USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Cincinnati, the Queen City, 1788-1912, Volume II > Part 60
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"Miss Clara Baur, directress of the conservatory, is also at the head of the vocal department. As a teacher, her fame is international. Many of her pupils have made reputations on the concert stage, and not a few of them are on the road to fame. The vocal method of the conservatory is in part that of the old Italian school with such improvements as modern science suggests to the pro- gressive master of tone production.
"Theodor Bohlmann is endorsed by high European authority as a teacher of marked ability. His connection with the faculty of the Conservatory of Music has been marked by an uninterrupted career of success, both as teacher and concert-pianist. Moritz Moszkowski writes: 'Mr. Bohlmann is, in my opinion, one of the most gifted of our younger generation of pianists.' Eugene d'Albert pays the following tribute: 'I consider Mr. Bohlmann one of the best pianists we have at present in Germany. Each time I heard him I was enraptured, and especially was I pleased with the eminently musical style of his playing.' Mr. Bohlmann studied with Karl Klindworth, P. Rusker, and Moritz Moszkowski. These great masters pronounce him one of the most gifted of musicians, and place him in the front rank of German pianists." Mr. Bohlmann was added to the faculty of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 1890.
In 1905 Mr. Bohlmann obtained a three years' leave of absence from the Cin- cinnati Conservatory of Music, and taking up a residence in Berlin became suc- cessor to Dr. Ernest Jedlitzka in the artist department of the famous Stern Con- servatory of Berlin, directed by Professor Gustav Hollaender.
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LOCATION.
(From Commercial-Tribune, Sept. 2, 1902.)
The location of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music is ideal. Situated on a gentle summit overlooking the whole valley, at a distance of only twelve min- utes from the center of the great city below, palpitating with the noise and tu- mult of its strenuous life, yet entirely separated from all these disturbing ele- ments, this fair home of music rises stately and serene from out a grove of forest trees, which shade without concealing the classic symmetry of the building. Green lawns, dotted here and there with gay beds of flowers, stretch all around the edifice. One could easily fancy himself far away in the country, so sylvan are the surroundings of groves and lawn, were it not for the splendid homes near. This is one of the choicest residence portions of Cincinnati, and the conservatory stands in the midst of some of the most beautiful villas of cultivated Cincinna- tians. This combination of real, healthy country life for students, with all the advantages of a city easily accessible, is rarely found. It may, therefore, be safely averred that there is no musical institution in America where influence of refinement, home comforts, aristocratic surroundings, together with a country home in the heart of a great city, known as the seat of art, are so completely blended. The palatial and imposing building in the middle of this perfect park forms a comfortable and commodious home for young ladies, and contains, also, several recital halls, an organ room, rooms for practicing, and all the other ad- juncts necessary to such an institution. A splendid concert hall adjoins this main building and is connected with it by arched corridors, suggestive of that cloister-like stillness befitting the outer gates of a temple devoted to the high and holy purposes of music.
THE FIRST COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
Years ago there was another college of music. It was the first and was called Cincinnati College of Music. The present one is called the College of Music of Cincinnati. It was established by Miss Dora Nelson, daughter of Richard Nel- son, who was president of Nelson Business College. In 1878, Miss Nelson, who for six years had had the management of a conservatory of music, was urged to establish a music school which would give American students such training as at that time they had to seek in Europe. Miss Nelson, however, preferred to carry out a plan of her own, bought out an academy of music as a center for her college. About the first of August, 1878, she issued her first prospectus. Her school from the first had a large faculty and good patronage.
From the College of Music of Cincinnati, founded October 14. 1878, emanate the chief influences which, for the last quarter of a century, have formed and sustained the musical organizations and given life and enthusiasm to musical art in the city of Cincinnati.
The college is the outgrowth of the musical spirit of the people of Cincinnati. Over sixty years ago the first saengerfest was held in Armory Hall, on Court street. This and subsequent fests gave a musical impetus which culminated, in
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1873, in the first of the famous May festivals-the first not only in Cincinnati but in America. The artistic and financial success of these festivals resulted. in 1878, in the building of the great Music Hall with funds provided jointly by Mr. Springer and other liberal citizens of Cincinnati. The managers of the Music Hall Association and the members of the stock company which, through the enterprise of Mr. Nichols, was formed to found the College of Music of Cincinnati, were, in many cases, the same men, and for three years the college had its home in Music Hall, occupying Dexter Hall and other rooms. Then the college erected buildings of its own, adjoining Music Hall, with which it is still connected by a covered bridge.
