LaPorte County, Indiana - Chapter 31: Society, 1904

Chapter 31: Society

"Hail, social life! into thy pleasing bounds Again I come to pay the common stock My share of service; and in glad return To taste thy comforts, thy protected joys."

Thomas Stillwell, the border man who settled near what is now the village of Stillwell, away from the homes of the early settlers because he hated the society of the white man, little realized the impossibility of complete isolation. His course was like a soldier trying to live by him¬ self in the Civil war. As there were ties which drew the soldiers together, ties which exist even to-day, so there were ties which drew the early settlers together. They had common interests, a common work to do, and were threatened by common dangers. Their very circumstances made it necessary that they stand together, min¬ ister to each other in sickness, and weep with those who wept ; and this made them rejoice with those who rejoiced. There are bonds in the Grand Army of the Republic which do not exist in any other society of men. And so it is with the early settlers of. this county. We see this when they get together. They have no grips nor secret words, and yet one who was not an early settler is as effectually debarred from entering into their experiences as though he were on the outside of lodge-room doors.

It is sometimes said that the social ties were stronger in pioneer days than now, that there was more real sympathy, more dependence of neigh¬ bor upon neighbor, more mutual assistance then than now. It is said that the division of society into classes and of religious people into sects, has interfered with free intercourse; fashionable afternoon calls have taken the place of family visiting ; clubs and societies demand so much time, wealth and circumstances are so unequal among the different classes of people, there are so many circles into which some can never enter, that the whole community is thrown into dissatis¬ faction and unrest, and social ties are not as sym¬ pathetic, as close, as fraternal, nor as enduring, as formerly.

But is this true ? May it not be that the loss of sympathy in society is only apparent? When there is progression in all other respects, is there deterioration here ? Is not humanity more refined, civilization more complicated, and the community more highly organized now than in pioneer times? And if more highly organized must not the bonds which bind it together be stronger? Is it not better able to resist opposing forces? There is a stronger and more genuine sympathy to-day than formerly, only it lies deeper ; there are not so many things to call it forth in a special manner. Let anything occur in the community to call forth sympathy such as a death, a fire, or some other severe misfortune, and there are not wanting ministrations of sympathy of the deep¬ est kind. That charities are now organized, that relief comes through life, accident and fire in¬ surance companies and through fraternal associa¬ tions, that incendiary or accidental flames are extinguished by the city fire department instead of by the bucket brigade as formerly - all this does not argue less human sympathy but more; for he who sustains all these institutions as he should, is ministering to his neighbor more ef¬ fectually than in the desultory way of pioneer times. What is needed is not a return to former days but to have men realize that he who does his duty to organized society is serving his neigh¬ bor, and that it is better to do this from principle, through the organized channels, than through impulse.

In early days there were out-of-door enjoy¬ ments. There was the bee hunt. The expert in this would watch the busy bee as it filled itself with sweets, and mark its direction as it took a bee line for home which would generally be in some hollow tree ; and the tree, once discovered, was marked, and in due time a party would go and cut it down. Sometimes several gallons of honey would be obtained in this way and the hunt was an occasion of social enjoyment.

There was the wolf hunt. In an early day much damage was done to the farmers' flocks bv wolves. The most effectual way of killing these animals, and the one most enjoyed, was the "drive" hunt. We will let Mr. T. H. Ball de¬ scribe one of these hunts, though it occurred in another county. He says: -

"A good example of these was one in White county in 1840, in Big Creek township. The boundaries of the hunting grounds were, on the north, Monon creek ; on the east, the Tippecanoe river : on the south, the W abash ; on the west, the county line. At eight o'clock in the morning the men and boys started along the outskirts of this large area, with no guns in their hands as they were only to scare up the game and send the deer and wolves from grove and prairie inward to the center. They were to meet at two o'clock at Reynold's grove. There scaffolds had been erected, and on those were the sharpshooters with rifles and ammunition. As that afternoon hour approached, from each direction the startled deer and frightened wolves began to appear, and soon the sharp reports of the rifles reached the ears of the distant boys and men. On every side of those elevated stands the deer fell, and when the riders and footmen reached this central place they collected fifty deer as the result of that day's chase, and found many dead wolves upon the ground. Howr many broke the ranks and escaped no one could accurately tell." - North- U'cstern Indiana, pages 94, 95. This is a good

