Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 165

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452

USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations > Part 165

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and distinction in both public and private life. Mr. Woollett was a man of strong individuality, distinguished for intolerance of everything false or equivocal, and of the most inflexible honesty in all his dealings. These characteristics are well re- membered by our builders and contractors, who re- call many instructive incidents connected with his professional career.

The principal features of his work were thorough and scientific construction, a uniform avoidance of all shams and doubtful expedients, and general excellence and utility both of design and execution. Among the important buildings erected under his supervision may be mentioned the Delavan House, the Albany Savings Bank, the First Congregational Church, etc., in this city; the Jermain Memorial Church at West Troy; a large number of private residences, and a great variety of high-class work throughout the State. Mr. Edward Ogden, of this city, was for some years connected with him as junior partner.

Mr. Woollett was a Fellow of the American In- stitute of Architects, and member of the Royal So- ciety of Architects of London, and he constantly advanced the standing and dignity of the profession by every means in his power.

Of his private life and virtues, no adequate ac- count can be given in the few lives at our disposal, but it hardly needs the saying that his memory and influence will ever remain powerful factors in the lives of those who were near and dear to him. Mr. Woollett's home was at Loudonville, where for nearly eighteen years he was Superintendent of the Watervliet Union Sabbath School. He was also President of the Young Men's Christian Association in 1859 and 1860, and a Trustee of the College of Missionaries, Syracuse University. In religious life he was always earnest and active, both as officer and member, in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

On May 2, 1874, this steadfast disciple of the Divine Architect passed suddenly away. He left a wife, Mrs. Mary (Mills) Woollett, to whom he was married May 24, 1848, and one son, William M. Woollett, who became his successor in business. A brief notice of the latter is given below.

William M. Woollett was born in Albany, July 6, 1850. In addition to first-rate ability, and an ardent love for the profession, he united the many advantages of thorough education. Graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1870, with highest honors, he speedily became associated with his father in practice, and at the latter's death in 1874, he assumed full control and carried on the business with energy and success. His work from the first exhibited a remarkable growth in skill and power, and his early death was a severe blow to the art interests of the city. We need only cite a few examples of his style at this time, and among them the three elegant residences on Englewood place, designed for Messrs. B. W. Wooster, Oscar L. Hascy and Henry Russell, are of the best. His last work was the Calvary Baptist Church, on State street. It was completed after his death, and is often mentioned as a fitting monument to his skill. He also designed the Fort Building; the fine tower

ART AND ARTISTS.

741

A LITTLE PHIL4

William Lhvollell.

of the Jermain Memorial Church at West Troy, completing his father's work there; and a host of other edifices in this city and vicinity.

Mr. Woollett published two books, "Villas and Cottages," a collection of designs made from time to time in the ordinary routine of business, and " Old Homes Made New," a series of plates showing how old and unattractive structures might be remodeled and beautified at comparatively small expense-a line in which he was particularly suc- cessful. Both of these books had a wide circula- tion and procured him commissions in all parts of the country.

At an early period of his professional life, unusual exposure brought on a heavy cold and this was fol- lowed by consumption. Though constantly ham- pered and restricted in his efforts by the progress of the disease, his wonderful courage and perseverance remained unimpaired to the end, and it was only on the day that his pencil was laid aside forever that his business was neglected.

His career though so brief was an exceedingly progressive one, full of richest promise. Like his father, he ever maintained the highest standard of truth and courtesy in all his affairs, and enjoyed universal confidence and esteem. He died on the 17th of October, 1880, at his home in Loudonville, working hopefully, cheerfully, to the very last.

He was only 34 years of age. His wife was Miss Fannie Nellegar, daughter of Joseph Nellegar, the

well known druggist, of Albany, to whom he was united in marriage, November 6, 1872, who, with four children, survives him.

SURVEYORS AND ENGINEERS.

