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- Description:
- Handwritten document recording the appointment by Zachariah Chandler of George W. Partridge to secretary of the Republican State Central Committee. The document was written in ink on lined paper with an embossing of a bird in the top left corner. The document reads: Detroit, Mich. June 14, 1878. By authority of the Republican State Central Committee, I hereby appoint Geo. W. Partridge Secretary of said Committee. Z. Chandler Chairman
- Date Issued:
- 1878-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 2-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by David A. Boyd who was the statistician for the Council of Trades and Labor Unions. The paper has a watermark that consists of a crown and shield emblem along with the words "Pure Linen Stock." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit Dec 31 1900 Owing to the fact that but a few hours will elapse before the sealing of the box containing the various messages of the Citizens of the City of Detroit to posterity a hundred years hence, and the consequent dawn of the 20th century the statistician of the Council of Trades and Labor Unions desires to greet the wage workers of the 21st century if there be any, and hopes that they enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the fullest degree, and that the trusts, and combines that are now forming to destroy competition and crush labor will not be successful but that the hosts of organized labor will be triumphant in their efforts to secure to the laborer the full product of his labor. Wage-worker of the 21st century do your duty to posterity, we have in humble way tried to do ours. The printed matter contained herein are a few of the prominent facts concerning the Trades Council. A complete history of the struggles and sacrifices made by the individual members would fill volumes. David A. Boyd Statistician Council of Trades and Labor Unions Wm. Campbell, Trustee Council of Trades and Labor Unions Dec 31 1900 9:30 P.M."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter sent to the Clark Electrical Engineering Company from Captain George Sabin Gibbs, of the Signal Corps on June 6, 1906. The message is in regard to order no. 5374 for "six sets of wireless telegraph instruments." Gibbs instructs that the sets should be shipped to the Signal Corps Storeroom in New York City. He adds that the army Quartermaster nearest to Detroit will follow up with specifications regarding shipping. Gibbs closes with his signature. The letter is printed on War Department, Office of the Chief Signal Officer letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1906-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
194. The Stage in Detroit
- Description:
- 12-page letter handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Bertram C. Whitney (son of Clark J. Whitney), manager of the Detroit Opera House. The paper is printed with light blue lines and has a faint embossed mark in the upper left corner that shows "Island City." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "The Stage in Detroit I, Bertram C. Whitney, Manager of the Detroit Opera House, and son of C. J. Whitney, one of the oldest theatrical managers in this country, have been requested by our Mayor, Hon. Wm. C. Maybury, on this, the thirty-first day of December, 1900, to tell of the 'Stage' in our city, Detroit. It gives me great pleasure to compile the following facts to enlighten posterity. The theatre in Detroit seems to have been an American institution, for no record of any theatricals is found until after the coming of the United States troops. In 1798, military and civic entertainment were common and generally given in the old Council House. In 1816, a theatre was fitted up in the upper part of the large brick store-house at the foot of Wayne Street. The soldiers made the scenery and the officers' wives painted it. This was in 1830. The same year a theatrical entertainment was given in a barn belonging to the Steamboat Hotel. In 1834 a theatre was fitted up in the second story of the Smart Block, on the northwest corner of Jefferson and Woodward Avenues. the same year, the brick building on the southeast corner of Gratiot and Farrar Streets, built for a Methodist church, but never dedicated, was purchased and fitted for a theatre. In 1836 and 1837 a wooden building on the opposite side of Gratiot Street was used for a like purpose as was also the Museum at the corner of Jefferson Ave. and Griswold St. In 1848, theatricals were given at the City Hall. In 1849 the Metropolitan Theatre on Jefferson Ave., opposite the Biddle House, was opened; later it was called 'The Varieties' and then the 'Theatre Comiqul.' It was burned and rebuilt in 1883 and turned into a livery