The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II, Part 168

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co
Number of Pages: 1345

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II > Part 168

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The Lincoln Club was organized in April, 1878, at the res- idence of Thomas J. Evans, and was incorporated Nov. 19th, 1879. First OFFICERS : John M. Pratt, Pres .; E. R. Kennedy, Vice-Pres .; Thos. J. Evans, Sec .; Wm. Ray, Treas. "The primary object of this Association shall be to discountenance and rebuke, by moral and social influences, all disloyalty to the Federal Government, and preserve its just prerogatives, and at the same time to preserve, without infringement, the rights reserved to the States, and the rights and liberty of the citizen." The secondary object of the Club is sociability. The buildings, situated at 65 and 67 Putnam ave., which are used for club purposes, helong to the Club, are very elegantly furnished, and possess every comfort and couvenience. The present membership is 200. OFFICERS : Henry S. Germond, Pres .; James H. Pratt, Vice-Pres .; Chas. K. Wallace, Sec .; Emerson W. Keyes, Treas. While this club still reserves the right in an emergency to declare its Republican prin- ciples, yet in municipal matters, it proposes rather to en- large the social than the political features.

The Oxford Club was org. in 1880, and was incorporated June 26th of that year, with 40 members, and the following OFFICERS : Alfred C. Barnes, Pres .; Jno. A. Nichols, Vice- Pres .; James Mitchell, Treas .; Henry T. Richardson, Sec.

The present OFFICERS are the same, with one exception; H. H. Watson is the present Secretary. The building occu- pied by the Club, is on the corner of Lafayette avenue and Oxford street, and was purchased from John D. Norris for $45,000. The Club has since acquired an adjoining lot upon which it purposes building extensive additions. While the Oxford is essentially a social club, it is distinguished for its literary and scientific character. On the third Saturday even- ing of each month, a literary or musical entertainment is en- joyed by the members and their invited guests. A Ladies' Reception is given annually, and complimentary dinners to distinguished men are of common occurrence. Present membership is 275.

Paul Morphy Chess Club, org. 1880, for instruction and recreation in the game of chess, with seven members; Present membership, fifty. James T. Burdick, M. D., Pres .; Walter Edmistone, Sec .; W. W. Silver, Vice-Pres .; Prof. J. C. Ryan, Treas.

The Carleton Club was organized on the 24th of March, 1881, with the following gentlemen as Directors : George D. Mackay, J. H. Lyles, F. A. Parsons, W. J. D. Campbell, W. B. Hewett, R. H. Thomas, J. G. Atwood, M. J. Bailey, C. J. Mckay, J. F. Tapscott, F. H. Herrick, D. S. Willard, and F. Saunders.

Its object is the promotion of social intercourse among its members, who numbered originally 65 and have now in- creased to 125.

The first OFFICERS were as follows : George D. Mackey, Pres .; James H. Lyles, Vice-Pres .; F. A. Parsons, Treas .; W. J. D. Campbell, Rec. Sec .; W. B. Hewett, Cor. Sec. The Club secured a handsome house, No. 74 St. Marks ave., which they purchased in Oct., 1883.

The present Board of OFFICERS: Hon. M. H. Clement, Pres .; Col. E. O. Hotchkiss, Vice-Pres .; C. J. Mckay, Treas .; W. J. D. Campbell, Rec. Sec .; H. Greenman, Cor. Sec.

The Union Club was organized in Brooklyn, E. D., April 2d, 1881, and incorporated under the laws of New York State. The object of the club is the promotion of social intercourse among its members, who numbered at first but 63. Member- ship at present, 110. The original OFFICERS were: John C. Rapp, Pres .; John Moller, Vice-Pres .; J. Henry Dick, Treas .; E. W. Van Vranken, Sec. The club house is pleasantly lo- cated on South Eighth street, near Fourth, and is possessed of ample accommodations for the members. Present OFFI- CERS: H. H. Robertson, Pres .; E. W. Van Vranken, Vice- Pres .; Samuel Guthrie, Treas .; William W. Boyd, Sec.