Simeon DeWitt was born in Ulster County in 1756, and died in Ithaca in 1834. He graduated from Rutgers in 1776. He was chief of the topo- graphical staff under Washington. For fifty years, from the year 1784, he was Surveyor-General of the State, and did distinguished service in that capacity in locating lands, public roads, and especially in promoting the Erie Canal project. He was long time a resident of Albany, and active in promoting its literary, religious and material welfare. His name should be perpetuated in honor.

Evert Van Allen, now deceased, was the surveyor wlio laid out the most part of the City of Albany.

He was employed by the Mayor and Common Council to lay out streets and city lots, and his map is considered good authority, and is still re- ferred to in titles to lots, etc. He was also sur- veyor for the Patroon for many years, locating and surveying lots in the Manor of Rensselaerwyck.

Among the surveyors of olden times we find John R. Bleecker prominent. In more recent times, George W. Carpenter, now Superintendent of City Water-works, was City Surveyor, an office which has been now held for a long time with great

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

acceptance by Reuben H. Bingham, as noticed in another part of this work. Peter Hogan is a well- known engineer and surveyor of much practice; and Verplanck Colvin has gained an enviable fame as Superintendent of the Adirondack Survey, as has also James T. Gardineer, Superintendent of the much-needed State Survey.

Honorable W. H. Slingerland, of Slingerlands, member of the Assembly of 1880 from the first district of Albany County, was born in New Scot- land November 13, 1820. He is of Holland and English descent.

He was educated in the public and select schools of Albany, and is a civil engineer and surveyor. He located the line of the railroad adopted by the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad Company over the Helderberg Mountains; was engineer on the New Government Building at Albany; and was ap- pointed by the New Capitol Commissioners and. State authorities to measure, examine and report any defects in the New Capitol Building. He is a noted breeder of shorthorn (cream pot) stock. At the age of eighteen he was elected a Colonel in the

State Militia; afterwards held the position of Division Judge-Advocate. He was enrollment officer during the late war. He has also held the office of United States Loan Commissioner; was a delegate to the convention at which the Republican party was organized in this State; and has several times since been delegate to State conventions. As member of Assembly, he served on the Committees on Cities and Villages and on Public Printing.

He was nominated by the Republicans and elect- ed, overcoming a majority of 2,400 against his party. In his town he received the largest majority of any man who ever run for State or County office since the organization of the Republican party. He had charge of many important bills affecting both State and County, notably the amended elec- tion law of 1880, and the bill for rebuilding the new City Hall of Albany, and many other bills, all of which were enacted into laws weeks pre- vious to the adjournment that year. He prefers his profession of civil engineer and surveyor, in which he is considered an expert, to any political office.

MUSIC IN ALBANY.

gathering material for the History of Albany County, the author has collected much valuable musical information. The following was written by a gentleman to whom the generation of to-day are deeply indebted for musical tendencies which were fostered and cultivated nearly half a century ago in this city :

NEWARK, N. J., September 8, 1885.

DEAR SIR : I wish it was in my power to reply to you with more extended information. I have most cheerfully written such events and data as I could recollect, but they are rather meager, and will serve more as hints for in- vestigation relative to the facts. Leaving Albany in 1854, I have known almost nothing of musical matters in that city since. My residence in Albany dates from September, 1839. At that time the Rev. Dr. J. N. Campbell was Pastor of the First Presby- terian Church, then located on the corner of Pearl and Beaver streets. I took the leadership of the choir almost immediately, and it numbered about fifty ladies and gentlemen. Messrs. Ashley, Nelson and Charles Scovel, with their wives, were among the number; also Anthony M. Strong and sister; the Messrs. Russell, Philips, Whitney and Hall; Mrs. Henry, Miss Olmstead, the Misses Waite and Miss Robinson, afterward Mrs. Gavit, and others whom I do not now recall. At the Second Presby- terian Church, the Rev. Dr. Sprague, Pastor, Mr. George Warren, father of George W. Warren, now organist of St. Thomas' Church, New York, was chorister; and Dr. Flagler held the same position in the Middle Dutch Church. Mr. George Walker was at the North. Dutch Church and Mr. Solomon

