USA > New York > The first hundred years : records and reminiscences of a century of Company I, Seventh Regiment, N.G.N.Y., 1838-1938 > Part 9
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Ninth Company Booth at the New Armory Fair, 1879
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87
THE 1870's
their brains; and so, tired nature's sweet restorer was the best and only wise investment. Sunday night brought the committee's labors to a close, and now is the rich reward being reaped. Mrs. Dominick and her fair corps of assistants have had their hands more than full in attending to the sales of their wares, and the receipts already mount well into the hundreds. No spirit of niggardly economy is reported as prevailing; only a good strong rush to buy everything, and twice during the evening have the tables, that at the beginning groaned under their weight of goods, been obliged to be replenished. . . . Space forbids that we should enumerate the especially good things that are to be had at this favored table. See, mark, and inwardly digest for yourselves, kind readers, pay a good long visit to the booth, and learn how royally the Ninth Company holds its own in the great strife for the punch bowl.
November 29
Ninth Company-Ladies' Day has come at last, and all the recuperative powers of the Ninth Company Booth have been brought into play to provide good and sufficient welcome to the ladies. Our inexhaustible hat has been put to its utmost capacity in providing new articles of beauty for our guests to admire and purchase, and our tables look as bright and well equipped as if the wear and tear of the past two weeks had been but a dream; the goods that are represented by the thousands of dollars that we have turned into Treasurer McLaren's hands, have really not been missed, and so, no one on this ground need regret that they have not visited our booth at an earlier date.
Then buy of "I" Company Good old Ninth Company; Ladies should never be shy, So give us your company, Prices won't jump any, Come take a look and then buy. We've shawls and we've laces, Most beautiful vases, And afghans to catch ev'ry eye; Rare easels and boxes, And pretty knick-knoxes, So buy of "I" Company-buy.
The harlequin playing cards, that have found such a magnificent sale since opening night, are deserving of a much fuller description and notice than we have as yet been allowed by time and space to give to them. Upon each card throughout the pack laughable figures have been drawn in all imaginable shapes and postures by an artist whose mind must be over- flowing with funny and grotesque ideas, and whose pencil ranks that of Nast or Church. The denomination of each card is seen at a glance, and they can be used on this account as readily as an ordinary pack, while closer examination will elicit a hearty laugh, no matter in what suit you may pause to look. For instance, the three of clubs turns out to be a group of very badly scared old women who have just come within an ace of being upset by a misused canine who is endeavoring to get away from a tin pail attached to his nether ornament; in the five of spades a company of old time fire engine boys are tearing along at full speed, bound for a fire or a fight, or both. The "Be Gorra Brigade" is faithfully pictured in the five of diamonds, and the ace of hearts proves himself a rare judge of good old wine. So it is through the whole pack-one is always finding some new design to laugh at and admire. To the card player a pack is invaluable, and to the non-card playing, no more inter- esting and amusing ornament for a center table can be imagined. The cards are manu- factured by Tiffany & Co. which is enough to say regarding their elegance and finish. They are only to be procured at "I" Company's booth.
88
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
THE NINTH COMPANY REPORTER'S LAMENT
With fingers inky and soiled, With wits all flown from his head, A reporter sat at a pine board bench Flying, his pencil of lead.
Write, Write, Write,
While ever and once again, You could hear him wish with all his might
That he never had seen a pen.
Think, think, think Till the head begins to swim,
Think, think, think,
Till the editor nudges him,
And the boy from the Printers sent
For the Company Notes demands,
And he wishes the Armory Fair were o'er, And his task well off his hands.
True to form and reputation the Ninth Company walked off with the Punch Bowl by turning over to the Armory Fund over $15,000.
IV THE 1880's
A HIGH-WATER MARK IN NINTH COMPANY HISTORY
T HE DECADE of the 'eighties was one in which the Ninth Company together with the whole 7th Regiment shone with unusual brilliancy. Under the leadership of its sterling Captain Casey the Company un- doubtedly reached the peak of discipline and efficiency. Recruiting in those days was a matter of choosing the most desirable candidates from a long wait- ing list. The Company early assumed its rightful position as the best shooting outfit in the Regiment and its athletes won most of the prizes and broke several world's records.
During the entire ten years there was set a standard of social activity and success that was never surpassed in the history of the National Guard.
