Lincoln City (part 14 of 19)

The Journal and the News are both independent re[)ublican in jiolitics and maintain a large influence throughout the eastern part of Nebraska. Will Owen Jones, who has been connected with the paper since 1892, is managing editor of the Nebraska State Journal. H. T. Dobl.iins, editor of the News, has been with the paper for twenty-eight years. Under the guidance of these two newspaper veterans the Journal and the News have maintained a strict policy, editorially, and iiave wen popularity through honesty and fairness in giving the latest news to the pulilic in the shortest time.

In May, 1902, there started in the City of Lincoln a dailv newspaper, independent democratic in politics, which was destined to gain an enviable position in the newspaper field of Nebraska. This was the Lincoln Daily Star. The Star Publishing Company, which issues the publication, was incorporated on May 22, 1902, by D. E. Thompson, H. F. Rose, W. B. Comstock. The company was reincorporated on September 26th of the same year, with D. E. Thompson, president, and C. D. Mullen, secretary. A handsome building was constructed on the southeast corner of Eleventh and M streets in 1902. On September 13, igio, a change of ownership occurred, D. E. Thompson, the principal stockholder, disposing of his interests, although he still owns the building occupied by the paper. Herbert E. Gooch now owns the principal stock of the company. J. \V. Outright is the editor of the Lincoln Star at the present time. Mr. Outright started in newspaper work in Lincoln as early as 1892, having been a member of the News staff at that time.

The first German newspaper published in the city was the Staats-Zeitung, which was ov^-ned and edited by Dr. F. Renner. This paper was afterwards removed to Nebraska City.

The Germans residing in the city in 1880 contributed certain sums of money and the Nebraska Staats-Anzeiger was first published in May of that year by Peter Karberg, who had come here from Dubuque. Iowa. The paper became very influential in the state. Mr. Karberg died on July 2, 1884, and it became necessary to dispose of the paper, the plant finally going to Henry Briigmann. In October, 1887, however, financial difficulties compelled the foreclosure and .'ale of this publication.

The Lincoln Freie Presse was first published on September i, 1884, by G. Z. Bluedhorn, who afterwards sold it to J. D. Kluetsch. The Freie Presse is still published in Lincoln and is very prominent in the State of Nebraska as well as in surrounding states. The circulation is large among the German people in this territo'ry. and, both mechanically and editorially, the Presse is of high standard.

The Nebraska Farmer was the first agricultural paper to be published in Lincoln, having been established in 1872 by Gen. J. C. McBride and J. C. Clarkson. At the time this publication was established the farming and live stock interests of Nebraska amounted to very little in comparison to their present status, but the main reason for establishment of the Nebraska Farmer was to promote, by its influence, the success of certain land deals in the state in connection with a railway project. It was not many years until the farming interests of the state began to gain appreciably and the paper became more successful. It is now being published in Lincoln and is one of the most successful farm and livestock papers in the Middle West.

The Commoner is a monthly paper which has gained national reputation, owing to the prominence of its owner, William Jennings Bryan. Mr. Bryan established the Commoner in January, 1901, and it has been published regularly since that time. The first office of this paper was in the building on the east side of Twelfth, between L and M, but it is now housed in the Press Building at Thirteenth and N. Mr. Charles W. Bryan is the editor of the paper, which has an extensive circulation over the whole country. Bryan democracy in all its phases, even to ultra-pacifism, 1916, is the editorial tone of the sheet.

Numerous other publications are now issued from Lincoln, including the various university and college papers, and many more have been established in the past and died for want of support. The ones mentioned, however, are the leaders in a field of much varied journalism.

Chapter Xvti The Lincoln Postoffice

"I arrived in Lincoln March 22, 1S68, when the postoffice was in a small building made of brown sandstone, located on the corner of Tenth and O streets. Jacob Dawson was then serving his term as first postmaster of Lincoln, but resigned in the summer of that same year. W. J. Abbott was appointed the second postmaster and was removed a short time afterwards for rifling the mail. About November, 1868, the office was removed to a small frame building, 14 by 16 feet in size, north of the Humphrey Hardware Store. My first appointment was January 8, 1869, signed by A. C. Randall, postmaster-general, on recommendation of John ^L Thayer.

"On coming into office I found a great amount of mail that had been forwarded from both houses of the Legislature which was to be stamped and mailed. There was not a stamp or an envelope in the office, so I marked the bunch of mail paid and shipped it out. I did not know what would be done with me for doing this, but I was not going to be caught with all of that mail upon my hands. I wrote to the officials at Washington explaining the situation and kept an account of the mail sent until I could receive a supply of stamps from Omaha. At that time all of the office supplies were brought from Omaha on the stage, mail being delivered three times a week.

"One morning as I was cleaning out a box of old papers I found a long envelope addressed to officials at Washington, D. C. It was quite evident that the postage stamp had been pulled oiT and the letter thrown away, so I opened it to see what it might be. It was an application for the postmastership whicli had been mailed at the time of Dawson's administration. Abbott, who was appointed his successor, was working in the office at that time and had thrown away this application without mailing it, after taking off the revenue stamp, which at that time was worth one dollar, and placing it on his own application. As no one else had applied for the office this young fellow thought it would only be a matter of hearing from Washington until he would be postmaster. Meanwhile he built a nice set of cases for the letters and rented a room for the office. As time rolled by no word was received from W'ashington until Abbott was appointed postmaster. The boy had told me his story and when I found his application thrown among the rubbish in the office, it explained all. I had recommended the boy and was very sorry he did not get the office as he was a good, honest fellow. The postmaster's salary was then $300.00.

Harley Drug Store. The next move was to the west side of Eleventh Street, into a frame building owned by Walsh & Putnam, which stood next to the alley. Afterwards I moved to the north side of the square just east of the Atwood Motel, which was located on the present site of the State Journal Building. The last move I made was to the Hallo Opera House, at Twelfth and O streets. All the moves made were for more room and better facilities for handling the mails. Mr. Hallo tendered the free use of the corner room and as others had made the same offer I asked the postoffice department to send a special agent to make the selection. They ordered Maj. John B. Furay of Omaha to come, he being at that time a special agent. He came down and visited the various places that had been oft'ered me and gave a hearing to all interested parties, after which he asked nie conhdentially where I wanted to go. 1 told him and in a few days I received a lease from ihe department and I was instructed to pay $ii a month as stated in the lease.

'T was succeeded by Gen. Otto Funke. \Miile he was there the building burned down, but the mail was saved. When I took charge of the office we had no railroad. Our mail was carried by stage coaches, spring wagons, buckboards and upon horseback. I received the first mail brought into Lincoln by railroad."'

At the time of the laying of the cornerstone of the present magnificent postoffice building, Mr. E. R. Sizer, then postmaster, read a paper in which was an account of the building of the first postoffice building, now the city hall of Lincoln. This excerpt follows :

"Governor Robert \\". I'.urns conveyed the market space to the City of Lincoln on March 31. 1873, and Acting Alayor John J. Gosper, with City Clerk Cantlon. attesting, on the ist day of April, 1873, conveyed the present Government Square to the United States of America, in accordance with an ordinance of the city council, dated March 31. 1873.

"Senator P. W. Hitchcock, of Omaha, was mainly influential in securing the original appropriation for the old Government building. He had succeeded Gen. John M. Thayer as senator in 1871 and (ieneral Thayer was also influential in urging u[)on the Government the actual instituting of the work of excavation and erection of the building, and in getting other necessary preliminaries arranged and thereby preventing the appropriation from lapsing. As the remaining time was very short during which the appro]:)riation would be available, and as Senator Hitchcock was at that time in h'urope. General Thayer made a trip to Washington and saw Hon. A. B. ?ilullett, the supervising architect of the treasury, who was a personal friend of the general and who took immediate steps toward the adjustment of the title of the site and the erection of the building. W. H. B. Stout is also said to have been influential locally in urging the original appropriation for the Government building.

''Senator Hitchcock had Col. O. H. Wilson appointed a superintendent of the Government building. Mr. Wilson served in that capacity for about one year and was succeeded by a Mr. Heals, who served a shorter period. Mr. Reals was in turn succeeded by Mr. Tyler, who continued as superintendent of construction until tlie building was finished.

"The survey for the excavation of the old building was made May 25. 1874. and ground was broken on Tuesday, May 26, 1874. One of the newspapers of that date mentioned that it was very difficult to plow the ground, due to its being

View Of Lincoln Postoffice In 1873 United States Courthouse And Tostoffice, Lincoln

])acked by reason of its being a market. Tbe State Jonrnal of May 28, 1874, notes that Colonel Wilson had given the preference to married men over single men in employment on the postoffice building. On June 30, 1874, the announcement was made in the local press that the excavation was completed. The contract for stone work on the Government building was let three different times, the last being to W. H. B. Stout. The Beatrice Cement Company was awarded the contract for furnishing cement. C. H. Gould and a Mr. Sawyer furnished the sand and brick. The building was finally built of gray limestone, said to have been taken from the Gwyer Quarries on the Platte River. No exercises appear to have been had in connection with the laying of the cornerstone of the old building and it was completed in 1879."

Immediately after the abandonment of the old postoffice building in 1906, the new one being completed, the city took steps to utilize the building as a city hall. Pirns were made and the interior rearranged and refinished for the accommodation of the city offices and council rooms. The building now serves the purpose of a city hall.

