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CONNECTICUT'S REPRESENTATION AT PHILADELPHIA, 1876.
EMBEACING A
CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION,
COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF CONNECTICUT S RECORD THEREIN; SKETCH OF GEN.
JOSEPH R. HAWLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSION;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER
EXHIBITS FROM THE STATE, WITH COMPLETE
LISTS OF THE EXHIBITORS; THE VALUABLE AID GIVEN BY CONNECTICUT "WOMEN;
ENCAMPMENT OF THE CONNECTICUT NATIONAL GUARD; MILITARY AND
OTHER EXCURSIONS TO PHILADELPHIA; THE "COTTAGE";
REMINISCENCES OF THE GREAT EXHIBITION, Etc.
A LIST OF OYER FORTY THOUSAND CONNECTICUT VISITORS.
Embellislied with Numerous Portraits, Engravings of Notable Exhibits, Buildings, etc.
PUBLISHED BY GEO. D. CURTIS, HARTFORD, CONN.
18 77.
coptmght By George D. Curtis,
1877.
NTRODUCTION.
THE representation of the State of Connecticut in the Inter- national Exhibition at Philadelphia — larger in proportion to her area and population than that of any other State in the Union — suggested to the writer the thought that a volume devoted to Connecticut's record in the exhibition might be acceptable to the thousands who are proud of the distinction she achieved. Early in the history of the enterprise a position of highest honor and of very grave responsibilities was conferred upon one of her citizens, Gen. Joseph R. Hawley. To him was given the presidency of the United States Centennial Commission, and the ability and energy which marked the performance of his duties at Philadelphia con- tributed largely to the success of the affair; a success that went hand in hand with a financial victory unknown to any similar enterprise conducted "by the great nations of Europe.
In nearly every branch of the exhibition Connecticut was largely represented, notably so in the departments of manufactured goods, where the exhibits afforded abundant proof of the ingenuity of her inventors and the skill of her artisans. Excellence of work- manship was especially marked in the finer grades of articles, the exhibits of arms, silver ware, brass goods, silks, cloths, etc., being unsurpassed by those from any other State in the Union, in their variety, their perfection, and their durability. In this volume, the
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4 INTRODUCTIOK.
purpose lias been to give full credit to every manufacturing interest for the results that were achieved, and to several of the leading industries special prominence has been given, with illustrations of their triumphs of workmanship. The skill of the ladies of Con- necticut was represented by exhibits in the departments of literature, art, etc. These merited and have received extended notice. In addition to contributing to the interest of the various branches of the exhibition, the people of Connecticut aided the enterprise by their liberal attendance. The forty thousand visitors whose names are given in the closing pages of this work, represent a large percentage of the adult population of the State, and undoubtedly there were many who failed to place their names upon the registers in the Connecticut Cottage, from which the list was compiled.
The principal aim of this work being to give a record of Con- necticut's participation in the exhibition, it has not been deemed essential to more than briefly review the history and progress of the nation's Centennial triumph. That task has been accompUshed in numerous and exhaustive volumes. Biit in this, every feature identified with Connecticut or her people has been made prominent, and no labor has been spared to obtain complete and authentic information. The writer gratefully acknowledges the many courtesies extended to him during his work, and if the readers of this volume find in its perusal as much pleasure as did the -v^Titer in its preparation, he will feel assured that his labor has not been in vain.
Haktfoed, Conn., November, 1877.
LLUSTRATIONS.
Portrait of Gen. Joseph R. Hawlet, of Coim., President
OP THE IT. S. Centennial Commission, . . Frontispiece.
Bird's-Eye View of tiie Exhibition Grounds, Main Building, Machinery Hall, .
5. Art Gallery,
6. Horticultural Hall,
7. AYoiMen's Pavilion,
8. Agricultural Building,
9. Centennial Memorial IMedals,
10. The Connecticut Cottage,
11. The "Columbus" Water-Cooler,
12. Colt's Revolvers — Old and New Styles,
13. Gatling Gun, ....
14. Gardner Gun, ....
15. Exhibit op the Whitney Arms Co.,
16. Winchester Repeating Arms Co's Exhibits,
17. The Sharps' Rifle,
18. WiLLiMANTic Linen Co's Exhibit,
19. Cheney Bros.' Pavilion, SO. Carpet — Hartford Carpet Co.,
21. The Great Tower Clock — Seth Thomas Co
22. The Buffalo Hunt — Meriden Britannia Co.,
23. The "Forest and Stream" Prize Cup — Meriden Britan
NiA Co. , .....
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19 21 22 29 30 32 33 38 71
84 85 87 89 90 91 94 93 99 101
102
b ILLUSTKATIONS.
24. Repousse Set — Meriden Britannia Co.,
25. Punch Bowl and Cups — Meriden Britannia Co.,
26. Ornamental Piece — Middletown Plate Co.,
27. Punch Bowl and Cups — Middletown Plate Co., .
28. Bronze Vase and Lamp — Bradley & Hubbard Co., West
Meriden, ......
29. Gas Chandelier — Bradley & Hubbard Co., West Meri
DEN, .......
30. Portrait of Elias Howe, Jr., Inventor of the Sewing
Machine, ......
31. Model of the Original Sewing Machine, .
32. Portrait of Allen B. Wilson, Inventor op the Wheeler
«& Wii.soN Sewing Machine,
33. The Wheeler & Wilson Co's Pavilion,
34. The Wheeler & Wilson "New No. 8" Machine,
35. The Weed Sewing Machine Co's Pavilion,
36. B. Shoninger's Combination Cymbella Organ,
37. Award Medals, ......
38. Fac-Simile of the Centennial Postage Stamp,
39. The Baxter Engine (Sectional view),
40. The Baxter Engine (Front view),
41. Plow, Cultivator, etc. — Higganum Manufg. Co.,
42. Hay Spreader, etc. — Higganum Manufg. Co.,
43. Falling Front Coach — H. Killam & Co., .
44. Cabriolet — B. Manville & Co.,
45. The "Antietam Soldier" Statue,
46. Camp of the Connecticut Brigade at Philadelphia,
47. Portrait of Brig. -Gen. Wm. Randel Smith, C. N. G.,
48. Portraits of Field and Staff Officers, First Regiment
C. N. G.,
49. Portraits op Field and Staff Officers, Second Regi
MENT, C. N. G.,
50. Portraits of Field and Staff Officers, Third Reguient
C. N. G.,
51. Portraits op Field and Staff Officers, Fourth Regi
MENT, C. N. G.,
52. Putnam Phalanx — Group, ....
53. Portrait of Hon. Charles R. Ingersoll,
54. Portrait op Hon. Richard D. Hubbard,
55. Portrait op Hon. Francis B. Loomis,
56. Peculiar Signatures from the Register at the Connec
TicuT Cottage, .....
Fragment op the Charter Oak,
103 104 107 108
109
110
113 113
114 114 115 117 120 123 135 136 136 141 143 147 148 151 159 163
167
171
175
179 199 217 221 221
233 209
ONTENTS.
CHAPTEE I.
The CENTENisriAL Exhibition.
Origin of the Great Entei-prise — Early Discouragements and Final Triumph of Its Projectors — Aid from the National Government and the Several States — General Plan of the Exhibition — Descrip- tions of the Principal Buildings, with Notes on the most Promi- nent Objects of Interest therein — Ceremonies of the Opening and other Notable Days — Statistics of Attendance, etc. — The Close of the Exhibition and disposal of the Buildings, ... 12
CHAPTER 11.
Gen. Joseph R Hawley, President op the United States Cen- tennial Commission.
Sketch of his Life — Educated for the Law, Abandons its Practice, and Enters the Ranks of Journalism — Called to the Field by the Guns of Sumter — Faithful Service Rewarded by Rapid Promo- tion— Crowned with Civic Honors by the People of his State — Chosen as President of the United States Centennial Commission — His services in that Responsible Office — Extracts from his Address at Stcinway Hall on the Results of the Exhibition, . 39
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
Connecticut's Early Interest in the Exhibition.
Action of the General Assembly In 1875 — Philadelphia Visited by a Legislative Committee — A State Board of Managers Created — Ap- propriation of $25,000 to Insure Proper Representation of State Industries — The Debate in the House of Representatives — Amus- ing Explanations of Votes — Text of the Appropriation Bill — The State's Return from its Investment — Special Committees Ap- pointed to Enlist the Cooperation of Manufacturers and Others — Prompt and Cheerful Aid Given, ..... 48
CHAPTER IV.
Centennial Work by Ladies of the State.
Organization of the "Centennial Association of Connecticut "Wo- men" and its Several Local Br;iiic'lies — Various Enterprises for Securing Funds for the Women's Pavilion at Philadelphia — Mar- tha Washington Tea-Parties in New Haven and Greenwich — The Loan Exhibitions of Relics at Hartford, etc. — The Lady Wash- ington Reception at Stamford — Purcliases of Centennial Stock and Contributions to the Women's Department — Aid to the Exhi- bition of Historical Relics at Philadelphia, . . .56
CHAPTER V.
The Cottage.
Description of the Building — Its Cost, etc. — Valuable Relics Loaned for Decorating its Interior — List of the Contributors — Arrange- ments for the Convenience of Connecticut Visitors — Sale of the Cottage, and Removal from the Grounds — Its Present Loca- tion— The Old Well — Recollections, humorous and otherwise, of Incidents at the Cottage — Queer Sayings and Doings of Visitors — The Connecticut Brown Stone Portals, .... 70
CHAPTER VI.
Connecticut Exhibits (Part I).
Display of Manufactured Goods and Mechanical Triumphs in the Main Building and Machinery Hall — The Leading Firms of the State Represented — Iron, Steel, Brass, Silk, Woolen, Cotton, and other Goods — Evidences of the Ingenuity of Connecticut's In- ventors and Skill of her Workmen — List of the Exhibitors — Notes on Some of the Most Important Exhibits, . . .81
CONTENTS. 9
CHAPTER VII.
Connecticut Exhibits (Part II). The "Women's Department— Exhibition of Evidences of the Skill and Industry of tlie Ladies of Connecticut — Articles both Useful and Ornamental — Art, Literature, Household Industries, and the Trades Represented — The United States Building — A Variety of Interesting Exhibits from the State — The Centennial Envelope Machine — Iron and Steel Manufacturing — Representation of the Fishing Industries — Products of Connecticut Mines and Quarries, etc., etc., ... . ■ . . . 138
CHAPTER VIII.
Connecticut Exhibits (Part III). Agi'icultural Building — Improved Implements shown — Products of the Soil, etc. — Paintings in the Art Department — Miscellaneous Exhibits in the Annexes and Grounds — The ' ' Antietam Soldier " Statue — Granite Statuary and Monuments, . . . 139
CHAPTER IX.
Encampment of the National Guard. The Origin of the Encampment Project — Description of "Camp Israel Putnam " — The Journey to Philadelphia, Record of Nine Days in Camp — The Parades, etc. — Recollections of the "Hash House " — The Parade in New York — List of Commissioned and Non-commissioned Officers of the Brigade at Philadelphia, 153
CHAPTER X.
Visit of The General Assembly. Legislative "Work Abandoned for an Excursion to Philadelphia — A Large and a Jolly Party — Incidents En Route — The Midnight Rush for Hotel Accommodations — A Day on the Grounds — Visit to the Connecticut Cottage — Reception by General Hawley — The Return to the " Land of Steady Habits " — List of the Excur- sionists, ........ 188
CHAPTER XL
Excursions from Connecticut. The New Haven Grays in the "Centennial Legion" — Ceremonies During their Visit to Philadelphia — Roster of the Company — Visit of the Putnam Phalanx — Their Reception, Parade, and Banquet — The Governor's Horse Guard's Trip — Voyage of the Steamer "Frances" from Bridgeport — The Piscatorius Club's Sail from Hartford to Philadelphia — Minor Excursion Parties, . . 196
10 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XII.
The Charter Oak.
Exhibition at Philadelphia of Articles Made from its Wood — Sketch of the Historic Tree — Origin of its Celebrity — The Action of a Connecticut Patriot — Its Long Life and Final Overthrow — Care- ful Preservation of its Parts for Relics— The "Charter Oak" Chair in the State House, . . . , . . 208
CHAPTER XIII.
Connecticut's Chief Magistrates.
The State's "Centennial Governor" — Sketch of Hon. Charles R Ingersoll of New Haven — His Early Life, Political Triumphs, etc. — The People's Choice in the Centennial Year — Governor Richard D. Hubbard of Hartford, and Lieut. -Governor Francis B. Loomis of New London, ..... 215
CHAPTER XIV.
Visiting the Exhibition.
Moderate Interest during its Early Days — Gradual Spread of the "Centennial Fever" — The Throngs of September and October — Extra Transportation Facilities Afforded — Searching for Quarters in Philadelphia — " Connecticut Day " — Gleanings from the Reg- isters at the Cottage — Days of Notable Attendance of Visitors — Remarks on Peculiar Signatures, etc., .... 227
CHAPTER XV.
List of Connecticut Visitors.
Over Forty Thousand Names of Residents of the State Who Went to the Centennial Exhibition — Arranged Alphabetically by Cities, Towns, and Villages, ....... 237
Personal REcoLiiECTiONS of the Exhibition. 341
Photographs.
BOUVENIR
OF THE
CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION,
CHAPTER L
THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.
Okigin of the Great Enterprise— Early Discouragements and FINAL Triumph of its Projectors — Aid from the National Government and the several States — General Plan of THE Exhibition — Descriptions op the Principal Buildings, WITH Notes on the most Prominent Objects of Interest therein — Ceremonies of the Opening and other Notable Days— Statistics of Attendance, etc. — Close of the Exhi- bition, AND Disposal of the Buildings.
The International Exhibition at Philadelpbia, in our Centennial year, was on such a grand scale that any extended description is impracticable in this volume. The aim herein is to record only the participation of a single State, Connecticut, and therefore the account of the exhibition in general is necessarily limited to a review of its history and results.
Keflecting upon the triumphant success of the exhibition, the question naturally arises, "Who first proposed it ? It will be remem- bered that as the centennial anniversary of our independence ap- proached, several projects were suggested for its celebration on a scale suflBciently grand to create an interest in every section of the country. As early as 1870 the project of an exhibition, on the
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12 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
extensive plan of tliose of Paris, London, and other European capitals, was brought forward, somewhat in the nature of a sug- gestion, but the honor of presenting the plan to the public in a definite form is claimed to be due to four gentlemen, — Gen. Charles B. Norton, who was one of the United States Commission- ers at the Paris Exhibition in 1867; Hon. John Bigelow, who had represented this government at the court of France; Col. M. R. Muckle, of Philadelphia ; and Prof. John L. Campbell, of "Wabash College, Indiana. As might have been anticipated, their plans met with considerable opposition, due in no small degree to local jealousies because Philadelphia had been fixed upon as the most appropriate place for the exhibition. The strong point urged in its favor was, that it was there that the Declaration of Independ- ence was signed, — that important initial step of our forefathers toward freeing the colonies from the rule of Great Britain. In time, the opposition gradually weakened, and the project first re- ceived substantial assistance from the Franklin Institute of Phil- adelphia, whose managers came to its aid, and presented to the municipal authorities a petition for the use of a part of Fairmount Park. Action of a favorable nature was taken, and a joint commission representing both chambers was appointed, to consider the proposition, with John L. Shoemaker as chairman. From this time the projectors of the great enterprise met with encourage- ment at every hand. The Pennsylvania legislature memorialized Congress in aid of their plans, and appointed a special committee to act with the Philadelphia Joint Commission in submitting the matter to the national government. In March, 1870, Mr. Morrell presented the initiatory bill in the House of Representatives, and after being variously amended, it was passed the following spring. This provided for the holding of the exhibition at Philadelphia under the auspices of the government, and for the appointment, by the President, of a national commission, to be composed of one commissioner and an alternate from each state and territory, the appointees to be nominated by the governors thereof. An import- ant and express provision in this bill was that the national govern- ment should not become liable "for any expense attending the exhibition, or by reason of the same.""' In March, 1872, the gen- tlemen who had been appointed, representing twenty four states and three territories, met at Philadelphia, and on the 5th of that month the United States Centennial Commission was formally organized. Connecticut v/as represented by Gen. Joseph R. Haw-
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPKIHE. 13
ley, of Hartford, and Prof. Wm. Phipps Blake, of New Haven, and upon the former was conferred the high honor of the pres- idency of the commission. The triumphant success of the exhi- bition under his management is sufficient proof of the wisdom and excellence of the selection. Prof. Blake's services throughout the exhibition were also of high value. In 1873 he v/as selected by his colleagues of the U. S. Centennial Commission to visit the Exhibition at Vienna, and the series of reports made after his return, and the experience there acquired were important aids in directing the American enterprise. For a full year before the appointment of Director General Goshorn, Prof. Blake was the executive officer of the United States Commission.
In July, 1873, the city of Philadelphia set apart for the purposes of the exhibition a beautiful tract of four hundred and fifty acres in Fairmount Park, located below George's Hill and Belmont, and on the Fourth of July the formal surrender of the property was made to Gen. Hawley, as president of the commission, the mili- tary and civic organizations of Philadelphia participating in the attendant ceremonies, and an immense concourse of spectators being present. On the day previous, President Ulysses S. Grant issued a proclamation to the people of the country, declaring "that there will be held at the city of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, an International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine, to be opened on the 1 9th of April, Anno Domini 1876, and closed on the 19th day of October in the same year. And in the intei'est of peace, civilization, and domestic and international friendship and intercourse, I commend the celebration and exhibition to the people of the United States ; and in behalf of this government and people, I cordially commend them to all nations who may be pleased to take part therein." The United States having been invited by foreign governments in the past to participate in exhibitions held in their countries, it was deemed proper, as a matter of international courtesy, to pursue a similar course, and Congress, in June, 1874, authorized the Presi- dent to extend such invitations. Favorable responses were re- ceived from twenty-four different nations, all of which were sub- sequently represented, their exhibits being admitted into the country free of the usual custom-house charges. The United States also entered the list of exhibitors under the provisions of an act of Congress, and a Board of Commissioners was appointed to represent the several executive departments, charged with the preparation, arrangement, and safe-keeping of the articles to be
14 SOUVENIR OIT THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
shown. The ninety-eighth anniversary of the independence of the nation was celebrated by the breaking of ground for the exhi- bition buildings, the ceremonies being of an imposing character. Meantime, attention had been given to plans for meeting the enormous expenses of the exhibition. In June, 1872, Congress passed a bill creating the Centennial Board of Finance, and au- thorizing the issue of stock to a sum not exceeding ten millions of dollars, in shares of ten dollars each. The closing section stipu- lated that as soon as possible after the close of the exhibition, the property should be converted into cash, and after all liabilities had been paid, the remaining assets should be divided among the stockholders, pro rata, in full satisfaction of the capital stock. Under this act, the Centennial Board of Finance was organized, with John Y/elsh, a wealthy Philadelphian, as president. The certificates of stock were soon afterward designed by two Ameri- can artists, Messrs. Darley and Ferris, and the printing and en- graving was done at the Treasury Department in Washington, in the highest style of steel engraving. The design was at once appropriate and beautiful. Pyramidal in character, "America" formed the apex, with Fame and Art personified sitting at her feet; the busts of Washington and Grant at either side, typical of the commencement and end of the century. America was represented as welcoming the representatives of foreign nations, who bore symbols of their national industries and resources. Independence Hall and the National Capitol appeared in the background, and beneath the former stood Fulton and Fitch, with their steamboat models, and under the latter, FrankHn and Morse, with electric and telegraph instruments. On the right, facing America, Howe presented his sewing-machine, and a shipwright the model of a clipper ship. The freedman. Continental and Federal soldier, and a mechanic, formed a group on the right, and the farmer, planter, miner, trapper, and Indian, all presenting symbols of their avoca- tions, a group on the left. Trumbull's painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence formed the center of the base, and on the right of it, was exemplified progress — the busy manu- facturing city in contrast with the neglected windmill. Civiliza- tion was represented to the left of the base, the railroad, telegraph, steamship, and reaping machine being contrasted with the Cones- toga wagon, mail rider, sailing vessel, and laborer with a sickle.*
* Certificate No. 1 was purchased by Gen. Hawley, of Connecticut, and was for some time on exhibition in the State House, at Hartford.
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE. 15
"WTien placed upon the market in competition with other stocks promising more favorable returns, the certificates did not have that general and popular sale that had been anticipated. However, the sales were fairly large; New Jersey subscribed for $100,000 worth of the stock, and $10,000 each were taken by Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Delaware, and nearly $250,000 by a sub- scription raised in New York city. The fact becoming evident that serious delays must result from the light subscriptions, largely due to the panic of 1873, a Bureau of Ke venue was organized for the especial purpose of raising funds. This Bureau performed its work ably and effectively, in popularizing the stock, and a consid- erable sum was also realized from the sale of " memorial medals," coined (at cost) at the United States mint, in Philadelphia, under authority of an Act of Congress. They were of four styles: small gilt, $1; large bronze, $2; small silver, $3; large gilt, $5.
