USA > Wisconsin > Centennial records of the women of Wisconsin > Part 16
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
204
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
in a beautiful city. It is always dangerous to begin to build the monuments of the fathers and to garnish their sepulchers. We shall only protect ourselves from the malign influences of empty honors rendered to dead virtues, by imitating at the same instant and in the same act the new efforts demanded by living virtues. To beautify the lands our fathers left us, to enlarge and enrich its parks, to widen and adorn its highways, to make enviable its out-door common life; this is the honor we render the dead, for this makes visible and complete their work, carries it forward to its fruition of beauty and strength.
Nor ought we to fail in our centennial year to receive a fresh pulsation of patri- otism, caught from our early history. We are already suffering from the un- patriotic effects of distance and strength. We are too great, too independent of each other, too remote from one another in our large land, not to give some occa- sion to indifference, jealousy and contempt. It will be but a thriftless parsimony of labor and money if we, as a state, fail to be so represented at our centennial and national festival, that without envy and detraction we can, through all the summer months, behold with pride and congratulation the industry and art of our sister states, knowing that we, too, are equal partakers in their future. That our national life is not missing its natural and just developments, we have most grateful proof in the position achieved by the women of the state, and in the enthusiasm and success with which they are assuming and meeting new responsibilities. This double-handed labor is the truly distinctive feature of the occasion and the age, and will in later years be felt to be so even more than now. A great want does not at the outset well know itself. It requires the perspective of many years to reveal its magnitude. We have a large inheritance, and it will require large virtues, now as hitherto, to use and hold it. These virtues and the social truths which are the only sure foundations of these national virtues, we need now to renew and enlarge. This is the mission of the evening, the duty of the year, and we would kindle our courage from conrageous hearts, and en- large our wisdom with those wise thoughts that command the future in prophetic oversight."
Then followed the medley chorus by the Centennial choir, which was executed in a masterly manner, and loudly applauded.
Senator DOOLITTLE, introducing Dr. DEKOVEN, prefaced the introduction by stating that he understood that Mr. J. I. CASE had tendered $1,250 for the Centennial improvements; $1,000 for the improvement of parks, and $250 for St. Lukes Hos-
205
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
pital. Dr DEKOVEN was then introduced, and spoke as fol- lows:
"OUR COLLEGES."
" It is true of nations, as it is of individuals, that they have an outer and in- ner life. The former is that which is in the mouths of men, which is written down in newspapers, which is discussed in the halls of legislation, which is acted in the deeds which make a nation famous or infamous, which moves peacefully on in times of rest, and which is fought out on battle fields. The inner life of na- tions, on the other hand, escapes the observation of most people; it is unnoticed, except by the quiet thinkers, sometimes away from the noise of action, and often it is unknown until men can look back over a long period of time and understand because they can look back upon it. This inner life is the result of a variety of forces; the physical strength or weakness of the nation, its belief in God and the supernatural world, its exact regard to the unvarying laws of nature, of provi- dence and of revelation, the laws of the one Law Giver who speaks in them all; and of the intellectual movements which urge the nation hither and thither, and which are to some degree the result of physical and moral forces combined.