The new $350,000 postoffice building was erected just north of the old structure, upon Government Square, and was secured largely through the efforts of Congressman E. J. Burkett. On September 2, 1904, the cornerstone was laid and in the fall of 1906 the building was formally opened to the public. The cornerstone was laid in the forenoon by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Nebraska, with Grand Master Charles E. Burnham, of Norfolk, in charge of the ceremonies. An escort of Knights Templar in uniform and Blue Lodges Nos. 19 and 54, gave the ceremonies a picturesque appearance. The program included a prayer by Rev. J. Lewis Marsh, chaplain of the Grand Lodge; addresses by Governor I. II. ^Mickey, Mayor George A. Adams, Congressman Burkett and Postmaster E. R. Sizer. The brass band of the Bittner Stock Company, which was then filling an engagement in Lincoln, furnished the inusic, the Hagenow Band being obliged to play at the State Fair then in progress.

In 1915 an appropriation of $100,000 was secured for an addition to the postoffice building, in order to give more rooin for the work of the office. This appropriation has since been raised to $225,000. Work upon the addition to the west is now in progress, during which time the postoffice occupies temporary quarters in the improvised building at the corner of Tenth and N streets, southeast.

The postmasters v/ho have served in the City of Lincoln have been: Jacob Dawson, appointed when the capital was located here and served until the fall of 1868, when he resigned: W. J. Abbott, served a few months only: C. N. Baird, January, 1869-April. 1875 : Otto Funke, April, 1875-June, 1881 ; J. C. McBride, Tune, 1885: Albert Watkins, November, 1885-January, 1890; "C. H. Gere, January, 1890-March, 1894; J. H. Harley, March, 1894-February, 1898; H. M. Bushnell, March, 1898-February, 1902: E. R. Sizer, March, 1902- November, 1914; F. W. Brown, November, 1914-died July 7, 1915; J. G. Ludlan, July 8th-September 18; A. S. Tibbetts, September i8th-died September 25th; Frederick Shepherd. September 27th-November 15th: Samuel G. Hudson, November 15th-. Ludlan, Tibbetts and Shepherd were acting postmasters only. Mr. Hudson is the first regular postmaster since F. W. Brown.

To give one some idea of the amount of business done in the Lincoln postoffice the figures for 191 5 are used. The total postal receipts for the year amounted to $465,328.75; stamp sales amounted to $384,851.54; there were 20,929 parcel post packages delivered ; there were 24,891 insured parcels dispatched ; there were 2,866 insured parcels delivered ; there were 19,941 C. O. D. parcels dispatched; the outgoing mail of the first class by machine count totaled 15,296,000 parcels ; the money order department handled the sum of $3,485,633.23 ; in the postal savings department there was on deposit $22,617.00. The postal business of Lincoln has been increasing every year. There are 169 employes of the Lincoln office.

The Lincoln Library

For the early history of the public library in the City of Lincoln the account written by Mrs. S. B. Pound and read before the Nebraska State Historical Society on January lo, 1893, is quoted. It is as follows :

"The Lincoln Public Library and Reading Room Association, the embryo of the city library, was organized toward the close of the darkest period in the history of Lincoln, the year 1875. No just conception can be had of its early struggles and privations without a review of that period.

"As is well known to those who lived in Nebraska at that time, the summers of 1873 ^"d 1874 had been dry, the crops were poor, and what the drouth and hail had spared was taken by the grasshoppers. The winter of 1874-75 was severely cold, the thermometer during the months of January and February standing for many days at a time below zero. It was a time most painful to remember. There was the long and constant appeal for help from the poor and sufifering tluring the winter, and the gloomier prospects of the coming spring. Who can picture to himself today the Lincoln of 1875? L'pon the square was a pile of stones and an excavation, the beginning of the United States Courthouse and Postoffice (now the Lincoln City Hall). On each side of the square were a few business houses - perhaps a dozen in all. Three or four of these were of brick or brown sandstone, the rest hastily erected frame buildings, which seemed illy adapted to withstand the strong winds that would blow with increasing fury from the south, and then with a sudden veer, would come with a redoubled energy from the north.

"At the southeast corner of O and Tenth streets, the eye, wearied with the unpleasant repetition of sc|uare front, white frame grocery stores, found rest; for there, in all its fresh, new beauty, stood the First National Bank Building, called the State Block. O Street, between Tenth and Eleventh, had begun to assume something like symmetrical proportions. It contained five or six brick blocks, the finest of which was the Academy of Music. Business ended at Twelfth Street where stood Hallo's Opera House ; and the croakers - of whom there were many - wondered why he had located it so far east, and said that business could never stretch beyond that distant point. A few of the more sanguine said it might possibly reach Fourteenth Street. The high school building recently finished was thought bv some to be too large, who advised turning it into a Methodist Seminary and building two smaller ones. There were five hotels, some of them very good for the times; the Atwood. the Metropolitan, the Clifton, the Commercial and the Tichenor. The churches were all frame structures and occupied their present sites with the exception of the Presbyterian, Baptist and Chris- tian. Residences were scattered promiscuously over the prairie, apparently by accident. The most thickly settled part of the town lay between F and R streets and Eighth and Seventeenth. A very few were sufficiently aristocratic to own brick houses, but the majority were either square cottages or the regulation four-room, story and a half structures. The title to the disputed eighty had not yet been settled and on this barren looking spot stood one lonely house, the unfinished brick built by George Smith, the jeweler. There were few well defined streets. The roads ran as best suited the convenience of the public and that might be directly across one's front or liack yard. This was Lincoln -of January I, 1875, looking ahead with gloom and foreboding at the approaching session of the Legislature, yet brave enough to celebrate New Year's Day by keeping 'open house.'

"The new year opened badly. There was first the mutiny at the penitentiary, which Ijrought that institution into unpleasant prominence at an unfortunate time. Next stalked forth the grim spectre of Capital Removal, which stayed constantly by and never vanished until the adjournment of the Legislature. Once during that dreary time, the local editor of the State Journal had the courage to record the following 'magnificent improvements' that were to come with the approaching spring : the l)uilding of the Holmes Block on Eleventh Street between O and N, the Lamborn and W'iltman blocks on the cast side of the square, and then he breaks forth iiUo the following pleasant refrain : 'All these things speak well for the future of our beautiful new city, and we advise those who wish to make good investments to come early and secure good seats.'

"The spring was cold, backward and rainy, but not cold enough to destroy the yoinig grasshoppers or retard their growth. Yet one reads with pleasure in the old files of the State Journal that through the energy of Mr. H. J. W^alsh a subscription was raised and the citizens celebrated Arbor Day, May 3d, by planting trees on the capitol grounds. One also finds about the same time a published statement of the expenditure of $59.25 raised by the same gentleman to plant trees on the university campus. Beside the rain and the grasshoppers fresh troubles were in store for the citizens of Lincoln. These came May 9th with the meeting of the constitutional convention. First and foremost was always the question of capital removal and now in addition to this was the agitation suddenly sprung by the Omaha RejHiblican, which advised the closing of the state university for five years, in order to give the high schools of the state a better chance and to save expenses. This, perhaps, might be called the turning point in the liistory of I^incoln, for it was at this crisis, through the untiring energy of the Lancaster delegation, that by the submission to the people, of what is known as the capital coupon, the question of capital removal was finally laid to rest.

"The summer of 1875 was probably the rainiest ever known in the annals of Nebraska. The rain gauge at the college farm registered for June alone 5.88 inches. Salt Creek was out of its bounds the most of the summer, and once during the month of June the high water reached nearly to the Metropolitan Hotel.

"By July 1st the last hopper had flown, the continuous wet weather hurried along vegetation, and where a few weeks before starvation seemed to stare one in the face now crops promised abundance. The fall was probably warm and dry, lor in the State Journal of September 20th the echtor warns the people against the danger of prairie fires, and A'ery soon after the fire company burned a cordon around the town. The greatest calamity of the year was the burning of Hallo's Opera House on the evening of October 5th. With characteristic energy the people immediately subscribed $10,000 and on October 12th Mr. Hallo began tearing away the old walls preparatory to rebuilding.

"It was about this time that the people began to agitate in earnest the subject of a public library and reading room, and to urge the consolidation of the Young .Men's Library and Lecture Association and the Ladies' Library and Reading Room Association. These two associations, organized at nearly the same time, were working in different directions to accomplish the same end. The first had, during the winters previous, given the people the jjenefit of many excellent lectures. The second, organized immediately after the temperance crusade, had maintained for a time a reading room on Eleventh Street, just south of Harley's Drug Store. This, on account of hard times, was discontinued in April of 1875. The ladies, however, did not relincjuish the project, but held a meeting on Alay 8th in the interest of their association. The earliest mention that one finds of the plan of consolidation is in the State Journal of July 27th. The editor says, 'We hope those who have been agitating the city lijjrary question will not give up the undertaking, but will see that the library becomes an assured fact the coming fall. By a union of the Ladies' Reading Room Association and the Lincoln Lecture Association, the matter can be accomplished without extraordinary effort.'

"About November 15th things took a definite shape and a meeting was called at the White Schoolhouse on Eleventh and O streets for the purpose of 'establishing and maintaining a public library and reading room.' The following persons were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws: E. J. Cartlege, J. C. Ellis, H. W. Hardy, T. H. Leavitt, O. A. Mullon and L. J. Bumstead. Their report can be found in the State Journal of December 9, 1875. In this report they state that they 'have held eight lengthy sessions," that they 'had extended an invitation to the officers of the Lincoln Lecture Association to meet with them,' that 'the invitation had been cordially accepted,' and that at one of the meetings X. S. Harwood had presided. They further state thai 'impressed with the profound sense of the importance of the interests under consideration, not only for the present, but for the future citizens of this city and vicinity' they 'had applied themselves to the matter accordingly, and with the purpose to suggest and provide for such a plan of association and operation as should serve for a good foundation on which to build safely and surely, and with reasonable prospects of steady growth and permanent endurance.' They called attention to the difficulties which beset the enterprise, on account of the newness of the town, the complex character of its inhabitants, and the difficulty of providing ways and means, especially at a time when it would seem most difficult in view of the disasters of the two previous seasons. In submitting a constitution they strongly recommended to the citizens that no hasty action should be taken, and above all that no division of interest should be allowed. They commended the work of both associations and suggested a way by which they could be united.

