Search Constraints
You searched for:
Institution
Detroit Historical Society
Remove constraint Institution: Detroit Historical Society
Topic
1901 Time Capsule
Remove constraint Topic: 1901 Time Capsule
« Previous |
1 - 100 of 348
|
Next »
Number of results to display per page
Search Results
- Description:
- 2-page letter written by Frederick K. Stearns, President of Frederick Stearns & Co. It was typewritten in blue text onto slightly yellowed, thin linen paper which has a watermark that shows a shield emblem with the words, "Perfection Linen." The letter is dated Dec. 31st, 1900, and the last page is signed in black ink, "Frederick Kimball Stearns." The body of the letter gives a brief overview of the principal persons and companies that were involved with pharmaceutical manufacturing in Detroit in the 19th century. Both pages have several handwritten corrections.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Pocket-size roster of key employees of the Detroit Board of Education. This folded 4-page membership roster is printed in black ink on slightly yellowed paper. It lists the names of officers, inspectors, committee members, board meeting schedule, schools and school principals.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This booklet has a pale gray/green heavy paper cover that is printed in black text. It has a stapled binding and includes 45 interior pages that are printed in black text on slightly yellowed paper.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This partial sheet of writing paper has been torn from a larger sheet. It has light blue lines and a watermark that shows the image of a spinning wheel and the name, "Crane's." A handwritten note across the center shows "Signature of the oldest man now living in Detroit - written without the aid of glasses - Francis Martin, Naval Officer, Captain in Revenue Marine, U.S." Another handwritten note along the left edge shows "Written for Mrs. G. B. Seymour by Capt. Martin on his 100th Birthday Anniversary. June 4, 1900."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by Frank I. Cobb, leading editorial writer of the Detroit Free Press. The front of the envelope has a handwritten address that shows "The Newspapers of Detroit, Frank I. Cobb." The flap on the back side of the envelope is sealed with black wax that has been impressed with a smudged, circular design.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 3-page letter was typewritten in blue text on slightly yellowed paper by Frederick F. Ingram who was the President of the Public Lighting Commission. Each page shows the letterhead of the Public Lighting Commission of the City of Detroit and is dated "December 31, 1900." The paper has a crown and shield watermark with the words, "Pure Linen Stock." The body of the letter gives some history of electric lighting in the city, the creation of the lighting commission, and costs. The last page is entitled, "A Prophesy," where the president predicts that garbage and refuse will one day provide the fuel source for the lighting plant and that there will also be a free bath/wash house as part of the plant. All three pages have several typewritten corrections and the last page is signed in black ink by the president, "F. F. Ingram."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
7. The Stage
- Description:
- This yellowed paper envelope contained a 12-page letter and several clippings that were prepared by Bertram C. Whitney who was the manager of the Detroit Opera House. The envelope has a handwritten title, "The Stage," and "A Short History of the Theatricals in Detroit, 1800 to 1901." It is signed "B. C. Whitney" on the right side.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- One booklet with a black leather cover that is stamped in gold-colored text which shows "Municipal Manual of the City of Detroit, 1900-1901." The booklet is 112 pages in length and is printed in black text on faintly yellowed paper. It includes general facts about the city, names of city officials, names of various committees and commissions and their members, annual salaries, terms of office, rules of order for the Common Council, ward boundary descriptions, street railway routes, values of city real estate, and a summary of assessed valuations for city taxes. There is also a table of contents in the back of the manual as well as a fold-out street map of the city. On a blank page at the back of the manual, a handwritten note shows " Clarence Arthur Cotton, Secretary to Mayor, Detroit, Mich., December 31, 1900. Compliments to Mayor's Secretary of 2001."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 6-page letter and that was written by Dr. Theodore A. McGraw. The front of the envelope is entitled in handwriting to "The Progress of Surgery in the Nineteenth Century by Theodore A. McGraw, M.D."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 3-page letter and that was written by Malcolm J. McLeod who was the President of the Trades Council. The upper left corner is printed with the return address of the Detroit Street Railway Employees Association. The front of the envelope is entitled, "Condition of Labor Men of the City of Detroit," and is also signed and dated by Malcolm J. McLeod in the lower right corner. The back flap of the envelope is sealed with an irregularly-shaped blot of red wax.
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- 2-page letter written by Dr. Samuel S. Stephenson, M.D. It was typewritten in blue text onto slightly yellowed, thin linen paper. The letter is dated Dec. 31st, 1900, and the last page is signed in black ink, "Samuel Shakespeare Stephenson, M.D. " The body of the letter briefly discusses the medical practice of "Biopathy."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a group of head and shoulders images which include Police Superintendent, John Martin, along with Police Captains Christopher C. Starkweather, Jesse Mack, August H. Bachmann, Edmund F. Culver, Alphonso Baker, William Thompson, William Nolan, John T. Spillane, James McDonnell, Lemuel Guyman, and George Heigho. A handwritten date at the bottom of the cutout shows "Jany. 1st 1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a front corner view of the Hunt Street Police Station building. A handwritten date at the bottom of the cutout shows "Jany. 1st 1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 8-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by George H. Russell who was the President of the State Savings Bank. The bank letterhead is printed in black text at the top. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit's Banking, Retrospective" George H. Russel 31 Dec 1900 To Detroit in 2001 A.D. Our worthy and honorable Mayor William C. Maybury has requested me to write a few words for the "Century Box" on the subject of my present occupation, Banking - I much regret that no time is given me to properly prepare an article upon so important a subject as such a city and people as then may be resident here. Now I can only briefly and hastily give such recollections and present facts that may occur to me. Born in Detroit Nov 29. 1847 educated in its Public Schools I have lived in this good city over fifty three years. I commenced work in 1863 and since then have been engaged and actively connected with the manufacturing interests of this city (particularly in the manufacture of Pig Iron, Castings Car Wheels, Cars, Structural Steel, Chemicals, etc.). I did not enter the Banking business until Dec 1889 when I accepted the presidency of the State Savings Bank which then had deposits of about $1,000,000.00 and ranked thirteenth in place. Now the State Savings Bank in its new marble building has deposits of over $9,000,000.00 and holds first place among the banks of this city and state. Living in the city during the last half of this great century in a period when Detroit's population has increased from 20,000 to 300,000 people, I have seen many changes. From a few private and incorporated banks having a total deposit of less than one million dollars, we now have fifteen (15) State Banks, six National Banks, two Trust Company[ies], one private banker having total deposits of over $73,000,000.00. I can remember the Michigan State Bank, The Michigan Insurance Bank, The Peninsular, The Farmers and Mechanic's Bank and the State Bank all incorporated and ably managed under such men as C.C. Trowbridge, John A. Wells, John Owen, H.K. Sanger, H.H. Brown, H.J. Stringham, L.M. Mason, J.C.W. Seymour, Walter Ingersoll, J.P. Hall, Emory Wendell, A.H. Adams and many others whom I knew and pleasantly remember. Then the Detroit Savings Fund Institute a specially chartered Savings Bank, upon the mutual plan, organized by H.N. Walker, Elon Farnsworth, Samuel Lewis, A.H. Adams and others, was our first bank for savings. The incorporated banks after surviving the "Wild Cat" period and the varying values of different state bank currency gave way to the National System in 1863 - which for some years did nearly all the commercial business but through this time the private banks of A.H. Dey, Wen. A. Butler and G.A. Ives and David Preston did a successful business. Then after 1870 the Peoples Saving's Bank organized by Francis Palms and M.W. O'Brien and the Wayne County Savings under S. Dow Elwood, W.B. Wesson and Herman Kiefer occupied this field of State and Savings Banks until 1883 when the State Savings Bank was organized by David Hamilton, T.S. Anderson and R.S. Mason. In 1887 the new banking law was passed and as a Constitutional Amendment was confirmed by a vote of the people in 1888. From this time until the panic of 1893 several banks were organized whose statements and officers names appear in the pamphlet enclosed. These banks enter the 20th Century in strong condition and with the best prospects. The country takes place as the leading nation in the world and New York City soon will become the clearing center for the financial interests of all nations. The outlook is bright but the future of business and banking depends so much upon the political condition in our great Republic that one cannot look far into the future. At present the business is good and it is a pleasure to do banking and to be associated with such men as M.W. O'Brien, D.M. Ferry. F.W. Hayes, Hugh McMillan, Alex McPherson, Wm Livingstone, Alex McGregor and others who lead the chief financial institutions of our city. Wishing that I could see the development of another 100 years I leave to younger bankers and those that follow them my blessing. George Howard Russel. I am the son of Dr. Geo. B. Russel who came here in 1836 and of Anna Davenport born in Detroit in 1827. She was the daughter of Lewis Davenport who came from Vermont and of Sarah Homer born in Detroit in 1809. G.H.R."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by Clarence M. Burton. The front of the envelope has a title that is typewritten in black ink, "Real Estate Titles in Detroit, Past, Present and Future." The return address, "C. M. Burton, Abstract Office, 1 Abstract Building, Detroit, Mich.," is printed in black text in the upper left corner of the envelope.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 2-page letter is entitled "Our Legislative City Government. By Robert Barrie, President, Detroit Common Council." It is printed in typewritten text that has been mimeographed onto a thin, onion-skin paper. The body of the letter gives a brief overview of how the city government functions. Robert Barrie has signed his name in black ink on the second page.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This tan paper envelope contained a 6-page letter that was written Michael W. O'Brien who was the President of the People's Savings Bank. The front of the envelope is addressed in handwritten text to "Hon. Wm. C. Maybury, Mayor, from M. W. O'Brien" and shows the subject of the letter, "Banking in Prospective in Detroit," in handwriting along the right edge of the envelope. The return address of the bank is printed in black text in the upper left corner of the envelope. The back flap is secured with three red wax seals that have been impressed with the seal of the bank.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained an envelope with a 2-page letter that was written by Dr. Oscar LeSeur. The front of the envelope has a handwritten address, "Hon. W. C. Maybury, Office of Mayor, City Hall, Detroit." The note, "Report of Oscar Le Seur," is handwritten in the lower left corner.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Article cut from a page of the Detroit News Tribune dated Sunday, December 30, 1900. It is printed in black text on yellowed paper. The author's initials, "J. E. S.," (James E. Scripps) appear at the end of the article. James E. Scripps was the President of the Evening News Association which published the Detroit News Tribune.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained two 1-page letters, a 3-page report, and several pictures that were prepared for Homer Warren who was one of the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police Commision. The front of the envelope shows the logo and return address of the Metropolitan Police Commission in the upper left corner. The envelope has a handwritten address "To the Honorable Mayor and Common Council of the City of Detroit" and is dated "December 31 1900."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This stained and slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 1-page letter that was written by Charles H. Jacobs who was the Chairman of the fund and also the Vice President and Managing Director of the Buhl Stamping Company. A handwritten note along the left edge shows "From Mr. Charles Jacobs." The center area of the envelope shows the typewritten title, "The Detroit High School Scholarship Fund. What it will have accomplished and what its resources will be in the year 2000 A.D., By Charles H. Jacobs, Chairman."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Booklet entitled "Communication of Hon. Wm. C. Maybury on Controller F. A. Blades' Plan for Making Permanent Improvements in the City of Detroit by the Issue of Thirty Year Four Per Cent Bonds, As Submitted to the Common Council, November 29, 1898." The 7-page booklet is printed in black text on slightly yellowed paper. (Page 2 is blank.)