"The history of the colleges of this country is as fair an exponent as can be found of the intellectual forces which have acted upon the American people. Of course I do not mean to say that there have not been mighty intellectual forces quite independent of all colleges; never was there a country in modern times, where this has been more frequently true, and yet I believe that the history of American Colleges, whether they have been a monnment in behalf of higher religious education, the outcome of individual effort, or the earnest care of the state for the training of its children, will be found to be on the whole a record of the intellectual life of the United States of America in its weakness and in its strength. I will go further and say, that when the history of these colleges, whether they have failed or succeeded, comes to be written, no nobler story of self denial and earnestness, of patient waiting and faithful labor, can be found in the annals of our country. I believe, too, these educational efforts have required the same virtues exercised in another sphere, which fought the battles of the rev- olution and did the mighty deeds which, on anniversary after anniversary, we commemorate in this centennial year. Thus I connect the sentiments to which I have been commissioned to respond, with the glorious memories which make this day of this year what they are. There is perhaps another and a deeper connec- tion, to which I hope I may allude. Thoughtful writers upon political subjects have thought they detected a great danger in the most democratic of all the prin-
206
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
ciples which have guided this nation - a danger which I myself believe to be a great one; I refer to universal suffrage. The legislators and the governors of the American people are elected by a numerical majority; there is no such thing anywhere as a representation of the minority. It is unlikely, almost impossible, indeed even with the widest diffusion of popular education, that the numerical majority shall elect to represent the deepest thought of the nation. Nor is this due to any fault in the masses of the people; it is simply because the masses of the people must, from the nature of the case, have less leisure and less opportu- nity for reflection than the minority. The unthinking and uninformed are not likely to elect the thoughtful, the careful discerners, the men who seeing all sides of a question cannot echo readily the popular outcries; in short, the very persons who can be statesmen, not politicians. Hence, a recent traveler of distinction in this country, in writing back to his native land his impresions of America, amid much to admire, stated that " he noticed that the most cultivated, thoughtful people of the nation were gradually becoming a disfranchised class; they took no great interest in political questions, they rarely voted, they stood one side, and that to the great loss of the country." I am not quoting the exact language of the gen- tleman in question, but this was its purport; and just so far as the statement is true, in that proportion is it a startling one. It seems to me as if I notice a species of reaction against this difficulty, as if the people were beginning here and there to look to the men who have given the great economical, financial, inter- national and political questions the greatest consideration, for help on the elucid- ation of the great problem, how to make this land a progressive, and at the same a conservative republic. Much of the prosperity of this land has been due to the virtues of that long line of heroes, of which WASHINGTON was the first and great- est, but more even has been due to providential circumstances. Take away from us our vast extent of country, our virgin soil, our immense mineral resources, and some problems, which we fancy republican institutions settle, would have to be met here just as well as under a despotism. Whenever that day comes the poli- tician must stand aside, and the statesman must take his place, or alas! for the land. When then on Washington's birthday in the centennial year, the people place m the prefront, as a sentiment, to be responded to, the "Colleges of the Country," they bear witness to the mighty truth, that a true republic ignores no one of the mighty forces which make up a nation's life, but as it recalls the past, and looks forward to the future, blends with the memory of patriotism and the heroism of its elder days, the hope, that honor and virtne, and faith and true in- tellectual vigor shall make, in the time to come, this fair land all that its sons pray that it may be."
207
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
Dr. DEKOVEN's remarks were most enthusiastically received, and were followed by a well executed quartette by Messrs. JONES, HYER, BREWER and PRITCHARD.
Dr. CHAPIN, president of the Beloit College, followed with an elaborate address on the importance of the education acquired in our homes, as bearing upon the prosperity of the nation.
BROECKER's band furnished music for the entertainment of the audience, while the choir were preparing for the production of a piece written by HAYDN. This was given in costume, with all the musical instruments known to childhood, together with the piano, drums and other instruments, in perfect harmony. The whole was under the direction of Prof. HYER, with Miss MCCLURG and Miss WARD at the piano. The other performers are named as follows: Mrs. Dr. PECK, Miss STELLA WHITE, Miss IDA BULL, Miss KITTY COOLEY, Miss CORA CARR, Mrs. GEO. SINGER, Mr. PIIILO HOY, Miss WESTCOTT, Miss IDA CANFIELD, Miss FOSTER.
Letters were then read from those unable to be present, and sentiments inclosed :
GOV. LUDINGTON'S LETTER.
STATE OF WISCONSIN, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, MADISON, WIS., February 18, 1876.
MRS. H. S. DURAND, Racine: Madam - I regret to say that my public duties are such that it will be impossible for me to attend the celebration of Washing- ton's birthday, but at your request I send you the following sentiment: "The mothers of Wisconsin: may they emulate the patriotism of the women of the Rev- olution, and like them inspire their sons with such a loyalty to freedom and truth as shall cause their fame to grow brighter and brighter with each succeeding Cen- tennial."
Respectfully yours, H. LUDINGTON. CHIEF JUSTICE RYAN'S LETTER.
