USA > Pennsylvania > Crawford County > Our country and its people. A historical and memorial record of Crawford County, Pennsylvania. > Part 36
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Titusville Electric Light and Power Company .- This company was instituted in the summer of 1892. A franchise was granted by the city coun- cils, approved by the Mayor, permitting the company to erect poles of suffi- cient height. size and strength, and string wires at a minimum distance above the ground in all the streets and alleys of the city, as needed. The company erected a very substantial brick building on South Washington Street, on
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the west side, near the passenger station of the W. N. Y. & P. R. R., planted its poles and stretched its wires over a large part of the city, so that early in 1893 it was in full operation. The work of the plant so far has been confined principally to the production of both incandescent and arc lights. It lights all the city buildings, the city hall, the engine and hose houses, etc. It has also by special contract, from time to time, furnished street lights. Many halls, churches and stores are lighted by the plant, and many hotels have either incandescent or arc lamps or both. A large number of private houses are lighted with incandescent burners. The plant has abundance of excellent machinery.
IN MEMORIAM.
A writer has said that the character of a community is indicated by its burial grounds. A stranger visiting Titusville might accept the above pre- cept as true, by an inspection of its principal cemetery at the present time. The first burying ground was a little at the east of the head of Franklin Street. A Mr. Blood, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and Mrs. Ruth Curry, it is said, were the first persons buried there. Mr. James Kerr, a brother of Mr. Samuel Kerr, the founder, with Jonathan Titus, of Titusville, was buried there in the spring of 1818. His remains were afterward removed to Wood- lawn, where they now rest. But the remains of Samuel Kerr, the distin- guished pioneer, still sleep in the old cemetery. Upon the headstone of the grave it is recorded as follows: "Samuel Kerr died August 29, 1839, aged 72 years." U'pon another headstone is recorded: "Robert Lewis died Jan- uary 18, 1813, aged 25 years." The late Robert Lewis, who died September 20, 1898, was his son. He was born July 18, 1813-six months after his father's death. Not a few other names of old residents are still to be seen in the old cemetery. The land for this first cemetery was donated by Jona- than Titus.
Woodlawn Cemetery .- This beautiful "silent city of the dead" is situ- ated at the northwest, a little outside the city limits. In November, 1870, Jonathan Watson, E. H. Chase and R. D. Fletcher purchased of the late Samuel Kerr, the oldest son of James Kerr, above spoken of, and a brother of the present Adam Kerr, seventeen acres of land for the purpose of erect- ing thereon a cemetery. The plan of the cemetery was drawn by Willian Webster, of the firm of Coutant & Webster. In 1882 an addition of land was purchased by Mr. Kerr, making a total of the cemetery grounds of thirty
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acres. Subsequently Mr. Fletcher purchased the interests of Chase and Wat- son, and he has ever since been sole proprietor and manager of the property. Mr. Fletcher has expended large sums of money in improving and beau- tifying the grounds. The many costly monuments in the cemetery are evi- dence that he has not spent his money in vain. The mausoleum lately built by Mr. J. C. Mckinney is immediately adjoining on the south side of the family lot of James Kerr, who, as related above, died in 1818,-eighty years ago. In this lot are buried the remains of the late Samuel Kerr, who sold the thirty acres of land to Messrs. Watson. Chase and Fletcher for the cem- etery. The Mckinney mausoleum is a remarkable piece of art. Its cost is about $20,000.
Calvary Cemetery is the burying ground of St. Titus congregation. It is situated on the south hill, a little outside of the city limits. On the same hill, further west, are two Hebrew burying grounds, one for the B'nai Zion Congregation and the other for the B'nai Gemiluth Congregation. The St. Walburga Cemetery is about a mile west of the city, on the Hydetown road.
PUBLIC HIALLS.