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
23. The Detroit Bar
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 6-page article that was written by the lawyer, Alfred Russell. The front of the envelope is entitled in handwritten text, "The Detroit Bar" and is signed by Alfred Russell. The return address of the mayor's Executive Office is printed in the upper left corner of the envelope. The back flap is sealed with an irregularly-shaped blot of black wax.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- One page torn from a brochure concerning the Young Women's Christian Association. The brochure is printed in black text on white paper. One side of the page is entitled, "Our Purpose," and gives the mission statement for the organization. The other side of the page is entitled, "Treasurer's Report," and shows a summary financial statement from February 1, 1899 to February 1, 1900.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 1-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Edward F. Marschner who was the president of the Detroit Board of Education. The paper is printed with light red lines and shows the letterhead of the Board of Education of the City of Detroit as well as the names of officers. It also has the watermark, "English Bond." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit, Mich. December 31st 1900 I was born in the City of Detroit, at the northeast corner of Lafayette and Dequindre Streets April 16th 1857. Was married at Milwaukee, Wis. in 1880 to Miss Emelia Mayer who was born in New York City February 2nd 1862. We have three children: Edward P. Marschner - 19 years. Lillie F. Marschner - 18 years. Armin O. Marschner - 14 years I entered an apprenticeship to learn the trade of Lithographic Engraving with the Calvert Lithograph Company February 29th 1872 - have been employed with that firm since that date and am now a foreman of the Engraving Department. Ed. F. Marschner."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Letterhead for the Booking Office of C. J. Whitney's Circuit. This letterhead is printed in dark blue ink on pale yellow linen paper. The letterhead shows a picture of the new Detroit Opera House and lists the names and locations of other theatres and opera house that were part of C. J. Whitney's booking circuit. This letterhead was included in an envelope along with a 12-page letter that was written by Bertram C. Whitney who was the son of C. J. Whitney and who was also the manager of the Detroit Opera House.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- One blank sheet of company letterhead for Jeremiah Dwyer, President of the Michigan Stove Company. The paper is printed in black text on a light gray bond paper and has the red emblem of "Garland Stoves and Ranges" in the upper right corner. This sheet of letterhead was intended for the correspondence of the company president and it has a different design as compared to the standard company letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This announcement is from M. P. Hurlbut, Secretary and Treasurer of the "The Detroit Fishing and Hunting Association, Rushmere Club," to notify members of the club Annual Meeting on January 8, 1901, at the Russell House. The announcement is printed in black text on white paper.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- 4-page letter written by Morse Stewart, M.D. It was typewritten in black text onto slightly yellowed, thin linen paper and is entitled, "Medical Reminiscences of the Nineteenth Century. The last page is signed in black ink, "Morse Stewart, M.D." The body of the letter gives a brief overview of medical practice and education in Detroit in the 19th century. Each page has several handwritten corrections.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- 9-page letter handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Carlos E. Warner, President of the Chamber of Commerce. The letter pages are bound at the top with a narrow red ribbon. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Paper by Carlos E. Warner Subject: The Chamber of Commerce I am requested by the present mayor of the City, Hon. Wm. C. Maybury to prepare a paper on the subject of the Chamber of Commerce, of which organization I am now President, to be deposited in the City strong box, sealed and opened at the dawn of the 21st Century. One must necessarily be impressed with the gravity of such an undertaking. To write for public reading, when it is known that the hand which pens these lines will long since have passed away; that an entire generation will have come and gone, leaving behind it only its works and history; that all living things at the present writing shall have perished leaving not even a memory behind; that the twentieth century, profiting by the accumulated wisdom [of] experience, progress, inventive genius and scientific skill of the century now closing, shall go on and on with rapid strides, well nigh exploring the mysteries of the infinite and making what seems today to be questions of great importance, but minor ones in future thought and progress, then may one well hesitate and ponder. Who shall read these lines and what hand shall pluck them from the strong box of the City and being then for the public gaze; What changes shall occur; What progress shall be made in the incoming century, in the social, physical, political and religious worlds? One can but speculate upon these great problems and the wildcat conjecture of the present day may fall far from that of the reality in the time to come. Regarding the Chamber of Commerce I am requested to write something which if not useful, may be interesting to the people of a hundred years hence. The movement for the organization of a Chamber of Commerce in Detroit had had its inception in September 1891. Wm. H. Beasly then Editor of the Detroit Journal devoted much of his time and energy to it and, in connection with Mr. Alexander A Bonstelle its first secretary, may be regarded as the founder of the association. The first meeting of the association was held at Philharmonic Hall, corner of Lafayette Ave. and Shelby St. on January 5, 1892. Hon. Thomas W. Palmer, ex Senator and ex U.S. Minister to Spain, under President Benjamin Harrison presided at the meeting at which a constitution prepared by Hon. Don M. Dickinson, U.S. Postmaster General under President Cleveland, and Hon. Alfred Russel [Russell], both of whom are now leading lawyers in this City, was adopted and the first officers of the association chosen. The officers consisted of Hon. George H. Barbour, President, Hon. Rufus W. Gillett, 1st Vice president, Hon. Hazen S. Pingree (now Governor of the State), 2nd Vice president, Alexander A. Bonstelle, Secretary, and M. W. O'Brien, Treasurer. The present organization, known as 'The Detroit Chamber of Commerce and Convention League,' is the successor of this primary organization. It has for its object, the advancement of the public interests of the City; the development of all legitimate enterprises tending to increase its prosperity; uniting of the energies and influence of its citizens upon all subjects affecting its welfare; the diffusion of information concerning manufactures, trade and business and the cultivation of friendly relations and the promotion of equitable principles among the businessmen of the City. Its officers and directors at the present time are as follows: President, Carlos E. Warner, the writer of these lines, a lawyer by profession and head of the law firm of Warner, Codd and Warner. 1st Vice President, William J. Chittenden, proprietor of the Russel House. 2nd Vice President, Frederick G. Smith, manager of the Wolverine Manufacturing Company. Treasurer, A. F. Wolfschlager, general passenger and ticket agent of the Wabash Railway. Secretary, Mr. J. F. Walsh. Directors, Messrs. A. E. F. White, John Walker, George M. Black, Joseph, S. Hall, John C. Hutchins, Fred C. Postal, Wm. Livingstone, Jr., Dewitt C. Delamater, James H. Swait, Abram P. Sherrill, Augustus A. Schantz, Orrin R. Baldwin, Wm. A. P----, Clarence M. Hayes, Walter E. Campbell, Homer Warren, A. F. Wolfshlager, Wm. A. C. Miller, and Thomas Craig. The organization is of a quasi-public character and unofficially represents the commercial and industrial interests of the City. It is of a voluntary character and while supported by dues from its members yet is entirely dependent upon their voluntary contributions. The officers and directors hold monthly meetings at which matters affecting the public interests of the City are brought up and discussed and such action taken as may be deemed proper to advance the interests and promote the general welfare of the City. It is only effective by reason of this influence which such a representative body of men is assumed to possess. Its opinion is brought to bear upon questions vitally affecting public interests. One of the questions which have agitated the public of the City in the later years of the nineteenth century is the municipal ownership of public utilities like street railways, another the question of corporate properties and franchises including not only their physical properties but their so called intangible values. Another the problem of municipal government and corruption in municipal affairs. The Spanish War so called now lately ended by the [ceding?] to the United States of Spanish interests in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippine Islands, has emphasized the necessity of an interoceanic canal or waterway between the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the construction of the so called Nicaragua or some other isthmian canal, has lately received the encouragement and endorsement not only of our organization but of other chambers of commerce throughout our country. These questions, and others of like import, are demanding at the present time the best thought of statesmen and economists and their solution will require the best judgment of the incoming twentieth century. In so far as the financial results of the organization in advancing the physical aspects of the City are concerned reference may be had to the twelve (12) story Chamber of Commerce building at the corner of Griswold and State Streets. This building is modern in construction, much of it brick and steel, and strictly fire proof and stands as a graceful monument to the enterprise of the association. The major part of the land upon which the building was erected was bought from Seymour Finney, lately deceased, who during his life was prominent in the social political and religious history of the city and who was one of its pioneers. The land was bought and the building was constructed with the aid of bonuses contributed by the citizens of the City and the adjacent landowners. As the representative head of the organization I trust that I may be permitted to express the hope that its influence has not been entirely lacking in the growth development and prosperity of the City in its [?] and physical aspects and that the citizens who, at the dawn of the twenty first century, shall occupy its century, inhabit its houses, walk its streets and be entrusted with its affairs may be richer and better for this work which it has accomplished and this influence which it has exerted. In the name and behalf of the organization I greet the citizens of Detroit at the beginning of the twenty first century and though long since departed from you, I present this evidence of an existing and more or less potent vitality, who is much interested in the future growth and prosperity of this beautiful City and in making and continuing it a City of which future generations may still be proud. Carlos Edgar Warner Attorney at Law, Ex President of the Board of Education and now President of the Chamber of Commerce and Convention League - aged 53 years. Detroit, Mich. December 31st A.D. 1900."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by Dr. Samuel S. Stephenson, M.D. The front of the envelope is addressed in handwriting to "Mayor Maybury, City Hall" and is entitled, "The Future of Biopathy," along the right edge. The letter also has the note, "For the strong box," and signature, "Dr. Stevenson" [Stephenson].
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 1-page letter was typewritten in blue text on a light tan linen paper by Clarence A. Cotton who was the Mayor's secretary. It is dated "12 O'Clock Midnight Dec. 31st 1900" and is signed in black ink by Clarence A. Cotton. The paper also has a watermark which might be "Bauerhum" The letter is entitled, "Denominational Churches in Detroit," and gives some brief statistics about the numbers of churches of various denominations that existed in the city as of 1900. The letter has numerous handwritten corrections and the author noted at the bottom, "P.S. - In justice to myself I must disclaim credit for the bad spelling in the above. It was rapidly dictated by me to an inexperienced stenographer. C.A.C."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This stained and slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a signature and a calling card. A handwritten note on the front of the envelope shows "This envelope contains the signature of Capt. F. Martin, the oldest man in Detroit. Contributed by Mrs. Gilbert B. Seymour. Capt. Martin was born in June, 1800." The envelope flap is sealed with a gold-colored adhesive seal.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a front view of the Fourth Precinct Sub-Station building on Bethune Avenue. A handwritten date at the bottom of the cutout shows "Jany. 1st 1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This tan paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by Robert Barrie who was the president of the Detroit Common Council. The envelope is entitled in handwritten black text "Our Legislative City Government" by "Robert Barrie" and "Compliments of the President of the Common Council, 1900, City of Detroit." It is addressed to "The Honorable President of the Common Council, City of Detroit, AD 2001, Detroit, Mich."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- The Merchants and Manufacturers Exchange organization roster. This page is printed in black ink on white paper and appears to have been torn from a membership roster. The front side shows the name of the organization, names of past presidents, and names of actuaries. The bottom portion shows the names of company presidents and the secretary for The Detroit Manufacturers Club. The verso shows the names of Exchange officers as well as the names of the board of directors and various committees. This roster was included in an envelope along with a 2-page letter that was written by Orrin R. Baldwin. He was the president of the American Harrow Company as well as the president of the Merchants and Manufacturers Exchange.
