Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 166

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 166

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During the summer of 1885, Mr. Thacher, as- sisted chiefly by Mrs. Hamilton Harris and the present Secretary, and encouraged by many others of Albany's cultivated and public-spirited citizens, organized the orchestra; rented the two upper stories of No. 69 North Pearl street; adapted them to the needs of the society; furnished them with appropriate equipments, including a Steinway grand piano; and secured the active co-operation of the present Board of Management.

To give instruction in orchestral and concerted practice; to afford opportunity for the proper dis- play of the abilities of the advanced amateur; to present facilities for the practice of both instru- mental and vocal music; and to encourage musical taste generally, are some of the aims and purposes of the society. Rehearsals of the orchestra are reg- ularly held every Wednesday evening. Short pro- gramme rehearsals of chamber music, comprising duets, trios and quartettes, chiefly instrumental, are given Tuesday and Saturday evenings; and a sub- sidiary orchestra is organized and practicing.

In the pursuit of its aims, the society gives great promise of success. Mr. George H. Thacher, Jr., President; Mr. B. I. Stanton, Secretary; Mrs. Ham- ilton Harris, Mrs. James P. Boyd, Miss Sarah J. Monteath, Miss Lillie B. Stanton, Mr. James H. Leake, Gen. Robert Shaw Oliver, Managers.

SOCIAL CLUBS AND SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS.

ISLAND PARK RACING ASSOCIATION.

T HE Island Park Association is a stock company with a capital of $10,000, divided into 100 shares. It was organized and incorporated in the spring of 1884, when Hon. Erastus Corning, of Al- bany, was elected President, and George P. Ide, of Troy, Vice-President. The aim of the association is to provide a gentlemen's driving park for the two

cities between which it lies and where its stock is owned; also to improve the breed and speed of trot- ting horses. The track is situated on the east side of the Troy road, about two miles from Albany. It is one mile in circuit, and is one of the finest and fastest tracks in the United States. It is the prop- erty of Hon. Erastus Corning, from whom the asso- ciation leases it. The original track on this prop- erty was built over twenty years ago, but was used

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

almost solely as a private track until a few years ago, when some of the best horses of the country appeared there. In the year 1879, through the efforts of Captain R. W. Hunt, the track was placed in first-class condition, and at once took a place among the leading race-courses of the country. The "Clay Stakes "-a stake of $3,000 guaranteed by the association, being for horses without record previous to April Ist of each year, when nomina- tions to the stakes close-were established in 1884, and have become the leading event for "green " horses in the United States. In 1884 the asso- ciation took a place in the grand circuit, which it at present retains. From $3,000 to $4,000 per year are offered by the association as purses for speed. This year (1885) a new track has been built and a new club house erected, to take the place of the one destroyed by fire in November, 1884. The business of the association is conducted by a Board of fifteen Directors, chosen from among the stock- holders, and from this Board the officers of the asso- ciation are elected. An executive committee of three has charge of the affairs of the association. The officers of 1884, to whom much of the success of the association is due, were unanimously re-elected for 1885.

FORT ORANGE CLUB.

The Beaverwyck and Albany Clubs existed in Albany in 1864. Both were popular, and numbered as members many of the first citizens. The latter club disbanded in 1878, and for two years the city was without a creditable association of this kind. The needs of it were soon felt, and resulted in the formation, mainly through the efforts of Grange Sard, of the Fort Orange Club, in 1880. The de- sign of this club is to establish and maintain a library, reading and assembly rooms, and to pro- mote social intercourse among the members. The number of regular members is limited to 200. Ad- mission fee, $50; annual dues, $25.

The club house is at 110 Washington avenue. It is one of the historic buildings of the city, and was built by Samuel Hill as a residence in 1810, and subsequently occupied by John T. Norton. For many years it was one of the only three houses on the hill, the others being occupied by the Gov- ernor and the Mayor respectively. Here Aaron Burr resided, while engaged in legal business in the city. The club bought the house for $30,000, and has spent $15,000 to $20,000 in repairs and fur- nishing.

Entertainments which are largely attended, are frequently given by the club to State officers and distinguished visitors. Its officers, including five of its nineteen Trustees are annually elected by the members at large. The Trustees are elected for three years, and its other officers for one year.

ADELPHI CLUB.

