USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Groveport > History of Madison Township, including Groveport and Canal Winchester, Franklin County, Ohio > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32
Digitized by Google
-
139
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Swisher, Hattie O. Arnold, Mamie J. Gates, Sarah C. Moore, R. Ross Shaw, Will L. Powell, John H. Mont- gomery, Harley B. Dolby, LeRoy M. Willie, Edson F. Rainier, Chas. F. Dolby, Chas. C. Plum and J. Russel Strickler ; 1897, Maggie Arnold, Blanche Needels, Florence Seymour, James Simms, Bertie Toy, Martha. Walton, Howard Rarey and Laura Schlosser; 1898, Sadie Copeland, Edith Decker, Nellie Larrison, Alice. Paxton, Gracie Preston, Josie Schlosser, Bess Sey- mour, Maud Seymour, Grace Seymour, Louie Stans. berry, Amy Swisher, Alva Kile, Bert Peer, Will Peters (there was no graduating class in 1899) ; 1900, Har- ley E. Peters, Walter Zimmer, Anna Rarey, Lucius Davis; 1901, Maude Chaney, Ray Decker, Mabel Long, Charles Lincoln, Kathryn Saylor, Nannie Simms, Joseph Rohr, Ray Teegardin and Pearl Tus- sing.
Digitized by Google
-
CHAPTER XII.
LITERARY ENTERTAINMENTS.
'Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order."- BACON.
The old-fashioned spelling school furnished the principal literary entertainment, especially for the young people. The spelling-school became popu- lar with the erection of buildings intended for school houses, and continued in favor well into the sixties. Many became so proficient in the art of spelling that it was nothing unusual to spend a whole evening in pronouncing words - at the beginning from the spell- ing book, and later from the pronouncing dictionary - and then only "seat" the last few spellers by resorting to "cratch" words. The announcement of a spelling- school was soon heralded over the neighborhood and usually brought together the champion spellers and their friends from the adjoining districts; the spelling began at candle-lighting, and each person was expected to bring a candle. "Pronouncing" was an important factor, and usually two or more persons - in most in- stances the school teachers - were chosen, who re- lieved each other in turns.
The Debating Society took the place of the spelling- school for those past school age, especially in the more intelligent neighborhoods. It is the Debating Society (140)
Digitized by Google
I
I
141
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
which instilled that thirst for knowledge, and whose forum called out and developed that power of "think- ing on one's feet," and which reveals the secret of the dignified, graceful and attractive force which was so marked in many of our business and professional men of a few decades ago.
On January 25, 1840, a Literary Society was or- ganized in Winchester, and named "The Winchester Institute." The record book containing its constitu- tion, membership roll and the secretary's minutes from its organization to January II, 1847, inclusive, is be- fore the writer. The following extracts from its con- stitution will give some idea of its object and method of work. "The object of this society shall be intel- lectual and colloquial improvement by the candid in- vestigation and free, polite and manly discussion of such questions as the society from time to time may deem proper." "The officers shall be a President, two. Vice-Presidents, a Secretary and two Curators." "It shall be the duty of the President and two Vice-Presi- dents to sit in hearing questions discussed and then give their decision according to the weight of the argu- ments." "The Curators shall collect all monies, fur- nish lights and fuel, submit questions for discussion and select persons to write essays or to declaim." "Any respectable male person may become a member by paying to the Curators the sum of 12}c and signing the constitution, providing two-thirds of the members vote for his reception."
