USA > Wisconsin > Marathon County > History of Marathon County, Wisconsin and representative citizens > Part 41
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THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
In the year 1904 and for several years prior thereto, there existed in the city of Wausau a public library, being the books bought in the first instance by the Pine Knot Library Club, originated by some citizens as early as 1871 already referred to herein, and augmented by small private donations in money and books, which since 1897 received also an annual appropriation from the city varying from $600 to $1.750 a year. For over three years it occupied the northwest room on the second floor of the courthouse by the courtesy of the county board of Marathon county, free of rent, then it was removed to the basement of the First National Bank, whence is was taken in the fall of the year 1904 to the store building of A. W. Wiechmann on the corner of Fourth and Jefferson streets, where it remained until April, 1907, when it was established at the present quarters. The condition of the library as an educational and popular institution at that time was not encouraging, and the prospect for immediate improvement was not bright. The rent, sal- aries, and other running expenses consumed nearly the too meager allow- ance, leaving but a trifling amount for books, to say nothing of the want of space for the reading public.
Under these circumstances the library board made energetic efforts to obtain the funds for the erection of a building, large enough to meet the esti- mated demands of the growing population, and durable enough to prevent repairs and alterations for a long time to come.
On July 1, 1904, the library board consisted of the following persons : Louis Marchetti, president ; Mrs. D. L. Plumer, vice-president; Mrs. Mary Dickens, secretary; H. G. Flieth, treasurer, and Mrs. Helen Van Vechten, Mrs. Eva Quaw, Mr. E. B. Thayer, Mr. F. W. Genrich, Mr. Joseph Rip- czinski, and Mr. Carl Mathie (the last one being a member ex-officio as super- intendent of public schools), trustees.
On the petition of a majority of the people of Wausau, each signer giv-
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ing his address with his name, being a majority of all the voters in the city, the city council on the 5th day of July, 1904, adopted an ordinance to accept a gift from Andrew Carnegie for a library building, provided :
I. A site was provided free of expense to the city.
2. The proposed site must be approved by the city (council).
The second condition was demanded by the council to prevent the location of the building in a place unduly favoring one part of the city at the expense of another.
It was soon discovered that a desirable site which would meet the approval of the council, could not be acquired for less than $5,000, and probably more, if a site large enough was to be had, and it became necessary to raise at least such a sum by popular subscription, which work was under- taken by a committee of citizens, the president of the library board acting as chairman of the same.
When a sufficient amount had been collected, Mr. Walter Alexander deeded to the city by gift the old McIndoe homestead, to be known forever as McIndoe Park, upon condition that the city should beautify the same and forever keep it up as a public park, and that no building ever be erected there- on, except a library building.
This generous act gave at once the very best place to be found in the whole city for a library building, placing it in the very center of the city and also in the center of population.
The city council accepted the gift of Mr. Walter Alexander by proper ordinance, and $5,000 were used to buy additional ground on the corner, and later the city council purchased a strip on the southwest side to square the park for $2,400.
The $5,000 paid for the additional ground had been collected by subscrip- tion, so that the city was to no expense in the first place for the grounds.
The ordinance to accept the gift of McIndoe Park from Mr. Walter Alexander is dated April 18, 1905, and on the same date the council also accepted the gift of Andrew Carnegie for $25,000 and $4,000 more after- wards, making the whole of A. Carnegie's donation $29,000.
The sum of $8,514.12 was raised by public subscription, all of which was expended in the building, grounds, and furniture, and the cost of the library proper, building, and furniture, is substantially $38,000, which includes the cost of the beautiful approach to the building from Jefferson street.
On the 22d of July, 1905, the library board adopted the plans furnished by architect George W. Maher, notice was given to contractors, and the
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contract for the building was let to Messrs. Miller & Krause, contractors and builders of Wausau, they being the lowest bidders.
The building is as fireproof a building as are usually made. No wood or inflammable material is used therein except the doors, windows, and the joice and rafters for the roof. Everything up to the joice under the roof is stone and steel and cement or concrete.
The building was completed and accepted and dedicated on the 3d day of April, 1907, with proper ceremonies.
After the contract was let there was a slight change in the personnel of the board : Mrs. Helen Van Vechten and Mr. E. B. Thayer having withdrawn for business reasons, their places were filled by Mrs. C. W. Harger and Mr. Charles E. Turner, and Mr. S. B. Tobey took the place made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Carl Mathie as school superintendent.
