HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 294-325, Dauphin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judith Bookwalter Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/ _________________________________________ ANNALS OF HARRISBURG Annals, Comprising Memoirs, Incidents and Statistics of Harrisburg, From the Period of Its First Settlement, For the Past, the Present, and the Future. Compiled by George H. Morgan. Harrisburg: Published by Geo. A. Brooks, 1858. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1858, By George A. Brooks, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 294 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS. General intelligence is a prominent characteristic of the citizens of the borough, and the consequence is that their educational institutions are all in a flourishing condition, and numerous. THE COMMON SCHOOLS. - The following tabular statement of the common schools in Harrisburg, is derived from the annual report of S. D. Ingram, Esq., the County Superintendent for 1858: N. Ward. S. Ward. Whole number of schools, 14 10 Average number of months taught, 10 10 Number of male teachers, 7 3 295 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. N. Ward. S. Ward. Number of female teachers, 7 7 Average salaries of males per month, $40 00 $38 88 Average salaries of females per month, 27 33 23 93 Number of male scholars, 576 400 Number of female scholars, 407 505 Average number of scholars attending a school, 771 610 Cost of teaching each scholar per month, 49 cts. Mills on the dollar levied for school purposes, 6 1/4 mills. 5 mills. " " building " , 5 Amount of tax for school purposes, $10,376 09 " " building " , $5,539 02 Total amount levied, 10,376 09 5,539 02 Received from State appropriation, 532 00 350 74 Received from collector of taxes, 9 198 06 5,279 46 Cost of instruction, i. e. teachers wages, 5,656 00 3,002 20 Fuel and contingencies, 679 04 1,842 20 Cost of school houses, purchasing, building, renting, &c., 2,951 52 9,700 00 From the report of the same officer made in 1857, we derive the following statement of the school houses in the borough: NORTH WARD. - In State street, one brick school house, two stories, two rooms, with high ceilings, can seat sixty pupils in each, means of ventilation good, heated by furnace, hydrants in rooms, best style of furniture, a large portion of the walls painted black, beside a large black-board in each. Two large brick buildings in Walnut street, two stories high, four rooms in each, plenty of black surface in each room; out-line and other maps, globes and philosophical apparatus belong to the schools; schools well graded; primary schools crowded. A good one story brick building for colored school. SOUTH WARD. - Three brick buildings, each two stories high, and two schools in each; schools graded, and primary schools crowded; maps and other apparatus belong to the schools; have introduced Murrey's and Stoeck's school register into each school of the ward. Since the above was written, the new school house in Mul- 296 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. berry street, previously noticed, has been completed, and an addition built to the brick school house in State street, giving it nearly twice its former capacity. _____ HARRISBURG FEMALE SEMINARY. - This flourishing institution had its origin in 1849, in a select class of young ladies, under the instruction of Mrs. Anna Le Conte, who continued its principal until July 1858. The advantages of her instruction soon led to an increase of pupils, requiring assistant teachers, and to an act of incorporation, by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, in 1853, under a board of trustees, consisting of the following persons, viz: James W. Weir, President'; John C. Kunkel, Secretary; J. Adams Fisher, Daniel D. Boas, James R. Jones, William M. Kerr, and George H. Small. Since that time it has been enlarging in numbers and usefulness until it now ranks among the best institutions of the kind in our State; one which not only our own citizens appreciate and patronize, but which enjoys the confidence and patronage of many through the Commonwealth and of other States. There have been connected with the institution, during the winter term of 1858, about one hundred boarding and day scholars. The following named persons constituted its corps of instructors in 1858: Mrs. Sarah E. Dixon, principal; Miss Marion A. Slocum, teacher of Latin, Mathematics and the higher English branches; Miss Delia A. Slocum, teacher of English branches and Drawing; Miss Charlotte L. Metcalf, teacher of Music; Miss Louisa Whipple, teacher of Music; Mad'selle Benner, teacher of the French language; M. Aldolpho Tuipser, teacher of the German language. The Seminary is on Locust street, near the Capitol grounds, 297 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. which is the most quiet and retired portion of the town. Its dry and elevated situation has rendered it remarkably healthy. No serious illness has ever occurred in the family. The building is admirably calculated for a boarding school, being very large, lighted with gas, well warmed, with conveniences for bathing, &c., while the school room is of ample capacity to seat over two hundred pupils, well ventilated and supplied with Boston desks and all necessary apparatus. The religious, moral and intellectual influence of the Seminary has been very marked. The schedule of studies is ample; meeting the demands of the age for enlarged female education. The catalogues of the institution contain strong testimonials from gentlemen of the highest character for intelligence and worth, who have been patrons of the Seminary, or who have been on committees of examination. The success of this institution is a matter of congratulation to our citizens, and is eminently creditable to its accomplished founder, Mrs. Le Conte. _____ PENNSYLVANIA FEMALE COLLEGE. - This institution of learning was incorporated by the Legislature of the Commonwealth at its session of 1853, and is endowed with the privileges and immunities of institutions of like character throughout the United States. It is governed by a board of twenty-four trustees, of which the Governor of the Commonwealth is (ex-officio) President. The course of instruction is intended to develop the intellectual, social and moral faculties; and by imparting a thorough, practical, accomplished and Christian education, fit the pupil for the faithful discharge of the responsible duties that await her in life. Great pains are taken to promote intellectual advancement, by rendering the acquisition of knowledge pleasant, and by training the pupil for correct habits of thought and reflection. 