History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884, Part 58

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 992

USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884 > Part 58

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).

THE RABBIT, which originally had its headquar- ters in a quaint farm-house on Rabbit Lane, near Fiftieth Street, was organized about 1867-68 by a number of gentlemen belonging to the Philadelphia Riding Club. Among the members at that time were A. J. Drexel, George C. Carson, Fairman Rogers, Charles R. Colwell, Henry B. Tatham, Joseph Laps- ley Wilson, Samuel B. Thomas, Joseph Patterson, Dr. John Neill, Richard C. McMurtrie, Morton P. Henry, Evans Rogers, and J. D. Bleight. Henry B. Tatham was chairman of the committee, and might be considered the first president of the association. As it became more popular other members were added, until the roll assumed very respectable pro- portions. A number of members of the City Troop joined, and stimulated the taste for horseback-exercise. A track was staked out in a field and private exhibi- tions of speed were given, some of the races being of exceptional interest.

1094

HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

From 1867 until 1872 the house on Rabbit Lane was occupied by the party, and in the latter year they removed to a place on Hay Lane, on the west side of the Schuylkill River, opposite Point Breeze. After staying there a year another change was made to a picturesque ohl house on the ground belonging to Christ Church Hospital, beyond Belmont. In 1875 the club took possession of the Asheton mansion, on Ford road, outside the West Park. Three years ago they changed back again to the old farm-house on the Christ Church Hospital grounds, where they still remain. The house is an old two-story building ot stone, having a high pitch-roof and any number of old-fashioned angles. On July 2, 1877, the club was incorporated under the name of "The Rabbit." Among the prominent members are George B. Rob- erts, J. B. Lippincott, Wayne MacVeagh, Frank Thomson, James A. Bayard, Jr., George II. Boker, Willi im Harrison Eisenbrey, Edward J. Etting, Wil- liam Read Fisher, Dr. R. S. Huidekoper, Charles K. Ide, W. W. Harrison, F. W. Fotterall, L. Taylor Dickson, H. Carlton Adams, John A. Brown, Jr., J. N. DuBarry, E. Bord Grubb, Samuel Wetherill, J. F. Tobias, Samnel Welsh, Jr., Campbell Tucker, Samnel G. Thompson, James P. Seott, George Philler, William E. Littleton, Clayton McMichael, Walter MeMichael, Richard Peters, Monenre Robinson, Jr., Hartman Kuhn, William H. Gaw, J. Aubrey Jones, Henry Bower, William T. Lowber, J. Alfred Kay, William McMichael, and George Willing. Among the deceased members are Gen. George G. Meade, Dr. F. F. Maury, Owen Jones, and Lewis Waln Smith.

THE SKETCH CLUB, on Chestnut Street below Broad, was formed by a number of artists on Nov. 14, 1860. The original members were R. Wiley, George F. Bensell, Philip F. Wharton, Il. C. Bispham, E. Mellhenny, J. Gibon, Edgar Wyand, and E. B. Ben- sell. Every Thursday evening the members meet for social recreation and sketching. Once a month a prize is awarded for the best illustration of a subject given. The prize awarded for the best monthly illus- tration is generally a handsome print. In awarding it, the treatment, drawing, and composition are all carefully considered. An annual prize is also awarded for the best illustration, consisting of an autotype of a specimen of the old masters. During its existence the club has been greatly instrumental in the ad- vancement of art in the city. In 1874 a series of lectures were delivered before the club by Professor Ilarrison Allen on " Artistic Anatomy," which proved of great assistance to the members. At intervals life claves have been instituted, at which the members draw from living models. Entertainments have been given from time to time by the club to visiting artists of celebrity. In 1970 a reception was given to D. R. Knight, James Hamilton, F. O. C Darley, and P. F. Rothermel, which was largely attended. Receptions have also been given to other clubs and to private in- dividual4. Among the prominent members are F. F.