There was also skating. At one time it meant a great deal to be the possessor of a pair of skates, but as the years went by they became more plentiful. There was a time when it was not considered quite the proper thing for one of the gentler sex to skate, but that prejudice was finally broken down and then there were gay skating parties. Especially was this the case from i860 to '62 or '63. At that time there was a furor for skating. Notwithstanding the fact that the nation was plunged into a sanguinary war, there were gay times on the frozen waters all over the country. Day and night the lakes of LaPorte county were thronged with busy skaters. Especially were the lakes near LaPorte scenes of gaiety; there bonfires were burned at night and hundreds of gleaming skates flashed back the light. Both sexes have skated since then, but the sport was never "in the air" as it was in the early sixties.

There too were picnics and outdoor meetings. Could Patton's grove exist again and speak it would give an account of many interesting gath¬ erings, Masonic and other kinds, and the same is true of other beautiful spots in the county. It may not be generally known that "Hoosier Slide" in Michigan City was once a favorite picnic resort, but such is the fact. That hill was much higher then than now. On' the lake side where the sand had slid away it was nearly per¬ pendicular, but on the land side it was more thickly covered with trees and undergrowth than are the hills to-day on the east side of the har¬ bor where "Yankee Slide" is situated. So thickly was Hoosier Slide wooded that there was very little sand to be seen except the winding path made by the cows, which, path was very pic¬ turesque. This was a winding strip of white sand in and among the bright green of the pine and oak and smaller underbrush. In those days the cows ran at large and frequented Hoosier Slide as a pasture. This was also a favorite and romantic resort for strollers and pleasure seek¬ ers ; the ascent of the hill was made easier by the cow-path. Here was held many a picnic. It was no easy task to carry up in one hand all the things necessary for the spread ^vhile the other hand must hold on to the bushes to help one's self up, but the task paid in the enjoyment re¬ ceived or it would not have been repeatedly done. The top of the slide was free from growth and for some distance was level. Here the picnick¬ ers made their fire, did their cooking, boiled their coffee, and prepared an inviting repast. Mrs. H. J. Willits, of Michigan City, says : -

One funny instance in connection comes to my mind. We were each laden with our special charges and the one carrying the cream received many warnings to be careful and not stumble nor slip. However, all the warnings did not save her nor the cream, for we left it spilled down the hill side. We were of course in great trouble as to how we could drink our coffee. Just then a cow was discovered browsing near by. A sug¬ gestion was made that if any one dared and knew how to milk our needs might be met. One young lady of the party had lived on a farm and had learned the art of milking. She assured us that if we would all keep at a proper distance so as not to frighten the good, patient looking cow, she would undertake the commission. I remember the cow wore a bell, and the look of surprise she gave as she turned to look at the fair milkmaid was very amusing, but she made no resistance, and our meal was complete after straining the milk through a napkin. I think we had no consciencious scruples about taking the milk or what the owner of the animal might think was the cause of the shrinkage when at night he came to take his rightful portion."

At that time the trailing arbutus grew in abundance on Hoosier Slide, almost at the bot¬ tom of the hill near where the shanties are now ; though from present appearance one would never suspect it.