On the 27th day of September, 1905, the following building committee was appointed with full power and authority, to wit: Mr. H. G. Flieth, Mrs. D. L. Plumer and Mr. C. E. Turner.
At the time of the dedication, the contractors having turned possession of the building over to the board, the president took possession to con- gratulate them upon the faithful performance of their contract, and of the pleasant relations which had existed between the board and the building com- mittee during the progress of the work.
It was a great day for Wausau, which was particularly enjoyed by the youth which thronged the building all day until late in the evening.
Since that time the library has grown and is what it was intended to be, an aid to education, a place where young people can spend hours in profitable recreation, and in good society.
The council seeing the benefit of a library, has made an appropriation of $3.900 for the year 1913, and there is now sufficient money to add books to the library proper.
The four beautiful light standards to the entrance on each side, which are bronze through and through, are the gift of Mrs. R. E. Parcher and give the building a front view which no other library in this state, outside of Madison and Milwaukee, can rival. It may be a little out of place to guess at the value of a gift which the donor has kept to herself. but it is safe to say that the cost of these standards, considering the valuable metal of which they are made, would be more than $2,000. The fact that the library is patronized by the people, and that the city will in not too far time reap a rich harvest in a more enlightened citizenship by reason of it. is shown by the report of the librarian for the year ending June 30. 1912, which was :
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1
Number of books borrowed 50,427
Number of borrowers 5,788
Books in library 7,976
The board was fortunate in securing Miss Grace Stevens as librarian, who now for nearly three years has had charge of the same, helping young people to proper books, helping the school pupils in their researches, and accommodating the reading public in every way. Miss Gertrude Pierce is assistant librarian and has been connected with the library since it was opened in the present building, and with Miss Sarah O'Brien, the second assistant, the library is in competent hands, ready to render assistance when and wher- ever it is needed.
The value of the building and ground is not less than $75,000, including the donation of A. Carnegie, to which the city has only had to contribute the small strip of ground on the southwest corner on which was situated the old wagon shop of August Lemke.
The president of the library board, Mr. C. E. Turner, is entitled to much commendation for his meritorious efforts to raise the library to a high stand- ard so as to make it of assistance for the poor as well as the wealthy youth in search of means to broaden their minds.
HOTELS.
A large number of hotels can take care of hundreds of visitors besides their regular guests, and more in case of necessity.
First among the hotels in size and comfort is the
HOTEL BELLIS
opposite the courthouse, is a brick building, three stories high, and covers an area of 80x220 feet. The first floor contains office, lobby, annex, and dining room. The second and third floors have 120 guest rooms besides parlors and ante rooms. In the basement are baths, barbershop, billiard rooms, and sample rooms. This hotel in size and accommodation of the traveling public is the leading hotel in central and northern Wisconsin.
George F. Bellis, founder of this hotel, came to Wausau in 1873, and from a small restaurant in which he first engaged. his business so increased that he soon opened a hotel on Third street between Washington and Jackson streets. Later still he built the Hotel Bellis, in the year 1881, which has since been increased to its immense proportions. It is a corporation owned by his heirs, with Mark Bellis and P. L. Goerling as managers.
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1
THE CENTRAL HOUSE
on the northeast corner of Main and Scott streets is the next largest hotel in size and accommodations. It was built in 1904, is a solid three-story brick building, and has forty-nine guest rooms on the second and third floors, the first floor having an office, sample room, and annex. This large and fine hotel is owned and conducted by Anderes Brothers.
THE NORTHERN HOTEL
is owned by Anton Dern, one of the still living pioneers of Wausau. It was built in 1883 and is a solid brick building three stories high with dining room, office, sample room and annex on first floor and thirty-eight guest rooms on the second and third floors. The proprietor enjoys a well earned rest, hav- ing retired from business, which is conducted by George Forcey and Walter Dern.
Other hotels not as large as these, but having from fifteen to twenty- five guest rooms are :
Adams House, 113-115 Fourth. Paul Seymour, proprietor and manager.
American House, 415-417 Washington. Adolph Balz, proprietor and manager.
City Hotel, 529-31 Washington. Aug. Boettcher, proprietor and man- ager.
Commercial Hotel, 209-11 Jackson. F. Menier, proprietor and manager.
Crystal European Hotel, 404-08 Third. N. T. Zender, proprietor and manager.
Farmers' Home, 103 Scott. Robert Nickel, proprietor and manager.
