Noblesville Township

Early Settlement

The city of Xoblesville is the county seat of Hamilton county. It is situated on the east bank of White river on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 31, township 19 north, range 5 east. There were twenty-six squares in the original plat, not including fractional lots, the lots being sixtvsix by one hundred thirty-two feet and the alleys sixteen and one-half feet.

About 1821 a lawyer from the East of the name of Josiah F. Polk came to the settlement near Horseshoe prairie. He and William Conner who qpickly became friends, concluded that the future county seat would be located at or near the present site of Xoblesville. Relying upon this conclusion they entered all the land necessary for such location, in order that they might be in a situation to offer inducements by way of donations for public buildings and similar improvements. The events of the next few years proved the accuracy of their foresight.

The town was laid out by William Conner and Josiah F. Polk in January, 1823. As Mr. Polk was then an unmarried man, but with prospects of soon becoming a Benedict, he then being betrothed to Miss Lavina Xoble of Indi¬ anapolis, he asked the privilege of naming the new town. This favor was granted and accordingly he named the town Xoblesville in honor of his lady love.

The first house built in Xoblesville was for this same Mr. Polk, the struc¬ ture being erected by William Bush. In the first garden attached to this house or log cabin, the owner caused vegetables to be sown so as to spell the name of Miss Xoble. This is said to have so angered the young lady in question that she refused to marry Mr. Polk, but the name of the town still stood the same.

A Conflict Of Opinion

Authorities differ as to the naming of Xoblesville. The above is the version of Mr. Shirts and other early historians. Others, however, claim the town was named after Senator James Noble. Perhaps both in a measure are correct for Mr. Polk gave the town its name before it was chosen as the county seat. When the town site was chosen as the county seat and it then was discovered that the young lady had "gone back on" Mr. Polk, perhaps people in general as well as later historians considered Senator Noble a more fitting sponsor for the new town. The following incident is told concerning Noblesville at this early date. William Ritchie and his wife were traveling through this part of the country one day when they saw a lonely log cabin in a small clearing. Mrs. Ritchie exclaimed, "What a nice log house here in the woods!" to which Mr. Ritchie replied sarcastically, "This is Noblesville."

In March, 1824, a majority of the commissioners appointed to select a site for the county seat of Hamilton county, to-wit : Martin M. Ray, Benjamin J. Blythe and John Sample after examining all the available sites as well as inducements offered by other settlements except Strawtown, located the county seat at Noblesville, since which time Noblesville has remained as such. As an inducement Conner and Polk donated one-half of the lots owned by them for public improvements and public buildings, throwing in the public square and the fractional lots along White river for good measure.

Early Additions

Subsequent additions were made to the original plat as necessity de¬ manded. The first addition was made by William A. Emmons in May 19, 1838, comprising four squares between Division street on the north and Vine street on the south. Other early additions were made by F. W. Emmons, Jacob Good, John D. Cottingham, Griffin Shaw and others.

A post office was established in Noblesville in 1823, with John D. Stephen¬ son as postmaster. The establishment of the post office was the first business done in town, and the duties of the office were so little pressing that the post¬ master could perform not only these but the further duties of the clerk of the court at the same time. Postmaster Stephenson was married to Miss Lavina Ross about 1824 and settled in Noblesville. To this union was born Malvina, the first female child born in Noblesville.

Among the early settlers of Noblesville were, Dr. John Finch, the first physician in the county, who died a few years later. F. B. Cogswell owned and operated the first tan yard, described elsewhere. Dr. H. W. Clark was another early physician. His cabin was erected on the north ,side of the square. In 1827 George -Shirts opened the first tavern in town, situated on

The first school was conducted by R. L. Hannaman in a cabin on the corner of Maple avenue and Eighth street. A man by the name of Thomp¬ son, presided over the second school in the same place. Later a cabin on the corner of Tenth and Clinton streets was utilized for school purposes and a Mr. Simpson taught the youth of Noblesville in this building for several years. Next the school was moved to Sixth street and from there to a brick building on Logan street about two squares from the court house. T. J. Kane and P. C. Lawyer succeeded Simpson as teacher of the younger generation of Nobles¬ ville.

Early Industries

Among the early blacksmiths of Noblesville we find the names of Joseph Willason, William Finch, Israel Finch and John Pontius. To be a black¬ smith in those days required skill as well as brawn and muscle. From an iron rod a blacksmith of that time forged and turned all the horseshoes and horse¬ shoe nails used in his shop. He pounded iron into shape and manufactured from it all necessary articles incident to his business from bolts and taps to log chains.

The early shoe makers included the names of George Shirts, Jabaz Ross, Joseph Messick, Nathan Messick, Ebenezer Ridgeway, James Messick, Jr., and L. N. Granger. As with the other early artisans the shoemakers made their own pegs and wax. Mr. Shirts from- "first hand information/' his father being the first shoemaker, tells how the pegs were made. "A stick of sugar tree was taken from the wood pile and sawed into blocks the length of the pegs to be used. These were split into pieces the width of a peg. They were dried by the fire, then taken in bunches and held in the left hand. With the right hand the point of a shoe knife was inserted in a lap-board, the handle remaining in the hand. The material held in the left hand was then placed on the board immediately under the knife blade. The knife was worked with the right hand splitting the material into pegs. They also manufactured the wax used in such trade."

T. T. Butler, Perry, Shaw, Westerfield, Hull and Haines. Among the first merchants were William Conner, J. D. Stephenson, F. B. Cogswell, R. J. Conner, Moses Massey, J. K. Learning, R. L. Hannaman, J. Lutz, Joshua Cottingham, A. P. Cassler, Ross, Cole, McDonald and others. A Mr. Guy and Charles Swain were the first harness makers. J. M. Mallery operated a turning lathe, manufactured all the chairs, tables and other furniture used at that time. In connection with his furniture establishment he did the under¬ taking of the town and vicinity. Ross & Martin also made furniture. The Wainwright's have the distinction of running the first tinware, stove and agri¬ cultural implement business, their first location being on the corner of Conner and Eighth streets, on the west side of Eighth street. Nearly seventy years ago Wesley Hare established a wagon and buggy manufactory, in a small log cabin. He began the business at the bottom in a small way and worked up. There was no machinery in those days to help him. All his work was done by hand, the broad axe, mallet, chisel, augers and such tools were the imple¬ ments of his trade. It was hard, up hill work but he persevered and his busi¬ ness prospered. Larger quarters becoming necessary, he removed his shop to a frame building at the corner of Conner and Tenth streets, after which his business increased more rapidly than before. Some time in the fifties the firm changed to Hare & Heylman, and continued under this firm name for many years when the partnership was dissolved. Wesley Hare continued in one line of business longer than any man in Noblesville, remaining, up to the time of his death about ten years ago, the senior member of the firm.