There are other resorts in the county which have been alive with society. There is Weller's grove, on Stone lake, where the accommodations consist in cottages, tents, a few rooms in the main building, and of a pavilion where regularly on Friday evenings, and often on other evenings, during the summer there are entertainments, dances, etc. During the years when the New Church people held a summer school and Sunday morning worship at Weller's, crowds from La- Porte, and occasonally some even from Michi¬ gan City used to attend these Friday evening gatherings, an^ it was considered quite the popu¬ lar thing to do. The Baptist Assembly grounds are situated on the northwest shore of Pine lake, in a commanding position overlooking Holmes and Fargher's islands. They contain about one hundred acres with many cottages, a pavilion where meetings are held, a beautiful grove, and a beach of sand at the foot of the bluff. These grounds are the resort of picnic and camping parties and clubs from both Michigan City and LaPorte. Recently the Chicago & South Shore Railroad Company has built a pavilion at Bluffside beach, near the assembly grounds, and here there are evening entertainments, afternoon par¬ ties, and Sunday afternoon and evening concerts by the LaPorte band which are attended by great crowds, and these gatherings are said to be re¬ markably orderly. There also is Voeglerville, about midway between LaPorte and the assem¬ bly grounds, where there are a grove and a base¬ ball park which often draw their crowds, and that, too, even on a Sunday. Nearer Michigan City is Midway, which once bid fair to become a sporting resort but latterly Voeglerville has taken the precedence. North of LaPorte, across Lily lake, is Christman's grove, long a favorite resort for picnic parties and entertainments, and to the east of it, on the shore of a small, nearly extinct lake, is City Park with its convenient pavilion for lunches and dances. At Michigan City the park and the peristyle are frequent re¬ sorts, and east of Rolling Prairie, on the Lake Shore Railroad, is Hudson lake, which is a con¬ venient and beautiful resort, especially for New Carlisle people. Besides all these there are other beautiful spots in different parts of the county, which have frequently been made the scenes of gay picnic parties, so that instead of being com¬ pelled to ride many miles to reach a suitable pic¬ nic grove, as is the case in many places, in La¬ Porte county beautiful groves and lakes are near at hand, and everything that is desirable for out-of-door festivities.

But among all the historic associations in the county, which cluster around these pleasant out¬ door spots, perhaps none are more important and better remembered than those connected with Patton's grove, which used to stand in the west part of LaPorte north of the present Park school. It was a beautiful grove of grand old oak trees, so near the city that it was very con- j venient for public gatherings. There the old set¬ tlers began their annual reunions, there the great outdoor political meetings used to be held. Schuyler Colfax has spoken there, David Turpie has spoken there, other celebrities have spoken there, to the crowds assembled to hear them, and many things might be related concerning the in¬ tense earnestness of these men which at times waxed very hot, but which occurrences had better not be rehearsed here lest they be misunderstood, although these words will be sufficient to recall them and make them live again in all their vivid outlines in the minds of many. It is a pity that Patton's grove was not purchased and devoted to a city park. A few scattering remains of those grand old oaks may be seen in the trees still growing on the Park school grounds.

Society has a relation to reminiscence, and hence the Old Settlers' Association was organ¬ ized. A call was issued for an old settlers' meet¬ ing, in which it was suggested that the meetings be of the basket picnic order ; that they be proper¬ ly officered, and conducted in an orderly manner ; that the officers be the executive committee with power to make necessary rules, etc.; and that any person having lived in LaPorte county thirtythree years be eligible to membership. Pur¬ suant to this call, which was signed by fifty-five influential settlers and which was published in the county papers, one hundred and eight of the old settlers met at Huntsman's Hall, in LaPorte, on November 20, 1869, in the evening, and organ¬ ized a permanent Old Settlers' Association. The meeting was presided over by General Joseph Orr, who, on repeated calls, addressed the meet¬ ing, as did also John Sutherland and James For¬ rester. Under the influence of the glow thus created the meeting voted to organize regularly. P>. M. Newkirk, I. N. Whitehead, John P. Teepie, D. C. McKellips, and D. P. Closser were ap¬ pointed a committee to nominate officers. The committee reported as follows : For president, Charles W. Cathcart; for secretary, A. D. Por¬ ter; for treasurer, General Joseph Orr; for vice presidents, W. A. Place, for Center township, Thomas Reynolds for Hudson township, James Catterlin for Galena township, Charles Vail for Springfield township, N. Couden for Michigan township, Daniel Low for Cool Spring township, I. N. Whitehead for Kankakee township, James

