Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 167

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y. > Part 167

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The Brooklyn Lyceum was organized Oct. 10th, 1833, its object being, besides affording rational amusement, to pro- mote the intellectual and moral improvement of its members and especially the interests of the young; also, " to improve the condition of schools and advance the cause of popular education." First OFFICERS: Hon. Peter W. Radcliff, Pres .; Gen. Jer. Johnson, Theo. Eames, Vice-Pres'ts; Gabriel Thur- man, Cor. Sec .; Alden J. Spooner, Rec. Sec .; Josiah Dow, Treas. Its membership embraced the élite of the city. A course of lectures was commenced November, 1833, and Oc- tober 31st, 1835, the corner of the fine granite front edifice on Washington street, now known as the Brooklyn Institute, was laid. Josialı Dow was the largest contributor to this building, which cost $34,000. Pecuniary difficulties led to its sale, in 1839, to Robert Bach, who held it until it was pur- chased, in 1848, by Mr. Augustus Graham, who presented it to the Apprentices' Library Association. The Brooklyn Ly- ceum of Natural History was organized here, February 22d, 1838, by Maj. D. B. Douglass, Joseph Howard, Jr., W. R. Dwight, Jonathan Trotter, aud many other well-known citi- zens, and for many years flourished well.

The Brooklyn City Library was incorp. February, 1839, under the provisions of the General Act relative to Public Libraries. The sum of $2,925 was subscribed by a number of our more prominent citizens, "for the purpose of procuring and erecting a public library;" a board of twelve Trustees were chosen, and the following Board of Officers elected: Rev. Evan M. Johnson, Pres .; Henry E. Pierrepont, Sec., and W. J. Cornell, Treas. This library was on the plan of the old Society Library of New York city, each subscriber to the stock being entitled to one share therein, for every $25 paid by him, and having certain riglits which were not extended to the mcre annual subscriber. The library accumulated about 3,000 valuable volumes, many of which were purchased especially for them, in England; but, finally, coming into desuetude, the books were placed on deposit with the Appren- tices' Library, in the Brooklyn Institute, and the association virtually became extinct. When the L. I. Historical Society was formed, in 1863, through the efforts of some of the officers of this society, who represented the majority of the stock of the old City Library, the books belonging to the latter society werc exhumed from the dust under which they had been so long hidden, and were divided between the Apprentices' Library and the L. I. Historical Society, each association taking what was best suited to its respective uses.

Garfield Building Law Library .- In a handsome, com- modious, and elegantly furnished room on the top floor of the

LITERATURE AND SCIENCE.

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BROOKLYN INSTITUTE.

WATERS~SON~N.Y.

THE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE.

"Garfield Building," is a law library, provided by Mr. A. A. Low, for the use of the many lawyers who occupy this building, of which he is the owner. It is admirably arranged and kept, and comprises a sufficiently large and well chosen collection of legal works of reference, to enable a lawyer to construct, by its aid, a very good brief.

The Law Library in Brooklyn originated in a subscription of $1,850 by twenty-four practitioners at law, residents of Kings county, who associated and incorporated themselves January 8, 1850, under the general act of 1796, and acts amendatory thereof. The qualification of membership was ownership of one or more shares of $50 each, and the pay- ment of annual dues of $10 each. In 1863, the Legislature organized a Law Library of the Second Judicial District, and appropriated $5,000 to the use of the Law Library of Brook- lyn, to be expended in the purchase of books of which they should have the custody. The money thus received from the State was carefully expended, and a valuable library formed, which is now kept in the County Court-House, and is open for the general use of the profession.

