Sterling Township (part 4 of 5)

He occupies a building 133 feet long and twenty-five feet wide, using the basement and the first floor. The maximum number of stone and marble cutters employed is seven, and the work is done by compressed air machinery.

The twenty-second annual meeting of the stockholders of the Whiteside Building and Loan association showed a flourishing condition. Series Nos. 39, 40 and 41 which have matured since January 1, 1907, representing a total of one hundred forty-two shares and amounting to $14,200, has been paid in addition to several nice loans being made on buildings in Sterling and Rock Falls, and all the buildings which were held at the first of the year have been sold with the exception of one. W. S. McCloy, Dr. G. B. Dillon and A. J. Frank were elected as three new directors, and the following officers were chosen: President, Dr. J. F. Keefer; vice president, P. T. Van- Home; treasurer, A. J. Platt; attorney, H. C. Ward; secretary, J. G. Wetzel.

John G. Haglock's new skating rink, The Rollaway, located in First avenue, is the most modern skating rink in this section of the state, being built especially for that purpose. The rink proper is forty-six feet wide and ninety-five feet deep. The walls are of concrete blocks and the roof built on truss work. The floor, which is of hard maple, is laid on a concrete foundation. The ceiling and top of the walls are painted white, and in the rear of the building is a music box, rendering band music.

Industrial Wallace School

the old school houses that the last generation knew are down and out. In the west end, District Eight, as organized, stood for twenty years that brown, dingy frame one-story structure that looked like a temporary railroad station. It was erected in 1856. There were two main rooms, an entry, and battens similar to those on a shed, ran up and down. As the school increased, frame buildings, two stories high, were added.

In 1865 an election was held to vote a tax for the purchase of more ground, and this addition gave the district the entire block where the school now stands. Another election in 1874 for a new 'building, cost not to exceed $25,000, and the edifice was completed that summer. The building committee were W. A. Sanborn, B. C. Church, and James A. Wallace. In 1889 additional bonds were voted, and the primary building of four rooms erected in the rear of the main structure. In 1884 Wallace school was adopted as the name as a fit tribute to the memories of Hugh and James Wallace, father and son, who had been so long associated with the growth of the town and the development of the district.

Some excellent men and women appear in the catalog of Wallace school principals. The first in the newly organized school of 1856 were R. J. Ross and his sister, Rachel. Grove Wright was very popular with pupils and patrons, and his yearly entertainments of music and dialogue were enthusiastic events at Wallace Hall. John Phinney drilled the boys in mental arithmetic and in the diagrams of Clark's grammar. Then followed Buell, Thorp, Davis, Harlan, Coe, Piper, Hursh, Hollister. The last two have gone higher. Hursh is professor at Macomb Normal, and Hollister is state visitor for Illinois University. Helen Hosmer, one of the early primary teachers, knew how to gain the affection of the children. The primary instructor, longest in service, was Miss Saide Patterson, who for twenty-five years drilled the youngsters in marching and singing like so many miniature soldiers. By a poetic fitness on returning to Pennsylvania, she passed her declining days in Mereersburg, the home of her girlhood.

Classes were regularly graduated in the high school department, an Alumni association formed, the last meeting of which was held in 1899. Mi.^s Hannah Mooney was then president, and Miss Minnie Palmer secretary and treasurer. The first graduating class was in 1877, with A. N. Melvin and Elizabeth Crawford the sole star actors. The last class in 1898, consisting of twelve young people, John Ward, Esq., being one of them, closed the educational docket.

For a while as a sort of a manual or practical mechanical training a small paper was issued, "Wallace Life," the cuts, editorial matter, type setting and printing, all done by the pupils.

The roll of teachers comprises the following: Miss A. L. Hill, principal; Anna Mooney, 8th grade and supervisor of drawing; Emma Simonds, 7th grade; Mary Whitmore, 6th grade, and supervisor of music; Belle Duffie. 5th; Josephine Elliott. 4th; Anna Conboy, 3d; Jessie Buyers, 2d; Maud

Edwards, 2d; Christina Dunbar, 1st; Mary Kannally, 1st. Miss Mooney taught several years in Chicago, and is proficient in her department. Jessie Buyers has held her position for many terms. Since the township high school course was established, 227 pupils have finished the grammar school course. At a regular meeting of the board in June, 1907, a ten twenty-day month school year was established. Miss Hill is the first lady principal of Wallace, and her re-election year after year, is prima facie proof of the efficiency of her administration.

Among the early directors of the school, the names of Joshua McKinney, James L. Crawford,' and Gabriel Davis must always be mentioned with gratitude.

At the meeting of the Wallace school board held March 9, 1908, "Home Gardening" was discussed and Tuesday, April 7, 1908, the pupils sent off an order for 1,500 packages of seeds and 125 bulbs at the rate of one cent each. These include eighteen varieties of flowers and eight of vegetables. Each pupil pays for his own seeds.

One morning the school received a case of stuffed birds of N. O. Lawson, taxidermist of Geneva, 111. The birds prepared by Mr. Lawson are those selected from the many killed during severe storms. The birds will be kept in a glass case with revolving shelves, presented by Mrs. L. K. and Mrs. Lottie Wynn.

The birds whose homes, habits, and economic value will be studied, will furnish material to aid in the development of powers of observation, comparison, and judgment. Problems in arithmetic based upon quantity and kinds of food eaten by the different birds, show the advisability of protecting our feathered neighbor.-;.

Many of the boys and girls are building bird houses and drinking trough?, and otherwise showing an intense interest in the bird life of Sterling.

Prizes will be given for successful tree-planting, best collection of vegeables, best collection of flowers, best window boxes, and best collection of seeds.

The Central School

My acquaintance with Sterling school began in the fall of 1894. On the school square stood a three-story brick structure erected in 1867. and a twostory brick veneer building, erected in 1886. On the northeast corner of the square a small frame house used as the janitor's residence. The larger building was devoted to the grades, the smaller, to the High school. All the room in these buildings, excepting the "Old Chapel," was fully occupied prior to the fall of 1894. The year 1894-5 opened with an increased enrollment, and the task of providing additional room was met by running a partition through the old chapel, on the third floor of the larger building, forming therefrom two rooms, one of which was immediately occupied. The absorption of the Sterling High school by the Sterling-Coloma Township High school in 1898, left the smaller building available for the use of the grades, and when the school opened in the fall of that year the third floor of the larger building was abandoned and the sixth, seventh and eighth grades were housed in the smaller building.

With its twenty-sixth commencement, May 27, 1898, the Sterling High school finished its work, and in the following September its students became members of the Sterling-Coloma Township High school. In the twenty-nine years of its existence, two hundred ninety-nine students had been graduated from its courses. It turned over to the Township High school one hundred twenty-five pupils, twenty-one of whom were in the senior class. This High school had done a good work. It had provided a fouryears' course of instruction and was on the accredited list of the state university and a number of colleges. At the completion of its work, Miss Anna Parmelee, the principal, had been with the school eleven years; Miss Kate Stoddard, nine years; Miss Bertha Forbes, seven years; and Miss Mabel Waldo, five years. The character of their work is indicated by the following extract from a letter written to the superintendent in 1897, by Dr. Arnold Tompkins, chairman of the committee on accredited schools for the State University: "Your High school is considered here one of the best in the state, and as accredited, admits to all the colleges of the University."

The advent of the Township High school brought other changes. In the spring of 1898 Lincoln, Sterling, and Wallace districts voted on a proposition to unite into one district. It carried in Lincoln and Sterling districts, but was defeated in Wallace district. Lincoln and Sterling districts at once took steps to unite, and at a special election by very large majorities voted to become one district. The consolidated districts took the official name of District Number Three. The writer, however, gave to the united schools the name Union Schools, the one by which they are generally known.

In order to avoid confusion of names with the new Sterling-Coloma Township High School, the Sterling School was, in the fall of 1898, named by the Board of Education "Central School."

In organizing the new district "the old school boards went out of office and a new board was elected. In this connection it is fitting to make special mention of three men who were prominent in working for the advancement of their respective schools. Mr. George W. Brewer, of the Lincoln School Board, went out of office after a service of thirty-three and o:ie-half years. His last service to the school was to lead in the movement for consolidation. Rev. E. Brown, of the Sterling School Board, retired after a like service of thirteen years, ten of which were passed as President of the Board. Captain Jphn W. Niles, who had served on the same Board for twenty years, became a member of the new Board.

It became apparent in 1901-02 that Lincoln School building would soon be filled to its capacity. In 1902-03 temporary quarters for the overflow from this school were secured in the building in Lincoln Park. In the spring of 1906 bonds for ten thousand dollars were voted to build an addition to Lincoln School building. A four-room annex was added during the fall of

The course of study of the Union Schools comprises the usual eight years' preparatory work for entrance to the high school. In addition, the schools provide special instruction in music, drawing, penmanship, and manual training. The first of these special departments to be established was that of music. In 1882 a special teacher was employed for this branch. It was not, however, until 1889 that regular instruction in music became a feature of the school. In 1895 Miss Ella G. Richards was elected supervisor of music, which position she resigned in 1905. During this period the work became very efficient. Miss Ruth Caughey succeeded Miss Richards and is in charge of this department at the present time.

Special instruction in drawing was first given in 1891. It became .a regular feature of the school in 1893. In 1896 Prof. C. A. Wetzell was elected supervisor of drawing and of penmanship, which position he still holds.

Manual training was adopted by the Board of Education in September, 1900. At first the work was in sloyd only, all the pupils of the seventh and eighth grades, both boys and girls, participating. But in December, 1900, the Board of Education approved an outline for a course in sewing, and ordered it put into immediate operation. Since January, 1901, sewing has been a regular branch of the work. In 1903 the manual-training room was equipped with twelve two-pupil benches and twenty-four sets of tools. As now conducted, four classes each of boys and girls receive regular instruction one hour per week. The boys are instructed in the manipulation and care of tools and the principles of wood-working; the girls in the art of sewing and the structure of textiles. Mr. C. A. Wetzell is the instructor in manual training, and Miss Ivy Phelps directs the work in sewing. For several years manual training was supported by money received from public programs, but of late the expense has been paid out of the regular funds. This is a small' item, however, as the pupils pay for the material which they use and take home the products of their skill.