stable, In 1864 and old church on the corner of Randolph and congress Streets was converted into a theatre called the Athenaeum and used for several years. The old Baptist church on the corner of Fort and Griswold Streets was also at one time used as a theatre. The Park Theatre, on Michigan Ave. opposite the City Hall, was built in 1878 and rebuilt in 1881. The opening of the Detroit Opera House, March 29, 1869, was the event of the season, as it was then considered one of the finest opera houses in the west. Mortimer L. Smith of Detroit was the architect and successfully carried out the Renaissance style of design; the front being modeled after the pavilions surrounding the Louvre in Paris. Manager Garry Hough secured the first lease of the house, and a regular stock company was organized. The opening night, a brilliant gathering gladdened the managers heart to the extent of $1,475.00 receipts which were fabulous at that time. The drop curtain painted by Robert Hopkins was considered the handsomest in the country. At the time Mr. C. J. Whitney took the house in 1885, the ground floor was used for stores, but through his efforts, the owners were persuaded to remodel it, making a ground floor theatre. On Sept. 13th, 1875, was opened the Grand Opera House, built and owned by C. J. Whitney. It was located on the northwest corner of Fort and Shelby Sts. At the time, it was considered one of the finest theatres in America, and offered only high classed attractions. In the year [?] the property was sold to the Government and today our New Post Office stands on the site of the 'Whitney Grand.' 'Whites' Grand Theatre, formerly a music hall, on Randolph Street, corner of Croghan and Lafayette Sts. was erected in 1880. It seated 3,000 people, and was then the largest hall in the city. This structure was destroyed in the great fire of 1886, known as the 'Ferry Seed Fire.' I must not fail to record several old buildings used for theatricals which afforded Detroiters an opportunity of being entertained before our first regular theatre. Concordia Hall, on the east side of Rivard St. near Lafayette was used for German theatricals; but the first German theatre was located on the east side of St. Antoine near Gratiot Ave. The state Capitol was used for exhibitions of various kinds. In 1850, Young Men's Hall was dedicated. It seated 500 people and was the wonder and pride of the city for many years. Other buildings that figured in our early theatrical history were: Firemen's Hall on Jefferson Ave., Merrill Hall in the Merrill Block, corner of Woodward and Jefferson Avenues, Young Men's Hall in the Biddle House Block, Arbeiter Hall owned by the German Working Men's Aid Society, and St. Andrew's Hall, formerly the Woodward Ave. M.E. Church. This brings us up to the present day, and the theatres now being used in this city. On the site of the old 'White's' Theatre, there was built, in 1886, the Lyceum Theatre, a large beautiful house seating 2,400 people. It is what is called a 'Family Theatre,' the prices ranging from fifteen cents in the top gallery to seventy-five cents on the ground floor. The class of attractions offered to the public are clean comedy, interesting melodrama, and inexpensive, but good, light opera. Performances are given every night in the week, including Sunday, and matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This house is very popular and is well patronized. In the year 1887, Mr. C. J. Whitney built the 'Whitney Grand Opera House' and Block on Griswold Street between Michigan Ave. and State St. This Block was eight stories high and was then the first and only 'skyscraper' in Michigan. Realizing that the poorer classes needed good clean entertainment at reasonable rates the prices were fixed at ten cents in the top gallery, twenty cents in the balcony, and thirty and fifty cents on the ground floor. This proved to be what the working classes wanted for the 1650 seats are generally filled at the six matinees a week and the house is packed every evening in the week. Good farce comedy and melodrama is given by inexpensive companies. In 1887, Stanley's Livery Stable, on Lafayette Ave between Griswold and Shelby Sts. was remodeled, and turned into a theatre. Its seating capacity is 1,500, but has never been a financial success. All classes of attractions have been given here, but to no avail. It is closed now and opened only for a lecture, local entertainment, or some related company unable to be taken care of at our other theatres. After roller skating had become a thing of the past, the rink on Griswold Street between Grand River Ave. and State St., was converted into a theatre, 1887, and is now used for burlesque and is called the Capitol Square. It caters to a strictly male audience, the prices ranging from twenty-five