"Members' names: F. C. King, A. Hathaway, Henry Eichelberger, D. C. Atwater, W. H. Edmund- son, W. B. Waters, (Dr.) Stephen H. Potter, Wm. Fry. (Dr.) Joseph B. Potter, John Helpman, Peter Miller, Samuel Bartlit, D. S. Morrow, Wm. Curtis,
Digitized by Google
142
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Jacob Schrock, Samuel Burkholder, John M. Kramer, Jacob Rone, Robert Cowen, Nathaniel Tallman, John F. Bartlit, Wm. Overholtzer, Peter Kramer, Thomas Kemp, J. J. Needels, (Rev.) W. R. Letzinger, Adam Kramer, John Teems, John Colman, Nathaniel Bray, Abner Ebright, Geo. Ebright, A. Bruner, David Kra- mer, Andrew Helpman, R. I. Mason, Samuel Morris, John T. Ford, (Rev.) Elias Vandermark." And later the following others became members: Z. Collins, C. C. Holmes, (Dr.) C. Langworthy, Peter Kinsler, Wm. L. Stevenson, Levi Moore, Wm. Line, Hinton Tall- man, Wash Hendricks, H. W. Rowland, (Rev.) M. Biddler, H. Bresler, (Dr.) G. W. Blake, Wm. Prentiss, James Clendening, Wm. Helpman, Joshua Glanville, Jacob Jacobs, Esq., Jacob Dravenstott, A. Lafabirse, John Farsee, J. B. Evans, T. B. Johnson, (Rev). Wm. Wilson, Eli Moore, Scunnell, Wm. Hubbard, David Dixon, Philip Price, J. Jeffers, - Chever, Wm. Morton, J. N. Slife, A. P. Morton, R. Tallman, G. S. Stevenson, Solomon Gayman, Nathaniel Sprague, W. Decker, Francis Cunningham and Wm. Harbaugh. Meetings were held in the school house, Dr. Stephen H. Potter's office and other places, and begun at candle- lighting; sessions were held only during the winter months.
We record rather a long list of the questions dis- cussed, since they reveal the subject matter of some of the leading problems in the public mind half a cent- ury or more ago: "Has the African more reason to complain than the Indian?" "Does the newspaper press produce a salutary influence?" "Has the brute creation been of more benefit to the community at large than the vegetable production?" "Which is the strongest passion, Love or Anger?" "Is there more pleasure in
Digitized by Google
143
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Anticipation than Participation ?" "Is Climate the cause of the Different Varieties in the Human Species?" "Ought Females to be Equally Educated with Males?" "Is Conscience Innate or Acquired?" "Would it be Policy for the State of Ohio to Pass a General Bank- ing Law?" "Does the Physician Produce more Benefit than the Preacher (or Divine) ?" "Which Produces the Greatest Influence - the Male or the Female?" "Has Pride and Ambition had a Worse Influence than Ignorance and Superstition?" "Has Money done more Injury than Ardent Spirits?" "Has Wealth greater In- fluence than Talent?" "Ought Bank Notes under the Denomination of Fifty (50) Dollars be in Circula- tion?" "Does the Present State of Things Indicate Universal Civilization?" "Ought Capital Punishment be Abolished?" "Is Ambition a Stronger Passion than Pride?" "Has the Discovery of the Magnet been of more Benefit to Mankind than the Art of Printing?" "Has Slavery in the United States Injured the Con- dition of the Negro?" "Has the Male more Influence in Court than the Female?" "Resolved, That Murder is Worse than Seduction," "Resolved, That all Laws Making Distinction on Account of Color Should be Repealed," "Resolved, That all Banks of Paper Issue should be Repealed," "Resolved, That Foreign Immi- gration Should be Prohibited."
In the latter part of the sixties and early in the seventies, the Amateur Dramatic Society was intro- duced, and many an evening was spent in rehearsals and drills. It is interesting to note that the amateur theatricals began and also stopped at about the same time at both Winchester and Groveport, so the ques- tion naturally arises as we observe the passing of these
Digitized by Google
144
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
various forms of entertainment as to what will take the place of the present popular lecture course.
