USA > Wisconsin > Rock County > Beloit > Past made present : the first fifty years of the First Presbyterian Church and congregation of Beloit, Wisconsin together with a history of Presbyterianism in our state up to the year 1900 > Part 16
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Total,
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GAIN IN WEIGHT DURING THIS HEALTH TRIP.
No. of Time,
Name.
No. of 1bs.
Time, Weeks.
Nanie. lbs. Weeks,
Ernest Helm, .
2
21/2
Arthur Helm, 11 . 21%
W. Snow, Jr., .
7 2 12 Will Abbey, 14 212
Walter Helm, .
8
. 21/2 Wat. Redfield , 14 . 2
Port. Haven, .
10
. 21/2
W. F. Brown, . 6 . 2
Ed. Penfield, .
10 . 212
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INTRODUCTION.
Scientifically speaking, the origin of the Gypsy and the Gypsy Club dates back to the creation of matter. Our friends, however, will be satisfied with knowing that "Night, who brings all things," brought this into being last June. On one of those hot summer evenings, Arthur Helm,* night operator on the N. W. R. R., at Beloit, formed the idea of spending his brief autumn vacation with a congenial company in a health trip on the Wisconsin and Missis- sippi rivers. Mysterious messages to and from other operatives were flashed back and forth over the line, and, with manifold cor- respondence and personal consultations, pro- duced in due time this expedition.
A clinker-built boat, carrying two and a half tons, twenty-six feet long, six and a half feet beam, in use one year, was procured and refitted throughout. A deck, bowsprit, jib and main sails and rigging, oars, seats and other improvements, having been added, THE KEEPER. after satisfactory trial on Rock river, she was shipped by N. W. R. R. to Merrimac, on the Wisconsin river. A large mess chest was made for holding stores, utensils, blankets, et al., and an ample army tent hired. A young man of previous experience in cooking was engaged as cook, and a stove top entire, with necessary furniture, taken along as cooking apparatus. Our rifle, shot guns and revolvers, offered fifty shots without re-loading, and fishing tackle also abounded.
Nine young gentlemen, of different cities, occupations, and ages from 18 to 32, comprised the original company, who divided the expenses of this health trip, and another, besides the cook, was added on the way as a trav- eling member. Each man was provided with rough woolen clothing, rub- ber and woolen blankets, and knife, fork and spoon, with tin cup and plate. Significant of the free and roving life intended, the name "Gypsy" was giv- en to boat and club. Our small boat we have called " The Rover."
The whole amount of substance wasted in this riotous living, exclusive of railroad fares, was seven dollars from each man for purchase of boats, and eight dollars apiece for all running expenses. For amount of substance gained, see previous page. (It built me over for the next two years. )
The Cruise and the Log of the Gypsy began at Merrimac, Wis., Sept. 3d, and ended at Savannah, Ill., Thursday morning, Sept. 20th.
Our simple narrative of actual experience is given mainly as written and read from day to day in camp or while voyaging, and is published by the Club to help recall in after days the memories of so delightful an expedi- tion. If it should also aid or encourage others, of like limited time and means with ourselves, to enjoy some similar healthful experience, it will have much more than repaid the pleasing labors of its Keeper.
BELOIT, WIS., Sept. 22d, 1877.
*Now a prominent physician and surgeon in Beloit.
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LOG OF THE GYPSY.
Merrimac, Wis., September 3, 1877. Wind S. W.
"Now then ! Heave, oh, heave !" Ed. P. and Port, Tom and Ed. S., gave a final pull, and the Gypsy slid off a dray into the waters of the Wis- consin river. Their meeting, long desired, was accomplished. Although no one threw a ring into the water, as custom was when the Doge of Venice married the Adriatic, yet the ring of a hearty cheer answered as well, and the brightest of days smiled on this union.
By the help of a hand-car Wat. and Art. were rescued from the peculiar dangers of Lodi, where they had grounded on their way from Beloit. Ernest and Walter, who with good grit had walked the last fifteen miles to L., were also taken aboard and kindly allowed to help pump and bump out a martyr's ride to Merrimac. Cook Abbey had already arrived, and for that first night six of the above took the floor of the N. W. R. R. depot and imagined themselves camping out.
Tuesday morning saw every one up at a virtuously early hour. In the character of primitive man all went hunting or fishing to escape starvation and returned at noon successful. Each had killed something, and squirrel, pigeon and rabbits, with pickerel and bass, made up this first bag. Having yet no means of preparing a meal, all took dinner at the hotel as a parting tribute to civilization. "Thank heaven those fellows don't board here," is what the hotel keeper must have said when their meal was ended. The afternoon train brought Ed., Tom and Art., with camp equipage.
