Rock Island Township (part 2 of 2)

Rock Island Club

The idea of forming an association such as the Rock Island Club was first broached by a part}' of Rock Island gentlemen, who met on the evening of November 18, 1896, at the Harper House. F. W. Bahnsen was chosen temporary chairman, and E. J. Burns temporary secretary. A committee of seven was named to jierfect an organization, and at a meeting two days afterward, the latter appointed a sub-committee of three to draw up a constitution and by-laws, and to take o\it articles of incorporation. A charter was secured during December of the same year, and at a meeting held that month the first board of tlirectors was elected, consisting of A. ('. Dart, Charles McHugh, F. W. Bahnsen, W. H. Marshall, E. H. Guyer, Mayer Ilosenfifld. William Jackson, Phil Mitchell, E. W. Hiu-st, Henry Carse and C. J. Searle.

For nearly two years the club renuiined practically dormant, negotiations being in ]irogress at that time for suitable quarters. Finally terms were arranged with Mrs. Dr. C. B. Kinyon for the use of the present (piarters on Sixteenth Street and Third .\ venue, and October 14. 1898, another meeting was held at the Harper House, at which a three-year lease of the premises was ratified. liefore this time had expired, in .Inly. 19()L tlie clubhouse and grounds wvvtpurchased from Mrs. Kinvon, .¥T_>. 0(1(1 l>eiiig the consideration. Immediate plans for extensions were begun, and tluring the Fall $5,000 was spent upon improvements, which have given the club quarters that are considered the finest in the State outside of Chicago.

The Club began with a membership of 100. Being a pronounced success from the start, there was no difficulty in securing additions to the enrollment, and at the present time there are 287 members in good standing.

F. W. Bahnsen was the first president, and Joliu T. Stafford was the first secretary. Mayer Rosenfield was elected treasurer when the organization was effected, and held the position up to the time he ceased to be a resident of the City. At the .election in January, 1899, the board of directors was divided into three sections, one serving three years, another two years, and a third one year, as follows: Three years, W. H. I\Iarshall, E. H. Guyer, C. A. Stoddard; two years, A. C. Dart, F. W. Bahnsen, Dr. G. L. Eyster, George A. Price; one year, Charles McHugh, Phil Mitchell, John T. Stafford, Mayer Levi. Since that time one section has been elected annually for a term of three years.

The defined oljjects of the club are, of course, largely social. The quarters are fitted up with ]iarlors, a library, private dining rooms, a billiard room and bowling alleys. The rooms are elegantly furnished, and provided with everything for the entertainment of the members and guests. They are especially convenient at times \\hen the City is called upon to do hoimr to a visitor of distinction.

There are fourteen standing committees j)rovided for in the by-laws. Of these nine are appointed on club affairs and entertainment. The others are calculated to help in the tipbuilding of the community. The sub-, jects they cover are local improvements, Rock Island Arsenal, the tri-cities, manufacturers and railroads. Through these latter bodies many important matters have been brought to the attenti'Ui "f the clulj, and subsequently acted upon, with great benefit to the city. A number of enterjirises that were looking for a suitable field in which to locate have been induced, through the efforts of the Club to locate in Rock Island, and concessions have been secured from various cor])orations doing business here, upon which private appeals would have had no effect.

Another acquisition to the City, for which the Club deserves almost entire credit, is the Illinois Theatre, built on the advance sale seat plan, by George H. .Johnson of St. Louis, at a cost of SoU.OOO, and completed in 1901. The matter was first taken holil of by the Club in 1900. Rock Island now has a playhouse second to none in the country, and it is all the more a source of satisfaction to the people at large because it was secured through local enterprise, manifested by a local organization.

Another important movement the Club fathered, and the one that will probably do more for the Cit}- than any other one thing that has ever been undertaken, was that for the installation of a small arms jilant by the Government at Rock Island Arsenal. This was one of the ver}^ first matters taken hold of by the Club as the champion of the City's interests. How the sujjport of Illinois and Iowa Congre.ssmen and Senators was drawn to the project is too well known to need relating in detail. These successes point to the results which can l)e olitained by active and persistent co-operation, which the Rock Island Club has, upon numerous occasions, demonstrated it is capable of promoting.

The Rock Island Club is now in a flourishing condition. It is established ujwn a firm basis, for it fills a real need, and is conductetl along correct lines.