July 18 and 19, 1867, G. S. Stevens, who was then Superintendent of the Winchester schools, assisted by others, gave an exhibition under a tent just west of the school house. The program was of a miscellane- ous character, only part of which can now be recalled. John Shoemaker acted "Toodles," and Jennie Somer- ville "Mrs. Toodles;" Lide Algire recited "The Ma- niac." In "Josephine," a pantomine, Luda Fry acted Josephine, Katie Shortt acted Hortense and David Fry was Eugene; Mr. Stephens and Emma Haskell acted the parts of "Moses and his wife" when Miss Haskell (Mrs. Philip Game) sang the familiar song, the cho- rus of which is :
"Now, Moses, you'll catch it, Now, Moses, don't touch it, Now, Moses, you hear what I say ; Tis thus without stopping, The music keeps dropping,
From night after night And from day after day."
Another pantomime was entitled, "Marriage in - War Times ;" "Fair Bingen on the Rhine" was recited by Laura Schoch, Katie Stevenson and Nan Evans; Poe's Raven was sung by Emma Haskell and Wm. M. Game. Among others who sang were Mame Hische, Ellen Rees, Katie Short, Katie Stevenson, Blanch Bergstresser and Alice Stevenson. A festival was held upstairs in the school house in connection with this ex- hibition.
In the winter 1869-1870 a Mr. Harry A. Davis, alias Howard, alias Mortimer, and wife(?) came to
Digitized by Google
:
1
1
-
C
" PINNAFORE" GROUP. April 1889.
Rear Row - J. M. Armpreister, M. M. Warner, Wm. Speaks, G. M. Herbst, O. P. Gayman and Chas. Blake.
Middle Row - Ella Vought, Laura Zirkle, Sarah Schoch, Mary Herbst. Ollie Ashe, Fannie Game, Gertie Bailey, Cad Watson, Edith Ashe, Minnie McFadden and Oley Speaks.
Front Row - B. F. Gayman, Kate Weber, Alice Speaks, Joe Ashe, Chas. Boyer, Dr. J. W. Shook, Ida Speaks and John C. Speaks.
Digitized by
: .
1
... .. .
Digitized by
145
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Winchester. He had considerable ability as an actor, and through his efforts the first amateur theatrical so- ciety in Winchester was organized. On Wednesday evening, February 16, 1870, the drama, "Ten Nights in a Bar Room" was rendered with the following "cast": Sample Switchell, Harry A. Davis ; Romaine, Joe E. Evans; Joe Morgan, H. A. Davis; Simon Slade, Levi Kramer; Frank Slade, Wm. Trine; Har- vey Green, Wm. Game; Willie Hammond, P. M. Cas- low; Mrs. Morgan, Mary Speaks; Mary Morgan, Ella Blake; Benny Morgan, Albert Speaks; Mrs. Slade, Ollie Hesser ; Mehitable Cartwright, Mrs H. A. Davis; and on the same evening the farce, "Paddy Miles' Boy," was given. The "cast" was: Paddy. Miles, H. A. Davis; Dr. Coates, Chas. B. Cowen ; Harry Coates, W. M. Game ; Job, Geo. F. Bareis ; Mrs. Fidgett, Mary Speaks, Jane Fidgett, M. Algire; Reu- ben, Pete M. Caslow. On the following evening the drama, "Ireland As It Is" was produced; the "cast" was : Dan O'Carolan, Chas. B. Cowan; Ragged Pat, H. A. Davis; Neil O'Carolan, W. P. Caslow; Lord Squander, Wm. M. Game; Old Stone, A. B. Lucas; Conor O'Flaherty, Geo. F. Bareis ; Slang, Wm. Trine, Purdy Magee, P. M. Caslow; Judy O'Trot, Mrs. Da- vis; Honor O'Carolen, Mary Speaks ; Florence O'Car- olen, Ella Blake; and the farce, "To Oblige Benson," with the following "cast": Mr. Benson, W. D. Cas- low ; Mrs. Benson, Ollie Hesser ; Mr. Southdown, H. A. Davis; Mrs. Southdown, Mrs. Davis; Mr. Mere- dith, A. B. Lucas. The entertainments were given in the "Rink." It then stood on High street, just south of the railroad tracks. This building was torn down in 1901. The building was filled to its utmost ca- pacity : every available space was occupied, even on 10 H MT
Digitized by Google
146
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
top of the little office in the northwest corner, and along the nailing ties. To those on the stage it ap- peared to be one solid mass of humanity, not only on the floor, but also up the side walls. The scenery was painted by Mr. Davis expressly for this occasion. The "Bills" were printed by Wm. D. Caslow, who operated a small job press for Dr. A. Starr. A foot note on the bills said: "Persons holding 50-cent tickets can se- cure a good seat at any hour they may arrive, as there will be as many of the best seats reserved as there are 50-cent tickets sold." The music was furnished by the Lithopolis Cornet Band.