The Empire Club was org. at No. 45 Broadway, February 8th, 1881, and was incorp. shortly afterward with 25 members. The object of the club is social and recreative. The first and present OFFICERS are : W. E. Andariese, Pres .; James W. Smith, Vice-Pres .; A. C. Hockmeyer, Sec .; and James Rod- well, Treas. The present membership is 50, including the more prominent social lights of the Eastern District. An an- nual dinner is given in March to the members exclusively; and, in February of each year, the club holds a reception in honor of the ladies of Williamsburgh. These social efforts rank among the most elegantly appointed entertainments given in Brooklyn.

Windsor Club .- The amenities of club life in the Eastern section of the city are in no instance more agreeably illus- trated than in the Windsor Club, an organization with a lim- ited membership, in which are numbered some of the first business and professional men of the Nineteenth Ward. The club practically had its beginning in the Acme Club, organ- ized in February, 1881, with the following OFFICERS: Pres., Jno. H. Shults; Treas., A. P. Day; Sec., W. W. Hanna. A reor- ganization took place in 1883, when the name of the Windsor

LITERATURE AND SCIENCE.

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Club was adopted. The OFFICERS are as follows: Pres., Jas. A. Taylor; Vice-Pres., F. H. Evans; Sec., William C. Bryant; Treas., A. P. Day. Among the other members may be named: Assemblyman Alfred Hodges, John H. Shults, Dr. W. M. L. Fiske, Dr. G. W. Baker, F. W. Wurster, W. M. Hayes, J. C. Onbert, H. N. Fiske, James A. Sperry, E. A. Parker, Fred. Malleson, ex-Alderman Andrew D. Baird, Daniel Richards, Matthew Dean, Russell Johnson, and M. B. Smith. The rooms of the club are pleasantly situated at the junction of Lee and Division avenues, and are fitted up with liberal taste and with ideal comfort. To the decorations the lady friends of the club have contributed with very happy results. Nothing, indeed, is wanting to make the Windsor a first-class club in all that should he implied by the term.

The Eclectic Club was org. April 10th, 1882, at the resi- dence of F. G. Pierra, No. 188 St. John's Place, where the montbly meetings are still beld. This club is distinctively literary, and its chief object is free discussion, without fear of giving offence, upon the greater issues of the day and topics of general interest. OFFICERS: F. G. Pierra, Pres .; Charles H. Requa, Sec.

The Constitution Club was org. at 371 Fulton street, Sep- tember 5th, 1883. Its object, " to unite independent citizens, without regard to party, to uphold economical, pure, and wise government in city, State and Nation, as originally con- templated by the Constitution." The members in each ward annually elect one member of the General Committee, which in turn elects the officers of the club, " which is, in short, a corps of independent minute men who defend at the polls the principles for which their fathers fought on the battle-field;" the ordinary privileges of a social club are furnished at a moderate cost, and a reading-room and lyceum maintained. OFFICERS: Thomas H. Rodman, Pres .; Ambrose Snow, Henry Hentz, and D. H. Houghtaling, Vice-Pres'ts .; John Gibb, Treas .; Wm. H. Cromwell, Sec.

The Twilight Club .- In the early part of 1883, a number of gentlemen in New York and Brooklyn determined to or- ganize a club, which should have for its object "to cultivate good-fellowship and practice the new gospel of relaxation;" the requirements of membership to be "a clubable fellow with one dollar in his pocket." The club has no formal or- ganization, no dues, no assessments, no by-laws, no officers, except an executive committee and a secretary to attend to the details of the dinners. The first executive committee con- sisted of E. V. Smalley, Chas. F. Wingate (Sec.), Henry Hall, W. G. McDowell, and Col. W. P. Fogg. The first meeting was held at Mouquin's restaurant, Fulton street, N. Y., January 4, 1883, which was attended by twenty-one gen- tlemen. Shortly after, the club took permanent head- quarters in the Mills building. At each of its weekly meet- ings, a different chairman is selected. The membership has expanded to two hundred, and includes every profession and nearly every occupation. The topics of the day are dis- cussed in a profound and interesting manner. The Club has entertained many eminent guests, and has dined at Green- wood Lake, Coney Island, and other summer resorts. The experience of the Twilight Club has demonstrated the truth that Herbert Spencer noted-the overworked condition of American professional and business men, and that they need and enjoy such relaxation as this club affords.