This club was organized as the Adelphi Literary Association, January 26, 1873. At that time it oc- cupied rooms on South Pearl street, between Di-

vision and Hudson avenue. In 1876 it moved to Adelphi Hall, formerly Turn Halle, on Green street. While located there, dramatic, literary and musical entertainments were given by the mem- bers with success. In 1884 and 1885, a lecture course was given at Beverwyck Hall. A series of balls has been given each year. In 1880, the house 101 Hudson avenue was leased and con- verted into a club house. The membership rapidly increased, and in order to obtain larger quarters, in 1881 the present beautiful club house, corner South Pearl and Division, streets was built by Mr. Joseph Sporborg, one of its prominent members, the club taking a ten years' lease of the building. February 11, 1881, the association was incorporated as the Adelphi Club. The present quarters are next door to where it was first organized. Ex- cepting the Fort Orange, its quarters are the hand- somest of the kind in the city. Among the mem- bers are prominent and influential Jewish residents. The club house is a three-story building, conven- ient and commodious.

The balls given here form prominent social events in the city. The musical entertainments are of a high order, the club containing some prominent musicians. The membership is limited to 125, and at present numbers 118.

THE ALBANY CITY CURLING CLUB

was founded in 1861. Curling is a manly, health- ful Scotch game, played with smooth stones on a field of ice, and is governed by rules laid down by the Royal Caledonian Club of Scotland.

ALBANY TENNIS CLUB.

The Albany Tennis Club was established in 1878. Subsequently grounds on the southwest corner of Swan and Jay streets were secured, and a suitable building erected. It contains two courts and considerable gymnastic apparatus. In the spring of 1883 an outdoor court was added, which is situated approximate to the club house. The club is managed by a Board of Governors, which is elected annually by the members. The Board elects the officers and appoints committees. It meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

THE WALNUT CLUB.

The Walnut Club of Albany was organized De- cember 15, 1880, by Charles E. Wolf and N. P. Rugg. Its membership now numbers about eighty in the different cities where branches are estab- lished. The object is sociality among its mem- bers; and a member visiting any city where he can find a Walnut is usually royally entertained. Each member carries a silver walnut, which he is ex- pected to be able to produce at any time.

ROLLER SKATING RINKS.

The popular amusement of roller skating secured a foothold in Albany soon after Boston had adopted

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SOCIAL CLUBS AND SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS.

and indorsed it. Like all other modes of amuse- ment in their nature harmless, it has its excesses and its abuses.

The first place opened in Albany for this diver- sion was at No. 69 North Pearl street, in the Old Post Office Building. The hall, ready for the public just before Christmas, 1880, was well patron- ized during the winter. It was closed the Ist of May following. In the fall of 1881, the Old Taber- nacle Baptist Church, on North Pearl street, was converted into a skating rink by a stock company of young men of Albany. It was fairly patronized, but from some cause it did not realize the expecta- tions of its proprietors, and the enterprise was aban- doned the next spring.

During the winter of 1883 and 1884, Albany seems to have had two roller-skating rinks, one in the Public Market Building, Hudson avenue, and one in the old Tenth Regiment Armory, Van Vechten Hall.

The fifth enterprise of the kind was undertaken in 1884, by Hickey, Downing & Curley, and re- sulted in the spacious and very creditable rink running on Lark street, Captain Young, Superin- tendent. The building is 85 by 185 feet on the ground, with a floor 65 by 165 feet, and is provided with 700 pairs of skates, and lighted by electricity. It is the largest audience room in the city, and has been used for concerts and large public gatherings.

The sixth and last roller skating rink was opened in the old Methodist Church in the fall of 1884, by Mr. Munson. Mr. Rice, Manager. It had a suc- cessful winter, but the building was enlarged and fitted for laundry purposes in 1885.

THE JOHN C. NOTT ASSOCIATION.

This association was organized September 8, 1882.

The object of the association is social intercourse among the members. A river excursion is given every year, and this feature has become very popu- lar, not only among the members, but with many who are not connected with them. Another very pleasant feature is the dancing parties, of which several are given every winter, and well attended.

The association has increased largely since its organization, and now has upon its roll of mem- bers nearly 100 young men.

BICYCLE CLUB.

The Albany Bicycle Club was organized August 24, 1880, with thirteen members, and was soon added to the League of American Wheelmen. May 1, 1884, it was incorporated under the laws of 1875, with a membership of 113. There are at present about 200 members. The elegant mansion owned by E. D. Brainard, situated corner Lark and Lancaster streets, has been leased by the club for a term of years. The club has in its possession about sixty bicycles. The privileges of the park are open to the club till 9 A. M., but efforts are mak- ing to have the same privileges accorded to the bicycle as are granted to any other wheeled vehicle.