De Crano, W. M. Lansdale, C. E. Dana, Howard Roberts, Earl Shinn, Frank H. Taylor, H. V. Poore, P. L. Senat, Herman Simon, C. II. Stephens, W. M. Dunk, Charles Mellhenny, Ernest H. Klemroth, Frank D. Briscoe, Charles V. Brown, Leon Dela- ehaux, Stephen J. Ferris, Arthur B. Frost, Frederick James, James P. Kelly, D. R. Knight, Milne Ramsay, W. II. Lippincott, Frank Moss, J. McLure Hamilton, and Ilarry Thouron. Among the deceased members are George F. Bensell, Philip F. Wharton, and How- ard M. Poland.

THE PENN CLUB was organized on March 18, 1875, by Wharton Barker, J. M. Power Wallace, John C. Sims, Jr., Morton McMichael, Jr., Capt. W. W. Nevin, Howard Roberts, Samuel Wagner, Jr., Charles Chauncey, Simon A. Stern, and Henry Reed. The organization was named the Penn Club, and its objeet was stated to be the association of authors, artists, and men of seience, and amateurs of music, letters, and the fine arts. The club membership was limited to two hundred and fifty, and the manage- ment of the affairs was placed in the hands of a committee, who were authorized to elect a chairman, secretary, and treasurer. Wharton Barker was elected chairman (there being no president ), Morton Mc- Michael, Jr., treasurer, and John C. Sims, Jr., secre- tary. The club prospered greatly, and soon became widely known by its receptions of prominent men. By the 30th of April, 1875, it had a membership of one hundred and thirty, which was soon increased to the limit prescribed. Finding the rooms too small, the house at the southeast corner of Eighth and Locust Streets was rented and fitted up, and in July, 1875, the club moved into its new quarters. During its com- paratively short career the Penn Club has entertained many distinguished guests, and its receptions, while thoroughly informal, have always been enjoyable. The custom is when a prominent stranger arrives in town with whom a member is acquainted to extend an official invitation to him, and the club is notified of the event. Those who attend the reception spend their time in conversing with one another, and a plain and inexpensive collation is served, The first recep- tion given by the elub was on March 25, 1875, and was tendered to Carl Schurz. On May 27th, Dion Boncieault was the guest, and in October, Professor Richard A. Proctor, the astronomer, was entertained. Since that time receptions have been tendered to the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, the direc- tors of the Academy of Fine Arts, Sothern and Jef- ferson the actors, W. W. Story the sculptor, Gen. Grant, just previous to his starting on his voyage around the world, the Historical Societies of Penn- sylvania and New York, when Wayne MacVeagh delivered an interesting address, B. L. Farjeon the novelist, Bayard Taylor, James E. Murdoch, Governor Hoyt, Thomas Bayley Potter, M.P., Walt Whitman, and Dr. William Pepper, provost of the University of Pennsylvania. The following members have died

1095

CLUBS AND CLUB LIFE.

since the organization of the club: Thomas Balch, | members applying for the charter were Hyman Gun- A. Lardner Brown, Henry Armitt Brown, Theodore Cuyler, Hon. Thomas Bradford Dwight, Asa I. Fish, LL.D., Professor William Newton Meeks, Samuel B. Wylie Mitchell, M.D., Hon. Morton McMichael, Hon. Joseph T. Pratt, B. Lincoln Ray, M.D., Lewis Syl- vester, and Charles H. Addicks. Among the present members of the club are George H. Boker, Professor George F. Barker, Judge Craig Biddle, Anthony J. Drexel, Judge Hanna, Robert P. Dechert, George DeB. Keim, J. Vaughn Merrick, Walter E. Rex, George W. Childs, Fairman Rogers, A. J. Cassatt, H. Howard Furness, and Professor Charles J. Stille.

