USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume I > Part 63
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were added. The most marked stride forward the school made was when it was presented with its present quarters donated by Mrs. Elizabeth Pfister and Mrs. Louise Vogel as a memorial of Mr. Guido Pfister, the deceased hus- band and father of the two donors. When the scope of the school was broadened by the addition of the high-school grades a new building was erected Facing Milwaukee Street, but connected by a covered bridge with the building on Broadway.
Peter Engelmann died May 18, 1874. He was succeeded by William N. Haihnann. Many reforms took place under his administration. Mr. Hail- mann ranked high as an educator, and his ability was recognized through- out the United States. He held several important positions of which the super- intendeney of the Indians schools deserves special mention. For the intro- duction of the kindergarten into the American school Mr. Hailmann did more than any other single person in the country.
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Mr. llailmann was followed in 1878 by Isidor Keller. Mr. Keller pos- sessed great administrative qualifications which were especially useful when the National Teachers' Seminary was founded and connected with the Uni- versity School. After an unsuccessful attempt, which was advocated by Doctor Keller, to remove the seminary to New York, Mr. Keller returned to the latter city, and Dr. Hermann Dorner, who had been the teacher of Natural Sciences in the schools was chosen as his successor, September, 1885. He served in the capacity of head of the institution until May, 1888, when Emil Dapprich was elected to the office. Mr. Dapprich came from Belleville, Ill., where he had occupied the position as city and county superintendent. Ile held the position as director of the school until the time of his death. The years of his activity in the University School were rich in events and ideals realized.
Mr. Dapprich was a man with extraordinary qualifications, who would have left his mark in whatever vocation he might have chosen. Ile was a speaker of great ability. As a scientist he gained fame all over the country. His collection of the American Flora which was on exhibition at the Paris Exposition in 1910. received a gold medal. He was, however, greatest as a teacher. As such he will live in the memory of all those who had the good fortune to sit at his feet at the Milwaukee University School. Mr. Dapprich died November 25, 1903. He was succeeded by Max Griebseh, who had been connected with the school since 1893 as teacher of history and psychology.
A Tribute to Peter Engelmann .- One of the halls located in the Audi- torium building has been named Engelmann. The old-time pupils of this pio- neer schoolmaster also provided a memorial tablet to be placed in the hall. In accepting the same on February 8, 1912, William George Bruce, then pres- ident of the Auditorium Governing Board, gave expression to the Following:
"Since the exercises have thus far been conducted in the German language and with all the tender and sweet inflections of which that tongne is capable, it may sound inharmonious at this time to ntter an English word. There may, however, be a degree of fitness on this occasion in coupling the two langu- ages which have been such an important part of our local enonomic and social life.
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HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
"In accepting, as the president of the Auditorium Board, this splendid memorial tablet, commemorating the life and labors of the late Peter Engel- mann. I desire to express the sincere acknowledgements of that body.
"This acknowledgement, however, should bear more than the mere thanks of the administrators for the addition of an embellishment. It should bear also the assurance that this hall which you have dedicated to the cause of education will for all time be utilized in the interest of that cause. The tablet possesses a purpose and meaning which goes deeper than a mere embellish- ment. In this cold bronze is treasured for all time the warm love and af Tection of a thousand hearts. It is the tribute of human appreciation and gratitude.
"It may on this occasion be of some interest to learn how the name Peter Engelmann was chosen for one of the halls of this building. While the plans for the same were still in the hands of the architects it became evident that the halls would have to receive some designation.
"The thought at onee suggested itself that the names of the publie-spirited pioneers such as Solomon Juneau, Byron Kilbourn, George H. Walker and John Plankinton, should be honored. There was a suggestion that the Ger- man-American element, which had contributed so much to the material and intellectual welfare of the community, should be remembered. This sugges- tion met with objection, however, in that some one believed that honors should not be conferred upon nationality lines, but rather upon past services.
"It had been urged that one of the primary purposes of the Anditorium was an educational one. I had fostered that idea in the campaign for sub- seriptions for the erection of this building and found that it met with general acceptance. When, therefore, the name Engelmann was mentioned-and no one seems to remember who mentioned it first-several of the board members favored it. Tonight, I take pride in the thought that I vigorously championed the acceptance of the name Peter Engelmann for the designation of this hall.