Both the city of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania responded nobly to the call for financial aid, the former appropri- ating an aggregate of $1,500,000, and the State the sum of $1,- 000,000. In 1874 an effort was made to secure assistance from the national government, but a bill appropriating $3,000,000 was defeated in May by 139 nays to 90 yeas, the western vote against the measure equaling the votes from all of the Eastern and Southern States in its favor. Despite this discouraging defeat, the Centennial managers went on with the work of erecting the buildings, cheered to some extent by the subscriptions to the stock, and appropriations made by the several States (to the amount of $400,000), to be used for the erection of State build- ings, and for meeting the necessary expenses of their Centennial commissioners. This substantial manifestation of faith in the success of the exhibition, coupled with the active interest shown by foreign nations, prompted the friends of the project to again ask the aid of the national government. Their efforts were finally crowned with success. Congress appropriating $1,500,000 in Feb- ruary, 1876, in addition to a half million previously appropriated to defray the cost of the Government Building, etc. This first- named sum, on account of which it was stipulated that the gov- ernment should be a preferred creditor, placed the exhibition beyond any danger of financial deficiency.* A fruitful source of
* Some montlis after the exhibition closed the money was refunded to the government and its receipt was acknowledged in a letter from the First Comptroller of the Treasury to the Treasurer of the Centennial
16 SOUVENIE OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
income was found in the sale of concessions, i. e., the right to transact various kinds of business on the grounds. These realized nearly half a million, including $100,000 for the exclusive right of printing and selling the official catalogue; a percentage realiz- ing $20,000 or more, for the privilege of running the narrow gauge railway, $6,000 each for the German and French restau- rants, $16,150 for the Department of Pubhc Comfort; $3 per barrel royalty on beer, about $50,000; $35,000 for the telegraph and messenger service; $18,000 for the rolling chair right; $52,- 000 for the exclusive right to sell soda water; $18,000 for cigars and tobacco; and $7,000 for pop-corn; $3,000 for a glass factory; and $136,000 for various other privileges.
The finances being satisfactorily arranged, the erection of the immense buildings was vigorously pushed, Machinery Hall being first finished, and followed in their order by the Main Building, and Agricultural, Horticultural, and Memorial Halls, In January of the Centennial year, the reception of goods was commenced, and various vexatious delays occurring, it became necessary to prosecute this work for several days after the date which had been finally appointed for the formal opening of the exhibition, May 10th.
The opening day was one long to be remembered. During the week preceding, visitors thronged into the city rapidly, and the people of Philadelphia busied themselves in decorating with flags, banners, and streamers, until it presented an appearance which almost defied description. On the morning of the 10th, excursion trains added thousands to the throng of residents and visitors, and great streams of humanity steadily flowed along the broad thor- oughfares toward the exhibition grounds. Adjoining the grounds, a city of hotels, stores, and dwellings had sprung into existence, and these presented a gala-day appearance with their lavish decora- tions. At 10.15 A. M., the ceremonies opened with the national airs of the United States, Austria, Brazil, France, and Germany, by a grand orchestra, under the direction of Theodore Thomas. "When its music ceased, President Grant arrived upon the grounds, and, as he took his seat on the grand stand, there burst from the orchestra the strains of the grand Centennial Inauguration March,
Board of Finance, giving a full and honorable acquittance. Tliis closed the account, and the bond of $500,000, given by one hundred citizens of Philadelphia for the faithful disbursement of the money, by John Welsh, President, and Frederick Fraley, Treasurer, of the Board was returned as fulfilled.
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPEISE. 17
composed by Eicliard Wagner. Prayer by Bishop Simpson, of the Metbodist church, and the singing of Whittier's Centennial hymn by a chorus of one thousand voices followed, and the Exhi- bition buildings and grounds were then formally presented by Mr. "Welsh, President of the Board of Finance, to the Centennial Com- mission; Gen. Hawley, its president, responding with this simple acknowledgment :
"Mr. President of the Centennial Board of Finance: — The Centennial Commission accepts the trust with grateful and fraternal acknowledgment of the great services of the Board of Finance."
The Centennial Cantata, by Sydney Lanier of Georgia, was sung by the chorus, with orchestral accompaniment, to beauti- ful and impressive music composed by Dudley Buck, who was called for at the close of the cantata and enthusiastically cheered by the multitude. The next feature in the programme was the presentation of the Exhibition by Gen. Hawley to the President of the United States; and this concluded, the President declared the Exhibition officially opened. As the announcement fell from the lips of the Chief Magistrate, Gen. Hawley gave a signal, and the Stars and Stripes ascended to the peak of the staff rising from the north transept of the Main Building, and at a moment later, the national and foreign flags on other buildings throughout the grounds were flung to the breeze, amid the grand strains of the Hallelujah Chorus by the combined chorus and orchestra. The flags were saluted by one hundred guns from the battery on George's Hill, forming a grand bass to the merry peal of the chimes of bells in Machinery Hall. The procession of official visitors was then formed, headed by the President, and moved to Machinery Hall, where the great Corliss engine was set in motion by the President and the Emperor of Brazil. Immediately the myriad wheels and bands throughout the great building were set in motion — a marvelous change from inaction to activity. There- upon, the doors of all the exhibition buildings were thrown open to the throngs that had gathered within the grounds, and the Exhibition had entered upon its career. After all its discour- agements and delays, it was an accomplished fact, an honor to its projectors and those who had labored to bring it to perfection, and a credit to the nation m its centennial year.
Any detailed account of its history will not be attempted, yet certain events of importance are worthy of mention. The one
18 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
hundredth anniversary of the independence of the United States was celebrated with grand ceremonies, beginning with a minor celebration at Independence Hall on the 1st of July. The evening of July 3d was marked by an immense proeession, and at mid- night from the new liberty bell of the Hall thirteen strokes resounded upon the air, followed by (as a local writer expresses it) "such a shout as had never been heard in Philadelphia before." The day was ushered in by the roar of cannon at sunrise, and in the early morning there was a grand mihtary parade, including in line the Centennial Legion. This was composed of a picked company from each of the thirteen original States, Connecticut being represented by New Haven's favorite organization, the New Haven Grays. The ceremonies of the day at Independence HaU included music of a patriotic character by Gilmore's Orchestra; the singing of Oliver Wendell Holmes' hymn, "Welcome to all Nations," the reading of the Declaration of Independence, from the original manuscript, by Kichard Henry Lee, of Virginia, a grandson of the patriot of the Revolution; the reading of an Ode by Bayard Taylor; an address by Hon. William M. Evarts, of New York; and in conclusion, the singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus," from the Messiah, and the "One Hundredth Psalm," in which there were blended in one immense volume of sound the voices of tens of thousands of spectators. The night was marked by a general illumination of the city, and display of fireworks at Fair- mount Park.
A day of very great interest (to the exhibitors, at least) was the 27th of September, when the award of medals and diplomas was made to the successful competitors. The ceremonies occurred in Judges' Hall, and were marked by music and addresses. The system of awards was somewhat pecuUar, dispensing with the feature of graduated medals, and, instead, requiring the judges to make written reports on the comparative merits of each article. The medals were of bronze, four inches in diameter, the largest ever made in this country, and were struck at the Philadelphia mint; about 12,000 were presented. The award of a medal, under the regulations, was regarded solely as an evidence of merit; the comparative advantages of the different articles being set forth in the written reports. Up to this date (January 1, 1878), no com- plete ofQcial report of the awards has been made.
November witnessed the close of the great Exhibition, after a career of success unprecedented in history. On the morning of
20 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXniBITION.
the appointed day (the tenth), the weather was rainy and cheerless, yet immense throngs visited the grounds, and continued to pour in until late in the afternoon. The rain necessitated the holding of the ceremonies in Judges' Hall, instead of the open air. Presi- dent Grant was present, surrounded by an assemblage of distin- guished persons from every section of the country, together with the ambassadors of several foreign nations. After music and prayer, Hon. D. J. Morrell, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the United States Centennial Commission, delivered an address of a congratulatory nature, which was very appropriately supple- mented by the rendering, by the combined chorus and orchestra, of Dettingen's Te Deum. Other addresses were delivered by John "Welsh, President of the Centennial Board of Finance; Hon. A. T. Goshorn, Director-General of the Centennial Exhibition; and Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, President of the United States Centennial Commission. The audience and chorus then mingled their voices in the grand old national anthem, "My Country 'tis of Thee," and at 3.37 p. M. President Grant formally closed the Exhibition with the announcement:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, — I have novv^ the honor to declare the Exhibition closed."
On the instant, an electric signal, communicating with Machinery Hall, checked the great Corliss engine, and the message, "The President has this moment closed the International Exhibition," sped by wire to the principal cities of Europe, Canada, and the United States. The Exhibition had reached its end.
In the foregoing pages, no attempt has been made to describe the wonders of the exhibition, and in the description of the build- ings which follow, reference will be made only to some of the more notable objects of interest.
The Main Building.
The largest of the five principal exhibition buildings was the Main Building, claimed to have been the largest ever erected in the world. On first witnessing it, the visitor was impressed with its marvelous extent, and it was difficult to appreciate the fact that it covered an area of 936,000 square feet, or more than twenty-one aci^es. The central avenue, or nave, was one hundred and twenty feet wide, and one-third of a mile in length. R. J. Dobbins, a prominent Philadelphia builder, erected the edifice, and used 7,000,000 feet of lumber, and 8,000,000 pounds of iron;
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20
SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL ESniBITION.
the appointed day (the tenth), the weather was rainy and cheerless, yet immense throngs visited the grounds, and continued to pour in until late in the afternoon. The rain necessitated the holding of the ceremonies in Judges' Hall, instead of the open air. Presi- dent Grant was present, surrounded by an assemblage of distin- guished persons from every section of the country, together with the ambassadors of several foreign nations. After music and prayer, Hon. D. J. Morrell, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the United States Centennial Commission, delivered an address of a congratulatory nature, which was very appropriately supple- mented by the rendering, by the combined chorus and orchestra, of Dettingen's Te Deum. Other addresses were delivered by John Welsh, President of the Centennial Board of Finance; Hon. A. T. Goshom, Director-General of the Centennial Exliibition; and Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, President of the United States Centennial Commission. The audience and chorus then mingled their voices in the grand old national anthem, "My Country 'tis of Thee," and at 3.37 p. M. President Grant formally closed the Exhibition with the announcement:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, — I have now the honor to declare the Exhibition closed."
On the instant, en electric signal, communicating with Machinery Hall, checked the great Corliss engine, and the message, "The President has this moment closed the International Exhibition," sped by wire to the principal cities of Europe, Canada, and the United States. The Exhibition had reached its end.
In the foregoing pages, no attempt has been made to describe the wonders of the exhibition, and in the description of the build- ings which follow, raference will be made only to some of the more notable objects of interest.
The Main BuiLDnJo. The largest of the five principal exhibition buildings was the Main Building, claimed to have been the largest ever erected in the world. On first witnessing it, the visitor was impressed with its marvelous extent, and it was difficult to appreciate the fact that it covered an area of 936,000 square feet, or more than twenty-one acres. The central avenue, or nave, was one hundred and twenty feet wide, and one-third of a mile in length. R. J. Dobbins, a prominent Philadelphia builder, erected the edifice, and used 7,000,000 feet of lumber, and 8,000,000 pounds of iron;
<,('•
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE.
23
tlie services of 3,000 men being required to place these immense quantities of material in position. In the autumn of 1874, the foundations were laid; in May, 1875, the contractors began the erection of the iron work, of which the building was almost wholly- constructed, and by the 15 th of February of the Centennial year, the immense structure was pronounced complete, and was deliv- ered to the Board of Finance. Viewed from the gallery, after the decorations were arranged, and the exhibits in place, the interior presented a fairy scene, with its grand pavilions, splendid show-cases, tasteful displays of rich goods of every description, and its sparkling fountains. The wants of visitors were abund- antly provided for — restaurants, cloak-rooms, telegraph stations, soda fountains, telegraph offices, letter-boxes, safes for the keeping of valuables that visitors might not wish to retain on their persons, a steam elevator to the gallery or roof, etc. Three of the seven departments into which the exhibits were divided, were allotted to the main building, viz. : mining and metallurgy, manufactures, education, and science. Beginning with the United States exhibit, a prominent feature was the great organ, costing $15,000, and of the same general nature was the great Roosevelt organ in the north gallery, with which was connected an electric echo organ and an electric suspended organ, all three being played from one keyboard. Among other interesting objects in the United States department, were models of schools and school furniture, displays of the works issued by the Harpers, and other leading publishers, Bibles in twenty-nine languages, including a copy of the first EngUsh Bible printed in America, in 1781, a classified collection of all the postage stamps of this and foreign nations: full exhibits of silk, woolen, and cotton goods; also of hardware (in which Connecticut was well represented); watches and watch-making machinery; military uniforms, including a figure of Emperor "WiUiam of Germany; solid silver models of the Pullman palace cars ; silver-plated wares, of which the Meridon Britannia Company made a noticeable display, and also the Gorham Manufacturing Company, the latter exhibiting a magnificent "Century Vase," of solid silver, four feet in height, and costing $7,000; cologne fountains, free to the visitor; rich displays of furniture (some placed in elegantly furnished apartments) ; and pianos and organs liy all the leading manufacturers of the country.
In the British department, the leading attraction was a display of bronzes, silver ware, etc., valued at $500,000, and including
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE. 23
tlie services of 3,000 men being required to place these immense quantities of material in position. In the autumn of 1874, the foundations were laid; in May, 1875, the contractors began the erection of the iron work, of which the building was almost wholly constructed, and by the 15th of February of the Centennial year, the immense structure was pronounced complete, and was deliv- ered to the Board of Finance. Viewed from the gallery, after the decorations were arranged, and the exhibits in place, the interior presented a fairy scene, with its grand pavilions, splendid show-cases, tasteful displays of rich goods of every description, and its sparkling fountains. The wants of visitors were abund- antly provided for — restaurants, cloak-rooms, telegraph stations, soda fountains, telegraph offices, letter-boxes, safes for the keeping of valuables that visitors might not wish to retain on their persons, a steam elevator to the gallery or roof, etc. Three of the seven departments into which the exhibits were divided, were allotted to the main building, viz. : mining and metallurgy, manufactures, education, and science. Beginning with the United States exhibit, a prominent feature was the great organ, costing $15,000, and of the same general natiire was the great Eoosevelt organ in the north gallery, with which was connected an electric echo organ and an electric suspended organ, all three being played from one keyboard. Among other interesting objects in the United States department, were models of schools and school furniture, displays of the works issued by the Harpers, and other leading publishers, Bibles in twenty-nine languages, including a copy of the first English Bible printed in America, in 1781, a classified collection of all the postage stamps of this and foreign nations: full exhibits of silk, woolen, and cotton goods; also of hardware (in which Connecticut was well represented); watches and watch -making machinery; military uniforms, including a figure of Emperor TVilliam of Germany; solid silver models of the Pullman palace cars; silver-plated wares, of which the Meriden Britannia Company made a noticeable display, and also the Gorham Manufacturing Company, the latter exhibiting a magnificent "Century Vase," of solid silver, four feet in height, and costing $7,000; cologne fountains, free to the visitor; rich displays of furniture (some placed in elegantly furnished apartments); and pianos and organs by all the leading manufacturers of the country.
In the British department, the leading attraction was a display of bronzes, silver ware, etc., valued at $500,000, and including
24 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
the " Ilelicon vase," in repousse, and richly enameled (costing' $30,000), and reproductions in electro-deposit of ancient works of art from British museums. Lady visitors were especially inter- ested in a splendid pavilion of hangings of purple velvet, richly decorated with specimens of embroidery, the work of ladies of the English nobility. Lace, silk, ribbon, and woolen fabrics were extensively shown, and a pretty feature was a case of complete toilettes for ladies, arranged upon wax figures. The cutlery exhibit was exceedingly attractive, and the same remark will apply to the exhibits of Axminster, "Wilton, and other costly carpets and rugs, alike charming in design and colors. The illustrations and speci- mens of fine cut printing, shown by the London GrapliiG and London Illustrated News, formed an unusually attractive feature, and a full afternoon might well have been devoted to their exam- ination. The India exhibit was rare and curious — richly embroid- ered silks, carved furniture, weapons studded with precious stones, lacquered ware, quaintly-made fans, carpets rich with their Oriental coloring, and lastly, an extensive collection of photographs of scenes in the East Indies, and of the natives of that distant clime. Of the other British dependencies, the exhibits were of a miscella- neous character, none of marked interest.
The largest exhibit in the French section was of porcelain, faience, and majolica work, in which the French workmen are unsurpassed. The manufacturers of Paris and Lyons made a charming shov/ing of velvets and silks, in every design and shade — brilliant and bewildering. Several rich court dresses, displayed on wax figures, were generally admired. Aubusson tapestries, Goupil's, Hachette & Go's illustrated works; the perfumery exhibit; maps and plans of the famous Suez canal; musical, scientific, and philosophical instruments, and cutlery in charming designs, com- manded attention as specialities, but the leading attraction of the French section was the wide variety of goods known as Articles cle Paris, including thousands of articles formed of the precious metals, also steel, ivory, crystal, leather, etc., and used in the household or for the adornment of the person. In this class of work, the French have no superiors, and their exhibit well illus- trated the remarkable taste and ingenuity of their designers and workmen.
Germany also made a large exhibit of artistic works, notably of porcelain, including three vases decorated with costly paintings, bronzes, and antique shields and swords, rich silks and satins, linens
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE, 25
and damasks, ivory articles, Berlin worsteds, scientific and musical instruments, quaintly -carved clock-cases from the Black Forest, costly furs, inlaid work from Leipzig, church images from Munich, together with an altar with figures and painted panels, valued at $3,000. Austria's exhibit was most noticeable for its glass work, meerschaum goods in elaborate designs, and a rich assortment of the world-famed Vienna goods. Italy's display was limited mainly to objects of art, and was especially rich in carved work, inlaid tables, mosaics, majolica- ware, silks, and Tuscany straw-goods. In the Belgian section, there were rich tapestries, laces from Brussels and Mechlin, carved pulpits, marble mantels, gold-embroidered vestments, and other works of art; while the Netherlands con- tributed plans and photographs of the great public works by which a part of the country has been rescued from the embrace of the • ocean; models of Dutch farms and dwellings, Deft carpets and rich goods from the Dutch colonies in the tropics. "Watches, wood-carving, and laces were the principal exhibits in the Swiss section. The sections of Sweden and Norway will be best remem- bered for the groups of wax-figures in costumes, representing the different classes of people of those countries. They were remark- ably life-like, and were invariably surrounded by throngs of admiring spectators. The Chinese and Japanese departments were devoted to classes of goods the cheapness of which has brought them into American markets; but the articles displayed at the Centennial were of the costlier grades, that are rarely imported. Carved furniture, silk-embroidered screens, ivory work, China- ware, porcelain, lacquered -ware, were exhibited in endless profu- sion, and some of the bronze work and porcelain vases were rich beyond description. In the Russian section, bronzes and gold and silver work were prominent, including table services, enamels on gold and silver. A gilt clock, nearly five feet high, presented a globe around which the hours moved, a flying angel with one hand pointed to the hour, and with the other to heaven. A St. Peters- burg firm had a magnificent collection of articles in lapis-lazuli and malachite, including a malachite table, ornamented with gilt, worth $2,500. As the largest fur-dealing nation in the world, the fur exhibit was unsurpassed, and rivahng similar exhibits in the Indian and Egyptian collections, was the magnificent display of velvets and silks, embroidered with gold. This is but a ghmpse of the innumerable attractions of the Main Building — the entire volume would fail to give a fair description of its- wonders.
26 souvenir of the centennial exhibition.
Machinery Hall. This immense structure, next to ttie west of the Main Building, had a floor space of twelve acres, and was 1,400 feet long by 360 feet in width. The cost was $542,300. The general appearance was pleasing, both of its exterior and interior. Next to the Main Building, it was the principal resort of visitors, and its exhibits fully presented the rapid progress of the manufactures in this country and other countries. The most notable and conspicuous object was the immense Corliss engine, double acting, duplex vertical, constructed at the works of George H. Corliss, of Provi- dence, R. I., who defrayed its entire cost — $200,000. "Words will fail to convey an idea of this great machine to one who has never seen it. It rose forty feet above its platform ; its cyhnders were of forty-four feet diameter and ten feet stroke, and the fly-wheel, weighing fifty-six tons, was thirty feet in diameter. Twenty tubu- lar boilers, located in a side building, furnished steam for the monster at sixty pounds pressure, giving about 1,400 horse-power. It communicated motion to nearly two miles of shafting. The exhibits included machines wonderful for the almost human intel- ligence of their action, or for the results produced. The hydraulic annex, near the Corliss engine, was occupied by an immense sunken tank, which furnished water for a long array of hydraulic machines which surrounded it. A section was shown of the first steam engine ever used in this country, imported from England in 1753 for pumping from a New Jersey copper mine. It being impossible in a limited space to give a detailed description of other important exhibits, they vsdU be merely named, leaving it to the reader to call to mind their interesting features, and refresh his memory from his note-book. Among those probably best remem- bered, were the corset weaving machines; the Lyall positive- motion loom; the pin machine shown by the Pyramid Pin Co., of New Haven, which stuck 180,000 pins per day; the automatic spool-cotton winding machines, of the "Willimantic Linen Co.; watch-making machines; carpet looms; model of a Virginia tobacco factory; India-rubber shoe machines; models of vessels belonging to the Massachusetts marine ; the lightning presses, on which were printed every morning many thousand copies of the New York Herald and Sun, from stereotype plates sent from New York on the early train; a Jacquard loom, that wove silk Centennial badges ; automatic machines for making envelopes and paper collars: Pratt & Whitney's (Hartford) fine assortment of machines
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPEISE. 27
for gun and other work; a complete machine-shop fitted up by "William Sellers & Co., of Philadelphia; ingenious tack-making machines; the 1,200-pounder breech-loading Krupp cannon; singu- lar German gas-engines, deriving a steady motive power from the explosion of common gas; and a host of minor articles of special rather than general interest.