In the spring of 1875 the Winchester Dramatic Club was organized, with the following members, viz : W. J. Dixon, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, manager ; Fred. F. Ungemach, Chas. Epply, Wm. M. Game, Chas. Al- len, Edward Evans, Wm. H. McClintock, Allie E. Gayman, Geo. W. Miller, Lee Kramer, Wm. D. Beeks, Misses Mary Speaks, Nan Evans, Ella Blake, Lide Leckrone, Kate Allen, Ollie Hesser and Ida E. Speaks, Chas. B. Cowen, prompter. On April 1, 1875, they rendered "Ten Nights in a Bar Room," and on April 2, "The Coacher's Doom." After the entertainment Mr. and Mrs. Philip Game tendered the club a recep- tion at their home, and on the following Saturday evening John and Rachel Gehm entertained them at their home on Waterloo street. On September 24, 1875, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and on September 25 "The Octoroon"; the farces, "The Specter Bridegroom" and "Getting into Trouble" were also given. Miss Mary Speaks, John Selby, Tall Hite and a Mr. Ed- wards furnished the music. October 9, 1875, "The Octoroon" and "Getting into Trouble" was repeated as a benefit. December 10, 1875, a benefit was tendered
Digitized by Google
147
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Mr. Fred T. Ungemach, when the "Streets of New York" was rendered, and the following evening "Nick of the Woods," and the farce, "That Nose of Mine," was rendered. February 22, 1876, "Kathleen Mavou- reen" and the farce, "My Wife is Out." On May 6, 1876, they went to Groveport via Capt. James Fay's boat. The Winchester Cornet Band accompanied them. On July 4, 1876, "The Poacher's Doom" and "Take Care of Charlie" were rendered. In 1878 the club was reorganized, with the following members : Alf. Fairbanks, R. W. Bolenbaugh, Fred Ungemach, Wm. M. Game, Chas. Shoemaker, W. D. Beeks, A. E. Gayman, John Helpman, Jr., John C. Speaks, Albert Speaks, E. C. Chaney, Chas. W. Miller, Hal. V. Cha- ney, and Misses Ella Vought, Ollie Hesser and Blanch Bergstresser, and on June 13 they rendered "Daniel Boone," and on June 15, "The Ticket of Leave."
In the early spring of 1886 the following young people organized a literary society and called it the Y. P. L. S .: Misses Rose Gayman, Zell Billingsly, Seppie Yost, Sarah Gayman, Mollie Gayman, Callie Dunlap, Jessie Leoffler, Blanche Dibble, Effie Leonard, Carrie Rees, Lizzie Moore, Recy Sarber, and Henry Lehman, B. F. Lehman, C. V. Moore, O. P. Gayman, Phil C. Tussing, G. W. Tooill, Chas. W. Gayman, John Picker- ing, Will S. Tussing, Joe Starr, Anexy Ringer, O. P. Dunlop and W. A. Delong. On Saturday evening, May 8, 1886, they rendered a program in Ghem's Hall consisting of dialogues, etc., "A Natural Spell," "The Train Tomorrow," "Out All Around," "The Master- piece," "The Wrong Man," and "An Unhappy Pair."