"This magnificent man not only represented much that is best in German- American life and thought and effort, but he had won for himself the distine- tion of an ideal educator and intellectual leader. It is, therefore. with more than ordinary sense of gratification that I accept this tribute at your hands. While it enshrines the wealth of esteem and love which you bear for a great man, this beautiful tablet is also an expression of your own character and worth. In honoring him you honor yourselves.
"I cannot refrain from pointing out to you the lesson to be drawn from this brilliant atfair. It should strengthen the Americans of German descent in a steadfast adherence to the traits of character, which have elevated and distinguished them upon the American continent : it should stimulate a renewed appreciation for the nobler traditions and customs of a great mother country : it should awaken a recognition for the great treasures of thought, which have come to us from an older world. And finally it should implant a determina- tion to perpetuate in a new land, that which is truest. that which is holiest. that which is best.
"While this great structure, with its many utilitarian qualities has hon- ored the pioneer, the trader and the builder, tonight it commemorates the life
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and services of an educator. It tells the story of Peter Engelmann as a man, a citizen and an edneator. These walls have thus been sanctified with the holier purposes of life in the memory of one whose very name will shine ont as a brilliant example of the good, the true, the noble. This tablet will have a lasting home within these walls. It symbolizes the primary purpose of this great strneture, perpetuates the name of a true man and serves as an inspira- tion to succeeding generations."
The State Historical Society .- Like some other progressive western states Wisconsin has always been distinguished for its advanced ideas, and its peo- ple have not hesitated to embody them in legislation. For example, we may especially make mention of an early movement for a historical society, which was organized in January, 1849, less than a year after the admission of the state into the Union. Little was done in the first four years of its existence, but in 1854, the society became an active department of the state goverment, and it has been well supported in its work continuously since that time. Lyman C. Draper became the guiding spirit of the society, and continued as such nntil 1886, when he resigned and Reuben Gold Thwaites succeeded him as the head of the society. Thwaites continued in this office up to the time of his death in the fall of 1913. He was succeeded in the office by Milo M. Quaife, elected December 19, 1913. An Illinois historian, writing in 1915, referred to some episodes of Wisconsin history in the following language :
The brevity of this sketeh, having so large a subjeet to deal with, renders it necessary to confine its scope to some important branch of the state's won- derful development. Thus the historical society and the state university are chosen for such description so that at least these important phases of its history can be clearly placed before the reader. The subject is a timely one in view of the movement now on foot in our own state to provide a building at Springfield, III., for its rapidly growing historical collections, though we must confess to our regret that we are still behind what our sister state of Wisconsin has already accomplished.
The Historical Society Building .- Adding to what is said above it is inter- esting to observe that in the years from 1895 to 1900, the State of Wisconsin entered upon the construction of a splendid building for the use of its his- torical society, which had by that time become the most important institu- tion of its kind west of the Alleghanies. Its collections had reached a total of nearly three hundred thousand books and pamphlets, besides a vast store of museum objeets and miscellaneous historical data. The new building cost the state $610,000, at a time when prices were unusually low, and it is prob- able that the building and equipment could not today be replaced for $1,000,000.
Anyone who has ever seen this beautiful building, sitnated as it is on a site adjoining the grounds of the state university, will be impressed with its vast size and capacity. And yet, in 1910, and the two following years, it was found necessary to add a wing to the main building costing $250,000 which gives a total capacity of over six hundred thousand volumes. It is pre- dieted in a later annual report that still another wing will be necessary within a few years to keep pace with its lusty growth. The appropriation by the
MILWAUKEE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL
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RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, EAST SIDE
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THE HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
state for the maintenance of the society for 1913 was $36,000, added to which the institution had the benefit of the income from $73,000 of invested funds.
