Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 5 of those read), 1889

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 5 of those read)

O sooner had the forniation of \'anderj/«» buri^h countv been authorized b}' law than Hugh McGary took, steps to secure the estabhshment of a post-office at the infant village of Evansville. In the cabin of the dauntless colonel, (juarters for the new institution were provided, and the founder of the town was chosen as postmaster, his commission bearing date February 20th, 1818. He conducted the postal affairs here until June loth, 1819, when he was succeeded in office by Ansel Wood, who in turn gave way on the 9th day of September, 1820, to Jacob Zimmerman. Subsequently William Warner, a well-known pioneer, was appointed to discharge the duties of the ottice, then demanding but little time and attention, the date of his appointment being February loth, 1822. His successor, November 2d, 1823, was Harley B. Chandler. For ten or a dozen vears, during which the growth of Evansville was hardh' appreciable, the postoffice was an institution of but little importance. In later vears its growtli and the measure of its facilities for giving efficient services to the people have been commensurate with the expansion of the town and city in other directions.

About 1835, Charles Bowen became postmaster, and upon the election of \"an Buren to the presidency, F. E. Goodsell was appointed and served from 1S37 to 1841, when he was succeeded by Daniel Chute, who held the office under Harrison and T\ler from that time until 1845. For four years thereafter, during the administration of President Polk, the postmaster was Benjamin F. Dupuy. In 1849, William II. Chandler, a prominent citizen and for some time prior to the date named, editor of the yoiinnil, succeeded Mr. Dupuy. Prior to this time, appointments were made h\ the first assistant postmaster general, - but Evansville had now become a citv, and the business of the office had increased to such proportions that the manner of the appointtnent was changed, the president naming the officers with the advice and consent of the senate. Mr. Chandler, the first to serve by direct nomination of the president, remained in office until 1853, when he gave way to Benjamin Stinson, who, after four years, was succeeded b}- Christopher R. Rudd. Through appointment b\' President Lincoln, James II. McNeelv assumed control of the office May ist, 1861, and at the expiration of his term being reappointed, served until 1867, when he was removed for political reasons by President Johnson, Azariah T. Whittlesey being named as his successor. Mr. Whittlesey was superseded in 1869 by Col. John W. Foster, who served until 1873, when he resigned to enter the diplomatic ser\ice of his countiw. President Grant filled the vacancy occasioned b}' this resignation by the appointment of Theoc^ dore R. McFerson April ist, 1873, whose successor was F. M. Thayer, who at length resigned, H. S. Bennett being appointed to fill the \acancy. Upon the election of Grover Cleveland to the presidency J. W. Lauer succeeded to the otlice and is the present incumbent.

In earlv times tlie post-otlice was located at the residence or place of business of the incumbent, and was changed with each new appointment. It was first at the house of Hutih McGarv, then at the tavern of Ansel Wood, and later at the office of Jacob Zimmerman, who was a justice of the peace. When Mr. Goodsell was postmaster the office was kept in a two-story frame building at the corner of First and Sycamore streets, and later was removed to the corner of First and Main streets on the present site of the First National Bank. Under Mr. Dupuy it was moved to Locust street near the Washington market, and under Mr. Chandler went back to First street. In 1S61, when Mr. McNeely took the otHce, it was located in a room on the south side of First street, between Main and Locust streets. In 1862, it was removed to the corner room in Chandler's block, at the corner of First and Locust streets, and in 1865, was established in the building now occupied bv the criminal court, formerly the Locust Street Methodist Episcopal church. Again, in 1869, it was removed to the opera-house building on Locust street, below First, where it remained until the government building was erected at the co'-ner of Second and Svcamore streets. This is one of the most imposing edifices in Evansville, and furnishes commodious apartments for tlie postmaster, the surveyor of customs, collector of internal revenue, United States court. United States inspectors of steamboats, and all other government officers. The need of this building was long felt at Evansville before its erection was commenced. In'iS72, the increasing business of the government at this point led congress to provide for the erection of a suitable building. Messrs. W. M. Aikin, D. J. Macke\', Jolm W. Foster, M. Henning and Philip Ilornbrook, were appointed to select a site, and upon their recommendation the east side of the block now used, 150x144 feet, was purchased. In 1S74, **" equal amount of adjoining territory was purchased, extending the site to Vine street. The total value of the ground was about $120,000.00, of which the government paid $99,000.00, the remainder being donated h\ owners of neighboring propert\'. The law, as at first passed, appropriated $100,000, and limited the cost of the building to $200,000.00. In 1873, the limit was fixed at $300,000.00, and an additional $50,000.00 was appropriated.