Hawk, the Sachem, have been jjarted by the keels of Illini dug-out, Huron birch canoe, batteau of voyageur, flat boat of pioneer, winch-ferry of the early settler, horse-ferry of established villagers, steamer of modern date, and motor boat of oil and electricity. of the opening era, and almo.st without exception, the introduction of these modes of passing over its waters have been due to transversely directed migration rather than lateral travel - the desire to cross the river rather than float with or stem it.

At this point the "Father of Waters" is a trifle over three-fourths of a mile wide, and while not deep enough to float an ocean liner, it is never shallow enough to ford; and even the earliest settler found himself naturally beset with the hankering to keep both sides the might}' stream under foot sovereignty. As a result, the boat. Probably at first a canoe or dug-out did duty for such as dared the red man's treachery - white taught: but the day was soon when the advent of the advance guard of the pioneer host made its appearance and household effects, and women and children called for better accommodation - and got it.

Just when Antoine LeClaire of Dubuque started ferrying his followers across is problematical, but May 28, 1S37. it is sure that he deeded to John Wilson, of Rock Island County, Illinois, "the right to keep and operate a ferry across the Mississippi at a point known as 'The Ferry Hou.se,' recently erected and staniling on the west bank of the Mississippi in the town of Davenport, extending one miles u]) and one miles down the river" together "with the boats and crafts now used on said ferry." and including the "privilege of passing over his land for purpose aforesaid," for the sums of So. 00 in hand and Sl.OOO.

The jjhraseology is not of the clearest and the "one miles" up anil down river is especially obscure, but the intent is clear so far as the ferrv being alreadv in existance as owned jiroperty i.s concerned, as is also the fact that the said Antoine LeChiire owned much hmd in the locality. By another clause it is also made clear that the said Antoine Leriaire was fairly modern in his ideas and would have done credit to this day and age, namel}-: "Subject to the said I.eClaire crossing in ferry free of charge.''

That the ferry in those days was not a gift enterprise is shown by the schedule of prices afh.xed to this document, now yellow with age, held in the vaults of the Rock Island National Bank by the present secretarytreasurer, which schedule shows as follows;

Ferry R.vtes, 1837 - Footmen, 25 cents; man and horse, 75 cents; loose cattle and horses, 25 cents per head; yoke oxen, 50 cents; loaded w^agon and two horses, $1.50; loaded wagon and yoke oxen, $1.50; loaded wagon with horse or ox, 25 cents; two-wheel carriage with horse or ox, SI. 50; hogs and sheep, 12}4 cents per head.

Just when John Wilson and wife came into the matter is uncertain, V)ut in 1853 and 1854 John W. Spencer, James Cirant and Thomas J. Robinson accpiired the Wilson interests in this ferry, and January 28, 1857, the first actual charter for the ferry was issued to Spencer, Grant and Robinson. It gave wide latitude to the landing place, allowing for the growth of Rock Island and Davenport up or down the river, but stipulated the keeping of a Rock Island landing between Buffalo and Madison Streets, the keeping u;) a suitable equipment, etc.

April 7, 1888, the original license to operate this ferry was issued by the United States Treasin-y Department, and April 26, 1888, a charter was issued to the incorporated body - The Rock Island-Davenport Ferry Company, with a capital stock of $60,000.

From that time practically no change of stockholders in the corporation nor in its management occurred until the death of Thomas J. Robinson, which occurred in ,\pril of 1800. when his stock was heirod by his son, J. Frank Robinson, and with it went the management. r))oii the death of J. Frank Robinson in .May of 1902. it was learned that he bequeathed the Robinson stock to his cousin, (,'aptain ilarcus L. Henderson, who had been in charge of the ferry as general manager since 1896.

In 1891 the ''Augusta'' was put in service- In 1902 she was rebuilt, re-christened the "T. J. Robinson." electric lighted and refurnished. In 1904, entirely without public demand, the " Davenport '' was biult at Rock Island by Kahlke Brothers, and put in commission. She is also of modern design.

The Tri-City Press Club is an organization representing some sixty odd working newspaper men of the Cities of Rock Island, Maline and Davenport. The condition of active membership is identical with the editorial or business departments of the papers and other reputable journals of the three cities. Two other classes of membership are honorary and non-resident. The Club was organized at a banquet tendered representatives of the press of the three cities at Black Hawk Inn by Charles McHugh and J. F. Lardner, in September, 1898. The Club at its first meeting elected Mr. McHugh and Mr. Lardner honorary memliers, and since that time has added the names of H. E. Downer, of Davenport; J. T. ilcCutcheon, George Ade, H. B. Chamberlain, R. E. Little, W. J. Bryan, Captain W. T. Thompson, Rabbi W. H. Fineschriber, Henry Watterson, James Whitcomb Riley and Sir Robert Ball to that list.