"This report was read and approved at a meeting held December 12th at the Academy of Music. This meeting was called to order by E. J. Cartlege and

Chancellor Benton presided. Speeches were made by J. R. Webster, Judge O. P. Mason, N. S. Harwood, and others. As an incentive to prompt action on the part of the citizens, Mr. Webster alluded to the record the town had already made, especially in the matter of railroad building. Donations of books and money were called for ; promises of assistance previously made were renewed. The best gift at this meeting was a set of Appleton's American Encyclopedia donated by Prosper Smith. A committee was appointed to canvass the town and the meeting adjourned until December iSth.

"The first meeting of the board of directors was held December 20th at the office of Tuttle and Harwood. At this meeting various committees were appointed. The next meeting of the board, held December 30th at the same place, voted to rent the entire second floor of the Briggs Block at $240 per year. The lease was afterwards drawn by J. R. Webster. When the bells rang in the centennial vear the Lincoln Public Library and Reading Room Association was practically established. There being no provision in the statutes of Nebraska for the founding and maintaining of public libraries, it was of necessity a subscription association. The two old associations had combined. The ladies turned over their property, consisting of some articles of furniture, fixtures, and $21 in cash, and the young men of the lecture association gave the proceeds of their lectures amounting to about three hundred dollars to the book fund, making their own selection of books.

"On January 28, '1876, the library was ready for the public and Mrs. Van Pelt, the librarian, commenced to give out books. The floor was covered with a bright red ingrain carpet ; there was a table covered with green cloth at each end of the room, and the walls were hung with pictures donated by members of the association. On the shelves were 367 books. The library was kept open on Sunday, the directors serving in alphabetical order in place of the librarian. This custom they continued until the summer of 1882, when the finances were sufficient to allow the directors to pay extra for Sunday service. On March 7, 1876, the librarian made her first report. There were then in the library over one thousand volumes. During the time that the library had been open 212 books had been drawn out for home use and 665 used in the room.

"The first half of the year 1877 found the new and struggling library constantly in arrears. In February a committee consisting of Messrs. Harwood, Franklin and McBride presented to the city council a petition signed by the principal taxpayers of the city and asked for an appropriation. This appropriation was passed March loth and vetoed March 28th by the mayor, R. D. Silver. popularly known as the watch dog of the city treasury. Of the many reasons given for this veto, three are here given. First, because it would lead to other foolish appropriations and tend to extravagance ; second, because of its unconsti- tutionality, there being no provision in the city charter for such action ; and histlv, because he 'did not think the citizens cared to be taxed to furnish a resort for boys and young men incHned to be wild.'

"In April, the treasury of the library association being empty, the rent was paid by Messrs. Harvvood and McBride. Soon after the association was authorized to borrow $ioo, the note being signed by Otto Funke. trustee, and endorsed and guaranteed by J. R. Webster, N. S. Harwood, C. D. Hyatt and C. H. Gere, jointly and severally.

"It was most fortunate for the city library at this crisis that the newly elected mayor, H. W. Hardy, was friendly to its interests. He had been one of the committee on constitution and by-laws at the time of its organization, and had been its lirst treasurer. He urged an appropriation of $ioo, which was promptly passed, only two members of the city council opposing. This appropriation kept the library association alive until, under the act passed by the Legislature February I", 1877, 'for the establishment and maintaining of free public libraries,' an ordinance could be passed and a levy made for its support. This ordinance was passed by the city council and approved by Mayor Hardy June 15th. On July 25, 1877, the property of the Lincoln Public Library and Reading Room Association was conveyed by deed to the City of Lincoln, and the Lincoln Public Library established.

"One mill upon each dollar of assessed valuation was the amount allowed for the library fund. When this levy was made, the library had already incurred an indebtedness of several hundred dollars. The tax not being collected for a year the board issued warrants and sold them at a discount. The levy being subsequently reduced to three-fourths of a mill, it took until 1888 to pay off the indebtedness and bring the warrants to their par value. In the meantime, in order to raise a book fund, the board was obliged to charge $1 a year for membership tickets. This method, which often subjected the directors to severe criticism, but which fortunately was never stopped by legal proceedings, was discontinued September i, 1888, when the library being free from debt, the books were loaned on guaranty cards.

"On January i, 1881, the library was moved from the Briggs Block to the second floor of the building long known as The Little Store, next to the Alexander Block at the corner of O and Twelfth streets. Here the library remained for nine years, and notwithstanding its poverty, gradually expanded until there was no more room for alcoves and the reading room would not longer hold the crowd that came daily to the library. On January I, 1889, the library was removed to the Harris Block on N Street, between Eleventh and Twelfth."

The library remained for five years at the Harris Block location, and at the end of this time, after a canvass, the Masonic Temple was selected and a five years' lease secured. The library was installed in rooms on the second floor.

On September 16, 1899, the city library, at the above location, was totally destroyed by fire. Immediate steps were taken, however, for its restoration. Books were collected and catalogued as rapidly as possible and the following winter the library was again open to the public. For 2^ years it was located on the third floor of the Oliver Theater Building, and on May 27, 1902, moved into its permanent home.

Soon after the fire the needs of the library were brought to the attention of Andrew Carnegie and on Christmas of the year 1899 he otTered to the city the sum of $75,000 for the erection of a building. Steps were taken immediately to secure a site and though several were ottered as a gift none were wholly suitable for the purpose. The library board, therefore, appealed to the citizens of the city for voluntary donations with which to purchase a site, with the result that about $10,000 was subscribed for the purpose by the residents, numbering 5,500, in amounts ranging from 5 cents to $1,000. Later Mr. Carnegie gave $2,000 more to finish the structure. Fisher & Lawrie, of Omaha, were the architects of the building. Ground was broken December i, 1900.

Preliminary plans were adopted by the board after a careful investigation of modern libraries and the particular needs to be met in this case. The prime feature in determining the essential details of the plan was the possibility of economical administration. It was recognized that no library is so rich in funds that its usefulness cannot be enhanced by economy in administrative expenses. With this in view it was necessary to bring all the essential departments of the library together on a single floor, with the rooms so arranged as to allow complete supervision from a single point. The main portion of the building is a rectangle, 68 by 104 feet. In the rear is an extension for the main stack room, 20 by 43, and a small extension for the librarian's and cataloguing rooms, 19 by 27 feet. The building consists of a main floor and a high basement, the floor of the latter being but 3^ feet below the building grade, which itself is about three feet above the level of the street. The entrance is directly to the main floor. The basement to the top of the water table, a distance of about ten feet, is faced with first quality blue Bedford stone, accurately squared and rubbed. Above this, the building is constructed of the best quality of gray pressed brick, with trimmings of gray terra cotta several shades lighter. The roof is covered with a dull red tile and the whole is surmounted by a low dome, faced with gray brick and roofed with copper.

The entrance, which is approached by a flight of easy stairs, is surmounted by a pediment in which are ornamental designs of terra cotta in high relief. The pediment is supported by two fluted Ionic columns, one on each side of the entrance. The entrance through the outer door is into a broad light vestibule, wainscoted with dark Tennessee marble. The upper portion is finished in Keen's cement, the sides being moulded in the form of pilasters. A short flight of stairs of easy steps brings the visitor to the level of the main floor, and from the vestibule he passes into the spacious and well lighted delivery room. To the right of the delivery room in front is the reading room for newspapers and periodicals. To the left is the staircase, leading to the basement. To the left and next to the staircase is the reference room, in which the arrangement of the books is such as to permit the doubling of the initial shelf capacity, without rearrangement in any essential particular.

Opposite the entrance in the delivery room is the main delivery counter, semi-circular in form, where books are received and issued. To the right of the delivery room is the children's room, in which are kept all books and periodicals for the special use of juvenile readers.

To Mr. S. L. Geisthardt, for many years a member of the city library board, much credit is due for the watchful and unrelenting care given by him in the superintending of the construction of the building, which is one of the best for the money in the West, and the pride of Lincoln. There are now about thirtyseven thousand five hundred books in this library.

Branch Libr.-Vry

In February, 1907, arrangements were made for a small space in a corner grocery store at Twenty-seventh and Holdrege streets. A small collection of books was sent out and on Saturday afternoons and evenings an assistant went out and lent books. This was the beginning of the northeast branch which was located at Twenty-seventh and Orchard. The citizens subscribed sufficient money for a site and Andrew Carnegie gave $10,000 for the construction of the building. This was completed and opened to the public on July 29, 1909.

Chapter Xix The Social Side Of Lincoln

Some of the early residents of Lincoln regard the imputation that there was only one swallow-tail in Lincoln in pioneer days as a slur upon the city. "This was always a well-dressed town," said one of these gentlemen, "The men were up-to-date young fellows from the East and wore just what they had been accustomed to wear in their eastern college or home towns. A dress coat of finest texture and finish worn in Lincoln in 1870-71 by J. W. Eckman, a banker and real estate man of those days, who died a few years ago, is preserved by his sister-in-law, Mrs. C. C. Waldo, known before her marriage as Libbie Gumaer.'' Further testimony as to T. P. Kennard's famous dress coat was received from John B. Wright, who settled in Lincoln in 1875. Mr. Wright recalled seeing Air. Kcnnard at political conventions in the early days clad in a dress suit.

When N. C. Brock brought his bride to Lincoln in 1870 he had a Prince Albert coat, used at his marriage, and a silk hat. Another pioneer said that when Dr. and Mrs. S. G. Fuller, the latter Miss M. Frank Townley, were married at the Townley House in 1870, Doctor Fuller wore a dress suit.