The Brooklyn Art Guild was organized in the studio of J. B. Whittaker, in December, 1880, for the purpose of main- taining a school offering the best advantages for the profes- sional study of art at rates within the reach of all. The original membership was eleven ; the first OFFICERS: J. C. Beard, Pres .; J. B. Whittaker, Vice-Pres .; F. Sheffield, Sec., and J. S. Hodgson, Treas. Its success proved that it has met

a want in the community. Its day and evening classes have outgrown the rooms first used, and larger rooms have been secured at No. 191 Montague st. The first instructor was John Sartain, who has been succeeded by Thomas Eakins, of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. In November, 1883, this organization recognized the wisdom of uniting with the Brooklyn Art Association, and are now known as the

Student's Guild, of the Brooklyn Art Association. The present membership is nearly 100, officered by Wm. Potts, Pres .; F. Sheffield, Vice-Pres .; M. E. Robinson, Sec., and Chas. Sickels, Treas. This Society is not incorporated, is governed by a constitution, and is beneficent.

The Durer Club was organized on Monday evening, Dec. 12, 1881, in the parlors of Tredwell's publishing house, No. 14 Red Hook Lane, of this city. The first BOARD OF OFFICERS were, viz .: J. H. Platt, Pres .; R. L. Dickinson, Vice-Pres .; W. C. Tubby, Sec .; E. O. Kindberg, Treas .; F. Tredwell, Curator. The object of the Club is to disseminate art mat- ters, and art thought generally; and to that end etchings are published occasionally, pamphlets of recognized merit issued and distributed, lectures given, essays read, and discussion on art, or kindred subjects, courted. The membership is limited to fifty members; the meetings are irregular, subject to the call of the secretary; the attitude of the Club is social and informal.

The Rembrandt Club was org. in the fall of 1880, through the efforts of several well-known residents of Brooklyn. The first meeting was held in the library of Mr. Henry T. Cox, where a Club was informally formed, whose object should be to meet socially, on the first Monday of each month at the houses of the members, and discuss art in all its bearings. One year later, the membership having increased to 24, it was considered advisable to formulate a constitution and by- laws, which was done by Mr. Geo. V. Brower; thus was the Rembrandt Club organized. The first OFFICERS were: Henry T. Cox, Pres .; Dan'I M. Tredwell, Vice-Pres .; J. B. Stearns, Treas., and L. D. Mason, Sec. The original plan of this Club was adhered to strictly until the fall of 1883, when a light collation at the Club's expense was added to enhance the evening's pleasure. The present membership of the Rem- brandt is 70, officered by D. M. Olcott, Pres .; J. E. Hill, Vice- Pres .; J. B. Stearns, Treas .; J. B. Ladd, Sec. Three well- known resident gentlemen, whose art galleries are con- spicuous for excellence, are members of this Club : Aaron Healy, No. 198 Columbia Heights ; Henry T. Cox, No. 236 Henry street, and David Lyall, No. 19 President street.