Cone was at the Third Presbyterian Church. Mr. Russel Packard was at the Baptist Church, on North Pearl street; Colonel Levi S. Littlejohn was at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, and Mr. P. A. Mayer was organist and leader of the First Lutheran Church, corner of Pine and Lodge streets. Only a few of the churches at that time had organs, the Second Presbyterian, the Episcopal, on State street, St. Mary's Catholic, on Lodge street, and the Lu- theran. The city rejoiced in three music stores: Mr. Meacham, on State street, Boardman & Gray, corner North Pearl and State, and Mr. P. A. Mayer, on North Market street, now Broadway. Early in December, 1839, a large number of the musical people of Albany held a meeting in the First Pres- byterian Church to consider the feasibility of giving an oratorio entire. Among those present were Messrs. E. and H. Russell, A. M. Strong, L. Phillips, A. Scovel, J. G. Whitney, James Whitney, L. Steele, George Warren, George C. Treadwell, S. Pruyn, Dr. Flagler, Dr. Hinckley, Dr. Wheeler, Mr. George Walker, Mr. Packard, Colonel Littlejohn, Mr. Platt, and Philip A. Mayer. The meeting was very har- monious and enthusiastic, Dr. E. Russell acting as chairman, and resulted in the decision to give the oratorio of " The Creation " during the winter. The sum of $150 was subscribed, and a committee ap- pointed to make preliminary arrangements and assume the responsibility of all expenses in giving the performance. The oratorio was given three times with fine success, winning the marked ap- proval of the good people of Albany. It also proved a financial success, realizing $1,300. The expenses were $1,000. It was given in the Second

743

MUSIC IN ALBANY.

Presbyterian Church, April 9, 1840. After the suc- cess attending "The Creation," it was thought ad- visable to continue the meetings for practice, which were held during the summer, although no society was organized. Early in the autumn it was re- solved to give another oratorio the following winter, and that of "David," by Nieuwkomm, was re- hearsed and given in April, 1841, with about the same success as the one the year previous. Nothing more was attempted in oratorio music until 1850, when " The Seasons," by Haydn, was given by the Harmonia Society, an organization formed in December, 1849, for the purpose of culture in classical compositions, and not to seek applause by public entertainments. The "Seasons " called the Harmonia Society into public notice. The first president of the society was Mr. Marcus Col- burn, a very fine tenor, and Mr. Russell Packard .was the second. Soon after I was established in Albany, I was engaged by Mr. Samuel Steele, princi- pal of one of the public schools, to make the experi- ment of teaching music in his building in Union street. At that time music was not taught in any of the schools. I arranged to give two lessons a week for a specified time-six months, I think. The new branch proved so popular, there were more ap- plications for pupils than could be accommodated. Shortly after this first venture, I was engaged in teaching music in all the public schools, and this result was brought about through the influence of such men as the Hon. Thurlow Weed, Governor W. H.Seward, Senator Samuel Young, and Francis M. Dwight. All of these gentlemen, now deceased, were deeply interested in this branch of instruction in the schools of Albany. In 1844, there were sev- eral gentlemen engaged in the manufacture of pianos, namely: Meacham & Co., State street; Boardman & Gray, North Pearl street; F. P. Burns, State street, and James H. Grovesteen, corner Lodge and Columbia streets. About the same date I en- tered into partnership with the latter gentleman, and we opened a store in Stanwix Hall for the sale of pianos and a general music business. Later we removed to Bleecker Hall, and afterwards to the building occupied by the late J. H. Hidley, to whom I sold out in 1855. Luke F. Newland had a music store, in 1841, at 81 State street. If there are further inquiries suggested by what I have written, I shall be glad to reply to them.

Very truly yours, FERDINAND I. ILSLEY.