298 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The proper exercises of the social feelings are encouraged by inculcating whatever belongs to refined manners, and dignified courtesy in our intercourse with others; while reading and recitations from the Bible, familiarize the mind with the truth of our holy religion, and imbue the heart with the right principles of action and rules for the government of life. The collegiate department embraces a course of study extending through a period of three years - styled the Sophomore, Junior and Senior classes. In accordance with the plan recommended and adopted by a Convention of the Presidents of Female Colleges, recently held in Cincinnati, Ohio, those young ladies pursuing a full collegiate course, receive a diploma and degree, in correspondence with the nature of their studies. A general examination of the classes is held at the close of the summer term; and, at the commencement held at that time, such young ladies as have, by their previous diligence and application, merited the honor, is admitted to the degree authorized by the board of trustees. Beautiful silver medals are awarded, as special honors, to those members of the graduating class who have exhibited great proficiency and application in their studies. The college building is that known as the "Harris Mansion," on the corner of Front street and Washington avenue. These premises have been thoroughly refitted, the rooms have been altered so as to afford great convenience, and by the introduction of gas, water, and hot air from furnaces, and rendered very comfortable. The College and grounds occupy an entire square on the banks of the beautiful Susquehanna, and are entirely disconnected with adjoining property. The whole is enclosed with substantial fence and railing, and the garden and walks are beautifully and tastefully arranged. The graduates of the College for the scholastic year 1857-8, 299 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. numbered thirty, and the students fifty-four - giving a total of eighty-four. The Principal of the Faculty is Rev. Beverly R. Waugh, A. M. _____ THE HARRISBURG ACADEMY. - An educational establishment with this title existed in the borough previous to the year 1813. In the "Pennsylvania Republican" of October 10, of that year, we find the following notice of the Academy: Harrisburg Academy. - Rev. Mr. Buchanan, Rev. Mr. Gloninger, Rev. Mr. Schaeffer, A. Porter, Esq., W. Graydon, Esq., G. Fisher, Esq., R. Harris, Esq., G. Bryan, Esq., Samuel Agnew, Trustees. Sylvanus Guernsey, Principal. A quarterly examination of the students of this institution was held at the Court House, on Friday the 1st inst., before the trustees and some of the parents of the scholars, with other citizens of the town; and on the following evening, before a numerous and respectable assemblage of citizens, the pupils exhibited specimens of their improvement in oratory. Harrisburg, October 4, 1813. At a meeting of the Trustees of the Academy: The board having witnessed with much satisfaction, on the day of examination, the facility and general correctness of the scholars in answering the various questions on the improvement made in their respective studies, and on the evening of the following day, their specimens of oratory, deem it a duty to express their approbation of the system and conduct of Mr. Guernsey; therefore, Resolved, That the secretary cause the foregoing to be published in the newspaper of the borough. By order and on behalf of the board of trustees. ANDW. PORTER, Pres't. Samuel Agnew, Sec'y. 300 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. In 1814, as we have shown on page 149, the trustees of the Academy received from the State a grant of a part of the public grounds, for the purpose of erecting thereon a suitable school building. At this period it appears to have been a joint stock concern, but we do not know how long it retained this character. The present Academy is under the control of Mr. A. A. Kemble, and a board of trustees, and enjoys a good reputation for the thorough and systematic course of instruction the pupils receive therein. The Academy building is a plain rough-cast edifice, two stories high, beautifully situated on Front street, a short distance above South, adjacent to the residence of the principal. _____ SELECT SCHOOLS. - A select school for young men was established a few years ago by Mr. Jacob S. Seiler, at his residence, corner of Chesnut street and Rasberry alley. It is well attended apparently with successful results. R. M'Elwee, and sisters, Mrs. Pool, Miss Kelker, and Miss Valentine, also, are in charge of select schools for infants of both sexes, in which the elementary branches of study are pursued, with such modification of discipline suited to the tender age of the scholars as secures a good foundation for further intellectual pursuits. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION. HARRISBURG BIBLE SOCIETY. - The Harrisburg Bible Society is now in the forty-fourth year of its existence; having been founded on the 3d of February, 1814. The original members of the society were as follows: William Graydon, President; Rev. F. C. Schaeffer, Secretary; William Findlay, Simon Snyder, Richard G. Leech and Joseph M'Gimsey, Treasurers. Soon after its formation the following named gentlemen engaged in the good cause: Dr. Roberts, Dr. Agnew, N. 301 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. B. Boileau, Rev. George Lochman, Robert Sloan, John Wyeth, John Mytinger, Peter Keller, James Trimble, Henry Antes, George Bryan, James Peacock, Rev. W. R. DeWitt, George Whitehill, John Whitehill, William Allison, James Wright, Andrew Graydon, William Murray, Perry C. Nabb, John C. Capp, M. Ranhausen, F. Heisley, James Wright, George K. Nutz, John Stoner, Dr. Martin Luther and Mrs. Hanna. From this list of names it will be perceived how cordially the prominent citizens of the place entered into this movement, and the records of the society prove that, for more than forty years, this truly humane and benevolent cause has never lost its hold upon the sympathies of our population. This association was for many years the only one existing in Dauphin county, but it repeatedly undertook and accomplished the exploration of the whole of our territory, and the supplying of all the destitute with copies of the Holy Scriptures, at the same time sending liberal donations annually to the parent society. In the year 1851 it sent out into the various towns and villages of the county, committees of its board of managers to organize similar associations wherever it was practicable. Twelve such were established, and these were subsequently combined, along with the original Harrisburg Bible society, into the existing Dauphin County Bible society, of which the officers in 1858 were Hon. A. O. Hiester, President; Rev. C. A. Hay, Secretary; A. K. Fahnestock, Treasurer. The present number of members is one hundred and fifty. The above particulars were kindly furnished at the compiler's request, by A. K. Fahnestock, and were published in the Daily Patriot and Union, from which they are copied. _____ HARRISBURG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS' UNION. - This organization had its origin in the expostulating wish of a warm-hearted Sunday School teacher, at the close of a monthly 302 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. concert of prayer for Sunday schools, in the year 1839 -"Why cannot we have an association of Sunday School teachers?" - The expression had a strong effect on the mind of the person to whom it was addressed, and immediately led to a consultation among the superintendents of the several schools of the borough, who agreed to call a general meeting of teachers and recommend the organization of such an institution. This meeting was held in the county court house* in the month of June, 1839, and was attended by about one hundred teachers and others interested in religious instruction. The teachers of all the Sabbath schools in the borough were present, and five out of six of the schools agreed to make the