The Art Gallery. Memorial Hall, or as it was more generally termed by visitors, the "Art Gallery," differed from the other buildings on the grounds, in that it was designed as a permanent structure. The building was erected at a cost of $1,500,000 by the State of Pennsylvania and city of Philadelphia, as a memorial of the Centennial year, and will be occupied hereafter by the Pennsylvania Museum of Industrial Art. The material is granite, with roof of iron and glass, and the structure is wholly fire-proof. From the center rises a four-sided dome, topped by an immense globe, upon which rests the figure of Columbia, of colossal size. Enormous bronze horses, controlled by female figures, occupy pedestals at either side of the front approach, and on the right of the edifice a bronze group depicts the firing of a shell from a mortar. Spacious as is Memorial Hall, it was quite too limited in area for the exhibition of the extensive collections of paintings and statuary that were sent to Philadelphia, and it was found neces- sary to construct an annex affording 60,000 additional square feet of wall space. Entering Memorial Hall by the main entrance, the first attraction was the statuary in the rotunda, which served to introduce one to the rich treasures of painting and of sculpture so lavishly distributed throughout the building and the annex. In accordance with the general plan, reference will be made only to some of the more striking exhibits. In the American department these embraced Eothermal's Battle of Gettysburg, Eastman Johnson's favorite " Kentucky Home," Moran's "Hot Springs of the Yellowstone," Kensett's "Conway Valley," Healy's portraits, Bierstadt's "Valley of the Yosemite," Briscoe's fine marine work "A Breezy Day off Dieppe," Prof. "Weir's (New Haven) "Gun Foundry " and " Confessional," Page's " Farragut Entering Mobile Bay," Thompson's " Old Oaken Bucket," etc. In the EngUsh department, the " Marriage of the Prince of "Wales," loaned by Queen Victoria, a large and richly filled canvas, was the center of attraction, and was always sur-
28 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
rounded by eager throngs. " Rizpah Defending her Sons from the Eagles," in the German section, was the largest canvas in the exhibition, and one that commanded wrapt attention. Among other works that will be remembered was Clement's "Death of Csesar," "Ledaand the Swan," the large equestrian portrait of the Crown Prince "William Henry, Wagner's " Scene in the Circus Maximus at Rome," "Surrender of Sedan," "The Destruction of Pompeii'' Murillo's "Christ on the Cross," and a copy of Raffael's " Galileo before the Inquisition," etc. The display of statuary in the Italian department was extensive and of surpassing interest. The photographic annex, connected with the Art department, was located to the eastward of Memorial Hall, and contained a very large collection of photographic views, those of the United States being of a superior order.
The United States Building. In general interest, the exhibits in this building were not sur- passed by those of any other department, and the ample space of the passageways was a decided convenience to visitors. The structure cost only $110,000. Its exterior was of a pleasing design, and inside, the skill of the architect gave to the heavy frame-work and columns an appearance of lightness and grace that attracted the eye at once. The departments of army and navy exhibits were of special interest. The working of the signal service, by which coming meteorological changes are predicted, was illustrated by a fully-equipped "weather station." The Quai'termaster's department exhibited figures clothed in the seve- ral uniforms that have been worn in the United States army, together with camp equipage, and machinery for making clothing, and a cutting machine, cutting through a dozen or twenty thick- nesses of cloth. In the ordnance section were found some of the principal attractions of the building, notably the operation of making cartridges and bullets ; collections of fire-arms from the old flint-lock of the Revolutionary war to the repeating rifle of to-day, Gatling and other guns of similar design, etc. In the Navy department section, a striking object was a full-rigged model of the sloop-of-war "Antietam," forty-one feet in length, and near by a model of the French line-of -battle ship, "Dante," built about 1600, illustrated, by comparison, the changes in naval con- struction. Relics of various Arctic exploring expeditions, with paintings of Arctic scenery, models of Esquimaux sledges, scores
ART GALLERY.
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23
SOUVENin OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
rounded by eager throngs. " Rizpah Defending her Sons from the Eagles," in the German section, was the largest canvas in the exhibition, and one that commanded wrapt attention. Among other works that will be remembered was Clement's "Death of Caesar," "Ledaand the Swan," the large equestrian portrait of the Crown Prince William Henry, Wagner's " Scene in the Circus Masimus at Rome," "Surrender of Sedan," "The Destruction of Pompeii'" Murillo's "Christ on the Cross," and a copy of Raffael's " Galileo before the Inquisition," etc. The display of statuary in the Italian department was extensive and of surpassing interest. The photographic annex, connected with the Art department, was located to the eastward of Memorial Hall, and contained a very large collection of photographic views, those of the United States being of a superior order.
The United States Building. In general interest, the exhibits in this building were not sur- passed by those of any other department, and the ample space of the passageways was a decided convenience to visitors. The structure cost only $110,000. Its exterior was of a pleasing design, and inside, the skill of the architect gave to the heavy frame-work and columns an appearance of lightness and grace that attracted the eye at once. The departments of army and navy exhibits were of special interest. The working of the signal service, by which coming meteorological changes are predicted, was illustrated by a fully-equipped "weather station." The Quartermaster's department exhibited figures clothed in the seve- ral uniforms that have been worn in the United States army, together with camp equipage, and machinery for making clotlnng, and a cutting machine, cutting through a dozen or twenty thick- nesses of cloth. In the ordnance section were found some of the principal attractions of the building, notably the operation of making cartridges and bullets ; collections of fire-arms from the old flint-lock of the Revolutionary war to the repeating rifle of to-day, Gatling and other guns of similar design, etc. In the Navy department section, a striking object was a full-rigged model of the sloop-of-war "Antietamj" forty-one feet in length, and near by a model of the French line-of -battle ship, "Dante," built about 1600, illustrated, by comparison, the changes in naval con- struction. Relics of various Arctic exploring expeditions, with paintings of Arctic scenery, models of Esquimaux sledges, scores
ART GALLERY.
HISTORY OP THE ENTERPRISE.
31
of models of forts, batteries, and weapons, and two brass guns used by Hernando Cortez in his desperate Mexican expedition, each and all commanded attention. The Treasury department showed specimens of paper-money, coast survey charts, and seve- ral models of light-houses and their apparatus; the Agricultural department, an exhaustive exhibit, in glass cases, of soils, native woods, including the giant trees of the Pacific slope, twenty to thirty feet in diameter, models of fruits, vegetables, and grains, cotton, flax, and other plants of that nature. In addition to innumerable patents, the Interior department's exhibit embraced curious illustrations of the mode of life, habits, and costumes of the Indian tribes, with their weapons and household utensils; a canoe, sixty feet in length, made from a single log by the Vancouver Island Indians, and a reduced copy of a large wood carving at Fort Simpson, British Columbia, representing the body and wings of a bird with a dog's head, which the Indians revere as a copy of the sacred bird which directed their ancestors from Asia to America. In the museum branch were shown Gen. Washington's clothing, camp equipage, etc., magnificent swords presented to naval officers by sovereigns of the East, and a singular model of an invention by the lamented President Lincoln, for lifting steamers over sandbars on the western rivers. In the Post-OfBce department's section was the exhibition post-ofiice, representing, in practical operation, evei'y feature of the postal sj'stera ; a ma- chine manufacturing postal cards, and another making stamped envelopes. The extensive and valuable museum of the Smithson- ian Institute was well represented by stuffed specimens of Ameri- can animals, birds and fishes, weapons and methods of their capture, including a finely-executed model illustrating a whaling scene, with the harpooning and flaying of the whale shown. On the grounds adjoining the Government Building were exhibited a sample monitor turret, containing two great fifteen-inch guns, boats used in Arctic expeditions, including one made by the crew of the " Polaris," from the wreck of their vessel, army wagons of the latest designs, rifled cannons and mortars, including a 20-inch Rodman gun, requiring a 1,080 lb. shot and 200 lbs. of powder; an iron light-house with light and fog-bell complete, and a speci- men of the " Syren," or steam-fog horn, which can be heard a distance of over thirty miles in clear weather.
ft-
HORTICULTURAL HALL.
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE. 31"
of modeiG of forts, batteries, and weapons, and two brass guns used by Hernando Cortez in his desperate Mexican expedition, each, and all commanded attention. The Treasury department showed specimens of paper-money, coast survey charts, and seve- ral models of light-houses and their apparatus; the Agricultural department, an exhaustive exhibit, in glass cases, of soils, native woods, including the giant trees of the Pacific slope, twenty to thirty feet in diameter, models of fruits, vegetables, and grains, cotton, flax, and other plants of that nature. In addition to innumerable patents, the Interior department's exhibit embraced curious illustrations of the mode of life, habits, and costumes of the Indian tribes, with their weapons and household utensils; a canoe, sixty feet in length, made from a single log by the Vancouver Island Indians, and a reduced copy of a large wood carving at Fort Simpson, British Columbia, representing the body and wings of a bird xAth. a dog's head, which the Indians revere as a copy of the sacred bird which directed their ancestors from Asia to America. In the museum branch were shown Gen. "Washington's clothing, camp equipage, etc., magnificent swords presented to naval officers by sovereigns of the East, and a singular model of an invention by the lamented President Lincoln, for lifting steamers over sand-bars on the western rivers. In the Post-Office department's section v/as the exhibition post-ofiice, representing, in practical operation, every feature of the postal system ; a ma- chine manufacturing postal cards, and another making stamped envelopes. The extensive and valuable museum of the Smithson- ian Institute was well represented by stuffed specimens of Ameri- can animals, birds and fishes, weapons and methods of their capture, including a finely-executed model illustrating a whaling scene, with the harpooning and flaying of the whale shown. On the grounds adjoining the Government Building were exhibited a sample monitor turret, containing two great fifteen-inch guns, boats used in Arctic expeditions, including one made by the crew of the " Polaris," from the wreck of their vessel, army wagons of the latest designs, rifled cannons and mortars, including a 20-inch Eodman gun, requiring a 1,080 lb. shot and 200 lbs. of powder; an iron light-house with light and fog-bell coroplete, and a speci- men of the "Syren," or steam-fog horn, which can be heard a distance of over thirty miles in clear weather.
32 souvenib of the centennial exhibition.
The "Woman's Pavilion. Tliis structure owed its existence to the labors of the "Woman's Centennial Executive Committee, and generous help extended by ladies who organized associations throughout the States for the purpose of raising funds and arranging for the representation of woman's skill and ingenuity. The structure, which was of an attractive architectural design, cost but $30,000, and the only noticeable fault was that it did not afford sufficient space for the exhibits. The entire floor and wall space was 102,400 square feet, of which 96,000 feet was available for exhibition purposes, exclu- sive of the aisles and fountains. In this department, the exclusive management was in the hands of the ladies, and none of the other sex were to be found exercising any authority or duties whatever. Even the engine which supplied the power for the building was controlled by a lady, Miss Emma Allison, of Grimsby, Iowa. The exhibits gave high evidence of the ability of woman, not only in the departments of labor allotted to her sex by general consent, but in some to which the other sex lays principal claim. Some of the inventions were of an exceedingly practical and useful nature; for instance, a machine for executing the difficult work of washing blankets, barrel covers that could be locked, a life-saving mattress, a combined chair and traveling-bag, self-fitting dress patterns, mangling and dish-washing machines, the latter not only cleans- ing but drying the plates. In the department of artistic work, however, the exhibits were most numerous. The displays of painting and statuary were rather limited, but numerous fine wood carvings and ornamented porcelain pieces were shown. Embroid- eries and works of that character were to be seen everywhere, the handsomest contributions being from foreign countries, notably the cases of embroideries and needle-work by the ladies of the Eoyal School of Art and Needle-Work, which is under the patron- age of Queen Victoria. A set of velvet covers for doors, embroid- ered in gold thread, was contributed by the wife of the Bey of Tunis, and elegant embroideries, feather work, and paintings were sent from the female art schools of Paris. The nuns of the Roman Catholic convents and seminaries of Canada offered several cases of embroideries of surpassing beauty and elegance, and Japan exhibited ornamental screens, painted and inlaid, quaintly- figured silks, and lacquered work-boxes, writing-desks, artificial flowers, and raised pictures in wool. In th3 Brazilian exhibit were some superb specimens of flower-v/ork in leather^ and a beau-
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32
SOUVENIH OF THE CENTENKIAL ESnlBITIOS
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The Woman's Pavilion. This structure owed its existence to the labors of the "Woman's Centennial Executive Committee, and generous help extended by ladies who organized associations throughout the States for the purpose of raising funds and arranging for the representation of woman's skill and ingenuity. The structure, which was of an attractive architectural design, cost but $30,000, and the only noticeable fault was that it did not afford sufBcient space for the exhibits. The entire floor and wall space was 102,400 square feet, of which 96,000 feet was available for exhibition purposes, exclu- sive of the aisles and fountains. In this department, the exclusive management was in the hands of the ladies, and none of the other sex were to be found exercising any authority or duties whatever. Even the engine which supplied the power for the building was controlled by a lady, Miss Emma Allison, of Grimsby, Iowa. The exhibits gave high evidence of the ability of woman, not only in the departments of labor allotted to her sex by general consent, but in some to which the other sex lays principal claim. Some of the inventions were of an exceedingly practical and useful nature; for instance, a machine for executing the difficult work of washing blankets, barrel covers that could be locked, a life-saving mattress, a combined chair and travehng-bag, self-fitting dress patterns, mangling and dish-washing machines, the latter not only cleans- ing but drying the plates. In the department of artistic work, however, the exhibits were most numerous. The displays of painting and statuary were rather limited, but numei'ous fine wood carvings and ornamented porcelain pieces were shown. Embroid- eries and works of that character were to be seen eveiywhere, the handsomest contributions being from foreign countries, notably the cases of embroideries and needle-work by the ladies of the Eoyal School of Art and Needle-Work, which is under the patron- age of Queen Victoria. A set of velvet covers for doors, embroid- ered in gold thread, was contributed by the wife of the Bey of Tunis, and elegant embroideries, feather work, and paintings were sent from the female art schools of Paris. The nuns of the Eoman Catholic convents and seminaries of Canada oifered several cases of embroideries of surpassing beauty and elegance, and Japan exhibited ornamental screens, painted and ialaid, quaintly- figured sUks, and lacquered work-boxes, writing-desks, artificial flowsrs, and raised pictures in wool. In Iha Brazihan exhibit were some superb specimens of flower-work in leather, and a beau-
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HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE.
tiful mode], iu cork, of a castle. Somewhat of the same nature were models of the Catholic convents, etc., above referred to, executed in wood or plaster, while the ladies of this country ex- hibited photographic views of various charitable institutions con- ducted under their auspices. The literary department, which, by the way, was placed in an unfavorable part of the pavilion, was rich in the writings of the best-known authoresses of this countr}', foreign writers being very slightly represented. Manufacturing was represented by carpet and other looms, in charge of female operatives; a silk ribbon loom, whose products, of a national do- sign, were extensively purchased for souvenirs; a printing-oCnce, with lady compositors at work setting type for the New Century of the Exhibition (a journal conducted by the ladies in charge of the pavilion), and a Hoe printing press, upon which the paper was printed. This brief sketch very faintly outlines the varied attrac- tions of this department, which afforded material for a full day of sight-seeing.
The Agricultural Building.
Although only one-third the size of the principal buildings, this was a grand structure, constructed mainly of wood and glass, the exterior painted a sombre browm, and the roof dark green. It consisted of a nave 820 feet in length and 100 wide, crossed by three transepts; the entire edifice covering an area of several acres. The cost was §200,000. The exhibits were of never-end- ing interest, and it is justly claimed that the display was the largest and most complete in all its departments ever seen at any "World's fair. The showing of agricultural implements indicated the rapid strides that the country has taken toward intelligent and scientific farming, and the success that has been attained in reliev- ing the farmers from the heavy burden of manual labor to which their fathers were subjected. " Mowing-machines, plows, grain- cleaning machinery, horse-rakes, reapers, and the smaller imple- ments were shown in endless variety. A real curiosity in compar- ison with the graceful products of to-day, was a rude plow made in Connecticut before the Revolutionary war, exhibited by the Higganum Manufacturing Co. Model stables were shown, but of rather too expensive a character to be available for other than the wealthiest farmers. The wine industry was well represented by products of the vineyards of CaHfornia, Ohio, Missouri, and Cen- tral New York, and in adjoining aisles were exhibited a variety of articles directly or indirectly connectad with agricultural pursixts,
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I
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE. 33
tiful mode], in cork, of a castle. Somewhat of the same nature were models of the Catholic convents, etc., above referred to, executed in wood or plaster, while the ladies of this country ex- hibited photographic views of various charitable institutions con- ducted under their auspices. The literary department, which, by the way, was placed in an unfavorable part of the pavilion, was rich in the writings of the best-known authoresses of this country, foreign writers being very slightly represented. Manufacturing was represented by carpet and other looms, in charge of female operatives; a silk ribbon loom, whose products, of a national de- sign, were extensively purchased for souvenirs; a printing-ofSce, with lady compositors at work setting type for the Neio Century of the Exhibition (a journal conducted by the ladies in charge of the pavilion), and a Hoe printing press, upon which the paper was printed. This brief sketch very faintly outlines the varied attrac- tions of this department, which afforded material for a full day of sight-seeing.
The Agricultural Building.
Although only one-third the size of the principal buildings, this was a grand structure, constructed mainly of wood and glass, the exterior painted a sombre brown, and the roof dark green. It consisted of a nave 820 feet in length and 100 wide, crossed by three transepts; the entire edifice covering an area of several acres. The cost was $260,000. The exhibits were of never-end- ing interest, and it is justly claimed that the display was the largest and most complete in all its departments ever seen at any "World's fair. The showing of agricultural implements indicated the rapid strides that the country has taken toward intelligent and scientific farming, and the success that has been attained in reliev- ing the farmers from the heavy burden of manual labor to vvhich their fathers were subjected. " Mowing-machines, plows, grain- cleaning machinery, horse-rakes, reapers, and the smaller imple- ments v/ere shown in endless variety. A real curiosity in compar- ison with the graceful products of to-day, was a rude plow made in Connecticut before the Revolutionary war, exhibited by the Higganum Manufacturing Co. Model stables were shown, but of rather too erpensive a character to be available for other than the wealthiest farmers. The wine industry was well represented by products of the vineyards of Cahfornia, Ohio, Missouri, and Cen- tral New York, and in adjoining aisles were exhibited a variety of articles directly or indirectly connectad with agricultural pursixts,
34 SOUVEXIR OF THE CENTEXXIAL EXHIBITIDX.
siicli as specimens of starch, self-raising flour, bread, native T/ood.3, stuffed animals and birds, cured moss for upholstering, artificial hatching apparatus, evaporators for drjdng fruits, etc., pickles, preserves, sheaves of wheat, samples of seeds, etc. Oregon exhib- ited a specimen: of dried cider from which the water had been evaporated, and the residue then rolled around a wooden roller ready for transportation. When dissolved in water, it is ready for us3. Another curiosity, illustrating the same system, was a brick of solidified apple-butter. New Hampshire exhibited two stuffed hogs, one killed at nineteen months, and weighing 1,253 pounds, the other at twenty-one months, weighing 1,307 pounds, also a plow thirteen feet in length, which was made for Daniel "Webster, and which required four oxen to draw it. A very inter- esting exhibit was a large case containing California silk-worms at work, and affording an attractive illustration of the habits of these valuable little toilers. The foreign exhibits were mainly of agri- cultural machinery, canned goods, etc., and Great Britain's section contained an ingenious apparatus for suckling young calves, pigs, and sheep, consisting of a wooden trough filled with milk, pro- jecting tubes ending in rubber nipples. France and Germany showed mainly wines, vegetable oils, etc., and Italy had an attrac- tive collection of similar products from her warmer climate, together with oranges and other fruits which are so largely brought to this country from the Mediterranean ports. Russia surpassed every other country in her exhibits of grains, which were arranged upon pyramidal stands, bags collected at the base, and majolica vases at the top holding ripaned ears. The Pomo- logical Annex, a large wooden building to the eastward of Agri- cultural Hall, was visited mainly during the later days of the exhibition, when the fall fruits wera available for display.
Horticultural Hall. The Horticultural Building was one of the handsomest on the grounds. The design was graceful, and the variegated colors of the exterior were in perfect keeping. Its length was 383 feet, and width 193. The cost, $300,000, was defrayed by the city of Philadelphia, and the structure is to be a permanent ornament to Fairmount Park. During the Exhibition, the conservatory was filled with a collection of rare plants and trees, principally of the luxurious growth of the tropics. Sago, India-rubber, bananas, etc., aie f imiliar in this northern country, yet few have other
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE. 35
than a general idea of their growth, hence, the rubber-tree with its heavy leaves, the sago, date, cocoa, and fan-palms, the latter with its great leaves which find their way to every town and village in summer, the banana-tree with its heavy clusters of fruit? orange and lemon-trees illustrating the progress of the fruit from the bud to maturity, and the camphor-tree with its sharply-cut leaves, were alike interesting to the visitor. The hot-houses contained thousands of plants from different climes. Landscape gardening was variously illustrated, and there was an excellent showing of the articles used in the business of the florist. Placed in this hall, seemingly for the reason that no good place could be found for it elsewhere, was an "electro-magnetic orchestra," made by a Phila- delphia firm. The machine was similar to an ordinary orchestrion excepting that the music was read off by electricity, and commu- nicated to the keys. The notes were cut as perforations in paper stretched over metallic plates, and, passing under charged feelers or "readers," were distinguished and properly played. Outside the building, twenty-five acres were devoted to a grand orna- mental garden, which was filled with a large variety of native and foreign plants, and on the north side of the building was the famous collection of rhododendrons from the Knapp IliU nurseries in England.