Early Building Activities

Between the years 1830 and 1840 a number of cabins were erected in various parts of town by persons wishing to make their homes in Noblesville and were occupied as residences. Situated on the public square, elsewhere described in this volume, was the frame court house. The jail occupied the northwest corner and in 1832 a brick building known as the recorder's office was erected on the southwest corner. Business rooms also were built at vari¬ ous points around the public square. About 1835 B. F. Cogswell sold his tan yard, heretofore described, to Pleasant Williams. He then built a building, part business room and part residence, on the north side of the square. Mr. Williams removed the log cabin which had been the first tan yard, and built a frame residence in its stead. The first brick residence, a one-story building, was erected by Albert B. Cole about 1835. It ls situated on the corner of Eighth and Maple avenue and was used as a residence for many years.

I98 , Hamilton County, Indiana

About the years 1840, 1842 and 1843 the frame business rooms on the west side of the square which have recently been torn down and replaced by more modern structures, were erected respectively by William Conner, T. T. Butler, Guy Daubenspeck, and William Wooster. About 1848 Daniel Hare erected a frame business room on the corner of Conner and Ninth streets, in which he carried on his business until his death in 1850. About this time Dr. Shaw built the brick building known for years as the "Old Corner Drug Store." This building was condemned and torn down in the summer of 1914. Across the street on the lot now occupied by the Citizens State Bank, J. L. and W. N. Evans erected a frame business room. The timber and lumber for this building was framed at Augusta, Marion county, and hauled from that point on wagons. Other brick buildings were erected at various places. One which stood where the First National Bank now stands was used as a grocery up to a few years ago. It was built by William Conner and Massey.

In accordance with the provisions of an act of the general assembly of Indiana approved January 13, 1851, Noblesville was incorporated and known by the name of the corporation of Noblesville. Also in accordance with sec¬ tion two of that act an election was held to see in what favor the proposed corporation was held by the citizens and also to elect officers necessary for an incorporated town. The vote for incorporation stood fifty-four to two in favor. The result of the election of officers was as follows : Mayor, David Moss; councilmen, J. M. Mallery, I. B. Loehr, Jesse Lutz, I. D. Stephenson, William Banchart; treasurer, John J. Cox; secretary, J. J. Patterson resigned and E. R. Cole was appointed in his place; marshal, Emery Powell: street commissioner, Joseph A. Messick.

On April 5, 1851, the first meeting of the town council was held, but no business other than perfecting the organization was transacted. J. D. Stephen¬ son, Jesse Lutz and David Moss were appointed to draft ordinances for the new corporation.

On April 21 following. Douglass Dale was appointed town engineer and on the 8th of May the committee on ordinances reported, their report being accepted. At the meeting of June 26, Jesse Sparks was appointed sexton of the burying ground and Elijah Cottingham was appointed town engineer. It was ordered also that the regular meetings of the council be held on the first Thursday in each month at the office of the mayor, David Moss.

henceforth incorporated in accordance with an act passed by the legislature of Indiana/' On May 28, the board met at the court house and a seal was adopted as follows : "A sheaf of wheat surrounded by the words, 'Seal of the Corporation of Noblesville/ " At the same meeting, as a precaution against fire, it was "Ordered, that each owner of a building shall procure a ladder of sufficient length to reach to the top of the tallest buildings." Richard Miller was appointed fire warden and a number of fire hooks were ordered. James O'Brien was also appointed to revise the by-laws of the corporation. Under this incorporation trustees were chosen instead of councilmen.

A Dread Visitation

In 1850 Noblesville met with quite a misfortune which retarded its pros¬ perity for some years. The town was visited by an epidemic of cholera, and many succumbed to the dread disease. Mr. Shirts ably gives us this account of the epidemic. "In the year 1850, L. N. Emmons, on his way from Wash¬ ington city to his home in Noblesville was attacked by the cholera. He died a few days after his arrival. As soon as it became known that Mr. Emmons had been attacked by the cholera fear and consternation overcame many good citizens of the town. Some of therp made their way as soon as possible to the country; others remained away from where they supposed they would likely be infected. Especially did they remain away from the stricken district and from those infected by the disease. There were, however, many noble men and womn who gave aid and comfort to the stricken ones during all their days of sorrow' and trouble. Among those who succumbed to the disease, I recall the following: Mrs. Ross, mother of Mrs. Joseph Messick, and her brother; Daniel Hare, wife and mother; Mr. A. Hare and one of his children; Andrew Passwater, Eliza Garver and two children. The citizens of Noblesville were again attacked by cholera in 1853, but the attack was not so fatal. It w^as a long time before the people recovered from the shock. Aside from the fear¬ ful loss of life, the town suffered in the loss of trade. It was a long while before the people of the surrounding country could be induced to visit Nobles¬ ville/'

The First Railroad

In 1851 the Peru and Indianapolis railroad was completed (flat bar) to Noblesville. This was a great advantage to Noblesville as well as to the com¬ munity at large. Prior to this time all shipping of grain, hogs, cattle, etc., had to be done via Lawrenceburg. The farmers had to haul their produce and drive their hogs or cattle by slow marches to the town on the Ohio in order to market them, receiving only thirty-seven and one-half to forty cents per bushel for wheat. The goods they received in exchange or bought had to be hauled home by hired teamsters, making a trip to and from Lawrenceburg or Cincinnati a most arduous and expensive one. Now the new railroad brought the advantages of a market almost to their own doors and the town and com¬ munity prospered as never before. In expectation of new business ware¬ houses were erected by the business men of the town in sufficient numbers to store the grain that would likely come to this market ready for shipment to all points over the new road and its connections. Some of the men engaged in this business at the first were J. L. and W. N. Evans, Lawyer & Hall, Philip Stoops & Sons and Leonard. The Evans brothers also were engaged in the shipping of hogs and cattle and in 1854 they erected a large flouring mill. From this time the growth of Noblesville was gradual but steady in almost every way. Then came a real golden era. With the discovery of natural gas all town lots and properties increased in value by leaps and bounds.