experiment - the teachers of the sixth school declined participating in the movement on the ground that the hour selected for attendance would interfere with their church services. The association was organized by electing Charles V. Kelley, President, and Rudolph F. Kelker, Secretary. The objects specially arrived at in forming the association were - prayer, discipline, exhortation, local intelligence, the inculcation of fraternal feeling and Sunday School fellowship, the establishment and support of Sunday schools in destitute localities, and a depository of religious books, &c. Said the annual report of the association, in 1841, "no better evidence of our fraternal feeling can be referred to than the full attendance of our meetings, which have averaged twice or thrice as many as that of the monthly concert in Philadelphia - the great Sunday School metropolitan, with her train bands of fifteen hundred or two thousand teachers." The association continued in a prosperous condition until about the year 1844, when an enthusiastic religious revival prevailed in all the churches, which absorbed the interest of the *The first Sunday school ever organized in the borough was held in this building - hence it has been very appropriately called the "Cradle of Harrisburg Sunday schools." 303 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. teachers, and caused a suspension of its meetings until June, 1854, when it was again revived by the election of Rudolph F. Kelker, President, and Augustus Burnett, Secretary. The organization, at present, is in a flourishing condition, and meets monthly in the several churches of the borough, alternately. The depository is in Chestnut street, west of Second street, and is under the superintendence of E. S. German. - The officers of the Society in 1858 were James M'Cormick, Jr., President; Emanuel S. German, Secretary. _____ The Union Communion. - The Christian feeling and brotherly kindness that uniformly prevailed in the meetings of the "Sunday School Teachers' Union," suggested the propriety of a joint public celebration of the Lord's Supper, by the superintendents and teachers of the schools represented in the "Union," together with such of the pupils of their schools as were members of the church. To avoid interfering with the communion seasons of any of the churches, the last Sabbath in April was designated for the purpose. The matter was mentioned first to the superintendents and pastors. It met with a general approval, and that none might partake but church members in good standing, each superintendent was to be furnished with his quota of printed programmes, containing the order of exercises, hymns to be sung, &c. Accordingly, at the close of the several schools on the last Sabbath of April, 1855, those teachers and older scholars who were church members in good standing, were invited to remain; and to each was given a programme, which served as a token of his or her right to commune. The superintendents and teachers, with the scholars who were church members, went in procession to the Presbyterian church, where seats were reserved for the respective schools. The superintendents and teachers with scholars of seven different schools, or denominations, par- 304 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ticipated, viz: the Methodist, Lutheran, (English and German,) Presbyterian, German Reformed, Bethel, and United Brethren. Ten clergymen officiated on the occasion. As near as could be ascertained, three hundred joined in communion. The side pews and galleries were crowded with spectators. A correspondent of the "Philadelphia Sunday School Journal," of November, 1855, who participated in this communion, wrote as follows: "Our meeting was one of deep and solemn interest. Our pastors themselves were deeply moved. No one present will ever forget the occasion. When the last hymn was sung, the pastors and communicants rose. It was a sublime spectacle to witness ten ministers standing in front and three hundred laborers in the Sabbath schools, each with their token in their hands, and to all human appearance, singing from their inmost soul the appropriate words of the hymn, commencing: 'Witness ye men and angels now, Before the Lord we speak; To Him we make our solemn vow, A vow we dare not break: That long as life itself shall last, Ourselves to Christ we yield; Nor from his cause will we depart, Or ever quit the field.' Many were moved to tears, and every heart seemed to heave with deep emotion." The communion continues to be held regularly on the last Sabbath of April, in every year, in the churches of the borough, alternately. _____ The "YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION" was instituted December 12, 1854. Its objects are, according to article fifth of its constitution, to seek out young men taking up their residence in Harrisburg, and the vicinity, and endeavor to bring them under moral and religious influence, by aiding them in the 305 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. selection of suitable boarding houses and employment; by introducing them to the members and privileges of this association; by securing their attendance at some place of worship on the Sabbath; and, by every means in their power, to surround them with Christian influences. The rooms of the association are on the second story of Kelker's building, corner of Market street and River alley. They are handsomely fitted up, and contain two book cases with several hundred volumes of a religious and miscellaneous character. Members can have access to them day and night. The regular meetings of the association are held on the second Tuesday evening of each month, for the proposal and election of new members; for the promotion of social and religious intercourse; and for the reception and consideration of such information as may advance the welfare of the association. Officers in 1858: H. Murray Graydon, President; Rev. Charles A. Hay, (Lutheran,) J. F. Seiler, (Presbyterian,) Rev. R. A. Castleman, (Episcopalian,) J. Wesley Awl, (Methodist,) Rev. William Mooney, (Church of God,) R. F. Kelker, (German Reformed,) Vice Presidents; Chas. Conner, Recording Secretary; J. W. Simonton, Corresponding Secretary; Jeremiah Uhler, Treasurer; Robert M'Elwee, Librarian; A. W. Young, (Methodist,) H. C. Fahnestock, (Presbyterian,) E. S. German, (Lutheran,) Charles Connor, (Episcopalian,) H. A. Kelker, (German Reformed,) George Cunkle, (Baptist,) Managers. _____ YOUNG MEN'S HOME MISSION. - At a prayer meeting held by the young men attached to the Methodist Episcopal church in 1857, Mr. B. J. Harris proposed and advocated the organization of a Home Missionary society. The proposition receiving the favorable support of those present, a committee, consisting of Messrs. B. J. Harris, Reid, Nichols and Carman, was ap- 306 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. pointed to wait upon the members of the church, and others, to procure subscriptions for the support of the enterprise. The terms of membership were one dollar. The committee in a short time procured nearly one hundred dollars in subscriptions. On the evening of Wednesday, September 16, 1857, a public meeting of those favorable to the project was held in the lecture room of the Methodist church, when the society was organized under the title of the "Young Men's Home Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for the borough