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1901 Time Capsule
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21. This 3-page letter was typewritten in blue text on slightly yellowed paper by Frederick F. Ingram
- 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
- Description:
- 1-page letter handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Mr. Alfred Russell who was the attorney for the Wabash Railroad Company. The railroad company letterhead is printed in black text at the upper left corner and the paper has a watermark that shows "The R. & B. Co.'s Linen Ledger, Detroit." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "29 Dec. 1900 - 1 Enclo. [Enclosure] My dear Mr. Mayor, I enclose, in reply to your letter, a printed article prepared by me not long ago. Appreciating your efforts on behalf of the Public, and your flattering expressions, Yours [?] for the Public, With the compliments of the Season, Alfred Russell Hon. W. C. Maybury Mayor of Detroit"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- Description:
- This 1-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper and was probably written by Robert Fulton who was the Secretary for the St. Andrew's Society. The paper shows the Society letterhead across the top and also has a watermark that shows a thistle emblem with the words, "Aberdeen Linen." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Midnight, 1900-1901 Doubtless, those who look upon this paper will have within their knowledge some living Scotchmen; if so, allow them; for 'love of the land that bore them.' For 'The days of O'Auld lang syne' to read the enclosed paper which marks a simple episode in the lives of we, who, far from the land we loved so well - rest in the bosom of this new land of ours; Where we found Welcome, Homes, and friends. And where we found that the fame of our Country and the merits of those who had gone before us, was a rich heritage for us. How we requited our reception here, the history of our time, will tell you. Be ye also, loyal to the traditions of our race; and ever kindly to your fellow men. So shall you increase the heritage of honour your countrymen have striven for in the days gone bye. Now pray we for our country. That America may be, the Holy, And the Happy, And the gloriously free!"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
- 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 Resé, 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
- 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
- Description:
- This 3-page letter was typewritten in blue ink on slightly yellowed paper by Myrtle P. Hurlbut who was the Secretary and General Manager of the Office of the Commissioners of the Parks and Boulevards. The paper shows the office letterhead in raised green text across the top of the page. Also, the paper has a watermark that shows the image of shield along with the words, "Linen" and "Brunswick." The letter is dated December 31, 1900, on the first page and is signed, "M. P. Hurlbut," in black ink on the last page.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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