The New Armory
In April 1880 the new quarters of the Regiment on Park Avenue were ready for occupancy and turning over the old Tompkins Market Armory to their friends, the gallant 69th, the Grey Jackets were escorted to their new home by that historic regiment and the 71st through streets crowded with spectators while hotels, club houses and private dwellings were gaily decorated for the occasion. A more brilliant military display had rarely been witnessed in New York.
The Ninth Company Room
The furnishing of the new quarters now held the attention of all the mem- bers of the Company.
A committee was appointed, and so well did it plan that in all the years that have followed nothing but praise has been heard for its work.
Architecturally different from its companions, the new room's most distin- guishing feature was the balcony running the entire length of the south side, giving increased locker space and adding materially to the picturesqueness of the apartment.
The ceiling, as originally planned, was made up of two long panels extend- ing its entire length, supported by a mahogany cornice and bordered by a floral pattern. All the woodwork and the furniture were of choicest mahogany. The latter was upholstered in dark green and the hangings were of the same color, while the large brass chandelier in the center of the room was artistic and costly.
Among the valued Company possessions which originally graced the new room the first in value was the large silver punch bowl. This bowl was won by
90
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
Ninth Company Room, 1880
Company I at the Armory Fair in 1879 for making the largest financial returns from its tables.
A fine bronze "Corybante," presented by Mr. Frank Dana, and "The Troop Flag" were also among the original decorations.
1881
Due to the unwise policy of the military authorities at Albany the new year began with prospects of battle looming on the horizon. Governor Cornell's military staff held radical views as to the purposes and aims of the National Guard. They believed that it should be reorganized with the Regular Army as a model. Many changes were proposed that would have effectually destroyed the identity of every organization and placed the management of the State forces entirely under the Governor's staff.
This proposition naturally raised a great deal of opposition and after much discussion and protest the New Code failed to come out of committee and died of overweight.
The threat, however, had a deleterious effect on recruiting and attendance at drills during the first half of the year. Particularly unfortunate was the military staff's attitude toward rifle practice.
91
THE 1880's
During March the Company lost First Lieutenant William Gayer Dominick by resignation. No history of the Company would be complete without a notice of the distinguished service rendered by that gentleman. While his health per- mitted, his every energy was devoted to the Company's interest. His generosity was proverbial. Special mention should also be made of his efforts to advance the standard of rifle practice and his yeoman's service on the regimental teams; of his splendid management of the numerous details of Camp Hancock, at Tarrytown, and of his untiring labors in behalf of the new Armory. Few officers ever worked with more quiet and effective zeal and fewer accomplished more conspicuous results.
The Yorktown Centennial Celebration, which had occupied the public atten- tion for several months and received the official sanction and aid of the U.S. Government, was looked forward to as the first event of the year.
The French and German military authorities had detailed a number of prominent officers to take part in the ceremonies and preparations were afoot for a trip to Yorktown by the Regiment when the cowardly assault on President Garfield, July 2, astounded the whole world and his lingering illness at Long Branch and death on September 19 cast such deep gloom over the country that the people had no heart for celebrations.
The foreign visitors, however, were welcomed on October 5 with expressions of good will and as much enthusiasm as could be mustered under the cir- cumstances. The 7th Regiment was designated to meet the French delegation when they landed at the Battery and to escort them to the Fifth Avenue Hotel. On the following day the Regiment again took part in the military parade in honor of the Yorktown Centennial.
THE 7TH VISITS NIAGARA FALLS AND BUFFALO
July 3, 1882, the Regiment left New York, five hundred strong, to cele- brate the Fourth on the Niagara frontier.
They were quartered at the International Hotel, Niagara Falls, and if there were any newly-weds in the place we venture to say that the bridegrooms were more than ordinarily nervous. The following day-the Fourth-there was a parade in Buffalo, a review by the mayor of that city, then known as Stephen G. Cleveland, who afterwards turned out quite well under the plain cognomen of Grover. Buffalo outdid herself to entertain the "Dandy Seventh" and succeeded beyond all expectations.
It was a royal party and long remembered by the boys of the 'eighties who participated.
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA 1882
In the year 1882, one of the strongholds of Mars was invaded, and two of the Muses, Orpheus and Terpsichore, silently entered into the life of the Ninth Company and soon made their presence felt so strongly that the members be- came positively infected with the spirit of these diverting deities.