Importance of a Historical Society .- No community ean afford to neglect its annals, any more than an individual or family can disregard its ancestry. Certain leading spirits in the early days of Wisconsin, realized the importance of preserving the materials of history and public sentiment in that state, has at all times supported this view. Especially in local history is found the se- eurest home of freedom where the publie interests of each individual is ree- ognized in his relations with his neighbors, and this perhaps in greater degree than in the wider conneils of the nation. For, as Emerson writes :
"Of what avail the plow and sail, Or lands, or life, if freedom fail?"
"History, " says Cervantes, "is the depository of great actions, the witness of what is past ; the example and the instructor of the present, and the mon- itor of the future." An eminent eritie once wrote. "If we could expand the rivalry of individuals for wealth and power into a generous competition of eities and states in founding galleries of art, museums, libraries and institu- tions of learning, we should soon see the dawn of the true golden age." We have a striking example of the realization of this vision in the story of Wis- eonsin.
The State University .- Not only in its great historical society, but in its other institutions has Wisconsin splendidly carried forward its work in the development of the community comprised within its limits. The State Uni- versity was incorporated only a month or two after the state's admission into the Union in 1848. For various reasons, a state tax in support of the nni- versity was not levied until 1872, since which time, however, it has regularly received generous aid from each recurring Legislature. A constitutional pro- vision required that the university should be placed "at or near" the cap- ital, that is, at Madison. The main building is situated a mile from the eapitol, occupying 600 aeres on a beautiful and picturesque traet along the shores of Lake Mendota. The attendance of students in 1919 was 6,979, and its corps of professors and instructors munbered 682.
Change of Capital Proposed .- " At varions times within the history of the state," says Thwaites in his history, "there have been more or less serious proposals to remove the capital from Madison; for the most part those have emanated from Milwaukee." In the legislative session of 1858, a bill to pro- vide for transplanting the seat of government to that city came very near being earried, and ten years later a bill for its removal actually passed but at the last moment it was recalled. Similar attempts were thereafter made, partienlarly following the destruction of a part of the statehouse by fire in 1904, the most persistent claimant at that time being Oshkosh. A quietus, however, was placed upon further proposals of that character when, in 1907, the Legislature made provisions for a new statehouse at Madison to cost $6,000,000. Since that time the new building has been in process of erection and at the present time it is practically completed.
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HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
It is rather amusing to find that although known as "the Badger State," the badger is not found in Wisconsin. A writer in the Encyclopaedia Bri- tannica, (quoting From Thwaite's "Story of Wisconsin"), says that the name "badgers" probably originated as a nickname for those lead miners working in the southwestern part of the state, who came from the East, who lived in dug-outs like the hillside burrows of the badgers in the eastern states, and did not go home in the winter season, as did those working in the mines south of the Illinois line. The name of "snekers" was applied to the latter, bor- rowed from the name of the migrating fish found in the rivers of Ilinois; and thus the name came to be applied to the inhabitants of the entire State of Ilinois. But, such as it is, the people of Wisconsin would not willingly part with the picturesque designation of "badgers."
Young Men's Christian Association .- At the first meeting ealled to form the Young Men's Christian Association in Milwaukee, September 29, 1858, 116 young men became charter members of the association; and at a meeting held a few days later the names of 123 were added. During the year the total membership was increased to 358. J. H. Van Dyke was president the first year, John Rice the second. The membership fee of $2.00 a year, to- gether with other receipts, gave the association an income of $1.008 for the first year.
"It is pleasant to recognize." says Edward W. Frost, who contributed an account of these early beginnings of the association to Conard's "History of Milwaukee." "that on looking over the list of early members of the associa- tion, so many of the young men who came forward to inaugurate the Young Men's Christian Association movement, have during the intervening years become prominent and helpful in the religions life of Milwaukee."
Outbreak of the Civil War .- "The organization continued active and suc- cessful until the outbreak of the Civil war, " says the account we have re- ferred to. "when it was practically discontinued for several years." The work of the association was resumed in 1870, when W. P. MeLaren became president. Rooms were orenpied and plans put into exeention to raise money, one of which was by means of an entertainment, where flowers were sold at anetion at large prices. Alexander Mitchell bought a bouquet for $100, and many others paid $25 and upward to help the cause. The association languished for a time, however, but the meetings and other activities were maintained even without quarters. In 1876, the association was reorganized with George J. Rogers as president, and rooms were opened at 132 Grand Avenue.