The oratorio of "The Creation," to which allu- sion is made above, was, as stated in the libretto, performed by the professors and amateurs of Al- bany. The writer of the above letter, Mr. Fer- dinand I. Ilsley, was Conductor. Mr. Burke was Leader of the Orchestra, and P. A. Mayer was Or- ganist. Dr. J. A. Flagler was President of the Committee of Management, and L. S. Littlejohn, Secretary. The vocal choir showed: sopranos, 40; altos, 20; tenors, 20; bassos, 15; orchestra, 24; and organist, 1, making the whole number of partici- pants 150. The oratorio of "The Seasons," which was performed, at the solicitation of the New York

State Agricultural Society, by the Albany Har- monia Society, September 3, 4, 5, and 6, 1850, had for its Conductor, F. I. Ilsley; Leader of Or- chestra, G. F. Bristow, of New York City; and so- loists, Mrs. C. L. Merrick, nee Ilsley, Francis L. Ilsley, and Marcus Colburn. The oratorio was re- peated October 21st and 22d.

The Executive Committee of the Harmonia So- ciety comprised the names of John G. Treadwell, Chairman; Jason Collier, Levi S. Littlejohn, Thomas Treadwell, Henry Russell, J. Augustus Reed, Eras- tus E. Platt, Darwin G. Eaton, George Warren, Sumner C. Webb, Philip A. Mayer, Russell Pack- ard, Horace H. Babcock, Ferdinand I. Ilsley.

A most interesting musical event took place in Albany, July 9, 1851, when Mlle. Jenny Lind's concert of sacred and miscellaneous pieces was given in the Third Presbyterian Church. She sang the air, "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth, " from Handel's Messiah; " On, Mighty Pens," from Hay- dn's Creation; the prayer, "Und ob die Wolke" (Der Freyschutz), Weber; scena and aria, “Casta Diva " (Norma), Bellini; Taubert's "Bird Song;" and Bishop's arrangement of "Home, Sweet Home." Mr. Otto Goldschmidt appeared twice in the evening, with Mendelssohn's "Lied Ohne Worte," prelude from E minor, and Liszt's "Ta- rantella " of Rossini. Signori Salvi and Belletti and Mr. Joseph Burke also took part in the con- cert, and Mr. Julius Benedict was conductor.

We regret that our information is so fragmentary, and that we are not able, for want of knowledge, time and space, to treat this theme so completely as its importance would seem to demand.

THE SINGING SOCIETY CÆCILIA

was organized February 3, 1866. A few of the first members were John Waas, Frank Rietz, Louis Wink, Anton Schneider, John Lindon, Christian Dalchen, Frank Engel, N. Wink.

First President, John Waas; First Director, Prof. William Boehm.

Present number of members, 149,

Cæcilia took part in the following prize sing- ing festivals: Prize singing at Utica, 1874; grand picnic and prize singing at Albany, 1882; grand picnic and prize singing at Albany, 1884; grand picnic and concert at Troy, 1884; concerts and balls at Albany, Troy, Amsterdam, Schenectady, etc. Cæcilia took part in the great saengerfest at Brooklyn, July, 1885.

THE UNION MUSICAL ASSOCIATION

was organized in October, 1858. Officers: R. L. Johnson, President; Henry Russell, Vice-President; J. C. Austin, Second Vice-President; W. F. Sherwin, Secretary; A. P. Stevens, Treasurer; Thomas Spen- cer Lloyd, Conductor; J. Augustus Reed, Organist; Charles M. Traver, Librarian.

On March 1, 1859, they gave their first concert, consisting of Mozart's Twelfth Mass, in the Meth- odist Church, Hudson avenue, with a chorus of 150 voices and an orchestra of Albany and New York musicians.

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

The soloists were Miss Lilly Brown, afterwards Mrs. Thomas Wiles, Mrs. Serviss and Miss Jennie Ferry, afterwards Mrs. E. P. Durant, soprani; Miss Sarah E. Bentley, alto; Messrs. Cutter and Cook, tenori; and Stonehouse and Whitney, bassi.