Drummond for Wills township, Shadrach Noysden for Lincoln township, I. G. McCaskey for Pleasant township, William Callison for Union; township, John S. Jessup for Scipio township,. D. C. McKellips for New Durham township,, James Haskell, Sr., for Clinton township, Charles Wills for Cass township, J. N. West for Hanna township, and William O'Hara for Noble town¬ ship. This report of the committee was received and adopted. Judges Niles and Osborne ad¬ dressed the meeting, and after social greetings the people dispersed.

The first annual meeting was held in Patton's grove on June 22, 1870; it was called to order a little before 12 o'clock m. The stick which the president used on the occasion was from the roo£ tree of the Benedict house which was built in> New Durham township in March, 1829. Mr;. Levi J. Benedict presented it to the association to be used as a gavel. At this meeting a chair manufactured by the Messrs. Fargher, of La¬ Porte, and given to the society for the purpose,, was presented to Levi J. Benedict of Westville*. The dinner, speaking, etc., were greatly en¬ joyed, and before parting the old settlers gath¬ ered around the stand and sang "Auld Lang; Syne," "Old Hundred," "When I Can Read my Title Clear," "Old Folks at Home," "The Yan¬ kee Nation," etc. About five hundred were pres¬ ent.

The second annual meeting was held at Pat¬ ton's grove, June 22, 1871. By this time the meetings had become popular; and although it was a very busy season, which doubtless kept many away, about seven hundred persons sat down to the well filled tables. The people were called together by three blasts on a conch-shell blown by Uncle Jacob Replogle, who said that the shell had been in the family two hundred years. At this meeting the death roll of the old settlers was read. It is remarkable that in the midst of a busy time seven hundred should come together, of those who had been in the county thirty-three years.

At the third annual meeting the attendance was not quite so large, but the meeting was very enjoyable; the same officers were re-elected, speeches were made by James Forrester and others, and the death roll showed that thirty-five old settlers had passed away, among them some of the most prominent names of the county. The fourth, fifth and sixth annual reunions of the old settlers took place in June each year at Patton's grove. At each meeting there were the usual plentiful and excellent dinner, speeches by promi¬ nent members, and the saddest feature of all, the reading of the names on the death roll. A nota¬ ble feature of the sixth reunion was a speech by Judge M. K. Farrand, which contained some really valuable historical data. Sometimes the settlers would set the tables and pool their eata¬ bles and all eat together, and on other years they would divide up into families and groups. Though Mr. Patton had tendered his grove to the pioneers for holding the reunion of the cen¬ tennial year, 1876, and had carefully prepared the grove for the meeting according to the order of the last adjournment, yet on the day of the meet¬ ing the earth was soaked with water, the sky was still threatening, and it was decided to change the place of meeting to Floral Hall on the fair grounds. Long tables were set in the hall, and about four hundred sat down to them, besides a few score who dined standing. In accordance with the joint resolution of Congress, historical sketches were the order of the day, a copy of Packard's history of the county just published was presented to the association by the author, speeches were made, and the death roll was read containing the names of prominent settlers, among whom were John B. Fravel and Dr. Daniel Meeker.

The eighth annual reunion was held again at Patton's grove on June 21, 1877, which like that of the year before was a lowering day. Major W. H. Calkins gave the address of the day. Hon. C. W. Cathcart and General Joseph Orr, who so long had been respectively president and treas¬ urer, declined re-election, and Sidney S. Sabin was elected president, and John Sutherland treas¬ urer, and A. D. Porter was re-elected secretary.