(Merrimac is situated on the north side or right bank of the Wisconsin. ) The club immediately set up their tent on a high bluff below the village, near the river. A body for the stove top was dug out and first fire kindled. The Gypsy was drawn upon a bar, turned over and spread with a thick coat of asphaltum. A good opportunity of pur- chasing a smaller boat being improved, we became owners of the Rover. "Supper!" is a cry which always explains itself. At sun- down the first meal in camp was enjoyed with that especial gusto which attends all first experiences of pleasure. Club officers were also elected as follows :
Captain-Wat. Redfield. Cook-Will Abbey.
Steward and Treasurer-Ernest Helm.
Chaplain and Keeper of Log-Wm. F. Brown.
Camp Guard-Snap.
"Let us call this "Camp Confusion," said one, with whoni all unanimously agreed.
After a visit in town until nine P. M., the G. C. retired to their blanket couches on the THE STEWARD. ground within the ample club tent, and were just welcoming "tired nature's sweet restorer," when some very unwelcome faces peered in over the tent
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side. Tramps! So the Captain inaugurated his new title by going out with a revolver and standing guard all night.
"Now, Port," says B. collecting his notes, "what did you do Wednes- day morning ?"
Port-"Struck tent."
B .- " What with ?"
Port-" With the club, of course." First joke.
So steep was the bank that our baggage had to be carried along the railroad bridge, lowered to the water's edge with ropes, and thus placed in the boats. The Gypsy was duly rigged and both boats manned. "Push off," was the cheery cry, and at noon, our sails set before a favorable breeze, we started down the river in the track of Marquette, THE CAPTAIN. İ with something of his interest in the voyage. It was a long afternoon's sail and row, pleas- ant also, except the driving upon unforeseen shallows. Once we ran on a bar at full speed, with a shock that nearly snapped the mast. In getting off these temperance bars, Wat. and Art. took rather more water externally than they had previously been accustomed to. A great bend in the river helped out our sailing, and at sundown, well satisfied to stop and rest, we drew to the left bank, opposite Sauk City. and went into camp. Preparing stove and fire near the water's edge, we set up tent on a high bluff several rods back from the shore, and after a hearty supper, slept the double sleep of the just and the weary.
Thursday, Sept. 6th was given to rest and the completion of arrange- ments for progress. Ernest and Walt .* caught a couple of black bass, with one pickerel, and the place caught a name, Camp Fatigue. At early lantern light, Wat. and Art. took the Rover and rowed across the river to get sup- plies, meet Mr. B., and * * " Well, Chaplain," said Port, "you know all the rest.
Sitting in the tavern at. Sauk that evening, with a heavy valise and head-ache, expecting two spruce young gentlemen, who had left Beloit in black dress coats and white stand-up collars-the door suddenly burst open, and I was immediately attacked and captured by a couple of savage-looking Gypsies Seizing my baggage, they led me out into the night, a quarter of a mile down stream and then over a wide bar to a small skiff, drawn up on the sand. Across the water shone the light of their camp fire, and motion- ing me to a seat in the stern of the boat, they quickly rowed up this illumi- minated path to the farther shore. With singular politeness I was introduced to Camp Fatigue, and the whole band of brigands, as a genine Gypsy, and in that character allowed to live. At their stove, (which consisted of the top casting placed over a small excavation, ) the cook was making hasty pudding. We had twelve quarts of milk, bought of a farmer near, and were soon seated around the literal board, provided each with a pint cup, taking in defiance of Dio Lewis, an evening lunch. Bright star-light, the still
*Now a leading physician in Rockford, Il1. +Ass't manager of the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co., of Phila., Western Department, Chicago, Il1.
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night, our flaming camp-fire, the changing shadows and steadily flowing river, outside, (combined with a quart of milk and pudding inside, ) made an impression on my memory not soon to be effaced.
The tent had been set up on quite high ground, ten rods from the river. At our sudden entrance, Snap, the guard, tried to give me his too thin auto- graph. On finding that it was not wanted, however, he at once became friendly. Oh, that all owners of autograph albums would learn the moral of this! Several tiny tin lamps, such as miners use, were fastened to the center pole, and with a lantern, gave light enough for retiring. The last man was soon rolled up in his blanket. Wrapped in a thick quilt for initiation, and taking a headache and dose of quinine to bed with me, after an hour's wandering I also became lost in the somewhat uneasy slumbers of a cool night.