- Date Issued:
- 1899-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 10-page letter that was written by Francis L. York who was the organist for Christ Church. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "History and Prophecy of Music in Detroit" and is signed "Francis L. York." His return address is printed in black text in the upper left corner. The back flap of the envelope is sealed with two irregularly-shaped drops of dark green wax.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a front corner view of the Trumbull Avenue Police Station building. A handwritten date at the bottom of the cutout shows "Jany. 1st 1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 12-page letter that was written by Mrs. Sidney Trowbridge Miller. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "Detroit's Social Life," and is signed "Mrs. Sidney Trowbridge Miller." The envelope is dated "December thirty first 1900."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 3-page letter and other items that were prepared by Frederick F. Ingram, who was the President of the Public Lighting Commission. The upper left corner of the envelope shows the return address, "Executive Office, Detroit, Mich., William C. Maybury, Mayor." The left side of the envelope shows the handwritten title, "Lighting Past, Present & Future by Prest. F. F. Ingram, 1900." The envelope is addressed to "Prest. P. L. Commission, 2001."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 4-page letter that was written by Dr. Morse Stewart, M.D. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "Recollections of Practice of Medicine in Detroit" and is signed "Morse Stewart, M.D." The back flap of the envelope is sealed with red wax that has been impressed with a square design which appears to contain Hebrew lettering.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 5-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by James Schermerhorn who was the Editor of the TO-DAY newspaper. The newspaper letterhead is printed in black text at the top and each page and has the watermark, "Persian Bond." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 1900. The press of 1901 salutes the "fourth estate" of 2001. The newspapers of the present time speak for themselves even as the public prints of that distant day when these words shall be read, will speak for themselves. They must bear their own testimonies of the times through the printed words and the testimonies of their own traits and merits. In the Free Press and the Tribune, of the morning field, the News, Journal and To-Day, of the evening field, and the Abend Post and the Volksblat, of the German evening field, Detroit has better than the average specimens of American daily newspaper making. The Free Press, the pathfinder of Michigan newpaperdom, found glory and distinction formerly through its humorous sketches and other literary features. Late years, like all the once flourishingly journals of light vein, it has been happy to put aside the reputation of being a funny paper and has aspired to the higher rank and influence of the great and serious newspapers of the times. The Tribune - once the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day to the faithful Republicans of the state - no longer essays political leadership or claims party followers. The decline of partisan newspaper-making is revealed in the situation in Detroit at this writing, one daily paper only being an out-and-out exponent of a political faith. Happily the thick-and-thin party organ appears to be passing away. The German papers have their appreciative constituencies - not very large, but very loyal. The Evening News led the way into the two-cent newspaper field twenty eight years ago and achieved a great success. The Journal has followed it through many vicissitudes to prosperity. "To-Day," the latest comer, has received a welcome in the closing weeks of the nineteenth century that presages permanency and prestige. The last is least in price, selling for one cent and foreshadowing that twentieth century day when the smallest coin will be the universal newspaper price. One hundred years hence will see the newspapers mightily increased in number, but reduced in size. In good time the daily prints must take on more compact and manageable form. There must needs be increasing discrimination in the selection of news as the country grows older, and the business of printing the happenings of the passing day will absorb all of the daily paper's energies and resources. Twentieth century newspapers will be compelled by the necessities of the situation to devote themselves exclusively to the chronicling of the weightier facts of the hour, leaving to other publications the mission of serious discussion of pending problems and the moulding of public opinion. Prophecy: The twentieth century newspaper will be a newspaper and nothing else, and there will not be so much of it. James Schermerhorn, Editor, TO-DAY."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 4-page letter that was written by lawyer, D. Augustus Straker. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "The Present, Past and Future of the Colored Race in Detroit," on the left side and is signed "D. Augustus Straker, Attorney at Law, Detroit, Michigan." The envelope is dated, "December 31, 1900."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 2-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by John Samuel Foley, Bishop of Detroit. The paper is printed with light red lines and shows the letterhead of the Episcopal Residence in the upper left corner. On the second page, the embossed seal of the diocese can be seen. The paper also has the watermark, "Abstract Bond." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit, Mich. Dec. 31 1900 At the request of His Honor, William C. Maybury, Mayor of Detroit, Michigan, I the undersigned furnish the following statistics of the Catholic Church in the diocese of Detroit on this the last day of the century. The diocese was established by the Holy See on March 8, 1833. The first bishop, Frederick Resรฉ, D.D. was consecrated Oct. 6. 1833, died Dec. 19, 1871. Rt. Rev. Peter Paul Lefevre, Bishop of Zela, coadjutor and administrator of Detroit, consecrated Nov. 22, 1841, died March 4, 1869. Rt. Rev. Henry C. Borgess, D.D. cons. Apr. 24. 1870, resigned, Apr. 16. 1887, died May 3, 1890. Rt. Rev. John S. Foley, D.D. cons. Nov. 4, 1888, present Bishop. In the diocese there 218 priests - 44 Regulars - 174 Seculars. 198 Churches and missions and 36 stations and 15 chapels - 1 seminary for ecclesiastical students (Polish), 155 in number. Students in various seminaries - 32. Colleges and academies for boys, 3. Students 400. Academies for young ladies, 4. Students 470. Parishes and missions with schools 64. Pupils 17,500. Orphan Asylums 5. Orphans 500. Industrial School - 1. Inmates 12. House of the Good Shepherd -1. Inmates over 400. St. Mary's Home for Working Girls - 1. Inmates 40. Hospitals 4. Home for Aged Poor 1. Inmates 250. Catholic Population for Diocese - about 200,000. If this should be preserved and opened at the close of the 20th century, let it [be] presented to the then Bishop of Detroit and I beg of said bishop to offer a prayer to Almighty God for the eternal repose of the undersigned, his predecessors, and all the clergy and people of the diocese of Detroit. John Samuel Foley Bishop of Detroit Fred. J. Baumgartner Chancellor and Sec'y"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 1-page letter was typewritten in blue text on a light tan paper by Charles H. Jacobs who was the Chairman of the scholarship fund as well as the Vice President and Managing Director of the Buhl Stamping Company. The company letterhead appears across the top of the page which is dated "Dec. 31, 1900" and is signed in black ink by Charles H. Jacobs. The letter is entitled, "The Detroit High School Scholarship Fund," and gives some brief history of how and why the fund was established in 1890.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained an 11-page letter that was written by George T. Moody who was the President of the Detroit Y.M.C.A. The front of the envelope is entitled in typewritten text, "A Retrospect - Detroit Young Men's Christian Association. January First, Nineteen Hundred One" and is signed "George Taylor Moody."
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 4-page letter that was written George H. Russel who was the President of the State Savings Bank. The front of the envelope is entitled in handwritten text, "Banking Interests" and is signed "Geo. H. Russel, Prest. State Savings Bank." The return address of the bank is printed in black text in the upper left corner of the envelope. The back flap is secured with red wax seal that has been impressed with the seal of the bank.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This "Working Card" was printed in black text on light red paper and was issued to Mr. M. J. McLeod of Division No. 26, Located at Detroit. It shows the circular emblem of the Amalgamated Association of Street Railway Employees of America in the upper left corner and indicated that the cardholder's dues of 50 cents were paid for the month of December, 1900.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a letter and other items that were prepared by Edward F. Marschner who was the president of the Detroit Board of Education. The president has signed his name and title along the left side of the envelope along with the handwritten title, "Progress of Public Education in Detroit in the 19th Century."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 9-page letter that was written by Carlos E. Warner. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "The Chamber of Commerce," on the left side and is signed "Carlos E. Warner."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- 3-page letter written by David W. Simons, owner of D. W. Simons & Company. It was typewritten in blue text onto slightly yellowed, thin linen paper which has the watermark "Chauncy Bond." The body of the letter indicates that Jewish people have become fairly well assimilated into the business and social life of the city. The first two pages have several handwritten corrections.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- 7-page letter written by Pamela A. Patterson. It is a blue carbon copy which was typewritten onto slightly yellowed, thin linen paper. The last page is signed in black ink, "Pamela A. Patterson" and is dated December 31, 1900.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Calling card of Mrs. Gilbert B. Seymour of 191 Park St. The card was printed in faint black ink on heavy white paper. The front of the card has a handwritten note that shows "The only man living at this time who witnessed the burial of Napoleon on the Island of St. Helena." The verso shows the handwritten note, "The oldest man in Detroit - His signature without glasses - Francis Martin, Capt. R. M. [Revenue Marine]. Written by Capt. Martin on June 4, 1900, his 100th birthday anniversary."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 3-page letter written by Florence Smith Stoddard, a member of the Board of Managers of the Young Women's Christian Association. The front of the envelope has typewritten text that shows "Florence Smith Stoddard, Member of the Board of Managers, Young Women's Christian Association, Letter and prospectus of the purposes of the association." The back flap of the envelope is sealed with an irregularly-shaped blot of dark green wax.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a view of the front of the new Detroit Opera House which was built in 1898.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by David A. Boyd who was the statistician for the Council of Trades and Labor Unions. The front of the envelope has a handwritten address that shows "The Labor Movement up to Date in the City of Detroit, David A. Boyd, Statistician, Council of Trades and Labor Unions."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 4-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by James E. Scripps who was the President of the Evening News Association. The letter is printed with light blue lines and a double red line for the left margin. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit December 31st 1900 Hon. Wm. C. Maybury My dear Sir You invited me to indulge in a prophecy for Detroit as a Metropolis. By metropolis you mean I presume a chief or leading city to which all others for a long distance around will be more or less subordinate and tributary. I fully believe in such a distinction for Detroit in the century upon which we are entering. I base my belief upon certain historical precedents and upon peculiar advantages which the location possesses favorable to a great concentration of population. With all the civilized world open to him the Emperor Constantine the Great in AD 324 chose as the site for the capital of the Roman Empire a precisely analogous location on the banks of the Bosphorus. The advantage of location enjoyed by the City of Constantinople has been universally conceded, and yet the Black Sea of which it forms the key can never for a moment compare in its commercial possibilities with the great lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron with their rich mines of iron and copper, their vast tracts of valuable timber and their numerous natural outlets for the grain crops of the richest and most productive country upon earth. If a great metropolis were possible at Constantinople how much more so at Detroit. When in the 17th century the famous French explorers LaSalle, Tonty, Hennepin, DuLuth, Cadillac and others penetrated to every part of the wild northwest they shrewdly hit upon the Detroit River as the most peculiarly advantageous point for the location of a colony with view to French domination of the entire region. It had previously been the favorite gathering place of the indians and Cadillac found no difficulty immediately upon his founding the post of Detroit in collecting around it a native population which made it at once one of the most populous cities on the continent. I have no doubt that the same influences still govern and that the vicinity of the Detroit River possesses at once strategic advantages for the domination of a wide extent of country and also attractions for the concentrating of vast population. I believe in no other in the entire country are greater advantages for homes offered. The climate in winter is far less bleak than that of Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland or Buffalo owing to our remoteness from the great ice fields which cover the larger lakes and chill the breezes which sweep over them. In summer there are few cities which enjoy such advantages for boating, yachting, extended excursions by water, fishing and hunting. The sources of amusement are unsurpassed. With adequate drainage and abundance of pure water there should be no healthier city than Detroit. The locality which possesses such natural advantages for homes must ultimately attract a great population. No other city on the whole chain of lakes enjoys so perfect a harbor as Detroit. Never exposed to storms from any quarter, with a practically unvarying depth of water and depth sufficient for the largest vessels, and with a shore line for wharves and docks sufficient for all the commerce of the world superior commercial advantages would be possible. With the experience of Manchester an inland city being made a sea-port by means of a ship canal and with the certainty of a system of ship canals of the largest size being constructed in the near future connecting the great lakes with the Atlantic there can be no doubt that a few decades will see ocean vessels loading and unloading at our wharves. Detroit will become as distinctively a seaport as Boston or Philadelphia. Detroit's decennial increase of population for the past forty years has averaged nearly sixty per cent. At this opening of the 20th Century it is without doubt growing faster than ever before. Suppose for the next 50 years the decennial increase to be but half what is has been in the past 40 years and we shall have in 1950 a population of 1,077,000 souls. Halving this ration again for the second half of the century and we shall have in the year AD 2000 a population of over two millions, a larger population than any American city has today except the consolidation known as Greater New York. I think it far more likely that the population of AD 2000 will be greater rather than less than this estimate, and if no war, pestilence, or other destructive influence intervenes I think it not improbable that the ration of 30 percent decennially will be kept up through the century in which case Detroit will enjoy a population of fully four millions. I prophesy that a century hence the belt embraced between the 38th and 43rd degrees of north latitude and extending from the Atlantic sea board to the Mississippi will be the most densely populated region in the world. Very sincerely yours James E. Scripps"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by William C. Houghton who was an alderman from the eighth ward of the city. The front of the envelope has a return address that is printed in blue ink in the upper left corner that shows "Return To William C. Houghton, Alderman, Eighth Ward, Detroit, Mich." A handwritten address shows "To the relatives of Wm. C. Houghton who may be living in the year 2001."