The building was erected with James H. McNeely as superintendent of construction, Charles Pierce as contractor, and Joseph K. Frick as resident architect, at a cost within the amount appropriated. Subsequently $25,000.00 were expended in the improvement of the grounds, etc.

Evansville was made a port of entry in 1S56, through the instrumentality of Judge Charles I. Battell, William Brown Butler and other leading citizens. William Brown was the first surveyor, receiving his appointment from President Fillmore. For some time very little business was done, the chief importers being Babcock Bros. Staples in hardware and (jueensware were the principal imports. All trace chains and like articles were brought from beyond the seas. The officer here was vested with limited powers until June 10, iSSo, when by law, powers equal to tliose enjoyed by any other port of entry in the United States were granted. June 21, 1880, the secretary of the treasurjdecided that Evansville did not transact sufficient business to have right of " immediatj.

Federal And Municipal

transportation," but in April, i8S8, this suspended right was fulH' restored. Those who succeeded Mr. Brown as surveyor have been : Col. Charles Denby, Dr. Isaac Casselberry, Maj. A. L'. Robinson, Philip Hornbrook, Joseph C. Jewell, and Maj. J. B. Cox, w^ho has held the office since September, 1886.

In addition to the postmaster and the surveyor of customs, the following officials are accommodated with ample quarters in the the custom house building: James K. Minor, Deputy Collector U. S. Internal Revenue, Seventh District of Indiana; C.J, Murphv, U. S. Inspector of Steamboat Hulls; John H. Moore, U. S. Inspector of Steamboat Boilers; James W. Wartraan. Deputy Clerk U. S. Court and U. S. Commissioner; Thos. J. Groves, Deputy U. S. Marshal.

Cily Goveniincnt. - Prior to the receipt of its charter as a cit\' the village of E\ansvilie was governed as an incorporated town. Its trustees from time to time have been named in other connections. Since 1847 it has been controlled b^' a mayor and common council. The mayors have been: James G. Jones, 1847 to 1852; John S. Hopkins, 1853 to 1S55; John Hewson, 1856 to 1858; William Baker, 1859 to 1867; William H. Walker, 1S68 to 1870; E. G. Van Riper, appointed to fill a vacancy occasioned bv the death of Mayor Walker, who died September 9, 1870; William Baker, 1871 to May 23, 1872, when he died, the vacancy thus occasioned being filled h\ the election of Charles H. Butterfield, at a special election held June 8, 1872, who, being re-elected, served until 1874; John J. Kleiner, ^^74 to 1879; Thomas C. Bridwell, 1880 to 1S85; John H. Dannettell, 1886, term expires 1889.

Thomas J. Groves and John Ingle; Third ward, Henr.y Stockfleth and William Koelling; Fourth ward, William He\'ns and George Koch; Fifth ward, F. J. Scholz and A. C. Rosencranz; Sixth ward, Albert Johann and William W. Ross. The present officers are: James H. Foster, auditor; George N. Wells, treasurer; James R. Ferguson, clerk; H. A. Mattison, attorney; John J. Marlett, assessor: M. C. McCutchan, surveyor.