THE CATHOLIC CLUB, which has a house on the east side of Broad Street, below Walnut, was origi- nally founded, in 1870, under the name of the De Sales Institute. It was named in honor of St. Fran- cis De Sales, and the object was to give aid to Cath- olic charities and support the faith. The club was chartered on the 7th of April, 1875, and two years later an amendment was added, by which the name was changed to the Catholic Club. In March, 1877, the building in Broad Street was leased, and after extensive improvements the club moved in. The club is accustomed to give annual art or musical recep- tions, as well as entertainments in honor of prominent persons. On Wednesday evening, June 13, 1877, one of the finest receptions ever given by the club was tendered to its venerable ex-president, Joseph R. Chandler. A sumptuous banquet was served in the dining-room of the club-house, at which President Robins occupied the head of the table, with Mr. Chandler at his right hand. Speeches were made by George D. Wolff, Pierce Archer, Jr., Charles Phillips, Mr. Chandler, President Robins, S. Edwin Megargee, and others, together with an original poem, written and read by John I. Rogers. In August of the same year a fine reception was also tendered to Archbishop Wood, upon his return from Europe, which was largely attended, and proved a very enjoyable occasion. Two years later a reception was given to Monsignor Cha- tard, formerly president of the American College at Rome. Numerous other receptions have been given from time to time by the club, which have always proved highly successful. From October to the fol- Jowing April, in every year, Sunday nights are used for the purpose of delivering lectures and interesting essays before the club. Daniel Dougherty has several times delivered lectures at the Academy of Music, and concerts have also been given, the proceeds of which have been devoted to various charitable institutions.

THE MERCANTILE CLUB, composed principally of members of the Jewish faith, was organized on Nov. 10, 1853. Among the original members were Mayer Arnold, Lazarus Mayer, H. Gunsenhauser, Michael Moyer, B. Greenewald, Moses A. Dropsie, and others. For ten years the club occupied the premises Nos. 410 and 412 Crown Street, and on the 17th of April, 1869, it was incorporated by the Legislature. The

senhauser, David Teller, Benjamin F. Greenewald, Israel Weil, Gabriel Baum, Charles Stein, Henry Koshland, Levi Mayer, Arnold Vogel, Morris Rosen- bach, Jacob Louer, Thomas S. Sterr, and E. G. A. Baker. In November, 1879, the club leased the large double brick house No. 864 North Seventh Street, owned by Edwin H. Fitler, and fitted it up at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. The property has a front- age on Seventh Street, including a large garden of eighty-nine feet. The depth of the club building is one hundred and ten feet, connecting with a hand- some new brownstone and pressed-brick hall fronting on Franklin Street, between Parrish and Poplar Streets. The club-house and hall are so arranged that they can be thrown into one at any time it is desired, and this is generally done at the entertain- ments given by the organization.

THE RIDING CLUB, which is located on Sixteenth Street below Walnut, was formed about thirty years ago by a number of prominent lawyers. Among the gentlemen who rode on horseback together at that time were the late St. George T. Campbell, Charles Peterson, Benjamin Gerhard, John D. Bleight, Judge Cadwalader, and others. After some little time the equestrians desired to procure a place to exercise their horses without going out on the road. It was neces- sary to have a large room not too far from the courts, as the lawyers might be sent for at any time. They therefore obtained permission to use a room on San- som Street above Eighth, where they remained for several years. While located there Judge Hare, Samuel A. Rulon, Anthony J. Drexel, Dr. John Neill, Evans Rogers, and his son Fairman Rogers, R. C. McMurtrie, and George W. Biddle, were frequent attendants. Afterward they moved to their present location, No. 215 South Sixteenth Street, below Wal- nut. In 1868 the gentlemen who were in the habit of riding at this place procured articles of incorporation for an organization under the name of the Philadel- phia Riding Club. Among the incorporators were John D. Bleight, Evans Rogers, Fairman Rogers, S. A. Rulon, A. J. Drexel, F. A. Drexel, S. H. Horst- man, Joseph Patterson, Israel Morris, Benjamin Per- kins, George W. Childs, J. T. Kille, and George W. Biddle.

