History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 132

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372

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In 1829 more books were added to the li- brary and a catalogue was published. About 1840 the library was removed to the room occupied by the Franklin Lyceum in the York County Academy. Although the li- brary never contained more than one thou- sand volumes it filled an important mission in cultivating a taste for literature among the early citizens of York. Many of the books, however, were taken out and never returned.

A public library under the name

dividuals. George E. Sherwood was the originator of the enterprise. Mt. Zion, Hu- mane, Harmonia and Mt. Vernon Encamp- ment are the I. O. O. F. lodges referred to; with these, the Conewago tribe of Red Men, the Mystic Band, the White Rose Lodge of the Knights of Pythias united and contri- buted to establish the library.

Upon the payment of a nominal fee, a small amount collected to meet expenses, any one secured the privileges of the li-

that way, the interested lodges contributed a certain sum yearly to maintain and in- crease the number of books. Additional shelves were soon needed to receive books donated by the public and those ob- tained by purchase, till the once commo- dious quarters on the first floor of Odd Fel- lows' Hall became too small. Necessary expenses, notwithstanding the practice of rigid economy, confronted the lodges yearly in the shape of a deficit to be met by a gen- eral assessment, moreover the rooms were needed for other purposes, so that the li- brary was closed in 1893.

It was suggested to the school board that these books, stored in Odd Fellows' Hall since 1893, might be secured, and by being put in the new High School, made to ful- fill the purpose for which they were origi- nally collected. Communication with the lodges interested, resulted in joint meet- ings and led to the donation of the books to the school board in accordance with cer- tain provisions, which were agreed to and adopted.

During the summer of 1897 the books, 3.195 in number, were taken from the upper floor of Odd Fellows' Hall, at the corner of George and King Streets, to the Central School building. The following constituted the first board of managers: F. James Evans, A. Wanner, O. L. Jacobs, F. M. Dick, J. F. Gable, James Eppley, J. Ilgen- fritz, A. B. Farquhar, Capt. Frank Geise, Rev. Charles James Wood and Henry Small. Through the liberality of A. B. Far- quhar and Henry Small, an expert cata- loguer was secured. Under her supervision

Public of the United Library Associa- Library. tion, was established in York in 1874, chiefly through the efforts the books were classified according to the of lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Dewey decimal system. Meantime, contri-

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THE CITY OF YORK

butions were solicited and received so that by the time the work of the cataloguer was completed, the total number of volumes had been increased to 4,200. The books were placed in a room on the first floor of the new High School and the library opened to the general public April 19, 1900. The city superintendent, A. Wanner, was appointed librarian. In June, 1901, the position of as- sistant librarian was created, the salary at- tached being paid by the school board. To church. this office F. L. Spangler was elected.

For several years funds to maintain and increase the library were obtained chiefly through High School entertainments. An occasional donation from some other source was received. In 1903 the school board made the first appropriation of $300 for the purchase of new books. Since then the board has yearly appropriated a small amount for this purpose.

The librarian's report for 1906 shows that there are 8,323 books on the shelves; that for the preceding year there were 16,193 book charges; and that the average monthly circulation equalled 1,157 volumes. The yearly catalogues of the York public schools compiled by the city superintendent, con- tain full information of the history and man- agement of the public library. The state- ments in this article have been obtained from that source, to which the reader is re- ferred for any additional information that may be desired.

Rev. Charles James Wood, who Wood Library. served as rector of St. John's Episcopal Church from 1894 un- til his death in 1906, bequeathed to this congregation, his private library con- taining about 8,000 books and pamphlets. The conditions of this bequest require the vestry of the church to furnish a place so it can be utilized as a publicreference library. It is a valuable collection of books and in 1907 provisions were made to open this li- brary in the parish house, adjoining St. John's church, for the use of the people of York and vicinity.

Cassat Library.

The Cassat Library was founded by the trustees of the York Col- legiate Institute soon after that institution was established. It was named in honor of Isabel Cassat, wife of Samuel Small, Sr., founder of the Insti- tute. It originally contained a few hundred

volumes. During the progress of this in- stitution the library has been enlarged and in 1907 contained 3,000 volumes. This li- brary is made up of a selection of the best works of literature, science, art, philosophy and history.