The Brooklyn Library .* (The Mercantile Library Associa- tion.)-As early as October, 1857, the subject of organizing a new library association, to be controlled and managed by the young men of Brooklyn, was discussed in private by two friends of the enterprise (Lewis Roberts and James P. Wal- lace); and at their personal solicitation about twenty gentle- men met at the Athenaeum, November 19, as a preliminary step to more formal action on the subject. Among these twenty, besides Messrs. Roberts and Wallace, were: W. W. Tufts, A. E. Orr, John S. Ward, Charles A. Silliman, Charles Con- dit, H. P. Journeay, R. W. Ropes, Sidney Sanderson, Charles A. Townsend, Dr. A. Cook Hull. Under their action, a call was signed by about 600 citizens, and a public meeting held November 30. Some $13,000 was pledged by those present; a constitution adopted, and a meeting held on December 17, at which 826 subscribers and $8.865 receipts were announced. On the 23d, the following officers were elected: Lewis Roberts,

* For an extremely interesting and det Iled history of the library, see that prepared by James P. Wallace, Esq., and published in the Brooklyn Eagle, March 20, 1881.

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

Pres .; Henry Hill, Vice-Pres .; Charles S. Farley, Cor. Sec .; Henry P. Journeay, Treas. The new association was given rent free for five years, the ample accommodations in the Athenæum, and the use of the 4,000 volumes in the library. The rooms were opened May 7, 1858, and a publie meeting held to celebrate the event, at which more than $3,000 were subscribed. At the end of the first year the association had 1,511 members. The 4,000 volumes in the library at the open- ing increased to 11,400. A handsome gain to the association was yielded by a course of lectures by Rev. Dr. Storrs, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, Rev. Dr. E. HI. Chapin and Hon. George W. Curtis. Classes in French, German and Spanishı languages and in book-keeping were organized. and steps taken to make the rooms head-quarters for the exhibition of fine arts. Mr. Wallace visited most of the Brooklyn studios, and secured a meeting of artists, at which he explained the proposed plan, and obtained their approval. In the follow- ing year the first Art Reception in Brooklyn was held in the rooms of the library, and from that has grown our Brooklyn Art Association. This much prominence is given to the origin and first year of the library, because it was the founda- tion of all that bas followed; and because it will aid to pre- serve the memory of some who were active in building that foundation. It would be grateful to name them all, but that would exceed our limits.

The institution was incorporated March 15, 1859. Mr. Franklin Woodruff became president in March, 1864, and by annual re-elections hield the office until March, 1869. He was supported by an able board, and under its administration the greatest advance of the library was accomplished. In the spring of 1864, ground was purchased on Montague st., for the erection of a permanent library building. By unre- mitting efforts, and the munificent aid of Messrs. S. B. Chit- tenden, J. H. Frothinghamn, Franklin Woodruff, A. A. Low, and H. B. Claflin, the necessary $125,000 was secured, and a new charter granted, with a permanent board of trustees. The corner-stone of the new edifice was laid October 27, 1867, and on the 18th of January, 1869, the building was opened by a publie reception. It is the work of Peter B. Wight, architect, and is both elegant and well adapted to its purpose.

The library now contains 80,000 volumes, besides a large collection of pamplets. After the building was finished, $50,000 was raised, of which $20,000 was given by the Hon. S. B. Chittenden, to be spent in purchasing books. In five years the library increased from 21,000 volumes to 53,000, and the title of the institution was changed to The Brooklyn Library, significant of the growth and general scope of the library, and its adaptation to the wants of the whole coin- munity.

Mr. S. B. Noyes has been the intelligent and faitli- ful librarian from the beginning, except from 1866 to 1869. The catalogue which lie compiled was very nearly perfcet, has a wide reputation for thoroughiness, and reflects the highest credit upon the capacity, discrimination and untiring industry of its anthor; and its fullness of detail. its clear and comprehensive arrangement, and the thorough knowledge of the requirements of such a work evinced by its every page, continue to call forth the most flattering encomiums from crities qualified to estimate and appreciate its excellence. The library has been enabled to remove all indebtedness from its property. It has a circulation of over 100,000 volumes annually. The OFFICERS for 1883-'4, are: William A. White. Pres .; Alfred ('. Barnes, Vice-Pres .; Charles F. Adams, Cor. Sec .; S. B. Chittenden, Jr., Rec. Sec .; James L. Morgan, Jr., Treas.

