of $16,000 against the property. Plans have been discussed for a large central building where visiting invalids, pay patients, could be properly cared for and the institution made more nearly self- supporting.
Board of health.
TLANTIC CITY for twenty years has been fortunate in having an efficient Board of Health, pioneers in establishing new rules and regulations for a health resort, vigorously seeking to keep down and out all contagious diseases and strictly maintaining proper sanitary conditions. The grading of low lots, disposal of garbage and other filth were at first serious problems. It required years of study and experiment to secure not only efficient sewerage, but a garbage crematory, where tons of waste may be daily disposed of at minimum cost.
Among the early members of the health board were: Dr. Boardman Reed, Dr. F. B. Lippincott, Dr. J. J. Comfort, Thomas McGuire, George Hayday, Sr., Mahlon C. Frambes, Joseph H. Borton, John L. Bryant. Among the later mem- bers were Edward S. Lee, Wm. G. Hoopes, Harry S. Scull, Wm. B. Louden- slager, Dr. A. W. Baily, Elwood John son, Thos. McDevitt, Dr. M. D. Youngman, and others who have done much to preserve prime sanitary conditions and make it easier these days to dispose of all waste at great advantage. Low lots have dis- .appeared, garbage is gathered daily and destroyed by fire in a costly crematory, and a house to house canvass of the city at frequent intervals is a safeguard of the prompt abatement of all nuisances.
The remarkable growth and popularity of the city have largely resulted from the good work done by the Board of Health.
County Medical Society.
The Atlantic County Medical Society was organized in 1880 by Dr. Job Somers of Linwood; Drs. Madden and Waters of Absecon; Dr. Boyson of Egg Harbor; Drs. Abbott and Ingersoll of May's Landing, and Drs. Willard Wright and Boardman Reed of Atlantic City. Dr. Somers was elected President, Dr. Theo. Boysen, Secretary and Dr. Madden, Treasurer. Dr. T. K. Reed was selected as the first essayist of the Society. At the close of Dr. Job Somers' term .of office he read a very interesting paper on the medical history of the county from the earliest colonial days.
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931
THE ATLANTIC CITY HOMOEOPATHIC CLUB.
The Society continued to prosper. It met in the old City Hall in this city. Many able men from Philadelphia and other cities addressed the Society from time to time. During the year of 1897 a local medical society, the "Academy of Medi- .cine," was organized, taking the place in part of the county society.
The Atlantic City homeopathic Club.
N the evening of May 17, 1807. in response to an invitation sent to all the homoeopathic physicians of Atlantic County, there met at the office of Dr. M. D. Youngman, the following physicians: Drs. Bull, Bieling, Balliet, Baily, Crosby, Corson, Fleming, Redman and Sooy, of Atlantic City; and Gardiner, of Absecon; and after discussion, unanimously determined to band themselves into a club for the advancement of Homoeopathy and the mutual advantage of each member. A constitution was adopted, name selected, and the following officers elected to serve until the annual meeting in January: President, John R. Fleming; Secretary, John L. Redman ; Treasurer, L. D. Balliet.
The club holds its meetings monthly, except during the months of July and Angust, at the houses of the various members, at which meetings papers are read and discussed, cases are reported, and prevailing diseases and their treatment brought to the notice of the members.
Since the organization of the club Drs. Mary Miller, Lydia H. Cromwell and Alfred W. Westney have been elected to membership, and Drs. Redman, Bull and Beiling have lost their membership, having removed from the city. Dr. Gardiner has changed his location from Absecon to Atlantic City.
At the annual meeting of January, 1898, Dr. Fleming was re-elected Presi- dent, and Dr. Balliet was re-elected Treasurer, Dr. Corson being elected Secretary. In 1899, at the annual meeting, all the old officers were re-elected, and Dr. Crom- well elected Assistant Secretary.
In April, 1897, just one month after the organization of the club, Drs. Baily, Bull, Fleming, Crosby, Munson and Youngman were appointed a committee to attend the meeting of the American Institute of Homoeopathy at Buffalo in June, and invite that body to meet in Atlantic City in 1898. The committee did their work, secured a club room at the Genesee Hotel, which they decorated, and had the pleasure of seeing many of the Institute members in their room. But the Institute pleaded a previous engagement and went to Omaha. To the Omaha meeting the club sent another invitation, which was unanimously accepted, and in June. 1899. the club had the pleasure of entertaining the Institute in Atlantic City.