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 2-page letter was handwritten in black ink on both sides of a slightly yellowed piece of paper by Frank I. Cobb who signed the letter as the "Leading editorial writer, Detroit Free Press." His letter is entitled, "The Newspapers of Detroit," and the text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "The Newspapers of Detroit. At the beginning of the Twentieth Century there are seven daily newspapers published in Detroit - five in English and two in German. Of the English newspapers the Free Press and the Tribune are printed in the morning, The Evening News, The Evening Journal and Today in the afternoon. The Abend-Post and the Volksblatt, German, are published in the afternoon also. The principal owner of The Free Press is William E. Quinby; of The News and The Tribune, James E. Scripps; of The Journal, William Livingstone; of Today, James Schermerhorn; of the Abend-Post, August Marxhausen; of the Volksblatt, A. Niederpruem. Of these The Free Press, independently Democratic in politics, is the most influential and the worst edited. Little attention is paid to the manner in which news matter is written for it. It is very susceptible to "respectable" influence, and always aims to voice the opinions of so-called better-element. It has no opinions of its own. It is eminently clean - and steeped. The News is the best-edited and most readable, but the least reliable - due largely to its habitual recklessness of statement, and its desire to be "clear" regardless of the facts. The Tribune is a colorless morning edition of The News; but better edited on the whole than The Free Press. It is without editorial influence. The Journal is statistically Republican in politics and is one of the few remaining types of the bigoted partisan newspaper. It is fairly well-edited, and is clean. It, too, is very susceptible to Detroit club influence. Today is a puny monstrosity, printed on cheap paper. It prints news in bulletin form under heaving black head-lines. It has no merit except cheapness. The Abend-Post is the "organ" of the German Republicans and the Volksblatt of the German Democrats. As the old German population dies off, their field is gradually becoming smaller. Detroit newspapers compare favorably with those of other cities of the size. If anything they are above the average. Like all newspapers published at this time, they are unreliable; but seldom maliciously so. Economy explains the maul of accuracy. Good salaries must be paid to good reporters; so as few as possible are hired. All reporters are so overburdened with work that they have little time to verify statements. None of the Detroit newspapers wields great influence editorially; but all more than they deserve. Being expected to prophesy, I venture to predict that the Twentieth Century's chief reform in newspaper making will be in the direction of improving the quality of the news - having it better written, more intelligently written, and more accurately written. If the Twenty-first century has newspapers and those newspapers are reliable - one who will these be dust, would wish to be resurrected long enough to glance over the head lines of one of them. Frank I. Cobb Leading Editorial Writer, Detroit Free Press."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a head and shoulders image of Homer Warren who was one of the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police Commission. Printed text beneath the image indicates that he was "Appointed July 1, 1900." A handwritten date shows "Jany. 1st 1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This "Working Card" was printed in black text on light red paper and was issued to Mr. J. V. Cunningham of Division No. 26, Located at Detroit. It shows the circular emblem of the Amalgamated Association of Street Railway Employees of America in the upper left corner and indicated that the cardholder's dues of 50 cents were paid for the month of December, 1900. Handwritten text on the verso shows: "Detroit, Mich., Jan. 1st, 1901. Gentlemen, Please return this card to my nearest relation provided there may be any. wishing you all a Happy New Year. I remain yours respectfully, J. V. Cunningham 189 Maybury Ave."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 1-page letter that was written by the St. Andrew's Society. The front of the envelope has a handwritten address "To the Hon. Mayor and Members of St. Andrew's Society of Detroit in the year 2001" with the greeting: "A Guid New Year tae ane' an' A' An' mony may ye see, And during a' the years tae' come, O Happy may ye be," The envelope is signed "Com. te, "John Fairgrieve, Pret.; John Donaldson, Ex. Prest.; John Pettie, Ex Prest." The envelope is tied with a one-inch wide red, white, and blue ribbon.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 6-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Edward F. Marschner who was the president of the Detroit Board of Education. The paper is printed with light red lines and shows the letterhead of the Board of Education of the City of Detroit as well as the names of officers. It also has the watermark, "English Bond." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit, Mich. December 31st 1900 To the Hon, William C. Maybury, Mayor of Detroit. My dear Sir, Your suggestion to prepare, for future reference, records and documents, showing the progress made during the closing century (the 19th) these records to be placed in a box and sealed, to be opened a century hence, I deem a very good and valuable one and I take great pleasure in doing my share in the matter by complying with your request to submit a report upon the subject: "Progress of Public Education in Detroit in the 19th Century." This being the century in which the 1st steps were taken toward the establishment of a "Public School System" makes this statement a valuable and interesting one for our coming generations and I earnestly hope that nothing may occur to destroy it. The earliest records we have of any attempt being made to introduce Public Schools are from the year 1802 when a petition to congress was presented asking for "one or more townships of land for the purpose of erecting or endowing an academy." In March 1804 the government directed that section No. 16 of the public lands of every township be appropriated to educational purposes. This law laid the foundation of the primary school fund of the state. Nothing was done toward establishing schools under the above act until 1827 - at which time there was an act passed authorizing each township to determine by vote whether they should maintain township schools. If so, a township of 50 families was to have one schoolmaster for a period of six months in a year; a township of 100 families, a teacher for a period of 12 months; a township of 150 families, two teachers and those of 200 families two teachers and two schools. Under this act Detroit secured a teacher and in May, 1827, a common school was established in a room in the academy. In 1832 the city was divided into two districts and a school taught by one Chas. Wells was opened in the academy. In the same year a number of ladies formed a free school society, and a notice published by the society in 1833 tells of their progress as follows: They had opened a school under a competent instructress during the year with an average daily attendance of 50 pupils and an enrollment of 150 pupils, they had paid to their instructress and for fuel and other expenses $233.00, had erected a school house at a cost of $475.00 toward which they paid $350.00, leaving an indebtedness of only $125.00 at the end of the year, the schools were kept for a half day only and on two days each week the girls were taught sewing. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 years only were admitted and were furnished books and tuition free. The methods employed by the ladies of the free school society for raising funds to maintain their schools were many and unique. They gave fairs and also prepared tomato catsup which was sold by the bottle or dozen, by dealers, the proceeds of sale being devoted to the maintenance of their schools. In 1836 the society maintained two schools. In 1837 they maintained 3 schools with an attendance of 200 children. In 1837 the state was admitted to the union and the government granted 1,067,397 acres of land for public schools. In 1838 three school inspectors were elected who proceeded to put the state law in operation. They ordered a census taken which showed that there were 1,320 children under 15 years of age. They also divided the city into seven districts and maintained school in five districts for three months each. In 1839 the city received the first money from the primary school fund, the amount of which was $1,342.08, last year, ending June 30th 1900, we received from this fund the sum of $116, 456.00. On February 2nd, 1842 an act creating free, or public schools, and making Detroit one school district was approved and took immediate effect. Under this act all schools organized within the limits of the city were to be public and free to all children between the ages of 5 and 17 years residing within the city. The first "Board of Education of the City of Detroit" was elected under this act and consisted of 12 members, and the Mayor and Recorder of the City, there were 6 Wards in the City and each ward elected 2 members. The interest in education matters now increased steadily, every thing was done to advise learning until at the present time we maintain 69 schools which are attended by 34,153 pupils who are ably guided by a corps of 898 teachers. Our expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30th 1900 were $1,085,710.16. With this I will close my brief scetch [sketch]. Time will not admit my giving a fuller report and I will close with a wish that the new Century will be one of prosperity and advance to our education institutions. May education advance in the coming years in such strides as to fully erase ignorance, superstition and poverty from all mankind and substitute intelligence, reason and happiness therefore. This is the sincere wish of yours truly, Ed. F. Marschner President Board of Education 1900-1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 5-page letter that was written by Francis A. Blades who was the Controller of the City of Detroit. The front side of the envelope is addressed in handwritten black text to "The Honorable Controller of the City of Detroit." and "Compliments of the Controller of the City of Detroit AD 1900, F. A. Blades." The flap on the back side of the envelope is sealed with dark green wax.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This tan paper envelope contained a 7-page letter that was written by Dr. James A. Post who was the secretary of the Detroit Association of Charities. The front of the envelope has a typewritten address that shows "Associated Charities in Detroit - Past, Present, and Future, By Dr. James A. Post, Secretary of the Association of Charities, Detroit, Mich."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 3-page letter was handwritten in black ink on a folded piece of slightly yellowed paper by Rev. Charles L. Arnold. His letter is entitled, "The Arnold Home for the Aged and Hospital for Incurables," and the text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "The Arnold Home for the Aged and Hospital for Incurables. In December 1899, the Rev. Charles L. Arnold, rector of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, at that time the third parish in Detroit in number of Communicants, and situated on the corner of Church St. and Michigan Ave., came to realize the great need existing in our city of a "House" for those who by reason of age or other hopeless infirmity are unable to care for themselves. Through the kindness of the Trustees of the diocese of Michigan, the founder secured the free use of the former Episcopal residence, at 226 Fort St. West. Here Mr. Arnold gathered a score of the aged and incurable, and through the liberality of a number of gentlemen, notably, Hon. D.M. Ferry and Oliver Goldsmith Esq., was enabled to conduct the affairs of the "Home" with marked success. The first bequest to this institution was made by Mrs. Hannah Titus, who died in March 1900. With the amount of this bequest, about seven thousand dollars, the Arnold Home is to be incorporated on the day following the sealing of this box, and steps have already been taken for the acquiring of valuable real estate. No charity of this city today is more popular or more highly appreciated than this one, that has just entered upon, what we hope will be, a perpetual and enduring career of usefulness and beneficence. The earnest hope of the founder is that its existence may reach far beyond the limits of the century. 'Morituri salutaris' C.L. Arnold"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 2-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by William C. Houghton who was an alderman from the eighth ward of the city. The paper is printed with light blue lines and shows the letterhead of the Common Council, City of Detroit at the top. It also has the watermark, "Old Berkshire Mills." The verso shows the names and addresses of Common Council members and members of the various Council committees. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Dec. 31st 1900 To the relatives of Wm. C. Houghton who are left in Detroit in the year 2001. At this date I am living at 241 Avery Ave. I was married to Lou. [Louise] H. Echlin of Buxton Ont on Sept 10th 1879. We have four children: Irene Clara aged 19 years Charles William " 16 " Harold Wesley " 13 " Edna Catherine " 7 " My age is 45 years and four months. My wife's age is 42 years on the 10 of Jan 1901. My father is living also. My mother who was Elizabeth Keel of Greenfield. My father came from England in 1835. I have three brothers Walter C., John W. and George, and two [no?] sisters. Yours, Wm. C. Houghton"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- iatroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This tan paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by Orrin R. Baldwin who was the president of the American Harrow Company as well as the president of the Merchants and Manufacturers Exchange. His name is written in black ink along the top edge of the front side of the envelope. The flap on the back side is sealed with black wax that is impressed with the letter, "B."