Police Depart iii:nt. - Lfnti! the cit\- charter was granted, and, indeed for nearly twent}' years thereafter, constables and a city marshal were depended on to preserve order and protect the property of citizens. From 1857 to 1863 Edward S. Martin was city marshal. In 1863 two policemen were appointed. These were Philip Klein, at present the \eteran chief of the fire department, and George Gates. Some time later four others were added to this force, but there was no chief, save the mayor, and each ran his beat as directed \)\ the mayor in person. In 1865 Mr. Klein was elected wharfmaster, and, while serving in this capacity, was called by the mayor and council to act at the head of the police department, which suddenly-, in an emergency, was increased to thirt\--six men. The occasion for this was the haniriny of two colored men to a lamp post, near the court-house, b\- a mob, for an allcired offense of which one of them at least was, after his death, admitted to have been innocent by his accuser. When peace was permanently restored, the force was reduced to six men, and, in addition to their duties as policemen, these were charged with operating the fire department, such as it was at that time. In 1867 Philip Klein was elected marshal, and retained his position at the head of the police force. His successors were, in 1868, Edward S. Martin and, in 1869, Christian Wunderlich. The growth of the citv now demanded a better system of police surveillance, and the construction and management of a proper police force were intrusted to the citv council. Philip Klein, who had alread\- rendered such efficient service, was made chief under the new plan, and the force was increased to tvvent\--two men. His successors were Henr\- Avres, Peter Roesner and Joseph App. This system prevailed until replaced, in 18S4, by the metropolitan system, which provides for the appointment of three police commissioners bv the governor and state officers, who appoint the policemen in e.jual numbL'rs from tiie two political parties, thus securing as nearly as practicable a non-partisan force. The first of these commissioners were: Dr. M. Muhlhausen, Edward E. Law and J. A. Lemcke; the present commissioners are Edward E. Law, Alexander H. Foster and Adolph Goeke, with F. D. Morton as secretary. The first chief under the metropolitan system was Frank Pritchett, his successor being George W. Newitt, the present incumbent. The police force at present is composed of forty men, well officered and finely disciplined The captains of the force are Charles Wunderlich and Fred II. Brennecke; the surgeon, Isaiah Wilton. This department has always maintained a high degree of efficiency. Its skill in the detection of crime, and its fearlessness in confronting and dealing with criminals, has been such as to secure to the citizens of Exansville immunity, to a great extent, from the depredations of law-breakers. While the city is not without many offenders against the majesty of the law, and while some citizens at times may have felt grieved at the existence of unremedied evils, yet, on the whole, the record achieved by the police of Evansville, in their individual official capacities and as a combined force, has been good.

F'irc Department . - In earU' da\s there was no organized force to resist the ra\ages of fire. A conflagration called out all citizens, who hurried pell-mell with buckets, ladders, etc., to aid in fighting the flames, it makitig little difference whether the fire occurred during the day or night. At such times women and children congregated about the scene of destruction to render such aid as was in their power or to enjoy such majestic or ridiculous sights as might be produced bv the flames or some wit of the occasion. The most severe fire of early times was that which in 1S42 swept from existence all the houses on the east side of Main street betv/een Water and First. In 1847 when the community had attained the rank and dignity of a cit}- a hand engine was introduced. This first fire engine excited the intense admiration of the citizens and especially of the young men belonging to the force volunteered to work it. It was named "Union," but subsequently became known as the " Lamasco.'' After rendering valuable service here it was sold to the town of Tell City, where it is believed to be in use to this day. Improvement in this department was rapid; b\' 1S52 the city possessed five engines, manned wholly by volunteers, who received no pay. At the head of the organization at first was the well-known citizen, Joseph Turnock. Although this department was as efficient as it was possible for it to be, and was composed of gentlemen, many of them the first young men of the place, the city grew so rapidly that means for better protection from fire was soon recognized as a necessity. The first steam engine was introduced in 1S64, and in the following year another was' obtained, and by 1S67 the use of hand engines was done awav with. When the first steam engine was purchased bv the city the mayor was cx-offieio chief of the fire department. The duties of this position, however. Mayor Baker intrusted to Philip Klein, then at the head of the city's small police force. The engmes were manned by the policemen and such men as the chief could employ on the streets. Cisterns were dug in the streets of the city, and these furnished the water supply. The inability of such an agenc}' to cope successfully with a fire, well under wa\', is apparent, but this mode of protecting the city continued until the water-works were constructed in 1S71. At that time the old engines were sold and replaced by a rotary engine, the water supply coming from the mains of the water-works system. This new engine was called "Lamasco," in remembrance of old times and in honor of its predecessor, the first hand engine. Col. William E. Hollingsworth became chief of this department in its improx'ed condition. Others who have occupied the position ha\'e been: Thomas Hopkins, Benjamin Niehaus, William Bedford, jr., Thomas Bullen, and Philip Klein, who has been chief since April, 1S87. For more than twenty-five years this yeteran has been connected with this department, and his efficiency is acknowledged b}' all. There are fifty-seven men on the force, all stationed in the several hose houses, and subject to call at all hours. The J>i!V sysfcii/ was adopted January i, 1888, by which sufficient compensation is given to claim the entire time of the employe. Prior to that date a portion of the force, under what was called the niinicr svsfe/i/, followed various pursuits, and were required to report for dut}- only when the fire alarm was sounded. There are ten hose houses, so distributed throughout the city as to afford adequate protection to all localities. The three engines owned are seldom used, except in case of a dangerous tire in the heart of the city, the water-works furnishing a sufficient supph'of water for all ordinary purposes. The department is provided with two chemical engines, one hook and ladder truck, six