After that time the association maintained an active life and carried on an earnest work. Several other removals took place, however, until in Jan- uary. 1887. it found what was hoped would be a permanent home in its new building. This building was destroyed by fire in 1895, but was at once rebuilt and refurnished. Among the generous citizens who have contributed ma- terially to the success of the Young Men's Christian Association, there should be dne acknowledgment made for active and efficient aid received from such men as Charles L. Colby, Edward W. Frost, A. V. H. Carpenter, William Plankinton, George J. Rogers, George L. Graves, Charles W. Turner. and
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THE HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
numerous other individuals, both men and women, whose names are often mentioned in the early history of the association. "Without forgetting the great services of others," says Mr. Frost in his chapter, "it is not too much to say that the beginning of the building and its successful completion is, perhaps, due more to Charles L. Colby than to any other one man."
"Little has been said in this sketch," writes Mr. Frost, "of the religions side of our work. A large voline could easily be made up of descriptions of this work, of the thousands of young men who have fallen under the active influence of the association, and have dated the beginning of new lives from the time when they came into the association rooms. Many of them are with us today active and earnest, and trying to do for others the work that has been done for them." Many of them have become identified with the churches, but the majority of them find at the association pleasantly lighted and warmed rooms, pervaded by a spirit of good fellowship, which has done much to draw them under the influences that help Christian manhood. "Our association knows no difference of creed or race, no distinction between rich and poor. Within its walls young men from all parts of the city, representing all condi- tions of life, meet on common ground."
The Young Women's Christian Association .- In 1892, petitions signed by over two hundred of the young women of the city were addressed to the women of Milwaukee, for the organization of a Young Women's Christian Association. The result of these efforts was the formation of such an associa- tion. Miss Pauline Saveland was made president and sixty-three members were enrolled at the start. Rooms were seenred and a lunch room was opened under the charge of a permanent secretary. The work flourished amazingly. A great many young women found congenial society and opportunity for study and instruction in classes. Entertainments have since been frequently provided for the young women, and the promoters of this useful movement, which is in the hands of the women of the city, feel well rewarded with the success of their endeavors.
The Woman's Club of Wisconsin .- The first step in the organization of the Woman's Club was taken by Miss Mary Mortimer, who was joined in the movement later by Mrs. Alexander Mitchell. A meeting called by the lead- ers in the movement for October 9, 1876, was addressed by Mrs. Julia Ward llowe of Boston, the attendance inelnding a large number of Milwaukee's representative women. Mrs. Howe gave an account of the women's clubs of her home state with the New England Women's Club as an object lesson.
Great enthusiasm was aroused in favor of such an organization in Mil- wankee and a temporary organization was formed with Mrs. William P. Lynde acting chairman, and Miss Mortimer as secretary. Later in the month a con- stitution was adopted and officers chosen, as follows: President, Mrs. Mex- ander Mitchell; vice presidents, Mrs. W. P. Lynde and Mrs. H. L. Page ; see- rotary, Miss Mary Mortimer : treasurer, Mrs. JJ. H. Warner. Mrs. Mitchell later resigned on account of absence From the city, Mrs. Page sneceeding her.
The name, Woman's Club of Wisconsin, was intended, as its name indi- cales, to eover a prospective membership throughout the state. The objeet of the club was declared to be, primarily, for elevating and purifying our
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IHISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
civilization, and "as a means toward this end it shall seek to invite women to intellectual and moral culture, and also to a careful study of the practical arts of our common life." The elub shall, in addition, seek to offer opportu- nity for this culture and study, and also to give encouragement to meritorious talent in these fields of activity.
"The entire constitution, " says the historian Watrons, "shows the wisdom. foresight and deliberation that was given to laying the foundation of the Woman's Club of Wisconsin." The elnb was not incorporated, but the names of the "charter members" (so-called) are given below, meaning those who qualified for membership during the antumn.
