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Detroit Historical Society
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1901 Time Capsule
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- 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
- 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
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by Frederick K. Stearns who was the President of Frederick Stearns & Co. The front of the envelope has a typewritten title, "The Growth of Manufacturing Pharmacy in Detroit During the Nineteenth Century, By Frederick Kimball Stearns." The return address of Frederick Stearns & Co. is printed in the upper left corner of the envelope.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One booklet with a maroon leather cover that is stamped in gold-colored text which shows "Appropriations, City of Detroit. Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1901." The booklet is 71 pages in length and is printed in black text on faintly yellowed paper. It was prepared by the Office of the Controller and includes the names of the various city departments and funds as well as their corresponding budgets. Millage tax rates are shown for each ward. There is an index on page 3.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- 6-page letter written by Michael W. O'Brien, President of Peoples Savings Bank. It is a blue carbon copy which was typewritten onto slightly yellowed, thin linen paper. The last page is signed in black ink, "M. W. O'Brien, " and is dated December 31, 1900. Most of the pages have several handwritten corrections that have been made in black ink. The body of the letter generally discusses past and present banking practices and laws in Michigan.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 3-page letter that was written by Armond H. Griffith who was the director of the Detroit Museum of Art. The upper left corner of the envelope is printed in black text that shows "Detroit Museum of Art" and there is a handwritten title on the left side that shows "What Detroit has Accomplished in Art." The lower right corner of the envelope is signed, "A. H. Griffith, Dec. 31 - 1900."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This yellowed paper envelope contained a 3-page letter that was written by Myrtle P. Hurlbut. The front of the envelope has a title that is handwritten in black ink, "From the Commissioners of Parks and Boulevards." The return address of the Commissioners office is shown in the upper left corner of the envelope in embossed green text. The back flap is sealed with a gold-colored foil seal.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- Description:
- 4-page letter handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police Commission. The paper has the watermark, "Springdale." The letter is a summary of the police department personnel and equipment for the current fiscal year. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit Mich. Dec. 31 - 1900 --Board of Police Commissioners-- July 1 - 1900 to June 30 - 1901 George W. Fowle Marvin M. Stanton Ralph Phelps Jr. Homer Warren George W. Fowle President J. Edward Dupont Secretary J. Henry Cleveland Asst. Secretary George F. Robinson Attorney Dayton Parker M.D. Surgeon --Officers-- John Martin Superintendent --Captains-- C. C. Starkweather Wm. Thompson Jesse Mack Wm. Nolan A. H. Bachmann J. T. Spillane E. F. Culver James McDonnell Alphonso Baker L. Guyman George Heigho Appropriation for maintenance of Police Department for fiscal year ending June 30 - 1901 --$574850.00-- --Composition of Force-- Superintendent…………………………………….………1 Captains…………………………………………....……..11 Lieutenants……………………………………….……….27 Sergeants…………………………………………….……32 Detective……………………………………………...……1 Patrolmen………...……………………………………...419 Doormen……………………………………………………23 Total 514 From the above special details are made as enumerated below - Captains…………………………………………………….4 Lieutenants…………………………………………………8 Sergeants………………..………………………………...3 Detective…………………………………………………...1 Patrolmen………………………………………………..114 Doorman……………………………………………………1 Total 131 --Distribution of the Force-- Detective Bureau…………………….…………………..20 Central Division……………...………..………………...44 Central or First Precinct………….……………………122 Second Precinct…………………………………………63 Third Precinct……….……………………………………71 Fourth Precinct………………..………………………...57 Fifth Precinct……………………………………………..68 Sixth Precinct…………..………………………………..33 Seventh Precinct……… ……………………………….35 Total (Superintendent not included) 513 In addition to the Force proper, herein before enumerated there are employed by the month or year as follows. Clerks in Secretarys Office………………………....…….2 Chief Clerk and Stenographer Superintendents Office...1 Clerk in Detective Bureau…………..……………………..1 Janitor Headquarters Offices.………………....………....1 Superintendent of Signal Service Telephone lines…..…1 Inspectors-Truchman-Operators-Timekeepers…………16 Police Matrons…………...………………………………...7 Telephone boy in Harbormaster's Office………….……..1 Hostlers……………………………………………………..7 Janitor at Hamlin Station…………….