THE RIDGEFIELD ATHLETIC CLUB.

The Ridgefield Athletic Club of the City of Al- bany, incorporated in 1884 for purposes of general outdoor sports, may justly be considered as the offspring of the Albany Cricket Club, organized in 1838. A number of years elapsed before a reor- ganization of the club took place, and the name or the Albany Cricket Club was again numbered among the best organizations in the State. The greatest interest in cricket of later years occurred during the seasons of 1881 and 1882, when the club was strengthened by the services of a first-class "professional." During the latter year, the Al- bany club secured a notable victory on their own grounds, in a match with a selected eleven from the Western States.

Desirous of securing more convenient and per- manent grounds in the city, the members of the club conceived the idea of forming an association which should embrace other sports, and to that end a fund was started in September, 1883, for the purchase of the grounds now occupied by the Ridgefield Athletic Club. The first meeting of the subscribers was held October Ist, at which Mr. William Lacy was chosen chairman, and Mr. John B. Marsh, Secretary. It was decided to call the organization the Albany Cricket Club, and to procure its incorporation. At a subsequent meet- ing, Trustees were selected, and a committee ap- pointed to contract for the purchase of the grounds.

At a meeting of the Shareholders on the 28th of April, 1884, the name of "the Ridgefield Athletic Club of the City of Albany" was agreed upon. The grounds were first opened for the use of the mem- bers on the 16th of June, 1885.

The capital stock of the club is $7,500, in shares of $25 each, and is owned by 248 shareholders. The number of yearly members thus far elected is 233. The grounds and improvements have al- ready cost about $10,000. Included in that amount is $5,000 for purchase money, and $1,500 for bicycle track. When all intended improvements are completed, Ridgefield will rank among the finest of athletic grounds in this country.

THE MUTUAL BOAT CLUB.

The Mutual Boat Club was organized on the 15th of August, 1865, and had at that time 600 members. Rowing in Albany was then at a low ebb, and the Victoria, Knickerbocker, Hiawatha, Excelsior and Mystic Clubs had one after the other quietly disbanded, leaving as the sole surviving organization the veteran Pioneer Club, which soon after ceased. In the formation of all those clubs, the governing motive had been social intercourse and the rowing was incidental, but the founders of the Mutual Club determined to have a rowing club, and such it has been ever since.

The Mutuals have rowed 135 races with other clubs, winning 68 and losing 67. They have championships in the National Association, the Northwestern, the Harlem, the Hudson, the Upper Hudson, the Passaic River and the Inter-State As-

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

sociations. They have held the championship of Albany in singles for fourteen, and in fours for six- teen years of the twenty that have passed since they were organized. They have entered twenty-two times, and in eleven different years, in regattas of the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen; have there competed in every style of race, except in eights; have won twice in junior singles, twice in six-oared shells, four times in pair-oared shells, and once in four-oared shells, and have thus held nine national championships, while but one other club in the country has secured as many as four. They now stand the foremost rowing organization in the United States, with a record and reputation which is unapproached, and of which they are just- ly proud.

ALBANY YACHT CLUB

was organized April 16, 1873, with S. G. Payn, Jr., as President. It was reorganized in 1876, with M. F. Cogswell as Commodore (or chief officer), fol- lowed by E. F. Hackett, W. W. Grey, F. E. Coo- ley, and C. S. Babcock. The club house, built in the spring of 1880, is a well-fitted structure for the accommodation of yachtsmen, designed by F. Wright, the architect, situated on the east bank of the Hudson, directly opposite the steamboat land- ing. The meetings are held monthly-first Mon- day in each month. The funds for building their present house were raised by the members of the club. Its present membership numbers 60.

MOHICAN CANOE CLUB OF ALBANY.

The American Canoe Association is a large or- ganization, numbering some forty clubs in the leading cities from Montreal to New Orleans, and from New York to San Francisco, whose object is the comparatively new sport of cruising and racing in canoes. Prominent among the clubs is the Mohican of Albany. In 1881, when the associa- tion was formed at Lake George there were but two canoeists here-General R. S. Oliver and W. D. Frothingham. The following year it was well rep- resented by some eight or more members. In 1883 the Mohicans prospered so well that they secured the foremost position in all sailing races as well as in equipment for cruising and exploring. Their fleet, including the Snake, Thetis, and Marion, has a reputation for speed and perfection. In 1884 the American Canoe Association elected as Com- modore for the ensuing year, a prominent member of this Club, General R. S. Oliver, and with an- other member upon their Executive Committee, and yet another as Chairman of the Regatta Com- mittee, the National Meeting of 1885 was mainly arranged by the Mohicans. Albany was for two years selected as the place for the executive meet- ings, and has, undoubtedly, contributed a very large share toward the pleasant mission of popu- larizing a healthful and exciting amusement.