In 1878 the weather was so unpropitious that the annual reunion was not held on June 21st as usual, nor until the 28th of August, and then on the fair grounds. At this the ninth reunion the weather was pleasant, the attendance was large, there were the usual hand-shaking and re¬ newing of old acquaintance, and new officers were elected. The tenth reunion was held at the fair grounds, the eleventh at Collins Park, and from that day to this these enjoyable and useful reunions have been held. The well kept records of the Old Settlers' Association are a valuable source of historical data, and the only wonder is that a bona fide historical society has not been formed and sustained in the county, having for its express purpose the collection and preserva¬ tion of historical data.

Somewhat similar to the Old Settlers' As¬ sociation is the La Porte Colony in Chicago, formed for the purpose of coming together of the members in an annual picnic and reviving the old associations of LaPorte. Of this colony Mr. Julius P. Linard is president. The ninth annual picnic of this society was held in Wash¬ ington Park, Chicago, Saturday, June 27, 1903. Among those who were present and ate on the grass that day were Mr. and Mrs. George Clay¬ ton, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Vail, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McCaffrey, Addison Ballard, Dr. and Mrs. George L. Andrew, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Linard, Mr. and Mrs. N. Cochran, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Housman, Mr. and Mrs. William Meisner, Dr. Orin C. Lamb, Ansel Joiner, and Aiderman Butterworth. They told stories, they laughed and wept and told more. To the leading of Mrs. George Clayton they sang "The Last Rose of Summer," some of them remembering the time when together they went to hear Patti sing it. Mrs. Vail led in "Coming Through the Rye" the company went to see sights around them of which they had not dreamed in the long ago, a general good time was enjoyed, and they did not go home until the dew was falling.

The first really fine house built after my coming to Michigan City was what is now known as the Fair View Hotel, built by Mr. Lyman Blair, and occupied by him and his bride, formerly Miss Mary De Groff. The house and its fur¬ nishings were for a time quite overwhelming in their grandeur. Such carpets, crimson velvet, the same shade of satin draperies, and windows with soft lace over them, open grates which at that time were a specialty in our primitive town !

the carpets. This too, was a new feature, at least none of us had ever seen it - the contrast with the red surroundings and the bright open fires was a cheerful sight. Then add to this a room full of bright, happy women and girls, all well and many beautifully and daintily dressed, and you have a picture which those witnessing it, I will venture, have never forgotten ; for be it known, many of us had vied with ourselves that no gown should surpass or eclipse our own. The result was consequently most satisfactory to all. The above effort must be made, for this was to be the party of the season, if not of many seasons.

And right here let me state the fact, a better dressed community of people could not be found than existed here in Michigan City even at the early day. People wore the best goods, made in the most approved style, and were altogether up to date in their appearance and manner of living. In many respects the town was primitive, im¬ provements not keeping pace, perhaps, with other places of its size; but its people were neither primitive nor rural. "The Wabash'' element never reached our borders.

The generous hospitality shown to friends and neighbors, and especially to strangers so¬ journing in our midst, was proverbial. Had any one a guest visiting them, the first thought of some neighbor was to invite them, with several of our home folks, to dinner. This always seemed contagious : for some one else followed by giving a supper, and so the visits went on and on; and if the strangers remained sufficiently long we all became very well acquainted. The visitor al¬ ways left sounding the praise of Michigan City's generous hospitality as well as the generous en¬ tertainment. It was the saying, and a truthful one, that there were more good cooks and more perfect housekeepers in those early days in Mich¬ igan City than in any other place heard from.

Every one who had a garden raised their own strawberries, and such delicious berries as they were! It was during this season that the mam¬ moth tea parties were at their height; and Oh! the substantial and delicate articles of food that were served with fine berries, can never, I am sure, be forgotten or held in light esteem by those who sat around these tables so spread with good things to eat, while the company was noted for its happy good cheer.