Much activity has characterized the work of the Board of Education since 1894. It has refurnished Central School with modern desks; installed a system of thermostatic regulation of heat; substituted cement floors in the basement for the decaying wooden floors; reconstructed the sewer system, it having been discovered that the original sewer had been laid inside the building with common sewer-pipe; substituted L. W. Wolff individual bowls, syphon range, toilet fixtures for the crude device previously in use; installed toilet rooms on the third floor, thereby removing the necessity of sending pupils down three flights of stairs ; erected a substantial fire escape, the same being so connected with the several rooms that pupils leave the building without entering the corridors; installed a fire-alarm system, by means of which a general alarm can be turned in from any part of the building; displaced the low-pressure steel boilers (the safe kind which sometimes explodes) with cast boilers; equipped the building with stand-pipe fire protection, the same having a reel of three-inch hose for each floor; placed inside and outside drinking fountains and discontinued the use of the old school well; tinted the walls of the rooms and corridors with cheering colors, 'done in lead and oil; removed the old-time teachers' platforms; lighted the building throughout with gas; constructed vestibules at each of the three entrances; built lavatories; remodeled the smaller building; laid inside walks and curbed the school square; besides many minor changes looking to the safety, sanitation and comfort of the school. At Lincoln School it has built a four-room annex ; removed the old brick building on the northwest corner of the square ; graded down the knoll on that corner; laid a large amount of permanent walks; displaced the hot-air system with steam; substituted slate blackboards for the composition boards ; redecorated the school rooms ; installed drinking fountains; besides a number of minor improvements. Many of the changes mentioned above were expensive, the main question having been, How well, not how cheaply, can this work be done?

Some of the special features of the Union Schools, besides the departments of special instruction heretofore mentioned, are: A graded library, established in 1894, now containing seven hundred books; semi-annual promotions to the high school, in effect since 1903 ; an annual report, containing, among other things, a financial report of the Board of Education, the school calendar, rules and regulations, list of authorized text-books, a report of the Superintendent on the general and special activities of the schools, including a classification of pupils, statistical reports, library summary, etc. ; a salaried truant officer to enforce the provisions of the amended statutes to compel the regular attendance of those who would otherwise be delinquent pupils. The latest activity of the schools is school gardening, undertaken for the first time in the spring of 1908. By this we hope to make, not alone a city beautiful and homes beautiful, but lives and characters more beautiful than they otherwise would be.

Both the original buildings in the present Union district are gone, the brick in the first ward erected in 1860 and the two-story frame in the second ward erected in 1857. In their place are the present substantial and handsome brick structures. In the long roll of principals in each are Mr. and Mrs. Flagg, Thomas Diller, J. D. Parker, Buell, French, Alfred Bayliss, the latter being longer in service than any of his predecessors. Central School is the largest in the county.

In the spring of 1908 the scholars of Central School received packages of flower .seeds to plant at their homes during spring vacation time.

The seeds include six varieties - namely, sweet peas, nasturtiums, marigolds, sweet alyssum, snap dragon and asters, which they will cultivate during the spring, and some time during the fall months a floral show at the two

The steel fire escape connected with the two main buildings, erected a few years ago at a cost of nearly $3,000, is considered the finest in the United States, and since the horrible calamity in the school near Cleveland has been advertised in cuts by papers and magazines from New York to California for the example of boards of education to follow.

The enrollment of Central School for the present year is 648. Its corps of teachers, beginning with the first primary, is Mae Wilcox, Grace G. Goebel, Laura M. Wilson, Irene Bassett, Lora Taylor, Daisy Seymour, Pansy Treasher, Ivy Phelps, Bertha Fay, Estella Daveler, Mignon Haskell, Bertha Senneff, Hattie E. Turner, Bertha M. Williams.

The enrollment of Lincoln School is 206. The corps of teachers, beginning with the first primary, is Helene Lendman, May Adams, Mary Dutcher, Clara M. Pitt rr an, Jennie Hoak, Mabel Whitney.

The special teachers are Mr. C. A. Wetzell, writing, drawing, and manual training; Miss Ivy Phelps, sewing; Miss Ida G. Rundlett, primary assistant and general substitute.

[Editorial Note. - This large school .was never so flourishing. Prof. Chaplin is untiring in his efforts to increase its efficiency in every department, and to show their appreciation of his services the Board lately elected him Superintendent for the fifteenth year of his usefulness.]

The need of a better high school in this community became so imperative that after due notice an election was held April 11, 1896. It resulted in a vote in favor of establishing a township high school. The following men were chosen as the Board of Education : C. A. Wetherbee, Rev. E. Brown, James Platt, F. W. Wheeler, and W. A. Sanborn.

These men did their duty admirably. Their first task, the choosing of a site, they did by a special election August 1, 1896. It resulted in the selection of the grounds of the old Catholic church at the corner of Fifth avenue and Fourth street. Their next work was to secure fund-. This they also did by election, May 11, 1897, which resulted in favor of issuing $40,000 worth of bonds. In selecting the -plans for a building they gave the preference to those drafted by Reeves & Bailey, of Peoria. These plans were a modification or adaptation of an early Elizabethan type of architecture.

School opened in the fall of 1898 with nearly two hundred pupils, and the following corps of teachers: Principal, 0. L. Miller, of Michigan; Anna E. Parmelee, Kate M. Stoddard, Bertha M. Forbes. Mabel G. Waldo, Frances G. Hershey, Charles Herrmann, Ida E. Marron. C. A. Wetzell and Ella G. Richards. Henry Werle was appointed janitor, and ha? ever since kept the building and grounds a model of neatness. Of this first corps of teachers Miss Parmelee wa« called to the State Normal School at De Kalb, and was succeeded by Alfred K. Jenkins: Mr. Herrmann was also called away; Miss Frances Hershey and Miss Ida Marron were married; and Miss Waldo was summoned by death. Since 1902 E. T. Austin, of Michigan, has been principal. The new members of the teaching corps are Stella Coney, Helen Hopkins, Ella M. Ellsworth, Marie Hershey, G. A. Schmidt, Marjorie L. Fitch, and Sarah Lindsay. The present Board of Education are Rev. Theodore Crowl, D. L. Miller, F. W. Wheeler, A. H. Hershey, and W. W. Davis. They have been in office now for many years, and are closely identified with the development of the school and its present prosperous condition.

The equipment of the school is very complete, and is being systematically added to each year. The physical, chemical, and biological laboratories are well supplied. The library is 'discreetly chosen, and contains the latest and best cyclopedias, histories, and scientific works. The pictures and statues that ornament the walls and halls are tastefully chosen and artistically disposed.

Our high school is fully accredited by the following universities and colleges: Amherst, Vassar, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Chicago, Northwestern and Beloit; and probably most colleges will receive students who have done the work preparatory to entering these universities.

For several years an annual has been issued, containing original sketches, with local hits, illustrated, neatly printed and bound, and edited by pupils chosen from the higher classes.

Few rich men remember churches or schools in their wills. The whole property is left to relatives, and sometimes soon scattered to the winds. Dr. L. S. Pennington, pioneer of Jordan, who died in Sterling, 1906, was not of this type. The Sterling Gazette of April 13, 1908, has this paragraph : "The sum of $8,067, the residuary legacy from the estate of the late Dr. L. S. Pennington, has been formally turned over to the trustees of the Township High School, and the trustees have loaned $8,000 on real estate security, and the same is drawing an interest of six per cent, making an annual income of $480. This amount, according to the will of the late Dr. Pennington, will be used in assisting to maintain a manual training school at the Township High School. The sum received from the estate of Dr. Pennington is the first material assistance that the public schools of this city have received. It i< hoped that his bequest will serve as an attractive nucleus and that other wealthy men may have their attention attracted to the value of manual training and aid with their wealth in establishing an institution here on an adequat.e footing."

It may be added there are numerous examples to encourage this educational generosity. Leland Stanford University in California and .Johns Hopkins in Baltimore are not only beneficent institutions of learning, but lasting monuments to the memory of their founders.

Sterling Business College

The Sterling Business College was organized in the summer of 1877 by Mr. Harry A. Aument, who conducted the school with marked succass for fifteen years. Mr. Aument was an energetic, progressive school man and at that early date introduced the study of shorthand in the Sterling school, thus making the Sterling Business College the first business college in the world to include shorthand a,* a part of its curriculum. The same year he purchased one of the old style Remington typewriters for school use, thus giving the school the name of being the first school in the West, if not in the world, to install a typewriter as a part of its equipment. This early progressiveness instituted by its first owner has characterized the school throughout the thirtyone years of its existence, and today it stands the best equipped business and shorthand school in the Middle West.

In 1892 Mr. Aument sold the school to Wallace Bros., who conducted the school with varied success for about three years, when it was purchased by Mr. William Lueders in 1895. At the beginning of Mr. Lueders' ownership he secured the services of Miss Lula L. Ely as Superintendent of the Shorthand Department, and it is largely through her careful, conscientious work that the Sterling Business College received and maintained its excellent name.

Soon after the purchase of the school by Mr. Lueders he realized the desirability of having a permanent home for the school and set about securing a building designed especially for business college work. He finally accomplished his desire and in the -summer of 1899 the school was moved from rooms in the down-town district, where it had been conducted for the last twenty years, to the northwest corner of Second street and Fourth avenue. Here the school was successfully operated by Mr. Lueders until its sale to Mr. G. W. Brown, president of the Brown's Business College Co., in May, 1906.

On July 1, 1908, the school was formally turned over to Brown's Business College Co., Mr. A. T. Scovill being chosen by President G. W. Brown to be the local manager and principal. During the months of July and August the building was altered and repaired, the course of study revised to meet the demand of the business world, the standard of scholarship raised, and the school equipped with the latest writing machines and office appliances. Principal A. T. Scovill took charge of the commercial department, assisted by Miss Lena A. Kemp, an experienced teacher, transferred from the commercial department of Brown's Peoria Business College. Miss Lula L. Ely continued as superintendent of the shorthand department, assisted by Miss Delia V. Smith.