Besides the innumerable cruises upon the Hud- son, from the rapids down to salt water, the Mohican

flag has been carried down the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers, down the falls and swamps of the Walkill, and on the waters of Lake Ontario and Saint Lawrence, and into the backwoods, lakes, and rivers of the Province of Ontario.

The Mohicans now number about thirty mem- bers, chiefly Albanians, but including a few in dis- tant cities. The name of the club was appropri- ately borrowed from the tribe of Indians who formerly lived in the territory east of Albany, and their "totem " is the device of the club flag, which is blue and white, with a golden turtle and eight gold stars. The motto is "Invia nulla via"- "No way impassable."

MILITARY BANDS AND ORCHESTRA.

Probably the first Albany band was organized by John Hughes about 1832. John Cook organized a band in 1844, which for many years was very popular, not only in Albany, but throughout the State. "Captain Johnny," as the leader was called, was a veteran of the Mexican War, and is said to have been the first man to introduce the cornet as a leading instrument, the key bugle being formerly used by leaders. Cook continued to conduct his band successfully for many years. Abut 1860 a new organization, made up in part from Cook's Band, was formed under the leadership of Stephen Schreiber, known as Schreiber's Albany Cornet Band. At this time another was formed, called Krank's Band. During the late rebellion, Cook raised a military company, and served with dis- tinction in the army. He died a few years ago, and was buried with military honors.

Krank's Band flourished for a while under differ- ent leaders, and was succeeded by Klien's, which is still in existence, known as Erdmann and Klein's Band, and which furnishes both military and or- chestra music.

Schreiber's Band for several years did a large business. It disbanded in 1869.

The Tenth Regiment Band was known as the Capitol City Band prior to 1875. At the latter date it was mustered into the 10th Regiment, N. G., S. N. Y., under the leadership of Mr. Sulli- van, by whose name it was more generally known. For several years Frederick Austin was leader of the band. Under both of these leaders it be- came well known for the excellence of the music furnished. Its reputation was maintained under the leadership of L. Partali, a musician of acknowl- edged ability. The present leader is John L. Gartland. Several of the older members of this band were formerly connected with Schreiber's Band. Two were members of Cook's Band.

The Albany City Military Band and Orchestra is of recent origin. Joseph Klein is Leader and Charles Friednichte, Conductor of Orchestra. An- other excellent leader of orchestral music, who has recently come to notice in Albany, is W. J. Holding. It will be a long time before the eminent cornetist, Austin, is forgotten.

749

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS.

THE OLD DUTCH CHURCH.

Built of stone in 1715, over a smaller one built in 1656. It stood on the present State street, on the west side of Broadway.

ADVENTISTS.

THE Society of the Seventh-day Adventists sent

missionary workers to Albany in the summer of 1884, who began the work of canvassing and dis- tributing their publications in the houses of the people, in railroad stations, on steamers, canal- boats, etc. A summary of work done to May I, 1885, is as follows: 4, 239 missionary visits, 352 subscriptions to periodicals, 5,469 periodicals dis- tributed, and 50,000 copies of tracts, pamphlets, etc., sold.

In April, 1885, pleasant rooms were secured at 205 State street, which were fitted up for reading and lecture-rooms, and opened May 18, 1885, with Nathaniel S. Washbond as Resident Manager. These rooms, where choice religious works in the English and foreign languages, newspapers of the day, etc., may be found, are open from 2 to 9 P. M.

The missionary operations of this society are conducted under the International Tract and Mis- sionary Society, of which there are branch offices in each State Conference.

BAPTISTS.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. - The first meeting of Baptists in the City of Albany was held January 1, 1810, when the following men and women met and formed themselves into a society, viz. : Joshua A. Burk, Salem Dutcher, John Gray, William Pen-

rey, Charles Boyington, Tamer Page, Betsey Burke, Catharine Gordon, Margaret Jones, Elenor Penrey.