The oldest of public halls of note in Titusville was the Crittenden. It stood immediately east of the brick building now occupied by Barber & Ccoley, fronting upon both Diamond and East Spring streets. It was burned down in the winter of 1860-61. The building at the time was not finished, and the floor of the hall, which was in the second story, was not properly supported to hold an audience. For the purpose of rendering the hall floor more secure against the weight of a crowd of people upon it at a concert, upright props were placed beneath it. But, when pressure came from a crowd above, it acted unequally. The result was that one prop becoming loose, by too much weight upon others, fell down. Then, by a little shifting of the pressure from above, another prop disappeared, then another, and next the flooring, where a large stove filled with burning coal was standing, broke down, precipitating a number of people, together with the stove, to the floor of the room below. Of course the stove emptied its burning coals, setting on fire a pile of shavings on the lower floor. The stove stood near the entrance at the top of the stairs, so that the fire from the shavings cut off egress by the stairway. There was something like a panic, but fortunately no one was seriously injured. Several were slightly burned, but none severely. Some
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jumped out of windows to the ground, and escaped with slight bruises. One or two perhaps had an arm broken. People from outside came to the assist- ance of those struggling to escape, and in a short time all were out of danger. The flames made quick work in reducing the building to smoke and ashes. Mr. Jeremiah Crittenden. the proprietor, immediately began a new edifice in the place of the one destroyed, and after a few months he had completed what now still stands on Diamond on one side and on East Spring on the other, the Crittenden Hall. It was ready for Dr. Purdon's first sermon in Titusville, on Sunday, June 8, 1862. The Crittenden Hall was in constant request for several years afterward, for concerts, theatrical plays and all kinds of public meetings on secular days and evenings, and for religious ser- vices on Sundays and Sunday evenings.
It may interest some readers to know that the concert at Crittenden Hall, which suddenly came to an end because of the fire spoken of, was given by Miss Juvenilia Tinker, afterward Mrs. Hull, the distinguished vocalist, and her sister, afterward Mrs. John Porter, whose husband was once a well- known citizen of Titusville.
The Bliss Opera House was built in the summer of 1865 and opened to the public in the winter following. It remained a public hall for several years afterward. It stood on the north side of Central Avenue, a short distance east of Martin Street, until finally absorbed by E. T. Hall's business block. Its builder was Mr. James Bliss.
In the same year-1865-Corinthian Hall, now Academy of Music, was built by Frey & Bear and on the south side of Spring Street, between Frank- lin Street and Exchange Alley. Until the opening of the Parshall Opera House, in the winter of 1870-71, Corinthian Hall for five years was the most important public hall in Titusville, for theatrical plays, political mass meet- ings, concerts and various gatherings at which the leading representatives of the community are accustomed to assemble. Then came
The Parshall Opera House, of which mention has already been made. This was the high temple of the muses in Titusville from 1870-71. to April 14. 1882, upward of eleven years, when the Parshall block was burned. Messrs. McCrum, Mathews and Smith were the first lessees and managers. After their incumbency, which lasted several years, Mr. James Parshall, the owner of the building, managed the institution. Interesting reminiscences cluster about the Parshall Opera House, where the best theatrical talent, with few
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exceptions, in the land, played in rapid succession to crowded houses. Shake- sperian tragedy drew large audiences in those days. The "sweet, entrancing voice of the awakening viol," in the hands of Ole Bull, enthralled a delighted audience in the Parshall Opera House twenty-seven years ago.
The Emery Opera House .- The next opera house was opened in the spring of 1886 by Messrs. David Emery and C. F. Lake, on the south side of East Central Avenue, near where is Shank's planing mill. Mr. Emery had converted a battery building which belonged to him into the Opera House, and he took Mr. Lake into association with him to manage the Opera House business. The location of the building was not quite favorable in all respects, but the performances in it were generally well patronized. It burned down, however, on February 2, 1887.
The Titusville Opera House .- Soon after the burning of the Emery Opera House Mr. Lake purchased the vacant lot on which the Parshall House had stood. on the southwest corner of Spring and Washington streets, and upon the south end of it, on the west side of Washington Street, he erected a very substantial brick edifice, for a first-class opera house. The interior of the house is very attractive. It is well arranged, especially the acoustic requi- sites. It was opened to the public in September, 1887. It has been honored by such celebrities of the drama as Richard Mansfield, Frank Mayo, Janaus- chek and others of equal rank. Mr. Lake subsequently sold the property to Mr. John J. Carter, who has since sold it to Mr. John Gahan, his manager, the present owner.
Armory Hall .- Several years ago, Mr. M. R. Rouse erected on the north side of Central Avenue, between Drake and Kerr streets, an Armory for the accommodation of Company K, National Guard, which has recently returned from service in the West Indies war, of which he was long its captain. He continued to hold the office until a few years ago. On the floor of the building Mr. Rouse built and furnished a public hall. This hall has always been in much request. Also connected with it is a large dining-room, with kitchen accommodations, for entertainments which require suppers and other refreshments. The hall is a pleasant and convenient one for lectures, amuse- ments, etc.