SUPREME COURT, MADISON, February 18, 1876. Dear Madam-I take the first moment possible to reply to the note which you
208 i
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
have done me the honor to write, and in compliance with your flattering sugges- tion, I beg leave to propose to you as a sentiment for your Centennial festival: "The women at both ends of the century, those who rocked and those who are rocking the cradle of American civilization. A good generation can come only of good mothers. Heroes and statesmen are but the brightest jewels of the matrons who bore and nurtured them; and the present hope of the nation is that the wo- men of this day may give to the future a generation of as noble men and women as the women of that day gave to the past."
With the greatest respect, madam,
Your obedient servant, E. G. RYAN.
Gen. ATWOOD, of the State Journal, was unable to be present on account of previous engagements, but proposed by letter the following sentiment:
" Women and the Centennial. In the aid the women are extending to the Cen- tennial enterprise, they give renewed evidence of their patriotism, their intelli- gence, and their willingness to join with the men, in promoting every good work; and render more certain than ever the great truth that 'woman is the greatest and best gift of God to man.' ""
Sincerely and truly yours, DAVID ATWOOD.
Mrs. J. R. DOOLITTLE, chairman of the Union Centennial Ex- ecutive Committee of Racine, presented the following sentiment: "The representative women of 1776 and 1876."
The following response by Mrs. THORP, was read by Judge DOOLITTLE:
The heroes and victories of 1776 furnish themes for the orators and artists of 1876. They stand out in bold relief, and in glowing colors upon the canvas which the receding century has unrolled to our view. The mellowing and modifying tints which furnish the lights and shadows in the grand perspective of this historic picture are the feminine elements. which are wrought into the beautiful back- ground of the scene, and are shedding their own luster upon its prominent fea- tures. Mary and Martha Washington are remembered and honored as the mother
209
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
and wife of the greatest hero of our republic. Their womanly grace and dignity have given richness and depth to the light which plays about the brow upon which the world gazes with almost reverential awe. The heroic age of the republic has passed away. Qualities with which heroes were endowed in the olden time do not, as a rule, mark the statesmen of our period, and we look inquiringly for the higher good which the unopened records of the future contain. The surging ele- ments of our national life are crystalizing into new forms. The great Master is giving a model for the enduring marble, and we wait to see if it bear the name of hero, or of heroine. Let us hope that the twain, each faithfully represented and both united, shall be in truth one. The voices of the present announce to us in well defined tones, that it is only through the pathways of reform and progress that we are to preserve the liberties we have inherited. A true and just standard of womanhood is the magnet that will uplift and hold to its highest level, the moral strength and power of this generation. Therefore, the logic of history points to the necessity of stronger and more positive aims in the rearing and edu- cation of women. Events, as in all the past, are the indices which will mark the highway of progress. Revolutions in thought and action will make its advancing steps easy and pleasant, until our children stand upon the heights of a broader and better civilization than is at present embraced within the scope of our pro- phetic vision. The representative women of 1876 are those who, through faith and labor, are patiently striving to purify our national fountains, so that every stream and rivulet that flows therefrom shall be to us a life giving power. These are the Marys and Marthas whose memories the passing years shall enshrine in the bloom of perennial youth.
Dr. P. R. Hoy then briefly spoke of what science had done. His remarks were as follows:
" What has science accomplished within the last century?" What a moment- ous question; the mind recoils at the thought of speaking five minutes on a sub- ject that would require days simply to enumerate the benefits which science has conferred on the human family within the last hundred years. Not one of the numerous manufactories - the pride and bulwark of our city - could proceed one moment if all that pure science has contributed within the last century should be withdrawn. Then we should have no railways or steam engines; the day would be silent and gloomy, the night dark and cold, for we should have no gas or kero- sene, no matches, stoves or furnaces. Science and art, are so mixed up in every department of human knowledge, that it would be impossible to withdraw the 14
210
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
one without destroying the other. Science is the foundation and the roof, and art has contributed the filling to complete the beautiful fabric. In medicine and sur- gery, science has achieved wonderful results. Those surgical operations that were the most painful are now painless. Through the blessing of anæsthesis we can sleep, unconscious that the keen knife is piercing the most sensitive part. By san- itary means we can successfully ward off epidemics; we no longer tremble at the approach of cholera. Even croup, less than one century ago, was known as the death rattles, and at its approach all hands were palsied; death was the rule; now it is the exception. Vaccination has deprived one of the most loathsome of hu- man diseases of its sting. This alone has added five years to the average of human life. What a triumph is this, for the last century. We have pierced the solid rock to the depth of nearly one-fourth of a mile, and lo! there gushes up a copious flow of pure water, to the delight and convemence of our citizens. The sun has not only been coaxed to paint exquisite pictures. but has been compelled to turn engraver as well. By means of the spectroscope the distant stars have been interrogated, and answered back to science the secret of their composition.