The Faust Club .- At an accidental meeting, early in 1872, at which were present Messrs. William Hudson, John Car- roll, Ed. Lamb, Gabriel Harrison, James McCloskey, and Dr. Henderson, all gentlemen well-known in theatrical circles, it was suggested that a social club be organized in Brooklyn that should be represented, if not entirely, at least chiefly, by the various professions, and whose primary object should be to promote social intercourse of a high intellectual char- acter among its members. In response to some fifty notices sent to prominent artists, journalists, musicians, dramatists, lawyers and physicians, an inaugural meeting was held at the Lyceum on Washington street, and the Faust Club was almost immediately organized. Rooms were secured at No. 177 Remsen street, at an annual rental of $2,000. Thomas Kinsella, of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, recently deceased, was elected President, a position which he held for two years. The names of many of Brooklyn's representative professional men were soon on the membership roll. The Club was essentially a Bohemian organization, owing to the character of the majority of its members, who were artists, actors, journalists and musicians. Its tone was elevating,

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its general tastes luxurious and extravagant ; and, while rich in genius, talent and wit, it lacked the necessary funds to carry out to successful fruition the plans and schemes that were suggested by generous hearts backed by scanty purses. Owing to this fact, together with the unfor- tunate introduction of a mercantile element into their midst, the Faust Club was forced to dissolution in the winter of 1875, after an existence of varying fortunes covering about three years.

In Prospect Park, in the picturesque vicinity of the Rustic Farm House, the Faust Club erected its own monument. This was done thoughtlessly perhaps, though none the less really. The untiring zeal and well directed efforts of Mr. Gabriel Har- rison, the active spirit of the club, succeeded, with the aid of the votaries of the professions which John Howard Payne adorned, in raising sufficient money to perpetuate in bronze the memory of the author of " Home, Sweet Home." This bust of the poet, dramatist and statesman, was executed by the well-known sculptor, Henry J. Baerer, and is conceded by critics to be a work of rare excellence. It rests upon a granite shaft, eleven feet in height, occupying a prominent position in the park, where it was unveiled and formally pre- sented to the city of Brooklyn, by the Faust Club, on the 27th day of September, 1873. Thirty thousand spectators were present; 600 children sang in chorus " Home, Sweet Home," and our national anthem, "America." John G. Saxe read an original poem, eulogistic of the man and commemorative of the event of the day. Mr. Thos. Kinsella, in behalf of the Club, formally made the presentation to the Park Commis- sioners for the people of Brooklyn, to which address Hon. J. S. T. Stranahan replied eloquently.

The Apollo Club. - At the residence of Chauncey Ives, Jr., on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 1, 1877, sixteen gentlemen met for the purpose of organizing a musical society that should eventually equal the Mendelssohn Society of New York; one week later the Apollo Club was informally organized, and officered by Silas Nettle, Pres .; J. C. Meacham, Vice-Pres .; Wm. Payne, Sec'y; E. M. Jewell, Treas .; Dudley Buck, Direc- tor and Leader. The first rehearsal of the club was held in Evans' music room, at 177 Montague street, on the evening of November 28th, at which place they were continued until March 27, 1878, when a reception concert was given by the club, which at this time numbered twenty gentlemen, in the Academy Assembly Rooms. This concert was quite as great a social as musical success; a reputation of musical excellence in male chorus singing was established, and the untiring efforts of Mr. Buck, as organizer, leader and director of the club, rewarded by appreciative comments and criticisms from all quarters. At this time the question of reorganization on a less exclusive basis was discussed, the finances of the society were on the ebb, and money was necessary to carry out the ambitious schemes born of recent success. To further this end, a meeting was held at the residence of Dr. A. E. Sumner, June 5, 1878, when the reorganization was effected by the election of Wm. B. Leonard, Pres .: W. W. Sherman, Vice- Pres .; H. S. Brown, Secretary; W. B. Kendall, Treas. A sub- scribing membership, whose limit should be 300, was insti- tuted, which, together with an active membership of 60, should constitute the club. Its success since that time, has been phe- nomenal, and is due to the unity of purpose which has ever characterized the society as a whole. Three concerts are given during the season at the Academy of Music, at a cost of $1,000 each; these entertainments are recognized social events in Brooklyn, the interior decorations, floral and otherwise, being especially noteworthy. The Apollo to-day is in the front rank of musical societies; it stands related in Brooklyn to vocal, as does the Philharmonic to instrumental

music; and is a powerful organization musically, socially and financially. It begins its seventh season with a full compli- ment of subscribing and active members; a library of more than 150 part songs and choruses; a balance of $7,000 in the treasury, and the most brilliant record of uninterrupted suc- cesses that has ever been won by any musical club of similar character in this country.