In 1869 the Noblesville Register published the following estimate of the business status of the town : "For the information of our patrons and friends at a distance, we give a synopsis of the kind of business done in the city, the number of business houses, churches, schools, etc.

"We have two steam flouring mills, one woolen factory, one saw mill, one stave and planing mill, eight dry goods stores, six milliner establishments, one clothing store, four tailor shops, six grocery stores, two restaurants, two bakers and confectioners, one book store, four drug stores, two harness shops, three boot and shoe shops, three meat markets, one feed store, two tin shops, one tin and stove store, three blacksmith shops, two wagon and carriage manu¬ factories. two livery and feed stables, one banker and broker, fourteen law¬ yers, six doctors, one dental surgeon, three pump makers, one cooper, one gunsmith, three barbers. We have two hotels besides carpenters, glaziers, painters, white-washers, cistern makers, plasterers, etc. Also ofie brewery, and one billiard saloon, but we have no licensed liquor saloons.

"The only thing in which we are seriously deficient at this time is good school buildings and a public hall large enough to supply the growing de¬ mands for a room of that kind. The school buildings will be supplied, as steps are now being taken to build a schoolhouse which will cost about four¬ teen thousand dollars. At that time there were within the corporation, three school buildings, of the aggregate value of three thousand five hundred dollars, and there were four hundred ninety volumes in the township library.,,

Present Business Status

At present Noblesville has a population of six thousand, is an excellent residence town with all modem conveniences for homes and business houses. City water, electric lights, natural gas, mail delivery are some of our modern conveniences. In the way of factories and business enterprises Noblesville is well supplied. The Union Sanitary Manufacturing Company, which makes all kinds of bath tubs, sinks, etc., has a monthly pay roll of four thousand dollars, and employs three hundred fifty men. The furniture factory employs seventy-five men with a payroll of seven hundred dollars per month. The American Carbon Company employs two hundred men and have a pay roll of four thousand dollars per month. The American Strawboard Company em¬ ploys two hundred men. The Noblesville Milling Company, said to be the finest in Indiana, has a capacity of twelve hundred barrels daily and employs about fifty men with an annual pay roll of thirty thousand dollars. There was a glass factory during the plentiful supply of gas, but it has been removed. W. W. Hare & Sons manufacture buggies, etc. The Heylman Buggy and Wagon Company also are in the buggy and automobile business. There are three banks, the Citizens, the First National and the American National; two trust companies, the Wainwright Trust and the Indiana Loan Association. The Hamilton Trust was organized March 20, 1905, but closed its doors January, 1915. It probably will be reorganized. The Carnegie library was built in 1912. Noblesville has thirteen churches and four school buildings.

Saloons Are Barred

Noblesville had a local option election January 26, 1909 and put the saloons out of business. At a subsequent election the result was the same. It is to be hoped the saloons have gone to stay. Noblesville has had four summer Chatauquas, the first one being held in 1911 at Brown's Grove, the three subsequent ones being held at Hines' Grove in the south part of the city. City mail delivery was established the first of October, 1902. The post office was then in a building on the north side of the square. At present the post office occupies a new building on Logan street east of Albert's shoe store.

The United States government is going to erect a post office building, but the site at the time this data was compiled had not been selected. Noblesville has eleven rural mail routes running from number one to number eleven, in¬ clusive. In 1914 the Masons erected a beautiful Masonic temple on south Ninth street. In the same year Richwine & Sons built a three-story business block with the two upper stories occupied as elegant modern flats.

The Natural Gas Boom

The discovery of natural gas in 1888 brought added prosperity to central Indiana. In this connection the following review of natural gas days pub¬ lished by the Ledger on October 30, 1914, is interesting: "It is recalled that twenty-seven years ago, Friday, the first natural gas well was developed in Indiana. This anniversary also recalls the drilling of the first well in Nobles¬ ville, many incidents connected with it being distinctly remembered by some of the older residents of this locality.

"It was located near the intersection of south Eleventh and Pleasant streets, just north of the residence now occupied by Will Stewart. It burned in the open most of the winter, because no plan, could be devised to retain the gas in the rock. It was about eight hundred and fifty feet deep. In the spring a company was organized and later the present gas plant was installed.

"Shortly after the first well was finished, the famous Wainwright Won¬ der came into existence. Then followed the Banner well, located a few rods west of the present site of the Midland depot. After that hundreds of wells were sunk in all parts of Hamilton county.

"Eventually, huge pipe lines took the bulk of the gas to Indianapolis and after a constant drain for many years, the supply gradually began to give out. Many towns in the field finally went back to coal, but Noblesville has never been without natural gas since it was discovered.

"After the gas began to disappear capitalists began to explore for oil, after many failures oil was found in paying quantities in Delaware, Jay, Blackford, Grant and other counties and the wells over there are still flowing.

"Millions of dollars were brought into Indiana by the discovery of natural gas and many towns that only had an existence on the map jumped into prominence. Noblesville never profited a great deal by the development of gas beyond the supply of cheap fuel. While the memory of the gas era in Noblesville is still fresh in the minds of the people, yet it can hardly be

" Perhaps no person is better acquainted with the early gas days of this locality than C. R. Davis. He served a great many years as secretary of the first company that was organized here. Some of the other stockholders in the first company were Jack Stephenson, Daniel Cravcraft and \V. N. Evans, all of whom are deceased."

Business Conditions

The following is a statement of local factory conditions published in the Ledger in January, 1915: "Business conditions are improving in Xoblesville. This statement is meant to apply largely to local factories. When they are running with a full force of men on the pay roll, orders rolling in and the future is bright, the hundreds of employees are happy, the merchants are benefited and there is an air of prosperity that everybody likes to see and experience. According to reports received at this office, the indications are very encouraging for the local industrial concerns to continue in operation with practically all their men on duty.

"Superintendent Jobe, of the Union Sanitary Manufacturing Company, stated Thursday that beginning next week the local factory would start eighty per cent of its men to work. This is an indication of a bright future consider¬ ing the fact that this is the company's dull season. The number of employees will be increased from time to time until February and March, when their busy season starts. Mr. Jobe says reports from the company's head office at St. Louis are flattering for a good year's business and he thinks the local factory will not be embarrassed with a temporary ^hut down. Some orders are being received now, but they are expected to start with a rush within the next thirty or forty-five days.