and suberbs of Harrisburg," and the following officers elected: Rev. D. W. Bartine, President; James Porter, Vice President; John W. Reid, Corresponding Secretary; S. H. Ettla, Recording Secretary; Augustus Sayford, Treasurer. At a subsequent meeting a constitution and by-laws were adopted, and a committee appointed to select a suitable place for commencing the operations of the society. This committee suggested the lower end of the borough. Accordingly a room was procured in that section, and on Sunday morning the 4th of October, 1857, a Sabbath school was opened with the attendance of two males and two female scholars, under the direction of Mr. B. J. Harris. The school increased rapidly, and a more commodious room was procured in Second street, between Washington avenue and Vine street, which it now occupies. The regular services held in the mission room are, preaching every Sabbath evening; Sabbath school morning and afternoon; prayer meetings on Tuesday evenings; and class meetings on Friday evenings. Rev. J. C. Young officiates as pastor to those who worship here. A sewing society has been formed by the female members of the mission, by which means the poor and needy are clothed and properly cared for. The mission has distributed about six hundred pages of tracts. The average number of scholars attending the school is about one hundred, who are supplied with twenty-three teachers. 307 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The success which attended the opening of this school induced the mission, in the summer of 1858, to open another school in the northern part of the borough, under the superintendence of Mr. Elijah Wise. This school per last report numbers sixty scholars and fifteen teachers. Prayer meetings are held in the school room every Saturday evening. The limited accommodations afforded by leasing rooms in private residences, induced the mission last summer to commence the construction of two capacious frame buildings, to be specially devoted to the purposes of the mission. One of these buildings is erected on a lot at the corner of Vine street and River alley, purchased by the church for $1,200, and the other on a lot in West Harrisburg, fronting the river, donated by Mr. William K. Verbeke. The estimated cost of the two buildings is $1,800. They will be occupied in January, 1859. _____ THE EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSION was organized in November, 1857. In the summer of 1858 the mission constructed a beautiful frame building on a lot at the north side of the reservoir, which, together, cost about $1,000. The school is well attended. In October, 1858, the school was under the superintendency of R. A. Lamberton, Esq. _____ LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSION. - An organization with the above title, whose objects are similar to the former mission, erected a beautiful frame building at the corner of State and High streets, at a cost of about six hundred dollars, which was duly dedicated to Divine worship and Sabbath school purposes in the spring of 1858. The average number of scholars who attend the school is about one hundred. The following were the officers of the mission in October, 1858: Superintendent, Mr. Eby Byers; Assistant Superintendent, Samuel Holman, 308 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Jr.; Treasurer, Wm. Duncan; Librarian, Wm. A. Parkhill; Assistant Librarian, D. L. Duncan. CLUBS AND LIBRARIES. AERIAL CLUB - Instituted in July 1856. Occupy a room in Odd Fellows' Hall, Second street, above Pine street. Owns a library of about three hundred volumes. Officers in 1858 - President, William Seiler; Secretary and Treasurer - John G. Wiestling. _____ FLASH BOAT CLUB - Instituted in August, 1856. Owns a swift and handsome row-boat for eight oars, purchased in Philadelphia. The boat- house of the club is situated on the river shore at the south end of the abutment of the Harrisburg bridge. Officers in 1858 - President and Coxswain, William Seiler; Secretary and Treasurer, T. Rockhill Smith. _____ WASHINGTON LIBRARY. - This association was organized on the twenty- second of February, 1857, and occupy a large and handsomely furnished room in the third story of Stehley's building, in North Third street. Being young men of ability and enterprise they have already, by their own exertions, secured a fine library of over five hundred volumes, which is rapidly increasing. The association is in a very flourishing condition. - Officers in 1858 - S. H. Colestock, President; J. S. Boyer, Secretary; Wm. S. Buch, Treasurer. _____ GERMAN LITERARY SOCIETY - Instituted July 12, 1858. - Occupy a room at the residence of Mr. Opperman, in Paxton street. Regular meetings of the Society are held once every month. Works of the best authors are placed in the library 309 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. formed for the use of the members. Officers in October, 1858 - President, Charles Meyer; Secretary, Charles Rosanowski; Treasurer, Adam Erb; Librarians, Messrs. J. Kehr and J. Reichert. MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. THE "EINTRACHT." - Instituted July 4, 1854. Has upwards of forty- five members. Object, to promote the culture of music. Meets on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, in the second story of Koenig's new building in Chestnut street, between Second and Third streets. Officers in October, 1858: - H. Meyer, President; Adam Knebler, Vice President: F. Gebert, Secretary; B. Fehleisen, Librarian; J. Weiss, Treasurer; F. W. Haas, Leader. _____ THE HARMONIC SOCIETY OF HARRISBURG. - Instituted in 1858. Meets once every week in Haldeman's building, corner of Walnut street and River alley. The society has given several concerts in public, which gave general satisfaction. The Daily Telegraph of October 29, 1858, in alluding to this society says: - "The 'Harmonic' society do not propose to appear in public hereafter. They will, however, offer to subscribing members frequent opportunities of listening to and enjoying the performances of the society - probably opening their room for that purpose at least once in four weeks, or oftener if found desirable or necessary. These meetings, divested of the formality and stiffness usually attending public concerts, will consequently be far more pleasant and enjoyable for all parties - will, in fact, partake of the character of musical soirees. The following extract from the by-laws of the society will suffice to make known the terms of admission to these pleasant musical re-unions, viz: 'Any person may become a subscribing member of this society upon payment of three dollars annually into its treasury.' Opportunity will be afforded the public of becoming 310 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 'subscribing members,' on application made to any of the active members. For the information of persons desiring to become active members, we will state that the terms are two dollars per annum for gentlemen. Ladies free." Officers of the society in October, 1858: - David Haynes, President; W. A. Tarbutton, Vice President; H. C. Fahnestock, Secretary; D. A. Kepner, Treasurer; S. Ward, Conductor; J. D. Greenawalt, Albert Hummel, F. Asbury Awl, Executive Committee; W. Knoche, Pianist. _____ THE LIEDERKRANTZ. - Instituted June 26, 1858. Has between thirty and forty members. Meets every Monday and Thursday evening in Robeck's building, Third