The club now numbers twelve members, and has at its monthly meeting an average attendance of ten. Of the members, Drs. Fleming, Baily, Balliet. Munson, Sooy, Corson, Gardiner and Westney are graduates of Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia: Drs. Crosby and Youngman of the New York Homoeopathic Medical College: Dr. Cromwell of Hahnemann Medical Col- lege of Chicago; and Dr. Miller of New York Medical College and Hospital for Women.
MORRIS GUARDS.
THE MORRIS GUARDS.
The Morris Guards.
Seventy-two young men responded to a circular call for a meeting, held in the parlor of Malatesta's hotel on Saturday, March 12, 1887, to consider the organization of a social-military company which has since been known as the Morris Guards. The call for the meeting was sent out and signed by Edwin Smith, Jr., and Russell G. Bing. At a subsequent meeting held on March 18, 1887. these civil officers were elected: President. Jas. S. Beckwith; Vice-President, Geo. W. Connely; Secretary, R. G. Bing; Assistant Secretary. W. A. Hamman; Treas- urer. Fred. P. Currie; and the following officers in the military department: Captain, Ed. Smith, Jr .; First Lieutenant, Russell G. Bing, and Second Lieutenant, Fred. P. Currie, beside five Sergeants and eight Corporals in the non-commis- sioned class.
The names of the boys who stood shoulder to shoulder in this manly endeavor to maintain an organization for the purpose of securing military training and pro- moting social intercourse: Joseph L. Shaner, Dahlgren Albertson, Frank Keates, H. R. Albertson, John P. Tompkins, Alfred H. Turner, C. W. Bolte, L. S. Con- over, Clifton C. Shinn, S. C. Hinkle. W. J. Middleton, Harold F. Adams, James S. Beckwith, William G. Bullock, C. W. Borden. Thomas Brady, Jr., Robert Brady. W. S. Clarkson, Edward Evans, A. S. Faunce, U. G. France, Frank Glenn, Evan J. Hackney, Wm. A. Hutchinson, John J. Harkins, H. J. Irvin, Joel Leeds, Jos. McIlvaine, Chas. T. Murphy, Chas. W. Oat, Joseph Obert, Lewis L. Rose, C. Sumner Reed, E. E. Richer, John S. Westcott, E. C. Shaner, H. D. Turner, S. S. Vansant, Silas Wootton, William H. Burkard, Harry Powell. A. P. Johnson, Clarence Myers, besides the officers named above.
The company, which was greatly augmented from time to time, under the skillful guidance of Captain Edwin Smith, an old State Fencible man, rapidly acquired the foot movements utilizing small halls and, in fair weather, the streets, as their training grounds. In May, 1887, the first fair was held and with it came the first uniforms, the fatigue. On May 11. 1887, the company was legally incor- porated. In October following the Company purchased their rifles, the Governor having vetoed the bill passed by the Legislature authorizing a loan of arms.
About this time Colonel Daniel Morris, who had from the very start of the organization materially aided it, started to erect the Armory building on New York avenue where the company has been quartered to this day. It was first occupied for military purposes on the evening of January 26. 1888, and has been the scene of many distinguished gatherings, elaborate functions and merry socials
In an incredibly short time the Guardsmen became very proficient in martial movements and the use of the rifle and on many occasions in succeeding years and to this time, have proved their superiority as a well drilled body of men. Their "exhibition drill squad" has always been a synonym for discipline and skill in soldierly maneuver and, although frequently under the critical gaze of some high military personage, promptness and precision have never been missing.
After the company had been instituted some four or five years there was an
COL. DANIEL MORRIS.
335-
THE MORRIS GUARDS.
infusion of newer blood in the ranks and energetic, willing hands took up the work of the pioneers. The latter never failing in their loyalty, and the former ever anxious to accept the promising future ahead. Upon Capt. Smith's resignation, Harold F. Adams, then a Lieutenant, became Captain. After a brief period of practical usefulness he, too, resigned and Lieutenant Lewis T. Bryant was pro- moted to the command of the Guards, the duties of which office he has so faithfully and successfully performed.