THE CLOVER CLUB, which has its headquarters at the Hotel Bellevue, where its table in the shape of a four-leafed clover is only seen upon the occasion of its monthly dinners, was organized in January, 1882. It is an association of prominent men who like a good dinner, and who also like to see their friends enjoy one. Some of the most notable men in America have been entertained at its hospitable board. The follow- ing gentlemen comprise the membership :

Active Members .- John M. Ashmead, W. R. Balch, vice-president ; Dr. Edward Bedloe, George W. Boyd, Col. F. A. Burr, William M. Bunn, James T. Bing- ham, J. L. Carneross, Joel Cook, C. R. Deacon, sec-

1096

HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

retary and treasurer ; Col. Thomas Donaldson, Judge Thomas R. Elcock, M. M. Gillam, M. P. Handy, president ; J. H. Heverin, T. M. Jackson, B. K. Jamison, W. H. Lex, president of Common Council ; Col. William Ludlow, U.S.A., and chief engineer Philadelphia Water- Works; R. W. Merrill, W. B. Merrill, W. O. Hensel. A. K. McClure, Louis N. Megargee, Thomas Potter, Jr., George G. Pierie, Charles Emory Smith, Edward J. Swartz, J. R. Wood.

Non- Resident Members .- Capt. R. C. Clipperton, British Consul; Charles Burdett Hart, Wheeling, W. Va. ; Paymaster M. C. MacDonald, U.S.N.

Honorary Members. - Daniel Dougherty, Hon. Henry M. Hoyt, Harrisburg, Pa .; Sol. Smith Russell.

THE JOURNALISTS' CLUB, which occupies a hand- some five-story building on Walnut Street above Ninth, is composed entirely of editors and reporters, and numbers one hundred and fifty members. It was organized Nov. 20, 1882, and incorporated March 30, 1883. The object of the club is to promote frater- nity among journalists, and with this view social en- tertainments are given fortnightly. The club-house includes a large restaurant, parlor, library, smoking-, billiard-, reading-, card-, and lodging-rooms for mem- bers. The officers are : President, M. P. Handy : Vice- President, George E. Mapes; Secretary, James Hoyt ; Treasurer, John Norris ; Managers, M. P. Handy, James Hoyt, W. C. Ruch, John Norris, L. N. Me- gargee, T. M. Jackson, T. J. Lindsay ; House Com- mittee, Albert II. Hoeckley, chairman, G. H. Shearer, J. B. Lane, G. R. Morse, and W. R. Lester. The club possesses a number of valuable paintings and engravings, as well as odd bric-à-brac and furniture.

THE LIBERAL CLUB, which occupies a handsome marble building on Broad Street, above Chestnut, was organized in 1876, by a number of members of the Union League and the Reform Club, the latter of which has since dissolved. The club was incorporated in 1-76 by D. F. Houston, Stephen Flanagan. S. F. Donaldson, William Warnock, George W. Thompson, D. L. Flanagan, Charles I. Cragin, and E. F. Poulterer.

THE UNIVERSITY CLUB, to which only college graduates are eligible, occupies a handsome house on Walnut Street, above Thirteenth. The Right Rev. William Bacon Stevens is the president, and the organization is in a flourishing condition.

Tut Sryit's Cli k is an organization restricted to editor-, reporters, and contributors to or publishers of newspapers or magazines. It was organized in 1877 and its object is the promotion of social inter- course between its members. It is composed of the following gentlemen James M Ferguson, Stephen N Wirlow, Robert A Welsh, Albert W. Frick, Edward J Swartz, Alexander J. Met leary Thomas J Laplay, Jame McConnell William H. Smith, W/Ham B. Kinsey, Louis N. Megargee, Hermann Duck, William F_Met'ully, George S. Ferguson, Il.