During the year several new features were instituted, among them the students' annual banquet, held during the mid-winter sea-on, and the alumni banquet, held in Chicago in the spring of each year. The students' annual banquet is given by the present students of the school to their friends and relative?. The evening's entertainment consists of a literary programme given at the Armory or Academy. After the literary programme the guests retire to one of the banquet halls of the city, where a five-course dinner is served, after which after-dinner talks are given. In the two years the students' banquet has become one of the mid-winter social functions of Sterling. This entertainment and banquet brings the parents and friends of the school in closer touch with the work of the student. The alumni banquet, held in

During the first year of the ownership, by the Brown's Business College Co. the attendance was increased nearly one hundred per cent. One hundred and thirty-two calls for office help were received direct by the school and in the second year another marked increase in attendance and a greater demand for help was made, the school at this time having an annual enrollment of more than three hundred.

The Sterling Club

Club life finds congenial soil in Sterling. Almost every name is represented now, and a few more will make the list complete. A Hamilton club will make the city equal to Chicago, and an Army and Navy club put us into formidable rivalry with London. The Sterling Club is not specific in its application, as it stands for rest, retirement, good fellowship, conviviality, recreation in a quiet way. Every appliance for bodily and mental relief. For indoor atheletics, billiard tables, and for mental enjoyment a reading room, whose table is supplied with the dailies and best current magazines. A blazing fire on the hearth gives a touch of home to the stranger. Open day and night, so that members and friends may drop in at any hour to ertjoy its comforts. Regular social functions are given every year with banquet and dancing. The rooms are handsomely furnished and occupy the second floor of the Masonic building on Third street. George Clark keeps the establishment in perfect order. The lately elected officers are:

The club was incorporated Jan. 12, 1893, and the first officers were: A. A. "VVolfersperger, president; F. M. Tracy, vice president; B. C. Cook, secretary; John Sanborn, treasurer. The directors included the above officers and John S. Miller, D. L. Miller, and A. H. Hershey. By the by-laws a candidate for membership had to file a written application, endorsed by two members, and if no more than four black balls were cast against him, he was declared elected. The membership fee is ten dollars. All entertainments are to be held on Friday nights. The resident membership is limited to 110. The rooms are open daily from 8 a. m. to 11 p. m. No games on Sunday, or games for money. No ales, wines, or other liquors permitted in the rooms. The first roll of 1893 showed a list of 103 members.

The Searchlight Club

While most of our societies are either social or beneficiary, this is purely intellectual. It has for its object the discussion of the profound and practical problems of civic and national life. Men at home or abroad who have made a study of favorite questions are invited to present their views to the club. The meetings are held at the Y. M. C. A. building, and the address is given after a Platonic banquet. Among the speakers have been Walter Stager, H. C. Ward, W. W. Davis, Prof. James, Bardwell, of Dixon, on Public Opinion.

It was voted to make the" Searchlight Club a permanent organization, with annual dues. J. J. Ludens was elected president and P. A. Kidder secretary and treasurer.

The Boat Club

In October, 1907, owners of launches in Sterling and Rock Falls held an enthusiastic meeting at Bressler's bicycle shop and' formed a permanent organization with J. W. McDonald as president; vice president, Capt. Ben Eick ; secretary, Roy Baer ; and treasurer, Col. Lawrie. A board of seven directors. There are about fifty members and steady accessions. A pennant has been adopted in the form of a triangle, 18 by 30, with blue ground and white letters, which will float in the breeze during the season.

Twin City Fishing Club

At the close of 1907 this was organized in W. F. Mangan's harness shop, with S. S. Pauley, president; John Stager, vice president; and Gus Breiding, secretary and treasurer. The object is the stocking of our noble river with fish and their protection afterwards. Requests have 'been made for young fish of the best varieties and favorable replies received. The state promises walleyed pike and the United States black bass when the season permits the shipping of young fry. There are 400 nominal member?, about 30 who have paid dues, and are active. Ladies are eligible, and ten of the gentler sex are enrolled.

The Woman'S Club

But the brethren only seemed to speak, Modest the sisters walked, and meek, And if ever one of them chanced to -say What troubles she met with on the way, A voice arose from the brethren then, Let no one speak but the holy men, For have you not heard the words of Paul, Oh, let the women keep silence all !

Time has worked wonders. Since the days of Paul, when women were forced to keep quiet, and of our grandfathers, when they were bunched on one side of the church, the}' have stepped boldly to the front. Woman has a mind, why not improve it? a tongue, why not use it? an influence, why not exert it? When Elizabeth Fry spoke to the wretched women in Newgate, or Lucre-tia Mott took her stand with Garrison in denouncing slavery, or Frances Willard raised her voice in behalf of purity and temperance, they were not stepping outside their sphere. Mrs. Livermore was the Daniel Webster of the platform, but she was also a good mother, and so was Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Women have always been in politics in England. Wicked men, political trimmers, are always ready to ridicule woman's appearance in public, for they dread her crusade against their villainy. Woman always stands for the true, the good, the beautiful.

The Woman's Club of Sterling and Rock Falls was organized in 1898. Mrs. Lizzie E. Kehr, here on a visit from Denver, was active in the movement. The first president was Mrs. Caroline E. Foster; Mrs. Anna Mentzer, first vice president ; Miss Permelia Anthony, second vice president ; Mrs. Kate Emmons, recording secretary; Mrs. Grace Hamm, corresponding secretary; and Miss Emily C. Gait, treasurer. A constitution and by-la.ws, which have since undergone some modifications. Roberts' Rules of Order were adopted as authority.

As is not generally known, the scheme of activity is very comprehensive. The club is not a debating school or a social function, but a factor of personal instruction, an agent of civic improvement. To facilitate the work there are Various committees: reception, program, educational, music, printing, philanthropic, house, refreshment, nominating, press. Music is a prominent feature. The club chorus at present has eleven members with Hattie M. Ebersole, leader, and Sophie C. Cruse, accompanist. The departed members are not forgotten in the year books as they are regularly issued. In that for 1907-8 n whole page appears as follows:

The topics for every meeting of the year are printed in the booklets, Avith the leaders to prepare papers, so that ample time is given for preparation. The topics embrace the whole field of art, literature, the home, the city, health, biography, science, history, travel. It is encyclopedic. January ,

6 had "Phases of American Life Illustrated in Fiction," with Mary E. Wilkins, presented by Sadie Murphy; Joel Chandler Harris, by Marie Coe; Hamlin Garland, by Emma Lawrence; George R. Cable, by Kathryn Leitch. Again, St. Patrick's day, on March 17, had naturally a symposium of Irish melodies by Ross Hull on the violin, an address by Fannie Worthington, a whistling solo by Robert Clark.

Home talent does not furnish all the enjoyment. Mrs. Bayliss has talked on the Cliff Dwellers, John Quincy Adams on Art and the Day's Work, John Whitman on Prison Life, Mrs. Pelham on The Stage Behind the Footlights, The Educational Value of Play by Miss Nina Lamkin, Judge Richard S. Tuthill on The Work of Saving Children from Becoming Criminals, Mrs. Marsh on Life in China.

The travel class is a fascinating field. For October, 1907, Holland, with its quaint towns and customs, and for 1908, such historic American cities as St. Augustine, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Washington.

The regular meetings are held on the first and third Saturdays of the month. There are now about 175 members. A candidate for membership must be proposed by one member and endorsed by two other members, all of whom are personally acquainted with her. The annual dues are two dollars. Luella Hill Mack is president; recording secretary, Belle Woodworth; treasurer, Edna H. Loux. The club was represented at the General Federation, St. Louis, 1904, by Anna May Bowman; at the State Federation, Rockford, 1900, by Lizzie E. Kehr and Sadie Murphy; and at the District Federation, Savanna, by Anna May Bowman.

The W. C. T. U.

This is one of the best of our organizations, quiet in its movements, and yet so far-reaching in its influence. The regular meetings occur on the second Thursday of the month in the Congregational church, the parlor meetings on the fourth Thursday. A small booklet is issued, giving the topics and order for every meeting during the year, with the speaker who is to lead the discussion. All are practical, many are beautiful and inspiring. for example, for June 27, 1907, was the "Mission of Flowers" ; for July 25, "Peace and Arbitration"; for Dec. 26, "Temperance and Labor." About fifty of the prominent ladies of town and country meet in these delightful deliberations. To systematize their scheme of activity, there are several departments: Mrs. Vaughn in 1907 had Sunday School Work; Mrs. Daley. Scientific Instruction ; Mrs. Edmunds, Social Purity ; Miss Stevens, Flower Mission : Miss Bush, Fair Work; Mrs. Taylor, Temperance Literature; Mrs. Foster, Franchise; Miss Clara McCune, Music.

Sterling Industrial Association

industries to the city. At the last meeting John B. Lewis was re-elected president, John M. Stager re-elected secretary, John H. Lawrence treasurer, and 0. E. Maxson, of Rock Falls, vice president. There are nine directors, serving for one, two, and three years. L. K. Wynn is chairman of the committee on home and foreign industries, D. L. Martin of finance, E. F. Lawrence of railroads, Henry Bencus of advertising, H. M. Henderson of membership.

An important branch of the work of the association is advertising. Nine thousand circulars and 3,000 booklets with the Inter-Ocean write-up and the special canal edition of the Gazette have given Sterling and Rock Falls publicity and attention which they never enjoyed before.

The most important thing accomplished during 1907 was the locating of the Borden Condensed Milk factory. This is of such proportions as to be capable of caring for the milk from 5,000 cows.

Through the combined efforts of the Sterling and Rock Falls Industrial Association, the Reed Manufacturing Co. was induced to move here from Oregon.

Through the association the Sterling, Dixon & Rock Falls Packet Co. was organized to give the Tri-Cities the benefit of the new waterway. The company has already increased its capacity for operation and the possibilities in this new project are limitless.

The celebration held Oct. 24, at the time of the completion and formal opening of the Hennepin canal was the proudest day in our history. The committee of which Mr. E. LeRoy Gait was chairman, spared no pains, and by bringing the great number of celebrated and influential men that it did took the first step towards securing a lock in the government dam. The association has now about 150 members, and the number is gradually increasing.