"But of all the marvelous achievements of modern science, perhaps the electric telegraph is the greatest. It is one perpetual miracle which no familiarity can render commonplace. And we are proud to know that America has justly appro- priated the greatest share of the honor. The lightning is made the vehicle, not of matter, but of thought, to carry messages to the uttermost parts of the earth, thus establishing a more intimate relation between man and man, race and race, nation and nation. Who does not feel his heart swell with pride when he con- templates these trophies of human intelligence and thought? The straight jacket of ignorance, superstition and bigotry no longer cramp and cripple investigation in any department of knowledge, so that science is now freer and stronger than ever. What marvelous wonders may we not expect from the busy hands of sci- ence during the next one hundred years?"
At the conclusion of the remarks of the many gentlemen upon the stage, there followed a grand march, in procession, of the representatives of each nation upon the face of the civilized globe.
Tableau and march, under the direction of Mrs. ST. GEORGE and Miss MCCLURG.
The closing march and tableau were very fine. The different
211
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
nations were represented by a young lady attired in appropriate costume, attended by a young gentleman;
AMERICA - leading the march of nations, was represented by Miss LAURA WILD, dressed in red and white striped skirt, a blue silk overskirt and waist, dotted with stars, and a star diadem. Followed by
ENGLAND -represented by Miss KITTIE DUNCOMB, in white dress trimmed with red and white roses, a plumed helmet on her head; she was attended by H. SANDERSON, appropriately dressed as an officer in her majesty's service.
SCOTLAND -represented by Miss HETTIE CASE, in the beauti- ful suit of the Highland lassie; her attendant was CHAS. WARD, who wore the Highland suit; they were well chosen to represent Scotland.
IRELAND - Miss LYDIA BULL; a white cashmere dress trimmed with shamrock leaves, green satin bodice, and shamrock wreath in her dark hair; W. B. REILY was her escort, with complete suit to match.
WALES- Miss ELLA FOSTER; this suit was copied from a por- trait of a Welsh maiden of "Lang Syne; " a quilted skirt with purple brocade overdress and low waist laced over a white waist, with a straw hat, made a very fine looking Welsh lassie; Mr. JEWELL was her attendant.
FRANCE - Miss KITTIE MAY, in an Alsatian peasant costume, blue skirt, red bodice, white waist, with the well known Alsatian bow on her head. Escorted by L. A. RITTMANN, in full peasant dress.
GERMANY - Miss FLORA KNAPP, in a peasant suit of black, with red trimmings and white waist; very appropriately wore the wooden shoes so commonly seen in Germany. L. HALL Was a jolly little German peasant, and dressed in full suit.
212
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
SWITZERLAND - Miss SALLIE WILD; a red skirt with black bodice, white waist, with usual pointed hat with red band, hair in braids; and W. DUNCOMB, in a corresponding suit.
ITALY - Miss NELLIE SMITH, in striped skirt, bodice with shoulder knots, long apron, and square head-dress and veil; with L. MILLER in a very nicely arranged peasant's suit.
RUSSIA was nicely represented by Miss KATE COOLEY, in red and green velvet trimmed with ermine, square green cap; es- corted by M. HILL, in black fur-trimmed suit.
SCANDINAVIA - Miss L. DAGGETT; a very nice suit that was almost entirely brought from Sweden; blue skirt, striped apron, red neck-handkerchief, and head-dress; and E. FURGESON, in knee-breeches, blouse, and broad hat.
GREECE - Miss IDA BULL, in white underskirt, blue tunic, with Grecian border as trimming, attended by Mr. PAULSEN, made one of the best representations of the evening.