…………………...1 Telephone Operators Superintendent's Office…………..3 Total 41 --Sites and Buildings valued at $268051.99 1 Headquaters Building 1 Headquarters Barn and Signal Office 1 Harbor Master's Building 11 Station Houses --Horse and Vehicle-- 63 Horses 8 Patrol Wagons 3 Road " 1 Bus 2 Trucks 2 Buggies 1 Three Seated Carriage 6 Wagons 2 Sleighs 25 Saddles with the necessary equipments for mounted Service --Signal Service Department-- Number of Street boxes in service……………...........………229 Number of Private Signal boxes in service………..................25 Number of Telephone owned and in use by the department…52 Number of Miles of wire on Belle Isle………….…………………8 Number of Miles of wire over head in City……….……………230 Number of Miles of Covered Cable under ground…..………....11 Number of Miles of Single wire under ground…………...……..35
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
211. Board of Education
- 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
212. Photograph
- Description:
- Photograph. Sepia-toned photograph showing the front of the Old City Hall (left) and the Majestic Building (right). Fort Street can be seen at the far left side of the photo, Woodward Avenue is visible in the foreground, and Michigan Avenue is visible between the Old City Hall and the Majestic Building. The busy street scene on Woodward includes streetcars, horse-drawn wagons, pedestrians, a bicyclist, and a street sweeper. Business names that are visible include "The Home Savings Bank" and "C. A. Shafer." Typewritten text on the verso shows "This picture was taken in the central business portion of the city of Detroit and from the window of a [building?]."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by Dr. Oscar LeSeur. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "A Concise Report of the Growth of Homeopathy in the City of Detroit" and is signed, "Oscar LeSeur."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Annual report entitled "Twenty-First Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Detroit Association of Charities" for 1900. The report is 24 pages in length and is printed in black text on faintly yellowed paper. The report lists the names of the major charities in the city and gives a brief update with some statistics on each participating charity.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
219. 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a folded note that was written by Charles L. Freer. The front of the envelope has a title that is handwritten in black ink, "Possibilities of Detroit as a Manufacturing Center. by Charles L. Freer."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- Description:
- Letter from the Detroit Association of Charities. The cover page shows the letterhead of the organization which is printed in red text on slightly yellowed paper. The names of the officers of the organization are shown in the upper left corner: "R. A. Parker, President; Henry M. Utley, Vice-President; M. W. O'Brien, Treasurer; Dr. James A. Post, Secretary." The body of the 7-page letter is printed in typewritten text that has been mimeographed in a purple color onto the letter pages. The letter is dated December 31, 1900, near the upper right corner area on the first page and the last page has been signed and dated in black ink by "James Alexis Post, M.D., Secretary" who also noted that he was "Born Nov. 18, 1838." The letter gives a general discussion of charity movements in England and the United States as well as some background and details of the Detroit Association of Charities.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by Louis Blitz who was the proprietor of Detroit City Glass Works. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "Subject: The Jewish People in Detroit in the 19th Century and their relations to Social, Commercial and Religious Life" and is signed "Louis Blitz." The upper right corner of the envelope has the return address of "The German American Bank, Detroit, Michigan." The flap on the back side of the envelope has three red wax seals that have been impressed with a circular seal of The German American Bank.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
229. This pale yellow paper envelope contained a 3-page letter that was written by Frederick F. Ingram
- 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
- 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
- Description:
- This white paper envelope contained a 5-page letter that was written by Annie M. Knott, C.S.D. [Christian Science, Doctor of]. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "Growth of Christian Science in Detroit in the 20th Century, - by Annie M. Knott C.S.D." The flap on the back side of the envelope has a red wax seal that has been impressed with a circular design which bears the initials, "AMK."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
232. This white paper envelope contained a 1-page letter that was written by the St. Andrew's Society
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Description:
- 4-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Desire B. Willemin, Correspondence Secretary for the Franco-American Club. The paper has a watermark that shows a crown and shield emblem with the words, "Pure Linen Stock." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "The Franco-American Club to the People of Detroit in the year 2001 Detroit, January 1st 1901. Greeting. The members of the Franco-American Club, French born of descendants of the French of our beautiful city, wishing to express their hopes and expectations for the future of Detroit, join hand and heart with you in the 1st of January in the year 2001. They beg of you not to forget at your inauguration of a new century that the French population in the city of Detroit, is entitled, no matter what is or will be their number, to a great consideration on the part of those who live on the beautiful spot, chosen by the French in 1701 and w[h]ich was the foundation of Detroit. The name of Cadillac, must and ought to be dear to all citizens of this metropolis as the names of Romulus and Remus were at all times dear to the Romans. As all know, the French under the command of the celebrated Lamothe de Cadillac crossed our splendid river and after examination of the land and its surroundings made it their camping place and erected a fort on what is to-day the center of our city. He predicted great things of the new settlement, as did the great Caesar when first beholding Laetitia w[h]ich was the name of the world renowned city of Paris, the cradle of art, science, literature and above all of Liberty. Soon after, taking advantage of a military establishment, French immigrants, the very pioneers, came and did settle all around, and build little by little the great city of Detroit. Thus it is that a good many of our streets to-day bear French names in honor of those noble Frenchmen of the early days of our city; such as Lafayette, Champlain and many others. The French however are all American citizens, have kept their language and parts of their usages and customs, among themselves, and have founded several societies: The Lafayette Society, of benevolent nature founded in 1848. First President Daniel J. Campau; its actual President Chas. J. Dossin. The St. Jean the Baptist Society founded in 1869. First President Henry M. Deare and actual President Chas. M. Rousseau. There are many other French institutions and gatherings too long to mention. The most recent acquisition is the Franco-American Club founded in 1898 with J. B. Gravier as its first and actual President. We expect those institutions, will be still existing when reading the present, and will be an honor to the great city of Detroit. When the author of these lines came to Detroit 32 years ago, the city had then 45,000 inhabitants; today she has a population of 300,000. During the coming century the population will increase and it is safe to predict a population of over a million for our city of Detroit by 2001. But what will be the French population at that time? Proportionally their number may be very small. Frenchmen do not immigrate in comparison with other nations. They love their native soil; its sciences, arts, industries, etc. and above all enjoy to live under the flag and motto Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite. Citizens of Detroit, in the year 2001, if there are 20,000 Frenchmen amongst you or only one, remember that they are of that noble nation that shed some of its more noble blood during the struggle for independence of this glorious country, and that your noble city. La Belle of the Straits is an offspring of the noble and great Lamothe de Cadillac. The members of the Franco-American Club, wishing you prosperity. The committee. J. B. Gravier, President Andrew P. Ducy Desire B. Willemin Louis Aulry Emile Connault Chas. M. Rousseau G. Grimaldi"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
240. Belle Isle Park
- Description:
- This folded map of Belle Isle Park was prepared by the Park[s] and Boulevard[s] Commission. The map drawing is based upon a survey of 1899 and is printed in black ink on slightly yellowed paper.
- Date Issued:
- 1899-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope is printed with the return address of the Mayor's Executive Office in the upper left corner. An address is handwritten in pencil that shows "Fred J. Schulte, Asst. Rec. of Taxes" and is dated "Jany. 1st 1901." (The 1901 Detroit City Directory shows Fred J. Schulte as the Deputy Receiver of Taxes.)
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
244. 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:
- This white paper envelope contained a 7-page letter that was written by William Carson who was the president of the Detroit Board of Trade. The front side of the envelope is addressed in handwritten black text "Board of trade of City of Detroit. William Carson, President." The flap on the back side of the envelope is sealed with red wax that has been impressed with the obverse side of a U.S. Quarter Dollar coin.