The following have served as presidents: 1898, Walter Johason, Rock Lsland; 1899, J. E. Calkins, Davenport, 1900; P. S. Mc- Glynn, Moline; 1901, H. P. Simpson, Rock Island; 1902, L. P. McClarrien, Davenport; 1903. J. H. McKeevcr, Moline; 1904, Robert

The Club meets alternatel}- in Moline, Rock Island and Davenport, each business meeting being supplemented by an entertaining and instructive program and dinner. Each jear the Club becomes sponsor for a high class, intellectual public entertainment. The Club is affilliated with the National Association of Press Clubs.

The Industrial Home

The Rock Island Industrial Home Association was formed at a mass-meeting of the members of the labor unions of the City, headed by the Knights of Labor, held in December, 1887.

The branches of organized labor represented in the association, in the beginning, included Knights of Labor, printers, glassblowers, tailors, iron molders, cigar makers, carpenters, switchmen and locomotive firemen.

The first efforts of the association were turned toward the raising of a fund with which to purchase a lot and erect a home for labor. To do this an annual fair was instituted. The first one was held in February, 1SS9. and S2.200 cleared. In the Fall a jncnic netted another substantial sum. The Labor Day picnics now take the place of the original affairs; being held alternately in the three cities. Rock Island. Moline and Davenport, under thejauspices of the three Industrial Home A.ssociations. The first meetings were held at Norris Hall; Hillier's Hall being later used as headquarters for a period of five yearsTJ)efore the home was opened in 1896. The first property the association purchased was a lot at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Twentieth Street. This was sold when the present site for the home was purchased, at the corner of Third Avenue and Twentyfirst Street.

- it being a handsome three-story l>rick building, with two large stores on the ground floor, offices and halls for meeting places for the labor organizations on the second floor, and a large hall on the third floor. Its cost was S28.000. The financial affairs of the association are in the hands of T. H. Thomas, who has acted as agent, with power of attorne}', since the building was erected. The present indebtedness is 87,000, with S3.00() more needed to comjilete the building in accordance with the original plans. These include the installing of a library, gymnasium, bath rooms and everything in fact to make it a complete home, or club house, for the use of laboring men.

The Young Men'S Christian Association

Nearly thirty years ago the first Association was formed in Rock Island, with the same general objects as the present institut tion. It was engendered by a great religious revival, and E. W. Spencer, one of the originators of the idea, was elected the first president. Rooms were opened in the postoffice block, and Sunday afternoons religious meetings for yovmg men were held. At the end of two years Mr. Spencer was called to other fields, necessitating his resignation, and the work was allowed to lapse.

The present Y. ^I. C. .\. had its origin in 1884, A. M. Bruner. R. W. Salisbury and John Perritt being the prime movers. April 20. of that year, the Association was born at a meeting held at the Central Presbyterian Church, and thirty-eight members were signed to the rolls. Frank Nadler was chosen president, and George P. Lyman secretary. June 3 the formal opening of rooms over 1729 Second Avenue was held. The following February a general secretary was called in the person of George Warner, of Minneapolis. At the end ofjhe first year there were sixtyfive members.

The Ladies' Central Connnittee was formed as an auxiliary, in September, 1885, and in December of the same year the Association was incorporated. In ilarch, 1886, new quarters were taken over the Peoples National Hank. F. W. Lang of Menominee, Wisconsin, assumed the duties of general secreatary in .\ugust, 1886. In the Fall of that year ten delegates were sent to the State convention at Rockford.

The building movement was begun in January, LSS7, at a gospel service held at Reynolds, Illinois, by a few young men, where two little girls, Anna Stewart and Libbie Schoonmaker, who were interested in pictures shown of Y. M. C. A. buildings, each gave fifty cents without solicitation "to put up a building at Rock Island for young men ; " later a like amount was given by Louie Bowman, one of our boys. This dollar and a half was the nucleus of the fund which gave us our $50,000 property and interested over seven hundred contributors. At a meeting of the members a few months later $1,000 was pledged and a l)uilding committee appointed.

The contract for the foundation of the building was let at a meeting of interested business men at the residence of P. L. Mitchell, held September 24, 1888, Larkin and Stephens being the successful bidders.