I taining this department is about $45,000.00. The entire force is well disciplined and efficient. Its training and \alor have been displayed on many occasions. The largest j fires with which it 'has had to contend in late years have been that in August, 1887, of the Armstrong furniture factory and Reitz lumber yards, and that in November, 1SS7, on First street, below Main, which consumed property valued at more than $200,000.00. This great conflagration, reaching to both

I sides of the street, was under control in about two hours from the sounding of the alarm. The force is so well trained that a fire in any part of the city can be reached with one or two reels within three minutes, and by actual test it has been demonstrated that the hose carriages can be run se\en squares, and a heavy volume of water be put in full play, within one minute and fifty seconds from the soundin<r of the alarm.

Wa/cr-zvorks. - Evansville built her own water-works in 187 1 at a first cost of $300,- 000, to which has been added since something over $180,000, making the total cost over $480,000. The first plan, owing to the rapid growth of the city, soon became

I inadequate to supph' the ever-increasing demand, and additions have several times been made, the last in 1882, when the capacity of the pumps was nearly doubled. No more striking evidence of the growth of the industrial enterprises and the population of Evansville is afforded than the fact that the water capacity, thus increased only six 3'ears ago, is now taxed to its utmost to keep up the supph'.

Public Institutions

I lolly Manufacturing Company of Lockport, N. Y. There are thirty-eight miles of mains, with a pumping capacity per day of 5,000,- 000 gallons. There are 1,549 consumers. Under this system water is now used for tire purposes, delivered from the plugs under direct pressure from the main pumps at the water-works station. The water-works suppl\-, for all purposes, 1,460,000,000 gallons annually, or within twenty per cent of the full capacity of the pumps. The property is located on l^pper Water street between Oak and Mulberry, fronting 225 feet and running back to the Ohio river at low water mark, about 700 feet. 'I'he building is a brick and stone structure three stories high, built in the modern French st3-le of architecture with a mansard roof and a tower observatory. Hie building was received from the contractors b\' the city council, June I, 1872. The trustees since 18S5, when the management of the works was entrusted to a board of trustees, have been: John Hane}', M. Moran, Fred leaker, James I Taylor, Henry F. Froelich, and Alexander Jack, the three last named constituting the present board of trustees, with Noah Riggs as clerk.