The First Presbyterian Church, of York, has a well selected library, containing 1,500 volumes. This number does not include a Sunday School library in the chapel of that

As early as 1850 patrons, friends and stu- dents of the York County Academy began the collection of a library for use in that in- stitution. Originally most of its volumes were reference books but many other vol- umes on history, science and literature have been added. John C. Jordan, a member of the board of trustees and a prominent cit- izen of York, recently contributed funds for the purchase of reference works and such other books as are needful for the students of the academy.

The Historical Society of York County owns a collection of rare books and histor- ical works, numbering about 2,000 volumes. The Law Library, owned by the bar asso- ciation, contains 4,000 volumes. It is used as a reference library for the attorneys of York.

MUSIC.

The earliest settlers of York, who came from the Palatinate on the Rhine, were a musical people by inheritance. Soon after the First Lutheran Church was founded, a pipe organ was placed in the church, and a few years later a pipe organ was bought by the congregation which worshipped in the First Reformed Church on West Market Street. Both these congregations had good choirs, which gave public entertain- ments before the Revolution. The pipe or- gan of the Reformed Church was played by a trained organist on July 2, 1791, when Washington worshipped with this congre- gation, while a visitor at York. The organ was destroyed by a fire which burned down the building in 1797, but another was pur- chased soon after 1800, when the new church was dedicated. The Moravians, too, were a musical people, and the congregation which worshipped in that church on South Water Street, had a choir and an organ at an early date.

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

He was followed by Michael Bentz, a noted teacher of the parochial school. The best singers of the choirs in York gave musical entertainments in the County Court House to the delight of the citizens of York. George Doll had a school for instruction in sacred music in York in 1818. The Har- monic Society, an excellent musical organ- ization, gave frequent concerts in the churches and the Court House in 1822 and later. The Independent Musical Associa- tion, which contained musical talent, was formed in 1822. Michael Bentz trained a class in music in the school building to the rear of Christ Lutheran Church in 1823 and many years later.

The Orphean Society was popu-

Orphean lar in York in 1822 and during

Society. the succeeding ten years. In 1822 this society gave a public concert in Christ Lutheran Church, for the benefit of the poor of York and for the Un- ion Sunday School, organized in 1817. In 1829 George Small, the merchant, and fa- ther of Philip A. Small, was secretary of the Orphean Society.

The choir of St. John's Episcopal Church gave concerts in the church to large audi- ences before 1820, and musical entertain- ments were frequently given at that early period in the York County Academy. In 1826 Joel Harmon taught sacred music to a class organized for that purpose. Jung- mann's Musical and Juvenile Seminary oc- cupied rooms on West Market Street, near the German Reformed Church.

Carl Blisse, the violinist, gave a concert at the home of Judge Daniel Durkee in June, 1830.

In 1831 Mr. and Mrs. Canderbreck gave a concert in the Court House on the harp and violin. They sang several selections in the presence of a large audience.

The Rainer family, the famous Tyrolean vocalists, appeared in York March, 1837, and February, 1840, and gave concerts at the Franklin House.

John Barnitz and others led the choir of After the erection of Odd Fellows' Hall the First Lutheran Church as early as 1800. in 1850, musical organizations gave concerts and entertainments in this building which were attended by large audiences. The York Musical Association was organized in 1855 with Rev. F. F. Hagen, president ; John H. Small, secretary; James A. Schall, treasurer. Rev. Mr. Hagen was chosen musical director ; Peter Bentz, conductor of the choir, and Captain Philby, conductor of the orchestra. This association met regu- larly for practice on the third floor of Odd Fellows' Hall, twice a week. Mon- day and Friday. Captain Philby became a leader of cornet bands and also organ- ized an orchestra which renderd ex- cellent music in many public entertain- ments.

The York Band, composed of about thirty members, was organized before 1838. Dur- ing that year, it went to Harrisburg to take part in a Fourth of July celebration. While in that city on this occasion, this band re- ceived the highest commendation for the music it rendered while marching in the parade. The Springgarden Band, organ- ized in East York, before the Civil War, entered the army in 1861 as a military band for the Eighty-seventh Regiment, and con- tinued in the service two years. It was then led by Captain William Frey. Matthias Selak, one of the musicians of the Eighty- seventh Regiment, formed an orchestra in York after he returned home in 1864. The Selak orchestra played many times for con- certs and entertainments. Prof. Thiele, a native of Germany and a trained musician, led an orchestra in York for ten years. His son, Ernest Thiele, also became a noted musician. The City Band of York, since the time of organization, has been famous for its rendition of fine music.