cents to $1.00, and performances are given every night and three matinees a week. This is a place we are not proud of, but it is to be found in every large city. The Merrill Hall, before spoken of, has been used for some years as a vaudeville and variety theatre, exhibiting animals, 'freaks,' and curiosities of all kinds. It proved such a success, that in 1899, the management built a new 'Wonderland Theatre' on the west side of Monroe Ave., facing the Soldiers Monument. There is a general ten cent admission to the three floors of curiosities, and also admits one to the top gallery of the theatre proper. For and additional ten cents, you are entitled to a seat in the balcony, and for twenty cents extra, you get a seat on the ground floor. The class of performances given in the theatre is variety in nature, consisting of six good specialties and generally one little skit or short play in one act. Four performances, lasting one hour and three quarters each, are given daily, two in the afternoon and two at night. The audience is allowed to remain for a second performance, but it is not the custom. The theatre is strictly fire-proof, no wood being used, and is tastefully decorated without any gaudy display. It is described as 'being a little gem' and has coined money for the owners. the profits are said to exceed $1,500 per week and although it seats 1,400 people, the manager is contemplating enlarging it next summer to accommodate 500 more. In 1897 the Old Detroit Opera House was destroyed by fire, and the following September, eleven months later, the New Detroit Opera House was opened. an expert in theatrical architecture, Col. Wood, of Chicago, who had erected over 85 theatres had been chosen as consulting architect with Messrs. Mason and Rice. Mr. Alpheus W. Chittenden, son of one our most prominent citizens, although a young man, not yet thirty designed all the interior decorations, and although the spirit of Francis I style was carried out, the exquisite color combinations, designs, decorative effect[s] were strictly original. the lobby, foyer, boxes, proscenium arch, and the splendid ceiling vie with each other in beauty and attractiveness. The auditorium is in brilliant red, with tapestried chairs, in contrast to the asbestos curtain of plain French grey with red fleur de lis. With the exception of the stage, every inch of flooring is solid concrete; steel lath is used in all parts of the house and sheet iron takes the place of boards. All scenes are painted in water color, not in oils, hard to burn. Seventeen fine dressing rooms with heating, lighting, and good ventilation in each are a special feature. the stage is equipped with every modern improvement and appliance for comfort, safety, and facility in handling stage properties. The house seats [?] and has an upper balcony, middle balcony, and ground floor, and eight large boxes. This theatre is not opened Sunday evening except for music or lectures. The class of attractions is the best on the world's stage today. All the great artists of this and every other country come to this theatre, in opera, drama, tragedy, and comedy. The regular scale of prices is from $1.50 downstairs to 25 cents in the gallery. For large productions, $2.00, $2.50, and as high as $5.00. Although this, our first theatre, is not as large, nor as expensive as many others in this country, none surpass it in beauty, originality, comfort, and completeness. Before closing this resume of our theatrical history of the closing century, I should like to tell you of the great people who have visited our city and charmed our Detroit public. But time and space does not permit of it. But if these poor pages survive the ravages of 'moth and dust,' for a century, and are still readable, when brought to the critical man of the twenty-first century, I trust it will inspire some few to trace back the early history of this century and give credit to the Detroiters of today for the zeal and good faith in which they have planted the landmarks of the future. Between 1849 and 1882, the following artists visited us: Julia Dean, Charlotte Cushman, Ristori Modjeska, Janau Schek, Mary Anderson, Edward A. Southern, Joseph Jefferson, Edwin Booth, Lawrence Barrett, Edwin Forrest, Adalina Patti, Christine and Adalaide Neilson, Clara Louise Kellog, Sign. Campanini, and many others of world wide fame. From 1882 up to the present day, a few of the great actors and actresses who have played here are: Sarah Bernhardt, Henry Irving, Wm. J. Florence, and Mrs. Florence, Mrs. John Drew, Maud Adams, John Drew, E. H. Southern, Olga Nethersole, Rhea, Fanny Davenport, Mrs. Scott Siddons, Wm. Warde, J. K. Emmet, Nat C. Goodwin, John T. Raymond, Frank Mayo, Tommaso Salsini, Margaret Mather, John McCullough, Clara Morris, Kate Claxton, Richard Mausfield, Denman Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Kendal, Ed S. Willard, Sol Smith Russell, Lilly Langtry, Charles Windhamm, Dion Boucicault, Wilson Barrett, Ellen Terry, Ada Rehau, Julia Marlow, Rosina Volkeston, W. Keene, and W. H. Crane. Among the great opera singers are: Emma Calve, Melba, Nordika, Scalchi, Albani, LaSalle, Plaucon, Emma Juch, Sembrick, Minnie Hauk, Emma Nevada, Edward Floyd, Edouard and Jean De Reszke, Sign. Brignoli, Max Alvary, and Myron W. Whitney. Among the great conductors are: Walter Damrosch, Theo. Thomas, John P. Sousa, and Strauss."