Music Hall, on the north side of West Spring Street, between Perry and Monroe, is well patronized. It is largely used as a dancing hall. It is owned and managed by Mr. Benjamin Lang, who has ample provision for furnishing
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large or small parties with food refreshments. The hall is also used for lec- tures, concerts, etc. It was built about thirty years ago, by Mr. Carl Dufft, father of Carl Dufft, the New York vocalist.
The Titusville Woman's Club is one of a large number of similar or- ganizations, extending over nearly all parts of the United States, and joined together in confederation. The institution had its beginning in 1868, in the city of New York, when was formed there a woman's club, a sisterhood that took the name of "Sorosis." It announced as the object of its organization : "The promotion of agreeable and useful relations among women of literary, artistic and scientific tastes; the discussion and dissemination of principles and facts, which promise to exert a salutary influence on women and society in general, and the establishment of an order which shall render the female sex helpful one to another and actively benevolent in the world."
In spite of newspaper ridicule and popular prejudice against the under- taking, Sorosis prospered, and gradually won the confidence of many women in several parts of the country, and by degrees clubs similar in character to Sorosis were instituted in various cities. The rapid growth of these clubs led to combination, or association. In 1890 began a national federation which now embraces a union of five hundred and eighty-two clubs. The general work of the clubs composing the federation has also gradually come to eni- brace a wide range of subjects. At the biennial convention, which met at Denver last June, twelve hundred delegates were present, representing re- spectively nearly all the localities of the Union. The Titusville Woman's Club is an integral part of the great federation. In March, 1892, a meeting of Titusville women was called for the purpose of forming a distinct organiza- tion. About thirty women responded by their presence to the call. On March 26, a constitution was adopted and club officers elected. Since then the club has steadily increased in membership, and interest in its work. Its standing in the community has also steadily grown, and its influence in society as a useful institution is sensibly felt. At first its meetings were held from house . to house at the homes of the members. Then for some time they were ac- commodated in the Thistle Club rooms, the Presbyterian Chapel and St. James Parish House. The club has now rented commodious rooms in the new Odd Fellows' Block, fronting on Central Avenue, near the Oil Ex- change, and furnished them with elegant taste. The quality of the club's work has kept pace with the increasing membership and improved facilities.
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Carefully prepared yearly programmes have embraced as subjects discussed by members, respectively appointed to the task, on "Eminent American Women," "France," "Greece," "Nineteenth Century Literature," "Educa- tion," and "Our Country." In addition to the regular work, club classes numerously attended have been held during the last two years, for the spe- cial study and discussion of subjects relating to literature, history and art. The progress made in these exercises has been so highly satisfactory that they will be continued. The aim of most of the club's work is by study, reci- tation, mutual criticism and co-operation to advance in intellectual and aesthetic culture. Experience so far demonstrates that most members of the club court, rather than shirk, duties which might seem as tasks, in the work of intellectual training.
The club realizes an obligation on its part of assisting to promote the local interests of the community of Titusville. One of its late questions to be discussed is: "How can we make our city more desirable as a place of residence?" About two years ago the club was mainly instrumental in re- opening the Titusville Public Library, which had been closed for several years, from the lack of necessary support. The session period of the club lasts six months-from the close of October to the first of May, each year. During the six months of vacation an executive board, which at all times exercises supervision over the affairs of the club, takes care of temporary business which may require immediate attention. The regular meetings of the club are bi-weekly.
The Titusville Library Association was organized in 1876, but the library was not opened to the public until the following year. Its first officers were B. D. Benson, president ; Roger Sherman, secretary, and J. A. Neill, treasurer. The original fund of the institution was the gift of $100 each by thirty in- dividuals. The library has always been a circulating one. Tickets were is- sued at $2 each, good for one year. The holder of a ticket was permitted to draw a freshi book every two weeks, on returning the one last issued. If the book was kept beyond two weeks the delinquent had to pay five cents a day as long as the return was delayed. The library was kept open many years. For some time a free reading room, containing newspapers and magazines, and other current periodicals, was kept with the library, and under the charge of the librarian. But the income from the sale of tickets was never sufficient for the current expenses of the institution and the purchase of new books. In
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time the generosity of contributors of money showed weariness, and finally the sale of tickets ceased, and the managers of the library closed its doors.