Captain Bryant is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Military Academy and com- bines a kindly, courteous disposition with a thorough knowledge of military science and the details of discipline. Other changes took place in the course of time. Upon Capt. Bryant's promotion, Robert E. Stephany was elevated to the First Lieutenancy. In the earlier days Dr. Eugene L. Reed was made Assistant Surgeon with rank of First Lieutenant.
In the line of Second Lieutenants. William H. Bartlett succeeded Fred. P. Currie resigned, and upon his resignation, Robert H. Ingersoll, Esq., was elected. Afterward Lieutenant Ingersoll resigned and C. Stanley Grove, was elected and served in a most acceptable manner as the "leader of the Second platoon."
Of late years many substantial and decorative improvements have been made- in the Armory and to-day it stands as a model home of a meritorions organization. Military details, while strictly adhered to, are not permitted to crowd out the sunny side of life and in this splendidly equipped building the Morris Guards have, by a long series of brilliant social affairs, earned for themselves, and justly too, the reputation of being premier entertainers. The active members are assisted by the life and contributing members on these occasions and, from Early Fall until Sum- mer Comes again, the armory resounds with social merriment and pleasure reigns supreme. In their business affairs the Guards are well governed and their person- nel is that of the best young element in the city.
Providence has smiled graciously on the members and their undertakings. The doleful notes of "taps" have sounded but three times in the active ranks out- side of their annual encampment. Those three who have gone beyond came from the charter members-they were. Hutchinson, Beckwith and Glenn.
Athletics have a warm place in the Guardsman's heart and their splendid array of apparatus, combined with the health giving effects of the yearly encampment,. serves to keep them in good physical shape.
There is little lacking in any way in this body of men and for what they have achieved an appreciative public will surely wish them renewed successes.
In looking backward a decade and more one cannot fail to see what grand liberality, aided by energetic, ambitious work, will achieve.
In other years the company had minstrel "shows," as they were termed, which netted some coin of the realm as well as vast amusement for both the public and participants and notable among these events was the performance of the Guards Minstrels, soon after the horrible Johnstown disaster, for the benefit of the suffer- ers. The old Opera House on Atlantic avenue was the place where they appeared, and a crowded house greeted the players. Ovr six hundred dollars were netted for the cause of humanity.
ROBERT H. INGERSOLL, ESQ.
337
THE MORRIS GUARDS.
After that memorable evening there was a cessation of minstrelsy among the Guards for several years when a very elaborate performance was given in the Armory. Extensive preparations had been made for another which was prevented by the destruction of the place by fire February 7, 1898. They however decided to enlarge the stage in the Armory which they did and gave the entertainment successfully.
When President Mckinley issued his first call for troops in the war with Spain a number of members of the Morris Guards were anxious to enter the service, but Governor Voorhees decided that preference should be given to the National Guards in making up the quota of troops for service. Assurances were given that in case of a second call the Guards should receive recognition.
Acting on this suggestion, a meeting was held at the Armory on the evening of June 20, 1898, and officers elected. Ten days later, on June 30, an official call for another regiment of volunteers was issued by Governor Voorhees. The same night a meeting of the Morris Guards Volunteers was held at the Armory and a number of members signed the enlistment roll. The next day the company was officially accepted. Drills were begun July 5 and held every night thereafter until the Company left for the front. The recruits, 113 in number, were examined July 8. and 91 accepted-the best record in the State.
The volunteers were tendered a public reception on the new steel pier, pre- ceded by a banquet at the Hotel Dennis, on the evening of July 11. The pier was crowded, hundreds of representative citizens being present. The next day, Tues- day, July 12, 1898, the Company departed for Camp Voorhees, Sea Girt, N. J., When the men assembled at the Armory, 120 strong, every one was taken by the hand by Col. Daniel Morris, the patron of the Guards, and wished God-speed and a safe return. The boys were escorted to the train by the G. A. R. veterans and other organizations. There were stirring and dramatic scenes at the railroad station, and many eyes were dimmed with tears as the train rolled away. amid the cheers of the assembled multitude, bearing the volunteers to the defense of their country's honor.
The Company was sworn into the United States service July 14, 1898. They remained in camp at Sea Girt till October 8th, when they were transferred to Camp Meade, near Gettysburg, Pa., where they remained till November 12th. They arrived in Camp Wetherill, at Greenville, S. C .. November 13th, and remained there till they were mustered out, April 6, 1899.