The Packet Compaky

Who would have dreamed ten years ago that Sterling would be a center of water transportation? But when we read of the Sterling, Dixon, and Rock Falls Packet Company, with a capital of $50,000, organized for active operations in the carrying of coal, lumber, and grain, we must accept the reality of the situation. The freight will be carried on barges, grain taken down, and coal brought up. The company built a barge at Rock Falls, launched in the spring of 1908, 100 feet long by 24 feet wide, with a capacity of 200 tons of grain. Others were added during the season. Small steamboats form part of the equipment.

All of these new barges have been planned to carry a deck load of coal from the mines along the Illinois river, thus assuring the boats profitable cargos both ways on the trip. The coal carried up the canal during the summer will be held in the yards of the company at the various elevators and what is needed will be brought to Sterling, where it is expected much will be handled by the local dealers. Sites have been selected for twenty-two elevators along the canal, feeder and the river.

A late purchase is the steamboat Beder and a barge. The Beder is a good strong canal craft, measuring 14 by 76 feet. The barge is 14 by 60 feet and is good for carrying eighty tons of coal. Floating elevators are to be constructed for the disposal of grain, so that when the crops are ready in the fall, all produce offered can be promptly managed. The board of directors are N. E. Shontz, John N. Harpham, John M. Stager, B. Frank Downing, 0. E. Maxson.

On April 19, 1908, for the first time in the history of Rock River, a steamboat built strictly for commercial transportation and capable of handling a large barge carrying five hundred tons or more, made the trip from Sterling to Dixon. It was undertaken for the purpose of determining what the conditions are in the stream from the view point of the commercial transportation. The Beder never touched bottom at the shallowest places in the river between this city and a point a block below the wagon bridge at I>ixon. Captain Shontz who was aboard of the Beder is well pleased with the results of the trip and says that there will be little difficulty experienced by the engineers in establishing a channel suitable for use by boats that will ply on the canal.

Company E Of Sterling

Before the Rebellion New York had her pet Seventh Regiment for dress occasions; since that struggle Sterling has fostered her Company E for everyday application. It was organized March 24, 1888 by Capt. John W. Niles, with 38 excellent young men. Dr. Frank Anthony was finally made commander with L. F. Eisele as first lieutenant, and W. F. Lawrie as second lieutenant. The present commander, Capt. John Cushman, was elected Feb. 10, 1902, and has served since that time. The rolls show that 590 men have been members of the company. Three original members are still in the ranks, Col. W. F. Lawrie, Capt. Cushman, and private William Angel.

Company E saw its first active service in 1894 when it was ordered to Chicago on the Pullman strike. Captain Lawrie commanded and the company saw several weeks of hard service. The second call for service came during the Spanish-American war, when, under command of Capt. Lawrie, Company E served under General Nelson A. Miles in the Porto Rican campaign. The record set by Company E at that time was the best in the regiment. The worst privations were suffered, but the company came through in excellent condition.

In military circles Sterling ranks at the head of all cities in northern Illinois. Lieutenant Colonel William F. Lawrie resides in this city and sooner or later will bring to Sterling the headquarters of the Sixth regiment. Company E. with fifty members and three commissioned officers, is located here. Here also is located the Sixth regiment band, the inspector of rifle practice for the regiment, the regimental ordnance sergeant, and the regimental color sergeant. ;

History Of Wh1Teside County 395

Company E possesses an excellent range, an indoor range and one of the largest armories in the state outside of Chicago. The band is also well equipped in respect to armory and equipment. Both organizations are fully up to the requirements of the new Dick military law and the state requirements. At present there are in the company 34 privates.

By recent supplies from headquarters, Company E is now prepared for operations in the field. They are now ready to enter a campaign in two hours' notice with 65 men armed and equipped to the smallest detail. The equipment includes shelter tent halves, ponchoes, blankets, pick mattocks, entrenching tools, aluminum knives and forks, etc., which with the haversacks, canteens, meat pans, cups, etc., makes the equipment practically complete. With the next shipment will come the new olive drab overcoats and the new Springfield rifles which are to supersede the present Krags.

With the equipment are first aid to the wounded packets. These packets are in air tight boxes and consist of antiseptic bandages, plasters, etc., for use until the arrival of a surgeon. A four hundred pound folding steel range with boilers, meat pans, etc., enough to do the cooking for 128 men, is also added to the list. A noticeable feature of the shelter tents is the fact that they are now large enough to actually furnish shelter for two men. The equipment is complete in every detail.

Sixth Regiment Band

Several years ago the Sixth Regiment band, at that time the Keystone band, was appointed regimental band by Colonel D. Jack Foster. Three years ago Bandmaster Prestin and his musicians withdrew from the regiment and took the name of the Sterling Military band. Late this spring Colonel Edward Kittelsen again appointed the band the official organization of the regiment and as such it remains under Colonel Channon, commanding the regiment at the present time.

From The Firing Line

Few of our veterans passed through such a continued and exhausting siege of suffering as Isaac Bressler, who enlisted in the 88th Illinois at Chicago, Col. Sherman, 1862, fought at Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, where he was captured with 3,000 men, and taken to Richmond. This was the beginning of a series of imprisonments and rebel torture. They were kept in Pemberton prison, opposite Libby, for two months. Part of the time he was in the hospital, receiving no care. When forbidden to spit on the floor, and asking for a cuspidor, he was advised to spit in his hat. Then they were forwarded to Danville, where there were five prisons, mostly tobacco warehouses. The poor fellows were not only starved but almost frozen for want of clothing and blankets. It was in November, windows knocked out, and no fire. Here Ed Mills did much for his relief, being a former friend in Sterling. Bressler became so desperate that he offered a fellow who had a blanket his claim on 160 acres of land in Whiteside if he would share that woolen luxury and keep him from shivering all night. This princely offer was refused, but the fellow relented enough to take a secesh dollar which Bressler had in his pocket.

Andersonville, that synonym for captive horror, was the next stage for Isaac. It was an open pen with stockade around, a small tent at night. The water was good, because not yet polluted by thousands of prisoners, who followed. But the food was vile, not fit for respectable hogs. Either raw corn meal was furnished, which they were left to cook as they could, or pails of mush and beans delivered in wagons. Finally, after six months of this survival of the fittest, according to Darwin, a detachment of prisoners was sent to another point, and while at Macon, Georgia, Bressler and a few others managed to escape, and after wandering through the woods, succeeded in reaching Atlanta, after it was taken by Sherman, and there rejoined the regiment.

G. Waldron Smith, American Express agent at Sterling, enlisted at Romulus, Seneca Co., N. Y., 1862, in 126th infantry, was wounded at Gettysburg, and mustered out for gunshot wounds, after a service of two years and seven months. Mr. Smith was thrice a prisoner, and wounded seven times.

George D. John enlisted in 47th Pennsylvania, Gen. Emery, and was wounded in the side at Cedar Creek, 1864, and has positive proof of the bodily damage in the ball which he preserves as a reward of merit, or medal of honor. George is a retired farmer in Sterling.

Phil Kereven, Sixth Vermont, saw much fearful fighting as he was all through the battles of the Wilderness, and after wounds at Cold Harbor was in the hospital at Alexandria, Phila,, and Montpelier. Phil also faced rebel fire at Antietam and Gettysburg, where a spent bullet lodged on top of his cranium, the scar being still visible. He was with Sheridan at Winchester.

In at the death of the Confederacy, being at the surrender at Petersburg. Mr. Kereven is now in charge of Central Park, whose tall soldiers' monument crowned by a soldier with rifle is a perpetual reminder of sterner scenes.

John W. Sheaffer, 75th Illinois, was at the slaughter at Perryville, and took part in all the battles of the Army of the Cumberland, Stone River,

Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta and Nashville, 1864. He is a ready writer, and sent the first letter to Sterling from Sherman's army when he flanked Hood's army from Atlanta.

Dr. Crandall, 13th Vermont, enlisted at Burlington, and was in charge of the Field Hospital at Gettysburg. Phil Kereven says the doctor's record is all right and speaks highly of his skill and care as a surgeon. He continues his professional activity in Sterling.

Of all our county veterans, John Mehaffey is the chief, bearing the double distinction of serving in both the Mexican war and the Rebellion. Both times, singular to say, he enlisted at Chambersburg, Pa. In the Mexican war he was in the Eleventh Pennsylvania infantry, following Winfield Scott in his triumphal march from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, 1847. A narrow escape in the land of Montezuma. He had yellow fever and was about to be buried alive, when he summoned strength to say with Webster, "I still live." In the civil war Mehaffey was in the 21st Pennsylvania cavalry, riding with Custer and Sheridan. His last engagement was at Petersburg.

Doubtless the best known of all the Grand Army men in Sterling is Capt. J. W. Niles, of the Ninth Iowa Infantry. -He has resided in the city many years, and being a bachelor, has given the community the benefit of his sympathies. He was long secretary of the school board, is chief factotum in the Masonic order, alive to the interests of the veterans or their families, ready for every good word or work. In short, he is the city philanthropist at large.

Soldier'S Diary In Rebel Prisons

Isaac Bressler, 75th Illinois, captured at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1883, kept a diary during his confinement. Some was written with lead pencil, and some is gone, but he has kindly permitted us to make extracts from the fragments. The prisoners were taken through Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh, Weldon to Richmond.

rations 2Va pints corn and V& lb. pork for two of us. The first day two spoonfuls of rice for two. There are eight acres in the bull-pen which is becoming crowded.

June 22 - Prisoners suffering for want of shelter. Guard shot one of our men, said he was over the dead line. Got two shirts washed for forty cents.

July 11 - Six union raiders hung on scaffold. One fell and ran, but was brought back. Some plead for mercy, and asked our prayers. The Dutch captain made a speech, saying that our men gave them a fair trial, and we could do with them as we thought best. May the Lord protect them and bless you and went away. The priest read to them till they were hung.