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 4-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by William C. Maybury who was the Mayor of the City of Detroit. The paper is printed with the Executive Office letterhead at the top and shows a watermark that consists of a shield and crown emblem with the words, "Pure Linen Stock." The four pages were bound at the top with a narrow pink ribbon (not shown in the digital images). The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "December 31st 1900 Midnight To His Honor - The Mayor of Detroit in 2001 and to the generation whose privilege - and I hope pleasure - it will be to read the letters in this box contained. Health and Greeting - The papers herein contained and now for the first time brought to light by you - after a retirement of one hundred years - were prepared at my request by men and women prominent in the activities of Detroit at the close of the nineteenth Century. Our chief desire and purpose is to convey to you across the long span of the Century a brief and concise statement of the present and past conditions of the community in which we live and to give you as clear an insight as is possible into the social, religious, moral, commercial and political affairs of Detroit and of the times in which we live. There will be given to you testimony from living witnesses of the events chronicled and of conditions described. From testimony so transmitted you will be the better able to discern what advancement you have made from the modest beginnings of which we are witnesses. We are well aware that the century closing has been marvelous in its achievements and we might be fairly excused for believing that the ultimate limits of possibilities has been accomplished in many ways. But on the contrary we do not so believe, because the past has thought us that what seemed to be impossible has been already accomplished and we would therefore not be greatly surprised at more wonderful accomplishments in the future. We communicate by telegraph and telephone over distances that at the opening on the nineteenth century were insurmountable. We travel at a rate of speed not dreamed of then. The power of electricity has been marvelously applied while compressed air and other agencies are now undergoing promising experiment. We travel by railroad and with steam power from Detroit to Chicago in less than eight hours and to New York City by several routes, in less than twenty hours. How much faster are you traveling? How much further have you annihilated time and space, and what agencies are you employing to which we are now strangers? We talk over long distance telephones to the most remote parts of our own land, and with a fair degree of practical success. Are you talking to foreign lands, and to the islands of the sea by the same method? And thus throughout all the various pathways of human progress the papers in this box will bring to you a correct knowledge of present conditions, and possibly words more or less, prophetic of the future. How correct our prophecies may prove we know not, for we write them with hesitation and doubt, but yet with hopefulness. We write in full anticipation that you will stand upon a vantage ground of experience far higher and more resplendent than our own. We ask therefore, for those who assume to prophesy, your kindliest consideration, and judgment, especially when we assure you that our prophets are not without honor, even in their own Century and in their own times. If we may judge from the history of human life as so far told - and of all experience very few - if any - of the 300,000 souls now inhabiting Detroit - will live here when you open this box; which we so solemnly close. And yet it may be possible that such which we now accept from faith may be to you certainty and knowledge - and possibly that knowledge may be accompanied by consciousness that we are witnesses and even listeners to the voices that interpret our words. We humbly ask that you accept for usefulness all that may tend to information and to good, and that you may look most kindly upon that which time has changed or which may have passed out of the realms of live and living. May we be permitted to express one hope - in our hearts - superior to all others - that whatever failures the coming century may have in store - in things material and temporal - you may realize that as a nation, people, and city, you have grown in righteousness for it is this that exalts a nation. Respectfully and affectionately submitted, William C. Maybury Mayor Written hastily and in the last hours of the century at my home on the southwest Corner of streets now called 8th St and Lafayette Avenue - near where I was born."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 4-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by lawyer, D. Augustus Straker. The paper has the watermark, "Riverside Paper Company." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "December 31, 1900 Detroit, Michigan To the Hon. William Maybury Mayor of the City of Detroit, Mich. "The past, present, and future of the colored race in Detroit." Sir, none who have lived the allotted time of human life within the confines of our beautiful city can fail to notice the changes, and events which have marked the 19th century, and especially so as relates, to the colored race of people, living and who have lived in Detroit. The 19th century found the colored people of Detroit a race of slaves although slavery is not known ever to have had a foot hold here. The incoming of the 20th century finds every man, and woman, and child of the colored race enjoying complete freedom under the law. The 19th century found the colored race in Detroit ignorant, uneducated, poor, and unenlightened, save with few exceptions. The 20th century dawns upon us with every school door in the City of Detroit wide open, welcoming within its walls every colored as well as white child of our common citizenship, and from whose precincts have come educated and well equipped colored men and women who have filled high honor and trust. The 19th century found laws upon the statute books of our state which deprived the colored man and woman of employment of every civil, and social privilege participated in by our white fellow citizens. The 20th century finds the colored citizens of Detroit in the employment and right to go and enter every public place established for public accommodation. the 19th century found the colored race poor and in many instances homeless, because of the low wages and restricted opportunity to labor and receive adequate wages. The 20th century finds a large percent of the colored race in Detroit the owner of their residences. In the past, enough was not earned for any part to be saved. On the incoming of the 20th century a large number of our colored citizens are depositors in our savings banks and some carry a fair commercial account in the transactions of their business. The moral status of the colored race in Detroit with the advantages afforded compare most favorably with that of any other race of people similarly situated. No laws discriminate between the races on account of color. These achievement have been brought about by the pioneer energy of such veterans among the colored race as William Lambert, Ben De Baptiste, John Richards, George Parker, and others. And now as to the future of the colored race in Detroit. If we should augur from the past and present, we have the brightest expectation for the future. Two elements must enter into the future progress of the race. One by the white race and the other by the colored themselves. This element is equal opportunity. This and this only remains to test the true development of the race. In the past this was wholly desired by the colored race, in the present it is but partially employed. We look to the future for its completion. We ourselves must be ready for the wider opportunity to come. May one hundred years hence find us in the full enjoyment of those rights and privileges which prejudice now deny us. A prejudice does now exist on the fringe of the 20th century. I predict that the sunlight of a more perfect understanding of man will drive out the demon prejudice and when the 21st century arrives he will find no resting place in the beautiful city of the straits. D. Augustus Straker"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Cover page with a 12-page letter handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Mrs. John Vallรฉe Moran (nรฉe Emma Etheridge). The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "To Hon. Wm. C. Maybury Mayor of Detroit. A few reflections on the American Mother in Detroit. Compliments Mrs. John Vallรฉe Moran nรฉe (Emma Etheridge) 1 The American Mother in Detroit. The divinely instituted order of Motherhood, into which so many of us have been initiated, imposes upon its members an obligation so serious, and withal so sweet, that one hesitates to enter upon a discussion of its real status, and influence, upon the social fabric of our city, at the close of this wondrous century, realizing as one must, that upon the mothers of our day rests 2 the destiny of many in the years to come. The pen of an angel or a sage might be worthily employed to predict from present conditions how far maternal influence is to determine the fate of millions, in the mysterious gloom of futurity; a power of prophecy to tell what will be the effect of our present mothers upon the children of the new year. The honorable Mayor has asked for a brief expression of opinion on the "American Mother in Detroit" as she stands 3 today; the task is interesting, but not easy, especially in the limited hours allowed to a subject so far reaching, reaching indeed to eternity and which deserves profound reflection; to group facts and properly draw conclusions is impossible, but even in these last quivering moments of the closing year, a few distinct impressions may be noted, and they need not go very deeply into detail. In the first place, our Detroit mother may be declared a very fair product of her age 4 - an age however that has done more for the development of woman - per se - than for woman as mother; and the closing century finds her along with her sisters of the United States, a center of influence - social, intellectual, patriotic, philanthropic - if not strictly spiritual (the latter quality cannot always be denied her however, for we discover in our midst matrons who are examples of deep religious fervor that cannot fail to influence the child's mind.) The theatre of action for this modern nineteenth century mother is 5 not confined to the limits of home, she is recognized in the great world of activity and denied entrance to very few of its fields of advancement, where she plunges with intense zeal into the current of affairs, and readily becomes a devoted follower of the various cults - fads - and philosophies that distract our minds and destroy the serenity of existence. But in spite of these seeming inconsistencies, this same American mother carries in her heart a warm strain of devotion to 6 her children, ambitious earnestness in their behalf, and a fervid desire for their advancement, that taken all in all , has not been surpassed by the mothers of any age, even unequaled in many respects. If she be somewhat lacking in feminine virtues or the full measure of gentle composure, so needed to make her a perfect receptacle of childish confidence, she atones for it in the enthusiasm and tireless energy with which she assumes control in all that pertains to the health, comfort or mental development of her children, making herself their guide and directress from the cradle and kindergarten to the threshold 7 of social, business or professional life; and even further, she may follow as counsellor, and assistant in occupations which were closed to her in the early days of the century. Our fin de siecle mother does not cling to the traditions of those early days, but following the strong bent of her own convictions, is more frequently intense and earnest, than concentrated and composed - surprising the world by the multitude of her interests - she stops at nothing that to her seems worthy of human endeavor, and living as it were upon her nerves, finally exhausts them in the activity of her aims. 8 Stopping at nothing, she finally and naturally wearies of everything. It must follow that the care of a household - and the rearing of children to this product of a trying age, while nearest to her heart, and uppermost in her mind, must often become a burthen to the mother where interests cover so wide an area - and the boasted liberty of our great century [country?] - the liberty that has struck fetters from slaves in every land - unbound the realms of human thought and professed to emancipate woman and place her on an equal footing with man, 9 has really made of her a slave to its conflicting theories. Until our women have checked this tendency to substitute new for old methods, they have not learned the best lessons of the century. Reviewing the past we find that it is the domestic woman, the serene and motherly whose image we love to resemble because we loved her, and the enlightenment that deprives this sweet concentration of gentle forbearance, self control and pines to guide without egotism or excitement of a single 10 element of feminine charm, [?] us of the mother we need, and the nineteenth century must be responsible for some falling off in these qualities. Family life today is certainly less limited than in the old old times, where our fathers watched the yule log play its wondrous light upon the loving group that gathered round the warm hearthstone. But human hearts are all aglow with quickening love and sympathy and in this hurried greeting to the mothers of a new century, there goes a hope that its close may 11 find them as proud and happy in the kingdom of home as we are today - for whatever complex questions arise to vex the maternal mind, our "American Mother" sits enthroned upon a pedestal that is upheld by the loyalty and devotion of millions of sons - husbands - fathers, and her generation will bring her forth victorious from every trying ordeal of a brilliant and bewildering age - May God be with her in her mission and lead her gloriously through the 12 battles and scars and triumphs of the centuries! This is the wish of her sisters who send this greeting and benediction to her in the dying moments of a mighty age; this great nineteenth century that at this moment breathes its dying sigh and fades into eternity! Emma Etheridge Moran Detroit, Michigan December 31st 1900 Midnight."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Photograph. Sepia-toned head and shoulders photo of Orrin R. Baldwin. He is wearing a white shirt with high collar, vest with pocket watch, dark suit, and pince-nez eyeglasses. Handwritten text on the verso shows "Orrin R. Baldwin, born at Springboro, Crawford Co., Penn., January 14th 1848" and "Detroit, Michigan, December 31st 1900." He was the president of the American Harrow Company, president of the Merchants and Manufacturers Exchange, and president of the Masonic Temple Association of Detroit.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Sepia-toned photo showing a head to knees image of William C. Maybury, Mayor of Detroit. He is wearing a white shirt with a high collar and a dark-colored tie. His dark-colored suit includes a long coat with a vest. He is holding a pair of glasses in his right hand. An embossed label in the gray frame area below the image shows "C. M. Hayes & Co., Detroit" and a handwritten note shows "Description on reverse side." Handwriting on the verso shows: "Detroit, Mich., December 31, 1900. This portrait of the Mayor of Detroit, William C. Maybury, was made with a Dallmeyer Lens, on Seed Dry Plate, and a silver emulsion printing out paper called Aristo Platino, all of which are considered to be the best tools for ordinary photographic portraiture at this time. The exposure of the plate was two seconds in subdued light. The developing agent, pyrogallic acid. The paper print exposure about thirty minutes in sunlight. Toning agent, gold and platinum. Fixing solution, hypo-sulphite soda. The makers of the photograph are: C. M. Hayes & Co., Inc., Photographers 246 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Mich. C. M. Hayes, President F. A. Goodrich, Vice-President and Treasurer Frederick H. Holt, Secretary."