street. Officers in October, 1858: - Henry Slep, President; J. Miller, Vice President; Charles Neeb, Secretary; J. Dinger, Treasurer; Charles Miller, Librarian; Alfred Teupser, Leader. _____ SAXONIAN BRASS AND STRING BAND. - Meets for exercise three times a week in Brant's Hall. Officers in 1858: - Chas. F. Volmer, President; William Weber, Leader. _____ STATE CAPITOL BRASS BAND. - Meets for exercise on the fourth story of Cunkle's building, Market street. Samuel Brumbaugh, President and Leader. BENEVOLENT AND BENEFICIAL ASOCIATIONS. FREE MASONS. - Masonry in Harrisburg occupies the position which some of its adherents claim that it holds in regard to the world - coeval with its first inhabitants, before the organization of its government. Hence all Masonic documents date 4000 years older than the Christian Era. Perseverance 311 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Lodge, No. 21, of free and accepted Masons, ante-dates the organization of our borough and county several years, as appears by the old parchment charter, yet in pretty good preservation, in the lodge; a copy of which is here inserted: WILLIAM ADCOCK, Grand Master. (L. S.) JONATHAN BAYARD SMITH, D. G. Master. JOSEPH DEAN, S. Grand Warden. GEORGE ORD, J. Grand Warden. To all whom it may concern: The Grand Lodge of the most ancient and honorable fraternity of free and accepted Masons (according to the old constitutions, revised by His Royal Highness Prince Edwin at York, in the Kingdom of England, in the year of the Christian Era 926 and in the year of Masonry 4926) in ample form assembled at Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, SEND GREETING: WHEREAS, The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of England did, by a Grand Warrant, under the hands of the Right Honorable Thomas Erskine, Earl Kelly, Viscount Fenton, Lord Baron of Pitton Weem, &c., in Great Britain, Grand Master of Masons; the Right Worshipful William Osborne, D. Grand Master; the R. W. M. William Dickey, Senior Grand Warden; the R. W. James Gibson, Esq., Junior Grand Warden, and the seal of the said Grand Lodge, bearing date June 20, 1764 - A. M. 5764, nominate, constitute and appoint the Right Worshipful William Ball to be Grand Master; the R. W. Captain Blaithwaite Jones, Deputy Grand Master; the R. W. M. David Hall, S. G. Warden; the R. W. M. Hugh Lenox, J. G. Warden, of a provincial Grand Lodge, to be held at Philadelphia, for the province of Pennsylvania, granting to them and their successors in office duly elected, and lawfully installed, with the consent of the members of the said Grand Lodge, full power and authority to grant warrants and dispensations for holding lodges, to regulate all matters appertaining to Masonry, and to 312 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. do and perform all and every other act and thing which could be usually done and performed by other Grand Lodges, as by the said above in part recited Grand Warrant, reference being thereto had, may more fully and at large appear. And whereas, The Right Worshipful William Adcock, Esq., Grand Master; the Right Worshipful Mr. Alexander Rutherford, Deputy G. Master; the Right Worshipful Jonathan Bayard Smith, Esq., Senior Grand Warden; the Right Worshipful Mr. Joseph Dean, Junior Grand Warden, legal successors of the above named Grand Officers, as by the Grand Lodge Books may appear, together with the officers and representatives of a number of regular lodges, under the jurisdiction, duly appointed and specially authorized, as also by and with the advice and consent of several other lodges, by their letters expressed, did, at a Grand Quarterly Communication, held in the grand lodge room, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 25th day of September A. C. 1786, after mature and serious deliberation, unanimously resolve, "That it is improper the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania should remain any longer under the authority of any foreign Grand Lodge;" and the said Grand Lodge did thereupon close sine die. And whereas, All the grand officers of the said late Provincial Grand Lodge, together with the officers and representatives of a number of lodges of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, did, on the 25th day of September 1786, meet in the room of the late Provincial Grand Lodge, and according to the powers and authorities to them entrusted, did form themselves into a grand convention of Masons to deliberate on the proper methods of forming a grand lodge totally independent from all foreign jurisdiction. And whereas, The said grand convention did then and there unanimously resolve, that the lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, aforesaid, lately held as a Provincial Grand Lodge, under the authority of the Grand 313 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Lodge of England, should, and they then did, form themselves into a grand lodge to be called 'The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic Jurisdiction thereto belonging,' to be held in the said city of Philadelphia, as by the records and proceedings of the said convention, remaining among the archives of the grand lodge aforesaid, may more fully appear. And whereas, By a warrant bearing date the 4th day of October, A. D., 1779, and of Masonry, 5779, under the hands of William Ball, Grand Master, John Hood, D. G. Master, William Shute, S. Warden, and John Howard, J. Warden, and the seal of the late Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the following brethren, to wit: The Worshipful Col. Matthew Smith, Master, William Boyd, Senior Warden, William M'Cullough, Junior Warden, with their lawful assistants, were authorized and appointed to hold a lodge of free and accepted Masons at Lower Paxton township, Lancaster county, and State of Pennsylvania, number 21. And the said lodge, when duly congregated, to admit, enter, and make Masons, according to the ancient and honorable custom of the royal craft in all ages and nations throughout the known world. And also with the further right, privilege, and authority, to nominate, choose and install their successors, and them to invest in the like power, authority and dignity, to nominate, choose and install their successors forever, as by the said warrant, reference being had, may appear. And whereas, The said warrant hath been surrendered up to US, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, by the present officers and brethren of said Lodge number 21, praying that the same may be renewed under the authority of this Grand Lodge: Now know ye, That we, "The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging," by virtue of the powers and authorities vested in us, by the said Grand Convention, do hereby renew and confirm to our trusty and well beloved brethren, to wit: the Worshipful William Boyd, Master; James Rutherford, 314 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Senior Warden, and Major John Gilchrist, Junior Warden, and the other regular members of the said Lodge No. 21 of Ancient York Masons, and to their true and lawful successors for ever, all the Masonic rights, privileges, authority, jurisdiction, and pre-eminence, which by their said original warrant hereinbefore mentioned, and in part recited, they are or may be in any manner or way entitled to hold and enjoy. Provided always, That the above named brethren and members of the said Lodge, and