l^nblic Bitildiiii(i. - For man}* years Evansville possessed no buildings devoted exclusively to the transaction of the public business. The mayor's office was at his house or at some place of private business suggested bv the convenience of that official. The town council first met at the house of Hugh McGary, and afterward, when the town had grown to some importance, in an old building on Second street, between Main and Locust, where the Courier building now stands. At one time a small brick building, erected by the county on its public square for the use of the county officers, was gi\en up to the town officers for occupancy, but immediately thereafter the burning of the court-house forced them to vacate, to give room for the county officials who were driven out by the fire. In later years the council was wont to assemble in an upper room at the Locust Street Methodist Episcopal church, now the Superior court building, and there held their sessions. About 1 868 the city purchased the lot on the mrthwest corner of Third and Walnut streets, on which there was standing at the time a brick building of small size, into which the city offices were moved. At length, howexer, the growth of the city demanded better facilities for the conduct of its constantly increasing business, and more secure receptacles for the safe-keeping of its valuable records and papers than those afforded by this small building, not at first designed for the purposes which it was being forced to serve and without any of the conveniences or necessities appertaining to a public building. Plans for a new structure, prepared bv Levi S. Clarke, architect, were adopted, and the contract for building was let to Adam Weichell. The building was completed and received earlj' in 1887, and cost, including the engine house about $42,000. It is a handsome edifice of pressed brick with white stone trimmings, with its main entrance on Third street. A lofty tower adds beauty to the structure and affords to the public the convenience of a clock whose large dial can be seen for several squares. It is substantiall}' built and handsomely finished throughout. On the lower or main floor are commodious and convenient!}' arranged offices for the city officers; while above are the council chamber, the mayor's offices and apartments for some other officials. The edifice is an ornament to the city, and strikingly evidences the wisdom of the administration under which it was built. To the north of the city hall, facing Walnut street, is another handsome building - pohce headquarters and city jail - and to the west, facing Third street, a well designed and neatl}- built engine house. These public buildings, costing in the aggregate about $50,000, in their completeness and beauty bespeak the wealth of the community as well as its progressive spirit.

Public Improvements. - For man}- 3-ears Evansville, like other villages, paid no attention to the improvement of its streets and pavements. In winter the streets were <renerallv in that mirv condition so common to the dirt roads of early days. The ri\-er front was unimproved, except by the protection of the bank, and the construction of a cartway, until 184S. The public square was not graded by the county authorities until the town had attained a considerable size and some importance. The street crossings were generally made of stones, set on end, a good step apart, which one was seldom able to find after dark. But with the dignit}' that came of being called and known as a city, public improvements were commenced, and from that time forward vigorously prosecuted. The principal streets were at first paved, and the work in this line has been kept up until at present there are over thirty miles of graveled and paved streets. Those in the business portion of the city are bouldered, while those leading through residence sections are formed of gravel so laid and pressed by steam-rollers, as to form a smooth, durable highwa\-. The first sewer constructed in the city was that under Di\-ision street, and from the river extended about eight squares when completed. The system of sewerage in the city now is very fine, no pains having been spared by those in authority to provide a perfect drainage. The citv is on an elevated site, thus having a natural declivity toward the river which renders the sewers

The Street Railway Company was incorporated in 1S67., and has furnished a service from that time to this such as the growing demands of the citv would justitv. The company operates its cars by horse power, and has laid down about thirty-six miles of track, traversing the principal business streets, and extending into the suburbs in all directions. The development of the suburbs followin<j the extension of the street car lines has been phenomenal. Within the past five years, immense tracts of land have been laid off into lots, and built up with a good class of houses, most of them the residences of mechanics and laboring men, who, with a few exceptions, own them. Through the efforts of a progressive and considerate management the public is favored with excellent street car service.

All of the principal streets of the city lead out onto roads that are graveled for manv miles. While this work has been done by the count}-, the city is such a beneficiarv that in its history these splendid roads of perhaps 100 miles in length and all free to the pubhc, deserve a mention at least. It seems appropriate, also, in this connection, to speak briefly of the improvement of the Ohio river in front of the city. For some years a sand-bar, because of its annual accretions, threatened to extend itself alontr the entire front of the citv. Indeed, it attained such an extent that steamers were compelled to go far down the river and come up to the wharves on the inside of the bar. Under the direction of Major Merrill, chief engineer of the Ohio River Survey, and Mr. Charles B. Bateman, assistant engineer, a dike extending 1,500 feet from the IvLMitucky sliorc and so constructed as to throw the current of the river against the sand-bar, was completed in 1874 after two \ears" hihor at a cost of if35,ooo. The effectiveness of the work has been demonstrated by the entire removal of the obstruction which it was designed to wash awav.