Hotel Elysium, 216 Clarke. John Hoffmann, proprietor and manager. Hotel Riverside, 101-03 Jackson. David Brands, proprietor and manager. Hotel Sloan, 108-10 Jackson. M. A. McNeil, proprietor and manager. Island Hotel, Clarke's Island. H. J. Hein, proprietor and manager.
Northwestern House, 1296 Third. Mrs. Amalie Behnke, proprietor and manager.
Olympia Hotel, 1203 Third. Fred Krause, proprietor; Frank Lemanski, manager.
Park Hotel, 501 Third avenue S. Gust. Sternberg, proprietor and man- ager.
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Sheron House, 1201 Third. Gustav C. Fritsch, proprietor and manager. Washington Hotel, 313-17 Washington. Edw. Heimann, proprietor and manager.
Wisconsin House, 738 Washington. L. Sargent, proprietor and manager. Maples, 605 Fourth. William Gilham, manager.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Military Organisations, Lysander Cutler Post, G. A. R. No. 55-Company G, Third Regiment Wisconsin National Guard-Fraternal and Benevo- lent Societies-Marathon Grove No. 20, Order of Druids-Secret and Benevolent Societies-German-American Mutual Sick Benefit Societies- D. G. K. U. V .- D. A. U. V .- Deutscher Krieger Verein of Wausau.
MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
Lysander Cutler Post, G. A. R., No. 55.
The veterans of the Civil war or the war between the states are rep- resented by Lysander Cutler Post, No. 55, G. A. R., which organized Decem- ber 5, 1882, with the following charter members: John A. Kellogg, Ely Wright, W. B. Philbreek, W. W. De Voe, J. B. Vaughn, J. D. Womer, J. P. Briggs, S. M. Quaw, Miles Swope, and Chili Averill. The meetings are held in the basement of the courthouse. Their numbers are thinning out, as must be expected, and from a strong post a few years after its organization, the number has been reduced, mainly by death, to thirty members. A woman's relief corps also was in existence, but death has so diminished the ranks that it was broken up, and steps are now taken to fill the vacant places so as to re-establish the corps. The present officers are: Hy. Grob, commander ; Joseph Heinemann, senior vice commander; J. Susor, junior vice commander ; D. M. Maxon, adjutant; Oswald Plisch, quartermaster; Leander Swope, chaplain.
COMPANY G, THIRD REGIMENT, WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD.
The history of this brave company has been given in a former chapter, and it is sufficient to say here that the company is still in existence at Wau- sau and living up to the best traditions of the same of former times.
It has now sixty-three members, with the following officers: Captain, Elmer Lucas; first lieutenant, Otto C. Abraham; second lieutenant, George H. Boerke. Commanding officers: First sergeant, Carl E. Behnke; second
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sergeant, Hallie Y. Niles; sergeants, Emil Hannemann, Frank Gottschalk, Walter Frei. Corps: Donald McPhail, Arthur Korzinek, Tony F. Schlueter, Nels C. Nelson, Frank N. Drake, Abraham Kreider. Musicians: Frank Riege, Albert H. Will; artificer, John M. Kraft; cook, George L. Bollin. Number of privates, fifty, which is the full membership of a company in times of peace.
FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES
exist in Wausau to the number of over thirty, the great majority being mutual insurance societies, having for their object the securing of a payment after the death of a member at cost, by which is meant that there are no high- priced officials to conduct the financial operations, as is the case in stock companies. In the past many of these fraternal insurance societies, with quite a large 'membership in Wausau, had discovered that their rates were too low, which forced them out of existence; others profited by the lesson and raised their rates in corformity therewith, which put them on a safe basis. Others of these societies are organized solely for sociability and with a moderate sick and funeral benefit.
The first of secret fraternal societies in Wausau was the Masonic order, which instituted its lodge, Forest Lodge, No. 130, A. F. & A. M., as early as 1850. This order owns its temple or meeting place, situated on Third street, in the business center of the city. It is a two-story solid brick build- ing; the whole of the second floor is used for its lodge rooms, the first floor being divided into three stores, which are occupied for business purposes.
The next societies in point of time were the Sons of Temperance and Good Templars. They were in existence in the decades from 1850 to 1870, or somewhat later, but their organization was abandoned.
In 1869 a lodge of the I. O. O. F. was established-Marathon Lodge, No. 169-which existed until 1874, when it surrendered its charter; but meanwhile another lodge of the same order, Wausau Lodge, No. 215, had been established, which obtained its charter in 1873 and is in prosperous condition and has a large membership.