Close of the Exhibition, Sale of Buildings, etc. Immediately after the close of the Exhibition, the removal of articles was commenced, and within ten days the buildings were nearly stripped of their contents (excepting those designed to remain for the permanent exhibition), and many of the smaller buildings had been demolished and removed from the grounds. The change from bustling activity to inaction was remarkable. "No Admittance " met the eye everywhere, rail fences and cords shut out intruders from many of the sections, and the Japanese and Chinese buildings were closed in by canvas or board walls. Machinery Hall was listless, the great Corliss engine was at rest, the machines had ceased their clatter and their buzzing, and many of them were enveloped in canvas. The Government Building was closed to visitors, Agricultural Hall was in chaos, the Women's Pavilion was already stripped by the exhibitors, and the Art Gal- lery had but a few sections left complete to attract the visitor. Dismantled as it was, the regular admission price of fifty cents was maintained, and when an indignant visitor inquired, "Why
36 SOUVENIB OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
do they charge fifty cents to come in if we are not to see things ? " he was met by the reply, "Perhaps the charge is made as much to keep out the curious as for any other reason." Persons who visited the buildings to make purchases under the impression that better bargains might be had after the close, were disappointed, for articles were not to be had at any figure. The waiters in the great restaurants found time to wait upon the solitary customer who dropped in, and the steam-cars often made a circuit of the grounds without a passenger. In short, the Exhibition was dead.
The Main Building was purchased for a permanent exhibition for the sum of $250,000, and many of the ornamental structures within it, belonging to foreign countries, and also some from Machinery Hall, were presented in aid of the project. This exhi- bition was in progress through 1877, and with fair prospects of its continuance successfully for an indefinite period. The cost value of all the buildings was about $2,500,000, and the amount realized from the sales was but $296,160, including: Main Build- ing, $250,000; the two mineral annexes, $1,000, cost $19,000; the Carriage Building, $4,100, cost $55,000 ; Photographic Hall, $1,000, cost about $23,000; Art Gallery annex, $3,000, cost $110,000; Judges Hall, $1,500, cost $30,000; Medical depart- ment building, $300; Public Comfort building, $1,000, cost $30,750; Corliss boiler-house, $1,400, cost $20,976; Music Pavil- ion, $100; Agricultural Hall, $13,110, cost $275,000; Pomologi- cal building, $1,250, cost $19,000; Butter and Cheese building, $1,100, cost $15,000; Centennial National Bank building, includ- ing fixtures, $600, cost $7,000; Pennsylvania Educational Hall, $900, cost $12,000; Turkish Cafe, $250, cost, $4,000; American Restaurant, $1,100, cost $30,000, The quaint Japanese house, with garden filled with trees, shrubs, and plants from Japan, was presented to the City of Philadelphia, by the Japanese Imperial Commission.
One of the best features of the Exhibition was the railway, which was patronized not only by tired visitors in passing from one place to another, but by many during the hot weather for the refreshing coolness resulting from the movement of the open cars. A total of 3,784,142 passengers traveled on the trains during the Exhibition.
In the number of exhibitors and attendance, the Philadelphia Exhibition surpassed any other ever held, with the single exception of that at Paris in 18C7, and perhaps the Vienna Exhibition in
HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE. 37
1S73. The total number of exhibitors at Philadelphia v/as 30,864, and one of the best evidences of its international character, and of the interest it excited abroad, is found in the fact that over 20,000 of the exhibitors were from foreign nations. The United States headed the list, of course, and next in order was Spain and her colonies, 3,822; with Great Britain and colonies third, 3,584.
The attendance of visitors was something marvelous. They came by tens of thousands. Yet such was the grand scope of the Exhibition, that one hundred thousand on a single day did not inconveniently crowd the buildings or grounds, excepting at gate- ways, passageways in the buildings, or occasional other places where the space was unavoidably restricted. In the earlier days, during May, June, and part of July, the attendance was compara- tively limited, and was largely confined to residents of Pennsyl- vania and adjacent States. The record of the opening day showed a total of only 76,172 paying visitors, but on the day following the number dropped to 14,723, and the next to 10,251, on the 16th to only 7,056. The average for the month was but 19,946, and June witnessed an increase to only 26,756. Meantime, the daily expenses of the Exhibition were enormous, and exceeded the receipts on many days. The ceremonies of the week of the Fourth helped to swell the total for the month, but the average daily attendance fell 2,000 short of that of the preceding month, — due very largely to the intense heat which prevailed, causing numerous cases of sunstroke on the grounds. August's record was better, its daily average being 33,650; and in September the rush for which the managers had so long and confidently v/aited, at last fairly set in. The month opened with 34,182; Connecticut day, the Tth, had 64,059; Massachusetts day, a week later, 78,977; New York day, the 21st, 117,941 ; and Pennsylvania day, the 28th, added such throngs of her citizens to the concourse as to roll up a grand total of 257,169. On no day did the attendance fall short of 50,000, and the daily average was 81,960. In October the rush continued, the average being nearly 90,000; and during the ten clos- ing days of the Exhibition in November, the daily average closely approximated 100,000, During the 159 days, the total admissions were 9,789,392, of which 8,004,325 were paying, making the total receipts $3,813,749.75. The free admissions, 1,785,067, were of oflBcials, exhibitors, journalists, and employes on the grounds. The days of largest attendance of paying visitors, in their order, were; 3
38
SOUYENIR 07 THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
Opening day, May 10th, - - - 76,172
New Jersey day, Aug. 24th, - - 56,325
Connecticut day, Sept. 7th, - - 64,059
September 9th, 99,984
Massachusetts day, Sept. 14th, - 85,795
September 20th, .... 101,498
NewYorkday, Sept. 21et, - - 122,003
Pennsylvania day, Sept. 28th, - - 257,109
September 30th, .... 103,385
Rhode Island day, Oct. 5th, - - 89,000
New Hampshire day, Oct. 12th, - 101,541
October 18th, 124,777
Del. and Maryland day, Oct. 19th, • 161,355
Ohio day, Oct. 26th, .... 123,300
October 27th, 95,563
November 1st, 107,715
November 2d, 115,298
November 8th, 90,588
November 9th, - ... - 170,755
Closing day, Nov. 10th, - - - 106,474
It is of course impossible to ascertain the exact number of different persons wbo visited the Exhibition, for the records show nothing further than the number of admissions. Another interest- ing fact, quite as impossible to ascertain, is the number of non-resi- dent visitors. These have been estimated at over two miUions, and placing the expenditures of each at an exceedingly low average of twenty dollars for railroad fares, board, etc., gives a grand total of expenditures that is enormous. Philadelphia's generosity to the project in its days of discouragement was handsomely repaid when the days of its prosperity came; for every half-dollar admis- sion fee represented five or ten times that sum paid directly to her citizens by visitors for board and other expenses.
THE CENTENNIAL MEDALS.
The above engravings represent the largest size of "Centennial Medals " heretefore described, and which were purchased in large numbers as souvenirs, and to some extent, during the earlier days of their sale, with the primary object of aiding the exhibition funds. Of handsome workmanship and effective design, these medals cannot fail to be regarded by their possessors as attractive memorials of the great International Exhibition.
CHAPTER II
GEN. JOSEPH R HAWLEY.
Sketch of His Early Life — Educated for the Law, abandons ITS Practice and Enters the Ranks of Journalism — Called TO THE Field by the Guns of Sumter — A Fine Military Rec- ord Rewarded by Rapid Promotion — Crowned with Civic Hon- ors BY the People of His State — Chosen as President of the United States Centennial Commission — His Services in that Responsible Office — Extract from an Address at Steinway Hall on the Results of the Exhibition.
The choice of a citizen of Connecticut as President of the United States Centennial Commission was an honor not only to the man, but to the State. It was a position of immense respon- sibility, requiring great executive talents, and a brain able to cope with the important questions destined to decide the success or the failure of the enterprise. The result proved that the selection was an excellent one. From the day of his appointment down to the close of the Exhibition, Gen. Hawley gave his best energies to the work before him. Through all the period of opposition to the scheme, when the newspapers were denouncing it as chimerical, when funds came but slowly, and during the early days of the Exhibition, when the small attendance threatened great financial loss. Gen. Hawley never faltered, nor admitted the possibility of failure. Associated with him in daily councils, were many kindred spirits, and their work not only made the Exhibition the greatest success as a display of the arts and industries of all nations that the world had ever witnessed, but also insured its financial success. Such a record as that is one of which the whole nation may justly be proud, and especially Connecticut, that one of her honored citizens contributed to results unsurpassed by those of any of the great exhibitions of the old world, A few words as to the life and pubUc services of Gen. Hawley may prop- erly be inserted here.
(39)
40 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
Joseph R. Hawley was born at Stewartsville, Richmond Co., North Carolina. His father, Rev. Francis Hawley, is a native of Farmington, Conn., a descendant of one of the early settlers of Connecticut. His mother, Mary McLeod, a native of Fayetteville, N. C, was of Scotch descent. His father went South at twenty- one, engaged in mercantile life, married, and entered the ministry, resided in North and South Carolina fourteen years, and returned to Connecticut in November, 1837. Young Hawley attended the common school and the Hartford Grammar School, and, on the removal of the family to Cazenovia, N. Y., in 1842, the Oneida Conference Seminary. He entered the sophomore class in Hamilton College, N. Y,, in 1844, graduating honorably in 1847. He stood well in his class as a linguist and successful prize speaker, and was a lover of miscellaneous and political reading, a fine debater, and active in physical exercises and amusements. He received the highest honor conferred by the students them- selves, being unanimously elected valedictorian of the Union Lite- rary Society, one of the two into which the College was divided. After graduation, he taught school three winters, and studied law. He entered the law office of John Hooker, Esq., in Farmington, in May, 1849, and September 1, 1850, the firm of Hooker & Hawley opened a law office in Hartford.
He was an ardent opponent of American slavery from his ear- lier years, and attached himself to the Free Soil party. In the spring of 1851, he became Chairman of the Free Soil State Com- mittee, and continued as such till the organization was merged in the Republican party. He was a frequent contributor to the EepubUcan, the weekly paper published as the organ of the Free Soilers, and afterwards consolidated with the Press.
In the meantime, Hooker & Hawley were growing into a pros- perous law business. Mr. Hawley was one of the most active in the organization of the RepubHcan party in 1854 and 1855, and gave several months' time on the stump, and otherwise, to the cause in the famous campaign of 1856. In February, 1857, he united with "William Faxon, under the firm name of Hawley & Faxon, in the purchase of the Hartford Evening Press (daily) and Connecticut Press (weekly), which had been in existence one year as the organ of the Republican party, and thus finally abandoned the practice of law. In the course of the next year or two he invited to Hartford, Charles Dudley Warner, then of Chicago, and four years later, Stephen A. Hubbard of West Winsted, with
GEN. JOSEPH R. HAWLEY. 41
whom he has ever since been associated in editing and publishing. After three years of hard labor the Press was put upon a paying foundation. Mr. Faxon left it to become Chief Clerk of the Navy Department, where he served eight years most honorably and usefully, part of the time as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Fort Sumter having fallen, Abraham Lincoln's call for 75,000 troops reached Hartford, Monday morning, April 15, 1861. J. E. Hawley-and Mr. Drake united in raising a miKtary company, and Mr. Hawley engaged Sharp's rifles for them at the factory, upon his own responsibility. Geo. S. Burnham, as an experienced militia oflBcer, was invited to be captain, and accepted, but he was made Colonel of the 1st regiment, succeeding Col. Dan Tyler, promoted, and Mr. Hawley became captain of Rifle Co. A, First Regi- ment of three months' troops, which company was fully enrolled and accepted Thursday evening, April 16th — the first purely vol- unteer organization completed in the State.
The regiment proceeded to Washington, entered Virginia in May, and was engaged in the battle of Bull Run, July 21st. Capt. Hawley was honorably mentioned in the report of Gen. Keys, his brigade commander. The regiment's terra of service expired that day. Gov. Buckingham appointed Captain Hawley Major, and assigned him to duty in charge of recruits at Hartford. He united with Col. Alfred H. Terry (now Brigadier-General U. S. A.) in raising the 7th Connecticut, of which he became Lieutenant- Colonel.
The regiment was mustered into service Sept. 19, 1861, went to "Washington, was assigned to the Port Royal expedition, under Gen. T. W. Sherman, and was first to land at Port Royal after its capture by the navy, Nov. 10th. It had been selected to lead the assault, in case one was necessary. In December, on Tybee Isl- and, it united with the 46th New York, in beginning the siege of Fort Pulaski. During the bombardment, April 10 and 11, 1862, Lt.-Col. Hawley was field officer of the trenches. The regiment won the honor of being assigned to the command of the captured fort, and entered it immediately. Col. Terry was commissioned a brigadier-general. Hawley asked that the regiment might join Benham's expedition against Charleston, and it left Pulaski about May 30th. It had a prominent part in the bloody battle of Seces- sion ville, June 1 6th, and was highly commended for its bravery. Hawley received his commission as Colonel a few days after. He was engaged in most of the active operations of the Department of
42 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
the South for the two years ensuing — the battle of Pocotaligo, October 20, 1862, the capture of Jacksonville, the fort on the St. Johns, under Brennan, etc. In February, 1863, he was assigned to the command of Fernandina, Fla., and the surrounding region. In April he was called to Port Royal to command that port and base of supplies during the iron-clad attack on Sumter. Return- ing to Florida, he was ordered to the command of St. Augustine and vicinity, but four companies of the regiment, under Lt.-Col. Rodman, having suffered severely in leading the landing on Mor- ris Island, and the assault on Fort Wagner, August 16, 1863, Hawley asked permission of Gen. Gillmore to join them, and did so immediately. The regiment had a very honorable part in the siege, Capt. Gray commanding the 300-pounder Farrott, others managing all the light mortars, and others preparing ammunition at the magazines. During the latter part of the siege. Col. Haw- ley had command of a brigade. After the surrender of Forts Wagner and Gregg, and the complete possession of Morris Island, the regiment was ordered to St. Helena Island, where it entered vigorously upon battalion drill in small boats, with a view to a night assault on Fort Sumter. It lay ten days, in October, on Folly Island, expecting nightly an order for the assault. Return- ing to St. Helena, it was next ordered to join the Florida expe- dition under Gen, Truman Seymour, which, after many hard- ships, culminated in the terribly bloody battle of Olustee, February 20, 1864. Col. Hawley commanded a brigade, composed of the 7th Connecticut, 3d and 7th New Hampshire, and 8th U. S. colored. The Seventh led the assault and covered the retreat as skirmishers.
Of about 5,000 troops engaged on the Union side, the loss was nearly 1,900 killed, wounded, and captured. Those captured im wounded were comparatively few. After the painful but suc- cessful retreat to Jacksonville, which was immediately fortified, Gen. Seymour sent forward a warm recommendation that Col. Hawley be promoted for gallantry at Olustee.
In April the regiment was ordered to Virginia, and Hawley, at Gloucester, Va., was assigned to the second brigade in the First Division (Terry's) in the Tenth Corps, under Gillmore, in Butler's Army of the James. In May all the armies moved; Hawley was in the landing upon Bermuda Hundred; the heavy battle of Drewry's Bluff, the battles in May and June around Bermuda Hundred, the movement against Petersburg, under Gillmore, in June, the Deep
GEN. JOSEPH R. HAWLEY. 43
Bottom and Deep Run (or Fuessell's Mill) battles of August 14th and leth, after which Generals Terry, D. B. Berry, and B. F. Butler recommended his promotion. Thence his command was sent to the trenches in front of Petersburg. His troops were about a month opposite the famous mine, very close to the enemy's lines, and incessantly engaged in picket firing and fortifying. Col. Hawley started for Connecticut about September 12th, with the three years' men of the 6th and 7th, whose terms were expiring, and whose taking home, paying off, and discharge, he superin- tended. At New Haven he received his promotion as a brigadier. Returning to camp in Virginia, after midnight, October 12 th, he was by sunrise engaged in the battle of October 13th, on the Derby road to Richmond, north of the James, part of a great general movement. Assigned temporarily to Birney's division of colored troops, he commanded it in the battle of October 27th, on the New Market road.
Very soon after he was detailed to take 3,000 picked troops and proceed to New York, to keep the peace during the presidential election. Gen. Butler had the general command, and remained in the city, the immediate command of the troops at the forts in the Narrows and on ferry-boats close around the city, devolving on Hawley. It was a wearing trip of a fortnight in the worst v/eather. In December, Gen. Terry received orders to capture Fort Fisher, and taking about 6,000 troops, turned over the com- mand of his division of about 7,000 men to Hawley, who held the extreme right of the whole army from Deep Bottom and New Market Heights, nearly around to Fort Harrison. A superior offi- cer having returned from leave, to take the command, Hawley sought and obtained orders to join his old friend Terry, and his own brigade at Fort Fisher, and did so. Gen. Terry made him chief of staff of the reorganized Tenth Corps, and shortly after, in conjunction with Schofield, the combined forces captured Wil- mington. As the rebels were chased through that town, Febru- ary 22, 1864, their return fire were the last hostile shots he heard in the war.
Gen. Schofield assigned him to the command of "Wilmington, Fort Fisher, and the other defenses of the river, and the four southeastern counties of North Carolina, with a base of supplies for Sherman's army. Wilmington was crowded with refugees. Gen. Hawley was obliged for a time to feed 15,000. It was his native region, and the political and social reconstruction of society
44 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
interested him greatly. In March tlie rebels delivered to him there very nearly 10,000 Union prisoners from Anderson ville, Macon, Salisbury, etc., over 3,000 of whom were sick. A violent and deadly typhus fever broke out among them, and the refugees in the dirty and neglected town. It was stamped down and fought out by vigorous sanitary measures, and by April and May it was a healthy place.
In June, 1865, the work at Wilmington being mostly over. Gen. Hawley accepted an invitation from Gen. Terry to become his chief of staff at Richmond, where the latter was in command of the Department of Virginia. Gen. Terry and staff occixpied the Jeff. Davis mansion. The government of the State was military, and a multitude of troublesome inquiries and complications were constantly arising. Both Terry and Hawley strove diligently for peace and reconciliation, not forgetting complete freedom and justice for all classes. In October Hawley was breveted Major- General for gallant and meritorious services during the war, and receiving his final leave of absence, he returned to Hartford, though his discharge did not take effect till January 15, 1866.
He was nominated for governor by the republicans, and elected ever James E. English, democrat. He served his term from May,
1866, to May, 1867. The session of the General Assembly Was shorter, and the expenditures of the State were less than during any other year since 1860. Defeated by Mr. English in April,
1867, Gen. Hawley declined any further candidacy. In the mean- time, he had brought about a consolidation of the Press and Courant, having for active partners C. D. Warner, S. A. Hubbard, and W. H. Goodrich, and with immaterial changes, Hawley, Goodrich & Co. have published the Courant since 1866. Having obtained a contract for the other morning paper, the daily Post, they passed it and the evening Press to the parties who have since published the consolidated journals as the Hartford Evening Post.
Gen. Hawley took the most active part as editor and speaker in every yearly campaign in the State, and frequently in other States, speaking two or three months in each presidential cam- paign. He has been a delegate or alternate delegate to every national convention of his party for many years. He decided to leave his command in 1864 to attend the convention at Baltimore. In 1868 he came very near obtaining the caucus nomination for United States Senator, but Gov. Buckingham was successful, and
GEN. JOSEPH R. HAWLET. 45
nobody honored the good war governor more sincerely than Gen. Haw ley. A few days afterward Gen. Hawley presided over the great national republican convention at Chicago, which nominated Gen. Grant for the presidency, and in his opening speech developed the sentiment of the convention in favor of sound financial measures. He has been two or three terms president of State conventions. In 1872 he was secretary of the committee on reso- lutions in the Philadelphia Convention. In the Cincinnati Con- vention of 1876 he was chairman of the committee on resolutions. In the Free Soil National Convention of 1852 he was an active member of the committee on resolutions. In 1872 he was a candidate for the United States Senatorship. In the republican caucus he received ninety-eight votes out of one hundred and ten. But a few republicans united with the democracy and reelected Hon. 0. S. Ferry. In September of that year Hon. J. L. Strong, representative from the First District, died, and Gen. Hawley ran against Hon. W. W. Eaton for the vacancy, and was elected. He was reelected for two years the next spring, but defeated in 1875 and 1876. He served three years. He was a member of the committee on claims, on the centennial commission, on military affairs, and on banking and currency.
At the first organization of the United States Centennial Com- mission in May, 1872, he was elected president of that body, and was reelected annually thereafter — the last two terms unanimously.
From the beginning to the end he had faith that the Exhibition would be well managed and successful. The national government having directed that an Exhibition be held, he believed the national government should contribute to the cost. The financial crisis commencing in 1873 having seriously checked the enter- prise, the i;sual annual report of the Commission presented the facts to President Grant, and application was made to Congress in the spring of 1874 for a grant of three millions. Gen. Hawley, then a member of the House, made a speech in favor of the appro- priation,* May 7, 1874, upon the obligations of the government to the Exhibition, He represented its value, the ability of the country to present a worthy exhibition, and to manage it well, all of which has been amply justified by the splendid success of the enterprise. The bill failed then, but in the winter of 1875-6 Con- gress loaned the Centennial Board of Finance a million and a half, which sufficed.