In this connection there is a clipping now preserved which gives an account of the coming of the Townley family to Lincoln, and the building of the Townley House. It follows :

"In 1868 to call Lincoln a village was a misnomer. The magic city of the great American desert was altogether in the imagination of the real estate agent. In the early summer of that year my father came to Lincoln (written by Mrs. Fuller), purchased lots and let the contract for a ten-room house, to be built where the Lindell Hotel now stands, and to be completed the ist of October. The only building south of this location was on the corner of Thirteenth and K streets. Reverend Little of the Congregational Church lived in a i^-story house with a bay window, where R. H. Oakley's house now stands, on M Street between Sixteenth and Seventeenth. Elder Davis of the Methodist Church lived on L Street between Thirteenth and Fourteenth. On August 20th we left Cincinnati accompanied by our household and the inevitable dog, a thoroughbred pointer. My father met us at Nebraska City with two wagons to convey us and our effects to our new home. On the morning of September 20th we reached Lincoln. I will try to picture the city at that time. It had not more than seventyfive houses, built anywhere, regardless of the points of the compass, with nothing to show which was the front and which the back door or to define the street line ; no school or church, a few small stores about the postofifice square, the office

"On Tenth Street between I' and Q there was a small building in which sehool was kept. On Sunday morning the Methodists held a service there and HI the afternoon the Congregationalists. The first Episcopal service was held in Leighton's and Brown's unfinished store at the corner of Eleventh and O streets. We cleared a space in front, put a white cloth on one end of the carpenter's bench and made seats by placing a board on two nail kegs. I think there were twelve people there, of whom eight were familiar with the service, and of these eight seven have joined the majority. From that nucleus Holy Trinity Church came. In 1869 we had a mission priest who held service in many of the new buildings and after a while had the use of the Senate chamber.

"There are a number of people in Lincoln today who remember many pleasant evenings spent in the old Townley House with music, games and conversation, when we did what we could to help each other through that first winter."

The Lincoln Courier of 1890, in connection with an article on the Pleasant Hour Club, which had its beginning about 1874, has the following on the subject of dress :

"Good form in the early days did not demand full dress at the Pleasant Hour assemblies, and the parties were marked by the entire absence of formality that inevitably follows the introduction of the claw-hammer, carriages and flowers. For a long time the town boasted of only one 'hack' and everybody walked. Cutaways and Prince Alberts and the usual indoor feminine apparel constituted the full dress. A new era dawned ten or twelve years ago wdien G. W. Farwell broke the ice and appeared in a spick and span swallow-tail. His example was followed by a few of the bravest among the men, but it took some time before the wearing of these suits overcame the feeling of sheepishness. The custom demanded carriages and the Pleasant Hour parties gradually became more and more elaborate until the present condition of affairs was reached." This was printed in 1890, when the Pleasant Hour Club seemed too important in Lincoln's social life ever to be disbanded.

An interesting collection of New Year's calling cards has been preserved by an early resident of Lincoln, and shows that the custom of extending greeting in person on the first day of the new year used to be quite general in this city. The earliest of the cards has the dates "1869-1870," and the name "Jesse M. Holden," with "A Happy New Year" at the top. Many of the cards have but one name, but more have several, showing that the men usually called in groups. A card of 1871 bears the names of N. C. Brock, R. H. Oakley, J. D. Thompson and R. C. Outcalt. Another dated 1871 shows that C. 'M. Parker, W. J. Turner, J. N. Eckman and I. Putnam went calling together on New Year's Day of that year. "Governor D. Butler," written in nicely shaded penmanship on a card, is a record that the governor of that period called alone. So did O. N. Humphrey, Steve Brock, and others.

In 1875 the popularity of the New Year's call must have been at its height, judging from the number of cards preserved. That year J. J. Deck, A. C. Cass, O. W. Webster and C. S. Montgomery made the rounds together. Frank Sheldon, Charlie Hamlin and Rome Hurlburt were another group. A. J. Cropsey. J. H. McMurtry, W. H. Moore and D. W. Scott were another party whose names appear together. Among other groups of four or five men who had cards, some plain and some appropriately decorated for the season, were the following: John M. Thayer, C. H. Gould, Silas Garber, C. H. Willard and \\'. P. Farwell ; Charlie C. Caldwell, Ortha C. Bell, John A. Dodds and James M. Irwin ; T. C. Kern, J. H. Harley, Doc Yeazel and L. W. Coates.

"Twenty years ago card playing was not general. Progressive euchre was as yet an unrevealed fad of the future, and high five and razzle-dazzle, so dear to the heart of the modern card enthusiast, had not been dreamed of. The facilities for dancing of the young, and at that time (comparatively) wild western town, were very meagre; consequently there was very little social activity. There were, however, a few mansions in the pioneer days whose owners were wont to entertain on occasion small gatherings of friends, which without those incidental amusements so common today, were perhaps none the less agreeable. In those days the latest arrival was hail fellow well met with the oldest settler and what was lacking in ceremony was made up in perfect good will and universal friendliness.

"Many of those now in the swim can recall the old time assemblies in the ancient Tichenor House at Thirteenth and K, which was at that time a leading hotel and the greatest political rendezvous in the state. Early in the '70s there were some memorable gatherings in the Townley House, later removed from M Street near Thirteenth and the Atwood mansion which stood on the site of the present Journal Building. At the former, about 1873, there was a notable entertainment at which A. C. Ziemer and Charley Smails, then B. & M. ticket agent, furnished the amusement. These gentlemen operated a telegraph line from one room to another for the benefit of fond maidens and devoted youths, who kept the wire burdened with tender messages all evening.

"Nebraska City and Lincoln were united by a close bond of friendship in those days and the young people of the two towns saw a great deal of each other. Some of the trips to Nebraska City will be long remembered.

"Lincoln has boasted an 'opera house' so long that the memory of the oldest inhabitant runneth not to the contrary. Dramatic performances were given in the Academy of Music at Eleventh and O streets ; but Hallo's Opera House was the most popular resort until it was rebuilt as the Centennial. Even as far back as fifteen years ago (written in 1890) strong attractions were common and society always turned out en masse when there was a 'show' in town. John McCullough, jMary Anderson, the Florences, Janauschek and Emma Abbot were among the eminent stars who were seen here over a decade ago. Richard Golden, Pauline Hall and Jessie Bartlett Davis were seen with Carleton before their reputations were made, and Marie Jansen and Francis Wilson also appeared here in the years agone. 'Chow Chow' as given by Adah Richmond in the Academy of Music, was a strong favorite with Lincoln playgoers and William Gill's 'Our Goblins,' of fifteen years ago was a great event. Kate Claxton, who assisted at the burning of so many theaters, was playing in the 'Two Orphans' at Hallo's fifteen seasons ago, when the theater was partially destroyed by fire.

"The early governors were little given to entertainments ; but a number of receptions were given in the old capitol, and the chancellor's receptions were also leading events but a few years ago.

tilt Pleasant Hour Club, probably the oldest social organization in the state. For an association dependent for perpetuation upon an annual reorganization to remain intact for more than a decade and a half is something very unusual. The Pleasant Hour Club has enjoyed a peculiar prosperity. Starting in a modest way, it has widened and broadened with time until it is now one of the most solidly established institutions of its kind to be found anywhere in the West. It stands for the active leading element in society, and its membership includes not only the younger class but a fair representation of those whose social position, long since determined, entitled them to lead in the affairs of the gay world.

"To R. H. Oakley probably belongs the honor of giving the clulj its name. He was present at its first meeting and at his suggestion it was dubbed "Pleasant Hour." There is some dispute as to the exact date of the club's origin, the official records extending only back to 18S3, but as near as can be ascertained, it was organized in C)ctober, 1874, at a meeting held in H. J. Walsh's office. ]. O. West, later of Grand Island, was elected president, and R. H. Oakley, vice president. The next year West was succeeded by Oakley, and then W. P. Farwell was made the executive. The latter died during his tenure of oftice, the unexpired term being completed by O. W. Webster. After Webster the following gentlemen were honored by election to the presidency of the club : J- D. Macfarland, Thomas Ewing, Charles AI. Carter, Gordon H. Frinke and I. W'. Irwin. This brings the record down to 1883, when for technical reasons the original constitution was readopted with some modifications, and the following officers elected: President, C. M. Carter ; vice president, Frank C. Zehrung ; secretary, D. C. \^an Duyn ; treasurer, R. C. Outcalt ; executive committee, C. E. Magoon, R. H. Townley and C. S. Lippincott ; master of ceremonies, W. H. Green. During the season of 1S84-5, W. A. Green was president and was succeeded in 1885-6 by Frank C. Zehrung, in 1886-7 by A. G. Beesoii, in 1887-8 by H. P. Foster, in 1888-9 by C. S. Lippincott, in 1889-90 by W. E. Hardy, who was followed by C. E. Magoon.

"The oldest consecutive member of the club was Frank C. Zehrung, who joined fifteen years ago. Among the most notable assemblies under the auspices of the club may be mentioned the ball opening the east wing of the state capitol, which was an event of peculiar importance at the time. The custom of giving a reception to newly married members has been observed almost from the foundation of the club.

The Pleasant Hour Club was dissolved about 1900. Many of the original members were no longer in the city and others had become too engrossed with serious matters to take the interest in planning gay affairs that they had felt when younger.

The Charity Ball

One of the social events of the year in Lincoln is the annual charity ball. The following account of the first reception of this kind held in Lincoln is taken from the columns of the State Journal and will suppl_\' unusual interest to those now living who were present at that time :

1890, at the capitol and was described in the Capital City Courier on January i8th as 'The largest and, as a whole, the finest dancing party ever held in the capital city.' The account which appeared in the paper began with a Biblical quotation and a dissertation on the effects of the 'cry of distress' which were such as 'to even reach fashion, usually heartless to all that does not minister to its own pleasure,' and to cause pleasure and pity to clasp hands in friendly accord, and 'chase the shining hours with flying feet' on the floor of this same 'fashion.'