T/ic City G.n- Works and Electric Liohts. - The Evansville City Gas-works were established in 1852 under a charter from the legislature of Indiana, the original capital stock being placed at $50,000. The first works were built b}' John Jeffrey & Company, contractors, and the first officers were : Clarence J. Keats, president, and John J. Chandler, secretary. This was during the mayoraltv of Hon. James G. Jones, and only five years after the city's incorporation. Commencing with onh' 115 consumers the circumstances were very unfavorable, and manv of the most intelligent citizens doubted the proprietv of such an undertaking; and although its accomplishment was secured without an\' liability on the part of the citv, they shrunk from what was a novel and by some considered an unsafe means of furnishing artificial light. Therefore, the early history of the compaiu' was one of disaster to its stockholders, and for a number of j-ears it was difficult to meet expenses. But with the rapid progress of the citv the investment soon became a paying one. The works have grown and increased with the city: improvements and additions have been niade as the wants of the public required. To a large extent the use of gas has given way in recent years to that of electricit}-. When the practical use of electricity for furnishing artificial light had been successfully- demonstrated in other cities, a company was formed in Evansville for the purpose of introducin<r the new illuminatin"^ ajjent. Much opposition was encountered, but the progress of the age could not be wholly checked. Ultra-conservatism at length gave way and Evansville took her place in this regard among the enterprising cities of the country. The first plant was established in 1882, since which time the use of electricity has become more general every year. The gas company and the electric light company were after a short time consolidated under the corporate name of the Evansville Gas & Electric Light Company. The present officers of this company, are: F. J. Reitz, president; R. K. Dunkerson, vice-president; J. B. Hall, Jr., secretary; Samuel Bayard, treasurer; Thomas E. Garvin, R. K. Dunkerson, F. J. Reitz, Jacob Eichel, Samuel liayard and William Heilman, directors. There are now in the city about 1,600 gas consumers and about 50 electric light consumers, besides which the city is furnished by the company under special contract. The use of gas for lighting the streets is practically discontinued, though not entirely so, the use of electricity being extensively adopted. There are in the city for the proper distribution of the electric light, ten towers each 150 feet high, 13 masts, each forty feet high, and forty-six arches spanning the principal streets at their intersections.

Public Halh, Opcra-IIouscs and Places of Amusement. - In the earliest times public entertainments of various kinds were held in the iMcGarv warehouse, or at the Warner tavern. Dances were occasionally indulged in with trreat zest, and some of them were events long remembered by the participants. Theatrical performances were not provided for until after Evansville had become a city. Occasionally a traveling troupe passed through the village, and for a few evenings did a good business among a people who were ever ready to support any proper effort to relieve the monotony of pioneer life. A

Federal And Muxicipal

German theater was for a time conducted, but it was not recognized as a permanent institution. The first regular theater was opened by Martin Golden, now of New Harmonv, hid., an actor of no mean ability, whose wife, Bella Golden, was a universal favorite in southwestern Indiana when critics were not so plentiful or so caustic as they now are. and when the people were ready and willing to be entertained by a bright, versatile actress, who had a fair knowledge of the histrionic art. The first house wholly devoted to theatrical purposes was the " Apollo,"' subsequently called " Mozart Hall."' It stood on First street, between Vine and Svcamore streets, in the rear of the old homestead of Edward Hopkins. Martin Golden began the management of the Apollo in the latter part of the fifties, and continued it through the civil war period. Entertainments were given every week-day evening and were well patronized. Indeed, these were the palmy days of the theatrical profession in this city. This Mozart Hall was the scene of a terrible tragedy, not represented on its stage, but actual, and costing three lives. Two brothers, John Paul Evans and Robert M. Evans, grandsons of Gen. Evans, for whom the town was named, attacked one another with revolvers and both were shot to death. The fight was the result of an old feud. An innocent bystander, Solomon Gumberts, a young man, was also killed by one of the shots.