The list of the original members, that is of those who united with the club during the first season, is as follows: Mrs. Alexander Mitchell. Mrs. H. L. Page, Mrs. J. II. Warner, Mrs. William P. Lynde. Dr. Julia Ford, Mrs. Theo- dore Yates, Mrs. Oliver C. Ely, Mrs. B. M. Finch. Miss Sarah S. Chapman, Miss Mary Mortimer, Mrs. S. S. Merrill, Mrs. Lydia Ely, Mrs. H. M Boyce. Mrs. G. E. Gordon, Mrs. C. D. Adsit, Mrs. O. JJ. Hiles, Mrs. J. S. Ricker. Mrs. William A. Collins, and Mrs. James S. Peek. In the following February the names of Mrs. J. HI. Booth, Mrs. T. A. Chapman, Mrs. T. A. Greene, Mrs. J. J. Hagerman, Mrs. G. W. Hazelton, Mrs. George C. Swallow, and Mrs. H. H. Button were added to the membership.
According to a late year book of the Woman's Club, the date of its found- ing is given as ocenrring on the 9th of October, 1876, thus corresponding 10 the date of the first meeting called by the leaders of the movement for its formation as given above. The date of the incorporation was JJanuary 26, 1910.
The present president (1921), is Mrs. Arthur M. MeGeogh. "The Woman's Club of Wisconsin," says Miss Margaret Reynolds, librarian of the First Wis- consin National Bank, "was the first organization of women to build their own elnb house. This is called 'the Athenaeum,' and is located on the corner of Biddle and Cass streets, Milwaukee." We may also mention in this place that Miss Reynolds has supplied many essential facts in the preparation of this history for which we make due acknowledgement.
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CHAPTER XXXVIII
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
In 1847 the library of the Young Men's Association was formed by a com- mittee consisting of S. Osgood Putnam, Edward P. Allis, John II. Van Dyke, Edward D. Holton, II. W. Tenney, Garrett Vliet, and I. M. Mason. For many years the library established by this association was housed in rented rooms and in 1878, when by aet of Legislature the public library was created, the association's collection of 9,958 books was turned over to the eity as a free gift.
Librarians of the Young Men's Association Library .- Edward Hopkins, 1847-1849; Thomas Hyslop, 1849-1853; Sidney Rood, 1853-1854; George Coggs- well, 1854-1857; William Bilton, 1857-1859; E. C. Arnold, 1859-1871; S. F. Peacock, 1871-1873; Edward Upson, 1873-1877; Miss Elizabeth M. Gifford, 1877-1878.
Librarians of the Milwaukee Public Library .- Henry Baetz, 1878-1880; K. A. Linderfelt, 1880-1892; Miss Theresa West, 1893-1896; George W. Peek- ham, 1896-1910; Charles E. MeLenegan, 1910-1920 (Mr. MeLenegan died March 17, 1920) : Joseph V. Cargill, acting librarian, March 17, to August 15, 1920; Matthew S. Dudgeon, 1920 -.
The annual reports of the public library for the years 1918, 1919 and 1920 were issued by the board of trustees under date of December 31, 1920, in a single volume.
In 1918, George C. Nuesse was president of the board of trustees. In November of that year William L. Pieplow became president and so continued until May, 1919, when he was succeeded by William Kaumheimer. In May. 1920, Mr. Pieplow again became president.
The latest report shows that the library contains 410,148 volunes. The total circulation for 1920 was 1,801,907 volumes through the main library and through the various branches of the institution.
Financial Statement of the Public Library.
SUMMARY FOR 1920.
Receipts.
Fines 7,069.24
Balance previously
Renting collection 551.91
available
$ 34,782.36
Lost books 282.74
City tax levy. 172.251.00
Public Museum for serv-
Special appropriation for Municipal Reference
ices 1,405.03
Library
5,000.00
Seenrity deposits 213.00
Trust funds
7,069.24
Miscellaneous 421.73
Milwaukee County for
library service
20,320.00
Total $243,410.48
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Waste paper 370.07
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
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THE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Expenditures.
Transportation 3,136.40
Books $ 33,577.42
Postage
828.40
Periodicals
2,944.42
Binding-Maintenance and
operation of bindery . . .. 10,620.92
Repairs .
12,398.88
Miscellaneous
8,974.32
Salaries-library service .. 85,073.86
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