"Tucked away in an obscure corner headed, 'Echoes of the Ball' was the information that 1,900 invitations were issued and that the profits would be over five hundred dollars, perhaps nearer six hundred- dollars. Miss Latta sold the greatest number of tickets and turned over $155 to the committee. Miss Ziemer came second with $145 and Miss Naomi Weaver was a good third with $45.

"It was stated that A. C. Ziemer first suggested the ball and he was given credit for making the plans and seeing to the execution of them. A column was devoted to the description of Representative Hall where the dancing took place, and the corridors and nooks which has been arranged about the rotunda. Several columns were given to descriptions of the toilets of the ladies and an effort was made to secure a list of the names of all of the people who were present.

"The gentlemen in charge were exceedingly fortunate in securing the use of the statehouse, which afforded magnificent accommodations and gave an added dignity and charm. The hall of the House of Representatives was used for dancing. The room had been in the hands of an experienced man for several days and was handsomely decorated. * * * Conspicuous among the decorations were the national colons. The upper window back of the speaker's desk was hidden by a flag draped vertically. On either side was a huge flag spread out horizontally with the stars next the window. Each of the four corners was broken with another big flag draped vertically. Next to attract notice were two ropes of fir festooned in parallel lines, about five feet apart, around the walls of the hall. The upper rope was caught by loops thrown over the ornamental keystones in the window c;;ps on three sides of the room. Across the gallery the posts served as points of attachment. An evergreen rope and two evergreen rings hanging from the loops mentioned supported the second parallel rope. In each of the angles made by the festoons hung a pendant rope with a tassel of fir at the end. The posts in the gallery were also twined with evergreen. The speaker's desk was draped with a flag, and an evergreen rope bridged the space between the two upright lamps. Wreaths of evergreen crowned the lamps on the chief clerk's desk, and similar garlands of holly ornamented the bracket gas jets in the three walls. Tufts of fir and holly relieved the panels between the upper and the lower tier of windows. The walls were hung with oil paintings loaned for the occasion and a cluster of evergreen branches reared their heads from the recess back of each picture. The windows were draped with lace and chenille curtains (also loaned), giving with the pictures, a homelike air to the big hall. The grand central chandelier was studded thickly with pendant festoons of evergreen and a bell of fir swaing from the center by a rope just high enough to escape the heads of the dancers. The front of the gallery was hung with interlacing fir ropes. Midway of the two sides was the date, 'January 14,' in large letters of ruby and gold on a dark background, the whole being bound in evergreen. But the gem of the decorations remains to be described. Across the east wall, over the speaker's desk, was a long, narrow panel outlined by a trimming of fir. Within the lines the panel was filled with snow white cotton. Peeping out of this soft pure bed were scores of glass bulbs, incandescent electric lamps, arrangerl to spell the word "charity' in great luminous letters.

"The company began assembling at 8.30 o'clock and just an hour later a cornet call announced the grand march. Governor Thayer had consented to lead the march. He selected Mrs. A. C. Ziemer to assist him in that pleasing duty, and they made a very striking couple. The governor is a fine looking gentleman, of dignified bearing and an erect military carriage. Mrs. Ziemer looked queenly in a regal robe of black velvet, en traine, low neck and short sleeves, black mous- (|uetaire gloves, diamonds, hand and corsage bouquets. As the governor and his lady stepped out upon the dancing floor the other participants formed in column after them. \'iolin and cornet and 'cello broke forth in a joyous fanfare, the word 'charity' flashed out upon the wall and flooded the already brilliant room with a white electric glow, the company burst into spontaneous applause at the beautiful sight - and Lincoln's first charity ball had begun.

"Miss Minnie Latta (Mrs. C. F. Ladd), pink faille and tulle, pearl trimmings, pink gloves, gold necklace : Miss Bertie Burr (Mrs. Beeman Dawes), yellow cashmere, trimmed with black velvet, black velvet girdle, diamonds; Miss Maud Burr (Mrs. Ross P. Curtice), black lace, low neck and short sleeves, tan gloves, diamonds and rubies; Mrs. Hickey, light pink silk and light green ribbon trimmings, fan; Martha Funke (Mrs. F. C. Howe), light blue china silk, accordeon skirt, narrow ribbon triiumings, red roses, tan gloves, diamonds ; Jeanette Wilson (Mrs. John T. Dorgan), white embroidered cashmere, white moire sash, tan gloves; Miss Hathaway (Mrs. J. S. Meadows), white mull with scarlet trimmings, scarlet sash and mitts, diamonds; Cora Hardy (Mrs. T. E. Calvert), scarlet cashmere, accordeon skirt, ribbon trimmings, bonnet; Miss Carmody (Mrs. M. I. Aitkin), black henrietta, velvet trimmings, bonnet, diamonds; Maggie Mullon (Mrs. J. M. Thayer, Jr.). white skirt, pink and white striped overdress, pink roses; Gertie Laws (Mrs. W. E. Hardy), white silk accordeon skirt and flufty sleeves; Mrs. A. D. Burr, black silk, lace and diamonds; Maude Oakley (Mrs. L'ppham of San Francisco), red cashmere, princess style, black velvet trimmings; Mrs. A. S. Raymond, white cashmere trimmed in brown velvet ribbons ; Miss White (Mrs. Lew Marshall), gray cashmere embroidered in black; Miss Lau (Mrs. R. E. Gififen), gray cashmere, dark gray velvet trimmings, elbow sleeves, pink roses, tan gloves; Mrs. A. W. Jansen, pink faille, brocaded skirt, dainty ribbon trimmings, elbow sleeves, long tan gloves, diamonds, large feather fan; ^liss AL-irquette (Mrs. James McAfee), yellow velvet and striped tulle, diamonds ; Olive Latta (]\Irs. Olive Watson), white cashmere, Persian trimmings, diamonds, pink rosebuds; Maude IMullon (Mrs. J. G. White)."

Dress suits and the various habiliments relative to twentieth century society are quite ordinary in Lincoln, but it is well within the memory of many citizens

Many authorities upon this rather unusual subject have honored George W. Farwell with the distinction of having worn the first dress suit in Lincoln, but this has been largely discredited. Thomas P. Kennard antedates Mr. Farwell in this respect. In the memory of one citizen Mr. Kennard was seen walking on the main street in a dress coat as early as 1874. Mr. Kennard's daughter, Mrs. C. F. Chapman, remembers her father as wearing a frock coat, black velvet vest and a silk hat. Mr. Kennard himself claims to have worn a dress coat indiscriminately, the same as any other article of apparel. Due to the character of the country here at that time, when men were building for future homes, and the City of Lincoln consisted of practically nothing, the people did not cater to particular styles, nor did they view any eccentricity of dress with undue alarm, as they are wont to do now.

However, Mr. Farwell still has the honor of having brought the first strictly dress suit to Lincoln, that is, a suit used solely for functions. This was in 1878, when he came to the city to live.

Social life was growing rapidly in Lincoln by that date. The Pleasant Hour Club, the dancing club to which the "blue bloods'' belonged, met at regular intervals in the city hall, then located where the Fred Schmidt Building now stands. The ladies followed the styles of the East in simple evening dresses, while the men confined their dress to cutaways and Prince Alberts. The cost of a dress suit for a time was prohibitive, the price being anywhere from $175 to $225.

As Nebraska was settled with eastern people, they naturally brought with them the prevailing fashions in clothes. There was never anything provincial about the people of Lincoln. The women who remained in the state kept their clothes up-to-date by buying patterns and noting new ideas brought by the latest arrivals from the eastern cities. The Hohmann family, which settled in Lincoln in 1869, two years after the location of the capital here, put m a stock of Demorest patterns in their dry goods store and kept them for sale for about twenty years.

For many years the city churches performed the duties of social halls. Mrs. S. B. Hohmann, who came in 1876 to accept a position as leading singer for the First Presbyterian Church, said that she was always invited to sing at the other churches if anything special was given. Mrs. Hohmann was then Miss Helen Candee. Mrs. A. S. Raymond, then Miss Mollie Baird, was in charge of the music at the First Congregational Church. Miss Mattie Gerens and Miss Kate Gillette both sang at the Methodist Church.

Mrs. Hohmann recalled driving out in the country with Miss Madge Hitchcock, daughter of Professor Hitchcock of the university, the first summer in the state and on the day the grasshoppers came. The two girls heard the grasshoppers in the corn, but thought it must be the sound of the corn growing, of which phenomenon they had read. Upon reaching their destination Mrs. Hohmann left a wool shawl on a bed and the grasshoppers devoured it before she returned to

In 1876 the women of Nebraska were wearing princess gowns with trains. For evening wear summer silk was used. The trained dresses were worn through the streets of Lincoln.

tive Hall in the capitol building. In 1873-74 the Pleasant Hour Club was holding dances at the Academy of Music, where the Rudge & Guenzel Building now stands, with such men as N. C. Brock, J. D. Macfarland, Charlie Carter, R. C. Outcalt and D. D. Muir in its membership. The club next met at the City Hall, then at the Masonic Temple at Eleventh and M streets, and then at the Lincoln Hotel. The club was disbanded about seventeen years ago, the membership having grown very small.