The first musical director of the college was Theodore Thomas, to whom the cause of music in America owes much. The college has never been without its own orchestra, chorus, school of opera, school of expression and string quartet, while faculty concerts, pupils' recitals and lectures have been a constant accom- paniment of the other teaching facilities of the institution.
With respect to location, the college has many excellent advantages. The buildings adjoin the magnificent Music Hall, in which all the prominent musical events of the season are held. These buildings occupy an entire block, fronting on Elm, Grant and Plum streets, and the building containing the studios, the Odeon and the young ladies' dormitory are practically under one roof. The col- lege building contains twenty-five large, well-lighted, well-ventilated and well- heated studios, study rooms, library, waiting room, offices, spacious rehearsal rooms, and an organ practice room, containing a large two-manual Roosevelt organ. The dormitory building directly faces Washington Park, and stands in a healthy as well as central part of the city ; about fifteen minutes' walk from the shopping and theatre district.
The college is located on Elm street above Twelfth, and all cars marked "Clifton & Elm," "McMicken & Elm," or "Colerain Ave." will stop at the en- trance. Cars from all depots bring you to "Fountain square," and for the one fare you may transfer to any of the above-mentioned cars, and request the con- ductor to let you off at the College of Music.
When arrangements are previously made by correspondence, and upon re- ceipt of definite information as to the arrival of train, and over what railroad, students from a distance will be met at the depot and escorted to the college.
THE ODEON.
Another acceptable reason for the unique place the college occupies among other American schools of music, is the fact that it was, until recent years, the only one possessing its own concert hall and theater. This auditorium, listed among the representative theaters of Cincinnati, is called the Odeon, and is a modern building in every respect, being constructed of brick and concrete, and is absolutely fireproof. The Odeon has a seating capacity of 700, and is equipped with large, comfortable, ball-bearing chairs, and provided with ample exits. On the stage is another magnificent new two-manual Moeller pipe organ with electric pneumatic action, while the acoustics of the hall are unsurpassed. The stage is 60 feet in breadth, and so thoroughly equipped with different sets of scenery and appliances as to make possible professional performances by the departments of opera, and of elocution and acting.
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There are at present, besides those mentioned, the Clifton School of Music, the Ohio Conservatory of Music, the school of Davis David, the school of John Yoakley, those of Louis Ehrgott, Henry C. Lerch, Vigna Tecla, and numerous other schools and teachers.
The first regular series of symphony concerts by a regular symphony or- chestra in the city of Cincinnati, was that given under the auspices of the Cin- cinnati Orchestra Association Company, during the season of 1895-96, with Frank Van der Stucken, conductor. Prior to this there had been nine symphony con- certs given by an orchestra under the auspices of the Cincinnati Orchestra Asso- ciation Company, but under three different conductors :
January 17, 18, 19, 1895-Frank Van der Stucken, conductor.
February 21, 22, 23, 1895-Anton Seidl, conductor.
April 11, 12, 13, 1895-Henry Schradieck, conductor.
These nine concerts were merely preliminary and for the purpose of trying various conductors. On the strength of this series Frank Van der Stucken was engaged as conductor of the orchestra.
Previous to the organization of the Cincinnati Orchestra Association Company an orchestra had been giving concerts for some years under the direction of Michael Brand, and it was this orchestra which was used as the nucleus for the symphony orchestra of later years, Mr. Brand's orchestra of forty musicians be- ing augmented by some twelve or fifteen brought from New York city with Henry Schmidt of the Philharmonic orchestra, as concertmeister, for the pre- liminary series of nine concerts.
The Cincinnati Orchestra Association Company grew directly out of the La- dies' Musical Club, of which Miss Emma L. Roedter was president. Symphony concerts in Cincinnati were the outgrowth of an idea originating with Miss Helene M. Sparmann, honorary president, and Mrs. W. H. Taft, secretary of the Ladies' Musical Club, and this idea was taken up by Mrs. Wm. H. Taft, secretary of the club in 1894-95, and a group of enthusiastic musical women, and they were the organizers and moving spirits of the company which was later formed to give these concerts.
The orchestra project was first mentioned in the fall of 1893, but it was not until the following spring that the Cincinnati Orchestra Association Company was formed, consisting of a board of fifteen women. A great deal of work was done in the summer and fall of 1894 in preparation for the initial concerts, and although concerts were given in January, February and April, 1895, the first regular season was not inaugurated until, as before stated, the fall of 1895.