On December 11, 1886, the Sons of Veterans gave an entertainment in Gehm's Hall consisting of recita- tions and the following dialogues: "The Wrong
Digitized by Google
148
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Man," "Saved by a Dream," "Advertising for a Hus- band," and "From Punkin Ridge." Those taking part were: W. S. Tussing, Laura Zerkle, Chas. W. Gay- man, Carrie Rees, Minnie McFadden, Recy Sarber, Edna Lawyer, Gertie Bailey, Blanch Dibble, Effie Leonard, Fannie Game, Zell Billingsly, Joe Starr, Will S. Tussing, Oliver P. Dunlop, Chas. Alstadt, Henry Lehman, Anexy Ringer, Phil C. Tussing, Geo. W. Tooill, James Adams and Clem V. Moore.
On September 20 and 24, 1886, the drama, "En- listed for the War" was rendered by E. E. Arnold, Harry Miller, Benj. F. Lehman, A. Ringer, J. B. Out- land, Ella Helpman, S. Arvilla Yost, Nellie Schrock and others, the proceeds to be used for the purpose of organizing a drum corps for the Sons of Veterans.
On Wednesday evening, February 16, 1887, the Irish drama, "More Sinned Against than Sinning," was given at Gehm's Opera House by J. W. Shook, B. F. Gayman, G. W. Miller, Joe S. Ashe, C. B. Tut- tle, G. W. Sponsler, W. L. Walters, T. A. Arnold, W. C. Bailey. O. L. Dibble and others. On the same evening C. B. Tuttle recited Shamas O'Brine.
December 10, 1887, the Potter Light Guards ten- dered a benefit entertainment to Amos Walters. The program consisted of a solo by Alice Speaks, a farce, "Wooing Under Difficulties"; a drama, "Tempter, or the Sailor's Return"; a solo by Capt. John C. Speaks, and a farce, "Brother Bill and Me." This entertain- ment marked the passing of the amateur dramatics in Winchester.
Mozart Club.
Among the most notable musical organizations was the Mozart Club, which was organized in the fall of 1874, with the following members: John H. Speil-
Digitized by Google
i
!
1 1
1
I
1 1 i
- -
:
1
!
149
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
man, Director; Wm. C. Speilman, Ed. C. Speilman, J. Peter Weisman, Wes. H. McClintock, Mary Speaks, Ida Speaks, Carrie Bowman and Ollie Hesser, with Blanch Bergstresser and Katie Short, pianists. The first concert was given on February 18, 1875; at the close of the entertainment the club was invited to a banquet at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Weisman. Other concerts were rendered during the season of 1875-1876. On March 10, 1876, at their fifth concert, Mr. Meise, of Lancaster, assisted. The sixth concert was given on March 2, 1877, when they rendered "Pau- line, or the Belle of Saratoga," and on March 16 they repeated this program at Lancaster, having a special coach attached to the afternoon passenger train, and returning on a special about midnight. On March 28 they repeated it at Groveport, making the trip on a canal boat. Prior to the visit of the Mozart Club to Groveport, some of the young people of the latter place had advertised an entertainment in Winchester to which only about half a dozen tickets were sold. There was quite a rivalry and considerable feeling between the two neighboring towns in those days. With all the advertisement and the attractions incident to the Mozart Club's advent, with quite a company of their friends and a brass band, there were only four or five Groveport persons in their audience. One or two numbers were sung, when it was announced that the concert would be declared off and the money refunded at the door.
In the fall of 1877 the club was reorganized, with the following members: J. H. Speilman, Director ; W. C. and Ed. C. Speilman, T. F. Ungemach, J. P. Weisman, Warren Somerville, Wm. D. Beeks, John C. Speaks, B. F. Gayman, Robt. W. Bolenbaugh, Alf.