The cornerstone was laid .June 26, 1890, Mayor McConochie putting it in place, assisted by the three young persons who were the first contributors. One of the notable features of the exercises was the reading of a letter from Sir George Williams of London. England, the founder of the Y. ^I. C. \.

At the opening of the year 1900. about $15,000 had Ijeen subscribed, and March 28 of that year the contract for the superstructure was let to Collins Brothers for $15,189.

The ladies were first organized as a central cunimlttee, then as the ladies auxiliar\-. They are now the association helpers. They raised hundreds of dollars for the big debt, and furnished a large part of the building; through their influence the ladies of the First AL E. Church furnished the reading room: the correspondence room (now office of the l)oys secretary) was furnished by the Ladies Aid Society of South Heights; the directors room by the King's Daughters and the chapel liy the .Women's Christian Temperance Union.

In November, 1895, through the generosity of the late J. W. Potter, proprietor of the Argus, the auxiliary published a sixteen-page Thanksgiving edition of the Argus, which was a decided success.

The new building was completed sufficiently to admit of its occupation April 2, 1891, but another canvass for money had to be undertaken to ])r()vide for the furnishing and completing of certain parts to place them in a condition to use. September 1, 1891, G. C. Blakeslee became general secretary in place of Jlr, Lang.

At the eighth annual meeting of the Association, April 20. 1892, prominent speakers from all over the middle west were .secured and $6,400 was raised, and in a month more conditional pledges were secured that raised the general fund to $18,000. The Ladies' Central Committee offered .$500 on condition that the amount specified be raised by September 1. August 29 the sum of $732 was still needed, and by a great effort it was secured diiring the two days following.

Building operations upon the interior were resumed, and as the funds became available, completed, and January 1, 1894, the contractors turned thoV>iiil<liiig over to the .Association practically as it stands today, witli the fiyiiiiiasiiini. Iiatli anil di-cssiiifi- rotims, and the aiiditoriiun ready for use. In ;i short time th(> nienilxn-siii]) was raised from one iiiuidicd lo thi-ec hundred. The annual dues for senior niend)ers was [ilaced at five ilolhirs. W. I,. I,a\'eiider was chosen the first ]>hysieal dii-ecl(U- |)(>cendiei- 1. 1S9.5. The next year J. 1'. liailey succeeded Mr. Blakeslee as general secretary, and after two years' service, the former gave way to .1. S. Freeman. At the same time as the latter change was nnide, H. G. Hanks took the position of physical director. ,J. C. Pentland first took charge of the work in 1S99.

The total membership is nmv three hundred. In the Winter season just closing about 7,000 individuals have taken exercise in the gymnasium. About forty men are enrolled in the bible classes, and every branch of the work is in the most flourishing condition that has prevailed since the forming of the Association.

.\ number of members have entered into life service for the Master, among whom we i-emember Charles Knox, J. Akers and Edward Young, in the ministry; George Warner (iraham Lee and R. C. Ricker, missionaries in foreign lands; .\. M. limner, Henry Hansen bonis A. Bowman. Or\-ille ^'erbury. .1. S. Freeman, Henry \'oss and Chauncey Tuttle in the Association secretaryship.

The original building committee comprised: A. M. Blaksley. chairman: E. B. McKown, treasurer: J. F. Robinson, .1. W. Stewart, J. W. Welch, C. K. Adams, A. 1). Sporry. Frank Xadler. George M. booseley. .A. M. Piruner. F. II. Kaupke.

The old Huford lilock at the iK)rtheast corner of Second Avenue and West Seveuteenlh Street, which has just been torn down to l)e replaced by a new reinforced concrete six-story modern business block, was erected in 1S54. Sixty feet of this corner was purchased l)_v Charles Buford from Charles K. Smith February 23, 1854: a little later he ]iurchase(l the adjoining thirty feet east from .ludge George AA'. Pleasants and Doctor John W. Bulkley. The old Imildings (ui this corner were sold at auction .Marcli 11. 1854, Major Benjamin F. Barrett being the auctioneer. The excavation for the foundation immediately commenced. Wednesday July 19, 1854. the brick laying commenced by W. H. Sage, commonly known as "Doc" Sage. The exterior was finished that Fall, and the building completed early in 1855.

Bailev and Boyle also commenced work on their three-story brick l)lock, covering the ground between East and West Seventeenth Streets, and Illinois Street and the Alley north, and Ainswoi'th and Lymle a large brick warehouse on Front Street op|iosite th.e jjresent site of Hotel Harms.