"The Carbon Works, Superintendent Hoen says, are now running on an order that will require two weeks to fill and other orders are being received almost daily. While not as many are being employed now as were on the pay roll a year or so ago, owing to a change of some of the machinery, yet the plant is being operated to its full capacity. After the new furnaces are rebuilt, additional help will be employed. In a general way. Superintendent Hoen says, everything is in a very satisfactory condition and the outlook is bright for a steady run during the entire new year.

"During the past few months, the American Strawboard Company has spent $50,000 on new machinery that has been placed in the local plant. This is taken as an indication that the company has faith in the future. While Superintendent Macy says he has no means of knowing how many orders the company has in general offices in the East, there is some consolation in the fact that the factory keeps going, which indicates a great deal better condition than existed a year ago, when the plant was closed down on account of lack of orders. The factory is now in operation with a full force of men and, judging the future by the past thirty days, Mr. Macy believes the prospects for a steady run during the new year are encouraging.

"The Noblesville Milling Company, known as the Model Mill, is one of the biggest concerns in the county. This mill is the outgrowth of successors of the old Evans & Sohl mill and elevator that were located northwest of the public square some twenty or twenty-five years ago.

"At first the plant consisted only of what is known as the "Old Elevator." To this was first added the brick mill, where is now installed all the machinery and where the flour and feed are manufactured. Later the brick block on the corner was bought of H. M. Caylor and it was fitted up for storage and other purposes. And last year the big cement elevator was built.

"The original capacity of the mill was two hundred barrels per day of twenty-four hours run. The capacity is not twelve hundred barrels daily. Counting five bushels of wheat per barrel of flour it means that six thousand bushels are used in a day's run. This is twelve cars of five hundred bushels of wheat for each car.

"The capacity of the elevator is seven hundred fifty thousand bushels. The cement elevator holds three hundred fifty thousand and the balance can be stored in the other elevators and warehouses. The year 1913 is the banner year for the company during its history. The business for the last six months equals that of any previous entire year. It is expected that the year will close with an output of two hundred fifty thousand barrels of flour. This requires one million two hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat. Most of this wheat is shipped in, but about two hundred thousand bushels come from Hamilton county. This record speaks volumes for the splendid business ability of Superintendent C. B. Jenkins.

"This 'Model Mill' was originally built for experimental purposes, as its owners were also manufacturers of mill machinery. The most modern ma¬ chinery and latest devices were installed here and buyers of same came here to see them in operation. There is no finer or better equipped mill in the United States. Besides the grinding of wheat for flour, the milling company

"When the Marmons took control of the mill, J. S. Hollowell was the superintendent. David Anderson succeeded Hollowell and was the efficient manager for fourteen years. We all remember with pleasure the genial smile and Irish wit of 'Dave/ Four years ago Mr. Anderson was transferred to Toledo, where he is manager of a very large plant. His change was in the nature of a promotion. Following Mr. Anderson, came Mr. C. B. Jenkins, the present capable and efficient superintendent. Mr. Jenkins came here from Ohio. He and his splendid family became popular with our people at the very beginning of their residence, and are now among our most esteemed and appreciated citizens. Mr. Jenkins is a man of generous impulses, liberal views and broad public spirit. Every good cause has his loyal support.

"About seventy men are now employed at this mill, some of whom have been there for nearly a score of years. Among that number are John Wyant, Robert Graham, Aaron Mendenhall and Frank Bond.

"The largest manufacturing concern in Hamilton county is the Union Sanitary Manufacturing company. In dollars and cents, its output does not equal that of the Model Mill, yet in its pay roll and the floor space covered by its large buildings, it ranks first. From a small beginning, it has grown to be an institution of great value to this community and of which this city is justly proud.

"A visit to this busy hive of industry is an 'eye opener' to the stranger or even to those who live here and have never been in the factory. The editor of the Ledger visited this institution Tuesday and was struck with surprise and admiration at the splendid systematic organization of intelligent work¬ men there employed. Every man knows his place and fills it well.

"Under the courteous guidance of that prince of good fellows, Charley Ritchie, we inspected all departmerits. We tried to get the secrets of the process of enameling, but Ritchie said nix.

"The history of this plant dates back to 1887. It was then known as the Nobles ville Foundry and Machine Company. This was established by home men and largely by home capital. It was managed by John Holeran, Henry L. Smith, Ralph VanZandt and the late A. M. Baker. It had rough sledding and after a few years was reorganized and William H. Orcutt be¬ came superintendent. Mr. Orcutt died about ten years ago, after being con¬ nected with the factory for about ten years.

"Some time in the nineties it went into the hands of a receiver and later was taken over by McElwaine-Richards Company, of Indianapolis. In 1890

"In 1902, the Union Trust Company of Indianapolis was made receiver and operated the plant for several years. During most of this time Hiram T. Bush and Charles E. Gates were superintendents.

"On December 23, 1908, the plant was bought by the Union Sanitary Manufacturing Company and April 5, 1913 the N. O. Nelson Manufacturing Company, of St. Louis, secured controlling interest in the company. This last transfer was to the great interest of the home plant, as well as to the Nelson company.

"The Nelson Company is capitalized up in the millions, has other similar plants and distributing centers all over the country. It has factories at St. Louis, Edwardsville, Illinois, Bessemer, Alabama and Noblesville. Its branch houses are located in, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; Pueblo, Colorado; St. Joseph and Joplin, Mis¬ souri. This system of branch houses makes distribution easier, makes it pos¬ sible to ship in car loads and is of advantage to both seller and buyer. Under this new arrangement, our plant has increased its output and work is steady and continuous. It is interesting to note the shipping orders. Goods are shipped not only to all parts of the United States, but to foreign countries. Shipments from this factory are now on their way to Cuba and the Philippine Islands.

"Electric power has been installed in this plant, each machine having a separate motor. The cost of this fluid is from three hundred and fifty dollars to four hundred dollars a month and is furnished by the Noblesville Heat and Power Company. Oil is used in the -furnaces and it requires about fourteen hundred gallons, or thirty barrels a day.

"But while the machines and the processes of making this enameled ware are interesting, yet the thing that made the most impression was the men em¬ ployed. The human element is what counts. Here are employed two hun¬ dred and forty-six men, earning wages with which to support their families. It is quite an army of bread-winners and they seem to be happy and contented with their work. And right here we want to say that we believe that such men, regularly employed at good wages, are about the happiest and most con¬ tented men on earth. They work hard, but they enjoy good health, relish their meals and sleep soundly.