Gen. Havv^ley's last Congressional term expired March 4, 1875.
46 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
The Centennial Commission unanimously voted that he be requested to go to Philadelphia and devote his entire time to the work. In June he took up his temporary residence in Philadelphia, v/here, in connection with Mr. Goshorn, the director-general, and Mr. Campbell, the secretary of the Commission, who were already on the ground, and Mr. Welsh, the president of the Board of Finance, and others, he remained at the work until Jan. 1, 1877, two months after the close of the Exhibition.
In December, a month after the Exhibition had closed, Gen, Hawley dehvered an address at Steinway Hall, Nev,r York, which gave what may be termed a " bird's-eye view " of the results of our national triumph. The following extracts are taken from this address: "Philadelphia was the only place v/here could properly and historically be held the Centennial Exhibition. It was naturally formed for the purpose, and was accessible by rail- roads. The value of international exhibitions is very great. No nation can afford to stay away from one.
" We find from the opinion of foreign master mechanics, that we make very good silk in this country, very good machinery, iron and wood-working, very good sewing machines, very good arms- making machinery, America having had to furnish 2,000,000 to the German government. What shall we say of the Corliss engine — that power of the Exhibition — beside which the little delicate watch-making machines worked unshaken and unharmed ? Print- ing-presses were shown, the like of which were never seen before. In printing-presses America leads the way. As makers of paper, scales, etc., America also stands at the head. In Agricultural Hall America again stood at the head. The forestry exhibits of many countries were very fine, as well as those of tobacco, of which every nation exhibiting brought samples. Coffee, too, was shown by countries which we would never suppose capable of producing it. The machinery in Agricultural Hall was interesting, Canada being the only country which came near rivaling America in excellence of labor-saving machines. American cheese was shown to be so good that it is now being imported into this country and sold and relished as English cheese, Stilton cheese, Sweitzer kase, etc. America was beaten in live stock exhibitions by Canada. The Netherlands made an excellent exhibit in public works — the back- bone of that country. Brazil made some very interesting exhibits. France was in some respects a disappointment, but in some things •was very fine — notably in ceramics. Educational exhibits were
GEN. JOSEPH R, HAWLEY. 47
finely sliown by Canada, Russia, and Austria. Sweden and Nor- way furnished very liberal contributions, the former surpassing in iron and steel, the latter in furs and woods. China gave an excel- lent exhibit. Spain, forgiving late unpleasantness, was very gen- erous in all departments. The German bronzes might have been better, but the pottery was superb. America is gaining ground in edge tools, as Sheffield has lately confessed. Our woolens, hard- wares, silks, marbles, and mantels were among the best. Our pianos were the best in the world. Horticulture brought some new views to the world. The "Woman's Pavilion furnishes an interesting field of discussion. One of the finest exhibits given was that of* the American people themselves. I have seen a large number of the 8,000,000 who came into these grounds, and I never saw an intoxicated man; I never saw a quarrel or excited scene among all that multitude."
CHAPTER III.
CONNECTICUT'S EARLY INTEREST IN THE EXHIBITION.
Action of the General Assembly in 1875 — Philadelphia Vis- ited BY A Legislative Committee — State Board op Managers Created — Appropriation of $25,000 to Insure a Proper Rep-
EESENTATION OF StATE INDUSTRIES ThE DeBATE IN THE HoUSE
OF Representatives — Amusing Explanations of Votes — Text OF the Appropriation Bill — How the Money was Expended — The State's Return from its Investment — Special C(*mmit- TEES Appointed to Enlist the Cooperation of Manufacturers AND Others — Prompt and Cheerful Aid given.
Tlie interest manifested by the people of Connectient in the Exhibition project, and tendered at a period in its history when the prospects of its success were far from encouraging, were alike cred- itable in the highest degree. The spirit of '76 was not dead in the Nutmeg State, and when the call came for aid for a project that was designed as a national commemoration of the independence of the country, it was received in a generous spirit. Subscriptions to the stock of the centennial fund were opened, and a considera- ble amount was realized. Early in 1875, in accordance with the request of the United States Centennial Commission, the Commis- sioners for Connecticut organized an "Advisory Board," the func- tions of which were to promote the success of the Centennial Exhibition by advice and disseminating information regarding it. This Board was composed of the Connecticut Commissioner, Gen. Hawley, and alternate "Wm. P. Blake of New Haven, also David A. Wells of Norwich, F. W. Cheney of Hartford, F. J. Kingsbury of Waterbury, Eli Whitney of New Haven, and Nathan- iel Wheeler of Bridgeport.
Mr. Blake, as secretary of the Board, received inquiries at his office in New Haven, either in person or by letter.
The General Assembly convened in May, 1875, and on the IStli of that month Hon, Lynde Harrison of Guilford, introduced in the House of Representatives a resolution providing for a Joint Select
(48)
Connecticut's early interest. 49
«
Committee on the Centennial Exhibition. The resolution was put to an immediate vote, and passed without opposition. On the next day the Speaker appointed as members of said committee on the part of the House the following named gentlemen : Elisha Johnson of Hartford, Rufus R. Dimock of Manchester, "William Brown of "Waterbury, Lynde Harrison of Guilford, Willis R. Austin of Nor- wich, Erastus F. Hewitt of Preston, David B. Lockwood of Bridge- port, Benjamin J. Daskam of Stamford, E. A. Buck of Ashtord, Jeremiah Olney of Thompson, Chas. Edwards of Kent, Henry Gay of Winchester, Isaac Arnold of Haddam, Milon Pratt of Saybrook, Myron P. Yeomans of Andover, and Francis L. Dickinson of Ver- non. The Senate concurred in the passage of the resolution, and Senators Lucius Briggs of Thompson, and Daniel Brewster of Palls Village, were appointed members of the committee on the part of that body. Several meetings of the committee were held, and soon after their appointment, the members, accompanied by Senator Bruggerhoff of Darien, and Representatives J. A. Wilson of Newtown, Charles Blair of Collinsville, E. S. Cleveland of Hamp- ton, John H, Hawkins of Naugatuck, G. W. Brush of Greenwich, and Geo. W. Bradley of Fairfield, went to Philadelphia, accompa- nied by Gen. Hawley. Calling at the headquarters of the commis- sioners the morning following their arrival, they were joined by Hon, John Jay, ex-minister to Austria, Director-Genei'al Goshorn, and others, and, in carriages, visited Independence Hall and the Exhibition grounds, where the buildings were then in progress of construction. A fine collation was subsequently served at Belmont, and the usual after-dinner speeches were made. One of the gen- tlemen of the party in subsequently giving a brief account of the trip, wrote: "The time for examination was brief, but it was suffi- cient to show that Connecticut, with her historic associations, her wealth, and the great variety of her productions, must not follow the example of New York.* We have no such rivalry with Phil- adelphia as to fear a success that may endanger our own greatness; but as we can successfully compete in the markets of the world with many of our principal products, the poor spirit of policy alone will teach us that our manufacturing and mechanic classes must be pro- tected by a proper advertisement there."
On the 23d of June, 1875, Judge Johnson, the House Chairman,
* The writer referred to the unfriendly spirit manifested toward the Exhibition at that time by New York, and the evident disposition not to contribute to its success, financially or otherwise.
50 SOUVENIR OP THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
reported House Bill No. 246, creating a board of ten State man- agers, and appropriating from the State treasury the sum of $40,000, of which $15,000 was to be used to meet the expenses of the Board, and $25,000 to purchase stock from the Centennial Board of Finance. Gen. Hawley and Gov. Bigler of Penna. addressed the members of the legislature in behalf of the bill at an informal meeting, and on the 8th of July it came up for discussion, having been made the order of the day. An extended and vigorous debate ensued, in which the participants were Messrs. Isaac Arnold of Had- dam, E. Johnson and N. B. Stevens of Hartford, S. M. Pratt of Essex, J. H. McMahon of New Milford, W. A. Miles of Meriden, Willis R. Austin of Norwich, E. S. Cleveland of Hampton, Mr. Hopkins of New Fairfield, Lynde Harrison of Guilford, Thos. Elmes of Derby, and James Wilson of Newtown. Various amend- ments were offered, and considerable opposition to the whole meas- ure developed itself during the discussions, mainly by Messrs. Mc- Mahon, Miles, and Elmes. Finally, Mr. Arnold of Haddam, offered an amendment reducing the appropriation from the amount fixed in the original bill to $25,000 — $15,000 for the managers, and $10,000 for subscription to the stock. Apprehending the defeat of the measure unless some concession was made to their oppo- nents, the friends of the bill made no strong opposition to the reduction, the amendment prevailed, and the biU passed by a vote of 124 yeas to 100 nays — 20 members absent and not voting. An analysis of the ballot shows that a majority of the negative votes came from the farming sections of the State, but several friends of the bill voted against it on the ground that the amount fixed by the amendment was insufficient to secure a proper representation of the State at Philadelphia. Several of the members explained their votes, and their remarks were thus reported by the Hartford Cour ant:
Me. Bigelow (New Haven). — I shall vote " No," because the appropriation should be larger. (Applause.)
Mr. Thompson (East Haven). — I desire to preserve the respect of my constituents, who are composed of the most liberal freemen of the State. Instead of $25,000, I would give $100,000. (Ap- plause.)
Mr. Harrison (Guilford). — I am in favor of doing right in this matter, and shall vote "No." I cannot consent to be a party to making a mean gift by voting " Yes." (Applause.)
Mr. Blair (CoUinsville). — I quite agree with the gentleman from Guilford, and shall vote " No." (Applause.)
Connecticut's early interest, 51
Mr. Miles (Meriden). — I shall vote "No," not that I am op- posed to giving, but to the method.
Mr. Peck (Woodb ridge). — I shall vote " No," because the sum is not half large enough.
Mr. Green (Norwich). — As a farmer coming from a manufac- turing town, I believe that the appropriation is not to be com- pared with the advantages to be derived. (Applause.) It is not a reasonable appropriation.
Mr. Main (Ledyard). — I shall vote "No," because we are giv- ing away too much already. (Great laughter.)
Mr. Gillette (Lyme). — The amount is too small, and I shall vote " No."
Mr. Lockwood (Bridgeport). — ^With a total grand list of over $400,000,000, and an actual list of over $600,000,000, Connecticut can afford to do better, and I shall not demean myself by voting for this appropriation. I shall vote "No." (Applause.)
Mr. Hilton (Darien). — As I cannot see but this is the right sum, I shall make no apology for voting " Yes." (Laughter and applause.)
Mr. Daskam (Stamford). — This centennial is a big thing (laugh- ter)— the biggest thing we ever had, and we ought not to give a little, small amount. I go for the original amount, $40,000; that is little enough.
Mr. Olney (Thompson). — I regret that the amount is so small, but the vote shows there is no chance to defeat it, and I shall vote "Yes," under protest.
Mr. Gallup (Voluntown). — It is not large enough, and I shall vote "No."
Mr. Frisbie (Washington). — If it was ten thousand dollars, I should vote "Yes " (laughter); but shall vote "No."
Mr. Pratt (Saybrook). — I shall vote <'No." The amount is too small. (Applause.)
Mr. Percival (Somers). — It should be at least $35,000, but I shall vote for $25,000, under protest.
Mr. Rockwell (Eastford).— I am in favor of $30,000 or $35,- 000, and shah vote " No." (Applause.)
On the 13th of July the bill was taken from the table in the Senate, was warmly advocated by Senator C. B. Bowers of New Haven, and after being amended by providing for ten instead of seven State managers, was passed. The House concurred in the Senate amendment the following day, and finally passed the bill.
52 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
On the 15tli it received the approval of Gov. Ingersoll, and be- came a law.
The following is the text of the bill as passed:
An Act to secure the representation of Connecticut in the Centennial Cel- ebration aud International Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876.
Be it enacted by tJie Senate and House of Rejwesentatives in General As- sembly convened: Section 1. That a board of managers is hereby consti- tuted, to consist of ten persons, whose tluty it shall be to take such action as to them shall seem proper to secure a due representation at the inter- national exhibition in 187(5, of the arts, industries, and institutions of Connecticut, and to expend at their discretion for such purpose such sums as may be needed, not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars. And said money shall be paid out of the treasury, in such sums aud at such times as may be needed, upon the requisition of said board approved by the governor.
Sec. 2. The governor, the member and alternate member from this State, of the United States Centennial Commission, shall he ea'-officio -menx- bers of said board, and the others shall be appointed by the governor.
Sec 3. The sum of twenty-five thousand dollars is hereby appropri- ated from the treasury of the State, in aid of the purposes of this act: fifteen thousand dollars of which, or so much thereof as may be needed, to be expended by said board as hereinbefore provided for, and the remaining ten thousand dollars to be paid to the United States Centennial Board of Finance, under the direction of the governor, for the purposes of said board, as defined in the act of congress constituting the same.
Approved July 15, 1875.
At an early day, Gov. Ingersoll made the appointments of the members whose selection was delegated to him by the bill. At a meeting of the gentlemen chosen, an organization was effected, and the "Connecticut Board of Centennial Managers," as it was officially termed, was formed as follows:
Ex-officio members — Hon. Charles R. Ingersoll of New Haven, Gov- ernor of Connecticut, Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, President of the United States Centennial Commission, and Commissioner from Connecticut; Prof. William P. Blake of New Haven, alternate member of the United States Centennial Commission for Connecticut.
President — Hon. Charles R. Ingersoll.
Vice-Presidents — Hon. Nathaniel Wheeler of Bridgeport, and Burdett Loomis of Hartford.
Treasurer — John E. Earle of New Haven.
Secretary — Prof. William P. Blake of New Haven.
Members — Frederick J. Kingsbury of Waterbury; Ebenezer Learned of NorAvich; Thomas S. Marlor of Brooklyn; Lyman W. Coe of Wol- cottville; also the several officers.
Resident Agent of the Board on the Exhibition Grounds— Thomas R. Pickering of Portland.
The details of the work of securing a proper exhibit of Con- necticut's products devolved mainly upon the Advisory Commit- tee previously mentioned, and to insure more thorough work sub- committees were appointed, composed of gentlemen residing in
Connecticut's early interest. 53
different sections of the State, and interested in the several indus- tries. The plan pursued was to appoint a chairman for each sub- committee, and leave to him the selection of his associates. The following were the principal committees and their chairmen, as originally appointed:
Minerals, Ores, Mining, etc. — James D. Dana, New Haven. Chemistry and Chemical Manufactures — Prof. B. Silliman, New Haven. House- hold aud Office Furniture — Alfred Walker, New Haven. Apparatus tor Lighting, Gas Fixtures, Lamps, etc. — Edward S. Miller, Meriden. Pot- tery, Porcelaiii, and Glass — Wm. P. Blake, New Haven. Industry of Sil- ver Plate, Silver Ware, etc. — Horace C. Wilcox, West Meriden. Yarns and Woven Goods of Vegetable Material, Cotton Industry, etc. — Lorenzo Blackstone, Norwich. Silk Industry — F. W. Cheney, Hartford. Blank- books, Ruling and Binding, Book Binding — The Case, Lockwood & Brain- ard Co., Hartford. The Industry of Fire- Arms and Ammunition — Eli Whitney, New Haven. Axes and Edge Tools generally — Maj. W. J. Wood, Hartford. Cutlery — Hon. Geo. M. Landers, New Britain. India Rubber Goods and Manufactures — Henry L. Hotchkiss, Ncav Haven. Carriages — Wm. H. Bradley, New Haven. Education — Prof. B. G. Northrop, New Haven. Electrical Apparatus, etc. — William Wallace, Ansonia. Musical Instruments — C. M. Loomis, New Haven. Civil Engineering — Theodore G. Ellis, Hartford. Dynamical Engineering — Prof. W. P. Trowbridge, New Haven. Botanical and other Maps — Gen. F. A. Walker, New Haven. Banks and Banking— F. J. Kingsbury, Waterbury. Savings and Trust Institutions — N. B. Stevens, Hartford. Hospital and Hospital Systems — Dr. Geo. B. Hawley, Hartford. Sun- day-schools, Methods and Apparatus — H. Clay Trumbull, Hartford. Plastic and Graphic Art — Prof. John F. Weir, New Haven. Steam and Mining Pumps — Samuel Woodruff, Hartford. Metal and Wood-working Machinery — Thom.xs R. Pickering, Portland. Stone Sawing and Plan- ing Machines, etc. — J. G. Batterson, Hartford. Machines, Apparatus, and Implements used in sewing and making Clothing and Ornamental Objects — Nathaniel Wheeler, Bridgeport. Machines for the manufacture of Paper, Felt, etc. — Smith & Winchester, South Windham. Boilers and Steam Engines — Pitkin Bros. , Hartford. Leather Belting — George Aspin- wall, Hartford. Pumps and H3'draulic Rams — Benjamin Douglas, Mid- dletown. Stop-Cocks, Valves, etc., and Plumbers' fittings — Peck Broth- ers, New Haven. Railway Plans, Rolling Stock and Apparatus — E. M. Reed, New Haven. Forestry and Arboriculture — Prof. Wm. H. Brewer, New Haven. Bells and Sleigh Bells — Abner G. Bevin. Musical Instru- ments and Acoustic Apparatus — C. M. Loomis, New Haven.
With such thoroughly organized committees to arrange for the display of every branch of Connecticut industry, the interests of the Centennial Exhibition in the State were materially aided. The gentlemen of the committee, many of thein large manufac- turers or dealers, made personal arrangements and convinced their friends that the Exhibition was destined to be successful, and that Connecticut could not afford to act an indifferent part. At this time, the newspapers had created opinions in many quarters unfa- vorable to the Exhibition, and the prevaihng business depression, especially in the manufacturing districts, was calculated to deter
54 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
manufacturers from incurring the expenses of preparing special exhibits and sending them to Philadelphia. Yet all the large firms of the State responded to the call upon them in a generous spirit, and many of the smaller manufacturers followed their example. Space was secured in the Exhibition buildings, and many firms, including the Meriden Britannia Co., the Willimantic Linen Co., the Cheney Bros., and others, constructed handsome pavilions in which to display their products. The railroad com- panies of the State made favorable terms to exhibitors, and in short, the Httle State of Connecticut entered upon the work with such enthusiasm, and prosecuted it with such energy, that she became sixth in the list of exhibitors — estimated by the number of exhibits.
The amount appropriated by the State was drawn from the Treasury soon after the Board had perfected its organization, and $10,000 was used for the purchase of the stock of the Centennial Fund, the remaining $15,000 being devoted to the erection and furnishing of the Connecticut Cottage, in defraying the expenses of the managers in arranging for placing the Connecticut exhibits in the Exhibition buildings, and other necessary matters — a work upon which they entered with earnest zeal.
The State was even more fortunate than had been anticipated, in the matter of its investment in the Centennial stock. The $10,000 appropriated for this object was regarded by every one, excepting the most sanguine friends of the Exhibition project, as a direct loss. However, such was the success of the enterprise that something was realized on the return, and of the $10,000 invested by Connecticut, nearly $2,000 found its way back into the State treasury. On the 10th of September, 1877, the State Treasurer received from the Treasurer of the Centennial Board of Finance, a check for $1,941.67. Of this sum, $1,750 represents the distribu- tion of $1.75 per share on the 1,000 shares of stock (par value $10 each) subscribed for by the State, and $191.67, the interest on the money from the time it was paid to the Centennial Board, to the 1st of January, 1876. In addition to this, an unexpended balance of nearly $1,500 remained from the $15,000 appropriated to the State Board of Managers, making a total of $3,500 in cash received back from Connecticut's appropriation in aid of the Exhibition. This is a small sima, it is true, but for the amount expended, the State had the satisfaction of having contributed its due propor- tion to the enterprise, and the State exhibitors were likewise
Connecticut's eaely interest. 55
benefited to a large amount by the advertisement of their pro- ducts. The question of the disposal of this unexpended balance was considered by the General Assembly of January, 1877, and it was decided to appropriate it toward the display of Connecti- cut's manufactures, etc., at the great International Exhibition to be held in Paris in 1878. An Act was passed during the Session of 1877, creating a Board of eight managers, with the Governor, Gen. J. R. Hawley of Hartford, and Prof. W. P. Blake of New Haven, as ex-officio members, and providing that the appropriation for the use of the Board should be limited to the balance remain- ing from the "Centennial" appropriation, and that no member should receive any salary, and no expenses other than necessary expenses for travel, etc., within the State limits.
CHAPTER IT.
CENTENNIAL WORK BY CONNECTICUT LADIES.
Organization of the "Centennial Association of Connecticut "Women," and its Several Local Branches — Various Enter- prises FOR Securing Funds for the Women's Pavilion at Phil- adelphia— Martha "Washington Tea-Parties in New Haven AND Greenwich — Loan Exhibitions of Art and Eevolution- ARY Eelics in Hartford, etc. — The Lady Washington Recep- tion AT Stamford — Centennial Stock Purchased and Con- tributions Obtained for the Women's Department — Aid to the Exhibition of Historical Relics at Philadelphia.
The Centennial Exhibition project had no warmer friends in its early days than the ladies of Connecticut. And, best of all, they gave it aid of a practical character. They worked and raised funds for it — for a single department it is true, the department devoted to the display of the products of women's skill. Yet in this they gave aid to the enterprise as a whole, and contributed largely to making the department devoted to their sex one of the standard attractions of the exhibition. Faithful, conscientious work was done, and few other than the ladies who assumed offices of an execu- tive character in the general and the several branch organizations throughout the State can have any conception of the extent of the task.