J. Murdoch, George G. Pierie, William Arthur, James R. Young, William Perrine, Robert S. Menamin, Franklin Dundore.

Political Clubs .- Besides the many social organ- izations in Philadelphia there are numerous political clubs. Prominent among these is the UNION LEAGUE, which is the leading club of the Quaker City. It is an outgrowth from the Union Club, which was organized Nov. 15, 1862, by Morton McMichael, chairman, J. I. C. Hare, Charles Gibbons, Benjamin Gerhard, and George H. Boker, secretary. Articles of association were drawn up, and the organization was named "The Union Club of Philadelphia." The articles provided, after reciting loyalty to the United States, that the club should meet every Saturday evening at the house of a member, who should pro- vide a moderate entertainment not later than ten o'clock. Not more than three dishes of various kinds could be served, and the wines were limited to sherry and Madeira and one other. Meetings were after- ward held at the residences of James W. Paul, John Ashhurst, Bloomfield H. Moore, and Dr. Wilson C. Swann. On Dec. 27, 1862, a meeting was held at the residence of Dr. John F. Meigs, at which the Union League of Philadelphia was organized from the members of the Union Club. The large house No. 1118 Chestnut Street was taken, and after being thor- oughly furnished was thrown open to the members. In the mean time the Union Club was continued as a purely social organization until Nov. 4, 1865, when the weekly meetings were superseded by an annual dinner, which was to be held on December 27th in each year, the anniversary of the foundation of the Union League.

The League rapidly assumed a commanding posi- tion in the politics of the nation, and printed circu- lars were prepared and sent out to every city, town, and village in the country, giving plans for insti- tuting similar Leagues to uphold the Union cause. A board of publication was appointed, and the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars was soon subscribed for the purpose of printing and issuing patriotic pamphlets. They were sent from Maine to Califor- nia, and probably did much toward the success of the Republican party. A committee was also appointed for the purpose of securing employment for disabled Union soldiers and sailors, which accomplished much good. During this year (1863) a committee was ap- pointed to enlist and send into the field as many regiments of soldiers as its means might warrant. In a few days eighty thousand dollars were collected and three regiments were armed, equipped, and sent forward. In August, 1864, the lease of the build- ing No. 1118 Chestnut Street expired, and could not be renewed, as the late Matthias W. Baldwin desired to occupy the premises as a residence. A lot of ground had been previously purchased at the corner of Broad and Sansom Streets, upon which it was de- termined to erect a suitable building for the club.

CLUBS AND CLUB LIFE.

1097

During its erection the League moved temporarily into a building on the south side of Chestnut Street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth, opposite where Concert Hall was formerly. While located here the League opened a recruiting-office for colored soldiers in the premises next door, which created considerable excitement among the residents of the vicinity. At

postpone the affair. The building, which is one of the finest club-houses in the world, was built by John Crump, and cost in the neighborhood of two hundred thousand dollars.

The Union League has always been noted for the beauty and elegauce of its receptions, which have invariably been attended by the highest society in Philadelphia. Many prominent men have been entertained within its walls, and to all who have par- taken of its open-handed hospitality the memory is a pleasant one. The fine art receptions have been eagerly hailed by those who desired to get a peep at the treasures of paintings and statuary in the build- ing, and the dancing receptions are the delight of the fair sex of the Quaker City. The first reception given in the building was tendered to Lieut .- Gen. Grant in 1865, and proved highly successful. In 1867, Maj .- Gen. Philip H. Sheridan was entertained, and at the same time Maj .- Gen. Daniel E. Sickles was present. On Dec. 14, 1868,

NGEÇER

UNION LEAGUE CLUB-HOUSE.

this time the League numbered nearly one thousand members, and when a meeting was held Concert Hall was hired for the occasion, as the premises were much too small for them. Up to the close of the war the League sent into the field nine regiments, two battal- ions, and a troop of cavalry, all armed and equipped at the expense of the club.