The present officers of the Company are Captain Lewis T. Bryant; First Lientenant, C. Stanley Grove; Second Lieutenant, Harry E. Smith; Sergeants, Walter Clark, D. W. Kerr, W. A. Stephany, Phillip N. Besser, William Voss; Quartermaster, William F. Pfaff; Corporals, William Dill, Samnel lob, and George Bailey.
338
DAILY UNION HISTORY OF ATLANTIC COUNTY.
Golf at the Country Club.
HE Country Club, composed of prominent citizens has provided handsomely for the lovers of golf, who visit this resort.
On a beautiful rise of ground on the mainland six miles away a model club house has been built and eighteen-link grounds laid out that are much enjoyed by golfers.
All conveniences are provided and the soil is of such a character that wet sea- sons hardly interfere with this health-giving game. The grounds are easily acces- sible by rail, bicycle or carriage over good roads and are greatly appreciated.
From the perfectly appointed club house, a fine example of colonial archi- tecture, one may look over miles of cultivated fields that slope to vast and pictur- esque areas of bay and meadow land, and beyond all oceanward, Atlantic City, Ventnor, South Atlantic and Longport, with the prominent buildings rising and vibrating as in a mirage along the horizon line.
Golf (in its older forms golf, gouff, gowff, the latter of which gives the genuine old pronunciation), is an amusement formerly so peculiar to Scotland, that it was well and truly termed the national game of that country.
Not many years ago, however, the game was taken up in England, where it at once became immensely popular; finally it was brought over to America, and to-day throughout this country, and in England as well, it is the most popular, as well as one of the most healthful of all open air games, and the fact that it brings all the muscles of the human body into healthy action commends it to all and makes it a really desirable game, though there are those who look upon it unjustly as a senseless pastime.
1
COUNTRY CLUB AT NORTHFIELD.
339
DRIVES AND GOOD ROADS.
Drives and Good Roads.
In contrast with the good county roads that have been built the past few years at public expense: twenty-two miles from AAbsecon to Hammonton: seven miles from Egg Harbor City to Mays Landing; seven miles on this island to Longport, and five miles of private turnpike across the meadows to the mainland, the following description of the first public road laid out in this county is inter- esting. It was first laid out in 1716 leading from Nacote Creek (Port Republic). along the shore to Somers Ferry at Somers Point. This road was altered and laid out by six surveyors from Burlington county, and six from Gloucester county. Their returns bears date the 15th day of March, 1731.
Previous to giving the location of the road, they recite, that the former road that was laid out for the inhabitants of the township of Egg Harbor in the county of Gloucester, to travel from the east end of the shore to Somers' Ferry by reason of the swamps and marsh through which the road passed, had found it to be inconvenient for the inhabitants to travel, and had made application to Thomas Wetherill and five other surveyors from Burlington County and to John Eslick of Gloucester County. These twelve surveyors having found the former road inconvenient made the following alterations, viz:
Beginning at Naked Creek, and from thence as the same was formerly laid out and now beat, to Jeremiah Adams' bridge. Thence over the same, and so on, as the road is now beat, till it comes near William Mead's house. Then by a line of marked trees, on the northwest side of said road, till it comes past the said Mead's house. Then along the beaten road, till it comes to John Steelman's land. So then by a line of marked trees, on the northwest side of the beaten road, till it comes near across said Steelman's land. Then along said beaten road to Absequon bridge. Then over the same, and so along the beaten road till it comes near Jeremiah Risley's house. Then by a line of marked trees, on the northwest side of the beaten road. part over Daniel Lake's land and part over the said Risley's land, and so into the beaten road to Abel Scull's land. Thence crossing said Scull's land by a line of marked trees till it comes near David Conover's house, and from thence along the road as it now lyeth, to the landing near Richard Sumer's house.
First Quail and TRabbit.
Richard. a brother of Ryan Adams, first brought live rabbits and quail to this island, sometime after 1800 and previous to 1820. They soon became very plenti- ful for a number of years, till one very severe winter when a deep snow and un- commonly high tide very nearly exterminated the quail and destroyed many of the rabbits. The latter living among the shrubbery on the high land were able to stand the storm better than the birds, which buried under the snow on the meadows were overcome by the high tides and were nearly or quite exterminated.
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