From an old program it is learned that the Matinee Musicale was preceded by an earlier music club. The program announces the fourth musicale of the Ladies' Musical and Social Club, entertained by Miss Tote McMurtry, Friday evening, March 11, 1887. Those taking part included: Miss Clara Funke (Mrs. Mansfield), Miss Tote McMurtry, Mrs. I. J. Manatt, Miss Minnie D. Cochran, Miss Minnie Latta (Mrs. C. F. Ladd), Miss Nannie Lillibridge, Mrs. C. S. Lippincott, Mrs. Carrie B. Raymond. The latter was the accompanist.

To the Independent Order of Odd Fellows belongs the honor of having established the first fraternal society within the City of Lincoln. Two of the members of the state commission to locate the capital were Odd Fellows in good standing; these were Governor David Butler and Secretary T. P. Kennard. The lodge first organized was Capital Lodge No. 11, and its charter was given to W. H. Stubblefield, Max Rich. Samuel McClay, L. A. Onyett and Samuel Leland. The lodge was instituted by George H. Burgert of Nebraska City, who was at that time grand master. Three members were received at that time - Luke Lavender, S. B. Pound and Seth Robinson. The lodge was instituted in the small second story of a frame building standing on the ground now known as 123 South Tenth Street. On October 18, 1870, at the meeting of the grand lodge in Lincoln, Charity Lodge No. 2, Daughters of Rebekah, was organized. On October 19th a reception was given the grand lodge and No. 2 by Governor Butler and his wife, an occasion attended by many gentlemen' and ladies from Lincoln's society. Saline Encampment No. 4 was organized on April 7, 187 1. By 1873 the need was felt for another lodge, and accordingly on June 5, 1873, Lancaster Lodge No. 39 was instituted with fifteen members. J. H. Harley was the first to be initiated. The next lodge, Germania No. 67, was instituted for those of the order who could speak German better than English. The lodge was instituted with ten charter members on December 11, 1877, by H. W. Parker of Beatrice, grand master. On March 29, 1881, a charter was granted for the degree lodge, and it was known as Magic Degree Lodge No. 2, but existed only a short time. On February 14, 1885, the Ford Uniformed Degree Camp No. 2 was instituted. In March, 1887, it was merged into the organization known as the Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. During these years Lincoln was taking on size and more men desired to become members of the lodge, so, in order to accommodate those desirous of joining, a new lodge, known as Lincoln Lodge No. 138, was instituted on January 22, 1886. The first efforts to get ample quarters for the order in Lincoln were taken on May 3, 1881, when the Odd Fellows' Hall Association of Lincoln, Neb., was incorporated. Land was secured on the northeast corner

In 1868 the Knights of Pythias first invaded Lincoln. On August 28, 1871, Lincoln Lodge No. 8, K. of P., was instituted here. The lodge for a time flourished, but in 1873 financial reverses compelled the surrender of the charter. However, in December, a few of the former members petitioned for a new charter and this was granted December 3, 1873. The first meeting for initiation was held in the attic of the old opera house. The new lodge was known as Lincoln Lodge No. 16. In 1884, August iSth, Apollo Lodge No. 36 came into existence, composed in greater part of younger men than the other. A. D. Marshall Lodge No. 41 was organized June 18, 1885, with twenty-three members. Capital City Lodge No. 68 was instituted February 9, 1887. The Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias started in Lincoln in 1879 from the members of No. 16. There were thirty-two members at the start. A. D. Marshall Division No. 10 was organized September 28, 1886, with twenty-nine members, Apollo Division No. II was instituted October 11. 1886, with thirty members. The Knights of Pythias are represented now in Lincoln by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Lincoln Lodge No. 16, Lincoln Lodge No. i, Uniform Rank, and North Star Temple No. 10, Pythian Sisters.

The Masons are well represented in Lincoln, there being seventeen distinct organizations. The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, its Territories and Dependencies, Lincoln Consistory No. 54, Chapter of Rose Croix, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and a Lodge of Perfection were organized April 23, 1889, with fifty members, by Joseph McGrath of New Jersey, grand inspector general of the rite as organizer, A. D. 1807 Lincoln Lodge No. 19, York Rite, A. F. & A, M., was organized in 1868. Lancaster Lodge No. 54 was organized in 1874. Lincoln Chapter No. 6, R. A. M., was organized April 28, 1868. Mount Moriah Commandery No. 40, Knights Xemplar, was organized in 1871, The Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Sesostris Temple, was organized in 1880, There are now in Lincoln, in addition to these. East Lincoln Lodge No, 210, A. F. & A, M, ; George Washington Lodge No, 250, A, F, & A, M, ; North Star Lodge, No. 227, A, F, & A. M. ; Lincoln Council No. 4, R. & S, M. ; Electa Chapter No, 8, O, E, S, ; Lincoln Chapter No. 148; Martha Washington Lodge No. 153, O. E, S, ; Lincoln Council No. 2; Knights of Kadosh, A. A. S. R. Among the colored people of the city there are the Lebanon Lodge No, 126, A, F. & A. M. ; Hiram Chapter No 59, R. A. M, ; Amaranth Qiapter No. 54, O. E. S. ; Ricketts Commandery No. 14, K. T, ; Magnolia Court No. 10, H, O. J,

On April 27, 1886, a lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America was organized in Lincoln, known as Capital City Camp No, 190, The lodge known as Antelope Camp No. 916 was instituted on April 4, 1889, with 100 names on the petition. F, D. Roose Camp No. 969, now inactive, was organized May 2, i88g. The head camp of the Modern Woodmen is located in Lincoln, as are also the Banner City Camp No, 1332, Belmont Camp No. 5293, Lincoln Camp No. 969, State of Nebraska Camp No. 2266.

There are two well-supported Grand Army of the Republic posts in Lincoln. The first is the Farragut Post, which was organized September 8, 1879. There were thirty- four charter members, namely: S. J, Alexander, L. W, Billingsley, R, C, Hazlett, Lyman Wood, A, D, Burr, W, S. Latta, Henry Masterman, W. A.

Lincoln Commerola.L Olub Building

Daggett, D. B. Howard, G. K. Amory, C. H. Gere, A. P. Tarbox, J. E. Philpot, R. O. Phillips, Silas Sprague, W. R. Kelly, W. H. Beach, Sam McCIay, P. A. Smith, W. J. Cooper, N. Carpenter, James Bolshaw, S. P. Richey, T. B. Dawson, Levi Gable, D. C. Reynolds, E. G. Clements, C. C. Harris, A. Masterman, J. Curry, M. L. Hiltner, J. W. Owens, Thomas Sewall and R. N. Wright. The first officers were : S. J. Alexander, commander ; L. W. Billingsley, S. V. C. ; C. PL Gould, J- V. C. ; H. Masterman, chaplain ; George K. Amory, adjutant ; A. D. Burr, Q. AL ; R. C. Hazlett, O. D. ; Al. AListerman, O. G. At one time this post had over five hundred members in good standing.

Other lodges represented in Lincoln are : The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Fraternal Order of Eagles, Fraternal Aid Association, Fraternal Cnion of .America, House of David of the World, Improved Order of Redmen, Knights and Ladies of Security, Knights of Columbus, Knights of the Maccabees, Loyal Mystic Legion of America, Order of Railway Conductors, Royal Highlanders, Royal Neighbors, Tribe of Ben Hur, Woodmen of the World, and Ancient Order of United Workmen.

The following trade unions are located in the city: Barbers' Union No. 16, Bookbinders' L'nion No. 120, Bricklayers' Union No. 2, Carpenters' Union No. 1,055, Central Labor Union, Cigarmakers' Union, Federal Union, International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, Machinists' Union No. 698, Painters' Union No. 18, Plasterers' Union No. 22, Plumbers' Union No. 88, Pressmen's Union No. 16, Sheet .Metal Workers' Union, Stereotypers' Union No. 62, Tailors' Union No. 2"^},, Theatrical Employes' Union No. 151, and Typographical Union No. 209.

The Young Men's Christian Association of Lincoln was organized in January, 1880, with thirteen members. The following officers were elected: A. O. Geisinger. president; Richard George, vice president; W. W. Peet, secretary; and M. L. Easterday, treasurer. James A. Dummett was the first general secretary, beginning his services on August 6, 1884. .\fter a short time the association occupied rooms in the McConnell Block, 141 South Tenth Street, but when the membership approached the 500 mark, these quarters became too small, and on July 24, 1889. a contract was let for a new building at the corner of N and Thirteenth streets. The cornerstone was laid October 28, 1889. This building was sufficient until the year 1909, when the membership became so large that a new home was imperative. A campaign was started to raise sufficient funds for the promotion of the work, and by September, 1909. fully $100,000.00 had

The Young Women's Christian Association was organized on November 7, 1886, in Lincoln, with just a few members. This sister association of the Young Men's Christian Association has had a steady growth, and in 1905 dedicated their new building in the city. The work of this association and that of the Young Men's Christian Association is a principal factor in the Christian work of Lincoln, and a very active one. Recreation, education, physical training, and social life are furnished men and women in large numbers, many of whom otherwise would not have the opportunity.

Chapter Xx

The military history of Lancaster County may be said to have begun with the opening of the Spanish-American war, in April, 1898, although one man, Dr. Wesley Queen, went from Lancaster County in 1862 to join the Second Nebraska Cavalry at Nebraska City. Doctor Queen was not only the sole representative of the county in the Civil war, but was the first postmaster, having been appointed in 1862; the first physician; the founder of the first Sunday school and the founder of the first sanitarium. Doctor Queen was one of the first settlers of the county and participated in the first Fourth of July celebration here in 1861. Doctor Queen and his brother-in-law, John Wimple, walked through Omaha in i860, when there were less than twenty houses in that town. They reached the Salt Creek basin in May of that year and the next spring the doctor opened the first sanitarium. He and other settlers constructed a bridge across Salt Creek for the steam wagon road from Nebraska City to Denver. As stated before Doctor Queen was appointed postmaster March 4, 1862, but in October of the same year he resigned the office to enlist in the Union army. Late the next year he returned and organized the first Sunday school between the Missouri River and Denver. Doctor Queen's death occurred late in the year 1915, at the age of seventy-nine.