Of the fraternal orders, besides the Masonic order, the following own real estate. to wit :
MARATHON GROVE NO. 20, ORDER OF DRUIDS
was established in Wausau in the year 1883. Some years ago this lodge by mutual consent of parties concerned, released itself from the ties which bound
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it to the state grand lodge, and exists under the jurisdiction of the supreme grand lodge of the United States.
It holds regular meetings, owns the brick building wherein it meets, the first floor being rented to business, and the second floor occupied for lodge purposes, of which many besides the Druids hold their meetings as tenants of this lodge. The real property is easily worth $8,000.
SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
Masonic:
Forest Lodge No. 130 F. & A., meets first and third Wednesdays at Masonic Temple.
Wausau Chapter No. 51 R. A. M. meets second Wednesday in each month at Masonic Temple.
Marathon Chapter No. 123 O. E. S. meets second and fourth Mondays at Masonic Temple.
Odd Fellows:
Wausau Lodge No. 215 meets every Friday at I. O. O. F. Hall.
Arbutus Lodge No. 15 Daughters of Rebekah meets first and third Mon- days each month, at Odd Fellows Hall.
Marathon Encampment No. 79 meets first and third Saturdays each month at Odd Fellows Hall.
Beavers' Reserve Fund Fraternity meets second and fourth Mondays at Druids Hall.
I. O. B. B .:
Wausau Lodge No. 670 meets first Sunday at Knights of Pythias Hall.
Catholic Order of Foresters:
St. Cecilia Court No. 357 meets second Wednesday evening in Druids Hall.
St. Mary's Court No. 498 meets first and third Wednesdays in Knights of Pythias Hall.
Catholic Knights of Wisconsin:
Wausau Branch No. 33 meets first and third Thursdays at Castle Hall.
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Catholic Relief and Beneficiary, Association:
Leo Council No. 145 meets first and third Fridays at Druids Hall.
Elks:
Wausau Lodge No. 248 meets first and third Thursdays at Elks Hall.
Equitable Fraternal Union:
Wausau Assembly No. 37 meets second and fourth Thursdays at Knights of Pythias Hall.
Ladies Assembly No. 321 meets second and fourth Thursdays at Knights of Pythias Hall.
Knights of Columbus:
Wausau Council No. 1069 meets second and fourth Wednesdays at Castle Hall.
Knights of the Maccabees:
Boynton Tent No. 28 meets first and third Tuesdays at Fraternity Hall.
Knights of Pythias:
Marathon Lodge No. 145 meets every Monday in Castle Hall.
Ladies of the Maccabees:
Lady Wastel Hive No. 8 meets first and third Tuesdays at Knights of Pythias Hall.
Northern Star Hive No. 2 meets second and fourth Tuesdays at Castle Hall.
Modern Brotherhood of America:
Wisconsin River Lodge No. 1114 meets first and third Fridays in Knights of Pythias Hall.
Modern Woodmen of America:
West Side Camp No. 1042 meets first and third Wednesdays at Wood- men's Hall.
Wausau Camp No. 1464 meets every Monday at Elks' Hall.
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HISTORY OF MARATHON COUNTY
National Union:
Wausau Council No. 250 meets fourth Wednesday in each month at IIII Sixth street.
Royal Arcanum:
Pine Council No. 1453 meets second and fourth Fridays at Castle Hall.
Royal Neighbors:
Columbia Camp No. 561 meets first and third Tuesdays at Elks' Hall.
Foresters-Independent Order:
Wausau Court No. 4112 meets at 308 Washington street.
Fraternal Order of Eagles:
Wausau Lodge No. 251 meets second and fourth Fridays at Elks' Hall.
GERMAN-AMERICAN SOCIETIES.
Druids:
Marathon Hain No. 20 meets first and second Sundays at Druids Hall.
Sons of Herman:
Eintracht Lodge No. 34 meets first Saturday each month at First National Bank.
German-American Mutual Sick Benefit Societies.
D. G. K. U. V.
These initials stand for the following translated into English: German Mutual Sick Benefit Society. It was as its name indicates, a German society founded as early as 1871, and like the D. A. U. V. has no connection with any other society. Aside from its fraternal character it pays to its members in case of sickness a fixed weekly stipend and a funeral benefit. It owns no real estate, but it has over $8,000 in money and security in its treasury which is the best evidence of its prudent management, being almost exclusively com-
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posed of workmen, and was organized without any other fund and no other income than the weekly or monthly dues from members, although it has quite an income from its securities now. It has a large membership, and from the fact that it pays a funeral benefit of $150 at the death of a mem- ber and $150 on the death of the wife of a member, it is plain to see that this organization during its existence has paid out many thousands of dollars for funeral benefits, saying nothing of sick benefits.