"Pay day comes every two weeks down there and it requires from three thousand to five thousand dollars to settle with the boys. This day is looked

"Mr. R. V. Brigham, general manager, has only been at the head of the concern for three years, but he has shown by his work that he has 'made good.'

"J. Roll Evans, assistant manager; John O. Clarke, bookkeeper, and Charles H. Ritchie, purchasing agent and paymaster, are the officials of this company."

The Fire Department

In 1871 the Noblesville Hook and Ladder Company was organized with the following officers: R. F. Martin, captain; George Messick, first lieutenant; William Lowther, second lieutenant; H. Kirkendall, first axman; Joseph Mes¬ sick, second axman; E. K. Hall, president; D. W. Shock, secretary.

The present fire department was organized September 25, 1901. The firemen at that time were: Chief, Elwood Wilson; firemen, Walter White and H. Farmer. Chief Wilson served about one year when his successor. Chief Garrison, was appointed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Garrison has held that post continually to the present time. His assistants now are W. K. Wilson, who has been in the department for fourteen years, and E. Beaver, who has been in the service but a short time. The department has a fine fire wagon and big fine horses. One of the horses, 'Jack/ has been in the service from the' beginning. He made the first run soon after the wagon was purchased. 'Jack' is getting old now and the buying of an automobile truck is being con¬ sidered and probably will be the next addition to the department. During the year 1914 the department had forty-four calls which is about the average number. Chief Garrison and his faithful men have been "friends in deed" to many people of Noblesville when they were needed in a hurry. The fire department has done excellent service. It gives the homes of Noblesville a sense of security from fire. All calls are answered promptly and effectively.

Mercantile Roster

The present merchants of Noblesville include the following: Groceries, . John Gunion, A. D. Conden, Roberts & Mock, C. M. Carlin, J. H. Eller, Will Hayes, E. E. Fisher, George Haves, Ernest Mvnheir, W. A. Ellen, L. W.

Wild, George Fenner, E. M. Carter & Son; meat markets, T. Sohl, Charles Manford, O. W. Perkins & Sons, Giger & Herbert, J. M. Worthington, Mc¬ Cord & Benson ; fruits, Conella & Montague ; dry goods, Craycraft Dry Goods company, Clarke, Brock & Company, Sowerwine & Osborn and the Scoville Dry Goods Company ; druggists, Gertler & Wall, Axline & Zink, S. C. Har¬ rison, Haines & Glenn, Weldy & Jump; seed store, Frank Lacy and M. L. White ; novelty stores, Becker's Brothers, the Morris Ten Cent store and Will¬ iams Ten Cent shop; jewelry stores, A. Purcell, Axline & Zink, John Bauchert and Claude Warren ; Gent's furnishings, J. Joseph & Company, J. G. Heinzman & Company, Hass & Sons, J. R. Sperry and Fred Baker; shoe stores, J. G. Hussey, William E. Lowther, F. D. Oursler, F. Hege, C. E. Albert; harness shop, John Thorn; furniture, Hill & Company, Hadley & Wall, furniture and undertaking, Standord & Hayes, undertaking; hardware, Margison, New Ideal and Griffin Hardware store ; cigar stores, House of Crane and Browns, Charles Fenton ; buggy and wagon establishments, W. Ware & Sons, Heylman & Sons, Richwine & Sons: confectionery stores. Sweet Home, Plackas and others ; automobiles, H. L. Ackles, auto and machine shop, Hare's garage, F. E. Kerr, auto shop; marble works, Walter A. Bordner; fish market, A. W. Coonfield ; second hand and pawn shop, Dorman & Sons ; millinery, Jones & Jones, A. Essington. Mrs. Kersey; bicycles, R. B. Ritz.

Public Libraries

The first library of which we have any record was that maintained by the Hamilton County Working Men's Association, organized March 20, 1856. The trustees for 1856-57 were John Pontius, president; W. A. Wainwright, secretary; and J. H. Butler, treasurer. This library was kept up by subscrip¬ tion and was opened every Saturday evening at four o'clock. As the interest died down somewhat, Dr. H. W. Clark and James Martin took it up and established a library on the west side of the square.

About the year 1880 the Ladies Aid society took charge of this and estab¬ lished a reading room on the north side of the square. This was kept up by weekly subscriptions and papers and magazines were donated. Miss Marian Lindsey, who had been keeping a library in her own home, then became the librarian. She was paid a dollar and twenty-five cents a week. Miss Lind¬ sey was an exceptionally well read woman, took great interest in the library and held the position until her death in August, 1895. At the death of Miss Lindsey, Miss Wilmouth took charge of the reading room until October, when Mrs. Finley became librarian.

September 24, 1896, the reading room was moved to the east side of the square which was over what is now the Morris ten cent store. Mrs. Leonard Wild contributed the furnishings. It was at this time that Mrs. Finley, Mrs. Moss, Mrs. O'Brien and Mrs. Wainwright catalogued the books in two days. In 1900, when the new high school building was built, a room was set aside to be used as a public library. The Ladies Aid society then turned its library over to the school board to be used as a nucleus for the public library.

About 1871-72, a Busy Bee library was established bv the class B in what is now known as the grammar school, which then was the only school building in Noblesville. Thomas Burns, the teacher, was instrumental in establishing this library. It was kept up by subscription and donation, and was for the use of the school children only. An outgrowth of the Busy Bee library was the school library in the same building. In addition to well filled shelves of books there were numerous volumes of bound magazines such as the Edin¬ burgh Review and the Westminster Reviezv.

When Mr. J. F. Haines became the principal of the high school he used some of the high school funds in purchasing some Oliver Optic and Alger books for the children to read. This created a new interest in reading in 'the library. In 1893-94, the Bowen-Merrill company of Indianapolis, offered one hundred dollars premium to the school libraries. Mr. Haines became interested and by selling shares to the high school pupils and giving entertain¬ ments raised the desired sum and a valuable addition was secured for the library. In 1900 this library was moved to the high school building and com¬ bined with the public library. The school board did not do much toward the upkeep of the library for about three years. In 1903 quite a library fund had accumulated and at that time six hundred dollars was spent for new books. From time to time while the library continued in the high school building new books were added. The following were librarians in the high school building: Mr. Raymond Aldred, Miss Ethel Conner, Miss Pearl Gray, Mrs. Orcutt and Miss Lula Miesse.