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 14-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Sara M. Philleo Skinner. The paper is printed with light blue lines. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Woman's Suffrage - Retrospect and Prophecy. One of the largest questions before the civilized world at the close of the 19th century is Woman's Suffrage, for it underlies the just settlement of mans problems of the day. There is no better evidence of the progress of an era than that found in the progress of its women. The line that marked woman's limitations at the beginning of the 19th century was long since broken. 100 year ago, married women in any country could not control their property or will it at death. The Common Law of England and in [the] United States held husband and wife as one and that one the husband. The wife was 'dead in law.' the husband collected and used her wages, he could legally whip her if he wished. Many husbands were so much better than the law that they treated their wives humanely. Very few occupations were open to women; no college admitted her, men did most of her thinking (or thought they did) and most, because women's minds were so inferior, pulpits emphasized women's subordination. But women were thinking and there were premonitions of coming events. Mary Wollstonecraft plead eloquently for greater opportunities for women. In 1809, Connecticut was [the] first state to enact a law giving married women right[s] to make wills. In 1820, Gov. Clinton of New York called attention in his annual address to the 'Academy for Female Education at Waterford, N.Y.' established by Mrs. Emma Willard. In the following year Mrs. Willard combined her school with the Troy Seminary, the first institution in the United States offering higher education to women. Later, Boston had a high school for girls and Mt. Holyoke Seminary in Mass. was opened for higher education for women. The lectures of Abby Kelly, Frances Wright, the Grimke sisters, the book of Lydia Main Childs, 'History of Woman' published in 1832, Catharine Beecher's high school for girls in Cincinnati, the opening of Oberlin College for women, Prudence Crandall's school for colored girls in Canterbury, Conn. (in 1834), Ernestine Rose, in 1836, pleading for enfranchise of women, Margaret Fuller's book, "Women of 19th Century' an appeal for equal rights for women. These and many other events were clarion notes whose sounding roused sympathy in favor of woman's suffrage. States gradually gave women power to make wills, the right to control property and wages, and to have equal guardianship of children, though as late as 1817, husbands could legally will away their children, even unborn ones. In 1840, a world's anti-slavery convention was held in London, Eng. A few women delegates were sent from America, but they were not allowed to have any voice in [the] convention. This circumstance marked a new era for women. Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton (then a bride) resolved then and there to call a 'Woman's Rights Convention.' It was held in Seneca Falls, N.Y., July 19 & 20, 1848. When equal rights were demanded for men and women in colleges, universities, trades, professions, the right to vote, to share in political offices, honors and emoluments, equal rights in property, in wages for equal work, equal rights in minor children, etc., in fact, they asked for all that the most radical have ever asked for up to this date. Other conventions followed, many leading men and women, even in the face of ridicule, espoused the cause. Many laws pertaining to women were modified; ridicule and persecution began to abate. The Civil War gave women opportunity to show their ability in many ways. The planned money-making enterprises and millions of dollars were realized for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers. Dorothea Dix, superintendent of nurses, Clara Barton on the field relieving wounded soldiers, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell founding in New York City the Woman's Loyal League which developed into the Sanitary Commission with which Mrs. Mary A. Livermore was so grandly connected, there women and their works proved to the world that women could plan and carry out schemes for good as well as could men, and all was [were] a part in the evolution of woman's suffrage. In 1869, a National Woman's Suffrage Association was formed, and another named American Woman's Suffrage Association. The first had headquarters in New York and Mrs. Stanton and Miss Anthony published there 'The Revolution,' a strong suffrage organ. The other had headquarters in Boston where Mary A. Livermore, Julia Ward Howe, Lucy Stone, Wm. Lloyd Garrison, and L. W. Higginson published 'The Woman's Journal' a paper equally strong in favor of equal suffrage. Later the two associations united under the name 'National American Woman's Suffrage Association.' In 1861, school suffrage was given to women in Colorado and Kansas. In 1869, full suffrage was granted to women of Wyoming Territory. It was in this year that the University of Ann Arbor [Michigan] opened its doors to women. In 1870, the Territory of Utah had full suffrage; it was taken away in 1883, but restored when Utah became a state in 1896. In 1875, school suffrage was granted in Michigan and Minnesota. In 1876, Colorado was granted school suffrage when it was made a state. In 1878, school suffrage was given to women in New Hampshire and in Oregon. In 1879, it was granted to women in Massachusetts. In 1880, it was given to women in New York and Vermont. In 1881, a universal suffrage convention was held in Rome (Italy) where a strong appeal was made by Anna Mazzoni for woman suffrage. During all these years many foreign countries were given municipal suffrage for women. In 1883, school suffrage was given to women in Nebraska and in [the] same year full suffrage was granted to women in Washington by Territorial legislature. It was taken away on ground[s] of being unconstitutional. In 1885, full suffrage given to women of Dakota by legislature of the territory, but was vetoed by Gov. Price. In 1886, school suffrage was granted to women of Washington Territory. In 1887, municipal suffrage was granted Kansas women, and school suffrage to women of Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, North and South Dakota. In 1888, a permanent International Council of women was organized. In 1890, Wyoming became a state with equal suffrage for women. In 1891, school suffrage was given women of Illinois. In 1893, Colorado had full suffrage for women, and Connecticut had school suffrage. The Congress of Representative Women in Chicago, during World's Fair, helped the cause of woman's suffrage. In 1894 Ohio women had school suffrage. In same year 600,000 men and women petitioned New York constitutional convention for woman's suffrage. In 1895 Utah became a state with equal suffrage. 1896 brought same fate to Idaho. In 1899, the 2nd International Council of Women was held in London with delegates from nearly all civilized countries. So we see the gains for women during the 19th century were many. Condensed, it might read: 1. Married women granted control of their separate property in all United States but Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, N. Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee. And the same was granted to Great Britain and her colonies; Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Russia. 2. Married women granted right to make wills in all United States in Great Britain and her colonies, and in many, nearly all European countries. 3. Married women given control of their wages in all United States except Louisiana and Texas (although control is not complete) in Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, N. Carolina, S. Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee. The right was granted in Great Britain and her colonies, in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Russia. 4. Mothers were granted control or rather guardianship with fathers over their children in California, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island. In all the other states, the father only is the guardian. 5. The age of consent has been raised in nearly all United States and in Great Britain and her colonies, and this shows influence of women's work. 6. Nearly all professions (not ministry and law in certain states) have been opened to women; the right to labor in nearly all occupations; a voice is given women in most business and church meetings. 7. Women may petition city councils, legislatures, and Congress. Of the 44 United States, 25 have limited suffrage, 4 have full suffrage, limited suffrage is granted in many foreign countries and full suffrage in New Zealand, South and West Australia, and in Isle of Man. Woman has made progress in industries, in teaching, in medicine, in the ministry, in law, in journalism, in social-political liberty, and public opinion has materially changed in her favor in the 19th century. The prophecy for the new century is that she will make greater advance and with less opposition than she has in the 19th century. Popular opinion will be educated to grant woman's suffrage to nearly all parts if not all of the civilized countries. Ignorance, bigotry, conservatism, prejudice, and fear concerning woman's use of the ballot will have passed away, and by her use of the ballot, there will be less evil and a higher civilization. Sara M. Philleo Skinner."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a group of head and shoulders images. The pictured individuals include four Police Commissioners: Capt. John Conline, George W. Fowle, Ralph Phelps, and Marvin M. Stanton as well as Secretary, J. E. Dupont and Assistant Secretary, J. H. Cleveland. A handwritten date beneath John Conline's image shows "1899" and a handwritten date at the bottom of the cutout shows "Jany. 1st 1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 4-page letter that was written by D. B. Willemin. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "Foundation of Detroit by the French," and is signed "The committee of the Franco-American Club - its Correspondence Secretary, D. B. Willemin." The back flap of the envelope is sealed with an irregularly-shaped blot of dark green wax.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 6-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Dr. Theodore A. McGraw, M.D., who was a surgeon. The paper is printed with faint blue lines and shows the watermark, "The Richmond & Backus Co., Detroit, Mich." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "On Dec. 29th 1900 in the afternoon I received a letter from Hon. Wm. C. Mayberry, Mayor of the City of Detroit asking me to write a paper on the Progress of Surgery during the century now closing. - The paper should be finished and delivered on the last day of the year. - Had I received the request earlier, I should have been glad to undertake the labor of summarizing the achievements in the surgical art and science, which have distinguished the nineteenth century and of analyzing as well as I could the influences which had led to such wonderful changes in surgical practice. I felt, however, that a hastily written article on a subject so vast and of so much importance would convey a mean impression to our descendants, of our culture and I wrote to Mr. Mayberry, declining the commission on those grounds. - He, however, insisted upon having this department of science represented and I accordingly consented to write a short article on the subject. The growth of the surgical art and science during the last hundred years has been due to many complex causes which can hardly be enumerated here. - It has felt the impulse which was communicated to all branches of learning by the great awakening of the human mind at the time of the French revolution. - There is no science which it has not laid under contribution for its own purposes and its history therefore if carried out fully, would embrace that of all sciences and arts. - Abstaining however from a discussion, which would be endless, I will only mention a few of the many important discoveries which have had a powerful influence in changing the habits of surgical thought and practice. First of all, I must note the increasing tendency manifest even in the early part of this century to determine disputed points by an appeal to experiment. Surgical experiments have to be conducted on the lower animals and excepting anaesthesia, there is hardly a great discovery in surgery closing the last century which has not been led up to by vivisection. - Before the year 1805 the profession had been in a sad state of uncertainty regarding the proper method of ligating arteries. Every surgeon approached a large operation with a dread of the secondary hemorrhages which destroyed so many lives. - Even John Hunter, when he performed the famous operation, of tying the femoral artery for aneurism, tied the artery with a tape and inserted another tape under the artery higher up, to be tied in case of secondary hemorrhage. - Jones, an English surgeon, operated on a number of dogs and studied carefully the changes produced in their arteries by different methods of ligature and published his results in 1805. It is not so much to say that this book revolutionized the surgery of the day, for it taught surgeons, what they did not know before, exactly how an artery should be tied and thus enabled them to operate with the certainty, that their patients would for the most part escape secondary hemorrhages. The second great even in surgery was the discovery of anaesthesia. - The influence of this discovery on operative surgery is almost incalculable. Before the day of anaesthesia, no surgical operation was undertaken which was not absolutely necessary and the surgeon was obliged to operate with extreme rapidity. - After anaesthetics were introduced, patients submitted themselves to the knife for lesser troubles and the surgeon, no longer urged to rapid action, became more careful and considerate. - I need not dwell on a matter which every one fully understands. The third great change in surgery was that due to the labors of Pasteur, Lyster, and others, with reference to the nature of fermentative and suppurative processes. - The causes of sepsis were shown to be the microscopic cells, which swarm, wherever life exists, in mild climates and low altitudes. Surgery on the internal organs became possible when surgeons were enabled to shut out these organisms from the great cavities of the body. This knowledge gave an enormous impulse to operative surgery, but only we who practiced surgery before the days of Lyster can realize the differences in modes of thought and practice, which have followed his teachings. - The three events which I have noticed seem to me to stand predominantly above all others as the controlling influences which have determined the development of surgical art and science in the nineteenth century. - What can be done in the twentieth century to equal these achievements of the nineteenth. - Will it be possible for the scientist to discover the nature of cancer and sarcoma? Or to hasten the disappearance from the human body of that useless and dangerous organ the appendix? Operative surgery would seem to have nearly reached its limits. Will there arise a prophylactic surgery which will eradicate the germs of disease before they have time to develop? What will the surgeon, who on the final day of the twentieth century, shall open this paper think of our theories and practice? Will he also give chloroform and aethis for anaesthesia? Will he also extirpate uterus and ovaries? Will he too, seek a quick solution of all morbid phenomena by the use of a knife - Will he too use the elastic ligature, my own invention, for the performance of gastro-enterostomy? To you, my brother, yet unborn this paper will bring you greeting from one long since dead. - Theodore A. McGraw M.D. Detroit Dec. 31st 1900"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- These 3 pages have been cut from a financial statement concerning banks in Michigan. The pages provides a summary of the assets and liabilities of the state banks, national banks, and trust companies in Michigan. The pages are printed in black text on slightly yellowed paper.