Previous Presidents .- Lewis Roberts, Lebbeus Chapman, Jr., James II. Frothingham, James Thorne, Adrian Van

Sinderen, Franklin Woodruff, Jolın R. Kennady, George L. Nichols, and William B. Kendall.

The Long Island Historical Society has already received full mention, on page 40, in connection with the general history of the Island from which it derives its name.

We present, on the opposite page, a view of its building, which forms one of the most conspicuous architectural orna- ments of the city.

The Mechanics' Free Reading-Room, No. 15 Hieks street, is a department of the Bethel Mission, which has been under the care of Plymouth Church since June 1, 1866. It occupies spacious rooms in the new building, and owns an excellent li- brary of 2,000 volumes, and a reading-room furnished with the leading papers and magazines of the day. This reading-room is open every evening, except Sunday; popular lectures and con- certs, largely attended, are given during the winter months, the success of which, together with the number who frequent the rooms daily, testify to the usefulness of the institution. G. M. Dewes is Superintendent for 1883-'4; E. S. Wright and R. S. Bussing, Asst. Supts.

Brooklyn Library Association of the Eastern District .-. 1 library was collected in the then village of Williamsburglı, in 1839; lectures delivered by Gen. Jeremiah Johnson, Hon. James Humphrey and others; but, after a career of limited usefulness, it ceased to exist. A few years later the Wil- liamsburgh Lyceum was formed, and did some good work in its day. In 1854 a Young Men's Literary Association furnished lectures for two years, but had no library. Then, a Young Men's Christian Association gained possession of the library of the defunet Lyceum, and presented a good series of lec- tures, among which appeared Thackeray and Edward Everett; but the enterprise was not more successful than its predeces- sors. In 1859 a more extended effort was made to establish a Library Association, and the subscription list was headed by Noalı Waterbury, with $3,000, on condition of $10,000 being raised. This, too, failed. In 1864, however, success erowned the persistent efforts of " the faithful few," and this associa- tion was organized January 9th, 1865, and incorporated April 3d, 1865; its rooms opened to members and the public, May 15th, 1865. In 1865 a library building was purchased and fur- nished, and by 1870 there were 927 members, 8,000 volumes, and a circulation of 30,536 volumes, with reading and chess rooms, lecture and language classes, and a Debating Associa- tion in full operation. Sylvester M. Beard was President ; Alfred S. Collins and G. W. Frost, Librarians.

The present Eastern District Library is a consolidation of eight district libraries, which were organized under the law of 1838. It is a free library, open to the general public on Tuesday and Friday of each week, from 4 to 9 o'clock P. M., on Wednesday for girls, and on Saturday for boys, from 4 to 6 o'clock P. M. It is under the charge of a com- mittee composed of members of the Board of Education, resident in the Eastern District of the city; which committee, at the time of opening, consisted of Messrs. Jonathan S. Burr, Daniel L. Northrup, Thomas W. Field, Daniel D. Winant, James Hall, James Murphy, Daniel Manjer, Corne- lius H. Schapps, Henry G. Burnham, John R. Jurgens, Sam- nel M. Meeker, Roswell C. Brainard.

It was opened to the public in February, 1866, and, during the eighteen years it has been in operation, the number of books loaned average over 18,000 volumes per year. It started with 7,200 volumes. It now has 17,000. Samuel S. Martin, Labrarian.

LITERARY ASSOCIATIONS.

The Hamilton Literary Association .- On the 18th of No- vember, 1830, a few young men of the then village of Brook-

LITERATURE AND SCIENCE.