July 27 - Sent for potatoes, and got three the size of a walnut for a greenback dollar. Sliced them with a piece of onion and made soup with a little flour. Beans for supper. -

FIELD HOSPITAL GA., VINING'S STATION, Aug. 12, 1864. You want to know how I passed the Fourth. To tell the truth. I did not enjoy it at all, for I was in a dangerous place. Our company was detailed for picket duty, and we were marched out. and deployed in a skirmish line behind the one in front. Then we were ordered to lie down, and pile our blankets. In five minutes we were ordered forward double quick, and could see the rebs across the cornfield in their rifle pits on the hill. As soon as we jumped up, the rebs poured a volley of minie balls. After we had gone ten rods, we were ordered to halt and lie down, for the bullets were coming like hail. Very soon a bullet struck my shoulder and glanced off. It felt like a big stone. The ball tore a hole through my jacket and shirt, and made a hole in my shoulder into which you could put the end of your little finger. It will make a scar, I guess, to remind me of July 4, 1864. Our regiment is within three miles of Atlanta, but I am eight miles off. We can see the smoke and hear the booming of the cannon. I have a good place in the hospital, not much to do, plenty of good stuff to eat, a good bed to sleep, and that is all a soldier wants.

George Newton

West of Carnegie Library on Fourth street is the home of Christ Eisele, a veteran of seventy. He was born in Baden, Germany, came to this country in 1851, and in August, 1861 enlisted at New Albany, Indiana, in a company that became part of Col. August Willich's famous 32nd Indiana, one of the hundred fighting regiments of the war. It saw the fiercest of battles : Mumfordsville, Shiloh, Stone River, Chattanooga, Resaca, Atlanta. Most of the time under Thomas in Army of the Cumberland. The regiment lost 171 men in the service. Mr. Eisele has a chart published in 1864 soon after their discharge, of which he is very proud, showing the names of the company and casualties to each, the battles, and the officers of the regiment, brigade, and division. His brother, Jacob, also of Sterling, was in the same regiment of Col. Willich. Christ gave the writer a vivid account of the charge on Mission Ridge. Grant issued the order to take the rebel rifle pits, and then halt, while Hooker on the right, and Sherman on the left, were to close up, and surround Bragg on the heights. But when the boys drove the rebs from the rifle pits, a halt would have exposed them to a tremendous fire from the batteries above, so, disregarding instructions, our troops ran the rebs up the hill, and started a stampede in the whole rebel line, so that Bragg and his army had to make a desperate run to save their bacon. Christ's eyes sparkled as he described the charge.

Among the veterans who have died within a year or two are John Buyers, of the 13th Illinois, who fell unconscious while taking his cow to pasture, Reuben Rich, six years in the navy, who passed away after a gradual decline, E. C. Whitman, five years on the battlefield, Charles Mack, printer, of the famous 13th Illinois. Of the heroes still living, most move daily on the street or about their work, like Capt. Niles, Capt. Hershey, Will Stocking, Andy ITaberer, Capt. Morgan, H. L. John Bursk, Gordon Pierce, John Aument, James and Richard Arey. John Davis. And they all continue to agree with John A. Dix, "If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot."

The Carnegie Library

The library stands on the corner of avenue A and west Fourth street. It owes its existence to the enterprise of R. S. Phillips, who made application to Andrew Carnegie in Dec., 1902, and in March, 1903, received a favorable answer, agreeing to give $15,000, providing the city would purchase a lot, and appropriate annually ten per cent of the investment to maintain current expenses. In April, 1903, the offer was accepted by the city council. Emory Stanford Hall, architect of Chicago, was authorized to draw plans. It was soon found that $15,000 were not sufficient, and Mr. Carnegie agreed to give $2,500 more, provided the city would add $3,000. Bids were advertised for, and in March, 1904, the contract was let to T. P. Ruth, of Polo, for $19,500. By early autumn, the building was completed with the exception of plumbing, heating, electrical work, and some fixtures. The structure is practically fireproof. The first floor and the attic floor are of metal reinforced concrete, supported on brick walls, or on steel columns incased in concrete. The entire finish of cement, and the stairways of iron. A brick wall rises from the basement to the roof between the stack room, containing the books, and the rest of the building, permitting no danger of fire. Brick walls surround the boiler and fuel apartments, and the doors are all steel. All partitions on main flojr are of cement on steel studding and metal lath.

The building is constructed of brown paving brick and gray Bedford stone, copper architrave and cornice, and green slate roof. The style is American Colonial. Two circular cement walks from each corner of the lawn lead over the high terrace to the ten stone steps in front of the main entrance.

Passing the vestibule with its monolith and mosaic border, you enter the general delivery rotunda covered. with a beautiful stained glass ceiling, supported by eight Greek Corinthian columns. In front is the delivery desk, on the right the general reading room, on the left the children's and reference room, and, further back, the librarian's room, and accommodations for catalogue cases and wardrobes.

Back of the delivery desk is a doorway leading to the book stack room, designed for three stories of stacks, affording shelf space for over 30,000 volumes. The stacks are steel, and the floors rough plate glass. The cost of the stacks, with various appurtenances, desks, chairs, tables, doors, was about $'6,000. This includes the steel wall cases in reference, children's and reading room, with sufficient shelving for 2,000 volumes. There is sufficient space in the basement for committee and small lecture rooms, and the attic approached by an iron stairway, would make an ideal home for a museum of science, a gallery of art, or a historical collection, all demanding security from ravages of the flames.

The decorations of the interior are in green, ivory and gold. The cement floors are covered with a cork carpet. The stained glass ceiling over the rotunda has a pleasing effect by night and by day. By the way, this was the gift of two generous citizens. The ventilation is by admitting fresh air from the outside through direct-indirect radiators in the reading rooms, and by the exhaustion of foul air through ventilating ducts. Careful drainage prevents all dampness in the walls.

Of The

negie, $17,500 ; city of Sterling, $13,700 ; generous citizens, $1,050. The city bought the lot, $4,700. This was enlarged on the west by the purchase of a strip ten feet wide, by a private donor for $550.

At the erection of the library, the board consisted of C. C. Johnson, president; H. C. Ward, secretary; Henry Green, Thomas Diller, M. C. Ward, George E. Ely, W. W. Davis, E. LeRoy Gait, and A. A. Wolfersperger. At the invitation of the board, Henry Green assumed charge of the finishing details, and much of the elegance of the completed structure is due to his good taste.

Under the direction of Mrs. Haviland, assisted by Miss Murphy, the entire library was overhauled four years ago, the books carefully classified, and a modern card catalogue system installed. This gives ready access to any book on the shelves, and permits also convenient additions to the list.

Historical Sketch

The Sterling Public Library was formed under the revised statute of 1874. The city council of the city of Sterling passed an ordinance authorizing the establishment of a free public library, and appointed a board of trustees of the following members: James E. McPherran, Alfred Bayliss, Thos. A. Gait, Geo. W. Brewer, R. B. Witmer, Bradford C. Church, Wm. H. Bennett, Martin H. Kreider, and R. B. Colcord.

On the 27th day of April, 1878, the board organized and elected J. E. Mc- Pherran president, who held that office for twenty-five years, or until his death in 1903, and Alfred Bayliss secretary. The library was installed in a room in the Academy of Music block, which was given by Messrs. Gait and Tracy, rent free, for ten years.

The board received by donation a collection of valuable books from the Sterling Library Society, which had been absorbed by the Christion Association, to the number of nine hundred and forty-three volumes, and fifty-two volumes by individual gift. These books formed a nucleus for a library which was increased by one hundred thirty-two (132) books purchased, making a total of eleven hundred twenty-seven (1,127) volumes, and on the 9th day of September, 1878, the library was formally opened to the public with Miss Caroline E. Bowman installed as librarian, who held the position for five years. The vacancy left by her resignation in 1883 -was acceptably filled by Miss Belle Hubbard.

For five or six years the members of the board formed an association which gave lectures, musical and other entertainments from which were derived several hundred dollars annually, which was added to the annual appropriation from the city, toward the maintenance of the library.

Several gifts of books, not very considerable, and small sums of money, less than four hundred dollars, have been given to the library by generous citizens.

In the last five or six years many changes have been made. The most effective change to increase its usefulness was the reorganization of the library, begun in May, 1903, by a trained cataloguer, with the assistance of the librarian, whose competency to continue the work thus systematized has been shown by the fact that our library is on a par with the best libraries of the same size in the state.

For several years it was evident that we were outgrowing our quarters in the city hall with no prospects of improving conditions, until, through the efforts of Mr. A. S. Phillips, one of Sterling's well-known business men, the situation was so successfully presented to the Hon. Andrew Carnegie that on the 22nd day of November, 1905, our beautiful new building was opened for operation.

Literary And Musical

During the last sixty years, Sterling has had the privilege of seeing a large number of men and 'women, eminent in every department of activity - soldiers, statesmen, musicians, orators, preachers, reformers, politicians.

We have had Grant and Logan, Banks and Kilpatrick, Oglesby, Howard, and Palmer, among soldiers; President McKinley, Roosevelt before his election, Douglas in 1855 at the railroad opening, and Lincoln the year before.

A long list of ministers, Bishops Bowman and Fitzgerald, in the Fourth street Methodist church ; Dr. T. M. Eddy, at Broadway : Dr. Lorimer, in the Baptist; Bishop Whitehouse, in the Episcopal; Father Chiniquy, in the Presbyterian ; Dr. Swing, in the academy ; Dr. Thomas, at the Congregational.

No end of political speakers : Tom Reed, Foraker, U. F. Linder, Leffingwell, Farnsworth, Washburne, John P. Hale. Henry Wilson, Richard Yates, Emery Storrs, Schurz, Cnllom. Fourth of July orations by Gunsaulus, Mc- Intyre and Hillis. Frances Willard on purity and Francis Murphy in a course of temperance speeches at Wallace hall. Morrison has had such well known men a-? Senator Trumbull, Teller, and R. G. Horr.

Various lecture courses season after season brought famous speakers to our platform. Henry Ward Beecher on "The Ministry of Wealth;" Wendell Phillips on "Street Life in Europe;" James T. Field? on "Cheerfulness;" Theodore Tilton on "Problem of Life;" Mrs. Livermore on "Our Daughters;" Fred Douglass, Anna Dickinson, Mrs. Stanton and Susan B. Anthony on politics and reform; John S. C. Abbott on "France;" John G. Saxe and Josh Billings on humor; George Francis Train in a characteristic talk about everything: and Ingalls, of Kansas, in a racy address at the academy. J;>seph Cook's "Ultimate America" at Presbyterian church was a grand effort. Bryan at Chautauqua. Bayard Taylor on Egypt.