This society voted, on the 23d day of January, 1811, to organize a church, which they did, and started with twenty-one mem- bers. The church thus formed met in va- rious places until 1818, when they pur- chased and remodeled what was then known as the Green Street Theatre. It was ded- icated and occupied by them for the first time January 1, 1819. In the year 1852, the lot corner of Hudson avenue and Philip street was purchased, and the present edi- fice was erected at a cost of about $26,000. In 1865 it was greatly improved, and will seat about 950. There is a Sunday-school connected with it, and the Madison Avenue Mission is under its care. Pastor, Rev. Smith T. Ford. Membership, 487.

The Pastors who have served since its or- ganization are Francis Wayland, 1811-12; Isaac Webb, 1813-17; Joshua Bradley, 1817-19; John Finley, 1819-21; Lewis Leonard, 1821-27; Bartholomew T. Welch, 1828-35; George B. Ide, 1835-36; Alanson L. Covel, 1836-38; James L. Hodge, 1839- 42; James M. Coley, 1842-45; Asa Bron- son, 1845-46; William C. Clapp, 1846-49; Reuben Jeffrey, 1850-57; E. L. Magoon, D. D., 1857-68; George C. Lorimer, D.D., 1868-70; James B. Hawthorn, 1870-72; David M. Reeves, D. D., 1872-79; Melancthon C. Lockwood, 1880- 82; Thomas Rambaut, D.D., LL.D., 1882-84; Smith T. Ford, 1884.

TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH .- This church is the outgrowth of a mission held in a building on North Pearl street, by a few of the members of the North Pearl street Baptist Church, now known as Emmanuel, in the year 1856. Its rapid growth soon became apparent, and it was resolved to form a church. A society was organized October, 1859, and was incorporated under the name of the Tab- ernacle Baptist Church, November 10, 1859. In 1875 the society purchased the present site, and erected thereon a handsome church, which was dedicated February 14, 1877. The church has a membership of 457, and supports a Sunday-school of 375 scholars.

The following have served as Pastors: Revs. Jus- tin D. Fulton, 1859-64; William A. Alden, 1865-67; Thomas Cull, 1868-70; Robert B. Kelsey, 1871-72; Frank R. Morse, 1873-78; Albert Foster, 1879.

EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH. - This church was organized in 1834, and until 1871 was called the Pearl street Baptist Church. Rev. Bartholomew T. Welch, D. D., was the first Pastor. For seven years previous to 1834, Rev. Dr. Welch had been Pastor of the First Baptist Church in this city. In that year, one hundred and twenty members were

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

dismissed from the First Church to form a new society, and the Pastor went with the new col- ony. The first House of Worship, costing $46, 000, was built on North Pearl street, on the lots now oc- cupied by the Perry Building, and was similar in its architecture to the building occupied by the Al- bany Female Academy. The present house of wor- ship, situated on the north side of State street, between Swan and Dove streets, was erected in 1869-70. It was formally dedicated and occupied by the church in February, 1871. The beautiful tower on the southeast corner was erected in the summer of 1883. It was the gift of Mrs. Eli Perry in memory of her late husband, who for many years was one of the Deacons of the Church and Chair- man of its Board of Trustees. The church proper is 110 feet deep and 8t feet wide, and will seat 1,400 persons. The church and chapel together are 157 feet deep, the chapel being 47 feet by 110 feet. The entire cost of the property has been about $220,000. The church has been served by the following Pastors: Revs. Bartholomew T. Welch, D. D., 1834-48; Luther F. Beecher, D. D., 1849-53; William Hague, D. D., 1853-58; Thomas R. How- lett, 1859-61; C. D. W. Bridgman, D. D., 1862-78; T. Harwood Pattison, D. D., 1879-81.

The present Pastor, Rev. Henry M. King, D. D., assumed the pastoral care of the church January 1, 1882.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH. - This church was or- ganized January 16, 1860, under the name of the Washington avenue Baptist Church of Albany, and started under the pastoral care of Rev. William P. Everett. His labors were attended with such suc- cess that a more commodious house was necessary, and they secured the church on Washington ave- nue erected for the German Baptists. February 4, 1865, they purchased the State street Baptist Church, on the corner of State and High streets, and changed their name to the present one. The society con- tinued to worship in this edifice until the spring of 1880, when, under the successful work of Rev. John Humpstone, the old building was torn down to give place to the present one. This church has a large and prosperous Sunday-school under its care. Rev. James Wolfenden, Pastor, since June 1, 1883. Membership, 736.

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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 166

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