Peter Bentz, who owned a music store on East Market Street, conducted musical societies in York for a long time and was frequently the leader in giving concerts. At one time he led a successful oratorio so- ciety which presented to large audiences some of the masterpieces of the German and Italian composers. The Haydn Quar- tette, whose members were Hollingsworth Gipe, M. L. Van Baman, B. F. Thomas and tion in York in 1876, and also at the bor- ough centennial in 1887. This quartette

In 1847 the Swiss Bell Ringers gave a delightful entertainment in the Lottman building on the site of Odd Fellows' Hall. These musicians, not long before, had H. C. Pentz, sang at the centennial celebra- appeared in a concert given before the Queen of England.

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gave frequent concerts with different so- prano soloists.

During the past third of a cen-

Oratorio tury a notable improvement has

Society. been observed in church music.

Most of the large congregations of the city now have trained choirs and the churches are provided with costly pipe or- gans, which are equal in tone and quality to the best instruments of their kind used in the other cities of Pennsylvania. The study of sacred music of the highest order in the city of York received an impetus in 1904 when the York Oratorio Society was organ- ized with A. B. Farquhar, president ; David P. Klinedinst, secretary, and Charles C. Frick, treasurer. The Society secured the services of Joseph Pache, a German musi- cian who trained an oratorio society in Bal- timore. Soon after the formation of the York Society, it contained 300 active mem- bers, all of whom became deeply interested in its future success. The Society met reg- ularly in the auditorium of the Collegiate Institute, where the conductor trained the members for the presentation before public audiences of some of the masterpieces of Mendelssohn, Handel, Haydn, Liszt and Rossini. Two concerts each year have been regularly given to vast audiences. The ablest soloists in America have been secured to assist in giving these concerts.

The progress made in the study of sacred and classical music as the result of the ex- cellent work of this Society, is in the highest degree encouraging. It has stimulated the young people of the city to accept the ad- vantages of musical culture, rarely afforded in inland cities of any state in the Union.

THE DRAMA.

The histrionic art seems to have been in- troduced into York during the Revolution. The second story of the Court House in Centre Square and a hall on South George Street were used as places of public enter- tainment when Continental Congress held its sessions at York, during the winter of 1777-8. According to a diary reference of one of the delegates to Congress, a Shakes- perian play was presented in the presence of an intelligent audience. The names of the actors are not given. Dramatic per- formances were frequently held in the York County Academy before 1800.

About 1810, Peter Wilt, who owned a public inn on the south side of Market Street, east of Queen, erected a hall for en- tertainments. In the surrounding yard and on the Public Common, small traveling cir- cuses had exhibited before and after this period. In 1813, while the second war with Great Britain was in progress, a dramatic performance of merit, was presented to the citizens of York, in Peter Wilt's hall. The actors on this occasion were the Durang family, composed of Frederick Durang, Mrs. Durang, Charles and A. Durang, Miss I. C. Durang, Mr. Carroll and Mrs. Jacobs. They presented the striking scenes of Rich- ard the Third, and then varied the program with lighter drama in order to please and delight the audience. It was Frederick Durang who first sang the "Star Spangled Banner," which was written by Francis Scott Key, in September, 1814, during the battle between the British and Americans at Baltimore. At the time of their appearance in York, the Durang family entertained the audience with patriotic airs.

The Thalian Association, composed of amateur players, was in existence at York in 1818. In December of that year, this company presented Goldsmith's "She Stoops to Conquer," in the Court House, for the benefit of the English and German Sun- day Schools. The earliest traveling cir- cuses gave dramatic entertainments. At an exhibition of the " Pavillion Circus," on the Public Common, in 1826, there was a fine display of equestrian feats, which was followed by an interesting melo-drama. The Philosophical Society played the com- edy " Who's the Dupe?" in the York County Academy, in 1831. The Athe- naeum, a literary, musical and dramatic as- sociation, organized about 1830, gave fre- quent entertainments and concerts. The officers in 1831 were Rev. James R. Reily, president ; George S. Morris and Rev. S. J. Boyer, vice-presidents ; John F. Fisher, sec- retary: B. Johnson, treasurer; James S. Connellee and Robert J. Fisher, executive committee.