While the city is not large enough to afford any of the reigning stars in opera or soloists on instrument, Theodore Thomas' orchestra and Sousa's band, Camilla Urso and Wilhemj, on the violin, have appeared. Many excellent concerts, time after time. An encouraging feature in this field is the increased attention given to music by the various churches. The choirs seek the best singers, and under drill of skilled leaders, render classical compositions. In the published programs for Sunday services may be seen selections by Mendelssohn, Handel, Tannhauser, Gounod, Dykes. At vespers, which have become a happy feature of Sunday observance, the anthems are choice and delightfully given.

University extension lectures were once popular, and for many seasons, a course was regularly given in Sterling by professors from the University of Chicago. Zeublin spoke on English Fiction and Social Reform; Sparks and Harry Pratt Judson, on American history; Nathaniel Butler, on American literature; Jerome Raymond, on European Capitals; R. G. Moulton. on Shakespeare. There was a fee for the course, but the lecturers brought a bax of text books which were free to the members who wished to read on the subject between the dissertations. To realize the full benefit of such a scheme, intermediate study is necessary.

The academy orchestra frequently ministers to the music lovers of the city. It is composed of W. P. Cochran, first violin ; Ross Hull, second violin ; Charles Morris, viola ; Charles Hewitt, bass; James Jarvis, clarinet; Lester Hendricks, first cornet; Joe Kanaple, second cornet; Arthur Hubbard, trombone; L. D. Halsey, traps; E. E. Holdridge, piano. James Jarvis is conductor and Earl Holdridge, general manager. These are not mere amateurs, who have picked up a little superficial practice on their instruments, but earnest and ambitious players who have had the benefit of skilled training in schools of scientific instruction.

The Banda Verde is the newest organization, dating from 1904. There are 22 pieces. It is not the common brass cohort that makes the welkin ring or the crowd howl at a political caucus, but more of the concert order, the philharmonic type for university convocations. James Jarvis, W. P. Cochran, and E. E. Holdridge are among the leading members. They are young men, who have grown up in Sterling, and who are determined by careful application to give their troupe a creditable position in the harmonious directory.

"What is now known as the Sixth Regiment Band was organized as the Rock Falls Band. In 1874 Sam Moore took the baton, and in 1881 John Kadel. At this time the name was changed to Keystone Band. In 1897 Prof. Nixon became the leader, and a year later Director Prestin took charge. The band became the regimental band of the Sixth Regiment I. N. G. in 189'j, and continued in that capacity to 1905. It served through the campaign of Porto Rico in the Spanish-American war. In 1907 it again became the regimental band of the Sixth Regiment. The boys are in demand on all patriotic occasions at home and elsewhere, and always excite admiration by their inring music and gallant bearing.

This was founded in Feb., 1903, by W. W. Davis, and its collection of curios has grown steadily by contributions from all parts of the county. The articles are arranged as far as possible in sections, and placed in show cases. The scope of the society is wide, embracing everything of general as well as local interest. A variety of early papers : Pennsylvania Gazette, 1754 ; Lancaster Journal, 1801; Lancaster Examiner, 1831; Columbian Sentinel, Boston, 1805; the first Chicago papers after the fire, Oct. 10, 1871; a Gazette of 1858 with report of Lincoln and Douglas debate; dailies with death of Grant and of Logan ; Frank Leslie, of 1861.

Specimens of campaign tickets: Lincoln and Hamlin, Lincoln and Johnson, Cleveland and Hendricks, Greeley and Brown, Harrison and Morton. A Harrison Badge of 1840. A fine case of Indian arrows, axes, spears, and the skull of a chief. Numerous pictures. A combined group of 400 old settlers. Portraits and woodcuts of dead and living citizens. A case of autographs of Sumner, Thad Stevens, Dr. Chalmers, Douglas, Washburne, Joseph Henry. Documents with the signatures of Calhoun, Monroe, Pierce, and Grant. A commission signed by Gov. John Reynolds, 1834, when the capital was at Vandalia. An assortment of postals with pictures from places at home and abroad.

Among the treasures of the library are several books that are out of print, and will yearly grow in value. The Pioneer History of Illinois from its discovery in 1673 to 1818, when the state government was organized. By John Reynolds, Belleville, 1852.

Journal of the Voyages and Travels of a corps of discovery, under command of Capt. Lewis and Capt. Clarke, during the years 1804, 1805, 1806. By Patrick Gass. Printed for Matthew Carey, Phila., 1812.

Discourses on Intemperance, preached in Brattle Square church, Boston, April 5, 1827, and April 8, the Lord's day following. By John G. Palfrey. A. M., pastor. Nathan Halej 1827.

Life of Oliver Hazard Perry, with an appendix comprising a memoir of the late Capt. James Lawrence, also a biography of Gen. Pike, and leading events in the lives of Commodores Decatur, Porter and Gen. Harrison. By John M. Niles, Esq. Hartford, 1821.

Bound volume of an early magazine containing a speech of John Randolph in House of Representatives, 1806. against right of England to impress our citizens. A political article by William Cobbett, 1800. A letter of Joel Barlow to his Fellow Citizens, on certain political measures, 1799.

Then three regimental histories: The Seventy-Fifth Illinois Infantry, by William Sumner Dodge, Chicago, 1866. The Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, prepared by a committee of the regiment, 1892. The Thirty-Fourth

All sorts of relics: A grain cradle, a wooden fork, candle molds, bread basket, spinning wheels, saddlebags, tongs, bellows. A rebel rifle from a southern battlefield. A temperance sign that hung before Como tavern, 1840. On the shelves a miscellaneous array of books, old readers, travels, histories, geographies, religion, poetry, law. Some valuable Smithsonian publications on ethnology and scientific research. A large quantity of minerals which need proper classification. More spacious quarters are badly needed for orderly arrangement of the material which is constantly increasing. The present room is the alcove in the city hall formerly occupied by the public library.

Most of the factories in our county are running full. Several of them are doing night work. There is a factory on the corner of First avenue and Fourth street, Sterling, 111., that starts up at 8 :00 o'clock in the morning and runs until ten every night. It runs Sundays also. This factory is called the Young Men's Christian Association, and its products are character and efficiency ; the main by-product is wholesome enjoyment.

The association -was organized in 1889. Charles Bradley was the first general secretary. Previous to that time E. L. Gait acted as corresponding member of the state association and member of the state executive committee. Through his influence the district convention was held in the basement of the Fourth street Methodist church. At that time the association was organized. Mr. Bradley took charge of the first rooms which were located over the Hendricks drug store in the Academy block. Later, these rooms became too small and the association moved to the Lawrence block, where it remained until the present buildng was erected. The first president was E. L. Gait. He and the presiding president, J. K. Chester, are the only members of the board of directors who were members of the first board.

The membership in the Young Men's Christian Association is open at all times to any man or boy over 12 years of age, of good moral character, without regard to creed., and will upon payment of the required fees be entitled to the following privileges: Reading rooms, game rooms, parlors, gymnasium, natatorium, bowling alleys, baths (tub and shower), camera room, practical talks, educational classes, etc.

The religious work of the association is sane, sound and practical, and is of the wholesome, virile type. The association is something more than a social or athletic club; it is a body of men and boys banded together for their own highest development, mentally, physically and spiritually, and the rendering of the helpful service to all other men outside the organization. The main features are : Meeting for men and boys Sunday afternoons ; meeting at the noon hour at the different shops ; and Bible classes during the week. The foreign work of the association is especially interested in helping to support Mr. Robert E. Lewis, at Shanghai, China.

The evening school is for men and boys employed during the day who are ambitious for better mental equipment. The subjects taught are, bookkeeping, penmanship, electricity, commercial law, mechanical drawing and chemistry. A debating club is also conducted, and a Searchlight Club for the business men. A lecture and entertainment course given.

Physical training in our Young Men's Christian Association is conducted on a thoroughly scientific basis under a director with expert class leaders, and with the most helpful surroundings for all who desire to keep in good health, secure a most perfect physique, develop more endurance and vitality. Physical examinations are given.-

Another notable feature is the Ladies' Auxiliary, which was organized shortly after the beginning of the work, with Miss Permelia Anthony as president. This organization has been of great assistance to the association; not only in a financial way, but in a social way by furnishing the rooms, making them homelike and attractive. Mrs. Chas. Aument is now the presiding officer.

As a religious center the Young Men's Christian Association is becoming recognized as a meeting place for nearly all of the denominational bodies, and is even doing an excellent work among them in bringing the members together, extending acquaintance, and thus unifying the effort of the best element of the whole community in improving the moral tone of the twin cities.

"George H. Fonken is the general secretary of the association. Mr. Fonken is a hard worker, is always at his post of duty and is never too busy to assist men who need an uplift. He has been of great service in upbuilding the association and backed by the board of directors, he is doing a great work for the young men of the city."

In 1903 there was a building committee appointed by the board of directors as follows: J. K. Chester, John G. Wetzel, A. J. McNeil, W. P. Utley, John Wagner, and through their earnest efforts a three-story building was erected at a less cost than contractors' bids. The building is of Milwaukee pressed brick, plain, but substantial, costing $30.000, and the lots costing $10,- 000, making a total of $40,000. The basement, cement throughout, is fully equipped, the first floor contains the offices and is roomy and open, the second floor can be divided into class rooms; the boys' department rooms are also on this floor. The third floor has 21 sleeping rooms, baths and every convenience for making it homelike.

It was through the efforts of the Ladies' Auxiliary that Judge Ben Lindsay, of Denver, delivered his lecture, "Misfortunes of Mickey," at the academy, Feb. 27, 1908.

What The Doctors Are Doing

Then there is the Rock River Institute of Homeopathy, which holds occasional meetings to discuss their special field of treatment. At the January session in 1908 on the program for papers were Gordon, Kehr and Hill, of Sterling, Scott, of Rock Falls, Sickles and Blackman, of Dixon, Sears, of Amboy, Blunt, of Clinton.