- 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:
- This darkened paper envelope contained a folded note that was written by Charles L. Freer. His name is handwritten along the left edge of the envelope. The front of the envelope is addressed to "Hon. W. C. Maybury, Mayor's Office, City Hall."
- 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 white paper envelope contained a 3-page letter that was written by Irene Williams Chittenden (Mrs. W. J. Chittenden). The front of the envelope has a handwritten address that shows "The American Mother of the 19th Century, By Mrs. W. J Chittenden, nee Irene Williams."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Description:
- This "Working Card" was printed in black text on light red paper and was issued to Mr. C. H. Johnson 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: "If there are any of my descendants in this city or state at the time this box is opened, I ask that they be given this, my last working card of the closing century. To them I say, for the last 9 years, this city has been kind to me and my family. Also that my Xmas present was a Bible from my wife and I gave the same to her. We look upon the 'old book' as a lamp to our life and a guide to our pathway. C. H. Johnson."
- 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 white paper envelope probably contained a folded roster of key employees of the Detroit Board of Education. (See item 2001.061.048). The left side of the envelope has handwriting in black ink that shows "Edward F. Marschner, President, Detroit Board of Education, 1900-1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
258. William Carson
- Description:
- One black and white halftone head and shoulders picture of William Carson who was president of the Detroit Board of Trade. The picture is printed on a heavy white semi-gloss paper and is signed in black ink along the bottom, "William Carson, President, Detroit Board of Trade, Dec. 31st AD 1900."
- 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 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
- 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
- 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:
- This white paper envelope contained a 2-page letter that was written by John S. Foley, Bishop of Detroit. The front of the envelope has a handwritten note that shows "Notes of the Roman Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan, requested by Hon. William C. Maybury, Mayor of Detroit and prepared by John S. Foley, Bishop of Detroit." The flap on the back side of the envelope is sealed with three red wax seals that have been impressed with a smudged, square design. Probably, the design was the seal of the diocese.
- 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
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a view of policemen on parade along the east side of Woodward Avenue. Grand Circus Park and the Central United Methodist Church can be seen in the left background. Business names that are visible include: J. F. Hartz, E. F. & W. E. Metzger, and A. A. Gray. A handwritten note at the bottom of the cutout shows "Grand Circus Park, East side Woodward Ave." along with the date, "Jany. 1st 1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Newspaper page entitled "Official Report of the Detroit Board of Trade" dated Saturday, December 29, 1900. The page is printed in black text on slightly yellowed thin newspaper. The report includes grain market prices, articles about recent trading activity, and stock market prices.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- Description:
- Newspaper clipping entitled "Government Crop Report" dated December 27, 1900. The article is printed in black text on yellowed newspaper and gives overall crop harvest statistics for the year for the nation and for various regions.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
272. Police Commissioners
- 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
273. This 2-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by William C. Houghton
- 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
274. This 3-page letter was typewritten in black text on slightly yellowed paper by Armond H. Griffith
- Description:
- This 3-page letter was typewritten in black text on slightly yellowed paper by Armond H. Griffith who was the Director of the Detroit Museum of Art. The first page shows the letterhead of the Detroit Museum of Art and is dated "December 31st, 1900." The page also has a partially readable watermark, "West---ock." The second two pages are of a larger size and show the watermark, "Riverside Paper Company." The body of the letter gives some description of the museum, attendance by the public, and mentions the names of various local artists. All three pages have several corrections that have been handwritten in black ink and the last page is signed in black ink by the director, "A. H. Griffith."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This folded sheet of writing paper was from the personal stationery of William E. Quinby who was the President of the Detroit Free Press. It is blank, slightly yellowed, and the shows the sender's initials, "WEQ," in a decorative blue and silver script at the top. The paper also has a watermark that shows "Academic, C.G.&S., London."