The Carnegie Library

That Noblesville has a fine Carnegie library at present is largely due to the efforts of the women of the city. The library movement had been agitated for several years by a few women, among them being Mrs. Henry Caylor and Miss Lula Miesse, the librarian. In the summer of 1910 a petition was circulated and signed by many men and women asking the city council to take the necessary steps to secure a Carnegie library gift from the generous millionaire. The petition was duly presented but just as duly "shelved" by the council. . In January, 1911, Miss Lula Miesse called a meeting of a few women interested in the movement to a "council of war" at the high school library. Among those present besides the librarian were Mrs. H. M. Caylor, Mrs. M. C. Haworth, Mrs. H. H. Thompson, Mrs. Frank Lacy, Mrs. John C. Craig, Mrs. J. F. Haines and a few others. The first three ladies mentioned were elected officers. The session decided to call a mass meeting of the women of Noblesville, which meeting was set for February 3, 1911. This meeting was held in the court house and every woman in the city received a special invitation to be present. The court room was filled to its utmost capacity. Owing to the unavoidable absence of the president, Mrs. Caylor, and Vice- President Mrs. Haworth, Mrs. J. F. Haines acted as chairman of the meeting and Mrs. H. H. Thompson, secretary. It was a very enthusiastic meeting for a new Carnegie library. A delegation was sent to the next council meeting which voted to make the necessary steps to secure a Carnegie library. A lot on the corner of Tenth and Conner streets was purchased June 3, 1911, for the sum of three thousand nine hundred dollars. Mr. Andrew Carnegie gave the sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars for the erection and furnish¬ ing of the library after a pledge from the city council that a yearly sum not less than ten per cent of the original gift should be placed at the disposal of the library board for its .maintenance. In June, 1911, the library board was ap¬ pointed as follows : Mr. E. C. Stopher, Miss Charity Owen, C. M. Gentry, F. E. Heylman, Mrs. H. H. Thompson, Mrs. Walter Sanders, J. G. Heinzman. The board organized with Mr. Gentry as president; F. E. Heylman, vicepresident; Mrs. Thompson, secretary. In September, 1911, the school board transferred the control of the public library to the newly appointed library board. The board proceeded at once to secure plans for the proposed library building. The building was erected in 1912 and on May 7, 1913, was publicly dedicated. The chairs for the library were donated by the club women of the city. .

The library has increased both in circulation and usefulness in its present commodious quarters. The building itself is a fine structure containing a children's room, adult reading room, a reference section and a large assembly room. Upon its shelves are found good books and magazines to suit all classes and ages. * At the present time the library contains five thousand one hundred ninety-one volumes and is constantly adding to its original store. The circulation for the month of December, 1914, was one thousand six hun¬ dred twenty-six books for adults, five hundred seventy-two juvenile books; total, two thousand one hundred and ninety-eight. As the library is also under township supervision the books were placed in all the district schools in the township, ten in all, on January 5, 1915. Two members are now added to the original library board, Mrs. McMahan from the township and E. A. Hutchens is a member of the board as trustees of the township. Miss Lula Miesse has been librarian since June 13, 1909. She is a very well read and accommodating young lady and fills the position to the entire satisfaction of her many patrons. Miss Margaret Hull was appointed assistant librarian June 1, 1913, which office she fills very acceptably. There are at present about eighteen hundred patrons, four hundred of whom are from the township. During the year 1914 the circulation was twenty thousand one hundred fiftyeight volumes. Comparing the present circulation with the last year in the high school building there is a great increase. The circulation that year was nine thousand one hundred two, an increase of eleven thousand fifty-six in less than two years. The average amount of money used for library purposes is two thousand five hundred dollars annually.

Local Telephone System

About the year 1880 the Central Union Telephone company procured a franchise to construct and operate a local telephone plant in the city of Noblesville. When constructed it was a single conductor, or in other words, a grounded system. The rate charged per month for one telephone for indi¬ vidual or corporation was four dollars the month. When there were two telephones installed for individual or corporation the rate was three dollars the month for each month. In 1885, the Indiana Legislature passed an act providing that the rate, where one telephone was rented by one individual, company or corporation, should not exceed three dollars the month, and if two or more telephones were rented the rate should not exceed two dollars and fifty cents the month for each telephone. The Central Union Telephone company contested the constitutionality of this act. The supreme court of Indiana held that the state had the right to prescribe the maximum price which the telephone company should charge for the use of telephones and that the act of April 13, 1885, was constitutional.

The Central Union Telephone company declined to comply with the pro¬ visions of the law and discontinued operation, dismanteled its plant and for¬ feited its franchise and only maintained a long distance station. The long¬ distance station at this time was only a single conductor, or ground return,

Some years later some of the citizens of Noblesville organized the Nobles¬ ville Telephone company. This organization was brought about by Eugene Brown, a druggist, whose place of business was the old Corner drug store. From the best information obtainable this independent telephone exchange was the first operated in the United States that used the original Blake trans¬ mitter. It was known by Mr. Brown the day the patent would expire and he had his plant ready to start business the next day. The above claim by Mr. Brown has been recognized throughout the country by the Independent Telephone Association. Mr. Brown constructed toll lines to Westfield, Sheridan and Cicero, which were operated for a number of years to the ad¬ vantage of the people of this county.

This independent company appealed to the Central Union Telephone Company for long distance connections but was refused. In the year 1898, the New Long Distance Telephone Company was organized at Indianapolis and constructed toll lines from Indianapolis up to the corporation line of Noblesville and proposed connections with this local company proposing to give the local company outlet to other towns in the state. The local company refused to accept the offer by the New Long Distance Company and sold its exchange to the Central Union Telephone Company which was ready and anxious to buy at a high price. The Central Union Telephone Company then took out all the independent telephones and installed the Bell system through¬ out. The New Long Distance Telephone Company then asked for and was granted a franchise in the city of Noblesville to install a telephone exchange and during the year 1899 constructed its lines and put in a switchboard, com¬ mencing operations on the 15th day of September, 1899. This company is the Home Telephone Company which at this writing is in operation. In the organization of the Home Telephone Company a few citizens of Noblesville took some stock, none of them however, taking more than one share, which 'was fifty dollars. The growth of the plant was phenomenal. The com¬ pany could not install the telephones fast enough to meet the demand. In one year after starting the company had to extend its line and switchboard capacity. In 1905 the entire stock was purchased from the New Long Dis¬ tance Telephone Company by the stockholders of Noblesville who then in¬ creased the capital stock to thirty thousand dollars and extended its line and switchboard capacity. In September, 1910, The Home Telephone Company entered into agreement with the Central Union Telephone Company which re¬ sulted in connecting the Central Union toll lines with the Home Telephone

Company switchboard and the dismantling of the local exchange of the Cen¬ tral Union Telephone Company. At this time therefore, the Home Tele¬ phone Company does not have competition. It has one thousand subscribers.