In the Spanish-American war the State of Nebraska supplied three full regiments and a troop of cavalry to the United States volunteer forces. Of these four units the First Regiment experienced the most hazardous service and really were engaged with the enemy. The muster of the First Regiment, Nebraska Volunteer Infantry, was complete in the City of Lincoln on May 9, 1898, and immediately the regiment was ordered to entrain for San Francisco, Cal. The order was issued on May i6th and four days later the Nebraska boys arrived in the western city. The regiment encamped at Bay District, San Francisco, until June 15, 1898, when they embarked on the United States transport Senator for Manila, P. I. After a voyage of many hardships the transport reached Manila Bay on July 17th, whereupon the troops disembarked and encamped at Camp Dewey, just south of the City of Manila, on the 21st. After several days on outpost duty before the Spanish Fort Malate, the regiment engaged with other regiments in the general attack on Manila, August 13, 1898. From this time until December 4th of the same year, the regiment was comparatively inactive, being assigned to patrol duty in the Tondo District, which was near the noted custom house. On the 5th of December they went into camp at Santa Mesa, in the vicinity of Manila, and remained there until February 4, 1899, when they got their first taste of real battle. Heavy engagements followed in quick order, which took a heavier toll from the First Nebraska than any other regiment in the Philippines with the exception of one regiment of regular United States troops. The following are the conflicts in which the First participated : Camp defense, February 4, 1899 ; capture of block houses, February 6th and 7th ; powder magazine and Deposito, February 5th ; capture of pumping station near Manila, February 6th ; expelled rebels from Mariquina, February 17th; engagements on the Alariquina road, February 22(1, 24th, 27th, March 5th and 6th ; drove insurgents across Pasig River, March 7th ; in advance on JNLilolos, March 25th-3ist; in advance on Calumpit and San Fernando. The regiment was returned to Manila on -May i8th and six companies were detached to the south line of San Pedro, Macati, and three companies to Pateros, the three remaining companies being relieved from duty. The First embarked on the United States transport A. T. Hancock, on June 22d, sailing witii the Utah Battery for San Francisco, via Nagasaki and Yokohama, Japan, and arrived at their destination July 29th. The soldiers went into camp at the Presido the next day and were there mustered out of the United States service on August 23d. The casualties of the First Nebraska were as follows: Killed in battle, 21; died of wounds, 13: died of disease. 30; total loss, 64 men.

The citizens of Nebraska began a movement to return the soldiers to their homes and to this end solicited subscriptions. The sum of $40,342.75 was raised within a short time, David E. Thompson, of Lincoln, giving $20,000 and William J. Bryan, $1,250. The regiment left Frisco on August 25th and on September 14th were accorded to patriotic reception by the citizens of Lincoln. The day was spent in honor to those who had returned and in respect to those who gave their lives for their country. The Legislature of 1901 made an appropriation of $36,315.45, the amount expended to return the soldiers from San Francisco, and ordered that the same be given back to the men who had so willingly subscribed funds.

The Second Regiment, Nebraska \'olunteer Infantry, entered the service of the United States on .-Xpril 27, 1898. After the muster in was completed the regiment was ordered to Chickamauga Park, Georgia. They left Lincoln on Thursday, May 19th, and arrived at Camp Thomas May 22d. Here they remained until August 31st, then left for Omaha, arriving on September 3d. The men were mustered out on the 24th of October, 1898. The regiment suffered twentysix deaths from disease and one by accident.

The Third Regiment, Nebraska \'olunteer Infantry, was organized at Omaha and mustered in July 3, 1898. On July i8th the regiment was transported to Jacksonville, Florida, and four days later arrived and encamped at Panama Park, Camp Cuba Libre. The regiment became part of the first brigade, third division, seventh army corps. On September 9th the regiment was removed to Pablo Beach, Florida. On October 2d they were forced out of camp by the ocean flooding the camp during a severe windstorm and two days afterward returned fo Tacksonville and became part of the first brigade, first division, seventh army corps. On October 24th they moved to Camp Onward, Savannah, Georgia, and then to Havana, Cuba, on the transport Obdam, also transport Michigan. The troops left on the 30th and 31st of December and arrived on the 1st and 2d of January. They were quartered with the seventh army corps at Camp Colum- bia, IL-ivana, until April jth, then embarked on the United States transport Logan; were in quarantine at Daufuskie, South Carolina, and on the i8th embarked for Savannah. On the igth they left for Augusta, Georgia, and were there mustered out at Camp Mackenzie. Thirty-two men of the regiment died of disease during their term of service.

Troop K, Third Regiment, United States \'olunteer Cavalry, located at Milford, Nebraska, was enrolled in the United States service on May 7, 1898, and were mustered in at Lincoln, Nebraska, on May 14th. On May 20th the troop left for Chickamauga Park, Georgia, and remained there until mustered out, September 8, 1898. Two men died of disease.

As the roster following will show, the First Regiment was the only one from Nebraska suiTering any casualties from battle. Their loss was unusually heavy. Li all the regiments disease was too prevalent and the opinion prevailed that had better sanitary conditions been observed and the men better cared for, such would not have been the case. Many and often were the protests by the enlisted men, not only against their physical condition, but against the treatment accorded them by certain officers. The case of Col. John M. Stotsenburg is a notable one. He was criticized very freely by his men, and by Nebraskans in general, for his methods of handling troops, his treatment of the men under him. The protest grew to such proportions that it was officially presented at Washington and investigated. Many things were chalked up against his record, things which are useless to record here, but whatever may have been his faults and mistakes he paid the highest price at Quingua within his power, when on April 1899 he was killed by an enemy's bullet. Colonel Stotsenburg's body was brought to this country and for a time lay in state in the state capitol of Nebraska at Lincoln and was then interred in the national cemetery at Arlington. Colonel Stotsenburg had been a military instructor at the University of Nebraska prior to the war.

Robbins, Charles B., first sergeant. Age, 21. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Pillsbury, Edward A., corporal. Age, 21. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Jewett, Perry W., corporal. Age, 21. Waverly.

Eager, Frank D., captain. Age, 25. Lincoln. Mustered as first lieutenant. Hull, A. J\I., corporal. Age, 23. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Ryan, L. S., corporal. Age, 22. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Promoted R. Q. AL September 16, 1898.

Second Regiment, Nebraska Volunteer Infantry

Fairmen, R. L. Age, 24. Lincoln. Transferred to Hospital Corps and made acting hospital steward. Also transferred to Second Regiment, N. \\ L

Chapin, Edward T., corporal. Age, 21. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Christie, B. W., corporal. Age, 21. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Pearse, A. S., corporal. Age, 21. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Peck, Harry J., corporal. Age, 25. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Wiggins, Frank E., corporal. Age, 25. Lincoln. Mustered as private.

Raymond, S. E., corporal. Age, 18. Lincoln. Mustered as private. Sidner, S. S., corporal. Age, 23. Lincoln, Mustered as private. Fisher, C. D., farrier. Lincoln. Mason, S. W., saddler. Age, 28. Lincoln. Mustered as private.

Lincoln may well be called the educational center of the Middle West. Her student body each year approaches the mark of 8,000, a very large percentage in comparison with the population of the city. First in the field of educational work in the county, of course, is the University of Nebraska, comprising seven colleges. In the suburbs of Lincoln are three strong denominational shcools : the Nebraska Wesleyan University at University Place which is the central college of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the West, with over 800 students ; Cotner University, founded and maintained by the Christian Church, at Bethany, with over 250 students : and the Seventh Day Adventist School, Union College, at College \ iew, with over 300 students. Besides those mentioned Lincoln has a military academy, two large business colleges, three conservatories of music, many private studios, and a finishing school for boys and girls. The secondary schools of the city consist of twenty-eigiit jjublic schools, with an enrollment of 14,000 pupils.

Educational Beginnings

The first district school in Lancaster County was organized at the Colony, afterwards called Lancaster, in the latter part of the year 1864. The district was six miles square. The first board of directors consisted of Jacob Dawson. John AI. Young and Milton Langdon. Simon P. Benadom, one of the surviving pioneers of early Lincoln, states that the first school in the county was U/l miles north of the Town of Roca, a log house upon a sand hill and, in fact, called the "Old Sand Plill" School. Phoebe Elliott was the first teacher here. The following year, 1865, District No. 2 was organized at Yankee Hill, with John Cadman, W. R. Field and W. T. Donovan as directors. In this district, in the dugout owned by John Cadman and occupied by him as a residence, one of the first schools in the county was taught by Robert F. Thurston, with about fifteen scholars. This school was opened prior to the one in District No. i as the latter had not yet been completed. The Cadman dugout class was taught the three R's in the winter of 1865-66. Judge A. W. Field and his sister, Mrs. J. E. Philpot, four of Cadman 's children and three of Donovan's, were pupils in this school. In the fall of 1865 there was a school taught by Miss Alice Carter in a house built by W. T. Donovan on his farm at Yankee Hill. It is thought that about this time there was a school taught in the vicinity of Saltillo.

In 1866 the stone seminary in Lancaster was completed to such an extent that a school was opened in one room of the building which stood on the site of the present State Journal Building. The interior finish was then vei7 rough and there was no floor. This was the first school in Lancaster and was conducted by H. W. Merrill in the latter part of the year. He had about thirty in his class. Early in 1867 IMrs. H. W. ^lerrill taught a term of school in this same seminary. It is said that ^Irs. Merrill divided her time between her class and a year-old baby. She lived in one end of the building and John Alonteith had a shoe shop in another part of the structure. The classes here were a little broken up by the Indian troubles which threatened the settlers; many of the pioneers left with their children, but most of them returned later. In the spring of 1867 Elder Young's fond dream, the seminary, burned and- so ended the school therein. John Cadman opened the Cadman House upon the site after rebuilding the walls. This left the Village of Lancaster without a school and so it remained until after the location of the state capital and the founding of the Town of Lincoln.