The modem dinners and suppers of to-day boast of more courses, more mysterious dishes which often require the explanation of a caterer to know whether you are eating meat, fish or

For a long time our dancing hall was the din¬ ing room of the old Lake House, which stood on Franklin street on the corner diagonally across from L. B. Ashton's grocery store. This was a large frame building and was the best hotel in the town for many years. It was kept by Mr. Jewell. Here we held our public and private dances, given in this old dining room. To be sure, there was not too much spring to the floor, but I remember we didn't allow a little thing like that to interfere with our enjoyment. We usually danced until it was time to serve re¬ freshments, then retired to the parlors upstairs, and the dining room was given up to prepara¬ tions for supper. After supper was over, if it was not too late and the tables had been cleared away, the dancing was resumed. These parties were thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to with as much anticipated pleasure as was ever the grandest charity ball given at the Auditorium in Chicago. But when Messrs. Ames and Holli¬ day built Union hall at the corner of Michigan and Franklin streets, the first public hall Michi¬ gan City ever had, and lately occupied by the Knights of Pythias, we felt truly in the line of progression, as it was a long felt want, a place for lectures, concerts and everything of the kind.

We should like to quote several pages more from Mrs. Willits, about the entertainments given by Mrs. C. E. DeWolfe, Mr. and Mrs. George Ames, the Kreiohs, Ezekiel Folsom and family, Mrs. Bowes, and Miss Sophia Bowes, the Barkers, the Blairs, and many other leading families; because her descriptions give such a vivid picture of society life in Michigan City in that early time, but there are other things to be noticed. The same kind of enjoyments, though perhaps of a more rural character, were in prog¬ ress in LaPorte and in other centers, but leav¬ ing these we just glance at the entertainments which were given not for instruction nor for the purposes of art or music but purely for amusement. And here we have Christmas and New Year's balls and parties given by the Horse Guards and other organizations way back in the fifties and onward. The LaPorte brass band was present, supper was served in the Parker House. On one of these occasions, in 1856. Cap- tain Sweet and a part of his company were pres¬ ent from Chicago. Many were these entertain¬ ments which were given for the soldiers in the time of the Civil war. Those winters were full of surprise parties in different parts of the coun¬ ty. Even to mention them would require several ot these columns. Perhaps some will remember the party given by Landlord Axtell at the Teegarden on New Year's night in 1857. Not only so but there were entertainments in the different halls. Artemus Ward was here and Dollie Dutton ; "Gen." Tom Thumb was here and drove throught the streets of LaPorte with his Lilliputian equipage and gave an exhibition in Huntsman's hall. Winchell and other celebrated humorists were here. Indeed, as far back as 1834 Robert S. Morrison, justice of the peace, reported a fine of $10 against a Mr. Bowers, the play actor, on a charge of performing many feats of legerdemain or sleight of hand without a license, on the evening of May 12 of that year. Add to this the clubs and other social organiza¬ tions, and we see that, the county has not been wanting in social activities. There are many such clubs to-day - whist clubs, social clubs, etc. So numerous are they and at times such has been the rage for clubs and fraternal organizations, that a few years ago the astounding notice ap¬ peared in one of the LaPorte papers, that a whole week had passed without a new club of any kind being organized. And in connection with them should be mentioned the beautiful, unique and picturesque Hermitage on the lake shore east of Michigan City.

Society has relation to music. At a political rally in Michigan City on April 14, 1840, a brig called the "Brig Constitution" was hauled through the streets, on which there was a brass band playing Whig tunes in a true Whig spirit. In the summer of 1841 the Washington band used to give band concerts in the court house yard at LaPorte, and on Wednesday evening, Septem¬ ber 8, 1841, the band gave a public concert in the Presbyterian church in LaPorte, which was highly commended. The musicians were praised greatly for the excellence of their attainment after so short a time of practicing together. A similar concert was given by the Michigan City band at that place in December, 1841. A little later we find the citizens of LaPorte subscrib¬ ing liberally to support a band in that city. In 1857 the band consisted of twelve or fourteen instruments. Probably the only players left are Thomas Fargher, now living in Washington, D. C., and his brother William, of LaPorte. The band was led by Joseph Pierson. In an article on "The Plymouth Sax-horn Band," the Hon. Daniel McDonald of that city refers to Mr. Pier¬ son as follows: -