- 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 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
277. Hunt Street Station
- 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
- Description:
- This 12-page letter was handwritten in black ink by Mrs. Sidney Trowbridge Miller on her personal stationery. Her address, "524 Jefferson Avenue," is printed in blue text near the upper right corner of each page. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: December thirty first, 1901 [1900] A travelled Englishman, writing in the London Spectator about three years ago, said that the most exclusive society that he found anywhere was in the large American cities outside of New York and Chicago. He gave as the reason for this that the leading social circles in the 'old mold' were kept together principally by cohesion, while in these American towns it was pressure from without their line that solidified them. In example, [if] a man pleads of bribes his way into society in this country, he usually attempts to force it. The latter method gives rise to resistance and hence exclusion. Be the reasoning true of false, it certainly is true that the leading social circle in Detroit is today, and has been for decades, hard to get into. It is possibly more true here than in most cities of this part of the country. The early leaders of society here, say from seventy five to a hundred years ago, were the families of French civil officials and army officers who had settled here, together with a few English and Scotch officers, and younger sons with their families, supplemented by the representatives of the American government as they were selected, and the American officers from the Fort. Withal it was a refined collection, which rated good breeding higher than wealth. It left its indelible stamp on the society of the town, and each successive generation has it impress, so that today the tone of society is good and the atmosphere has a sweeter fragrance than in many places more noted. It is of course a fact that there have been great changes in the personnel. The names of Godfroy, Beaubien, St. Aubin, Desnoyer, Van Dyke, and Campau of the French have many of them passed away from the social calendar, their descendants having intermarried with other stocks. And the same is true of some of the earlier Americans here, but the Brushes, Biddles, Sibleys, Stantons, Jones[es], Ledyards, and Trowbridges still have prominent representatives in society, and they are there not because of wealth. For most of them are not among the rich, but because of the conservatism already described. The days when the only carriages in Detroit were owned by General Cass and the Trowbridges are sixty years away; now the having of fine horses and handsome trappings is beyond description. To the older circle have been added families like the Lothrops, Millers, [?], Joys, Russels, Douglas' and others who have some from different places within the last sixty year, and have attained distinction in professional life. To them might be added the descendants of some gallant Irish gentlemen like the Georges and Lysters who have been welcomed long since. The descendants of these families are the arbiters of form today, and with them, the most prominent additions within the last years are perhaps the Miller, Newberry, Alger, Walker, and Palms families whose social power comes largely from business ability and great wealth, but who are cultivated and refined as well. So much for the leaders. The others are too numerous to mention, and the beautiful women and charming young men of their families with those of the older stocks already named suffice to make Detroit known through the country as a recognized social circle. Jefferson Avenue is par excellence the fashionable street of Detroit. There is a growing tendency toward the building of handsome homes far up the street in the neighborhood of Van Dyke and Seminole Avenues away from the dirt and noise of the factories and trains on the back streets, but the little portion of the Avenue between Hastings Street and St. Aubin Avenue is still the most highly prized and contains the very power of Detroit society. Woodward Avenue, the most beautiful of all the streets, has a distinct society of its own; although many of its residents and the residents of the innumerable pretty side streets that run from it are members of the more aristocratic Jefferson Avenue set. Fort Street and Lafayette Avenue which until recently have been popular residence streets, are now rapidly being deserted and left to the mercy of tailors, factories, and railroads. Social life here today is much as everywhere else in the civilized world. The forms of amusement are in Winter, the theatres, balls, receptions, afternoon teas, dinners, and card parties. for theatrical amusement there are three playhouses. The best of these is the Detroit Opera House on the Campus Martius where almost all of the best actors from New York and from abroad are seen during their times. It seats about two thousand and is gorgeous in internal coloring - too much probably for the taste of most. Here on gala occasions, all of the socialites are gathered. A theatre party of ten or twelve is a familiar mode of