The following season, that of 1896-97, the orchestra was increased to sev- enty men, and as Music Hall had been remodeled the concerts were transferred to this building, where they have since been held. The following season the or- chestra was reduced to sixty men, and continued at that number for several years. About ten years ago the number was somewhat increased, and the in- crease has been gradual until during the season of 1910-II the orchestra num- bered from 77 to 90 musicians, depending upon the works to be performed.
A guarantee fund was arranged for the first three years of $10,000 per year, and this amount has been gradually increased until the present guarantee fund is $50,000.00.
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The name of the company giving the concerts was changed by the addition of the word "symphony", making it the "Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Asso- ciation Company" in 1906, the last year of Mr. Van der Stucken's conductorship.
Mrs. William H. Taft was president of the company from the beginning until 1900, (when Judge Taft was appointed governor of the Phillipines) and on her resignation Mrs. Christian R. Holmes was elected to the post, and has remained at the head of the organization since.
During the season 1907-08 the symphony concerts given under the auspices of this company were by various orchestras from other cities. In 1908-09, no symphony concerts were given at all. Work, however, was carried on for the establishment of a permanent orchestra, and in the summer of 1909, "after a guarantee fund of $50,000 per year for five years had been secured from pub- lic-spirited citizens," Leopold Stokovski was elected director of a permanent or- chestra to be established in Cincinnati that fall.
Two seasons of concerts have been given under Mr. Stokovski, who is the present director of the orchestra.
The first business manager of the orchestra was R. E. Morningstar, who was elected to the position in 1900; he was succeeded in 1901 by Frank E. Ed- wards, who resigned the position in February, 19II, and Oscar Hatch Hawley was elected to the position.
The orchestra has been making tours to other cities since 1900, and these tours have grown so important in the last two years that they now include every large city of the middle west, as Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus, De- troit, Toledo, Indianapolis, Dayton, Terre Haute, and many others, to which will be added during the coming season Chicago and St. Louis.
CHAPTER XX.
LITERATURE, JOURNALISM AND PUBLISHING.
DR. DANIEL DRAKE FIRST IN THE FIELD OF LETTERS-EDWARD D. MANSFIELD AND BENJAMIN DRAKE COLLABORATE ON A HISTORY OF CINCINNATI IN 1826-CIST AND ROBERT CLARKE OFTEN QUOTED AS LOCAL HISTORIANS-SALMON P. CHASE WRITES PIONEER HISTORY OF OHIO-NAMES OF WRITERS ARE LEGION-GENERAL WILLIAM LYTLE, CARY SISTERS, THOMAS BUCHANAN READ, HARRIET BEECHER STOWE, WILLIAM HENRY VENABLE, THE PIATTS-NEWSPAPERS AND PERIOD- ICALS AND THEIR FOUNDERS-NOTED JOURNALISTS-PUBLISHERS.
At the beginning of the line of authors in Cincinnati stands Dr. Daniel Drake. He came hither in 1800 when he was fifteen years of age, and in 1810 he issued "Notices Concerning Cincinnati," a small volume, now very rare, com- pact with careful and accurate observation. Drake's "Natural and Statistical View, or Picture of Cincinnati and the Miami Country," came out in 1815. While busily engaged in professional and public work, Dr. Drake wrote from time to time other volumes. He issued in 1842 "Northern Lakes and Southern Inval- ids." He was the author of a popular treatise on physiology and a number of pamphlets consisting of lectures and addresses. He attracted national attention by his "Systematic Treatise on the Principal Diseases of the Interior Valley of North America." His letters to his children were issued after his death as "Number 6 of the Ohio Valley Historical Series" under the title "Pioneer Life in Kentucky."
Benjamin Drake, lawyer and younger brother of Dr. Drake, in collaboration with Edward D. Mansfield published "Cincinnati in 1826." Benjamin Drake also wrote "Tales and Sketches from the Queen City," lives of "Tecumseh, the Prophet" and "Black Hawk." He was responsible for a work on "Agriculture and Products of the Western States," and his writings appeared frequently in the Western Monthly Magazine, Southern Literature Messenger and other mag- azines of that day. His most valuable work, perhaps, was "The Life of Wil- liam Henry Harrison."
Charles Daniel Drake, son of Dr. Drake, was born in Cincinnati. From 1827 to 1830 he was a midshipman in the United States navy; in 1833 was admitted to the bar in Cincinnati, and in 1834 he removed to St. Louis. In 1847 he re- turned to Cincinnati, whence in 1850 he again went to St. Louis to practice his profession. In 1867 he became United States senator from Missouri; he re- signed this office to become chief justice of the court of claims in Washington. He published a "Treatise on the Law of Suits by Attachment in the United States," and a "Life of Daniel Drake."