The present officers of the Home Telephone Company are Dr. Harry Mc¬ Grath, president; E. Hawkins, secretary, manager and treasurer; directors, Dr. Harry McGrath, Dr. A. D. Booth, E. M. Hare, Elihu Hawkins.

Telephone systems have been established all over the country in recent years. Almost every farm home is connected on its "party line" with its neighbors and the outside world. The following are telephone lines in Hamil¬

Industries Of Noblesville

One of the greatest industries in Hamilton county is the American Strawboard plant of Noblesville, which was organized here as the first factory, in¬ duced to locate in the city bv reason of the discovery of natural gas in 1887.

The capacity of the plant is fifty tons of straw per day. In 1914 one hun¬ dred men were on the pay-roll. The farmers gave a large bonus to secure this factory, which makes an excellent grade of strawboard. Men from Kokomo were the original backers of this enterprise, and organized this com¬ pany in 1889. It was taken over by the American Strawboard Company in 1890, and fully completed in 1891, at which time they had a capacity of forty tons per day. Straw is now shipped from southern Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. For eight years the company owned its own natural gas plant and used it as the fuel by which steam was made to propel the ponderous machinery. This made very cheap fuel, but since the gas gave out it costs one hundred and fifty dollars per day for coal to run the plant. This concern is one of the gigantic institutions of Indiana and its product goes all over this country. Two years ago the daily output of the plant was two car loads of excellent card-board. One hundred men still are employed here at good wages. The central figure in the works is Charles B. Macy, who has been identified with it ever since the plant started. Albert Sharp is general foreman.

National Carbon Works

The National Carbon Works at Nobles ville, ranks high as a paying in¬ dustry. This is a branch of the American association and was at first estab¬ lished in 1892 and taken over by the National people in 1898. This concern makes a specialty of manufacturing carbons for arc electric lights. In January, 1915, the plant was working seventy-five men and has had as high as one hundred and fifty-six, improved machinery having reduced the number. The headquarters of all the National carbon companies is situated at Cleve¬ land, Ohio, the Noblesville concern being a branch. The local plant was the first to locate here after natural gas was discovered, and received a bonus of sixteen thousand dollars to locate in this city. This was raised by the sale of town lots in a special addition to the city opened for this purpose. The plant now has a capacity of three million carbon sticks each month. These go to all cities in the United States where electric arc lights are used. The super¬ intendent is William Hoen.

A Flourishing Flour Mill

Besides the big flour mill plant already mentioned there is a lesser one, which was established many years ago. This mill was burned to the ground once or twice and rebuilt. It was established in 1871 and was re- built the last time in 1901 by Smock & Caca, whose estate still operate it. Both flour and meal are manufactured here and much feed for stock also is ground. The mill is located at the corner of Sixth and Conner streets. Prior to eight years ago natural gas was the fuel employed with which to run the mill, which now is operated through the agency of gasoline engines. At first it was a steam mill, then natural gas was discovered in the vicinity and that was used till it failed.

The Canning Factory

One of the more recently organized companies in Noblesville is the canning factory. J. C. Craig was the prime mover in establishing this in¬ dustry here a few years ago. Here, in the season for such work, are canned in immense quantities such vegetables as tomatoes, corn and peas, which canned goods find a ready sale to the jobbing and wholesale trade of the country. This factory is of much importance and usefulness to both towns¬ people and the farming community and truck-garden owners of the com¬ munity. The product of this plant is counted among the best brands offered to the open markets of the country.

Furniture Factory

The Capital Furniture Manufacturing Company, situated at the corner of Division and Seventh streets, was organized by Indianapolis men in 1905. The prime movers in the establishment of this concern were Messrs. S. C. Broughton, A. T. Record, Ira L. Sink, who conducted it for two years and then sold it to Messrs. J. C. Jones, J. C. Craig, Will H. Craig, A. W. Truitt and J. L. Dulin. This company makes a specialty of manufacturing piano stools, benches and seats, which are sold to piano, music and furniture dealers throughout the United States. They employ from thirty-five to seventy men, and obtain their raw wood materials from local and out-of-state lumber districts. The factory is run by both steam and electric power. The present officers are: A. W. Truitt, president; J. C. Jones, vice-president; J. C. Craig, treasurer, and J. L. Dulin, secretary.

The Box Factory was established in 190! by H. C. Gaeth. It has been in continuous operation since its establishment, usually running three hun¬ dred days in the year. Its products are wooden packing boxes. It employs twenty men.

The Creamery

The present creamery, in the center of the city on Tenth street, is the outgrowth of what was known as the ''Federal Hill" dairy, established in September, 1903, by E. T. Conant & Sons, with an equipment of fifty-six cows. After disease got into their herd they sold off and moved into the city, starting their present plant, through which they supply most of the milk used in the place. It is all put up in bottles and pasteurized. They run a motor-car milk wagon over a radius of eight miles and thus purchase their supply of milk. About sixty pounds of butter are made daily from the surplus milk - that not sold to regular customers in the city. The concern buys about two hundred gallons of milk daily.

City Waterworks

The waterworks in Xoblesville is owned by a private corporation, or¬ ganized in June, 1891, by eighty home stockholders, with James R. Christian, president, and Theodore P. Davis, secretary. The initial capital was fifty thousand dollars. Originally nine wells were sunk on a block of ground, but today the number is sixteen. Two are over 350 feet deep - below the lime rock, and the others are about one hundred feet deep, all giving forth a very excellent quality of drinking water. The daily capacity is about twenty-five thousand barrels. The waterworks company has over ten miles of water mains in the city, and one hundred six fire plugs or street hydrants. Both flat and meter rates are offered to customers. Direct pressure is the system employed. The present officers and directors are as follows: L. N. Joseph, president; A. D. Booth, vice-president; J. S. Thorn, secretary; J. F. Haines, treasurer; directors, L. N. Joseph, A. D. Booth, Dr. M. C. Haworth, J. F. Haines, J. C. Jones, H. L. Craig and Max Behr. Other deep wells are con¬ templated at this time.