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Mounted invitation addressed to M' [Mr. or Mrs.?] Witherell from Mrs. Adams requesting company at Tea on Tuesday January 20, 1824 and every alternate Tuesday during the session of congress when agreeable. It appears to have been written on the 14 of January. A handwritten note on the lower right side reads, "The writing is that of Mr. Adams Mr. Adams delivered it signed B.F.H. Witherell." The address at the top reads, "From Mrs. J.Q. Adams 1824- attended." This handwriting is similar to that on the lower right side and the comments suggest that both parts were written after the fact by Benjamin Franklin Hawkins Witherell. It is assumed that the original part of the document was written by President John Quincy Adams. It is also guessed that this was addressed to Amy Hawkins Witherell, the wife of James W. Witherell who was serving as Supreme Court Judge at this time. His son Benjamin was only a Justice of Peace during this point in his career.
- Date Issued:
- 1824-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter from Foote, Pierson and Company of New York to Thomas E. Clark, the general manager of Electric Service and Appliance Company, dated May 10, 1902. It contains a brief message asking when Clark would be able to go to Washington. It is printed on Foote, Pierson and Company letterhead. An illegible signature or set of initials is just below the closing.
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter from General William Hall requesting Major James Witherell in Detroit to send a man to the quarters of General Hull dated 20th July 1812. The text reads, "I wish you to send a man immediately to my quarters, who is acquainted with the farm I purchased of Mr. Meldrum on the River Rouge-- he will not return to Detroit until this evening. I am respectfully, Mr. Wm Hull." On the reverse side is the address to Major Witherell at Detroit, From General Hull.
- Date Issued:
- 1812-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Half-folded handwritten letter from Sarah A. Sibley to her brother Alexander Hamilton Sibley in California, dated July 8, 1850, thanking him for gifts, including two shawls (1949.272.015 and 1949.272.016), and relating news about friends and family in Detroit. The letter reads: July 8th, 1850 My Dear Alexander, I intended to have written to you by the last steamer but the time for me to write passed by without my knowing it so I was obliged to defer my letter for a couple of weeks. I can hardly express to you our delight at the beautiful presents you sent us by the Brady. They arrived quite safely and the taste you have shows in selecting the shawls for us all is quite wonderful. I had no idea that you knew so well what color to select as appropriate. Miss Trowbridge has carried her shawl from one end of the avenue to the other to exhibit it as she said it was so warm that she could no wear it at present, and she could not wait she was so anxious to show it, so every friend & acquaintance she has, has had a peep at it. She is as tickled as a child with a new plaything. The color of mine is exquisite, and so is the embroidery and the crimson ones you sent the children are perfectly gorgeous. I never saw anything more beautiful. They are enchanted with them. The nice paintings are very beautiful also. You was not wrong in supposing that I would appreciate them, for they have been quite a study for me ever since I received them. All of us unite in thanking you most sincerely. I think Mama likes the Daguerreotype as well as anything you sent, it is so excellent. I do not think you look any older, for we heard that the war and tear of California life has made you prematurely gray. Still my dear Alexander, we are dreadfully disappointed in hearing from you, that you would certainly stay a year longer in California. Mr. Beady has tried to persuade us it is all for the best, but it is a very, very long time to look forward to. Mama gets very impatient and lonesome sometimes, in thinking of the long distance that intervenes between her and her absent sons. She misses poor Fred sadly. She had a long letter from him yesterday. He finds it very lonesome there, and Henry and