Friday, Sept. 7th. Breeze light, west.
Out of respect for the heavy mist we arose SNAP, alias LEO. late. Walt and B. went down stream fishing and the former secured a fine black bass. At the call to breakfast all gathered promptly around our box lid table, to enjoy the following menu of fare :
Fried black bass and salt pork.
Boiled potatoes in their jackets, hot. (The man who leaves the cover off the potato kettle does it at the risk of his life .- G. C. Laws, Chap. 1, § 1. That article, with the eleven commandments was all the law we had. )
Rye bread and butter, hot coffee with milk and sugar, and preserved appetites.
When all were ready, at the usual reminder by Port, "Boys, hats off !" we began this and each succeeding meal with asking God's blessing.
At 10 A. M. tent and general baggage were placed in the Rover under care of Ernest and Ed. Seville, the rest manned the Gypsy and with a "Good bye Camp Fatigue !" we were off. Approaching the quarter mile bridge just below, we whistled for the draw in a variety of keys, but didn't seem to hit the right one, and had to take down our mast. Ran aground twice before reaching the Steamer "Exchange with Oshkosh" fast on a bar. While floating and rowing along between high worn bluffs of limestone, interest- ing to both artist and geologist, we saved time and appetite by a brief study in bread and butter and cheese. Our fourth stop on a bar to day, caused a scene of more interest to possible spectators than to us. Rowing and poling were tried with vigor but in vain. "Boys," says Cap., "I guess we'll all have to get out here." Off go boots and stockings, pants are rolled up, and overboard we go. "Now then ! All together ! Heave oh !" The bar gets more and more shallow and ends abruptly at the channel. We are all so absorbed in tugging and pushing over the edge of the bar, that; as the Gypsy suddenly glides off into deep water, one or two inadvertently step from a depth of six inches into one of six feet. With some entirely graceful floun- dering, however, they catch on the boat, and a warn sun soon removes all circumstantial evidence of a ducking.
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While on our way again, Ed. Penfield shoots a hawk, and Arthur, after- wards a pigeon, which we get. Word is passed to look out for a camping place. How is that right bank ? "Plenty of dry wood," (Abbey). "Good spot for our tent," (Cap.) "Just the bank for fishing," (B.) "There's game in those woods," (Ed.) "Starboard hard !" cries the pilot, and at six P. M. we draw to shore, (right bank, two miles north of Helena), and make fast. While some go off hunting and fishing, others set up stove and tent. A fire is made and in half an hour Cook has a johnny-cake baking. After a good supper of hot corn-cake and coffee, bread and butter, fried potatoes, fish and pigeon, a detachment accompanied Steward Ernest through the woods to the nearest farm, half a miie northwest, for milk and butter. B. went fishing and soon returned with a seven pound cat-fish. The jack, an iron basket fixed on a pole, fastened upright in the Rover's bow, was newly filled with pine for a light, and some of the boys rowed out with it over the shallows to spear fish. The cry of a coon started Cap., Walt. and Ed. out night-hunting. B. went back to his line and brought in another cat-fish, a little heavier than the first. In due time all were wrapped in their blankets within the tent, where we slept in safety and comfort.
On Saturday morning B. arose before all and niade the cook's fire for the first time in four years, too rare an event to be left unnoticed. How sel- dom is a virtuous action rewarded as this was, with another cat-fish. After a proper fish breakfast, one party went hunting, while Cap., Arthur and B. started with the Rover to get solid and liquid supplies at Helena. Rowing half a mile down stream and leaving our boat at the left bank we plunged through thick brush and swampy land another half mile south,
"'Mid tangled juniper, beds of weeds And fens, where the deadly viper feeds,"
as much as he does in Moore's Dismal Swamp, I am confident.
Climbing a low bluff to the prairie level we tramped along, still south, two slippery miles to Helena, and found it a loafless (but not loaferless) town. Hired a hand-car and man for twenty-five cents and pumped our way by rail two and a half miles to Spring Green. Not a loaf of bread in that place, which had three churches and a new school house ! We finally per- suaded a store-keeper to bake us a couple of common-sized loaves ; he per- suaded us (oh, fascination of necessity), to pay him double prices for them. Having pumped back to Helena, we took up our bundles and line of march camp-ward. Salt pork, lard, salt, coffee, sugar, fresh bread and a jug of oil are acceptable supplies in the wilderness; but, when added to gun and accoutrements, and while being carried in arms three miles over slippery sand and through brake, briar and swamp, they become as tiresome-well, as this sentence read aloud. If any one dares hint that it wasn't three miles I'll make it five. The pull up stream proving rather hard for tired arms, we put ashore on the right bank and packed into camp on foot. The hunters' bag comprised four pigeons by Ed. P., one by Walt., a squirrel by Ernest, and a ten-rattled rattlesnake, shot by Port., who cut off and kept the rattles as a trophy. B hung up the snake by the neck and stripped off its beautiful skin by turning it inside out. Carefully cleansed and rubbed with salt, it was easily cured (And now hangs in the minister's study, "to point a moral or adorn a tale.")* After a good supper of fish, squirrel, pigeon and pota-
*It adorns this one on page 216, better than the name of "Swedish Charles" would.