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LONG

tittel

THE LONG ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

lyn met in the school-room of Mr. Theodore Eames, deter- mined to form a literary society. A constitution was prepared by Henry C. Murphy, and a society was duly organized and named, November 29th, 1830, "The Young Men's Literary As- sociation of Brooklyn." In October, 1831, the name was altered to the Hamilton Literary Association, and Henry C. Murphy was chosen its first president. Among its original members were Edgar J. Bartow, George W. Dow, Horace H. Dow, Josiah C. Dow, Richard W. Dow, John Tasker Howard, Joseph Howard, John Jewett, Jr., William Jones, Jr., Thos. G. King, Abiel A. Low, Seth H. Low, Henry C. Murphy, Israel Ward Raymond, John H. Raymond, Francis P. San- ford, D. N. Schoonmaker, Elias R. Stoddard, Henry Silliman, Joshua M. Van Cott, Alden J. Spooner, and Robert Tucker. On the 30th of March, 1842, the association was incorporated, Gabriel Furman, the first historian of Brooklyn, then in the Senate, cheerfully aiding the project. The act of incorpora- tion stated the purpose of the association to be the establish- ing and maintaining a reading-room, literary and scientific lectures, debating exercises, and of employing such other means as may be suitable for promoting moral and intellec- tual improvement, etc. Notwithstanding this ample scope of powers, the association limited itself to the special purpose of a debating society; yet it had some influence in planting many of the distinctively literary institutions which have

arisen in our midst. It originated the first course of volunteer lectures, and from it, also, sprung the Brooklyn Lyceum (since the Brooklyn Institute). In its rooms, the best spirits of our city in literature and science have found the most congenial associates and the best means and stimulus of improvement. The association had rooms in the Brooklyn Lyceum for sev- eral years, then moved to the Brooklyn Athenaum builling, on the corner of Clinton and Atlantic streets, and afterward to rooms in the Hamilton buildings, on the corner of Court and Joralemon streets, erected by one of its inost honored alumni, Abiel Abbot Low, who has placed the name of Ham- ilton Buildings upon its front, as well from cherished associa- tions with the society as from sentiments of honor to an il- lustrious national character. After an existence of more than fifty years, the Literary Association was in 1883 merged into the Hamilton Club.

Franklin Literary Society .- At a social gathering in the autumn of 1864, of a few young men of Brooklyn, a sugges- tion was made that an organization be effected for more fre- quent meetings with a view to mutual, social and intellectual advantage. Accordingly, at a meeting held Oct. 19th, 1864, at the house of W. H. Spencer, No. 151 Montague street, a debating society was org., with James HI. Lightbody as President, under the name of the Franklin Club. This name was changed the following year to its present form. At this

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

first meeting there were present: James H. Lightbody, D. Webster Tallmadge, William H. Spencer, George J. Laigh- ton, Rufus W. Powell, Ardon K. Powell, Charles E. Tall- madge, John E. Ketcham, and Richard D. Jaques, most of whom still remain members of the Society, either upon the active or honorary lists.

During its early years, the society held its meetings in the school-room of Rev. L. W. Ilart, in Joralemon street; subse- quently in the Polytechnic Institute. For the next eleven years the society met in the building of the Safe Deposit Com- pany, corner of Montague and Clinton streets. Since October 1st, 1893, its meetings have been held in the rooms formerly occupied by the Hamilton Literary Association, No. 44 Court street, corner of Joralemon.

Ex-Presidents : James H. Lightbody, Jacob L. Downing, D. Webster Tallmadge, Henry Chapin, Jr., Sherwood B. Fer- ris, Herman H. Shook, John A. Quintard, Francis M. Edger- ton, William H. Spencer, William H. Williams, Charles W. Hallock, Samuel B. Duryea, Cornelius S. Van Wagoner, John R. Anderson, John A. Wright, Alvan Tenney, Milton B. Clapp, Henderson Benedict, Henry N. Gassaway, John R. Kuhn, Conrad C. Stutts, George H. Murphy, Selah Youngs, Jr., John T. Barnard, Henry Chapin, Jr., Daniel Alexander, William R. Castle, Robert M. Nesbitt, Edward W. Searing, Charles N. Chadwick, David A. Boody, Arthur Murphy, Jr., Peter J. Kelly, George H. Roberts, Jr., George G. Dutcher, Amos G. Sullivan, Albert P. Woodruff, Oliver J. Wells, Fred- erick C. Dexter, George E. Waldo, Joseph M. Pearsall, Robert M. Nesbitt; present OFFICERS, 1883-1884: Herbert W. Groser, Pres .; Frederick S. Burnham, Vice-Pres .; Arthur B. Risley, Second Vice-Pres .; Joseph MI. Pearsall, Cor. Sec'y; Robert M. Nesbitt, Rec. Sec'y. Board of Trustees : George H. Murphy, Chairman; Joseph M. Pearsall, Sec'y; Edward Carroll, Jr., Treas .; Frederick C. Dexter, John B. O'Donohue. Auditing Committee: G. II. Murphy, J. M. Pearsall.

