OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - Bio History of Kelley's Island - Kelley's Hall *********************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Darlene E. Kelley http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00026.html#0006374 May 12, 1999 *********************************************** Historical Collections of Ohio The Kelley Family Book compiled by Hermon Alfred Kelley 1897 And Then They Went West by Darlene E. Kelley 1998 *********************************************** In 1860 Mr. Datus Kelley started the erection of a large stone hall facing on Division Street, just back of the Island House which was then his home,( Since then destroyed by fire.) The building was admirably adapted to the needs of the island people. There had been no suitable place for entertainments or public meetings until the erection of the building, which was presented to the town and accepted by the trustees with suitable ceremonies. The building was called the Town Hall or Kelley's Hall and is a monument to Datus and Sarah (Dean) Kelley, his wife, who joined him in the gift. The building was completed for use in the fall of 1860. We quote from account published in a Sandusky paper: "October 26, 1860 a large company from Sandusky were invited to be present.Datus Kelley and his wife sat upon the platform side by side. The hall was dedicatd to Truth and Mr. Kelley stipulated that every creed and doctrine should be allowed a hearing within its walls.' No sect nor denomination shall for any length of time hold exclusive privilege. All amusement of a moral or genial nature are tolerated and thus this ample and well arranged building with its pictures and organ, becomes a central temple of instruction, amusement and good cheer; a blessing and a help to all." While the gift to the islanders was in fact made at that time, the deeds were not given until after the death of Mr. Kelley. His heirs carrying out his wishes. As the Hall was free to all to use, it was used by the Catholics for entertainment purposes such as bazaars, socials and etc, and by the Protestant churches for simular purposes and for religious worship. All public and parochial school commencements are held there. The first and only public library on the island was lodged in the basement of the hall until 1877, when it was moved to the basement of the new Congressional church building, which was completed that year. The first Protestant Englsh Church congregation was organized there in 1866 and the first baptisms in that church wre performed there. The Hall was used temporaily as an Armory during the Civil War, and the Island Military Company " Slept on their Arms" in the hall one night, ready to repel expected invaders. Many famous men have spoken in Kelley Hall. Perhaps one of the finest things that occurred annually in the hall, was kept up for over fifty years without interruption. It is interesting to know that the islanders always use cedar trees and when they leave the island. can hardly reconcile themselves to the fir and spruce trees customary elsewhere and many a cedar tree has been sent from the island to those who think Christmas in complete without one. Another annual event, dating back to the Civil War, is the observation of Memorial Day. Appropriate ceremonies are always observed, beginning at the Hall. During 1860 there was formed a Horticultural Society, a Vocal Society and the Kelley's Island Literary Society. The meetings of all being held in the school house on Division street. The " Islander " was a weekly newspaper that the society edited for seventeen years during the winter months. The first edition being issued or read at the second meeting of the Society which occurred December 22nd, 1860. The paper contained advertisements, local and foreign news, editorials, foreign correspondence or letters from abroad. This paper or journal was written in long hand and as but one copy was produced of each issue, it was not passed from hand to hand to be read at leisure, but the people met every Saturday night to hear it read, and to discuss its contents at the conclusion of the reading. Hearing the Islander read was not an exclussive privilege but was free to all who cared to come. The discussions were conducted in according with parlimentary law, and were remarkable for the fact very little hard feeling was engendered by the debates. There was the widest latitude allowed and every phaze of every subject was written about and discussd. Its motto was : " Independent in all things , neutral in none," was literally lived lived up to. During the year 1862, prosperous times were enjoyed on the island. The grape crop was unusually good. The stone trade also good, the demand exceeding the ability to supply. The wood trade was not brisk and the wood choppers were paid but one dollar and seventy-five cents to two dollars per cord for chopping. Land increased in value to $500.00 per acre. Captain Vessey was the contract mail carrier fot the winter of 1863-64. He sailed the little Zouave till ice formed. The first Sunday school was started in the summer of 1862. The first church building erected on the island was completed in 1863 by the Catholic Congregation which was organized that year. On April 8. 1863. was the first day in the history of the island that a party (political) election was held for township offices: Clerk, George P. Bristol; Trustees, E.L. Kennedy. Wm. Becker, H.H. Woodford; Treasurer. Henry Lang; Constables, John Stokes.and Fred Kelley. There was no opposition and the ticket was unanimously elected. Henry Land resigned and A.S. Kelley was reinstated to his old position as Township Treasurer.