Digitized by Google
150
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Fairbanks, R. C. Caslow, Mary, Ida and Alice Speaks, Ollie Hesser, Carrie Bowman, Lynn and Jessie Somer- ville, Sarah C. Schoch, Ida Gayman, Ollie McKelvey and Ella Vought, with Blanch Bergstresser, pianist. On Thursday and Saturday evenings, May 9 and II, 1878, they rendered the opera, "Bohemian Girl," and repeated it as benefit for Miss Ida Speaks on May 22, 1878. The Mozart Club possessed musical ability far above that usually found in a village, and rendered a high class of music in an artistic way.
Winchester Vocal Society.
Another notable musical society was organized in the fall of 1885, and named the Winchester Vocal So- ciety. The members were: Joe S. Ashe, John C. Speaks, Dr. J. W. Shook, B. F. Gayman, Chas. L. Boyer, J. M. Armpreister, G. M. Harpst, O. P. Gay- man, Will Speaks, M. M. Warner, Alice Speaks, Mrs. Ida Chaney, Kate Weber, Ella Vought, Cad. Watson, Mary Harpst, Edith and Ollie Ashe, Gertie Baily, Fan- nie Game, Minnie McFadden, Laura Zirkle and Sarah Schoch, with Edna Lawyer, pianist. On April 2 and 3, 1886, they rendered the operetta, "H. M. S. Pina- fore." On May I they repeated it at Groveport. The Winchester Brass Band went with them on Capt. Webb Clellan's canal boat.
Winchester Lecture Course.
The first attempt towards furnishing a course of entertainments was by a local committee in the winter of 1885-1886. Rev. Austin Henry, then pastor of the Reformed church, being among the most active advo- cates, and the following four entertainments were given : January 28, 1886, G. Paul Smith, Imperson-
Digitized by Google
1
151
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
ator, and the Forbes family, Musicians. February 11 and 12 Tank. Kee, Lectures on China (Tank-Kee also gave a benefit lecture for the Ohio river flood suffer- ers), and Julia Lee, Reader.
In January, 1888, another course of four lectures was arranged, as follows: Rev. F. E. Marsten, D. D., "Balky People," January 27; Dr. W. H. Scott, Presi- dent O. S. U., "The Use of Books," February 21 ; Francis C. Sessions, "From Yellowstone Park to Alaska," February 28; and Dr. N. S. Townsend, "Great People that I Have Seen," March 20. The net proceeds to be used in purchasing books for the Public Library. In the fall of 1888 a committee com- posed of the pastors of the local churches, arranged the following course of entertainments : December 10, 1888, Anna Vickers (Elocutionist) ; December 28, General Joseph H. Geiger; January 1I, 1889, F. C. Sessions ; January 25, Professor Perkins of O. W. U .; February 4, Professor J. R. Smith of O. S. U., and February 22, Professor C. H. Workman. The receipts were $57, and the expenses $70. In the fall of 1889 the prevailing opinion - based on the experience of the season before - seemed to be that a lecture course could not be maintained except at a loss. Mr. A. A. Graham was then managing a lecture course in Co- lumbus, and through his solicitations a party of about thirty was made up, and a special train service secured. A coach was attached to a coal train leaving Winches- ter at about 6 o'clock p. m., and returning on a "light extra" after the entertinment. A similar arrange- ment was made in the fall of 1890, when the following persons held season tickets: Geo. F. Bareis, S. T. Needels, C. D. Whitehurst, Laura and Ella White- hurst, O. P. Gayman, Philip Game, Edwin S. Gayman,
F 1
Digitized by Google
152
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