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toes, bread, butter and coffee, some went out on the river jack-spearing. They struck only a sucker and a couple of sand pike, or anti-evolutionists. This fish has a nose, projecting far beyond the mouth, which is fringed with feelers. The large, four-sided, pyramidal scales on its back and the exten- sion of the back bone forming the upper lobe of the tail, as in the sturgeon, mark its close relationship to the earliest form of fish that ever appeared on our globe. According to the popular form of development theory, this order of fish nearest to a reptile, should have come last in time ; as a fact how- ever, the old red sand-stone, that oldest illustrated book, printed before Adam, declares that this ganoid family came first of all. Because, therefore, of its annoying opposition to such a beautiful theory, and in view of its not being fit to eat, we hope all will treat it, as we did, with contempt. Several night lines were set to accommodate any fish who might wish to commit suicide. Expecting rain we had trenched and pinned up our tent on every side, so all retired, confident of comfort.
Sabbath, Sept. 9th, dawned cloudy. Some one, unknown, visited the lines and brought in a couple of self-sacrificed cat-fish. For breakfast we had not only boiled pigeon and the usual accompaniments but something very extra indeed, a delicacy not often seen even at elaborate public ban- quets or on the most fashionable wedding-breakfast tables. Our limited means allowed us to indulge in only one rib apiece, but each member of the club is now able to boast that he knows how fried rattlesnake tastes. What it would be, swallowed, I cannot testify ; but, chewed with the eyes shut, it could not be distinguished from spring chicken. (To this one ecstatic taste may be ascribed that remarkable increase in flesh of which the table of weights testifies. For the benefit of all lean America, the secret is now re- vealed, from pure benevolence and without hope of reward. )
Our breakfast was sprinkled with drops of rain, which soon became a small shower. However it did not drive us from our purpose of attending church and seeing the-the minister, at Arena. Leaving Cook with E. and W. to keep camp, the rest filled our smaller boat, and started over the Wis- consin for its left bank. After getting aground once and drawing the Rover across a dry bar, we put into a narrow, deep creek and drew ashore. Push- ing through brush a short distance to the higher prairie level, we began a steady march by compass directly south-east. From a half scared and wholly tattered Erinite, we learned on inquiry, that our noses were pointed in just the right direction. Advancing across the prairie in military order, upon several other Sabbath breakers, by a left front movement we captured a confirmation of the Irishman's statement, and so kept on our pathless way with confidence. After climbing a ridge we saw a distant steeple, and soon finished our two and a half miles tramp to town. Marching into church, (Congregational, it proved to be), we found ourselves in time to hear the last half of a practical sermon by Rev. Mr. Pinkerton. Subject="The necessity of being right as preliminary to doing right." If there are "two things which cannot be concealed," as the immortal Sancho declares, "love and a cough," there is a third, and that is-a preacher. The pastor's son had heard our Chaplain in Beloit, and knew him even with his pants in his boots.
After declining an invitation to dinner, we left behind us that which,
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Solomon says, "is better than precious ointment," and marched back to our boat in a slight shower. Recrossing the river in two successive parties, we gathered in the tent, with a feeling of unusual personal sympathy for Esau. . When at last the cook's whistle sounded "Dinner !" there was such a rush for the "pottage" as would have made any thoughtful medical beholder groan. Bill of fare, (vocal, not printed) boiled pork and beans with vine- gar, potatoes, squash, bread, butter and crackers, tea with milk and sugar, and Dutch cheese. After the fare had been collected, in no one of us could Nature have found that which she is said to abhor.