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Edward D. Mansfield was brought by his parents to Cincinnati in 1805, when he was five years of age. He collaborated with Benjamin Drake in issuing "Cin- cinnati in 1826." Mansfield's "Political Grammar," 1835, was among the ear- liest school books on the science of government and the federal constitution. He published in 1835 a "Treatise on Constitutional Law"; "Legal Rights of Women," 1845; "Life of General Scott," 1846; "American Education," 1850; "Memoirs of Daniel Drake," 1855; and "Personal Memoirs 1803-48" in 1879 certain of his addresses appeared in pamphlet. For a time he was editor of the Gazette.
Judge Jacob Burnet wrote "Notes on the Early Settlement of the North- western Territory," published in New York in 1847, a volume of five hundred pages. Burnet's address before the Cincinnati Astronomical Society, June 3, 1844, gives an account of the early settlement of Ohio. His speech in the Whig convention 1839 includes a sketch of General W. H. Harrison. He contributed an article to the Gentleman's Magazine, June, 1848, on Cincinnati in 1800. Judge Burnet also provided illuminating facts as to the founding of Losantiville in the historical preface he wrote for Shaffer's Cincinnati, Covington, Newport and Fulton Directory for 1839-40.
The Rev. Timothy Flint came first to Cincinnati as a visitor for a few months early in the nineteenth century. Later, he came to reside permanently. He wrote "Recollections of the years passed in the Valley of the Mississippi" and "Indian Wars in the West," "Condensed Geography and History of the States in the Mississippi Valley," Cincinnati 1828; "Arthur Clenning," 1828; "George Mason or the Young Backwoodsman," 1829; "Shoshone Valley," Cincinnati 1830; a "Memoir of Daniel Boone," Cincinnati 1834.
Charles Cist issued at intervals "Cincinnati in 1841," "Cincinnati in 1851," and "Cincinnati in 1859," volumes of historical and statistical matter that is invaluable. Cist was also editor, during a portion of the years between 1840 and 1850, of the Western General Advertiser, and from its pages gleaned material for two volumes of "Cincinnati Miscellany, or Antiquities of the West," a mine which all writers on Cincinnati since have worked in.
The eldest son of Charles Cist, Lewis J. Cist wrote verses for the Advertiser, the Hesperian and other local papers, and in 1845 issued a volume called "Trifles in Verse: A collection of Fugitive Poems."
Robert Clarke, of the noted publishing house of Robert Clarke & Co., was better informed on local history than any other man in this region. His col- lection of Americana, now part of the library of the University of Cincinnati, is the best in existence. He prepared materials for a history of this city but never wrote it. He issued a number of pamphlets of his own, published nu- merous valuable books for others, and was the counsellor of a considerable number of other men who were at work on historical subjects. Roosevelt ad- vised with him while writing "The Winning of the West," and John Fiske was one of his correspondents. He was thoroughly well posted as to the sources of local history especially. Mr. Clarke was the author of "The Pre-historic re- mains found on the Site of the City of Cincinnati, with a Vindication of the Cin- cinnati Tablet." He also issued a pamphlet on the first sales of lots and quota- tions of lots in Losantiville. He edited the very valuable Ohio Valley Historical Series."
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The first history of Ohio was by Salmon P. Chase and was prepared while he was an attorney in this city. It was first published as an introduction to Chase's edition of the statutes of Ohio, in 1833.
In 1853, Moore, Anderson, Wilstach and Keys issued Hart's "History of the Valley of the Mississippi," Timothy Flint's "Indian Wars of the West," "Life and Exploits of Daniel Boone," the "History and Geography of the Mississippi and the Shoshone Valley were all published here.
Ephraim Morgan and Sons in 1855 issued here a history of the Shawnee Indians, by Henry Harvey.
Howe's noted historical collections of Ohio were written and published in this city ; there were four editions from 1847 to 1869.
In 1872, the Miami Printing and Publishing Company published "A Chap- ter of the History of the War of 1812 in the Northwest" by Colonel William Stanley Hatch, who was a volunteer in the light infantry of Cincinnati.
"Sketches of Western Methodism: Biographical, Historical and Miscellan- eous, Illustrative of Pioneer Life," by the Rev. James B. Finley, was a work of much value, and is still an authority upon its subject. Finley's "History of the Wyandott Mission at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, under the direction of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church" was published here.