On May 11, 1865, the Union League took possession of their magnificent new building at Broad and San- som Streets. It had been intended to inaugurate the moving with a grand reception, but on account of the assassination of President Lincoln it was decided to

the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, was the guest of the League at an entertainment given in this house. On the 11th of May, 1870, the first re- ception was given to the families of the members and many invited guests. A committee of one hun- dred was appointed to look after the details, and everything passed off successfully. The club-house was magnificently decorated with flowers and plants, and an admirable orchestra furnished appropriate music. On the 22d of December, 1871, a grand re- ception was tendered to George H. Boker upon his appointment as minister to Turkey, which was largely

1098

HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

attended, and on July 10, 1876, Mr. Boker, having returned from Russia, to which country he had been appointed minister, was entertained a second time. On October 26th in the same year, Hon. Rother- ford B. Hayes, at that time Governor of Ohio, was the guest of the League. Two years later President Ifayes and his wife were given a grand reception by the club, at which the decorations were notable for their elegance. Governor Hoyt was received April 15, 1879, and on December 23d, of the same year, Gen. Grant and his wife were entertained after their journey around the world. In addition to these more prominent re- ceptions, there have been innumerable social enter- tainments. There are generally two receptions to the families of members and invited guests every winter.

THE AMERICE'S CLUB is the leading Democratic organization of Philadelphia, and has a house on Broad Street above Chestnut. On the 30th of April, 1867, a meeting was held at the residence of Dr. Judah Isaacs, No. 513 Pine Street, having for its object the formation of a social club to be composed of Demo- crats. There were present at the time John Welsh, John Kelsh, John P. Delaney, Dr. J. Isaacs, William B. Hood, George Concannon, William W. Dongherty, Lewis C. Cassidy, David A. Nagle, James Stewart, John White, John O. Grady, and Andrew J. McGrath. Since that meeting John P. Delaney, William B. Hood, David A. Nagle, James Stewart, John White, and Andrew J. McGrath have died. John White acted as temporary president, William B. Hood as secretary, and Dr. Isaacs as treasurer. It was agreed that the membership should be limited to thirty, and that the meetings should be held in the third story of the building at the northeast corner of Fifth and Walnut Streets. A committee was appointed to rent and furnish the premises, and they were fitted up in comfortable style.

On the 11th of the following month a constitution and by-laws were reported by the committee ap- pointed for that purpose. The name was adopted as the " Americns Club of Philadelphia," and the object was stated to be to have a room or rooms open at all times, furnished with books and newspapers of the day, for the discussion of all questions and the social enjoyment of the members. It was stipulated that the member- of the club should be adherents of the Democratic party, and must be citizens of the United States. On the 15th of May, 1867, it was agreed to increase the membership to thirty-five, and a perma- nent organization was effected by electing the follow- ing officers . President, John Welsh ; Vice-President, William Conway ; Secretary, Andrew J. McGrath ; Treasurer, Dr. J. Isaacs , Trustees, John P. Delaney, George Concannon, Matthew S. Farrell, John Kelsh, and James Stewart.

During the early part of the war, just after the

Union League had been started and was progressing favorably, several of the members thought a club modeled after the same pattern, but conducted upon more economical principles, would be a great success. Accordingly they met and formed the National Union Club, having its headquarters on Chestnut Street, above Eleventh, in Girard row. At that time the Union League occupied the large donble mansion on the south side of the same square. The object of the National Union Club was to sustain the government of the United States, to check disloyalty by every legitimate method, and at the same time to take an active part in national, State, and municipal politics. The club was a purely political organization, and among its original members were John E. Addicks, John L. Hill, William R. Leeds, Henry C. Howell, and Robert P. King. After the war had closed the members began to lose interest in it, and about 1872 the club was dissolved. As the years rolled on the members became desirous of forming another political club, and about 1874 the UNION REPUBLICAN CLUB of Philadelphia was formed. The object of the new club was to sustain and aid the Republican party, and also to take an active part in all political cam- paigns. Applicants for membership were restricted to citizens of the United States over twenty-one years of age, who were Republicans.

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.

History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884, Part 58

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 992

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 992