his wife have not yet returned. He likes the country very much, but the state I think if he could either take the quarry or enter into any good business here, he would be quite willing to return. Devereux Williams has gone to add to the list of Detroiters in California. He came to see if we had any letters or any package to send, but we could not think of any thing we could send, which you had not already in California, and you have so often told us not to write by private hand that we never think of doing so. I suppose you have heard of the marriage of your friend Mary Steward. She was married in May in Washington. She had a grand wedding according to Mrs. Steward's notions, and she and William Gray are now in Ireland. They took out letters of introduction to a great many grant people in England and France, and expect to enjoy their trip much. They will return in September. Mr. Gray has engaged a house opposite to Mr. Trowbridge's so Kate will enjoy herself much when they return. Mr. Macomb and Nannie are settled down quietly at housekeeping in her[?] M's house on Congress Street, next to Dr. Pitcher's. I think Nannie will make a very nice housekeeper. What is William Rodgers doing now? Is he in San Francisco? If you see or hear of him let us know occasionally, for Nannie always asks us when we receive a letter from you. Detroit has been unusually gay this summer. There have been a number of strangers here already, and many more are expected. Mrs. Elbert's mother and their sisters are here spending the summer. I do note think Emily is as pretty as she was, her sister Mary looks exceedingly well, not a day older than when she was here last. Not one of them is so pretty as Mrs. Coxe[?]. I suppose you have heard of John Stuart's marriage top a niece of Mr. Jo. Clarke, who spent the winter with them. She is not all pretty, but is quite intelligent and agreeable. The worst of it is that John was ordered off to the West Indies only a month after his marriage. Of Course she feels dolefully enough. Mr. Tillman is married again to a Miss Conant of Monroe. Henry Rucker has been married these two months to Miss Curtis, Col. Whistler's niece. Miss Louise Whistler flourished about here as usual. She is not much admired or respected however. No other marriages have taken place that I can remember. Simon Mandelbaum is here now, he arrived yesterday and will return immediately to Lake Superior. I have not seen him. I suppose you will receive letters from him by this steamer. Miss. Benson has been here for a month or six weeks. Report says that she and Alpheus Williams will make a match, but I do not know. He must hurry if he wants her, for she intends returning to New York in a week or so. Mary sends her love to you, and says she will not write to thank you for her shawl by this steamer as some letters should be reserved for the next as you will probably receive several at the same time with this, I know you hate crossed letters so it does[?] not go on, or I could write for some time yet. I have told you all the news however so you will not miss much. I hope you will continue as good a correspondent as you have been herefore. We look forward very anxiously to the arrival of each steamer. You must make haste and get rich, so as to be able to come home and get married. You are getting quite old enough, and we do not want you to marry in California as there can't be much choice. All the family are well and send their love. Mama cont[...] about as well as usual. Your affectionate Sister Sarah A. Sibley.
- Date Issued:
- 1850-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten Letter to John J. Bagley from Thomas Nast, dated June 1st, 1885, regarding a portrait Nast did of Bagley: Morristown, N.J. June 1st, 1885 Mr. John H. Bagley Dear Sir, I sent with the etchings for you, a duplicate set for your mother. At least, I meant to, or have I made a mistake? Your letter which I have just received after an absence of two weeks, has reminded me, that I have not heard from hers, and so I write to ask. Yours very truly Th: Nast."
- Date Issued:
- 1885-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter of recommendation with envelope written by Harry A. O'Brien, the head of Northwestern High School's Commercial Department, to Paull Fitzgerald of First National Bank on behalf of Northwestern graduate Harold Nunez, dated January 20, 1922. The letter is on Northwestern High School stationery. O'Brien explains that Nunez excelled in his bookkeeping class. O'Brien suggests Nunez as a candidate for the positions open to high school graduates of which he was recently notified. The envelope bear's the recipient's handwritten name, "Mr. Paull Fitzgerald, First National Bank."
- Date Issued:
- 1922-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society