The Evansville Opera-house, located at the corner of First and Locust streets, was built in 1867 and 1868, and opened for business in September, of the latter year. The total cost of the building and site was $107,- 000. It is built of brick, fronted with Green river marble, and was designed by Bo3-d & Mursinna, architects. It has a seating capacity for about 1,000 persons. At the time of its construction it was ample for the needs of the cit}'. The degree of its success has varied from time to time. However, the anticipations of its builders have ne\er been realized. The complex nature of the city's population renders it extremely difficult to secure attractions interesting to all classes of citizens. Perhaps because of this, as much as of anything else, in late years the opera-house has not been all that could be desired as a business investment. It has been fairly managed and its entertainments have been of the highest class. Recently the manager, Thomas J. Groves, has had plans prepared for a complete remodeling of the house, which, when carried out, will make of it a first-class place of entertainment.

At the present time the Business Men's Association is building a magnificent structure at a cost of $100,000.00, the main feature of which is an auditorium for theatrical and operatic purposes which will probabl)' supply all reasonable demands for several years to come.

Evans Hall, corner of Fifth and Locust streets, is dex'oted principally to temperance work. The lot was donated by Mrs. Saleta Evans, and the building was erected in 1878 b\' the friends of temperance to the memory of Gen. Robert M. Evans. Mr. J. K. Frick was the architect, and the board of trustees was made up of the following gentlemen: J. M. Shackelford, D. J. Mackey, J. K. Brownelle, W. F. Nisbet, Wm. Heilman, W. J. Darby, O. F. Jacob!, John A. Reitz and Isaac Keen. There have been been many public halls in the city, some of which are mentioned in other connections, a sufficient number-, in fact, to furnish varied places of amusement at all times. Liederkranz Hall, on Fourth street near Vine, the Ice Palace, on Third street, between Locust and Walnut streets, are the principal of those now in use. Many halls

Halls And Fabks

C/Vv Parks. - Evansville is noted for the number and beaut^^ of its shade trees. Most of the streets, excepting those which are devoted exclusive!}' to the purposes of business, are lined on either side b}' a luxuriant growth. There are also manv beautiful private lawns in the portions of the city occupied b}- those whose wealth gives them a larger share of comforts than is enjoyed by the average citizen. Even the homes of the poor are not crowded together and forced to front upon the verv edge of the pavement as is the case in many cities. For these reasons, perhaps, the public parks, those resting places so essential to the comfort of the people in most cities, have not received a great deal of attention in their care and arrangement. Some steps, however, have been taken in this direction and there are a few breathing places where one mav rest and enjov some of nature's beauties. Sunset Park is a triangular piece of property located on the river bank in the upper portion of the city. Some attempt at its ornamentation has been made. It commands a charming view of the river, and, as indicated bv its name, affords a good view of sunsets, which in their splendor here rival those peculiar to the " glorious climate" of California. Western Park, Lamasco Park and Central Park are set apart for the use of the public, and by proper effort may be made pleasant resorts. For many years there were quite a number of handsome groves and woodlands in convenient proximitv to the city, forming popular resorts, among which were Parrett's grove and Blackford's grove, but they have been forced to yield before the city's march of progress, vmtil now verv few of their primeval trees are left. Their original sites are being fast occupied by the homes of the people. The most beautiful woodland near the city limits is Garvin's grove, comprising thirty-five acres and possessing great natural beaut}-. Here are held the public entertainments and assemblies of large size. The reunion of the Blue and the Gray in 18S7, the military encampment of 1888, and political meetings of vast proportions have found this grove a most convenient and suitable place for their use.