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 2-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Louis Blitz who was the proprietor of the Detroit City Glass Works. The paper shows the company letterhead across the top of the page and also has the watermark, "Calvert Litho Co." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit, Mich. December 31st 1900 His Honor, the Mayor, having transferred a request that I prepare a paper on "The Jewish People in Detroit in the 19th Century and their relations to Social, Commercial and religious life" I feel that so far as their communal and denominational activity and usefulness is concerned, I cannot do better, than to attach to this letter, a copy of the Souvenir History of Congregation Beth-El, established in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of said the leading Jewish Congregation of our city and state, which faithfully reflects not alone its growth spiritually and materially but is also a fair index of the individual growth and civic standing, of the representative citizens of the Jewish faith, that compose its membership. - The XIX Century has been an eventful one, not alone in the local history of the Jews of our fair city, but throughout the nation and the world. - It was ushered in by the ringing declarations for civil and religious Liberty - Equality - and Fraternity - that have immortalized both the American and French Revolutions - Centuries of Persecution - of passion and repression, had been Israel's hard lot, until the yoke of tyranny and the barriers of fanaticism and bigotry were first thrown down, and hence it is, with undying gratitude and affection, that we the descendants of "the People of the Book" cling to lands and communities, that have given them the opportunities to found farm and homes and endowed them with equal privileges - Thus fitting them for the highest duties of responsible citizenship. How well we have made use of this great boon, the honorable words of our Co-religionists in every walk of life attest and wherever and whenever, public duties. Patriotic devotion and private sacrifice for the common good have been called for, we have not been found wanting; Hence it is with confidence, that I may be permitted to bespeak for them an honorable participation in all that may tend to the future welfare and greatness of our beloved city and country in and throughout the coming century and that in all that different walks of life, in their social, commercial and religious status, they will harmoniously blend their lives, with those of their fellow citizens of every station and denomination - mingling and fraternizing in their respective homes, lodges, churches, public and private charities, commercial organizations. Each added year will bear witness to a closer affiliation with our fellow citizens and may God, keep watch and ward over this our fair city and exalted nation and when these plain but grateful lines are read at the dawn of the 21st Century, may they have indeed arrived [at] that era of "Peace on earth and good will to men" that shall have made possible, that common Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of man, that will have beaten the sword into ploughshares, the spear into pruning hook and nations shall have unlearned war - Amen. #26 Woodward Avenue Terrace Louis Blitz"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Four pages torn out from the "Fifth Annual Report of the Public Lighting Commission." The pages show the names of the Public Lighting Commission members, names of ex-members, and black and white halftone pictures of the office and plant as well as the commissioners. The text and pictures are printed in black ink on slightly yellowed paper.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 6-page letter that was written by Edward F. Marschner who was the president of the Detroit Board of Education. The upper left corner of the envelope shows the return address of the sender, "Ed. F. Marschner, 980 Meldrum Ave., Detroit, Mich.," which is printed in dark blue ink.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a short note that was written by Herbert J. Greville who was the ex President of the Trades and Labor Council. The front of the envelope has a title that is handwritten in black ink, "Sentiment of Labor by Ex President of the Trades of [and] Labor Councle [Council], by Ex Pres. Greville." The return address, "Executive Office, Detroit, Mich., William C. Maybury, Mayor," is printed in black text in the upper left corner of the envelope.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 1-page letter that was written by William E. Quinby who was the President of the Detroit Free Press. The front of the envelope is entitled in handwritten text, "Progress of Journalism" and is signed by William E. Quinby. The back flap is sealed with three red wax seals that have been impressed with the letter, "Q."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This writing paper was from the personal stationery of Francis L. York who was the organist at Christ Church in Detroit. The paper has a watermark that shows a monogram emblem (unreadable) and the word, "Ledger." It is slightly yellowed and the sender's address, "235 Hancock Avenue West," is printed in black text at the top. The 10-page letter was handwritten in black ink and the text has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit Dec 30 1900 Hon. Wm. C. Maybury. Mayor of Detroit. Dear Sir. Your communication asking for an article on the present conditions of musical matters in Detroit, at hand. I regret that I have only twenty-four hours in which to prepare the article, but will do my best. - The history of music in D. during the earlier part of the century was similar to that of most towns. There were two players and fewer instruments. The "singing school" teacher was in evidence and taught the girls and boys to read the "buckwheat" notes. Isolated attempts at choral work were made and in the Catholic churches some attention was paid to the musical service. Later on as more interest was taken in all kinds of art concerts given by singers and players began to be heard. Beethoven was then writing his greatest works Schumann Chopin Mendelssohn and Liszt either were too young to write or their works were unknown. It is only within fifty years that music can be said to have a history in D. or it is only within that time that music and professional musicians have had any recognized standing. The churches have perhaps had more to do with fostering a love for music than any other influence. With the advent of the pipe organ the better class of music began to be hear Mozart's and Hayden's music and later those of more modern writers were given in the churches. The old Detroit Musical Society under various names did excellent pioneer work giving concerts and producing ovations etc. Mr. Abel Mr. Zelmisky and others directors. Mr. Meakin of the Fort St. Presbyterian church and Mr. Abel of Christ Church were the most prominent organist[s] of, say, thirty-five years ago. The past twenty-five years during which I have been more or less acquainted with musical matters in D., have witnessed a wonderful transformation and growth in all departments of music and in the appreciation and taste for music all over the country, but our advancement in D. has far outstripped that of most places. Music has grown more rapidly than any other department of human interest in the world of art and letters. Twenty five years ago a Sonata by Beethoven would hardly be listened to by a Detroit audience - a Fantasia on some operatic air, full of "runs" and musical fire-works was what appealed to the average taste. And as for Bach! he was caviar to mostly all - unhappily so to too many yet. Twenty-five years ago we had but one organist of any standing. Today we have at least three who are not only known throughout the country but to some extent in Europe. We have a pianist, Mr. Jonas, who, though not in the first rank is at least the equal on many in the second rank. We have Mr. Wm. Yunck one of the finest violinists in the country and an excellent all-armed musician. The coming to D. of Messrs J.C. Batchelder and J.H. Hahn fresh from study with the best teachers of Europe (Richter, Haupt, Plaidy, Loeschhorn etc) is really the starting point of the remarkable progress that has been made during the past twenty-five years. It was due very largely to these two men that music has attained its present position. Both these gentlemen, men of large ideas well equipped and aiming at the highest ideals, have worked and are still working most successfully for the good of music. Where there are so many musicians where work is excellent it is difficult to choose names for mention. Tastes differ and others doubtless would select a different lists. But in addition to those already mentioned I must give a few names of those whose work has had a determining influence on music. Mr. Hofmann the cellist, Mr. Luyler pianist, Mr. N.J. Corey, and I hope the present writer, organists, Mr. Norton Soprano and voice teacher, Mr. Freytag organist Mr. Brueckner violinist, Mr. Marshall Pearl and Mr. J.D. Mechan (now of Pittsburg Pa) are some of those whose work has not only reputation and success to themselves, but has had an immense educational value in diffusing knowledge of music and an appreciation for the best in music. There is no city in the union of the size of Detroit that possesses so many well-known and unusually capable musicians as D. Detroit is well supplied with music schools - perhaps too well for it is a question whether the multiplication of small schools is an advantage. The Detroit Conservatory is one of the strongest and best known in the country and under the direction of Mr. J.H. Hahn has wielded a powerful influence for good. Recently it gave its one thousandth recital. The Michigan Conservatory established this year under Mr. Jonas is a worthy rival of the older institutions and has a strong corps of teachers. Many others such as the Detroit Institute (Miss Jacobs) and the Detroit School of Music (Mr. F. Apel) might be mentioned with approval. In the matter of Church Choir, Detroit stands above any city of its size with which I am acquainted. The work of the bested choirs in at least two instances is admirable, comparing favorably with some of the best in England. As yet there are no choir schools and no church requires the daily attendance of the choir. It is hoped something may be done in this direction. The denominational churches are served for the most part by quartettes though chorus work is also heard. The best singers of the city usually have choir positions and such singers as Harold Jarvis and Mr. Frazer Tiners such basses as Sam. Slade, J. Krolik, C.A. Cottors and Dr. Spalding and a long list of excellent sopranos and altos are to be heard each Sunday in the churches. In the matter of church organs there has been great advancement. Where as a few years ago the best organ was a moderate sized two manual, we now have a number of very complete three manual instruments. The best of those are the Roosevelt organ in the Jefferson Ave Presbyterian church and the Johnson organ in the Cass Ave Methodist. There are also several by Farrand and Votey formerly of this city. So in church organs D. is well supplied, but a larger concert organ is greatly needed. An organ if say, four manual with one hundred steps in a large hall, played weekly by a competent organist after the manner of the organ concert, in St Georges Hall Liverpool, would have a most helpful influence in giving the masses an opportunity to hear good music either gratis or at very small expense. D. possesses two large admirably equipped music houses, that of Schwankovsky identified with the Knabe piano, and Grinnell Bros the Steinway agents. The Steinway is the favorite piano but on account of its high price is frequently displaced by other makers. Recently piano playing attachments have been introduced. To what extent they will take the place of individual players and just what position they will occupy in the musical world we leave to the new century to decide. To us it seems that they are likely to occupy a position of their own analogous to that of music boxes and orchestrions etc. The favorite piano composer at present in Chopin whose music has largely come into prominence within the last twenty years. Wagner is the favorite in grand opera though Gounod's Faust is more frequently heard. Comic opera is represented by De Koven's Robin Hood and such operas as the "Geisha" and the Gilbert and Sullivan opera. Among American composers for piano and orchestra Ed. MacDowell is regarded as the best. The better class of music is constantly displaced the cheap popular stuff that was formerly the rule. The "Gospel Hymns" have had their day in the churches though they are still heard. The present rage for "Coon Songs" is doubtless ephemeral. The great need of Detroit numerically is a large music hall, a concert organ, a permanent endowed orchestra and a more efficient chorus. In these very important matters we are deficient. The present writer hopes that whoever may open this in 2001 may see Detroit at the head of all American cities musically. He dreams of a noble hall dedicated to music which is being given a concert, - in which are heard an immense organ much more perfect than those we now have, no doubt with many true colors now unknown, an orchestra of scores of pieces containing instruments of form and effectiveness far beyond our knowledge, a grand chorus of hundreds of voices - all joining in giving the works of composers now unborn. He greets you wish you a Happy New Year, and if at any time it is given to the spirits of the departed to return to earth to be sure it would be such an occasion as just described that would call him back. Nos morituri te salutamus. Francis L. York Organist Christ Church 1896 Teacher of piano and organ and composition Detroit Conservatory of Music and Ypsilanti State Normal College"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 3-page letter is entitled "The American Mother of the Nineteenth Century." It is printed in typewritten text that has been mimeographed onto a thin linen paper that has the watermark, "Invincible." The body of the letter gives a brief discussion of women in the home and then mentions the contributions of famous women such as Lydia Maria Childs, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Julia Ward Howe, and others. The letter is signed on the third page, "Irene Williams Chittenden (Mrs. W. J. Chittenden), 134 W. Fort St., Detroit, Michigan." There are numerous corrections that have been handwritten in black ink throughout the letter.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- 10-page letter written by George T. Moody, President of the Detroit YMCA. It is a blue carbon copy, typewritten onto slightly yellowed, thin paper with a watermark that shows "Roman Bond." The last page is signed in black ink, "George Taylor Moody." All of the pages are bound together in a green folder which has two brass prongs at the top.