On the following 4th of July, the Young Men's Association held their public exercises in the Acad- emy Park, the musical part of which was fur- nished by this association.

They subsequently gave an entertainment in the large drill room in the Arsenal Building, corner of Eagle street and Hudson avenue.

The chorus numbered 150, and the orchestra was brought from New York, made up of the best of Dodworth's musicians.

The music rendered was Spohr's cantata of God Thou Art Great, Mendelssohn's Ninety-fifth Psalm, and Reis' cantata of Morning.

The association flourished for several years, and other equally creditable entertainments were given.

ALBANY MUSICAL ASSOCIATION.

At a meeting held at the Lecture-room of the Congregational Church, September 30, 1867, the Albany Musical Association was organized, the fol- lowing thirty gentlemen affixing their names to the articles of association as members:

J. Collier, J. H. Hickox, C. M. Traver, T. S. Lloyd, S. W. Whitney, J. S. Dickerman, John B. Marsh, Arthur Bott, Frederick S. Lawrence, B. Lodge, Rodney G. Kimball, J. B. Stonehouse, E. D. Worcester, Samuel Moffatt, Austin M. Halley, John E. Sherwood, D. F. Craw, William Davis, Jesse B. Wooley, P. S. Gates, Thomas H. Mit- chell, R. Mernhew, D. Russel Niver, E. P. Tread- well, J. L. Mitchell, James P. St. John, Eugene Burlingame, Walter McEwan, Eugene McGarrah, Robert F. Todd, F. W. Brown,

Its first Conductor was T. Spencer Lloyd, its first Organist was R. J. Sarndley.

John B. Marsh was appointed first President; John B. Stonehouse, the first Vice-President; John S. Dickerman, Secretary; E. D. Worcester, Treas- urer; and Frederick S. Lawrence, Librarian.

The whole number of members registered was 251, though the average number attending regu- larly was about 130.

The first public rehearsal was given at Tweddle Hall, January 28, 1868, at which time the Oratorio of "Judas Maccabeus " was rendered by a chorus of 145, the solo parts being sustained by Misses La Jeunesse, now Albani, Werles, Hoag, Cuyler, Williams and Murray; Messrs. Lawrence, Whitney, Stonehouse and McLean.

This rendition was followed by " The Seasons," April 30, 1868, "The Messiah," February 3, 1869, and "The Creation."

The Albany Musical Association was incorpo- rated February 19, 1870.

In 1878, Mr. John G. Parkhurst started a class for instruction in music. In the fall of the same year he gave "The Creation," with his pupils, at Tweddle Hall.

In 1879, the Albany Musical Association was again incorporated, with a Board of Directors, with Mr. John G. Parkhurst as Conductor. On December 9, 1879, "St. Paul" was rendered by the association at Tweddle Hall, assisted by Miss Kellogg, Mrs. Belle Palmer Fassett, W. H. Fessen- den, M. W. Whitney, and the Germania Orchestra, of Boston.

On January 20, 1881, the association rendered "The Messiah " in the Congregational Church, as- sisted by the following artists: Mrs. Bentley, Miss Gomph, Mrs. Gavit, Mr. W. C. Torren, of Boston, Mr. Remmert, of New York, and a local orchestra.

On December 12, 1881, "Elijah " was per- formed at Music Hall by the association, with Miss Kellogg, soprano, Boston; Miss Winant, alto, New York; Mr. Courtney, tenor, New York; Mr. Mario Bartlett, basso; and the Germania Orchestra of Boston.

On December 12, 1882, a second rendition of "St. Paul " took place at Tweddle Hall.

A concert was given at the Leland Opera House, January 29, 1883, by the association, assisted by Theodore Toedt, tenor. Another in the same place on April 13, 1883, with Mr. Monroe, violin; Mr. Adolph Hartdegen, violoncello; Mr. A. J. Jeffrey, piano.