entertainment and on first nights, many are found. After the performance, such a party sups at the home of the hostess or perhaps at the Detroit Club or the Russell House Cafe. The other theatres are the Lyceum and Whitneys which are not so expensive and appeal more to the popular taste for sensation or extravaganza. The balls are seldom given in private homes nowadays as the list of eligibles is so long that few homes are large enough for this form of entertainment. They are usually given in public halls engaged for the purpose by the host. Of these, Strassburg Hall on Adams Avenue, Harmonie Hall on Wilcox Street, and the armories of the Light Infantry Guard on Congress Street and Larned Street are most in vogue. These halls are elaborately decorated by professional decorators and florists - the adornment sometimes costing several thousand dollars. Dances usually commence about half past nine and last until the wee hours! An incident, but not a feature is the supper - across the boundary in Canada it is the feature. There it consists of different salads, oysters, croquettes, frequently quail, ices, coffee and punch, and sometimes champagne. All prepared by a caterer - usually one who rejoices in the name of A. Hain. In Summer, the Country Club at Grosse Pointe to which a trolley line runs, is the haunt of the fashionables, here golf and steam yachting claim most of the habitants, though many ride and drive, and the automobile has just been introduced, a new diversion is offered. Various clubs of a literary and musical nature improve the taste, and add to the acquirements of the members. They are too many to mention and are very popular. Whist is the fashionable card game - bridge whist being the craze of this season. Taking it all in all, the society of Detroit today is attractive in the extreme and you will find many tributes to it if you read the letters or writings of visitors from other places. To say more might seem self laudatory, but I can only add that I hope the readers of this a hundred years hence will be as beautiful and charming and fine as my dear friends in its present social life. Lucy Trowbridge Miller"
- 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 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
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 4-page letter and that was written by William C. Maybury, Mayor of Detroit. The upper left corner is printed with the return address of the Executive Office. A handwritten note on the right side of the envelope shows "First paper to be opened - Greeting of the Mayor of Detroit, 1900, to the Mayor & people of 2001."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Description:
- This page from the Labor Day Review of 1900 shows five black and white halftone head and shoulders pictures of the officers of the Trades Council in Detroit. The persons shown are: Malcolm J. McLeod, President Gustave Dihle, Vice President George A. Newman, Recording Secretary Samuel A. Watrous, Financial Secretary William H. Wilber, Treasurer.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
286. This 1-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Edward F. Marschner
- 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
- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 3-page letter that was written by David W. Simons who was the owner of D. W. Simons & Company. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "The Jewish People in Mercantile, Social, and Professional Life in Detroit" and is signed "David W. Simons." The return addrress of the United Jewish Charites is shown in the upper left corner. The back flap of the envelope is sealed with a small drop of black wax that has been impressed with a partial fingerprint.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
289. 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
- 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
- Description:
- This 8-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Edwin W. Abbott who was the owner of a real estate and insurance company. The paper shows the company letterhead across the top of the page and also has a watermark that shows an image of a swan along with the word, "Linen." A small brass clip (not shown in the images) was used on the upper left corner of the letter to hold the pages together. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit, Mich. Dec. 31, 1900, 10 P.M., Local Time. To the Mayor and Citizens of Detroit of 2001, I have just returned home from a trip into the county and find the Mayor's request for a short letter on "Detroit's Suburbs." Our present City limits are on the east side present (I suppose I should say old) water-works or Cadillac Boulevard thence north to Gratiot Ave thence west to St. Antoine and MCRR [Michigan Central Railroad] known as the Milwaukee junction - thence west to Mall and thence west to Cameron thence north to Woodland thence west to Hamilton Boulevard thence south to within one block of the Boulevard thence southwest to Grand River and Scotten Ave. thence south to McGraw thence west to Livernois thence south to the river, making our present river frontage about 7 1/2 miles and our north limit 5 miles. The first place I shall