their successors, continue, at all times, to pay due respect and obedience to this Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, agreeably to the rules and ordinances, lawfully made, or to be made, for the benefit of Masonry, and the advancement of our royal craft; otherwise this Warrant to be of no force or virtue. Given in open Grand Lodge, under the hands of our Right Worshipful Grand Officers, and the seal of our Grand Lodge, at Philadelphia, this fifteenth day of March, A. C. 1787, and of Masonry 5787. ATHERTON HUMPHREYS, Grand Secretary. Under this warrant the Lodge was held in a school house, and afterwards in the dwelling house of one of the officers, some three miles from where Harrisburg now stands; where many of the more intelligent and respectable of the inhabitants of the then sparsely settled country joined, and met as brethren of the mystic tie. There are yet extant among the older masons, and the descendants of those pioneers, many interesting and amusing incidents and reminiscences, connected with their monthly meetings. One of these, regarded by the craft as highly honorable to the noble and hospitable wife of one of the then officers of the lodge, is here narrated as we have heard it. The lodge convened at the house of the Master - a log building, two stories in height, on the one side of which was a lean-to, or kitchen; a place of all work, &c. While the lodge was sitting in the upper room, next the kitchen, the wife of the Master, as was her usual custom, was engaged in the kitchen 315 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. preparing some nice cooking for such of the brethren as tarried latest - the more particular and intimate friends of her husband. Thus engaged, she thought it no harm to remove a little of the mortar between the logs, that she might occasionally look in and listen to what was doing in the lodge. She did so; and became so deeply interested that she remained at her point of observation so long as to be discovered by some person from without, through whom the fact became known as well to the neighborhood as to the brethren; exciting the surprise and curiosity of the one, and the amusement of the other; both, however, anxious to learn from her what she saw and heard. But she was the true wife of a true Mason, and had, in regard to this at least, "the faithful breast and the silent tongue." No one, not even her husband, could ever obtain from her any information of what she saw or heard. To all others inquiring, she would reply, "If you are a Mason, you don't want me to tell you; if you are not a Mason, you have no right to know any thing about it; you can't learn any thing from me. There was nothing bad; for my husband is a Mason, and was there." After Harrisburg was laid out as a town, and somewhat built, the lace of meetings have since been regularly held, except from 1828 to 1841, when its labors were suspended in deference to public opinion, which in this part of the State, was at that time hostile to secret societies. It is said, by the Masons of the present day, that "the opposition of that time but tested the integrity of its members and the real strength and value of the institution; lopped off its barren or rotten branches, and prepared it, like the oak of the forest, after bending beneath the storm, to rise invigorated and strengthened to flourish and spread more widely than ever." In July, 1818, a Mark Master's Lodge was opened here, of which the Hon. Daniel Scott, then President Judge, was the master. In December, 1818, a Royal Arch Chapter was open- 316 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ed, William Greer being the High Priest. By Webb's Masonic Monitor, published in 1816, it appears that in 1797 an Encampment of Knights Templar existed in Harrisburg. The craft here now have no records of it. In 1827 an Encampment of Knights Templar was opened here, under an authority from DeWitt Clinton, then Grand Master of Christian Chivalric Knighthood in the United States. Of this body, Rev. Gregory E. Bodell, Rev. J. B. Clemson, Rev. James De Pui, John Neilson, and John De Pui were officers. All these branches of the Masonic body suspended their work during the period above named. In 1842, the Lodge and Chapter were both re-constituted and re-opened - Benjamin Parke being elected Master and High Priest. Since then Masonry, in Harrisburg, in all its branches, has been highly prosperous. In the Masonic Register, for 1858, Perseverance Lodge, Harrisburg, ranks as the third of the working lodges in the State, now numbering three hundred and twelve, and Perseverance Chapter as the second of working chapters, now numbering one hundred and eighty-seven. The number of Masons under the jurisdiction of this lodge, is said to be over two hundred; the number in the State some fifteen thousand. The following are the Masonic bodies now in operation in Harrisburg, their officers in October, 1858, and their times and place of meeting: Perseverance H. R. A. Chapter, No. 21, meets on the first Monday in each month, at Masonic Hall, (formerly Wyeth's,) corner of Market street and Raspberry alley, next to the Court House. Officers in October, 1858: - H. P., Wm. T. Bishop; K., B. R. Waugh; S., C. F. Muench; Treasurer, William H. Kepner; Sec., A. W. Young. Past High Priests: - Benjamin Parke, R. A. Lamberton. Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, meets on the second Monday in each month, at the same place. Officers in October, 1858: - 317 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. W. M., Robert L. Muench; S. W., E. A. Hassler; J. W., B. R. Waugh; Treas., C. F. Muench; Sec., Geo. F. Weaver. Past Masters: - Henry Beader, C. F. Muench, Benj. Parke, J. J. Clyde, John H. Berryhill, R. A. Lamberton, John Wallower, Jr., W. T. Bishop, T. J. Jordan. Parke Encampment of Knights Templar, No. 11, meets on the Friday next after the second Monday of each month, at the same place. Council of Royal and Silent Masters, meets third Monday in each month, at the same place. Harrisburg Lodge, No. 28, (colored). - J. F. Williams, W. M.; C. H. Vance, S. R., meets in Masonic Hall, Tanner's alley. Nehemiah Lodge, No. 16, (colored). - Meets at the same place. Prince Edward Lodge, (colored). - Meets at the same place. _____ I. O. OF O. F. - The first Lodge, in Harrisburg, of this great and useful fraternity, was established in 1841. There are here now three very flourishing Lodges and two Encampments, with an active membership of five hundred and nineteen. Much good has resulted from the operations of Odd Fellowship in our midst. Apart from other good offices done by its members as such, they have distributed over twenty thousand dollars, during the past seventeen years, for the relief of the sick and distressed, and the burial of the dead. It is a constitutional requirement, that "no person is entitled to admission to the Order except free white males, of good moral character, who have arrived at the age of twenty-one years, and who believe in the Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe. After a member of a lodge has obtained a sufficient number of degrees, and is found to be worthy, he can be admitted to the Encampment branch of the Order. Every Lodge and Encampment in the State are respectively subordinate to the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment of 318 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Pennsylvania, and