Electric Light And Power

The Xoblesville Electric Light and Power Company was incorporated in 1906, having in that year succeeded another lesser plant, for the production of electric lights in Xoblesville. It took over the business hitherto operated by Smith & Company. The present corporation has had a steady growth and from its central plant in Xoblesville it extends its operations out to the sidetowns in Hamilton county, as follows: Arcadia, Cicero, Lapel, West- field, Horton and Fishers, besides running to numerous rural districts, sup¬ plying light and power to scores of farm homes. The company has a one thousand fifty horse-power boiler plant and seven hundred fifty horse-power turbine and engine generation. It also operates a twelve-ton ice plant at Noblesville, with a steam hoisting system. In 1906 the company's business amounted to twenty-two thousand dollars, and in 1914 to eighty-three thou¬ sand dollars. The present officers are : President. Thomas C. McReynolds ; vice-president, Francis T. Holliday; secretary and treasurer, Alexander R. Holladay; manager, John T. K ester; superintendent, Samuel B. Mott. The capital stock of the concern is one hundred thousand dollars and the amount of outstanding first mortgage bonds is one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.

The Country Gentleman , in its issue of January, 1915, had a long article concerning this plant, in which it was set out that about two hundred fifty farmers already have connected their homes with this system, making about one thousand two hundred fifty persons benefited thereby. About seventyfive miles of rural distribution have been effected to date and seven rural churches have been lighted by this system. Small motors are used to pump water, churn, drive cream separators and electric fans. Ironing, washing and summer cooking also are easily accomplished by electric connection with the Noblesville system. It now costs the average farmer about seventeen dollars a year for the ordinary uses to which he puts electricity, which, of course, increases as he finds more chores to be done by its use in propelling various kinds of small machinery about the house and barnyard. Indeed, it is a wonderful innovation in rural life in Indiana.

Noblesville Military Band

Noblesville always has been a musical community, and, among other musical organizations, has, for seventy years, maintained a brass band. In the early days R. L. Carlin was the leader. Later Jacob Thompson was the leader of the Noblesville band.

In 1884 the band was reorganized and Prof. Herman Leaderhause, a German bandmaster from Cincinnati, was employed and organized a very good brass band. He remained in Noblesville for a year or so and constant improvement was made. The band at that time was composed of twelve members.

After Professor Leaderhause left Noblesville two bands were organized, one known as the Citizens Band, the other as the G. A. R. Band. Both of these organizations participated in the soldiers* reunion and encampment which was held in the fair grounds on Federal Hill in the summer of 1888.

During the fall of 1888 steps were taken to organize a larger and better band. Players were selected from both bands. Meade Vestal was chosen as leader, and the organization was given the name it now bears, the Noblesville Military Band. The present organization, therefore, may be said to date from the winter of 1888-89. Rehearsals were held that winter with regular¬ ity, and the organization was in good condition for work during the year 1889. It was composed of eighteen members. Up to that time very few reed instruments had been included in the instrumentation. E-flat cornets were used as chief lead instruments in lieu of clarinets. Indoor concerts were given and some summer concerts. Uniforms were procured and an effort made to bring about a better organization than hitherto had existed.

Some years later a reorganization was undertaken under the leadership of Professor Adler, and some new members were taken in. Professor Adler was an efficient director and a good musician, and the band progressed rapidly under his teaching. When he went away the band again was reor¬ ganized. The date of this organization was August 8, 1900. The charter members were Meade Vestal, Emil G. Decker, Fred M. Atkins, Bert A. Ludlum, Walter E. Sohl, George H. Caylor, Omar E. Lake, A. W. Traut, J. D. Hill, George Shirts, Clyde Hiatt, Theodore O. Decker, Will M. Hoen, Gene Osbon, C. E. Carlin, Harvey Lebo, Harry Deitrich, Walter Shirts and Roy G. Caylor. Articles of incorporation were adopted and recorded in the recorder's office of Hamilton county in Record No. 14, page 525, August 13, 1900. The first board of directors was composed of Meade Vestal, Emil G. Decker and Jacob D. Hill. George Shirts was appointed bandmaster, Ed. Carlin, librarian, and Emil Decker, business manager.

On August 20, 1902, Mr. Shirts resigned his position as bandmaster, and on September 2, of the same year, Meade Vestal was elected to the posi¬ tion and has continued as bandmaster until the present time. Upon his election as bandmaster, Mr. Vestal resigned as a member of the board of directors and Ed. Carlin was elected to fill the vacancy. Mr. Hill has been the president of the board of directors from the time of the organization and Mr. Decker always has been the business manager. Upon Mr. Carlin's re¬ moval from Noblesville, Mr. R. G. Caylor was elected to the board of directors and is still serving in that capacity.

The band gradually has increased in membership, until now it is com¬ posed of forty-five members. A number of the original members still are on the active list. While there have been many changes in the membership, the organization always has been maintained at a high standard. The instrumen¬ tation at the present time is practically the same as that of concert and mili¬ tary bands throughout the country, and the band has attained a reputation throughout the state. Its progress and standing has been maintained largely through its character as a semi-military organization.

The articles of incorporation of the Noblesville Military Band were filed with the secretary of state and its corporate organization perfected and a certificate issued by the secretary of state August 18, 1903. The constant purpose of the officers and members has been to increase the band's effi¬ ciency. For many years concerts have been given, both indoor and out, which have attracted thousands of people to the city. The Noblesville Military Band has been an element in the musical education of the city and county. Many of the great standard overtures, selections from the best operas, both classic and modern, have been given at these concerts. Through the efforts of this remarkable organization thousands of people have heard the best band music obtainable. It has had the support of the city and of the people and has become the pride of the citizens of Noblesville. It has made numerous trips to other cities, notably to the National Republican convention at Chicago in 1908.

The policy of the organization has been liberal towards young musicians, and some of its best players are young men who were taken in as boys when they were hardly large enough to handle their instruments. These young men, along with others more mature in years and ability, have succeeded in keeping up an organization which has been of great benefit to the people, especially so to young men desirous of becoming musicians. From its membership some splendid performers have gone out.

Throughout the existence of this band a spirit of loyalty to the organiza¬ tion and to the officers has prevailed and the success of the organization has been brought about bv that spirit of loyalty and by the persistent efforts of its officers. At its concert given at the Wild Grand Opera House in April, 1914. the band celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. Among other num¬ bers played on this occasion was the great Tannhauser Overture, by Richard Wagner, a fact indicative of the progress that has been made.