92
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
After Company drills were over and the men returned to the Company Room, tones from the piano began to reverberate among the modern "rafters" and voices which only needed awakening, soon joined in the good old songs which will never die. "The Soldier's Farewell," "My Old Kentucky Home," "Marching Through Georgia," "Swanee River," were followed by "The Blue Alsatian Mountains," "Rosalie," "In the North Sea Lived a Whale," "Whoa, Emma," "The Charleston Blues," and other popular songs of the day (Harri- gan and Hart songs being very popular at that time). "Nancy Lee" was also one of the favorites. One song which the dilettanti were specially fond of was the semi-religious musical setting to the touching words, "We Sat by the River, You and I," "In the Sweet Summertime," "Long Ago" and "Softly the Water Glided by, Making Music in Its Tranquil Flow." It would be impossible to describe by words the ingenuous manner in which this song was rendered, or the soothing, restful effect it produced on all present. No matter how boisterously inclined the spirits might be, like oil on the waves, we were soon like children under the spell of its magic. A successful song is usually one where the chorus shout and yell, but in this the chorus fairly coo-ed in dulcet tones. The master "coo-er" was Artie Clayton, one of our brightest wits (and I think he really introduced the song to the Company). At the end of each line he would give a little musing (scarcely audible) on the theme of the last two or three words. After which we would sing the succeeding lines, each being similarly para- phrased with cumulative effect, the whole being concluded with an "Amen" effect, that was most cleverly humorous on account of its positive quaintness.
This song also revealed to us the possession, on the part of Corporal Clayton, of the ability to tell the drollest stories in a manner that held our attention to the end and seldom failed to convulse the listeners with genuine laughter.
We soon after discovered Joe Oudin, who sang well, and also could tell a good story. He fairly bubbled over with repressed nervous energy, and was always ready to contribute his talents for the entertainment of his comrades.
Ben Prince was the then "Caruso" of the Company and we never tired of hearing him sing "By the Blue Alsatian Mountains," "Sweet Dreamland Faces" or "Rosalie" (which latter song he introduced to us). He was very modest and had to be coaxed like all "principals" to do his turn, but he always did it well.
The music developed to such an extent that "Hymn Books" were compiled, containing the words of many of the airs which the men knew and these were distributed and the desired song called for as wanted (in good prayer-meeting style). Some of these same Hymn Books also at times flew across the room in very rapid tempo through the ambition of certain men to become expert in marksmanship at live targets. Meantime the Thespian spirit had been working and in the enthusiasm of the after-drill hours, the center table was removed to elsewhere in the room and we discovered that Bertie Dennison could do something in a way that always made one feel that he could do much more; that Billie Wall was nimble on his feet and most graceful besides, and that Sam Folsom was a veritable "bull in a china closet." First we knew, he and Charlie Englis had the "catch as catch can" grip on each other, and everything
93
THE 1880's
had to give way to them, and only the fact that the gallery was substantially built ever saved it from being pulled down when these two Sampsons cushioned on the supporting pillars as they thrashed around the room like battering rams. Sam, though a guardsman was sworn to preserve the peace, always in- cited us to riot but we all loved him just the same.
One night George Weaver appeared with a banjo and we had a new sensa- tion. He brought with him Mr. Blake, who also was armed with a banjo, and from then on we had many enjoyable plunks, solo and ensemble. Things were effervescing and the legitimate outcome was a minstrel show which was given in the University Club Theatre.
What a time it was! Ye who are or may become blasé over much theatrical attendance, know naught of the ecstatic joy of that period. Rehearsals, con- ferences, suggestions, etc. The air was surcharged with effervescence of the stellar magnitude. We had discovered Walter Vail, Will Preston, Miles Palmer, Joe Dowd and others and others. And the suppressed air of expectant enthu- siasm on the part of both audience and actors at that first performance would have gladdened the ear of an impresario to the point of bursting.