About three years ago the Woman's Club began to urge upon the com- munity the importance of restoring the institution to the public. For about a year following the subject was discussed, until the women carried their point. The association was reorganized by the election of Dr. George W. Barr. president ; R. L. Kernochan, secretary, and E. T. Roberts, treasurer. Rooms on the second floor of the city hall were procured, and on January 1, 1897, the library was reopened to the public. Of course the generosity of wealthy citizens had first been revived. The price of tickets was reduced to $1.50 each. Mrs. C. J. Allen has been librarian under the new administration. Since the reopening there have been several creditable additions of new books, late publications, to the new library. The officers of the association, as well as some others, have shown laudable zeal and generosity in fostering the in- stitution. It is due especially to the memory of the late Roger Sherman to record the constant support which he gave to the library from the beginning until its suspension several years ago. He was not alone in good offices ; but his efforts to sustain the institution were unceasing, and they seemed to ex- ceed those of any other citizen.
INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS.
The citizens of Titusville have long co-operated in aiding the starting of manufacturing industries in their town. At about 1880 there was organized a Board of Trade in Titusville. In 1879 the leading citizens had assisted with their capital in the founding of the Petroleum Iron Works. The Board of Trade rendered material aid to Mr. T. C. Joy in the starting of his works for the manufacture of heaters. Following the Board of Trade was the "Merchants' Association," whose objects related to an increase of local in- dustries. The merchants of the city organized themselves into a body under the name above mentioned for promoting the end stated. Finally
. "The Titusville Board of Trade" in 1889 was chartered as a permanent organization for the purpose of caring for all legitimate manufacturing busi- ness in Titusville, to exercise a general guardianship over the establishing of new manufacturing plants in the city. The first board of executive offi- cers were E. O Emerson, president; W. B. Roberts, first vice-president ; J. J. Carter, second vice-president ; J. H. Caldwell, third vice-president; W. H.
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Andrews, fourth vice-president ; R. D. Fletcher, treasurer ; E. T. Hall, secre- tary. The board of directors were John L. Mckinney, James P. Thomas, David McKelvy. David Emery, F. O. Swedborg, Joseph Seep, E. T. Rob- erts, H. C. Bloss, John Schwartz, A. S. Ralston, S. S. Fertig. A. H. Steele, R. L. Kernochan, W. H. Cornell, Junius Harris, F. P. Brown, James R. Barber, George W. Barr, W. B. Benedict, S. S. Bryan, Jr., C. F. Lake, E. O. Emerson, Jacob Ullman, W. T. Scheide, R. E. Hopkins, U. C. Welton, J. G. Benton, J. C. Mckinney, John Fertig.
The present officers are Samuel G. Maxwell, president ; Daniel F. Reut- ing. vice-president ; A. P. Cooley, secretary and treasurer. The directors are Charles Burgess, W. B. Benedict, S. S. Bryan, John Fertig, James R. Barber, James H. Caldwell, John L. Emerson, E. T. Hall, Junius Harris, E. T. Rob- erts, Jacob Ullman, W. W. Tarbell, A. S. Ralston.
As a result of the work by the Board of Trade the citizens helped to organize and start in 1882 the Titusville Furniture Company, with a capital of $10,000, the plant already described as owned now solely by Mr. F. O. Swedborg. The Union Furniture Company, which started in 1883, with a capital of $8.000, was aided in the same way. Also the bedstead works, with a paid-up cash capital, which began in 1883, had similar assistance. The Titusville Elastic Chair Company, Limited, was founded in 1884, and since operated by Titusville capital. The foregoing mentioned establishments are given as instances of co-operation by citizens of means, under the auspices of the Board of Trade, in fostering home industries. But the most important of such plants is. the Queen City Tannery, an account of which has already been given on preceding pages.