The dentists, too, have their organization. The Lee and Whiteside section of the Northern Illinois Dental Society had its last meeting in I. 0. O. F. hall, Sterling, and elected as officers, Dr. McMillan, Tampico, president; Dr. Shannon, Sterling, vice pres. ; Dr. Jennings, Rock Falls, secretary and treasurer. Papers in the afternoon, in the evening a banquet and smoker.

The largest medical gathering ever held in Sterling was the 34th annual convention of the North Central Illinois Medical Association, held in Grace Parish House, .Dec. 3 and 4, 1907. About fifteen counties represented. The grand old man of the occasion was Dr. Thomas Croswell, of Streator, ninetyfive, sixty-one years in practice, and still retaining open office. It is his ambition to attend the medical sociables till he is one hundred. After the banquet at six in the evening, served by the ladies of Grace church, toasts and responses, and the election. E. S. Murphy, Dixon, was chosen president for the coming year.

There is also a Whiteside County Medical Society, and at the election in December, 1907, C. G. Beard, Sterling was elected pres. ; J. F. Keefer, Sterling, vice pres. ; Dr. Wahl, Tampico, secretary ; Dr. Proctor, Coleta, treasurer.

The Newspapers

The present Gazette is an evolution, a survival of the fittest. The Sterling Times, Charles Boynton, issued Dec. 12, 1854, was the first in the town, four pages, six columns. Grattan and Norwood purchased it in 1855, and in 1856 sold to L. D. Crandall, William Hyde being editor. In 1856-1857, it passed into the hands of Worthington and Biggert, and was finally discontinued. In July, 1856, AVilliam Cavert began to publish the Sterling Republican, and in the winter of 1857-58, H. C. Grattan started the Sterling Gazette. Both were soon united under the title, Republican and Gazette, with both men as publishers, until Grattan sold his interest to Walter Nimocks, who soon withdrew, leaving Caffrey in sole control. Republican was dropped and Sterling Gazette has continued the proud title for fifty years. In 1861 the management was C. M. Worthington & Company, then C. M. Worthington, until the paper was sold to George Terwilliger, Sept. 3, 1870. Mr. Worthington purchased the office again, and in 1873 sold a half interest to W. F. Eastman, so that the firm became C. M. Worthington & Co. In March, 1876, Mr. Eastman became sole proprietor until July, when D. J. Jenne bought a half interest, and the firm was Eastman & Jenne. This firm continued to the spring of 1880, when the Sterling Gazette Company was organized, Chalkly John, of Jordan, and W. R. Cobbe, of North Carolina, buying the stock.

The Gazette has been a rolling stone. The third floor of the casket factory, the upper story of Gait's old hardware store, the basement of the academy of music, the mercantile block, Farwell Hall for seventeen years, its present situation in Wallace Block on West Third, are the various homes of this soaring bird of passage. Frequent changes, too, in ownership. Jan. 1, 1887, Chalkly John purchased the plant after it had been in receiver's hands, for $18,500. With his brother, the business was conducted for several years under the name, C. & H. L. John. This was succeeded in turn by C., H. L., and M. D. John, later by H. L. and M. D. John. When Orville Bassett bought an interest, Sept., 1903, the Sterling Publishing Company was formed, which has recently given way to the former name, Sterling Gazette Company.

The Gazette was run as a weekly only, seven columns, eight pages, until 1881, when the Daily Gazette was permanently established under the John- Cobb management. About five years ago the weekly became a semi-weekly, and on March 1st, 1907, the semi-weekly edition was abandoned and the daily edition has since been issued. The demand for weekly and semi-weekly kept growing less and less all the time, and the daily growing more popular. About four-fifths of the former semi-weekly subscribers have re-subscribed for the daily.

During the past twenty years the Gazette has had but two business managers. P. N. Edwards for five years and M. D. John for the past fifteen years. There have been several different editors, among them being W. R. Cobb, Charles M. Worthington, Joe R. Adams, M. D. John, Scott Williams, Orville P. Bassett (now editor of the Springfield News) and Edward S. Hoover, the present editor.

The Gazette has eighteen regular employes, often one or more extra, twenty-five or more newspaper carriers, and a pay roll of over $250 per week for the regular employes, not counting carriers.

The first edition of the Evening Gazette, which was printed on March 31, 1878, was a four page paper, four columns to the page, and each column twelve inches in length.

During the past few years the Gazette has made enormous strides. The plant and equipment have been made up to date and as complete as possible.

On occasions of special importance, editions of extra size are issued. Its industrial edition of 44 pages on March 5. 1908, and the profusely illustrated

The Sterling Daily Standard

One of the indications of the growth and advancement of a community is the appearance of the daily paper published in it, and today the Daily Standard stands forth as an example of the wonderful advancement of the city of Sterling.

In the year of 18'88 Theodore H. and Charles Mack established and commenced the publication of the Whiteside Chronicle in the city of Sterling. For some time these gentlemen edited and managed the publication, the latter finally taking charge of the paper, which he continued to edit until tihe year of 1870 when the name was changed to the Sterling Standard, and Mr. Theodore Mack took over the interest held by his brother.

In 1883 Mr. Mack sold a half interest in the paper to James W. Newcomer, these gentlemen continuing the publication until the year of 1887 when Mr. Mack retired, his interest being assumed by Alfred Bayliss.

In 1889 Mr. Newcomer retired from the firm his interest being absorbed by Thomas Diller, who later on secured the interest of Mr. Bayliss and took into partnership Eugene B. Fletcher.

These gentlemen continued to publish the Standard as a weekly until 1892, when modern machinery was installed and the publication was changed to that of a daily.

From the time of its establishment as a daily, the paper has advanced rapidly until today it stands without an equal in Northern Illinois in circulation and advertising value.

In the fall of 1908 active management of the paper parsed into the hands of A. L. Richmond, who purchased the paper and now publishes and controls its editorial policies.

The Standard is strictly Republican in politics, yet its columns are always open to the espousal of all that is right and just, and especially for the advancement of Sterling and Whiteside county.

One of the largest of printing presses is used to run off the Standard's large edition of 4,800 copies. It is an eight, ten and twelve page sevencolumn paper, published in the afternoon.

Besides the newspaper plant, which includes an up-to-date Mergenthaler linotype machine, the Standard company also owns one of the largest and most up-to-date job printing plants in Northern Illinois.

A. L. Richmond, president, treasurer, and editor-in-chief; Mrs. A. L. Richmond, vice president and secretary; Miss Winnifred Rourke, assistant bookkeeper; R. B. McNiel, circulation manager; and D. P. Munn, city editor.

Sterling Beobachter

This is the only German paper in the county. No others nearer than Freeport or Davenport. In English it means Observer. It was started by Carl Strack in 1877, who continued in charge till 1881, when Henry Mathey assumed control. In February, 1883, Louis Oltmanns purchased the outfit, and has been editor and publisher ever since. The average edition is about 1,200, and it has a wide circulation not only among the German patrons in the county, but all over the United States, wherever people have gone who once lived in this section. Some copies find their way to Europe. The price is two dollars here, $2.50 for Deutschland. Friday is the day of publication, and the office is on the second floor of the Anthony block, Fourth street, over the Standard.

Louis Oltmanns, the editor, is a genuine Teuton, born in Oldenburg, Germany, 1833, and coming to Sterling in 1865 where he has lived to this day. His first business was in the dry goods store of the late R. B. Witmer, where he remained seventeen years. He then decided to use the editorial quill instead of the mercantile yardstick, "and began to educate his brethren from the Vaterland through the columns of the Beobachter. It is an eight page journal, with seven wide columns to the page, and ha.s an excellent advertising patronage.

The Record

Few persons know that a small magazine was published for a short time in Sterling. It was conducted by Calvin Martin, and issued weekly. Before us is the number for March 29, 1879, with^everal original and selected articles like i;Unseen Battles of Youth," by Rev.' N. H. G. Fife; "Wives and Puddings," by W. W. Davis; editorials, local items, general news, business cards. Walter Nimock.s and four other candidates for tax collector. Kier was hatter,

Several sheets have risen, flourished and fallen. The Sterling Clear Grit, edited by Ralph W. Norwood, appeared Oct. 13, 1877, but was soon discontinued. The Blade, a little seven by nine daily, published by the Booths, ten cents a week, was issued awhile about the early eighties. It was the pioneer of the present Gazette, the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Then was the Sterling Herald, weekly, political and agricultural, which also soon ran its mournful career.

Orders And Lodges

The charter members were Miles S. Henry, Edward N. Kirk, Lorenzo Hapgood, Geo. H. Wells, Amos Fa-sett, Henry Bush, Geo. 0. Blakeslee and Andrew McMoore, all of whom are now deceased, Henry Bush, the last survivor, dying November 20th, 1908, at the ripe old age of 84. For many years the lodge held their meetings in the Capt. J. W. R. Stambaugh building on First avenue. February 26th, 1896, the lodge, with appropriate services, dedicated their new hall, a handsome three-story and basement, brick building located at No. 11 East Fourth street.

The regular lodge meetings are held Monday evenings at 7 :30. January 1st, 1908, the membership was 148, and is rapidly increasing. The present lodge officers are Albert L. Street, G. R.; John G. Loos, D. G..M.; Albert Bere, P. G. ; Isaac N. Hoover, N. G. ; Henry Grebner, V. G. ; W. W. Haskell, Rec. Sec'y. ; F. A. Caughey, Per. Sec'y. ; R: A. Kidder, Treas. ; Jos. T. Britt, warden; J. G. G. Loos, conductor; John Lingham,0. G. ; Fred Grebners, I. G. ; Isaac G. Brimmer, R. S. N. G. ; Dr. W. I. Carolus, L. S. N. G. ; Harry J. Wilton, R. S. V. G. ; Will C. Loos, L. S. V. G. ; Rev. E. Lee Fleck, chaplain ; Cyrus Miller, organist.

The Rebekahs are the ladies' auxiliary of the Odd Fellows and have 75 members. Mrs. Elizabeth Brimmer is first noble grand, and Miss Emma Snavely, secretary.