refer to is "Grosse Pointe" proper which is 5 miles east of the city limits and is reached by an electric car line and Jefferson at which point the Lake Shore line for Mt. Clemens and many points connects. Grosse Pointe is the home of many of Detroit's most notable families and is noted for its handsome homes and beautiful Greek club houses etc. The second place is "Palmer Log Cabin Park." This park is 5 miles north of the present city limits and is in a very crude state. There is a frame building that cost about $3000.00, a small artificial lake and the "Log Cabin" of Senator Palmer where the Senator used to give his famous dinners. It may be advisable to refer to "Royal Oak," a hamlet of about 500 people, and 13 miles from our present City Hall. Birmingham 5 miles beyond, a place of about 1500, is Detroit's most popular suburb and is here that many of our businesses own farms. Detroit's most important suburb is Delray which adjoins city limits on the southwest and has recently expanded. Here are the ammonia works of the "Solvay Process" and voluminous salt wells. Just below is Ecorse and only 12 miles from the City Hall is Wyandotte a bustling town of 3000 and next Trenton only 4 miles beyond. But why need I dwell, these places are already known by you in history. They have long since ceased to exist and are now a part of "Greater Detroit." I cannot close without [?] our neighbors across the river, Windsor, Walkerville, and sleepy old Sandwich. They too are lost - absorbed by "Sault Detroit" [Windsor]. And from the flag pole on the City Hall waves the Glorious Stars and Stripes and they are now "flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone." Wishing you all a Happy New Year, I remain as ever Yours very sincerely, E. W. Abbott"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
- Description:
- This 12-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Mrs. Jacob F. Teichner (maiden name: Fannie Freedman) who was the Recording and Corresponding Secretary of the Detroit Ladies Society for the Support of Hebrew Widows and Orphans. The paper is made of linen, but the watermark is not readable. The pages are bound at the top with a narrow red ribbon (not shown in the digital images) and the first page is entitled "Hebrew Homes and Charities in Detroit." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Hebrew House and Charities in Detroit" The closing of this nineteenth century finds the Hebrew charities of Detroit established in such form that any and all cases of need and suffering find those who can minister counsel and alleviate the distress that seeks relief. We need only to recognize that charity is duty, and our highest ideal should be the fulfillment of that duty which brings its own reward. It was in 1863 that a few benevolent ladies banded themselves together and incorporated the first Jewish charitable organization in Detroit. The charter members of this Society were Mesdames Fanny Heineman, Rosalie Frankel, Betty Butzel, Fanny Lambert and Caroline Freedman (my beloved mother). Its name "The Detroit Ladies Society for the support of Hebrew Widows and Orphans" its object is obvious from its name. This Society has lived and thrived, has succored the poor widow when in her darkest hour she was almost in despair and today it numbers a membership of one hundred and eighty ladies from whose dues of four dollars each per year together with interest of its invested endowment fund of twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) the relief work is carried on. This gradually acquired endowment represents chiefly the result of annual entertainments formerly given by the Society. The present officers are :- Mrs. Fanny Heineman - President Mrs. J. Selling - Vice-President Mrs. F. Marrymount - Finan. Sec'y. Mrs. F. Teichner - Rec. and Cor. Sec'y. Mrs. A. Engass - Treasurer The annual meetings are held the first Thursday of October; quarterly meetings, January, April, July and October. Trustees of whom there are twelve meet monthly. A few years after the ladies Society had started in its good word the "Hebrew Bethel Relief Society" was formed by gentlemen who for many years carried on systematic and efficient rendering of assistance to the destitute and needy. The funds required being contributed by the Jewish citizens of the city. Later a second Relief Society was established and each in its way cared for the poor and suffering. Prominent among the early charitable organizations was the "Ladies Serving Society" its aim and object the supplying of garments and house hold goods. From the first gathering of a few earnest workers meeting weekly to sew for the poor this Society has grown to have one of the largest memberships of any and this past year eighty five applicants were supplied most of whom were mothers of large families, the number of garments distributed were 1394 - dry goods 1716 - shoes 338 pair - bed linen 336 pieces - comforters 59. The meetings are held each Thursday afternoon from November until May and an average of fifty ladies industriously fashion the garments for distribution. The present officers are, Mrs. Sarah Berger - Pres. Mrs. L. Wineman 1st Vice-Pres. Mrs. J. Wurzburger 2nd Vice-Pres. Mrs. A. Sloman Sec'y. and