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This tan paper envelope contained a 4-page letter written by James E. Scripps, President of the Evening News Association. The front of the envelope is entitled in handwritten text, "A Prophecy for Deetroit as a Metropolis by James E. Scripps." A handwritten note in the lower left corner shows "Not to be opened till Dec. 31 AD 2000."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 7-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by William Carson, president of the Detroit Board of Trade. The paper is printed with light red lines and has the watermark, "The Richmond & Backus Co., Detroit, Mich." It was placed in a white paper envelope and was sealed with red wax that was impressed with the reverse side of a U. S. Quarter Dollar coin. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit, Michigan. Dec. 31st 1900 To the people of Detroit in the year 2001. Greeting. The progress of trade in this city and in the entire country during the century just closing has been unparalleled in the history of the world. One hundred years ago railroads, steam vessels, telegraphs, telephones, electric lights and electric motors were things unknown and undreamed of. The old stage coach, for those who could enjoy that luxury, or the horse and wagon and ox team, for those less prosperous, were the only means of travel by land, while the slow going sailing vessel or the canoe furnished the only means of transportation by water. Mail communication was effected by post-riders, and a month or more was required for communication between Detroit and New York, while from the seaboard it took several months to reach Europe by sailing vessels. Now we communicate with New York by mail in fifteen hours, and with Great Britain and France in six days, while communication by telegraph and cables lines require less than the same number of minutes. The slow going horse cars, instituted in our larger cities over half a century ago, have been replaced by the electric cars of the present time, and the time of transit has been reduced over one half. Every branch of industry has shown marvelous advancement and the grain trade of the country, through the medium of Boards of Trade and other commercial organizations, has kept pace with the march of progress. Fifty years ago such organizations were practically unknown, but today they occupy a most influential position in the commercial world in handling the enormous grain and provision products of the country. Through the influence of its members the large elevator interests of the country have been established, and developed, as the necessity was felt for increased facilities for handling the grain crops. The construction of immense elevators at all the principal railroad terminal points in the country and along the lines of railroads penetrating the vast grain fields of the west, has enabled the grain merchants of the United States to accumulate enormous stocks of grain, of all kinds, at various points in the country, but principally at Chicago, the greatest grain mart, and at Minneapolis, the greatest milling center in the world. These elevators are filled up at a time of the year where the grain crops are moving from farmers hands most freely, just after harvest, and without these facilities for storage the grain would have to be moved forward to the seaboard for export or to milling centers at such prices as it might bring at the time. Whereas by the present system those who buy the grain at country points from first hands, may ship it to their agents or commission men on the different Boards of Trade, who stores [store] the grain in the elevators and look after it until such time as the market price may warrant the owner in selling it. In this way the pressure of wheat, and other cereals, on the market is regulated and holders are not obliged to dispose of their property at a sacrifice at a time when the movement of the crops is the heaviest. Dealing in grain and provisions for future delivery, that is for delivery from one to three months after the time of purchase, is another great innovation made in the commercial world within the past fifty years. By means of this system of trading a buyer of grain may provide for his future requirements without being obliged to tie up large sums of money. For instance, an exporter may want 100,000 bushels of grain to be shipped to Europe one or two months hence, or a miller may wish to provide wheat for this mill for a time when the demand for flour may be the most urgent. In these cases instead of being obliged to invest large sums of money for their future wants, they simply instruct their broker on the Board of Trade to buy the amount of grain they may want for future delivery, and on this they deposit with the broker, or with the secretary of the Board, a margin of five cents per bushel to be kept good against any decline in the market until such time as their contracts mature, when the grain is delivered to them and paid for in full. The seller of the grain is also required to deposit a like sum of five cents in like manner to protect the buyer against any advance in the market, and in this way both interests are protected against any market fluctuations in price. The broker in these cases receives a commission of from 1/8 to 1/2 cwt per bushel for his services. The grain to provide for these contracts is bought and stored in the elevators by grain merchants who have large capital to employ for this purpose, and what they may not have of their own can always be obtained from the banks, as grain collateral with insurance policies attached as accepted are recognized by the banks as the most desirable security. The grain merchants of Detroit and the Eastern country stand as a rule, very high in the Commercial world, and the amount of capital employed in the business runs into hundreds of millions of dollars. The very nature of their trading places them on their honor and a man who is found to be tricky at this looses [loses] caste among his fellow members on the Board of which he may be operating. Heavy transactions are made and recorded by a simple memorandum made at the time of sale or purchase and in not one case in a thousand does a dispute arise as to their correctness. A grain merchant who cannot meet his obligations with his fellow members or who fails to deposit proper margins on his trades, whose called upon, is at once debarred from the priveleges of the Board on which he is trading, and all open transactions for his account are closed at once. Many attempts have been made by speculators to "Corner the Market," on certain commodities, that is, to buy up all offerings of grain, provisions or other articles of produce that might be made by reckless operators who sell for future delivery what they do not possess, hoping that a turn in the market, in their favor, may enable them to buy back what they have sold with a profit, but in only a few instances during the past fifty years have any such attempts proved successful. The last attempt of this kind of any magnitude was made in Chicago a few years ago by a reckless operator named Joseph Seiter, but unlike the historic corner in corn by Joseph in Egypt, his attempt proved a disastrous failure and resulted in a loss to him of about ten millions of dollars, but all his creditors were paid in full. The drift of the grain and provision trade, like that of many other branches of business, shows a slow but steady tendency towards centralization in a few hands, and it will not be surprising if the next decade or two shows that the grain and provisions products of the country have like the iron, coal, petroleum, copper, manufacturing, navigation and many other large industries, passed into the hands of gigantic monopolies or trusts similar to that which now control the fresh meat products of the country. Railroad property during the past fifty years has been concentrated in the hands of a few multi-millionaires whose enormous wealth defies competition by men of equal energy, but smaller means; and it is safe to predict that unless the Congress of the United States is forced by public sentiment to take control of all the railroads, telegraphs, telephones and other necessary adjuncts of trade, as they have the mail service, that there will result a strife between capital and labor that may shake the fabric of our republic to its very foundation, if not change our entire system of government. Labor organizations have grown very rapidly during the past fifty years and they have developed astonishing strength both numerically and financially by their close organization, and have reached a point, even now, when their financial backing and shrewd management is a source of uneasiness to the manufacturers, builders and corporate institutions of the country, such as ruining companies and railroads, and it may depend very much on the class of men who obtain control of these labor organizations whether a prolonged strife for supremacy between capital and labor can be averted, but it must be our fervent hope that our Heavenly Father, the Supreme Architect of the Universe will watch over the destinies of our beloved nation as He has in the past, protect us from strife among ourselves or with other nations, and that when the glorious sun of the Twenty first century breaks forth it may shine on "Old Glory," resplendent as of old, floating over a nation of contented people, never conquered, and with its union enlarged by the addition of twenty-five stars representing that number of new additions to the glorious sisterhood of states. The Detroit Board of Trade is one of the oldest commercial institutions in the west having been incorporated in 1856. The business transacted by its members is very large considering the small limits from which supplies are drained. Receipts of flour for the past four years were 1,086,805 bbls [barrels] valued at $5,034,020. 14,763,142 bushels of wheat, valued at $15,000,000. 11,836,731 bu of corn valued at $4,730,692. 8,107,505 bu of oats, valued at $2,432,131. 2,478,473 bu of rye, valued at $1,336,160 and 3,990,000 bu of barley valued at $2,593,544, a total of $31,130,552, while the speculative business done on the Board aggregates fully $25,000,000 per annum. The milling interests of Detroit is quite large for a city depending on a circumscribed area for its supplies. The mills of David Stott does a business of $1,500,000 per annum. The Commercial mills owned by Robert Henkel does a business closely following this, while the oat meal and feed mills of Jacob Buck and Son does a business of over $500,000 per year. These institutions are closely indentified with the Board of Trade and look to it for their supplies. The Elevators of Detroit consist of Elevators, A & B, the Detroit Rail Road Elevator, and the Union Elevator, in all comprising a capacity of 3,750,000 bushels, and during seasons of large crops they are often taxed to their fullest capacity, but owing to the very light corps in Michigan and adjoining states during the past two years, stocks of grain are now very light, these bring only 480,000 bu of wheat, 208,000 bu of corn, 34,800 bu oats, 45,000 bu rye and 16,000 bu barley, representing a value of $525,000 which is carried by the members of the Board of Trade. William Carson President Detroit Board of Trade."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 5-page letter was typewritten in blue text on a slightly yellowed paper by Annie M. Knott, C.S.D. [Christian Science, Doctor of], who introduced Christian Science Mind Healing to Detroit in 1885. The letter is addressed "To the Mayor and Citizens of Detroit, In the Year 2001, - Greeting," and gives some early history about the First Church of Christ Scientist of Detroit as well as some background on the teachings of Christian Science. The letter is signed in black ink, "Annie M. Knott, C.S.D." and is dated "December 31st 1900."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This stained and slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 1-page letter that was written by Clarence A. Cotton who was the Mayor's secretary. The upper left corner of the envelope shows the return address, "Executive Office, Detroit, Mich., William C. Maybury, Mayor." The center area of the envelope shows the handwritten title, "Denominational Churches in Detroit, Clarence A. Cotton, Mayor's Secretary."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 1-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police Commission. The letterhead of the Commission is printed in black ink across the top of the page which also has the watermark, "Calvert Bond." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Dec. 31st 1900 To the Honorable Mayor and Common Council of the City of Detroit for the year 2001 Greeting, While the Mayor of the City of Detroit, William C. Maybury, Police Commissioners of Detroit, George W. Fowle, Ralph Phelps, Jr., Marvin M. Stanton, Homer Warren, and J. Edward Dupont, Secretary, together with Captain D. B. Hogsdon (one of the heroes of the battle of Manila, who was in command of the ship, 'McCulloch,' at Manila) were at lunch in what is known as the 'Russell House Cafe' situated at the southeast corner of Woodward Avenue and Cadillac Square, at 2 o'clock P.M. December 31st 1900, they prophesied as follows: That the business center of Detroit will be at what is now known as 'The Grand Circus Park.' Mayor Maybury and Commissioner Stanton prophesied that Detroit will have a population of 1,500,000 and Commissioners Phelps and Fowle prophesied that the population will be 2,500,000 and all agreed that Canada would be annexed and become a part of the United States and that Detroit would be known as 'Greater Detroit.' The Mayor William C. Maybury proposed the toast: "The health and prosperity of the Mayor and the Citizens of Detroit of the 21st Century.' the toast was pledged with 'High Balls' which consisted of a fluid composed of what is known as whisky and a fluid known as water, the latter but little used except for bathing purposes and navigation; a little ice being added to make the High ball a trifle more palatable. Very courteously and respectfully yours, W. C. Maybury Geo. W. Fowle Ralph Phelps, Jr. Marvin M. Stanton J. Edward Dupont D. B. Hodgsdon"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This writing paper was from the personal stationery of Florence Smith Stoddard who was a member of the Board of Managers of the Young Women's Christian Association. The paper has a watermark that shows a crown emblem and the words, "Royal Court Bond." It is slightly yellowed and the sender's initials, "FSS," are printed in a decorative blue monogram design at the top of the folded paper. The 3-page letter was handwritten in black ink and the text has been transcribed as follows: "30 East High Street Honorable William C. Maybury Dear Sir I take the liberty of unclosing you the Year Book of the Young Women's Christian Association, with the request that it be filed with other papers in the City Hall at the close of the present century. The work needs no introduction to you, but I will simply add this bit of information, that the growth of this organization has been phenomenal, it is nearly self supporting - and we have every reason to believe that in a short time a new building will be erected that will grace our city for many years to come. The work is a noble one indeed, that of elevating young women, preparing them for about any line of work and is a Christian organization. The International Association of which we are a branch has representation in nearly every country in the world. There is also an Association in nearly every Woman's College in the United States. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy I am cordially yours Florence [Florine?] Smith Stoddard (Mrs. Edward N. Stoddard) December thirtieth nineteen hundred"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This yellowed, accordion-style heavy paper envelope was sent given to William C. Maybury, Mayor of Detroit, by John M. Donaldson. The envelope has a one-quarter inch wide red cloth tie that has been sealed with red wax on the back. The wax is impressed with the letter, "D." The front of the envelope has a title that is handwritten in black ink, "Rise of Architecture in Detroit, From John M. Donaldson" and is addressed to "Hon. Wm. C. Maybury, Mayor, Detroit, Michigan, Dec. 31/ 1900."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- 1-page letter written by William E. Quinby, President of the Detroit Free Press. It is a blue carbon copy which was typewritten onto thin linen paper and has the watermark, "S & B Paragon Linen, Made In U.S.A." The writer has signed in black ink, "William E. Quinby."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 12-page letter that was written by Mrs. Jacob F. Teichner (maiden name: Fannie Freedman). The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "Hebrew Homes and Charities in Detroit" and is signed "Mrs. Jacob F. Teichner." The back flap of the envelope is sealed with red wax that has been impressed with a square design that contains the intitials, "FCT."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This 6-page letter was typewritten in blue ink on slightly yellowed paper by John M. Donaldson of Donaldson & Meier Architects. The paper has a watermark that shows the image of ancient oil lamp and the words, "Rialto Mills." The letter is dated Dec. 31st, 1900, on the first page and is signed, "John M. Donaldson of Donaldson & Meier Architects, Detroit, Michigan," in black ink on the last page.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This yellowed paper envelope contained a 9-page letter that was written by Wales C. Martindale. The front of the envelope is addressed in handwriting to "Hon. W. C. Maybury, Office of the Mayor, Detroit, Michigan." The return address of the sender is handwritten along the left edge of the envelope.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This pale yellow paper envelope contained a 3-page letter that was written by Frederick F. Ingram, who was the President of the Public Lighting Commission. The upper left corner of the envelope shows the return address of "Frederick F. Ingram & Co., Perfumers and Manufacturing Pharmacists." The right side of the envelope shows the typewritten title, "Public Lighting of Detroit - Past, Present, and Prophesy for the Future, by Frederick F. Ingram, President, Public Lighting Commission, Dec. 31, 1900." The envelope is addressed to "His Honor the Mayor of Detroit, for the year 2001."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- The booklet has a decorative cover design that shows a woman who is wearing a flowing gown and is holding a torch. Two black and white pictures of a park scene and a boulevard scene are shown on each side of her. The booklet is unbound and consists of about 50 un-numbered pages of black and white pictures that feature views of Belle Isle as well as various city parks and boulevards. One of the pictures is a fold-out panoramic view of Central Avenue on Belle Isle. A list of commissioners' names is shown at the front of the booklet.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 14-page letter that was written by Mrs. Sara M. Philleo Skinner. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "Subject: Woman's Suffrage - Retrospect and Prophecy" and is signed "Mrs. Sara M. Philleo Skinner, 150 Bagg St., Detroit.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- « Previous
- Next »
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4