Everett Literary Association, org. during the summer of 1872, by eight gentlemen. Meetings were held at the residence of members, and were devoted to intellectual development. First OFFICERS were: C. A. Cook, W. II. Ilasey, Jno. II. Has- kell, C. D. Rowe and Geo. S. Jellerson. In May, 1873, the Society secured rooms in the hall, corner Fulton and Bedford aves., where it first came prominently into notice throughi a course of lectures delivered by several well-known inen, Mark Twain and Paul B. Du Chaillu, being among the num- ber,

In 1875, the Association began the publication of the 'Everett Literary Journal, under the editorship of Ringgold McCay, author of "Geraldine," "The Magnet," and other works of local fame. This journal is a monthly magazine, published exclusively for the use of members. In 1876, the association was incorporated, since which time it has grown steadily in numbers and usefulness, and at present is seriously contemplating the advisability of moving from present quar- ters in the Hamilton building, to larger and more convenient club accommodations in the Hill vicinity. Present OFFICERS are: Herman F. Koepke, Samuel Walker, Phillip Comstock, Dexter Hiscox; Evan J. Rustin and Oliver E. Stanton, Edi- tors.

Polytechnic Debating Society, org. at Polytechnic Insti- tute, Dee .. 1975, for social and intellectual advantages, by seven members. Present membership, 41. First OFFICERS: J. L. Laidlaw, Pres .; Wm. A. Heydecker, Sec'y: Edward S. Field, Treas. Several professors and instructors of the Poly- technic are members, though the society has had no connec- tion with the Institute for several years. Present OFFICERS: llorace M. Gulick, Pres ; Edwd. S. Field, Vice-Pres .; Chas. Il. Genung, Sec .; John L. Laidlaw, Trens.

The Bryant Literary Society .- On the 3d of Nov., 1878, a notice was read from the pulpit of the Memorial Presbyterian Church, then on Prospect Place, requesting all interested in the formation of a literary society, to meet at the residence of Mr. B. S. Barrett on the following evening. The following- named gentlemen, J. Bruce Lindsay, Esq., D. G. Bushnell, Walter L. Burckett and B. S. Barrett, subsequently organized · the society, which continued steadily to prosper until its present membership numbers 206, and its regular fortnightly meetings are attended by an audience varying from three to eight hundred people. First OFFICERS: B. S. Barrett, Pres .; D. A. Boody, Vice-Pres .; Walter L. Burckett, Sec'y; D. G. Bushnell, Treas .; Rev. T. A. Nelson, J. Bruce Lindsay, W. P. Millar, Exec. Com.

During the first five years of its existence, the Society met at the residences of its members; and at the end of its first season, the membership had increased to some sixty or seventy. The Chapel of the Memorial Presbyterian Church, St. John's Place and Seventh avenue, where the meetings are usually held, is almost invariably crowded to its utmost capacity by members and their friends.

Although the Society was organized by, and at first com- posed of members of the Memorial Church, it is by no means a sectarian association, but comprises among its membership persons of various creeds, and some who are not identified with any church whatever.

It was originally composed exclusively of gentlemen, but as its sphere of interest and usefulness broadened, ladies were admitted to full membership, and assigned active work in the preparation and reading of articles, selections, etc., and also in the musical parts of the exercises, in which several capaci- ties they have proved to be a most desirable and welcome ac- cession to its numbers. Present membership, about 225.

OFFICERS (1884): Itliamar Du Bois, Pres .; D. P. Templeton, Vice-Pres .; B. S. Barrett, Rec. Sec'y; James M. Dewar, Cor. Sec'y; W. L. Burckett, Treas.