For many years the vSalt Wells Park though not owned by the public, has been devoted to its use, and because of its popularity as a place of resort as well as its connection with the city's early historv, deserves notice. The first settlers of Vanderburgh county made their own salt. At the proper season they repaired, in squads, to the saline bank of Shawneetown, where thev made the salt by evaporation and carried it home in bags on horseback. In the course of a fewyears,when trading boats began to pass along the river, they were enabled to procure salt which had been manufactured on the Kanawha river. This was exceedingly expensive, and efforts were early made to make practical use of the salt spring at Pigeon creek, which, as narrated by Mr. Ira Fairchild, were as follows : " It was in the fall of the year 1S22, I think, that three or four gentlemen came from the saline works back of Shawneetown for the purpose of making an examination of the salt spring on Pigeon creek, of which they had heard. The strangers came to see my father. They had examined the water of the little rivulet ; that ran over the rocky formation composing the creek bank, and being men experienced in the manufacture of salt, were disposed to try the experiment of salt making at this point. Elisha Harrison, an enterprising citizen, and some other residents whom I do not clearly remember, became impressed with the views advanced by the visitors and joined in the enterprise. A company was formed bv them and the business of borinfif the salt well was undertaken. My father was engaged to make the augers and other necessary machinery for sinking the tube through the rock and earth. A shaft was sunk to the depth uf a few feet when the rock was found. Into this shaft a curbing was inserted, made, as I distinct!}^ remember, of the trunk of a hollow sycamore tree. This tree grew on the lands of the late Judge William Olmstead, not far from the place where Olmstead's saw-mill was afterward erected. I remember verv well the day it was cut down. Among those present were Judge Olmstead, David Negley, Elisha Harrison and Col. Seth Fairchild. Before chopping down the hollow svcamore the undergrowth was cleared away, and huge piles of brush laid along the track where the tree was to be felled, so that the fall would be in a measure broken, and the trunk thereby prevented from splitting. Great anxiet\- was manifested, by the persons present to secure a perfect section for well-curbing purposes. In those davs a well-curb made to order could not be obtained for the asking. When the tree fell, \\ithout injury to the hollow trunk, there was a livelv expression of satisfaction. The section needed at the salt well was cut off and floated to its destination on a raft. After obtaining a sufficient curb the machinery was put in operation and the well was steadily bored into the earth. When a depth of 322 feet had been reached, a volume of water was secured, which was deemed sufficient for the experiment of salt making. Some rude sheds had been erected and conveniences arranged for boiling. Had the managers stopped at this point, it is possible that salt works, on a moderate scale, might be in operation on the grounds at the present da\-. The first salt made was of an excellent quality, and was in large demand. But the managers concluded they could do better by sinking the well to a greater depth. Accordingly, the following 3"ear, they began boring deeper, and at the depth of 577 feet thev struck a new vein which proved their destruction. A larger volume of water was procured, and it contained saline properties: but at the same time it contained something else. Apparently, firstrate salt was produced, but it gradually dissolved when exposed to the open air and was utterlv worthless for the purpose of curing meat. Mr. Worsham, who resided on the Kentuckv side of the river, dressed several head of fat hogs and packed the meat with Evansville salt. In a few da}'s it was disco\ered that some chemical propert3' in the salt had eaten the rind or skin entirely off the dressed pork, while the flesh was not penetrated or in any way affected, except to be covered with a coat of dripping slime. Thus ended the experiment of manufacturing salt on the banks of Pigeon creek. The buildings fell into decay, and in two or three years the ground became overgrown with a dense patch of brush. For j^ears afterward the site of the salt works was an uninviting thicket of natural vegetation. After remaining a waste place for a period of nearly twenty years, the property passed into the possession of Nathan Rowley. He, in company with Thomas Gifford, who had then recentljarrived in this country from England, cleared up the grounds, erected buildings, and opened the salt wells as a private park or pleasure resort, about the year 1842." In 1848 Mr. Gifford retired from the management of the place, which soon afterward passed into the hands of William Bates. It sold at that time for $12,000.00, and subsequently, in 1867, was purchased b)- the street railway company. The artesian spring at the park was