H. H. Dibble, Professor Thomas Fitzgerald, Kate and Emma Weber, C. V. Moore, Gertie Bailey, S. E. Bai- ley, Lila Starr, R. J. Tussing, Mrs. J. B. Potter, Mrs. Rachel Griffith, Rev. C. W. Bostwick, Rev. A. Snider, Oliver A. Wright, Ed. Crayton, E. C. Chaney, Sam H. Martin, Ben F. Bowman, Daniel Detwiler, Dr. L. W. Beery. Wm. Schrock, Pet. Schoch, O. P. Bowman, and Mrs. McFadden, from Winchester; O. E. D. Baugher, Stella Crumley and Dr. G. S. Courtright, from Lith- opolis, and J. L. Chaney, J. K. Chaney, W. H. Zinn, Ed. Denton, Chas. Swisher, J. M. Kelley, Welton Sey- mour, F. G. Pontius, A. M. Rarey. J. D). Rarey, John O. Rarey, C. P. Long, Rev. G. W. Lott, Professor J. A. Wilcox and Dr. C. R. Clement, of Groveport. On the evening of April 23, 1891, just before the train left the depot at Winchester, John L. Chaney, of Grove- port, on behalf of the patrons of this lecture course, presented Geo. F. Bareis with a handsome antique oak rocking chair "in appreciation of the time he has given and the personal expense he has been at in making the arrangement for so profitable a season of entertain- ments." On November 6, 1891, at a meeting held at the residence of Geo. F. Bareis a committee was ap- pointed to manage a Citizens' Lecture Course, and the following courses have been given: Season of 1891- 1892, "Spedon," "Imperial Quartette," "Col. L. F. Copeland," "Eli Perkins," "Dr. A. A. Wittetts"; 1892- 1893, Major H. C. Dane, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Leland Powers, Lotus Glee Club, Geo. R. Wendling, Col. Sandford, Col. L. F. Copeland; 1893-1894, Ariel La- dies, Morgan Wood, Bob Burdette, John Thomas Con- cert Co., John Temple Graves, Byron King; 1894- 1895, Smith Sisters, Prof. J. B. DeMotte, Hon. L. 1. Handy, Shubert Male Quartette, Brooks-Macy Com-
Digitized by Google
1 1
1
!
Digitized by
"QUEEN OF FAME " GROUP.
Rear Row -C. D. Rarey, Mrs. Jane Reeves, Master Fred Rarey, Mrs Jennie Black, Mrs. Ida Chaney, Mrs. Kate Seymour, Mrs. Anna Mansfield, Mrs. Rachel Huffman, Mrs. J. B. Duzan, Mrs. A. M. Rarey, Mrs Alice Chaney.
Middle Row - Mrs. D. M. Willie, Mrs. Wm. Mason, Miss Lizzie Long, Mrs. Henry Zinn, Mrs. Emma Rarey, Miss Minnie Denton, Mrs. Lida Thompson, Mrs. Ella Powell, Mrs. Mrs. F. Gares, Mrs. May Hutson.
Front Row - Mrs. C. A. Williams, Mrs. Fannie Pontius, Miss Florence Gares, Miss Lena Rarey 'Queen), Mrs. Hannah Shaw, Mrs. Helen Darst.
1
Digitized by
153
HISTORY OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
bination ; 1895-1896, Swedish Quartette, Prof. J. B. DeMotte, Franz Wilzek Concert Co., Henry Hall, Henry Watterson; 1896-1897, Col. Geo. W. Bain, Robt. Nourse, Dr. Eugene May, Nashville Students Concert Co., Harvard Quartette; 1897-1898, Ladies Symphony Orchestra (at I o'clock p. m., December 20, 1897), Dr. A. A. Willetts, Vandalia Varnum, Arion- Cooke Combination. The price of season tickets for these four entertainments was $1.25. Each of the above courses of entertainments was managed by a citizens' committee. No "course" was undertaken during the season of 1898-1899. The lecture course entertainments for the following three seasons have been given under the auspices of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 125; 1899-1900, Ariel Ladies Quartette, Spillman Riggs, DeWitt Miller, Uncle Josh Picture Play Company and Dr. Eugene May; 1900- 1901, John Thomas Concert Co., Samuel Phelps Le- land, W. H. J. Ham, W. Hinton White-and Slayton's Jubilee Singers; 1901-1902, The Rogers-Grilly Re- citals, Slayton's Jubilee Singers, Homer T. Wilson, Edward T. Hagerman and Lovett's Boston Stars.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.