Tupper Literary Society, org. Nov. 5, 1880, at the residence of Wm. V. Tupper, 171 Clinton street, for social and mental culture, with 8 members. Present membership, 54. First OFFICERS: J. Henry Rieger, Pres .; John C. Zahrt, Vice-Pres .; Walter E. Meyer, Sec'y and Treas .; John A. Jochum, Wm. H. Dill, Trustees. Present OFFICERS: James Arnold, Pres .; Wal- ter V. Odell, Vicc-Pres .; Wm. H. Dill, Sec'y and Treas .; Al- bert Edwards, C. R. Bigelow, Trustces.

The Philomathean Society, one of the best known and most popular literary societies in Brooklyn, is located in the Hamilton Building, corner Court and Joralemon streets. It was organized with twenty young men, March 31st, 1880, at No. 166 State street, with the following first board of offi- cers: Dr. Wm. M. Hutchinson, Pres .; Thos. E. Cross- man, Viec-Pres .; E. F. Mac Phail and Geo. Preston, Sec'ys; H. W. Linker, Treas .; Win. J. Boars, Chairman; Fred L. Colver, F. R. McDermott, and II. J. Gabel, Executive Com- mittee. The objects of the society are the improvement in literary matters, and the cultivation of fraternal relations, and it is not identified or connected with any religions sect, social body or political party; and is purely literary in its character. This society is unincorporated. For several years its meetings were held in the Bethel Church building of Ply- mouth Church, where the society grew in membership and prospered; and in the spring of 1883, moved to its present handsomely furnished quarters. One of the most important assistants to the society's growth is the Philomathean Review, a monthly magazine, published regularly since April, 1851. It was started (and for a year) under the editorship of E. F. MacPhail, assisted by Fred L. Colver; but, since June, 1852, Mr. Colver has been the editor, and from May, 1883, the pro-

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LITERATURE AND SCIENCE.

prietor as well. Messrs. A. H. Brownell and Wm. G. Bowdoin are its associate editors. From a small beginning tlie Review has kept pace with the growth of the society, and uow reaches far beyond the circle of its membership and friends. Present membership of the society is about 50, besides many promi- nent citizens, who are honorary members. Present OFFICERS: Thos. E. Crossman, Pres .; Wm. G. Bowdoin, Vice-Pres .; John J. Grace, Sec'y and Clerk; Wm. H. Carter, Trcas .; Fred D. Youngs, Marshal, Fred W. Farnell, Librarian; Executive Committee: F. W. Barnaby (Chairman), Fred L. Colver, Edw. W. Bok, Edw. V. Howard and E. E. Malmar. A large number of lectures and entertainments have been given under the auspices of the society, which, also, has a small but well selected library.

Of the many literary associations, debating clubs, musical, social and literary associations, which have " had their day " in Brooklyn, it is impossible to obtain a very complete, or, in- deed, a sufficiently interesting history.

Among those of which but a memory remains, we may men- tion The Kings Co. Lodge Library Association of Williams- burgh, incorporated 1847; the Franklin Debating Association, organized 1852; the Eccleston Literary Association, oganized 1854; the Columbia Literary Association, organized 1855; the St. Charles Institute, 1854; and numerous others, some of which have been connected with certain churches, institu- tions, schools and benevolent enterprises, etc.

SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATIONS.

The Brooklyn Entomological Society was organized in April, 1872. The present membership is 40. This society possess a fine collection of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, and a valuable library of entomological literature. The society began the publication of The Bulletin of the Brooklyn Ento- mological Society, in May, 1878, a periodical which stands second to none in the esteem of entomologists of both the Old and New Worlds. The OFFICERS for 1883-'4 are : Rev. Geo. D. Hulst, Pres .; Edw. L. Graef, Vice-Pres .; Chas. Fuchs, Treas .; August Fuchs, Sec .; F. G. Schaupp, Cor. Sec .; Jno. B. Smith, Librarian; the last two gentlemen are also the editors of the Bulletin.

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Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 167

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : Munsell Number of Pages: 1360

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360