The association gave another concert December II, 1883, at the Old Hudson Avenue M. E. Church, of a miscellaneous character, with entirely local talent.

Owing to the burning of Tweddle Hall there is no place in Albany suitable for the rendition of or- atorio. This has compelled the association to cease their work-at least for a time.

On December 18 and 19, 1884, however, Mr. J. G. Parkhurst gathered around him some 700 in the new Skating Rink, and gave " The Messiah," with his own pupils as soloists. The undertaking was conducted entirely by himself on his own re- sponsibility, and reflected great credit on him as a conductor, teacher and manager.

GESANG-VEREIN EINTRACHT.

The Eintracht Singing Society was organized November 22, 1868. The purpose was, like all similar organizations, the cultivation of German song and music, both vocal and instrumental. The first musical director- was Mr. Theodore Suppes, fol- lowed by Mr. Aug. Schoenewolf, leader for nearly twelve years. The society participated in several musical festivals, and competed with others for prizes at the following: Utica Maenner Chor, 1874; Schenectady Inartet Club, 1879, on which occasion they were awarded the first prize; Troy Maenner Club, 1880, receiving the first prize, also Rondout Social Maenner Chor, where they gained the third prize, and at the thirteenth Musical Festi- val of Philadelphia, 1883. Ang. Schoenwolf resigned as Director, and was followed by Professor William Boehm, leader at the present time. The society is composed of 38 active, 175 passive, and 4 honor- ary members. It may be mentioned that the Ein- tracht arranged a grand prize sangerfest in 1878,

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SOCIAL CLUBS AND SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS.

which proved a success. The officers of the organ- ization are elected annually.

THE MOZART,

organized September 20, 1875, Professor William Boehm, Director. It has held successful excur- sions, picnics and concerts. Professional improve- ment is its great object.

Rehearsals are held once a week, and meetings on the first Thursday of each month. The annual meeting and election of officers on the first Thurs- day in September, the officers then elected taking office on the anniversary, September 20th.

The society to-day numbers 53 members dis- tributed in three classes: active, 15; passive, 35; honorary, 2.

APOLLO SINGING SOCIETY

was organized February 18, 1884, by sixteen mem- bers of the Eintracht Society, who withdrew from that one, and four others. The membership roll now numbers 375.

On February 21, 1884, Mr. Ja. Grundhoeffer was elected Musical Director. Society first re- hearsed at his Conservatory, 74 South Pearl street.

Rooms are now secured and fitted properly at Ames Building, 69 South Pearl street, which were formally opened July 31, 1884. The growth of the society has been unprecedented. A. Schreiber is now Director.

Next public appearance was in the exercises of the G. A. R. on Decoration Day, at the Rural Cemetery, in 1885. Met at Assembly Chamber, New Capitol, in the evening, and German selec- tions were rendered.

The society also took part in the fourteenth Na- tional Sangerfest, at Brooklyn, July 4-9, 1885, and was one of the largest societies that attended.

August 10, 1880, held picnic, and a silk flag was dedicated, which was presented by the ladies of the society.

THE NEW HARMONIA SINGING SOCIETY

was organized in March, 1884, with a membership of twelve active and two passive members. Professor Charles Koch, Director.

The society now counts thirty active singers, with about fifty passive members. It has taken part in all festivities given by sister societies, and also gave a picnic and concert last July, which proved to be a grand success. It bids fair to become the rival of the best organizations of its kind.

ALBANY PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.

During the fall of 1884, about half a dozen young people, musically inclined, were accustomed to meet weekly for the practice of not very difficult orchestral compositions, simply to gratify their mu- sical tastes. These meetings were largely of a social nature. Gradually, during the succeeding spring, the number of instruments was increased to ten. This was the nucleus which, under the skillful management and untiring exertions of Mr. George H. Thacher, Jr., at whose house most of the meet- ings had been held, has developed into the present orchestra of twenty-nine pieces.

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Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 165

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1452

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452