The movement which resulted so creditably, was inaugurated in New Haven. Mrs. Gillespie, president of the Executive Commit- tee of the women's department of the exhibition, met a number of ladies at the house of a friend in New Haven, early in 1875, and described in earnest terms the practical interest in the exhibition that had already manifested itself among the ladies of several of the States. In this informal gathering was born the Connecticut movement. Mrs. Gillespie appointed one of the ladies present, Mrs. Worthington Hooker, as a member of the Executive Commit- tee for Connecticut. By virtue of this appointment, Mrs. Hooker "became chairman of the Connecticut association ; Miss E. M. Daven-
(5G)
CENTENNIAL WCKX EY CONNECTICUT LADIES. 57
port was appointed treasurer, and Mrs. Chester S. Lyman, secretary. The local appointments for New Haven were: Mrs. Yv^. A. Nor. ton, Mrs. C. M. Ingersoil, Mrs. D. Cady Eaton, Mrs. H. P. Hoad- ley, and Mrs. J. S. Beach. A few days afterward, April 26, 1875, the New Haven Association was organized. Early measures were taken for raising funds. At a public meeting held in the court- house, addresses were delivered by Prof. Wm. P. Blake, alternate Centennial Commissioner for Connecticut, Mayor Lewis, and Rev.* Leonard Bacon, and the friendly spirit manifested encouraged the ladies to arrange for a Martha Washington Tea-Party and exhibi- tion of relics on the 10th and 11th of June. During that month, Mrs. Gillespie, Gen. Hawley, and Judge Shipman addressed a meet- ing of Hartford ladies at Seminary Hall, in behalf of the project of a "Women's Pavilion on the exhibition grounds, to be devoted exclusively to the display of the products of women's skill and enterprise, and this meeting resulted in the formation of the " Women's Centennial Association of Hartford." Two meetings were held, and a permanent organization was effected by the appointment of oflBcers and a committee, viz. : Chairman, Mrs. S. J. Cov/en; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Charles E. Fellowes; Corre- sponding Secretary, Mrs. Mary H. Burton; Treasurer, Mrs. 0. H. "Whitmore; Committee of Thirteen, Mrs. Samuel Colt, Mrs. Henry A, Perkins, Mrs. Frank W. Cheney, Mrs. W. H. Post, Mrs. T. O. Enders, Miss Antoinette R. Phelps, Miss S. C. Co wen, Mrs. Henry C. Robinson, Mrs. A. C. Corson, Mrs. E. G. Howe, Mrs. Geo. F. Hawley, Mrs. Charles A. Jewell, and Mrs. Henry Whitman.
The Centennial Society for Waterbury was also organized in June, with Miss Kendrick as chairman, Miss C. B. Merriman as treasurer, and Miss M. C. Piatt as secretary, and organizations were formed in several of the smaller towns during the same month* including Woodbury, Mrs. Emily L. Smith, Chairman; Old Lyme, Mrs. Daniel Chad wick. Chairman; Saybrook Point, Mrs. M. B. Burger, Chairman.
In the meantime, the New Haven Association had made rapid progress, and June witnessed two signal triumphs. The first was the establishment of a handsome and ably edited little sheet, The Spirit of Seventy-six, issued "to disseminate information upon the work and aims of the Centennial organization, to awaken interest at home, and to aid in securing a creditable representation of our State in the coming International Exhibition." This was widely circulated, and with excellent effect. The second triumph was the
58 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
Martha "Washington Tea-Party, held in Music Hall on the evenings of June 10th and 11th. A contributor to The Spirit of Seventy -six gave an excellent description of the affair, from -which are taken the following extracts:
" The curtain rose upon a well filled gallery and floor, . . . After a few moments, which were allowed the audience for observ- ing the novel tableau, the queen of the evening, led by the gentle- man who represented President Washington, advanced, and took her place upon the dais followed by the members of her suite. She was elegantly attired in a robe of white satin, with a train of lavender brocade, her hair surmounted by a tasteful cap. The President withdrew to a respectful distance, leaving to her the honors of the evening. The pleasing scene of tlie presentation then took place, the ladies being led in by the tips of their fingers. Each made her obeisance with the formality of the ancient school, and retired into the background. The deep ' curtseying ' was occasionally and pleasantly varied by an amusing prim dip on the part of some ancient guest, very suggestive of the precise manners of the older regime. The beauty of the tout ensemble — the elegance and appro- priateness of the dresses, and the taste displayed during the pre- sentation, called forth the applause of the audience. After the dancing of the stately minuet, which occurred upon the conclusion of the presentation, and to which the showy and becoming cos- tumes of the gentlemen added so much, the stage was given up to the amusing exercises of the ' Sizer drill,' which was performed by a company of the ' Grays ' under the command of Captain Hendrick. Lastly, on the part of the entertainers, came the singing of the 'Star Spangled Banner ' by Mrs. George H. Blinn, whose magnifi- cent voice filled every cranny of the hall, and stirred the patriotism of all. Dancing to a moderate degree now commenced, and the numerous and becomingly attired flower-girls and waitresses began to flit among the crowd, amid the distractions of the music, proffer- ing their tempting wares to eye and palate. Many from the gal- leries came down upon the floor to obtain a nearer view of the cos- tumes, or to participate in the pleasures of the dance, and the even- ing ended in mutual satisfaction and congratulation."
The President was personated by Prof. Norton, Mrs. "Washington by Mrs. Henry Trowbridge, and their suite and guests by over fifty ladies and gentlemen, all appearing in the costumes of a cen- tury ago. Some of these were of historical interest. Mr. Alfred T. Bacon wore a suit descended from Col. Wadsworth, which was
CENTENNIAL WORK BY CONNECTICUT LADIES. '59
made in France, in 1784, to be worn on the occasion of liis presenta- tion at the Court of Louis XVI, and was afterwards worn at the Court of George III. A dress worn by Miss Wheeler once belonged to Madam Wadsworth, and Miss Hadley wore a dress embroidered by Miss Nabby Wadsworth before the Revolutionary war— coarse cotton cloth (then very expensive), elaborately embroidered in silk, with gorgeously variegated flowers, and quaint-looking birds and animals. Miss Minnie Mitchell wore portions of a dress of her great-great-grandmother, Mrs. Rebecca Mott, of Revolutionary fame; Miss Robinson of Hartford, the wedding dress (150 years old) of Mrs. Jonathan Trumbull ; Miss Russell a gold-colored bro- cade with large flowers, originally worn by Miss Hall, sister of Gov. Hall of Georgia, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independ- ence; Miss Jocelyn and Miss Hayes, dresses belonging to Mrs. Gen. Hand, and worn at the receptions of Mrs. President Washington; and Mr. Hayes, part of a suit once worn by Gen. Hand.
The following is a complete list of the ladies and gentlemen who participated in the affair, with the characters personated respectively:
The President and Mrs. "Washington, Prof. Norton and Mrs. Henry Trowbridge. Their suite — Mrs. Betty Washington, Miss Jocelyn; Mrs. Martha Custis Williams, Mrs. H. L. Hotchkiss; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morris, Mr. H. Curtis and Miss Beach ; Mrs. John Adams, Miss Daven- port; Miss Nellie Custis, Miss Leila Ingersoll; Master G. W. P. Custis, Master Paul Fenn; Col. and Mrs. Col. Humphreys, Prof. J. Niemeyer and Miss Delia Lyman. Guests — Mr. and Mrs. John Jay, Mr. John Wurtz and Miss DuBois; Mr. Thomas Jefferson, Mr. B. Carrington; the Misses Jefferson, the Misses Carrington; Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Hamil- ton, Mr. H. L. Farnam and Miss French; Governor and Mrs. Gov. Liv- ingston, Mr. William Gale and Miss Ingersoll; the Misses Livingston, the Misses Stoeckel; General and Mrs. General Hancock, Mr. Wm. J. Mills and Miss Chapman; Louis Philippe, Mr. L. P. Gale; the Misses Chew, Miss Jewett and Miss Flagg; Governor and Mrs. Gov. Huntington, 1st, Mr. A. Howe, 2d, Mr. Russell and Miss Russell; Betsy Devotion, Miss de Karajon; General Lafayette, Mr. Baldwin; Mrs. Abram Davenport, Miss Wheeler; Mrs. Judge Huntington, Miss H. Whitney; M. Otto, Mr. J. Hoppin, Jr.; Mrs. Governor Matthew Griswold, Miss Griswold; Colonel John Trumbull, Mr. Nathan H. Sandford; Rebecca Mott, Miss Mitchell; Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, Mr. and Mrs. George H. Ford; Mrs. Cushing, Miss Southworth; Count and Countess de Moustier, Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Townsend; General and Mrs. Gen. Clinton, Mr. Newhall and Miss Atwater; Captain Jas. Hillhouse, Mr. J. Hillhouse; Miss Van Zant, Miss Anna Graves; Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Wadsworth, Mr. Alfred Bacon and Miss Bacon; General and Mrs. Gen. Knox, Mr. andlNIrs. Lewis Hotch- kiss; Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Ellsworth, Mr. William Ellsworth and Miss LjTQan; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carroll, Mr. T. R. Bacon and Miss Put- nam ; Mr. and Mrs. William Bingham, Mr. C. T. IMorse and Miss Morse ; Mrs. Jonathan Trumbull, Miss Robinson ; Don Diego Gardoque, Mr. John Chapman; Madam Genet, Miss Barrett; Mr. and Mrs. Caesar Rodney, Mr, J. K. Beach and Miss King; Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Goodrich, Mr. C. P. Sandford and Miss N. Trowbridge; Mrs. Colonel Robinson, Miss Helen
60 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
Kellogg; Roger Slierman, Mr. Oliver White; Miss Van Berkel, Miss Katie Trowbridge; Lady Temple, Mrs. Judge Theaker; General Hand and Mrs. Gen. Hand, Mr. and Miss Hayes; Governor and Madam Wintlirop, Mr. Howard Sherman, Jr., and Miss Woodbridge ; Marquis de Chastellux, Mr. H. L. Hotchkiss ; Miss de Peyster, Miss Lucy Trowijridge ; Mrs. Cutler, Miss Graves; Ethan Allen, Mr. Fulton; Miss Saltonstall, Miss M. Daggett; Captain John Paul Jones, Captain Townsend; Mrs. Ralph Izard, Miss Goodsell; Mrs. Van Ness, Miss Wilcox: and other distinguished guests. Ushers — Prof. Niemeyer, J. W. Brooks.
The Loan Exhibition of relics, held in " the new insurance huild- ing," in connection with the tea-party, included the model of the original cotton-gin, Indian relics, coins, ancient silver- ware, family portraits, fire-arms, and several articles of dress, autographs, let- ters, all of historical value. It continued from the 1 0th of June until the early part of July, and was encouraged by liberal patronage, less, however, than its great attractions warranted. The executive committee was composed of Mrs. "Worthington Hooker, president; Mrs. W. A. Norton, vice-president; Miss Davenport, treasurer; secretaries, Mrs. D. Cady Eaton, Mrs. C. M, IngersoU, Mrs. H. P. Hoadley, and Mrs. J. S. Beach; secretary on relics, Mrs. Chester S. Lyman; local committee on rehcs, Mrs. "William Hillhouse, Miss Olivia Hotchkiss, Miss Elizabeth Hotch- kiss, Mr. and Mrs. George F. Newcomb, John "Wurtz, Mrs. Henry Champion, Mrs. Charles A. White, and Miss Harriett E. Peck. Contributions were freely made, and the relics and art treasures owned by the New Haven ladies and their friends interested in the affair, insured the success of the affair from the first. A com- plete account of the exhibition is not regarded as essential, but many of the articles shown are worthy of mention. Among the paintings were portraits of Roger Sherman, Elbridge Gerry, Oliver "Wolcott, Oliver Ellsworth, General Hand, Jonathan Trumbull (Brother Jonathan), Mary Hooker, Colonel Wadsworth, and Rev. Cotton Mather Smith. Many of the engravings were a century old, quaint and interesting. The display of ancient silver- ware was excellent, and well illustrated the character of plate used by the wealthy families of Connecticut in its early days. The exhibi- tion was especially rich in antique books and manuscripts, auto- graphs, and weapons of the Revolutionary War, the New Haven Colony Historical Society contributing generously to this depart- ment. Dresses, jewelry, and household furniture illustrated the luxurious tastes of our ancestors. The exhibition of china was so large and valuable that it became a separate department, and was minutely described by Prof. Wm. P. Blake, who made it illustra-
CENTENNIAL WORK BY CONNECTICUT LADIES. 61
tive of the History of the Ceramic Art. On this subject he deliv- ered a highly interesting and instructive lecture. A catalogue of tlie exhibition showed a total of 811 articles, and over 100 exhibit- ors. Among those enabled to contribute most liberally, were Prof. B. Silliman, Eli Whitney, Mrs. C. S. Lyman, Mrs. E. E. Salisbury, Mrs. J. M. Hoppin, the Misses Gerry, Mrs. Worthington Hooker, Mrs. D. C. Porter, J. W. Bennett, James Birge, Mrs. T. W. Curtis, Mrs. Edward Reilly, Mrs. General Russell, Mrs. Henry Champion, Mrs. Henry Hotchkiss, Mrs. C. M. Ingersoll, Mrs. W. D. Whitney, Mrs. Steven Wheeler, Miss Isaphene Hillhouse, the Misses Foster, Mrs. W. P. Blake, Mrs. W. A. Norton, Miss Harriett E. Peck, Mrs. E. E. Barber, and Mrs. Joseph E. Sheffield. Contributions from other places were received from Judge Smith of Woodbury, (a large donation,) Dennis Thorpe of Middletown, Judge Mc- Curdy of Lyme, J. K. Hall of WaUingford, Mrs. Corson of Hart- ford, and several from towns in the vicinity of New Haven. The gross receipts of the tea-party and reception, and the exhibition, were $4,121.85, and net proceeds $2,270.50.
On the 5th of July a centennial celebration was held in Farm- ington, and Miss Sarah Porter, who was prominently identified with the affair, forwarded to the State association, as its results, $93. Of this, $75 was appropriated by her request to the Women's Pavilion fund, and a promise to increase the contribution to $100 was subsequently made good.
During the warm period, the ladies throughout the State who were expected to continue their work in aid of the project, were at the watering-places or elsewhere, and in September, when Mrs. Gillespie met with the New Haven ladies in that city, Mrs. Cowen of Hartford also being present, rather a gloomy view of affairs was taken. However, the principals in the movement determined to continue their efforts, and the triumphant success they finally achieved proved that they were right, and that their faith in the promises they had received was not misplaced.
The next enterprise toward raising funds was the exhibition of revolutionary relics and works of art in Hartford, the ladies of that city having pledged themselves to raise $1,000 toward the Women's Pavilion at Philadelphia. The Women's Centennial Association of Hartford had the exclusive management of the affair, and the efforts of its members were ably seconded by the ladies of the Loan Committee, Mrs. Daniel Goodwin, Mrs. T. G. Talcott, Mrs. H. E. Taintor, Mrs. A. N. Le Roy, Mrs. E. L. Ken-
62 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
yon, Miss Mary Clark, and Miss Ellen Case. The exhibition opened on the 8th of November, 1875, in the Phoenix bank build- ing on Main street. "The artistic decorations, the beauty of the exhibits, and the social element that made it a delightful resort for seven weeks, insured a success in pecuniary results," remarks a writer in "The Spirit of Seventy-Six," and this was eminently true of the affair. The entire second floor of the building was devoted to the exhibition. The " relic room " was beautifully decorated with the national colors, and contained a large and varied assortment of treasures of the past. Glass cases down the sides of the room and the center, were filled with the more valuable and fragile articles, and grouped here and there were lay-figures in ancient costumes, antique furniture, portraits, and pictures. A mong the articles of the collection were many of historic interest: a sword presented by General Washington to Captain Blanque, a musket captured at Lexington, a magnificent ewer and basin of Sevres china presented by Louis XIV to Madame Montespan, Charter Oak ornaments, a specimen of Gobelin tapestry presented by Napo- leon I to Oliver Ellsworth, minister to Prance ; tea-cup once used by Catherine II of Russia; the New York and Quebec mail-bag of 1752, Benjamin Franklin's compass, loaned by Prof. G. 0. Hol- brook; visiting card of Lady Washington, handkerchief of King Charles X of Sweden; rare coins, loaned by Mr. D. C. Pond; a coin of the reign of Tiberius, 800 years before Christ; a box taken from a French privateer, upon the shding panel of which was the famous prophecy of Hezekiah Wyllis in 1766, " America's fate is fixed in 1866;" decanters and wine-glasses that were brought to America in the Mayflower, flint-lock muskets and equipments datmg back to Revolutionary days, tankards and por- ringers of solid silver, and wedding and other dresses in quaint styles. Of these there were many specimens, generally of silk or satin, and often richly hand-embroidered. Mrs. T. G. Talcott con- tributed a silver set used by her ancestors from 1637 to 1800, and other interesting relics; Mrs. W. R. Cone exhibited a Bavarian head-dress, pieces of the trousseau of the Princess of Wales, spoons, and other small silver articles dating back a century or more ; Dr. Bowen, punch-ladles of the time of George I; Charles J. Hoadly, a package of one shilling bills, ready for issue in 1776, but never signed nor even untied ; J. W. Eldredge, a string of gold beads 250 years old; silver porringers and antique jewelry by Mrs. Elisha Colt; J. S. Buell, a copper plate of Thomas Jefferson by a cele-
CENTENNIAL WORK BY CONNECTICUT LADIES. 63
brated artist, and differing widely from the familiar portraits of the statesman; Mrs. S. J. Cowen, spinning-wheel a century old, and \he facsimile of a spoon brought from Holland 200 years ago; Dr. George C. Jarvis, a gold medal presented to George 0. Jarvis by Prince Albert in 1845, and a cross from the wood of a chest brought to St. Augustine in 1556 ; J. Aspinwall Hodge, two leaves from the sacred book of the Siamese, and a copy of the very rare " Breeches Bible," printed in 1602, and which takes its name from the translation of Genesis iii, 7, which reads, " Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed figge leaves together and made themselves breeches." The autograph collection was excellent. Passing to the art rooms, the visitor was attracted by a large and costly collection of oil and water color paintings, statuary and models. Among the latter was the model of the group for the Connecticut panel of the Pil- grim monument at Plymouth, designed by C. Conrads of Hartford, and representing the little band of pilgrims embarking for the New World. The paintings embraced specimens of the skill of some of the best foreign artists, including De Buel, Bouchard, Henis- kirk. Van Sevadonck, Achenbach, and copies of works of Mur- illo, Rubens, and others. American art was represented by the paintings of Bierstadt, Richards, "Wyant, Ken sett. Sully and others. Prof. Niemeyer of New Haven, had two water-colors; Trumbull of Hartford, a trout just taken ; T. Sedgwick Steele, several admirable trout pieces; D. W. Tryon, a foggy morning ; "Wheeler, a portrait of a child; Stancliff, marine views; Miss Ellen Case, two landscapes; Prof. Gilbert, several water-colors; Mrs. H. B. Stowe, two charming water-colors, a yellow jasmine, and a mag- nolia; Mrs. H. E. Burton, fringed gentian and golden rod ; Mrs. Dr. Olmstead, phlox from nature; Mrs. G. H. "Warner, daisies. Other works in oil and water-colors by resident artists were alike commendable and real attractions to the exhibition. The patrons of the enterprise contributed liberally from their walls, and among the large contributors were J. G. Batterson, H. "W. Conklin, Mrs. Lucius Barbour, Mrs. "W. R. Cone, Stephen Terry, Mrs. Charles A. Jewell, Judge Shipman, Dr. E. K. Hunt, Mrs. George C. Perkins, Mrs. Elisha Colt, G. Wells Root, Miss B. Pomeroy, Miss A. R. Phelps, F. W. Russell, Ebenezer Roberts, and Professor Gil- bert. The account of the exhibition would be incomplete without some reference to the cozy reception-room fitted up for the com- mittee. This was prettily carpeted, and furnished with desks,
64 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
old-fasliioned cliairs, an antique clock, contributed by Judge Elisha Carpenter, and tables upon which were placed an array of medals, with canes and bells made from the wood of Independence Hall, for sale as souvenirs. The exhibition continued seven weeks, and was in every respect successful ; its net receipts equaling the anticipations of these who had so generously given their time and labor to it.
The ladies of the State prosecuted their Centennial work through the fall and winter, and those of the town of Greenwich, in February, 1876, responded with the greatest spii'it to the sug- gestion that they should do something in aid of the Women's Pavilion. It was finally decided that a tea-party and concert should be given for this object, and a committee, of which Mrs. T. S. Pinneo was chairman and Mr. Edward Brush treasurer, set to work to canvass the town. Liberal encouragement was offered, and the entertainment, which was given on Tuesday even- ing, March '21st, was a gratifying success. The attendance was very large, everybody was inspired by the patriotic nature of the occasion, and ate, drank, and were merry ever the achievements of their ancestors. Many of the costumes of the olden time were faithfully reproduced, causing much amusement. The original thirteen States were each represented by tables displaying the State emblems, and attended as follows :
KeiD Jersey— Mrs. C. R. Treat and Miss Lizzie ChurchilU Misses Emma and Jane Mead, and Emma Brush, waitresses.