The Brooklyn Woman's Club .- There is no aspect in modern society that more strongly shows the tendency of civilization, than the movement for the elevation of woman. The improvement in her condition is in large measure due to the banding together of the more thoughtful among them, into associations of various kinds, and for various purposes. These coteries or clubs are a marked feature in society of the present day.

To the women of Brooklyn belongs the honor of founding the third Woman's Club in the country. In the spring of 1869, at the house of Mrs. Anna C. Field, The Brooklyn Woman's Club was organized.

It was not until January 6, 1870, that the regular meetings were instituted. At that time some changes were made in the constitution, and the list of officers completed. The papers of incorporation were signed on March 31, 1871.

In accordance with the provisions of the constitution, semi-monthly day meetings and monthly evening receptions have been held-the former attended by women only; the latter by men and women.

The admission of gentlemen as associate members is a peculiar feature, and stamps the Club as the vanguard of the future, wlien men and women shall find the best results in co-operation.

Article 2 of the constitution is as follows :- " The object of this Association shall be the improvement of its members, and the practical consideration of the important questions that grow out of the relations of the individual to society, and the effect of existing institutions upon individual de- velopment. It shall be independent of sect, party and social cliques, the basis of membership being earnestness of pur- pose, love of the truth, and a desire to promote the best interests of humanity."

There are six standing committees, viz .: on Literature, Music, the Drama, Art, Science, and Philanthrophy. At the day meetings these committees, in the order of succession, present papers on topics within the scope of each committee, which are discussed by the members. The art of conversa- tion is strenuously cultivated, and the ability to make correct and accurate statements is the ne plus ultra toward which all effort is directed.

At the receptions of the Club, members and associate- members, with invited guests, find opportunity for social intercourse and enjoyment, which is enhanced by literary and musical contributions of a high order of excellence. Music is an essential feature of all meetings.

The Club aims to encourage and foster the various gifts of each member, so as to develop and improve all; and as each contributes the result of her talents in any special direction for the general good, in like manner each is benefitted by the attainments of others. Thus by mutual action and re- action, by the interchange of gifts, acquirements, and ex- perience, every member enlarges her mental outlook, and advances her culture.

While results of this nature evade a tangible summing up, they are the most important and satisfactory the Club has attained. Always keeping the object of this Association in view, the Club has been a home or receptacle for new ideas and reform movements, and in this capacity has served a noble end by the impulse and sympathy it has given them.

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LITERATURE AND SCIENCE.

The need for a suitable boarding-house for teachers, artists, and women engaged in business, which should possess the refinement, grace, and good cheer of a well-ordered home, and at the same time protect inviolate the freedom of the individual, early absorbed the energies of the Club. To this scheme, Mrs. Anna C. Field devoted her time and talents, and directed the efforts of the other members to success, which culminated in establishing The Business Woman's Union in the spring of 1871.

The management of the Union was relinquished to an able Board of Trustees, it being beyond the intent of the Associa- tion to actively engage in such enterprise. It is most gratify- ing to state that to the wise conduct of the officers of the Union, Brooklyn possesses an institution, which is an honor to her, and a boon to women.

Mrs. John F. Des Mazes and Mrs. Elliston Perot, were sent as delegates to the International Prison Conference, held in London, July 3, 1872; and Mrs. Charlotte B. Wilbur acted in like capacity at the Prison Convention in Baltimore in the following year.

In the early part of May, 1873, the preliminary business pertaining to the establishment of a branch of the State Charities Aid Association in Brooklyn, occupied the Club, and gave the impetus which resulted in forming the well-known and efficient Brooklyn Branch of the State Charities Aid Association.