Mystic Workers Of The World

Sterling Lodge, No. 2, was organized, Dec. 11, 1895, with 28 members, I. N. Martin presiding officer, W. E. Rose, secretary. It has steadily grown from this humble beginning to a membership of 590. The present officers are: Prefect. T. J. McDonnell; monitor, C. J. O'Brien; Sec., W. E. Rose; banker, A. L. Heckman; marshal. F. W. Eller; warder. B. M. Rutt; sentinel, Harry Roark. The supervisors are E. V. Ford. M. R. Rutt, P. J. Pfeters. The meetings are held in their own hall, over the Standard office, on Fourth street, formerly the hall of the G. A. R.

This is the largest order in the county, and steadily increasing. Rock Falls has 340 Mystic Workers, Prophetstown 200, Lyndon 125, Erie 100, Tampico 75, Fulton 675, Morrison 250. In round numbers about 2,500 in Whiteside. Being both social and beneficial, the order has much to attract the average man who is desirous of being associated with an organization that is at once strong and entertaining.

Masonic

The Masonic fraternity of Sterling is one of the most prosperous organizations in the city. It has erected and owns the magnificent building known as Masonic Temple, which building would be a credit to a city of much larger pretensions

Sterling Lodge No. 202 A. F. & A. M. was organized in 1856 with E. N. Kirk, W. M., but lost its charter in 1868. Rock River Lodge No. 612 A. F. & A. M. was chartered in 1869, with M. S. Bowman (now of California) as W. M. Its total enrollment to date is 476. Present membership, 254. H. S. Street and M. S. Bowman are the only living charter members. C. H. Tuttle, W. M. ; John W. Niles, Sec.

Sterling Chapter No. 57 Royal Arch Masons was chartered in Oct., 1859, with H. G. Reynolds as H. P. and Geo. L. Kline, K. Total enrollment, 300. Present membership, 152. W. A. Stoeckle, H. P. ; John W. Niles, Sec.

Sterling Commandery No. 57 Knights Templar was chartered in Oct, 1884, with C. C. Johnson as E. C. Enrollment, 284. Present membership, 178. 0. E. Maxson, E. C. ; John W. Niles, recorder.

Sterling Chapter No. 354 Order of the Eastern Star was organized in July, 1898, with Mrs. Wm. A. McCune as Worthy Matron. Enrollment, 200. Present membership, 156. Mrs. Ella Cooper, Sec.

Will Robinson Post No. 274 Grand Army of the Republic, was organized June 14, 1883. Has had an enrollment of 246. Present membership, 98. Capt. J. W Niles has been commander six years. Present commander, P. T. Van Home. F. A. Caughey, Adjutant.

Modern Woodmen Of America

On the second floor of the old Farwell building on Locust street where the Gazette office used to be, is the spacious and splendid hall where the 390 members of this flourishing association gather in their regular deliberations. A. Richtmyer is clerk, and J. J. McKee, of Rock Falls Man. Company is consul. The camp was organized here July 1, 1883, as Camp 12, with 13 original charter members. The order celebrated its 25th anniversary Jan. 5, 1908, with big class initiations all over the country. The head office was stationed in Fulton for fourteen years until thev were removed to Rock Island in 1897 after a desperate contest. The first local camp of the Woodmen, Pioneer camp, No. 1, was organized at Lyons, Clinton county. Iowa, the evening of Jan. 5, 1883, ,with twenty-one charter members, by J. C. Root, the founder.

The head camp is the governing body of the society. It meets triennially and is composed of delegates chosen by the state camps, one delegate for each 1,500 members or fraction of that number.

It is a beneficiary order, the insurance varying from $500 to $3,000, according to dues received. With its membership of 900,000, it claims to lead all similar organizations. The social feature is always prominent. At an initiation in March, 1908, of ten new members, a special train brought to Sterling between 300 and 400 enthusiastic WToodmeii from Tampico, Lyndon, Prophetstown, and Erie, packing the elegant hall to witness the floor work of the Tampico Foresters, and to hear the addresses of Dr. Rutledge of Elgin, C. A. Davis and J. J. Ludens of Sterling, and George Isherwood of Tampico.

All well regulated societies nowadays have the ladies in association, and the Woodmen call their feminine adjunct Royal Neighbors of America. In December, 1888, a little club of sixteen women was formed, which was known as the "Ladies' Auxiliary" to Camp No. 171, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and was merely a social organization, its main purpose being to aid the Modern Woodmen of America in that city. Steady improvement and branching out to do greater good resulted in the forming of a woman's fraternal beneficial society, known as the Royal Neighbors of America, chartered under the laws of the state of Illinois, March 21, 1895. It is not exclusive. Any white woman of good character, whether related to a Woodman or not, is eligible to membership. This auxiliary in Sterling is No. 30, and has 120 members. It was started about 1900. Applicants must be between 17 and 45 years, and certificates for insurance are written for $250 up to $2,000. The total membership of the auxiliary is now 150,000. Mrs. Louisa Rieger is supreme oracle in Sterling. At all important functions of the order, the Royal Neighbors perform a very essential service in cheering the performance with their presence as well as managing the banquet and other material accessories of the festival.

Knights Of The Globe

One of our newest societies, which has grown rapidly. The parent society dates back only to Aug. 28, 1889, when Dr. W. W. Krape organized the supreme council in Freeport. Now there are over 100 garrisons with 10,000 members scattertd through Illinois, Wisconsin, and other states. The purposes of the order are the cultivation of fraternity, patriotism, and character. No one can advance through money, friends, or favoritism. The Sterling garrison is No. 83, and is composed of an energetic and intelligent body of men and women, for there is an auxiliary, called Eminent Ladies. Their annual banquet is the occasion of a feast of reason and a flow of soul. Music and intellectual display. At their last function toasts were responded to by C. E. Sheldon, C. A. Davis, G. D. John, Dr. J. Gregg. Sometimes a debate. A late question was, Resolved, That it was right for Uncle Sam to send the navy around the Horn. A lemon social by the ladies afforded much diversion in its various forms of attraction. Then there is a juvenile garrison for the youngsters. There are 330 members, with Warren Powers president, and Warren Hall secretary. Their hall is on the third floor of the Academy of Music, and the meeting is on Monday night.

Knights Of Pythias

Corinthian Lodge, No. 63, was organized Nov. 23, 1875, with 21 charter members. E. G. Allen, Chancellor Commander; Hugh R. Edwards, Keeper of Records and Seals; John S. Miller, Master of the Exchequer; W. A. Mc- Cune, Master at Arms; J. W. R. Stambaugh, Inner Guard. Other members were C. C. Johnson, Jacob Sides, L. Stoeckle. Some of these early men are dead. Over 400 candidates have been initiated. The membership today about one hundred. The Commander is E. M. McKerg, and Keeper, L. A. Little. The meetings are held every Tuesday night on the third floor of Lawrence block, Third street. There are sixty Pythian Sisters, the social auxiliary.

Catholic Knights Of America

This society was organized in Sterling, April 28, 1885, with the following charter members: Rev. H. M. Fegers, Adam Beren, Henry Weber, Wm. Clarkson, Michael Weber, John A. Weber, W. Michels, Joseph Ferenbacher, V. Schiffmacher, Phil Wenckl, J. A. Schiffmacher, Jos. Herziefer. It is of the fraternal order, and provides for insurance from $250 to $2,000. Any regular Catholic in good health is eligible to its privileges. The present membership numbers 41, and the meetings are held the third Sunday of the month at the School of the Sacred Heart.

Knights Of Columbus

This is a thriving order, many being young fellows full of enthusiasm and progress. The object is both beneficial and social. At the last meeting W. A. Kannally was elected Grand Knight; F. R. Jackson, treasurer; T. J. McDonald, recording secretary; Rev. H. M. Fegers, chaplain. The Sterling Council was organized in 1902. The meetings are held twice a month in their "rooms at Farwell Hall, where there is every comfort in the way of reading and games. A membership of 250 in Sterling, and 140 in Fulton.

Holtslander Lodge No. 70, D. of R. - Meets second and fourth Thursday of each month in I. 0. 0. F. hall. Miss Emma Snavely, recording secretary.

Will Robinson Post No. 274 - Meets second and fourth Saturdays of each month in G. A. R. hall in the City Hall building. G. D. Johns, adjutant.

Riverside Cemetery

Lying within the eastern limits, and easily reached by a good walk or by the street cars, which run past the front entrance, is the loveliest spot in the city. The young trees with their fresh verdure, the grassy slopes, the noble outlook of river and woodland and prairie far to the southern horizon, all combine to invest Riverside with a peculiar charm. It is really a sacred park. Not a promenade for gay resort, but a retreat for solemn meditation. When in a serious mood, Addison loved to stroll through the aisles of Westminster Abbey. But ours is a Campo Santo under the open s"ky. Just as in Greenwood you have glimpses of the Sound, and at Laurel Hill of the Schuylkill, so our beautiful river glorifies the landscape. The rounded hills lift heavenward, the sparkling stream suggests the water of life.

Let us first pass into the old graveyard near the street. Here we read names that call up many familiar people. John Weaver, 72, and wife, 81, five Weavers in a row. Samuel Hendricks, 79, the old Waltonian who carried fish from door to door. Bresslers, Hoovers, Landises. An old couple, Adam Spies, 76, Christina, 90. Bares, Delps, Beehlers. Kratz, Shultz. Overs. This i* Anthony Elhuaker, 1880, from Pennsylvania, a near relative of Amos, an eminent lawyer in Lancaster on the anti-masonic ticket with William Wirt in 1832. John Edson, 79, and his wife, Emily, 70, were the parents of Mrs. Bushnell, so long postmistress. Eunice, wife of George Wells, 1844, pioneer,, is one of the oldest graves. Cyrus Manahan, 1874, was a popular clerk. Esther Judd, 1843, another pioneer. Ann Ben ton, 1842, was the wife or daughter of Dr. Benton, early physician. There are numerous Brewers. Roots and Kauffmans, too. John Lefevre, 1872. Pap Lefevre was a lively man to the last. He left a large family. This couplet on his stone:

John, north of Sterling, is the only son of many, and he is eighty. Jesse Penrose, 1873, a Quaker, honest, steady, always addressing the writer as William. Daniel White, blacksmith, whose shop was where Wallace block is. Here is Wiott Cantrall 1877, aged 86, who figured so conspicuously in the early days of Sterling. A lour among the graves will recall people enough to write a history of the town.