Fenuf<ylm7iia— Misses E. A. Nichols and L. B. Chamberlain; Misses Julia ancl Libby Mead.
3Ias.mch'n^eiis— Mrs. J. C. West and Miss Sallie Carroll ; Misses IMinnie Reynolds and Lizzie A. Ritch.
Neic York — Mrs. Dr. Edw. H. Brinley and Miss Jennie McComb ; IMisses Kate Lyon, Maggie Topham, L.Buxton, and Lulu Iloyt.
Maryland— Misses Amelia Mead and Amelia Knapp; Misses Sophie Bendeiari, Mead, and Ella Knapp.
Virginufr— Misses L. Button and Kate M. Mead; Misses Mary Ball, Esther Waterliury, Ida F. Mead, and M. T. Hubbard.
Georgi<t— Mrs. Dr. Brush and Mrs. A. M. Brush; Misses Lucy M. White and Grace Minor.
Connecticut— Mrs. Frank Shepard and Mrs. H. M. Fitzgerald; Misses Nancy Carpenter, Carrie Ferris, Maggie Funston, and IVIary Miller.
South Carolina (The Flower Table)— Misses Nettie L. Pinneo, Lizzie Merrett, Ida Schwackofer, and Sadie Mead.
North Carolina (Candy Table)— John T. Hubbard and J. Arthur Pinneo.
Mew Hampsldre— Mrs. E. Bennet and Mrs. T. S. Pinneo.
DeMmre— Mrs. S. G. White, Mrs. J. II. Ray, and Mrs. Geo. Mills.
Rlwde Idand (Ice Cream Table)— Zophar and AVhitman S. IMead.
The net proceeds amounted to more than two hundred dollars. The Old Folks' Concert, for the same object, occurred March 28th.
CENTENNIAL WORK BY CONNECTICUT LADIES. 65
The stage was beautifully decorated with tri-colored Centennial cotton, the gift of Mr. E. A. Knapp. . Noticeable among the quaint costumes was that of Mr. Stephen G. White, upon whom fell much of the work of this concert. He personated Brother Jonathan, and his song, "Cousin Jedediah," was loudly ap- plauded. Professor Browne of Port Chester, received merited praise as the leader. The music of 1776 was represented by thirty voices, selected with care from among the best singers in Greenwich, while the music of 1876 was represented by Miss Maggie Parker of New York, a fine soprano, and Professor Ed. Von Ette, violinist leader of the Mozart Society of New York. Miss Nettie L. Pinneo (Polly Hopkins) sang " Within a Mile of Edinboro' Town," and responded to a hearty encore by giving "I Love My Love." Miss Clara Georgi, a young lady of very great ability as a pianist, delighted everybody with her remarkable execution. The costumes were arranged with faithfulness to old times, and were very eifective when contrasted with the modern costumes of the artists from New York, who represented the music of 1876. The programme of the concert, which is ap- pended, was prepared by Mrs. T. S. Pinneo, and the names were those of persons Kving a century ago:
CONCEKT.
Head Singers — Mr. Moses Harlackinder, a great, high, Dutch singer, from Holland, and Deacon Zecariah Symes. Bass-Viol — Mr. John Hig- ginson. Flute — Mr. John Davenport. Women Singers — Jemima Wig- gleson. Faith Stoddard, Martha Saltonstall, Nancy Pinchon, Betsey Hutchinson, Sally Muggins, Polly Hopkins. Men Singers — Simon Wlier- comb, Thomas Wiggan, Miles Standish, Increase Nowel, Daniel Gookin, Mathew Cradock. And some other men and women folks.
Part I. 1. " Auld Lang Syne," by all ye Singing People. 2. "Invi- tation," ditto. 3. Violin solo, by Professor Ed. Von Ette. 4. Quartette. 5. "New Jerusalem," by all ye Singing People. 7. Song (music and costume of 1876), by Miss Parker. 8. Piano solo (music of 1876), by Miss Georgi. 9. Solo, by Polly Hopkins. 10. "Sons of Zion," by all ye Singing People.
Part II. 1. "Hail Us ye Free," by all ye Singing People. 2. Violin solo. Professor Von Ette. 3. Trio. 4. "Majesty," by all ye Singing People. 5. "Cousin Jedediah," by Deacon Zech. Symmes. 6. Solo, by Miss Parker. 7. " Strike ye Cymbal," by all ye Singing People. 8. " Coronation," ditto, joined by the audience, or such as were "blessed with good lungs and religious training. "
The enterprise selected by the Stamford ladies in aid of the Women's Pavilion was a " Lady Washington Reception," which was held at the new Town Hall on the evening of the 28th of April, 1876. The hall was elaborately decorated, and the stage was brilliant with flags and floral displays. Around the apart-
66 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
ment were ranged thirteen supper tables, which were bountifully supplied, and were in charge of Mrs. Skelding, assisted by Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Loshe, Miss G. Hoyt, Miss Barclay, Miss K. Brown, Miss Viennot, and others. The principal feature of the evening was the reception — a triumphant success, with its "brilliant flood of light, the rich, elaborate, and picturesque costumes, the waves of melody from Grafulla's Band and from the splendidly drilled choruses floating out upon the perfumed atmosphere," as an en- thusiastic Stamford writer expressed it. At eight o'clock the exercises began with the singing of the " Star Spangled Banner" by a chorus of fifty trained voices. Then the curtain rose, dis- closing General Washington (Hon. M. F. Merritt) and Lady Washington (Mrs. W. C. Barclay). The introductions next occurred, Colonel Humphreys (Mr. Alfred White) presenting the distinguished personages, who were received with all the stately formality of our ancestors. After presentation the couples retired to a group at the rear of the stage, a group noticeable for its elegant costumes, so different from the plainer apparel of to-day. Lady Washington's costume was a heavy gray silk ; Mrs. John Adams (Mrs. Dr. Payne), who stood to her right, wore a silk of white and blue stripes, embroidered with bouquets in alternate white and red, and Mrs. Charles Burdett, standing to her left, was attired in rich black velvet. The following is a nearly complete list of the characters personated:
John Jay and Mrs. Jay— Mr. and Mrs. Calvin G. Child. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton — Mr. W. C. Barclay and Mrs. B. Schuyler. Lafayette and Mrs. Madison— Mr. F. N. Fleming and Mrs. M. F. Merritt. Colonel Trumbull and Mrs. King — Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leeds. General Mont- gomery and Mrs. Morris— General G. H. Wallen and Mrs. Charles P. Burdett. John Hancock and Mrs. Hancock— Mr. Wm. L. and Mrs. Hor- ance Brooks. Fisher Ames and Mrs. Wadsworth — C. P. Burdett and Miss Julia Merritt. S. Delancy and Mrs. Delancy— Dr. Delancy Barclay and Miss Fannie Hoyt. Charles Carroll and Mrs. Carroll — Mr. Walton Ferguson and Miss Nellie White — Commodore Decatur and Mrs. EUs- worlh— Mr. James D. Smith and Miss Catherine Aiken. Robert Win- throp and Mrs. Winthrop— Mr. E. C. Parkinson and Mrs. K. K. Ander- son. John Randolph and Mrs. Randolph— Mr. J. H. Swartwout and Miss M. Wallen. Governor John Trumbull and Miss Hall— Mr. John Trum- bull and Miss Alice Child. Governor Woolsey and Mrs. Woolsey— Mr. H. H. Holly and Miss Bennett. Baron Steuben and Madame Genet— Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Meyer. Chauncey Goodrich and Miss Ross— Mr. Rob- ert Pitt and Miss Jessie Wallen. William Livingston and Mrs. Van Rensselaer— Mr. H. W. King and Miss Mary Dickinson. A. Middleton and Mrs. R. Izard— Mr. Nicola Altrochi and Miss Grace Barclay. Gen- eral and Mrs. Putnam— Mr. John P. Clark and Miss Louise Coit. Charles Carroll and Mrs. Otis— Mr. Ferguson and Mrs. F. Weed. Bishop White and Mrs. Edgar- Mr. Frank Wardwell and Miss — Williams. Joel Barlow and Mrs. Barlow— Mr. William F. Daniels and Miss Mary L. Linn. Gen
CENTENNIAL WOKK BY CONNECTICCT LADIES. 67
eral Gates and Miss Goodrich — Mr. John Godfrey and Miss Abbie Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins — Mr. G. A. Carter, Jr., and Miss Katie Ketchum. Mr. and Mrs. Dwight — Mr. Arthur Dodge and Miss Lida Lockwood. Governor Wolcott and Lady Duer — Mr. Isaac Roe and Miss Leonora Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Langdon — Mr. Samuel Godfrey and Miss Maria Smith. Colonel Humphreys and Miss Phillips — Mr. Alfred White and Miss Belle Brooks. The Misses Livingstone — Miss A. Smith and Miss J. Fleming. The Misses Chew — Miss Mamie Dewing and Miss J. Burkett. Hon. TJriah Tracy and Miss Buit — Mr. E. Carter and Miss F. Weed.
The address of the evening was delivered by Hon. Calvin G. Child, and a Centennial poem, full of wit and pleasant local allu- sions, was read by its author, Miss C. Aiken. A feature of rare at- traction was the dancing by ten couples of the " Minuet de la Cour," a stately yet pleasing movement. After the supper had been served dances of a modern order continued tmtil long after midnight, gracefully terminating one of the most delightful even- ings of social life that Stamford had ever witnessed. Independ- ent of the success in this way, the projectors of the enterprise had reason to congratulate themselves on a financial triumph, the treas- urer being enabled to contribute several hundred dollars to the Centennial fund.
In June, 1875, the ladies of Woodbury took an active part in a Centennial celebration of the marching of one hundred and sixty -five men from that ancient town to garrison Forts Ticon. deroga and Crown Point, June 15, 1775. Early in the evening there was a parade through the principal streets of the village, of eighteen sons and grandsons of the revolutionary heroes. The former were Phineas S. Bradley (aged 80), Edward Nichols (aged 84), Elijah Atwood, James Thompson, George Lathrop, and James Tyler, and the grandsons were Ira Thomas, William Coth- ren, Reuben B. Martin, Horace Church, Marcus D. Smith, Enos Benham, Frederick A. Smith, Edward S. Lemmon, Daniel S. Lemmon, William Dawson, Roderick Atwood, and Daniel B. Gal- pin. Reaching the hall, the ladies, attired in the costumes of one hundred years ago, received them and provided a banquet. The ceremonies of the evening included a welcoming speech by Wil- liam Cothren, ancient music by a choir, a poem by Rev. William T. Bacon, and speeches by Rev. John Churchill and Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes.
Early in 1876, Mrs. Chester S. Lyman of New Haven, was appointed by the board of managers of the National Museum of Independence Hall, Phila., as corresponding-secretary for Connec- ticut, the purpose being to obtain for exhibition during the Centen-
68 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
nial year some of the numerous Revolutionary and other historical relics in which households of the old Connecticut f amihes are rich. Many persons owning valuable and interesting articles were unwil- ling to permit them to go out of their possession, even temporarily, but a large number were obtained and sent to Philadelphia, viz. :
From Norwich: Gold watch and pistols which belonged to Colonel John Trumbull, by Jonathan Trumbull; chair which belonged to the first Gov- ernor Trumbull, Mrs. Wm. A. Aiken; punch bowl of Uncas, Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Carlisle; a silver watch, seal and key worn byWm. Williams at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, David T. Lan- man; two pictures embroidered by Faith Robinson, Mrs. Edward B. Huntington.
From Hartford : La Fayette's camp bed, enclosed in a trunk, Mrs. H. R. Phelps; first mail-bag used between New York and Quebec, by Erastus Smith; piece of Charter Oak containing the cavity in which the original charter was concealed, Mrs. Wm. I?. Cone; Benjamin Franklin's candle- stick, Mrs. John Cheney; letter of Mr. Madison, Mi-s. W. B. Franklin; powder-horn used at Lexington and Bunker Hill, Fred. W. Robbins.
From New Haven: Chest of English oak, 220 years old, Mrs. Dewey; carved English oak chair once owned by Governor Treat, Atwater Treat ; portrait, sword and sash of General Wooster, Yale College ; engraving of W. V. S. Murray, associate of Oliver Ellsworth and Mr. Davis in negoti- ating the treaty with France in 1800, C. L. Chaplain; wedding shoe of Mrs. Gen. Wooster, Mrs. Eli Whitney; piece of the wedding dress of Mrs. Baldwin, painted by the first Mrs. President Day, both daughters of Roger Sherman; piece of Lady Washington's dress worn at the second inaugural reception, Mrs. Walter Osborne; christening robe and mantle of Ruth Saltonstall, 1740, Mrs. E. H. Mitchell; fan of Mrs. Faith R. Trumbull, Mrs. Prof. B. Silliman; gold-colored silk skirt, quilted and stitched with heraldic devices, Mrs. Prof. Hoppin ; medal of honor of the capture of Louisburg, Mrs. Stephen Wheeler; medal issued at the time of Washington's death, Mrs. Dr. Thompson; portrait of Vice-President Gerry, by Vanderlyn, 1797, pistol given Eldridge Gerry by an English officer, wedding fan of the mother of Mrs. Gerry, ebony snuff-box given by the great-grandmother of Mrs. Gerry, snuff-box of Eldridge Gerry, all by Miss Gerry; note-book in the handwriting of Roger Sherman, contain- ing the roster of the Connecticut regiments, Mrs. Prof. Thatcher ; water- color painting of the Capitol and White House as they appeared after being burned by the British in 1812, Mrs. Washburn, East River; piece of crimson velvet from a cmtain in the old Adams house, Mass. , Mrs. Marsden. New Haven's contribution also included the following named articles loaned by non-residents: Sash of La Fayette, presented by him to Mrs. H. L. Ells- worth, Mrs. Roswell Smith, N. Y. ; epaulettes of La Fayette, Mrs. George L. Brown, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; portrait of Chief-Justice Ellsworth, Mrs. Waldo Hutchins, N. Y. Mr. Turner also contributed from his collection of relics: Miles Standish's table; musket used by the members of a single family in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars, and the war of 1812; trading license granted by Sir Edmund Andros; Indian relics; samp mortar 200 years old, used for pounding corn before grain mills were intro- duced ; wooden bowl 200 years old.
The contributions of exhibits to the Women's PaviUon are described in another chapter. The main-spring of this work was, of course, the funds secured through the various enterprises above described, this money being contributed alike to the general
CENTENNIAL "WORK BY CONNECTICUT LADIES. 69
Exliibition by stock subscriptions, to tbe Women's Department, and toward creating in various ways an interest in tbe Exhibition, and the forwarding of articles illustrating the skill of women. A number of Centennial medals were sold, and subscriptions to stock were given by residents of Hartford and New Haven, and by a patriotic lady of New Milford. Ninety shares of stock were taken in the names of the New Haven Orphan Asylum, the Society of United Workers, and the Home for the Friendless, all of New Haven, and the subscriptions were paid from a part of the avails of the reception and loan exhibition in June.
A report of the contributions from various sources to the Exhi- bition fund shows the following, and in the order named: New Haven, $1,000; Farmington, $100; Hartford, $1,000; Woodbury, $5.00; Greenwich, $250; Stamford, $628.78. Total, $2,983.78. The subscriptions to the Centennial stock, through the efforts of the ladies, were: Hartford, 16 shares; New Milford, 5; New Haven, 104. Total, 125, or $1,250.
The " Spirit of Seventy-Six," published in New Haven, was a val- uable agent in promoting the interests of the Centennial Exhibition in this State. It was edited and printed under the auspices of the ladies of the New Haven Association, and articles were contributed by many able writers. Twelve numbers appeared, the last in March, 1877, when the editress abandoned journalism, and as she announces in her graceful valedictory, "crept once more into the reins and stays of a woman's appropriate sphere." The receipts from 289 subscribers were $579; from advertisers, $608.50; sale of papers, $2.45; total, $1,189.95. The cost of publishing eleven numbers was $896.13, leaving a balance of $293.82, from which the cost of the last number was paid, and the remainder was devoted to meeting the expenses of packing and care of Connecti- cut exhibits at Philadelphia. 5
CHAPTER Y.
THE CONNECTICUT COTTAGE.
Description of the Building, its Cost, etc. — Valuable Relics Loaned for Decorating its Interior — Arrangements fob THE Convenience of Connecticut Visitors — The Old Well — Sale of the Cottage, and Removal from the Grounds — Its Present Location — Recollections, Humorous and Otherwise, OF Incidents at the Cottage — Queer Sayings and Doings OF Visitors— The Connecticut Brown Stone Portals.
TTie Connecticut Board of Centennial Managers were among the first to approve the proposition that each of the States should place a State building on the Exhibition grounds, and at an early date after the organization of the Board, arrangements were made for the erection of what was subsequently known by the unpre- tending name, "The Connecticut Cottage." The limited amount appropriated by the General Assembly for the expenses of the Board was an obstacle to the erection of such an edifice as the members would have preferred, yet they devoted nearly one-third of the entire sum to this purpose. Visitors who criticised the simple character of the structure, as contrasted with the grander edifices erected by other States in its immediate vicinity, did so with little or no knowledge of the financial obstacles with which the Board had contended. Had they been better advised, they must have admitted that, for the amount available, the Board secured a building that was comfortable, sufficiently large, and at the same time of a design pecuHarly appropriate. Messrs. Earle and Loomis, of the Board, acted as building committee. D. R. Brown, of New Haven, elaborated and prepared the plans from water-color designs made by Donald G. Mitchell of that city, and the construction was awarded to Alonzo Easton, of Hartford. The total cost of building and furnishing was over $4,000.
A description of the Cottage, prepared by the resident agent of the Board, states that it was the first State building completed on the Exhibition grounds. The design, as will be seen by the accom-
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THE CONNECTICUT COTTAGE.
n
panying engraving, was of the charactar of American houses a century ago, and was in full accord with the desires of the Board. The middle portion of the exterior was covered with, scallop-fashioned shingles, the upper part lathed and plastered, and the lower part weather-boarded. The dimensions of the huilding were thirty feet front hy forty feet deep, with a wing or exten-
fht. -
THE CONNECTICUT COTTAGE AT PHILADELPHIA, 1876.
sion ten feet by twelve, a piazza ten feet by twenty, and a good old-fashioned porch leading into the main or reception-room, which was twenty-two by thirty feet in size, with, ceiling seventeen feet high; on three sides a gallery extended. Leading from this re- ception room, was a ladies' parlor and toilet-room, a gentlemen's toilet-room, a cloak, coat, hat, and parcel room, and a private room for business or social meetings of the Board of Managers. The interior wood-work of the building consisted mainly of smoke- stained wood, and in the reception-room was a peculiar antique fire-place and mantel. Above was a shelf eighteen inches wide, and about two feet above that, a second and narrower one. Between the fire-place and the wood-work were side pieces and a head piece of Portland brown stone. This stone-work was sur- rounded by glazed earthenware tiles decorated by hand with char-
72 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
acteristic flowers of Connecticut, scenes from the life of Putnam, the ancient and modern State seals, Charter Oak views, etc. Every article used in furnishing the interior, with a few exceptions, came from Connecticut, and nearly all were of historical interest. A plated ware tea-set was a copy of Elder Brewster's "May-Flower" set, an eight-day clock and spinning-wheel reminded the visitor of a century before, as he rested his tired limbs on a heavy wooden settle, made in 1769. A small table near the fire-place was of Charter Oak wood, and, together with several other articles of the kind, was loaned by Mr. John H. Most of Old Saybrook. A large banner, suspended from the ceiling, had upon it the names of the C/onnecticut governors in letters of the same wood, and its tough fibers also furnished the material for a historical wooden ham hanging over the table, and a quantity of wooden nutmegs. The latter found a ready sale, as curious proofs of the truth of the old story that wooden nutmegs were really produced in Con- necticut. "Old Put.," Connecticut's military hero during the Eevolution, was brought to memory in various ways. Over the fire-place was hung a fine oil portrait of the hero, and upon hooks over the mantel, in antique style, was the " Old Queen's Arm " musket with which he killed the wolf • in the famous den in Pomfret. A silver-mounted cane, formerly owned by the general, was loaned to the cottage by his great grandson. Major Lewis T. P. Putnam, of "Washington County, Ohio, and another great- grandson, Israel "Waldo Putnam, loaned a pair of pistols and hol- sters, powder-horn, bullet-mould, and a magnet, all of historical interest. An object that attracted much attention was the " Royal Arms," which was probably painted about 1724, and, prior to the Declaration of Independence, was suspended above the chair of tha speaker in the Connecticut House of Representatives. This was loaned by the Connecticut Historical Society, at the request of Governor Ingersoll.
One of the largest and handsomest water-coolers ever manufac- tured, was loaned to the Cottage by the Simpson, Hall & Miller Co., of Wallingford. The cooler was of britannia, silver-plated, formed of three parts ; the circumference of the base seven feet, of the body four and a-half feet, and height five feet. Its capacity was twenty gallons. On the top edge of the body, around the outside, were eight columns and two faucets, also four gilded fig- ures representing "Harvest," and the whole was surmounted by a richly-gilded statue of Christopher Columbus. The cooler,
THE COLUMBUS WATER COOLER. 'Tl,e Simiam, Uall & Miller Co. \V:illiDgfor.l.
THE CONNECTICUT COTTAGE. V5
wliich cost $1,000, is to be presented to the State of Connecticut, and will be placed in the new State Capitol at Hartford.