these are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States. The principal officers, in every Lodge and Encampment, are elected by the members, and serve for six months; in the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment they are elected by the past chief officers, (who vote in their respective subordinate bodies,) and serve for one year. During the last year our townsman, R. A. Lamberton, was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, he having previously served one year as Dep. G. M., and a like period as G. Warden. Since the organization of Lodges in Dauphin county, the following gentlemen have held the position of District Dep. G. Masters: - William Duncan, James B. Ruple, George V. Zeigler, John J. Clyde, R. A. Lamberton, Amos W. Young, Wm. D. Earnest, present D. D. G. M. Harrisburg Lodge, No. 68, was instituted August 16, 1841, by John Y. Brown, Esq., Grand Master, who installed the following officers: - N. G., George V. Zeigler; V. G., William Good; S., Joseph Pilkinton; A. S., James N. Hoffman; T., William Duncan. Officers of the Lodge in October, 1858: - N. G., Andrew Schlayer; V. G., Andrew J. Herr; S., Amos W. Young; A. S., Samuel Pass; T., John J. Osler. The number of active members - one hundred and twenty-eight. Meeting every Wednesday night, at the Exchange. State Capital Lodge, No. 70, was instituted December 27, 1841, by John Y. Brown, Grand Master, and the following officers were then installed: - N. G., Joseph W. Cake; V. G., John M'Glauchlin; S., William Heis; T., Wm. H. Kepner. Officers of the Lodge in October, 1858: - N. G., Joseph Strominger; V. G., Thomas Humes; S., William D. Earnest; A. S., Josiah Jones; T., William T. Bishop. Number of active members at this time - one hundred and eighteen. Meeting every Tuesday night, at their Hall, North Second street. 319 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Dauphin Lodge, No. 160, was instituted by P. G. Sire, Howell Hopkins, presiding as Grand Master, who installed the following officers: - N. G., Edward A. Lesley; V. G., Samuel Berry; S., Daniel E. Wilt; T., John Haldeman; A. S., Levi Wolfinger. Officers of the Lodge in October, 1858: - N. G., Henry Radabaugh; V. G., George W. Blessing; S., Albert J. Fager; A. S., Daniel A. Bolt; T., Robert A. Lamberton. Number of active members - one hundred and fifty-two. Night of meeting, Thursday, at the Exchange. SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. - D. D. G. C. P., Jacob M. Eyster. Dauphin Encampment, No. 10, was instituted January 16, 1843, by Andrew C. Hewitt, Grand Patriarch, who installed as officers: - C. P., George V. Zeigler; H. P. Eby Byers; S. W., Samuel Bryan; J. W., Josiah S. Royal; S. William O. Hickock; T., John J. Osler. Officers in October, 1858: - C. P., Jacob M. Barr, H. P., Alfred Slentz; S. W., Emanuel A. Hassler; J. W., Daniel A. Bolt; S., Albert J. Fager; T., John J. Osler. Number of active members - sixty-five. Meeting night, first and third Friday of every month, at the Exchange. Olive Encampment, No. 56, was instituted February 26, 1847, by Deputy Grand Patriarch William Duncan, acting as G. P., and then following officers were then installed: - C. P., John J. Clyde; H. P., Benjamin Kreider; S. W., Samuel Berry; J. W., John J. Osler; S., John M'Glaughlin; T., John Irwin. Officers in October, 1858: - C. P., Henry Dickman; H. P., Samuel Miley; S. W., William Kuhns; J. W., Joseph Strominger; S., William D. Earnest; T., William T. Bishop. The number of active members - fifty-six. Meeting night, first and third Wednesdays in every month. Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 796, (colored,) meets every Monday evening in Eby's building, foot of Market street. Has about one hundred members. We have no further particulars. 320 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. UNION BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. - This Society, composed entirely of ladies, was instituted about the year 1820. The average amount of funds distributed by it annually, to the indigent of the borough, is about three hundred dollars. Officers of the Society in October, 1858: - President, Miss Sarah Henderson; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. James W. Weir. _____ THE HARRISBURG BENEFICIAL SOCIETY is one of the oldest of its kind in the borough. It has about one hundred and ninety members, who meet on the last Saturday of every month in the lecture room of the English Lutheran Church. Officers in 1858: - President, George P. Wiestling; Vice President, Thomas Worley; Secretary, John R. Boyd; Treasurer, George H. Small; Door-keeper, Isaac Durstine. _____ CENTRAL DIVISION, No. 10, S. OF T., was instituted August 13, 1844, and incorporated by the Court in 1848. We regret to learn that the organization, at present, is not in a very flourishing condition. It meets in the Hall, owned by the Division, at the corner of South and Second streets. Its present officers, as far as we can learn, are L. G. Cunkle, W. P.; George P. Wiestling, R. S.; Dr. Heisley, F. S.; John A. Weir, T. _____ FULTON COUNCIL, No. 35, O. U. A. M., was instituted January 11, 1847, with twenty members. Present number of members about one hundred. The Council meets on Monday nights in the upper story of Wyeth's Hall, Market street. Officers in October, 1858: - Councillor, Daniel Basore; Vice Councillor, George Fry; Recording Secretary, Alfred Slentz; Assistant Recording Secretary, David Crawford; Financial Secretary, John J. Zimmerman; Instructor, _____ Gould; Examiner, William Dehart; Inside Proctor, Edward Pancake; Outside Protector, 321 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. John Peltz; Treasurer, William J. Lawrence; Trustees, David Crawford, James Wright, William Wykoff. The State Council meets in Harrisburg in January of every year. _____ GERMAN BENEFIAL SOCIETY - Instituted September 26, 1856. Has upwards of seventy members, and is conducted almost upon the same plan as the Odd Fellows' Lodges. Secrecy, however, is not deemed especially important. The dues, which each person is required to pay weekly, are merely nominal, but the disbursements to sick members are amply sufficient for their support. Meetings are held weekly, on every Saturday evening, at Wagner's hotel. Officers in October, 1858: - President, P. Meyer; Secretary, John Essig; Treasurer, Philip Britsch; Sick Committee, J. Weiss, Max. Eichroth, L. Weltz. _____ HARRISBURG UNION, No. 21, D. OF T., is an organization composed of females, designed to promote the cause of temperance in the borough. It was first instituted February 19, 1846, and the following named ladies were its charter members: - Jane M. Bryan, Mary J. Hummel, Lydia M. Lawrence, Mary Martin, Maria Berryhill, Mary Geiger, Harriet A. Fox, Margaret A. Davis, Mary Wilt, Marianna Beader, Matilda C. John, Elizabeth Mytinger, Julia Norton, Anna Markley, Sarah Ann Fleming, Anna B. Murnane, Mary Putman, Mary Ann Vogleson, Sarah Bostick, Anna Carpenter, Elizabeth Douglas, Elizabeth D. Shoemaker, Eliza Ann Davis, Susanna Wood, Eliza Carpenter, Elizabeth Chayne, Maria Mytinger, Fancy H. Awl, and Mary Stehley. The organization at present numbers about sixty members, who meet every Friday evening in the Sons of Temperance Hall, Second street. Officers in October, 1858: - Presiding Sister, Miss Julia Ann Norton; Associate Sister, Miss Sabina Kelker; Recording 322 