" 'Old Joe Pierson,' as he was familiarly called, who resided some place in LaPorte coun¬ ty, was employed as teacher and band master. He had but one eye, the other having, in some way, been put out. He came at stated intervals by stage from LaPorte to Plymouth, and gener¬ ally remained two or three days. He was not a very brilliant or accomplished musician, but as a teacher, as the boys used to put it, 'he was onto his job.' In those days there was no printed band music as now, and the music for the different instruments was all written with a quill pen on blank music paper by 'Old Joe.' He first selected the melody, and then composed the accompani¬ ments and various parts to fit the several instru¬ ments. Among the pieces I remember were 'Wood-up Quickstep,' 'Old Dog Tray,' 'Lilly Dale,' 'Old Kentucky Home,' 'Ben Bolt,' 'Old Uncle Ned,' 'Old Folks at Home,' 'Number 14/ and many more that were popular in those days. There was no foolishness about 'Old Joe.' When the time came for practice every member was supposed to be on hand ready to do his part. If he found a member particularly weak he would give him special attention until he was able to master the difficulties."

During the sixties, when the railroad shops were in LaPorte, there were several bands in that city, and society greatly delighted in them. Among them was Frisbee's Silver band, whose instructor afterwards went to Indianapolis and engaged in the profession of music there. Liiion Mills and other villages have had their bands. The Ames Union Band of Michigan City, and the LaPorte City Band are excellent musical organi¬ zations, and have had able bandmasters. The open air concerts given by the one at the Michigan City park, and by the other at LaPorte, are at¬ tended by throngs of people. The same is true of the indoor concerts given by these bands in the winter, and of the orchestral music furnished bv their different members and by others. Socie¬ ty would not know what to do without these musical organizations. Not only so, but the sing¬ ing schools in the country districts, choruses at the centers and villages, and minstrel and other musical troupes furnished the music lovers of society much enjoyment. The Alleghenians and Swiss Bell Ringers, the celebrated Hutch¬ inson Family, the Morris Minstrels, the Baker Family, the Old Continentals, and many other musical troupes used to visit both LaPorte and Michigan City. And in this connection it may be of interest to mention that B. J. Aurand, now a councilman from the second ward in LaPorte, and still a good bass singer, was once a member of the Old Continentals and traveled with them for many years. Perhaps some will remember the remarkable contralto voice of Mrs. Mattison in concert with Franz Staab as pianist in the sixties, the "Operatta of the Forest," with its beautiful scenery under the direction of Mr. W. C. Robins at about the same time, and many other musical entertainments. Besides these there have been the musical organizations, meet¬ ing statedly to rehearse in the grand old masters, such as the Philharmonic Society, and the Men¬ delssohn Society, and others.

Last December one of the local papers of La¬ Porte contained the following: "LaPorte is rapidly becoming known all over the world for the talented men and women she has produced. No other city of her size, not only in Indiana, but in the entire west, can boast of having pro¬ duced so many who have reached fame in the fields of literature, art, science and music." This is in great measure true. Many from this county have attained to eminence in the musical world. Richard W. Pellow, for many years the organist of the Presbyterian church in LaPorte, and teacher of music in the public schools, now of Marinette, Wisconsin, is a musical genius. Miss Helen Poole, the contralto, now teacher of music in the LaPorte public schools, has traveled and sung widely, and received very favorable notice in Chicago and elsewhere. Miss Anna Claren¬ don Church, the pianist, who is identified with the celebrated Chicago Madrigal Club, is a favor¬ ite wherever she goes. Mr. Bertrand Allan Orr, also identified with the Madrigal Club, has already achieved success, and is still rising in public esteem as a baritone singer. Miss Beulah Miles, of Michigan City, stands high as a violin¬ ist. Mrs. Janie Stewart Boyesen, whose sad and tragic death at Asheville, North Carolina, a year ago was such a shock to her friends, possessed some rare qualities as a teacher of music, and had done something in the line of musical authorship.