We soon discovered an amateur "Dixie Irving impersonator" combined in the person of Frankie Landon and it became necessary to satisfy our wants to have a play written especially for us. A then rising star in dramatic author- ship, John Kendrick Bangs, was secured through Lieutenant Harper, and the travesty "Katherine" was written. Frankie became the moving spirit and set things going with his usual hum. To the fore came Will Preston, Billie Wall, Joe Oudin, Bertie Dennison, George Weaver, Walter Vail, Clarence Hoeber, Arthur Clayton, Charlie Warren, et al. Comic opera airs were adapted to suitable words, and musical rehearsals were merged into our after-drill divertissements, to enlist the boys for the choruses. Long conferences and dis- cussions were held, generally lasting until midnight, attended by the faithful, which included Sergeant George Gould who, though we failed to enlist him as an actor or singer, yet became one of our staunchest supporters, encouragers and backers; his smile and manner were irresistible, and he had a wonderful faculty of seeing things from the standpoint of others which was most encour- aging. I have never forgotten this special gift of his, and let it be here recorded that no more genial spirit ever hovered around us than did the presence of this same George Gould. His genial smile was always a stimulus and his heartiness, contagious. Thus many became helpers unconsciously.
Frankie was the worker, and not only that but the secret of his success was then, is now and always will be, that he can also get others to work not grudg- ingly, but willingly.
The results accomplished were evidenced in the plays given.
To record the details of these performances would require much space. They were given with scrupulous attention to details, and were enjoyable, artistic and commendable in every way, and revealed the astonishing amount of talent and versatility possessed by the members of the Company and the inborn talent of leadership possessed by those who were able to utilize it.
94
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
One of the outcomes of these after-drill meetings in connection with the music and drama was the formation of the Lark Club. This club, composed mostly of those prominent in the Company's entertainments, brought to the front Charlie Warren who rendered effective service in much detail work which made the existence of the club a possibility. Many trips and outings were made by coach and other ways to adjacent places (there were no automobiles or taxicabs in those days), and good refreshment was a feature on such occasions.
The musical spirit, started in the Ninth Company, spread until it became regimental.
THE 7TH REGIMENT GLEE CLUB
Was organized by one of our members, Charles Herbert Hoyt, who was by profession organist, pianist, composer and director. It was by him successfully conducted for five years, 1883-1888, during which time two or three sub- scription concerts were given yearly in the Veterans' Room in the Armory. These concerts were serious in character and the music and all connected therewith, of high grade.
The club was composed of delegates from the various companies of the Regiment to which the Ninth Company sent a large quota, including Benj. Prince, Will Preston, Will Fargo, Wray Cleveland, Arthur Prentice, Frank Landon, Joe Oudin, Frank Thomas, Will Catterfield, Charlie Hoyt, Walter Owen, Jessup, and others.
*
Drill nights from 10 to 12 p.m. for several years, subsequent to 1882, were certainly unique and deserve historical record, and they will be remembered by all who served at that time.
The room was not only filled but packed with members and visitors, also every available spot in the hall which would offer a view of the interior of the room was likewise packed. With enthusiasm at high pitch, music from lusty lungs filled the air and was borne through the open door to other parts of the Armory, stimulating and inspiring and driving away all somberness or depression, "like dew before the morning sun" and spreading cheer and joyousness in its path. To the eye was visible some of the jolliest skits and acts, mostly of an impromptu character, and as each was concluded, applause was given with a heartiness that would inspire a professional with dreams of an histrionic elysium. The final scene, long to be remembered by the more zealous of the faithful (ten or a dozen in number) was that of beholding Walter, the tried and faithful night watchman of the Armory, appearing outside the door, armed with his spear-like window-closing and gas-out-turning staff, patiently waiting to turn out the lights, and facially expressing the thought "Have ye no homes?" We usually took the hint at about 12 p.m. and adjourned elsewhere for a modest refreshment and irrigation after our labors, but our jollity and apparently boundless enthusiasm continued even then with- out apparent diminution.
Many such years of ebullition and overflowing youthful spirit came round to the dear old Ninth Company.
95
THE 1880's
There was what was called a Club Tent at the parade ground end of the camp street at Peekskill which could tell some interesting stories if it could speak. Would that some kind spirit would unlock the memories of the prime movers, Miles Palmer, Billy Milhallon, George Gould, Lent and Lewis.
Harry Lockwood was certainly the Beau Brummell of the Company. His dress was always immaculate, and the pride with which he kept his locker in order cheered the heart of at least one member of the Armory Committee who hereby gives him this testimonial.