D. A. U. V.
which initials stand for German Workmen's Aid Society, was organized January 11, 1883. The first meeting was held at the West Side engine house, and in other places, but the society saw the necessity of permanent quarters and that paying rent would sap its treasury, and they determined to acquire real property and build a home of their own. This move proved excellent policy, and the society owns a solid brick building on Third avenue for its sole use, the main part being a hall with a stage and scenery used in enter- tainments, also a kitchen for refreshments and it has a German library of over 300 volumes. It holds regular meetings with frequent entertainments of an educational and literary character. It has a male choir and a musical library. It is incorporated under the laws of the state of Wisconsin since July, 1888. Since its organization it has paid in sick and funeral benefits to its members the sum of $2,273.52, and has over $2,000 in its treasury which alone besides the real estate which is of considerable value, is guarantee of the faithful performance of all its obligation to its members. The German language is the official language at its meetings, and the object is expressed in its title, to be of aid to workmen, but as can be seen from the foregoing, the society goes further and looks to the social elevation of its members.
DEUTSCHER KRIEGER VEREIN OF WAUSAU
is what its name implies (German Veteran's Association), an association of German veterans who served their old fatherland in times of war, notably the war of 1870-71, although there are some who were in the wars of 1864, 1865, and 1866. But the association does not limit itself to the admission of these old veterans, but admits all who have served in the German army and have obtained and show an honorable discharge.
It is the object of the society to preserve among themselves the ties of comradeship. the language and traditions of their fatherland, on the plan and 27
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principle of the G. A. R., and the members are pledged to adhere to the con- stitution and laws of this country, and they are good and patriotic citizens of their adopted country.
In addition to keeping up social intercourse among the members, they pay a small sum or fee from which sick or decrepit members may receive a stated weekly stipend. These old German soldiers' associations exist through- out the state, and they are federated and consolidated together by a central state body elected annually, their officers having military titles, and Fred. Jawort of Wausau, a member of this association is one of the state officers, with the title of major.
The present officers of the society are: Captain, J. H. Keil; first lieuten- ant, Jacob Richter; second lieutenant, August Sparbel; secretary and first sergeant, Fred. Weisse; treasurer, Frank C. Schneider.
G. U. G. GERMANIA.
Franz Siegel Verein No. 46 meets second and fourth Tuesdays at Druids Hall.
This is a German sick aid society, which extends over the whole state.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Music and Song-Bands and Orchestras-Societies for the Cultivation of Song-Harmony-The Liederkrans-Opera and Choral Societies-The Tuesday Musical Club-The Ladies' Literary Club-The Wausau Club- The Wausau Country Club.
MUSIC AND SONG.
Whenever civilization has elevated rude society or pioneer life, it carries cultivation of art in its wake. The first of all arts developed in civilized life is music, because it appeals directly to one's feeling and sentiment. The pio- neers themselves brought no music to the wilds of the Wisconsin pinery, nevertheless they loved to hear it, uncultivated though their taste might have been. To them the sound of M. Rousseau's fiddle was the acme of perfec- tion in musical art, and the change for something better came only with the influx of others, small tradesmen and artizans, mainly German immigrants, who brought their love for music and song from the Fatherland.
When Wausau was no longer a mere sawlog and mill camp, after its organization as a village, and some hundreds of inhabitants were settled here, they sought for entertainment of some sort, and first hit naturally upon the need of a brass band. Musical instruments are expensive, however, but the costs were a small matter when the people had set their minds upon accom- plishing something. They "chipped in" liberally, instruments were bought for a full band, and in the early spring of 1867 a bandmaster or director in the person of Edw. Kretlow, father of Edw. C. Kretlow, was secured, who trained and taught this band of twenty pieces for two years. He was an excellent teacher, and his band an association of gentlemen. Every member prided himself to belong to the "Wausau Cornet Band;" among its members were D. L. Plumer, Valentine Ringle, John Ringle, Jacob Kolter, H. Daniels, Louis Storch, August Hett, Charles Woessner, and other well-remembered citizens. The band took pride in enlivening every public occasion with their music from a pure patriotic motive.
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