Treas. In 1889 Mrs. Sarah Krolik founded the Self Help Circle ably assisted by Mrs. Sarah Berger. The object of the Society was educational more than charitable and always teaching the children the value of independence. Beginning with only five pupils the enrollment this year numbered one hundred and eighty three. In the serving classes the girls are taught plain serving, parching and darning by a regular system, the kitchen garden instructs them in housework cleanliness and the beautifying of every day life, while in the kindergarten the younger ones enjoy their songs and games and come with their elder sisters on Saturday afternoon to attend the library class - three hundred volunteers with the necessary book cases being the generous gifts of Mrs. Henry Krolik. The boys have various evening classes and receive the benefits of manual training in several branches. The officers are - viz:- Mrs. Alfred Rothschild - President Mrs. M. Rosenfield - Vice. Pres. Miss J.V. Kopple - Sec'y. Mrs. L.M. Franklin - Treasurer The rooms are at 379 Brush St, the girls classes meeting on Tuesday - the boys classes meet every evening. Through the mentoring efforts of Rabbi Franklin this past year saw the meeting of various charities under the name of the "United Jewish Charities" combining all with the exception of the "Ladies Hebrew Widows and Orphans" which felt that its work should be done as heretofore by women for women, maintaining that poverty caused by the death of the bread winner is different from that caused by shiftlessness and to prove that the lot of the widow and the children is not nearly so hard when special and permanent provision exists for them, when mothers can come for counsel as well as for cash, so that they can rear their children to better destinies. The united charities is supported entirely by contributions and the results of its first year's work has been most gratifying, showing plainly how much was accomplished. Total receipts from two hundred and forty five subscribers - $4283.85 - disbursements by the Ladies Serving Society $567.80 - by the Self Help Circle $116.62 - General Expenses $462.14 - Assisted seventy four families $2498.72 - transportation to eighty five persons $312.44 - donations to fifty eight persons $148.90 - Expense for recent arrived Roumanians $97.43 - Total expenditures $4204.05. The executive board meets 1st Tuesday in every month, the Relief Board meets every Thursday evening at 379 Brush St. The officers are - G.W. Simons - President Samuel Heavenrich - 1st Vice. Pres. Mrs. Sarah Berger - 2nd Vice. Pres. A. Benjamin - Sec'y. E.H. Van Baalen - Treas. Joseph Wertheimer - Supt. The "Gemilas Chasodim" Society deserves mention, an admirable system of charity that preserves character and obviates the stigma of receiving alms. One who still possesses pride and yet is in need of immediate assistance is permitted to return a loan without interest in small installments and thus cancel his obligations has been aided at no sacrifice of his personal character, provided such a system is carried on in strict confidence. With the great increase in foreign immigration, a larger field for the systematically organized Hebrew charity is being opened, nor is it distinctively sectarian charity, for so long as poor people of any race or creed to assist themselves, while it keeps them and their children from street begging or from the poor master's door, it cannot be said to be doing special but rather communal charity. Hebrew charitable homes or institutions have as yet found no place in this city, yet most of the Jews of Detroit contribute to the support of the Cleveland Orphan Asylum and Old Folk Home. The betterment of the quarters now occupied by the poor is a problem to be solved, we trust in the near future and the erection of suitable tenements will do much to improve the condition of the destitute. The enormous possibilities spreading out in this new century brings with it the promise that the naked shall be clothed and the hungry shall be fed in the truest way, the best methods yet undreamed of. Then welcome to this New Year and Century. Bring out the old, ring in the new. The year is going, let him go. Bring out the false, ring in the true. Mrs. Jacob F. Teichner (nee Fannie Freedman) Monday, December Thirty-first 1900"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
297. Belle Isle Station
- Description:
- This cyan halftone picture was cut from a page and shows a front corner view of the Belle Isle 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
298. This 2-page letter was typewritten in blue ink on slightly yellowed paper by Dr. Oscar LeSeur, M.D.
- Description:
- This 2-page letter was typewritten in blue ink on slightly yellowed paper by Dr. Oscar LeSeur, M.D., of Detroit. The paper shows the address of the doctor's office in the upper left corner. The body of the letter gives some history of the development of homeopathic medical practice in the city as well as the names of several early practitioners.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- 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
- 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
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