Theodore Cornell was also one of our reliable musical members. He possessed a fine baritone-bass voice and often treated us to a fine manly song of the "Midshipmite" type. He also assisted cheerfully in all the Glee Club and Dramatic Club work wherever his talents were called for.
As one of the pastoral side-lights which only the trained musician or devout lover of the really beautiful in music would notice, I well remember how Will Fargo would often steal over to the piano and play in his quiet way some very beautiful selections from the classic authors. There was never anything brilliant about it but it was always refined and full of beautiful harmonies that were most soothing to those ears capable of appreciating such exquisite combinations of sounds. Will Fargo as a pianist possessed a beautiful touch (a rare gift even among professionals) and a soulful temperament which en- abled him to understand and express the real inward thought of the composer which he loved to interpret; his modesty was charming.
The professional clown engaged to appear in "Asyoulikeit" proving unsatis- factory, Will Preston took his place. The professional sued for the price of a suit of clothes and claimed that he had been worked so hard that his suit of clothes was absolutely ruined through excessive perspiration !
THE GAZETTE
Incidentally it might be mentioned that one of the organizers of the 7th Regi- ment Gazette and its first treasurer was also Charles H. Hoyt, a member of the Ninth Company. The Gazette offered a prize for a regimental song. The prize was secured by Mr. Hoyt who wrote the words and music to "Pro Patria et Gloria," which was published in the magazine for December 1890. The prize was unique, being made by Tiffany from suggestions of the winner (in accord- ance with the conditions) and consisted of a watch fob, displaying a "7"-inch diamond on the obverse side. Descriptive engraving figured on the reverse while the lower part consisted of a seal with a bar of music from "Pro Patria et Gloria" engraved thereon.
NINTH COMPANY JUBILEE SONG
Words and Music by Jos. A. OUDIN
"'WAY DOWN DERE" From ole New York I've just arove, So bring yer chears aroun' de stove, An ilegant time I've had, by Jove, "'Way down dere."
96
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
The finest sight, "Well, I should die," Wus de weekly drill by Company "I," Hold your breaf an' I'll tell you why, 'Way down dere."
When de drum sounds thro' de hall, Den you hear de Sergunt call, "Fall right in bofth short an' tall," "'Way down dere."
Fifty files de odder night, People wonder at de sight,
Ebery uniform so bright,
"'Way down dere."
Ebery time a wheel dey make, Goodness, how de galleries shake,
In this line dey take de cake, "'Way down dere."
Shout de tidin's thro' de land, Swell de chorus wid de band
Capt. Casey has command, "'Way down dere."
You kin trable here or trable dere,
But de Ninth will alus have a care
To hold her own wid lots to spare, "'Way down dere."
It may be in an eight-oar'd barge, Or ridin' on dat stage coach large,
Yes, eben in de battle charge, "'Way down dere."
Dar's a solid lot of jolly boys, Who drown all sorrow wid dere joys, For after drill dey make a noise "'Way down dere."
Of course dere is much rivalry, But speakin' very modestly, Go roun' some Thursday night an' see Company "T."
1883
"The infusion of new blood," says the First Sergeant of 1883, George W. Chauncey, known as "G.W.C.," "seems to have awakened the enthusiastic interest so conspicuous in 1875-1878. Armory rifle practice became exceedingly popular, and before and after drills individual practice was indulged in by a large proportion of the members. The Company Team of Three victory stim- ulated efforts for further success, and the rapid consumption of powder proved a severe strain upon the armorers' ability to supply ammunition."
97
THE 1880's
The regimental ball took place January 11, the following active and veteran members of the Company being on the Committees :
Active
First Sergeant G. W. Chauncey Sergeant Edward E. Sage
Quartermaster Sergeant Albert Delafield Corporal H. D. Lockwood Private P. H. Carter
Veteran Howland Pell '75 F. D. Whitehead '74 Geo. H. Belcher '74
H. M. Hyde '74 J. A. Hance '75
Numerically and financially the ball was a success.
For the first time during the drill season, the men were exercised in the principles of the skirmish drill. The large awkward squad of twenty-three reduced the apparent strength of the Company materially, but biweekly drills brought the men of the squad and Company together socially, and hard work under the non-coms warranted the hope that but few weeks would elapse before the former large fronts would be maintained.
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