The movement which has completely revolutionized the care of the sick, by the system of trained nurses, was brought to the attention of the people by the Club in May, 1873.

The founding of Cooking Schools was in large measure due to the impulse received at the meetings.

To the discussion of educational matters-industrial, in- tellectual, and moral-and to the training and care of the young in the home and beyond it, the Club has enthusiastic- ally devoted much time and effort. By the interchange of ideas on these subjects, it has been instrumental in creating and molding public opinion to more advanced ground.

The deep interest felt by the members in securing the in- fluence of women in the education of the young, resulted in the circulation of petitions, at different times, asking the Mayor to appoint women as members of the Board of Educa- tion. These petitions, numerously signed, were presented to Mayor Schroeder, at his office, in May 1876, and to Mayor Low, in May, 1882.

Lectures have been delivered before the Club by Mr. George William Curtis, Rev. John Weiss, Rev. John W. Chadwick, Col. T. Wentworth Higginson, Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi, Miss Emily Faithful, Miss Kate Hilliard, Mrs. Lucy Wright Mitchell, Mrs. Abby Sage Richardson, and Mr. Daniel G. Thompson.

Among those to whom receptions have been given are: Rev. Moncure D. Conway, Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, Prof. Maria Mitchell, Miss Emily Faithful, Rev. Celia Burleigh, Miss Louisa M. Alcott, and Mrs. Lucy Stone.

Presidents of the Club: Rev. Celia Burleigh, Miss Kate Hilliard, Mrs. M. W. H. Elwell, Mrs. Imogene C. Fales, Mrs. Ellen T. Brockway.

The Society of Old Brooklynites was organized through the efforts of Joel Conklin and Alden J. Spooner, who con- ceived the idea of forming a society whose object should he social intercourse among residents who had resided in Brook- lyn for the period of fifty years; to that end on March 24, 1880, a meeting was held at the Hamilton Rooms on Court street; fourteen gentlemen were present, and so fully ex- pressed themselves in favor of the project that a meeting was held in the Court-house on April 29th, and the preliminaries toward organization attended to, which resulted in the

formation of the above society May 20, 1880. The first OFFICERS were : Jno. W. Hunter, Pres .; Henry A. Moore, First Vice-Pres .; Wm. Taylor, Second Vice-Pres .; Samuel H. Cornwell, Rec. Sec .; C. C. Smith, Treas. The original membership was 38; the present about 150, headed by the following OFFICERS : Jno. W. Hunter, Pres .; Edward D. White, First Vice-Pres .; Albert H. Osborn, Second Vice- Pres .; Henry D. Young, Treas .; Samuel A. Haynes, Sec. Since the organization of this society eleven deaths have been recorded; by courtesy of the Surrogate, the Old Brook- lynites meet on the first Thursday of each month at his room in the Court-house, and enjoy an evening of social in- tercourse; original papers are read and commented upon; historic, artistic, scientific and literary topics are discussed; and, later on, the Brooklyn Advance publishes the more noteworthy proceedings of this venerable organization.

St. Nicholas Society of Nassau Island was organized in 1848, and was designed to collect and preserve information respecting the history, settlements, manners, &c., of the early inhabitants of Long Island (formerly called Nassau Island), and to afford pecuniary relief to reduced members of the society and their families. Eligibility to membership requires a person to he wholly, or in part, of Dutch descent, or a descendant of a person who was an inbabitant of this island previous to 1786. The first President of this society was the late venerable General Jeremiah Johnson. An an- nual dinner is given, at which old customs are ohserved, and the memories of old days revived. These reunions bring together a noteworthy class, and are occasions of great in- tellectual as well as social interest. The OFFICERS for 1883 -'84 are : John W. Hunter, Pres .; H. D. Polhemus, High Steward; E. H. Willetts, Treas., and H. B. Hubbard, Sec.

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The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II, Part 168

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co Number of Pages: 1345

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co
Number of Pages: 1345