In June, 1832, Mrs. Knight, who had ap- peared at the prominent theatres in London and New York, gave a musical entertain- ment, interspersed with recitations, at the Court House. Her husband played the ac- companiments on the piano. Eberle's The-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

atrical Company, in 1833, gave a perform- ance in the public house of Mrs. Lottman. which stood at the southwest corner of George and King Streets.

Before 1850, there was no large hall in York for concerts and public entertain- ments. It was during that year, that Odd Fellows' Hall was built. This building, four stories in height, was looked upon as an imposing structure at that period. Dra- matic companies visited York more fre- quently after its erection. The second story - of this building, known as Washington Hall,

It became popular as a place of entertain- inent and owing to its limited capacity, the original building was enlarged during the summer of 1902, under the direction of B. C. Pentz. The officers of the Opera House Company in 1907 were: James A. Dale, president ; William H. Burnham, vice presi- dent; Dr. J. R. Spangler, treasurer; B. C. Pentz, secretary and manager.

CHAPTER XLI VISITS OF FAMOUS MEN

has since been used by theatrical companies Franklin-Washington - Adams-Jackson -Lafayette - Harrison - Van Buren- Taylor - Buchanan - Clay -Webster- Johnson-Grant-Garfield-Roosevelt. and musical associations. Charlotte Cush- man appeared in Washington Hall, shortly after the Civil War. Joseph Jefferson, one of the greatest of American actors, played " Rip Van Winkle " in this hall, about 1872. Benjamin Franklin, the greatest Ameri- can philosopher and statesman of the Revo- lutionary period, visited York in 1755. He came here for the purpose of securing wagons and supplies for Braddock's army on its march against the Indians in the west- ern part of Pennsylvania. From Septem- ber 30, 1777, to June 27, 1778, when Conti- mental Congress held its sessions in York, sixty-seven delegates attended, representing the thirteen original states of the Union. Janauschek, the tragedienne; Mrs. John Drew, Mr. and Mrs. Bowers, J. L. Shewell and other actors of national reputation ap- peared at the same place. Blind Tom, the musical prodigy of the colored race, enter- tained large audiences here, with three or four piano concerts. A novel entertainment was once given by General Tom Thumb, Minnie Warren and Admiral Dot. the three midgets who exhibited all over America and throughout the countries of Europe. The Of these twenty-six were signers of the Siamese twins, known throughout the world Declaration of Independence. York has been honored by visits from ten presidents of the United States and many other dis- tinguished men. Detailed accounts of these visits are given in the succeeding pages. as one of the freaks of nature, were present at an entertainment given here, in 1874. Odd Fellows' Hall continued to be the chief place for public entertainments until the erection of the York Opera House on Beaver Street.

President Washington.

Early in his life, when George Washington was

employed as a surveyor, by Lord Fairfax, in the Shen- andoah Valley, Virginia, he passed through delphia. No authentic account of this visit can be given. All that is known about it, is the fact that he passed over the Monocacy Road through York and crossed the Sus- quehanna at Wright's Ferry. Washington never came to York during the whole period of the Revolution. The published diaries of this distinguished American tell where he spent his time almost every day during the eight years that the War for Independ- ence continued.

House. vice president ; Frank Geise, secre- York on his way to the land office in Phila- tary, and Jere Carl, treasurer, erected the York Opera House on South Beaver Street at a cost of $38,000. It was an ornamental building with good accom- modations which gave encouragement to trained companies of the histrionic art to appear in York. The opening attraction was presented by the distinguished come- dian, John S. Clark, in " Toodles," to a large audience, May 23, 1881. Several noted opera companies appeared soon afterward, much to the gratification of the amusement In 1790, just after the first session of the loving people of York. In 1892, the Opera First Congress, he made a tour of the New House was remodeled at a cost of $15,000. England States. In March, 1791, shortly