The parson, we acknowledge, was quite as careful as the rest not to fish on Sunday. But, while he was strolling by the river bank after dinner, an evil spirit in the shape of a small frog sprang up before him. Bait was very scarce, the fisherman's instinct asserted itself at once, and he (the minister or the frog ?) attempted a capture. The effort proving unsuccessful, how- ever, since Peter himself would doubtless have excused it, we did. Reading, writing, and singing Sankey's hymns in our tent, occupied the afternoon and early evening, and we called the place Camp Comfort. Then, while one party with the lantern started off through the woods for a new supply of milk, another renewed the fire, in preparation for evening lunch. Soon all were standing around the open stove, watching the deli- cate process of stirring meal into hot water for hasty pudding. As one held up the lan- tern while our cook vigorously wielded his ladle, and all faces, turned by a common interest toward the blaze, reflected the flick- ering light-with shadowy forest for back- ground and framed in darkness, there was formed such a picture as Rembrandt loved to paint.
THE CHAPLAIN.
After lunch, the Club gathered in the tent. for Sabbath evening service, and a passing raftsman might have heard "Sweet hour of prayer" sounding across the water. Chaplain B. spoke of David's manly declaration, "Neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord my God, of that which doth cost me nothing," and closed the service and day with prayer.
Monday, Sept. 10th. Ernest awoke early and visited the three set lines. Two of them had respectively a pickerel and a cat-fish. B.'s line did not break the Sabbath by catching any fish, but had on it a fifteen pound snap- ping turtle. Others had caught a couple of black bass and a small pike, and Ed. P. shot a snipe. After a fish breakfast we promptly struck tent, and started the Rover on in advance with our baggage. By nine o'clock the Gypsy and her crew were off, with prospect of a bright day.
Within the first half mile we ran aground and poled off three times. The breeze was light but fair, and our jib helped us along. Passing the rail- road bridge at Helena we soon after came to a region of steep pine-covered hills, and at noon rounded a bold bluff with the wind now dead ahead. At this point our dog Snap, either achieved greatness or else had it thrust upon
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him, in the shape of a great leap. He had, as often before, jumped over- board, paddled to land, and followed us by running along the bank. On reaching this bluff he climbed as high and as far as he could, but the path soon disappeared at the smooth front of the sandstone cliff. After a mo- ment's hesitation he jumped or rolled down the perpendicular wall nearly forty feet into the river, with a great splash, and swam unhurt to the boat.
At 1 P. M. we caught up with the Rover, drew to the left bank, which was abrupt and sandy, and took lunch of bread and butter and water- melon. This last, I am told, was given us by the farmer at Camp Com- fort. One mile further on our mast had to be lowered again under the wire rope of a ferry.
Leaving high bluffs on our left at 2.30 P. M., we reached the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien R. R. bridge. A freight train of thirty-five cars was then passing, and B. learned by the kindergarten system, how to distinguish at sight a coal-burner engine from a wood-burner. The smoke-stack of the former has a slender stem or throat, that of the latter is fuller. Was it, in order to study this object lesson that, right above the bridge we ran aground for the eleventh time to-day? 4 P. M. saw us at Richland City, on the right bank, lowering our mast for the third ferry-rope encountered since morning. Went ashore to procure supplies and mail letters. Just west of the town Pine river enters from the north. A few rods below its mouth we made fast to the bank and camped in woods, near the water. This place was named "Success."
Walt. took the Rover and went up the Pine river trolling. Having caught one pike, he lost his hook in another, of which (with a desire to be accurate ) I can only report his opinion that it was as long and large as a root of a big stump. Our hunters, Ed. P. and others, brought in one pigeon and reported game scarce.
On landing at Richland City, we were politely greeted by the son of the principal merchant of the place, whoni we invited to call on us in camp. After supper the call was made, and the young man duly charmed and taken in. An invitation to join our club was promptly accepted, and W. Snow, Jr., became our traveling member. As his father's business of getting out and supplying railroad ties has made him very familiar with the river, we congratulate ourselves on having gained a total abstinence pilot, who will be sure to keep us away from the bars.
Tuesday, Sept. 11th. After a cool night's rest came a hot breakfast. Walt. went hunting and brought in a pigeon and a muskrat, which last was basely abandoned. Port. devoted himself to the Gypsy. Others practiced throwing the tomahawk and made it stick in the mark, too. W. S. left all his dear home ties, (worth at least $14.00 a hundred ) and joined us in good time for an early departure.
At 8 A. M. we bade farewell to Camp Success, and with our new member as pilot, rowed down the river to visit a noted cave on its right bank.
On the summit of Bogus bluff, four hundred feet above the river. After bringing our boats to shore, all started for a climb up this steep cliff to an opening in its face near the top, called Bogus cave. Ed. Penfield and Ernest reached the cave first, and our Captain went in farthest of all.
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