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Scribe, Mrs. L. M. Lawrence; Financial Scribe, Mrs. Caroline Cunkle; Treasurer, Mrs. Susan Foltz; Conductress, Mrs. Eliza A. Barr; Guardian, Elizabeth Varnick. _____ GOOD SAMARITAN COUNCIL, (colored) I. O. OF D. T., meets in State street, between Fourth and Short. We can give no additional particulars. _____ SA-OS-QUA-HA-NA-UNK TRIBE, No. 12, I. O. OF R. M., was first instituted in Harrisburg in the lodge year 5610, corresponding with the year of our Lord 1848. It progressed rapidly for a while, but owing to the apathy of its members and financial embarrassments it gradually commenced to decline, until the year 5615, (1853,) when it suspended altogether. It was revived again, however, in the year 5617, (1855,) under very favorable auspices, and is now in a very flourishing condition. It is a secret beneficial society. The officers of the society in October, 1858, were as follows: - Sachem, Joseph P. Miller; Senior Sagamore, Joseph Berrier; Junior Sagamore, Jacob Etter; Keeper of Wampum, Joseph H. Bowman; Chief of Records, William Kuhn. _____ SALEM LODGE, No. 26, I. O. B. B., (B'nai B'rith,) was organized on the 24th of February, 1856, and at present consists of forty members, all Israelites. The order inculcates friendship and fraternal feeling, gives consolation and grants assistance to the sick, lends a helping hand to the distressed and those that are bowed down with care, dries the tears of the widow and the orphan, awakens sympathy for a brother in all the various changes and different phases of his life, and tries to ameliorate the burden of unpropitious fate. The Grand lodge of New York is the highest tribunal of the 323 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. order. Salem Lodge, No. 26, is under the jurisdiction of the District Grand Lodge, No. 3, at Philadelphia. The election of officers is held every six months. The lodge meets every Sunday evening at the Sons of Temperance Hall. Officers in October, 1858: - D. Block, President; J. Lowengardt, B. P.; J. Dinkelspiel, C.; William Wolf, S.; H. Hess, M.; S. Rosenthal, I. G.; N. Adler, O. G. Ex-Presidents of the Lodge - Lazarus Bernhard, William Wolf, and Joseph Newman. A benevolent society, composed of Jewish females, also exists in the borough, but we could not obtain any particulars of its organization. _____ WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 107, I. O. OF G. T., was instituted January 28, 1854. Its members are composed of respectable males and females, the former over fourteen and the latter over sixteen years of age. The initiation fee is fifty cents, and the annual dues for male members one dollar and four cents, and for female members fifty-two cents, payable quarterly in advance. The members derive no pecuniary benefit from the lodge when incapacitated from pursuing their regular occupation. The organization numbers about three hundred members, and is very serviceable in the cause of temperance. It meets every Thursday evening, in the Sons of Temperance Hall, Second street. The following is a list of the first officers of the Lodge: - William T. Bishop, W. C. T.; Lydia M. Lawrence, W. V. T.; J. J. Clyde, W. C.; William J. Lawrence, W. S.; William H. Egle, A. S.; Henry Radabaugh, W. F. S.; Jane Meredith, W. T.; William P. Coulter, W. M.; J. Isadore Lawrence, D. M.; Mary M. Barr, I. G.; Joseph H. Bowman, O. G.; Martha B. Nevin, R. H. S.; Ann E. Barr, L. H. S. Officers in November, 1858: - W. C. T., James A. Carman; W. V. T., Jane Wyant; W. S., William T. Bishop, Jr.; W. T., Hannah Westfall; W. F. S., William T. Bishop; W. A. S., Jennie Mere- 324 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. dith; W. M., Isaac W. Hoffman; W. D. M., Mary C. Kunkle; W. I. G., Jennie Croll; W. O. G., William C. Kurtz; W. R. S., Laura F. Lawrence; W. L. S., Agnes M'Marland; W. C., La Rue Lamer; Trustees, J. A. Carman, J. M. Barr, George H. Morgan; L. D. G. W. C. T. and D. T., George H. Morgan; D. D. G. W. C. T., T. L. Tompkinson; G. W. C. T. of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, J. Hannum Jones. MISCELLANEOUS. OLD SOLDIERS' UNION. - A Society composed of the surviving soldiers of the war of 1812, residing in this vicinity, was organized in the borough a few years ago, and at present numbers about thirty members. The Society has no stated times of meeting; but join annually in celebrating the anniversary of American Independence, by a public dinner. Officers in 1858: - John Maglaughlin, President; William Allison, George J. Heisely, Vice Presidents; David Harris, Secretary; James R. Boyd, Treasurer; Andrew Krause, Marshal. _____ HARRISBURG BUILDING ASSOCIATION was organized in 1857, for the purpose of buying land, laying it off into building lots, and improving the same for re-sale. The Association, at present, own about ten acres of fine meadow land, adjacent to the north-western part of the borough, which they have laid out for building purposes. Several lots have already been disposed of. Officers in October, 1858: - President, A. Boyd Hamilton; Treasurer, La Rue Metzgar; Secretary, Robert L. Muench; Directors, J. Brisben Boyd, John Edwards, Theodore F. Scheffer, Albert Hummel, Eby Byers, David Maeyer, John Cunkle, Charles F. Muench, Daniel Eppley. _____ PARK ASSOCIATION was organized in November, 1855, as the constitution declares, "for the making of a course for train- 325 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ing horses." The association has leased eighteen acres of land about one mile north of Harrisburg, which is inclosed with a substantial board fence, about ten feet high. The track within the enclosure is circular and one-half a mile in extent. Officers of the association in October, 1858: - President, William F. Murray; Secretary, John H. Zeigler; Treasurer, J. C. Bombarger; Directors, B. G. Peters, William H. Kepner, Philip Linn, David J. Unger, William Metzgar, J. D. Hoffman, John Hoffer, F. P. Haehnlen, Anthony King. _____ GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION. - An Association of this character was instituted in September, 1858, by Messrs. Robert L. Muench, James D. Daugherty, R. Ross Roberts and Daniel W. Seiler. A room sixty-five by twenty-five feet, with a fourteen feet ceiling, in the Exchange Building, Walnut street, has been leased for a term of years, which has been fitted up at considerable expense for the purposes of the association. The "Portico" is complete in every respect, and modeled after the directions of J. E. D'Alfonce, Professor in the St. Petersburg and Paris military schools. It, with the other implements of the Gymnasium, were constructed by Mr. Hildrup, of the Harrisburg Car Factory. Directors - Robert L. Muench, President; J. D. Daugherty, Treasurer; R. Ross Roberts, Daniel W. Seiler. _____ DAUPHIN GUARD. - A military company, with the above name, was formerly inspected and organized, in Harrisburg, on Friday evening, the 19th of November, 1858. A week previous to that time seventy-six signatures were appended to the constitution of the company. The uniform of the corps is similar to that worn by the celebrated Fifth Regiment (National Guard) of New York, consisting of gray cloth coat and pants striped with black, and a cap of the same material. The officers of the company, nominated a week previous to the inspection, were, Captain, E. W. Roberts; First Lieutenant, Eby Byers; Second Lieutenants, John H. Ziegler, William H. Miller.