York

In the year 1880, an incorporated company composed of N. F. Burn-

Opera ham, president; John Blackford,

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THE CITY OF YORK

before the second session of the First Con- houses and mechanics in it. At this place, gress had ended at Philadelphia, President in a good inn, we breakfasted." He spent Washington wrote to Lafayette that he in- tended to make a tour of all the southern states. He made this trip for the purpose

about four hours in Hanover and during that time walked around the town with Colonel Richard McAllister and other sol- of coming in closer contact with the people, diers of the Revolution. About 10 A. M. he and proceeded through Wilmington, Dela- set out for York and was met some distance ware; Annapolis, Maryland, going as far up the road by a delegation of citizens and south as Charleston, South Carolina. He two military companies which escorted him was received with demonstrations of joy at to town. What notification the citizens of York had of his arrival cannot for a cer- tainty be given. every place he stopped, and receptions were given in his honor in all southern towns and cities. Upon his return to his home at Mt. Rev. John Roth, pastor of the Vernon, he spent two weeks superintend- Bells Moravian Church, recorded in his ing the affairs of his farms. He then pro- Rang. diary: "Upon the arrival of the ceeded to Georgetown in the District of Co- ulmbia, and after meeting the commission- ers and selecting sites for the Executive Mansion, the National Capitol and other public buildings, he entered in his diary :

"Being desirous of seeing the nature of the country north of Georgetown and along the upper road, I resolved to pass through Frederick, Maryland, York and Lancaster in Pennsylvania, to Philadelphia."

At another place in his diary, he states :

"I was accompanied by my private secre- tary, Major Jackson. My equipage and "Eighteen miles from Hanover we arrived attendants consisted of a chariot, and four at York, where we dined and lodged. After dinner, in company with Colonel Hartley and other gentlemen, I walked through the principal streets of the town, and drank tea at Colonel Hartley's. The Court House was illuminated." horses, driven in hand, a light baggage wagon and two horses, four saddle horses, besides a led one for myself, and five per- sons, namely, my Valet de Chambre, two footmen, coachman and postillion."

Washington arrived at Frederick at 7:25 P. M., June 30. A correspondent from Frederick to Claypole's Daily Advertiser in describing this visit says:

"So sudden and unexpected was the visit of this illustrious and amiable character, as to leave it entirely out of the power of the citizens to make the necessary preparations for his reception. On notice being given of his arrival the bells of the Lutheran and Reformed churches were rung. rounds from a cannon were fired."

He left Frederick at seven o'clock the pendent' Light Infantry Company, com- next morning and lodged for the night at manded by Captain George Hay, paraded, and being drawn up before his Excellency's lodgings, fired fifteen rounds. At night there were illuminations and demonstra- tions of joy. Taneytown. At 4 o'clock on the morning of July 2, he left Taneytown, and passed through Littlestown. He wrote in his diary: "After traveling seven miles from Littlestown, we came to Hanover, (com- monly called McAllister's town) a very pretty village with a number of good brick

President all the bells in the town rang in honor of the event, as if the voices of the archangels were sounding in har- mony and commanding attention. I could not repress my tears at the thought of all this. Indeed, I cried aloud, not from a sense of sadness, but from a feeling of joyfulness. In the evening there was a general illumi- nation and at the Court House in each pane was a light, forty-one pounds of candles being used."

In his own diary . Washington says:

On August 30, the county commissioners paid Henry Pentz two pounds and eighteen shillings, or about $14.00, for forty-one pounds of candles to illuminate the Court House in honor of the President of the United States. The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, published at York, in its issue of July 6, 1791, says: "Saturday last the President of the United States arrived here from Mt. Vernon on his Fifteen way to Philadelphia. His arrival was an- nounced by the ringing of bells. The Inde-

"The next morning his Excellency was waited upon by the Chief Burgess and the principal inhabitants, and the following ad-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

dress was presented to him, after which he quence of the preacher. After services, ac- attended services and then proceeded on his journey."

He attended religious services at Zion Reformed Church, on the south side of met General Hand and many of the prin- West Market Street, near Beaver. The address presented to General Washington and doubtless written by Colonel Thomas Hartley, then a member of Congress from York, reads as follows :

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 132

Author: Prowell, George R. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1372

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372