In the fall of 1867, soon after the first sale of lots on the new plat of Lincoln, the school directors erected a small stone house for school purposes on the northeast corner of O and Eleventh streets. In this building George W. Peck taught the first school in Lincoln in the fall of 1867, with thirty-five pupils. During the winter of 1868-69 school was continued here with Professor James as the teacher. The number of scholars increased to about sixty-five and in order to better accommodate them the ]\Iethodist Church was purchased, on the southwest corner of Q and Tenth streets, and in this building another class was organized, instruction beginning May 5, 1869, with T. L. Catlin as teacher. The stone schoolhouse became a town jail in 1873 and the old Methodist Church continued as a schoolhouse until the summer of 1889, being known first as the South Schoolhouse and later as the J Street School.

During the spring of 1869 Miss Griswold, later Mrs. S. B. Galey, taught a select school. By 1870 there were three schools and the question of bonding the district for $50,000 for the construction of a high school began to be discussed. On June 17, 1871, an election was held at the White Schoolhouse and the bond question was given a favorable vote of 151 to 60. C. M. Parker, W. A. Colman and B. W. Ballard were judges of this election. On August 19th an election was held to determine the location of the proposed $50,000 high school building, three sites being considered. One was block 63, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth, M and N; another was block 155, bounded by F, G, Fifteenth and Sixteenth: and the third was block 120, bounded by J, K, Eleventh and Twelfth. There were 235 votes cast, as follows: 185 for block 63, 32 for block 155, and 18 for block 120. The board this year was composed of Philetus Peck, S. J. Tuttle, A. L. Palmer, John Lamb, A. L. Pound and W. T. Donovan. On December 23, 1871, the board adopted the plans and specifications for the new schoolhouse offered by Roberts & Pioulangcr. On February 15, 1872, the board decided to advertise for bids on the construction of the high school building, to be completed by September i, 1872. On March nth the bid of Moore & Krone for the brick, iron, stone and masonry work was accepted. The firm of Parcell & Dehart got the contract for carpentering. By the ist of January, 1873, the building was ready for use.

During the summer of 1881 a school building was erected just west of the State University, at a cost of over ten thousand dollars. It was known as the First \\'ard School. Bv 1882 there were ten school liuilding= in Lincoln and thirty-one teachers. By 1S89 the number of l)uildings had grown to sixteen and the enrolhnent to 4,750. Jn this year there were eighty teachers employed.

Universitv Of Nebraska

The bill providing for the charter of the University of Nebraska, known as S. F.. No. 86, was introduced into the Senate of the First Territorial Legislature on Fel)ruary 11, 1869, by Cunningham of Richardson County. On the same day it was referred to the Committee on Education, of which C. H. Gere was chairman. This committee reported it back the next day with amendments. It was passed and sent to the House on the 13th. Under the suspension of rules it was read a first and second time the same day and was referred to the Committee on Schools. On the 15th the bill was read the third time, passed, and forwarded to the governor, who signed it. It became a law on the last day of the legislative session.

The building was provided for by S. F., No. 32, which was a bill to provide for the sale of unsold lots and blocks on the townsite of Lincoln, and for the erection of an insane hos])ital, a state university, and agricultural college. The original charter of the university provided for twelve regents, nine of them to be chosen by the Legislature in joint session, three from each judicial district. In addition to these nine the chancellor, superintendent of public instruction and the governor were members ex-ofificio. This arrangement has been changed considerably.

The charter of 18(19 provided for six colleges: the college of literature, the sciences and arts; of law; of medicine; of agriculture; of the practical sciences, purveying and mechanics; and of fine arts. The amendment of February 19, 1877, reduced the colleges to five by the union Df the agricultural college with that of the practical sciences.

After the establishment of the university the criticism which came from other parts of the state, localities which resented the establishment of the capital at Lincoln, was very bitter. The Morton History states that "the main fault was that the university was opened too early : and its scant patronage and an inferentially high per capita cost of students was industriously ridiculed and denounced. \\ bile the coni])laint was very plausible, its foundation was as flimsy as that of tne first Ijuilding."

Prof. H. W. Caldwell, in a paper read before the Historical Society in 1889, had the following to say in regard to the construction of the first building:

"On June 5, 1869, the sale of lots began and the first day 105 lots were sold for about thirty thousand dollars. The next day the Commonwealth remarks that 'now the completion of the State Universitv and Agricultural College is assured.' Eleven days later the paper announced the arrival of Mr. R. D. Silver, who will immediately put in a large plant for manufacturing brick for the university - the capacity of the plant was to be 12.000 brick per day. The plans ot Mr. J. M. Bird, of Logansport. Ind.. were accepted on June 2d and on August 14th the Commonwealth contains an editorial description of the plans for the new building, classing the style of architecture as Franco-Italian. The same issue of the paper announces that the excavation for the basement of the tunversity was completed.

"On August i8, 1869, the contract for the erection of the building was let to Silver & Son, for $128,480; soon afterwards the troubles which followed the university for so many years began. Even the Brownville Advertiser, a good friend of the university, thought the policy of letting a contract for $28,480 more than the appropriation, unwise. The State Journal came to the defense of the regents, arguing that it was better policy to begin the erection of a building of sufficient size and well suited to its uses, even if it were necessary to have an additional appropriation, than to spend $100,000 upon a building that would soon have to be torn down because unsuited to the needs of the future. The cornerstone was laid on September 23, 1869 ; two days later a glowing account appeared in the columns of the State Journal. The exercises were in the hands of the Masons with ]\Iaj. D. H. Wheeler as master of ceremonies. A brass band from Omaha, imported for the occasion, headed the procession. Li the evening a grand banquet was given. Governor Butler made a few remarks and Mr. Wheeler a short speech. Then Atty.-Gen. Seth Robinson gave an address on 'Popular Education,' but as most of it concerned Greece and Rome, and very little of it related to Nebraska, any further reference to it may be omitted here. The banquet - thanks to the good ladies of Lincoln - was enjoyed by fully a thousand people, dancing being indulged in from 10 until 4 o'clock. This was the beginning, but the end was not yet, as Lincoln people well knew. The regents visited the building and, after inspection, approved the plans and construction on January 6, 1871, but before a student had ever entered its doors, the cry was raised that it was insecure. On June 13, 1871, three professional architects were employed to examine the building thoroughly. Their report was made June 23d and pronounced the building safe for the present, and probably for years to come. This probability they thought could be made a certainty by a few repairs that would not be very expensive. These repairs were made and September 6th the university was opened with an enrollment of about ninety students the first week. However, the rumor of the insecurity of the building would not down, so March 18, 1873, a special meeting of the regents was called to consider further repairs. After a report from another set of architects a new foundation was ordered to be put under the chapel. The foundation walls, as they were torn out were to be examined by an architect under the direction of the attorney-general. Gen. J. R. Webster, who reported that the foundation had not been built in accordance with the contract. The chancellor in his report of June 26, 1877, again called the attention of the board to the condition of the building. Four architects were now employed, one from Omaha, one from Nebraska City, and two from Lincoin. On the strength of their report, the regents resolved, July 6, 1877, to tear down the building and to erect a new one at a cost of $60,000, $40,000 of this amount to be raised in Lincoln. Work was to commence immediately on securing the above amount. The citizens of Lincoln were not satisfied, so they sent to Chicago and Dubuque for architects who examined the building and pronounced it easily repaired. A committee of Lincoln's citizens met the regents on August 15th. From the new light thus secured, the resolution to tear down was reconsidered. A new foundation with some other repairs was ordered, and the bill of $6,012 was paid by Lincoln. \'arious attempts to secure an appropriation to reimburse the city have been made, but all have ended in failure. .At the same time the roof was repaired at an expense of $1,625, '"-it the water still found its way through, till finally, in 1883 a slate roof was put on and the 'leak' stopped."

The first ooard of regents of the imiversity comprised the following men : First Judicial District - John C. Elliott, Robert W. Furnas, David R. Dungan ; Second Judicial District - Rev. John B. Maxfield, Abel B. Fuller, Champion S. Chase; Third Judicial District - William B. Dale, William G. Olinger, F. H. Longley. The ex-ofificio members of the board of regents were: Governor Butler, Samuel D. Beals, superintendent of public instruction, and A. R. Benton, chancellor.

The tirst faculty consisted of: Allen R. Benton, A. M., LL. D., chancellor and professor of intellectual and moral science: S. H. Manley, A. M., professor of ancient languages and literature; Henry E. Hitchcock, A. M., professor of mathematics ; O. C. Dake, professor of rhetoric and English literature ; Samuel Aughey, A. M., professor of chemistry and natural sciences; George E. Church, A. M., principal of Latin school; S. R. Thompson, professor in agricultural department.

The university started with the single college of literature, science and arts. The courses included were the classical, Latin, sciences and Greek

The first students were : freshmen - Fraud Hurd, Tecumseh : Uruah M. Melick, Camden; H. Kanaga Metcalf, Rock Creek; W. H. Sheldon, Percival, Iowa; Mary W. Sessions, Lincoln; sophomores - Wallace M. Stephens, Nebraska City; William H. Snell, Lincoln; juniors - J. Stuart Dales, East Rochester, Ohio. Mr. Dales received the first degree in course the ne.xt year, 1873. I" addition to the students mentioned above there were twelve irregular students and 1 10 in the preparatory or Latin school.