"A History of the Miami Baptist Association from its organization in 1797 to a Division of that Body on Missions in 1836" by A. H. Dunlevy, was a valued contribution to early ecclesiastical history in this region.
Lieutenant E. Hannaford wrote the account of the Sixth Cincinnati Infantry, and Major W. H. Chamberlain published the history of the Eighty-first Regiment.
Peter H. Clark published a small book giving an account of the Black Brig- ade, the negroes of Cincinnati who worked upon the fortifications at Covington in 1862.
"Ohio in the War: Her Statesmen, Her Generals, and Her Soldiers," edited by Whitelaw Reid, was published by Moore, Wilstach and Baldwin.
"Cincinnati's Beginnings," by F. W. Miller, was published by Peter G. Thom- son in 1880. Thomson published also in 1880. "The Old Court House: Rem- iniscences and Anecdotes of the Courts and Bars of Cincinnati," by Judge Carter. Peter Thomson also arranged and published in 1880, "The Bibliography of the State of Ohio, being a Catalogue of the Books and Pamphlets relating to the His- tory of the State."
"The Signs of the Times, comprising a History of the Spirit Rappers in Cincinnati and Other Places, with Notes on Clairvoyant Revealments," by W. T. Coggeshall, recounts a curious story with local bearings.
"The Schools of Cincinnati and its Vicinity," by J. P. Foote, 1855, is a use- ful book.
"An Essay on Anti-slavery before 1800," by William F. Poole, 1872, was published here.
A very large number of pamphlets bearing upon the history of this city and vicinity have been issued and form a literature in themselves. Some of them were delivered as orations on anniversary occasions ; some were delivered before various historical societies. "Pioneer Life at North Bend," an address by J. Scott Harrison," was issued in pamphlet form by the Robert Clarke Company.
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A considerable number of valuable pamphlets and books bearing on church history in this region have been issued. Dr. J. G. Monfort published "Presby- terianism North of the Ohio." Rev. Richard McNemar told the story of the "Kentucky Revival," and his book was issued from the office of Liberty Hall. Rev. William H. James published an historical discourse on the seventy-ninth anniversary of the Presbyterian church of Springdale. The history of the Read- ing and Lockland churches was written by the Rev. Hutchison. The Rev. An- drew J. Reynolds wrote the history of the Cumminsville Presbyterian church.
There have appeared in printed form also the Rev. Samuel R. Wilson's dis- course at the dedication of the church of the pioneers, the First Presbyterian church at Cincinnati, September 21, 1851; "A Brief Account of the Origin, Prog- ress, Faith and Practice of the Central Christian Church of Cincinnati;" the "History of Union Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church."
Pamphlet histories have also appeared of the high schools of Cincinnati, of Lane Theological Seminary, the Catholic Institute, the Wesleyan Female College, and Western Baptist Theological Institute.
Brief histories have been issued of the Young Men's Mercantile Library, the Public Library, the Law Library, the Mechanics' Institute, Spring Grove cemetery, the Academy of Medicine, the Literary Club, the various expositions, the Cin- cinnati Orphan Asylum, the suspension bridge, and the Tyler-Davidson Fountain.
Among the books and pamphlets about Cincinnati, not already mentioned, are "The City of Cincinnati, a Summary of its Attractions, &c.," by George E. Stevens, 1869; "Illustrated Cincinnati," by D. J. Kenny, 1875; "Cincinnati Il- lustrated," 1879, also by Kenny. There have been guide books and hand books by Boyd, Caron, Holbrook and King.
"The Cincinnati Society Blue Book and Family Directory," published by Peter G. Thomson, 1879; "The Suburbs of Cincinnati," by Sidney D. Maxwell; "Sub- urban Homes," by Richard Nelson; "The Manufactures of Cincinnati," by Sidney Maxwell.
There have been half a dozen histories of Cincinnati, among others those of Henry Ford and C. T. Greve's admirable works.
There have been issued a considerable number of biographies of noted Cin- cinnatians written by local authors. Lives of Daniel Drake, Dr. John Locke, ยท Larz Anderson, James H. Perkins, Judge Thomas Morris, Samuel Lewis, Rev. Truman Bishop, Rev. Philip Gatch, Mrs. Charlotte Chambers Ludlow, the Rev. Adam Hurdus, Jacob Burnet, Rutherford B. Hayes, William Spooner, Samuel E. Foote and others.
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