SPAIN - Miss IDA COLVIN; an elegant suit of scarlet, yellow and black lace; with MYRON KNAPP, as her Cavalier, with cloak and plumed hat; they made a truly Spanish-like couple.
TABLEAU-The Goddess of Liberty, Mrs. I. M. HILL, in proper costume, seemed looking down upon these various nations as if desirous of gathering them all under her protecting care.
The coat of arms of our state was represented by a beautifully made shield, four feet high, properly painted, with the Badger above, and Commerce and Agriculture on either side; CHARLES WASHBURN as Agriculture, and L. ELLIOT as Commerce, in ap- propriate costumes.
This closed the exercises of the evening; all returned to their homes well satisfied. More of these centennial entertainments should follow in goodly array.
213
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
Many other reunions of Centennial Clubs deserve mention, but owing to the absence of official reports must be omitted in our selections. Among these, was an assemblage at the Wis- consin State Hospital for the Insane, by the courtesy and invi- tation of its late lamented Superintendent, Dr. McDILL. It was on one of our charming moonlight summer evenings, after a heated day, that a large company, including many distinguished visitors in the city, were borne on the swift wings of steam to this cool retreat, and received the cordial welcome and hospitali- ties of the Doctor and his family. The evening was passed in social enjoyment.
The second monthly reunion of the Red, White and Blue Club was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. INGMAN. Our young friends give us glowing descriptions of the entertain- ment furnished by the accomplished hostess, and this centennial party will be long remembered.
Mrs. JOHN N. JONES, wife of the present Mayor of Madison, opened her spacious home on the Mendota ridge, on a winter's night, to receive our State and Red, White and Blue Clubs, which reunion was among the most charming gatherings of Ma lison's gay season.
In Beloit vigorons centennial work has been accomplished, and many public entertainments held of which we have received no reports. The 22d of December was observed there, and through- out the State, more generally than any other national anniver- sary. Too much cannot be said of the energy and successful centennial labors of the Beloit ladies. Whatever they have attempted, either in the line of entertainments, financial effort, or in the illustration of artistic taste and culture, they have
214
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
proven themselves eminently qualified to accomplish. Their exhibit will be an enduring evidence of their love and loyalty to each other and to their country.
We have been in frequent receipt of letters from ladies who have accepted the position of chairman in small towns, express- ing regret at their inability to effect organizations, after much diligent effort to this end. With hearts alive to the interests of the enterprise, they have felt great discouragement. The ear- nestness and faith of these noble women have gone far to strengthen the hearts and stay up the hands of those who have been able to accomplish more by reason of better facilities.
But the spirit is one, and to all such we desire to say - your words and deeds have sustained us in our arduous work. The small sums of money you have sent us from your own purses, or as the contribution of friends who sympathise with you, have represented far more to us than their financial value. They have aided in lifting us above the depressing influences of indiffer- ence and inertia which we have too often encountered, where money and position are synonymous for self indulgence and frivolity. If we had failed to accomplish any other result, we should find abundant compensation in the fact that there are so many true, earnest women who are thoroughly awake to the in- fluence which our centennial has and will accomplish for the higher development of woman. As prominent in the list, we are happy to make honorable mention of Mrs. Dr. W.M. Fox, of Oregon. Living in a small place she might have excused her- self on the plea of limited facilities, acting as chairman, secre- tary and treasurer. Her words of sympathy and her quota of money were ever ready at call. We are also grateful to the fol- lowing ladies, who have essentially assisted and encouraged us, and w! om we recognize as earnest cooperators:
215
CENTENNIAL RECORDS.
Mrs. E. E. PHILLIPS, Stevens Point.
Mrs. H. H. GRAY, Darlington.
Mrs. P. M. PERKINS, Burlington. Mrs. DANIEL SHAW, West Eau Claire.
Mrs. Dr. Du Bois, Lake Mills. Mrs. H. GRAHAM, Ean Claire.
Centennial Club, Jefferson.
Centennial Club, Reedsburg.
Centennial Club, Ripon.
Names of centennial organizations, with their presiding offi- cers, will be found engraved within the Memorial Shrine.
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.