But perhaps the one who has attained to the greatest eminence of all is Miss Hazel Lucile Harrison, the young LaPorte pianist, the pupil of Victor Heinze of Chicago. And by the way Mr. Heinze is himself the son-in-law of Dr. George L. Andrew, formerly of LaPorte, and was the pupil of the world-famous teacher Leschetisky. Competent professors of music have said that Mr. Heinze is a bom teacher and shows wonderful results. Miss Harrison has appeared several times before cultured Chicago audiences, and has received ovation after ovation. On Tues¬ day evening, the 15th of last December, she ren¬ dered Grieg's concerto, in Music Hall, Chicago. It was the first of Victor Heinze's concerts for the season and resulted in many encomiums for the young lady's excellent work from the music critics of Chicago, all of whom were present at the concert. The people were so amazed at Miss Harrison's rendition of the concerto of 87 pages without notes that she was recalled three times, finally responding to the continued ap¬ plause, which amounted to an ovation. Many of the persons in the audience had copies of the con¬ certo and followed Miss Harrison as she played, as there was some doubt as to her ability to fault¬ lessly render the number, but the applause after¬ ward showed how well she had accomplished the feat. The audience numbered about 1,000 per¬ sons, the majority of whom had come solely for the purpose of hearing the LaPorte girl.

Regarding Miss Harrison the Chicago Tri¬ bune - says: "Miss Harrison, the young negro girl, again demonstrated that her talents are dis¬ tinctly and unmistakably beyond the common. When heard last year she convinced that her natural gifts were high, and that her schooling was being along thorough, sane lines. Last Tuesday she showed that individuality is com¬ mencing to make itself felt in her work. She begins to think and interpret for herself, and as such individuality is clearly a normal develop¬ ment, and is being guided by intelligence and taste, there is in its appearance subject for only satisfaction. She played the Grieg concerto with thoroughly commendable technical accuracy and surety, with no inconsiderable appreciation of tone color and nuance, and with fine rhythmic exactness. Interpretatively her work calls also for sincere commendation. There was under¬ standing of the poetic content of the work in hand, and unexpected appreciation of the com¬ position's varied and contrasting moods. It was a performance which contained much of merit, and still more of bright promise."

Miss Harrison's honors do not spoil her. She is always modest, unassuming and unobstrusive. She goes to Berlin, Germany, in September, where, on the 22nd of October, she will play with the Philharmonic Orchestra of that city, and during her stay will probably give a concert in that city herself. On the 23d of May, 1904, she gave a benefit concert in Hall's Opera House, LaPorte, assisted by Mr. Leon Marx, the violin¬ ist, which was highly commended. The follow¬ ing will show something of her capabilities and the esteem in which she is held : -

Program

The social gatherings in the smaller centers and in the country may not, perhaps, be charac¬ terized bv all the refinement and culture of the society in LaPorte and Michigan City, but for heartiness, sincerity and good cheer they can not be excelled. Even outside the two largest cen¬ ters there is a large proportion of highly cultured people. Every good thing is liable to abuse, sin is in the abuse but not in the proper use ; and when our children as soon as they are in their teens must be taken by couples in cabs to society dances, when the period of boyhood and girlhood is jumped over and we have only children and then a lot of little old men and women, when life is spent in learning how to make and serve the latest salad, and when every week whole after¬ noons are spent regularly in playing at cards, are not all these things which are good in their proper use carried to an extreme ? Can we fancy