The Titusville Industrial Association, Limited, organized and chartered in 1896, is by far the most important institution established for building and supporting domestic manufacturing industries. It is to a given extent under the Board of Trade direction ; that is, the Board of Trade is its agent in in- vestigating and passing upon applications from various manufacturers for aid in starting plants in Titusville. The Industrial Association has a capital of $250.000, to the total amount of which the directors of the association may make loans on interest in limited sums respectively to new local manufactur- ing enterprises. The stock is widely distributed throughout the community, in large and small amounts, a share being $100. Several of the citizens sub- scribed each for one hundred shares, or $10,000. The institutions, which
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upon the recommendation of the Board of Trade, have so far received loans, are the Forge Works, the Horn Silk Mill and the Cold Storage Plant. The first officers of the association were John L. Mckinney, chairman; John J. Carter, secretary and treasurer. The directors were E. O. Emerson, John Fertig, Joseph Seep, Louis K. Hyde, Charles Burgess, Samuel G. Maxwell, Junius Harris, John J. Carter and John L. Mckinney. The present officers are John L. Mckinney, President; John J. Carter, First Vice-President ; Louis K. Hyde, Second Vice-President ; Samuel G. Maxwell, Third Vice- President; D. F. Reuting, Fourth Vice-President; E. C. Hoag, Treasurer; A. P. Cooley, Secretary. The Directors are John Fertig, Joseph Seep, James H. Caldwell, J. C. Mckinney, Charles Burgess, E. T. Hall, W. W. Tarbell. Junius Harris, W. B. Benedict, James R. Barber, John L. Emerson, E. T. Roberts, S. S. Henne.
SOCIETIES.
Social organizations in Titusville are legion. Some of these are more strictly fraternal. Others are co-operative in the way of rendering assist- ance to brethren in affliction, in sickness or perhaps even in extreme want. Others are organized to insure the families of members a given sum of money in case of death, life insurance companies. Others combine with fraternal association the guarantee of given sums in case of sickness of a member, or a member's wife, and a moderate sum, intended to cover funeral expenses, when a member, or his wife, dies. Of course, fraternity char- acterizes all, but it is more distinctively the end of association in some than in others.
Chorasin Lodge, No. 507, I. O. O. F., appears to be the oldest fraternity now in existence in Titusville. Its first stated meeting was held on Wednes- day evening, June 28, 1854, when the following officers were elected and installed: J. H. Clement, N. G .; J. G. Burlingham, V. G .; G. E. Brewer, Secretary ; Z. Waid, Treasurer. The lodge meets every week on Wednesday evening, at its hall in the Chase & Stewart block. Its present officers are Thomas Murdock, P. G .; William Falkinburg, N. G. ; Samuel R. Paist, V. G .; J. A. Palm, Secretary ; W. P. Mccutcheon, A. S .; J. A Todd, Treasurer.
Oil Creek Lodge, No. 303, F. & A. M., was chartered December 1, and instituted December 22, 1856. The charter officers were Truman Pierce, Master : Jonathan Watson, S. W .; Warner Perry, J. W. Its present Master is C. F. Lake.
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Shepherd Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M., was instituted April 7, 1870. The following officers were installed : James R. Barber, W. M .; F. A. Hall, S. W .; C. P. Hatch, J. W .; J. J. Carter, Treasurer; Theo. J. Young, Secre- tary. Its present officers are James R. Barber, W. M .; Samuel G. Max- well, S. W .; Charles H. Henderson, J. W .; Thomas W. Main, Treasurer ; J. A. Palm, Secretary.
Aaron Chapter, No. 207, R. A. M., was chartered May 3, 1866. Its first officers were C. L. Wheeler, H. P .; J. F. Cheshire, K .; David Crossley, Scribe. Its present officers are R. E. Taft, H. P .; William G. Abel, King; Samuel G. Maxwell, Scribe; John Kellogg, Treasurer; John S. Bradley, Sec- retary.
Rose Croix Commandery, No. 38, K. T., chartered April 11, 1871. The first officers were John Fertig, E. C .; Hezekiah Dunham, Gen .; R. H. Boughton, Jr., C. G. ; James R. Barber, Prelate ; A. A. Aspinwall, Treasurer; H. B. Cullom, Recorder. The present officers are J. J. McCrum, E. C .; R. E. Taft, Gen. ; L. L. Shattuck, C. G .; Henry Kehr, Treasurer ; J. S. Brad- ley, Recorder.
Occident Council, No. 41, R. & S. M., chartered June 13, 1871. Its first officers were A. A. Aspinwall, T. I. G. M .; J. J. McCrum, D. I. G. M .; James W. Graham, P. C. of W .; R. W. Holbrook, M. of Ex .; A. D. Hat- field, Recorder. The present officers are Reuben E. Taft, T. I. G. M. ; J. J. McCrum, D. I. G. M .; C. E. Spicer, P. C. of W .; John Kellogg, Treasurer; J. W. Graham, Recorder.
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