The Cottage was a favorite resort of Connecticut people, and those in charge spared no efforts to meet the thousand and one requirements of visitors to the Exhibition, many of them at a distance from home for the first time in their lives, confused by the rush and bustle, and feeUng strangely lonesome amid the throngs of imf amiliar faces. To this class, the Cottage was a haven of refuge, a place where rest could be had, where letters from home might be expected, where information was cheerfully given, and more welcome than all, where faces from home often met the eye. In the reception-room was a large book, three being used during the Exhibition, where every visitor was requested to regis- ter his or her name. Nearly every one from Connecticut did so, and a singular use of the book was for the making of appoint- ments to meet friends, the writer placing after his name, a place and hour for meeting, and feehng assured that his friends would see it. The Cottage also became popular as a meeting-place for friends visiting the Exhibition in a party. A, for instance, pre- ferred to spend the day in Machinery Hall, and B, among the treasures of the Art Gallery. Yet both wished to meet and go to their hotel together. Nothing easier, for it was only necessary to fix an hour for meeting in the reception-room of the Cottage, for A to have sought B among the thousands on the grounds would have been like searching for some particular drop of water in the great depths of the ocean. Another feature appreciated by visitors was the very complete file of Connecticut newspapers, the proprietors of the principal journals of the State sending their papers free of charge during the Exhibition. A " Bulletin of Information " proved to be of practical value, containing, as it did, daily items of interest to visitors or exhibitors. A place for the safe keeping of parcels or superfluous clothing, and to which purchases on the grounds might be sent, was also provided. The establishment of a branch post-ofiice in the Cottage proved to be one of the most acceptable of all its conveniences. Nearly all Connecticut visitors and exhibitors depended upon it for their letters, and the number handled for the five daily deliveries was very large. All unclaimed letters were returned to the towns in which the persons addressed resided, if known; otherwise, to the writers.
76 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
The following is a list of the articles loaned or provided, free of charge, for use in the Cottage:
Carpet for Ladies' Room, - - - Hartford Carpet Co. , Hartford. Sofa-Bedstead and lleclining Chair, - - Seidler & May, Hartford. Dressing-Case for Ladies' Room, The Furniture M'f 'g Co. , Bridgeport, Gas Fixtures, Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Co. , West Meriden, Water Cooler for Ladies' Room, Middletown Plate Co. , Middletovvn.
Plated Ware, copy of Elder Brewster's " May Flower" Tea Set,
Meriden Britannia Co., West Meriden. Plate Table Ware, . - - - Hall, Elton & Co., Wallingford. Brass Fender, Andirons, Shovel and Tongs, and Mahogany Side-Board,
Mrs. Alfred Hall, Portland. Reading Table, Card and Bouquet Holder, Work Table, Glass and China,
Mrs. T. R. Pickering, Portland. Oil Painting of General Putnam, - H. I. Thompson, New Haven. Game Birds of Connecticut, mounted expressly for the Cottage,
John H. Sage, Portland.
A Connecticut Eagle, W. W. Coe, Portland.
The " Queen's Arm " with which Gen. Putnam shot the Wolf,
George F. Tyler. The great " Columbus" Water Cooler,
Simpson, Hall & Miller Co., Wallingford. Eight-Day Clock and Spinning Wheel, - Mrs. S. J. Cowen, Hartford. Settle, made in 1769, - - - Mrs. O. H. Whitmore, Hartford. Lounge and Rocker for Ladies' Room, - - Ladies of New Haven. Piano, - - - Mathushek Piano Manufacturing Co., New Haven. "CjTiibella" Cabinet Organ, - Shoninger Organ Co., New Haven. Connecticut Register, for use of Connecticut visitors and friends, made expressly for the Cottage,
The Case, Lockwood & Brainard Co. , Hartford. Water Cooler for Main Room, - Joseph Scheider tfc Co. , Portland. Bird Cages, . . . . Hendryx & Bartholomew, Ansonia.
Paper and Envelopes, printed with cut of Cottage,
Plimpton Manufacturing Co. , Hartford. Nickel Plated Coffee Urn, - Manning, Bowman & Co. , Yf . Meriden. Lawn Mower, - - Hill's Archimedean Lawn Mower Co. , Hartford. Bronze Ornaments, - - - - Ed. Miller & Co. , W. Meriden. Well Sweep and " Old Oaken Bucket," - ^ Harley Case, Portland.
Table, Ham, and sundry other articles made of the wood of the
'1 Charter Oak" Tree, - - John H. Most, Old Saybrook.
Gen. Putnam's Buckskin Knee-Brceches, Silver Buckles, and Piece of a Birch-Bark Torch reputed to have been used by Putnam in the Wolf's Den Affair, - - Mrs. H. Goodwin, Boston.
Silver Mounted Cane once owned by Gen. Putnam,
Major Lewis I. P. Putnam, Washington County, Ohio. Ancient Pistols and Holsters, Powder Horn, Bullet Mold and Magnet,
Israel Waldo Putnam. "Royal Arms" used in the Connecticut House of Representatives
prior to 177G, - - - - Connecticut Historical Society.
Mr. Thomas R. Pickering, resident agent of the Board, who remained at the Cottage throughout the Exhibition, received a salary of $3,000 as compensation for his services, which were of a widely varied character, and of great value to both exhibitors and visitors. He had large experience, acquired at both the Paris and Vienna exhibitions, and was especially well informed on the
THE CONNECTICUT COTTAGE. 11
subjects of manufacturing and machinery. In Vienna, Mr. Pick- ering was superintendent of the American machine department, and contributed largely to its success by his explanations to visit- ors. For his management of the department he received the Order of the Cross of Francis Joseph, and at Paris he was awarded a medal in recognition of his ability. Mrs. Pickering was in general charge of the Cottage, and thousands of lady vis- itors were made to feel at home by her unfailing courtesy and kindly attention to their needs. In addition to her duties at the Cottage, she also rendered valuable aid to the lady exhibitors of Connecticut in arranging for the placing of many of their ex- hibits in the Women's Pavilion and elsewhere. Wholly unex- pected, but highly appreciated by her, were the testimonials she received from Connecticut ladies at the close of the Exhibition: From the ladies of New Haven, that gem of art publications, "Picturesque America," in two elegantly bound volumes; and from the ladies of Hartford, a present no less valued as an evi- dence of their esteem. The Connecticut Board of Managers also added a deserved tribute of their appreciation.
The closing history of the Cottage is a peculiar one. Some time after the Exhibition had ended it was purchased by a Miss McCready, to be taken to her home on the Hudson and reerected. It was removed from the grounds shortly afterward, and the re- port was current for some time that its purchaser had carried out her intentions; but a later report is that the Cottage was seen in the summer of 1877 at or near Long Branch, erected as it stood at Philadelphia, and bearing no evidence of the hardships to which its demolition and removal must have subjected it.
Before leaving the subject of the Cottage, mention should be made of the venerable well-box, sweep, and old oaken bucket, which were placed just to the right of the front entrance. These were loaned by Captain Harley Case of Portland, Connecticut, and were objects of interest not only to Connecticut visitors, but to thousands of others, who stopped to examine the quaint old rehc of a century ago, to peer into its box, and to try the swing of the weather-worn sweep. The box and sweep were on the farm of Captain Case for over seventy-five years, and the old bucket dated back more than a century. The latter was taken back to Connecticut by its owner when the Exhibition closed, but the box and sweep went to the purchaser of the Cottage, and was removed with it. Another object of interest on the Cottage
78 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENKIAL EXHIBITION,
grounds was the grand portal or gateway of Portland stone, of massive yet graceful design, and elaborately cut. This was one of the finest finished works that was ever made of this stone, and illustrated the many excellent qualities which have made the material a favorite with builders throughout the entire country, not only for its texture and handsome color, but its durability. The gateway yet remains upon the Exhibition grounds (January, 1878).
A hundred interesting incidents occurring at the Cottage dur- ing the Exhibition might be related, some pathetic, more of them amusing. There was an evident inclination to regard the building as a sort of Connecticut hotel located on the grounds, but differ- ing from ordinary hotels in that everything possible to furnish must be furnished without cost. It was often difficult to prevent some of the visitors from forcing their way into Mr, Pickering's private quarters, and probably a few of those who became indig- nant when refused admission have not yet comprehended that even in public buildings there are some places where visitors should not intrude. The inquisitive disposition of others was manifested by the prying into the drawers and compartments of the old sideboard and dressing-case; but the trouble was poorly repaid, for they contained nothing.
The piano and organ placed on exhibition in "the reception-room by New Haven manufacturers had their durability pretty thor- oughly tested. One or the other, and frequently both at the same time, were played upon from morning until night, largely by per- sons wholly ignorant of music, or only beginners. The effect of two of the latter, seated at the respective instruments, and re- hearsing their latest exercises, can better be imagined than described. Nervous visitors were almost distracted by the dis- cord, and even the regular occupants of the Cottage were occa- sionally compelled to stop the noise in pure self-defense.
The Putnam rehcs were objects of general attention, and some of the comments upon their nature and their authenticity were rather amusing. Early one morning a pleasant-looking old lady, who had visited the Cottage before, came in with several friends, and halting them before Old Put.'s portrait, exclaimed, "There, dew look at that there splendid picter of Gineral Washington ! " Bystanders state that the face in the canvas actually grinned at this. Some parties were inclined to doubt that Putnam ever used the lengthy, old-style gun, that hung over the mantel, in the
THE CONNECTICUT COTTAGE, V9
affair with the v/olf, and one chap nonplussed a crowd with the remark, " Confound it 1 I've been to the cave, and he couldn't get that gun-barrel into it, to say nothing of the stock!" The Putnam magnet was an object of great curiosity. Hundreds rubbed the blades of their pocket knives upon it, so as to give them some of its magnetic power, and one old lady from some- where in the Western States adopted a rather more systematic course. She brought a full package of needles, and spent an hour or more in rubbing them on the magnet. This attracted notice, and she frankly explained that she intended to take them home and distribute them among her friends as Putnam relics.
Visitors were inclined to be rather quizzical on the subject of the authenticity of the Charter Oak rehcs, yet, as a general thing, they purchased specimens freely enough. The imitation nutmegs made from Charter Oak wood sold rapidly, and at times Mr. Most was unable to supply the demand, at fifty cents each. As imita- tions of real nutmegs they were excellent, and at the distance of a yard the difference could not be distinguished. At one time, when the supply was nearly exhausted, a waggish member of the Board of Managers played a curious trick upon several of the visitors. Procuring two or three dozen genuine nutmegs, he mixed them with the wooden ones; many were sold, yet it ap- pears that no purchaser detected the deception, for in no instance did any one return and demand an exchange. The parties who were skeptical as to the authenticity of the Charter Oak articles generally had no delicacy about expressing their opinions, and one of them remarked with a grim smile, " 'Pears to me that the oak woods of Connecticut are goin' to be cleaned out pretty soon if this Charter Oak fever don't let up." Late in the fall the cool weather prompted the keeping of a wood-fire on the hearth in the reception room. One morning a tall chap, evidently from the extreme backwoods, dropped in at the Cottage, and at once sought the genial fire-side. Settling his hands under his coat-tails, he backed up to the fire, stretched his legs apart, and soon made himself comfortable. Finally, as his gaze wandered around the room, he caught the eye of one of the attendants, and asked, " Is this a Charter Oak wood-fire? " The attendant laughingly re- sponded that it was possible that it was. The chap pondered for a moment, and then, his face brightening up, remarked, "Thought it was; thought I sort 'er re-co^'-nized the smell."
The confidence with which visitors relied upon the knowledge
80 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
of Mr. Pickering and his assistants was surprising, and at times somewliat entertaining. Perfect strangers would inquire, '' Have you seen my brother John in here this morning? " or would re- quest, " If you see Bill Jones of B, to-day or to-morrow, tell him I'm stopping at No. 000 Blank street." By the time the agent had stored his memory with a score of these directions (espe- cially if not knowing any of the parties), the chances were that the directions he would be able to give the expected friends would make the finding of the others rather doubtful work. One day a lady came in and inquired of Mr. Pickering, "Have Mr. B and Mrs. L, his sister, been here yesterday or to-day? " Both names being unfamiliar, Mr. Pickering replied that he could not state, and advised the lady to consult the pages of the register, where she might possibly find their names recorded. In a snappish tone the lady replied, "Indeed, I won't go to that trouble. You ought to have somebody here who knows everybody in Connecti- cut, and who can recollect when they see them." Mr. P. was so amazed by this starthng proposition that he made no reply. If he had collected his thoughts quick enough, he might have sug- gested that such men are comparatively scarce, but before he had this chance the lady had dexterously kicked the train of her dress up into her left hand with her right foot, and swept out of the room.
One of the most humorous demands upon the agent was made by a verdant-looking young man, who wished to purchase photo- graphic views of the Cottage, of which a quantity, exteriors and interiors, were kept on sale. After looking them over with much deliberation, the young man produced his wallet and "guessed he'd take an interior and an outlerior both." A fruitful source of amusement to persons who were advised of the fun, was found in watching visitors who encountered the " old well " for the first time. From a little distance there was no reason to suppose that there was only a well-box resting on the ground. Thirsty parties would rush forward to get a drink from the old oaken bucket; but before drawing the water they generally wanted a peep down the cool, mossy depths of the weU. The joke came in when one of them, firmly holding on his hat with one hand, braced his hand securely against the well-box, and gazed down — just three feet. One individual who was fooled in this way, and detected a group enjoying his discomfiture, ejaculated, "Mighty partic'ler about their thundering old well! S'pose they take the hole in-doors, af eared somebody would steal it."
CHAPTER YI.
CONNECTICUT'S EXHIBITS.
PART I.
The Display of Manufactueed Goods and Mechanical Tki-
^ UMPHS IN THE MaIN BuILDING AND MACHINERY HaLL ThE
Leadinq Firms of the State Represented — Exhibits of Arms, Silver Ware, Machinery, Sewing Machines, Textile Fabrics, Bronze, Brass, Iron, and other Manufactures — Evidences of the Ingenuity of Connecticut's Inventors, and Skill op her Workmen — Notes on some of the most Im- portant Exhibits.
Connecticut's contribution to the several departments was so va- ried and so extensive that her people felt in it a justifiable pride. It was larger in proportion to her area and population than that of any other State in the Union; it gave full evidence of the variety and standard character of her productions ; and the percentage of awards to Connecticut exhibitors was greater than for any other State. In certain classes of articles, such as silver and plated ware, brass, goods, cutlery, arms, etc., the exhibits were of marked superi- ority, and evidence of this is found in the awards and written decis- ions of the judges, many of the latter speaking in decided terms of the merits of Connecticut's productions. The entries in the several departments numbered nearly four hundred, thus distributed : In the Main Building, 163; in the Machinery Hall, 74; in the Agricultural Department, 21; in the Art Department, 4; in the Government Building, 43 ; in the Women's Department, 66; in the Annexes and Grounds, 23. By this excellent showing the state fully supple- mented her record at the Vienna exhibition, in 1873, where the exhibits were of such a character that her exhibitors received a larger number of awards in proportion to the number of exhibits than any other state or nation.
The character of the industries of the state was indicated by the articles shown, all of which, with comparatively few ex-
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82
SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
ceptions, were produced by manufacture, or the results of manu- facturing processes. It is true that some entries gave suggestions of the agricultural and mineral resources of the State, but com- pared with the products of her work-shops they were few in num- ber and of slight importance. To give an extended description of each of the four hundred exhibits would require an entire volume, and in the restricted space which must be allotted to the subject of the exhibits in this volume, only those of marked prom- inence can be referred to other than in general terms. Yet exhib- its deserving of liberal notice were shown in nearly every depart- ment, forming no inconsiderable portion of the elegant attractions of the Main Building, the mechanical triumphs of Machinery Hall contributing to the interest of the Government exhibit, and in short enlivening and assisting to the completeness of the entire exhibition.
B— Barrel. T— Trigger.
C -Cylinder. lU-Ramrod.
H— Hammer. L— Lever.
G— HoUow p-oove for Capping. ORIGINAL COLT S REVOLVER.
One feature of the Connecticut exhibits at Philadelphia was par- ticularly noticeable, that a large part of the productive skill of the State was directed to weapons, and other appliances of war.
LATEST DESIGN COLt's REVOLVER (SELr-COCKING).
Connecticut's exhibits — part i. 83
The Colt's Fire-Arms Company of Hartford made an extensive display of pistols in a large ornamental case in the Main Building. The front was a plate of glass ten by twelve feet, behind which was a circle of pistols of all the different calibers manufactured by the company, and including specimens of the old-style revolvers first introduced by Colonel Samuel Colt. Prussian needle-guns of the company's make occupied spaces in the angles of the case. The engravings on the preceding page represent the improvements in the company's products. First is the original revolver, an effective weapon, but muzzle-loading, and discarded in the present day for the more convenient style. The second engraving represents the new double-action, self-cocking, central fire revolver, combining all the latest improvements and devices. Such a weapon as this is of inestimable value to its possessor, who can deliver his fire with the greatest celerity and effect, for its ease of action, accuracy, and penetrative powers are unsurpassed.
Colt's first patent was obtained in the United States in 1835, and the establishment, under the name of the Patent Arms Com- pany, was started in Paterson, N. J., in 1836. From 1848 to December 3], 1855, it was conducted under the supervision of Colonel Samuel Colt, and since that period the style has been as at present. The buildings of the factories proper at Hartford, Conn., cover an area of 500 feet square, or 250,000 square feet of ground. The annual sales vary greatly. In some years they have exceeded $1,500,000. During the American Civil War, this com- pany furnished the United States government with 100,000 army and navy pistols, and 100,000 Springfield muskets. Since then they have suppHed Russia with 30,000 breech -loading muskets, and France with 6,000. The company ranks high in arms man- ufacturing, and can now produce 100,000 arms of an entirely new pattern quicker than any other manufacturing company in the world.
The celebrated Gathng gun, manufactured at the Colt's Yf orks, was shown both in the Main and United States buildings, the speci- mens representing pieces of the different calibers, from the one- inch, with a range of two and a half miles, to the little pieces weighing entire only ninety pounds, but with a capacity of firing one thousand balls per minute. The Gatling gun was invented by Dr. Richard J. Gatling of Indiana, in 1861, and the next year he made the first complete weapon in Indianapolis. Within a few years official tests were made by the artillery officers of all the
84
SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
principal nations, and resulted in numerous orders for a weapon which was found to exceed in destructive qualities any previously invented. In 1866 the United States adopted it for field use; in 1867 it was adopted by Russia, in 1871 by Turkey and Eg}l)t, in 1872 by the United States for both shore and ship service, and in 1874 the United States Chief of Ordnance recommended the pur- chase of 209 guns for use on fortifications, at a cost of $292,600- Other nations have purchased Gatlings, including China, for which a large order was filled. The gun consists of a number of rifled barrels arranged and revolving around a shaft to which they are parallel. These barrels are loaded and fired while revolving, the metallic cartridge shells being ejected in continuous succession.
GATLING GUN. [Showing arrangement of barrels.]
Each barrel is fired once in a revolution, but as many shots are deliv- ered during that time as there are barrels, and the revolution being rapid, they follow in quick succession, sounding not unlike a stick drawn rapidly along a picket fence. The action is simple. A man places one end of a feed-case of cartridges into a hopper at the top of the gun, while another turns a crank, by which the gun is revolved; fresh feed-cases can be substituted without interrupt- ing the succession of shots.
Another weapon of similar character exhibited, was the Gardner battery gun, the invention of Y7"illiam Gardner of Hartford. This
Connecticut's exhibits— pakt i. 85
was shown in two forms, one with two and the other with four barrels. Its object — that of hurhng a large number of projectiles in quick successive order — is the same as the Gatling, but is reached
THE GARDNER GUN.
by a wholly different method, the Gardner gun having a simple reciprocating lock-motion. The chief resemblance in the two guns is that both are worked by cranks. This weapon is also an effective one, and the trial tests have given excellent results. Although a recent invention, many orders for the gun have been received, including a large one from the Chinese government.
The "Whitney's Arms Co., of Whitneyville, New Haven, made a fine exhibit of pistols and rifles. There were two upright stands, connected by counter cases, the whole in wood imitating ebony. In the upright cases were sporting and field rifles, the latter furnished complete with bayonets of the angular and the sabre style, and in the counter cases were specimens of the "Whitney and Monitor styles of pistols, all sizes and calibers, elegantly mounted and inlaid. The company showed complete lines of breech-loaders for infantry, cavalry, and sporting purposes, and claimed as the merits of their system: that the firing-pin is withdrawn by positive motion; that the cartridge-shell is ejected clear from the chamber; that the weapon may be loaded on the half-cock ; that the breech- block is securely locked the instant it is closed; simplicity of con- struction, fewness of parts, and rapidity of firing. At a test
86 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
by United States officers, it was fired twenty-three times in one minute. The Whitneyville Armory was established in 1798 by Eli Whitney, father of the gentleman now president of the com- pany, and was the first complete factory for the manufacture of arms established in this country. The United States Government, by liberal advances on his contract, aided Mr. Whitney so materi- ally that he was enabled to construct more perfect machinery than had ever been used in America or Europe, and which accom- plished that great desideratum — duplicating the parts accurately, so that they were interchangeable. Mr. Whitney achieved a world- wide reputation as the inventor of the cotton-gin, the original model of which was exhibited by the Whitney Arms Company at Philadelphia. This gin has been virtually unimproved upon, although it has passed through the most inventive age that ever existed, and if the revolving toothed cylinder and ths revolving brush were removed from use as Mr. Whitney combined them, there would be no efficient cotton-gin at the present day, and cotton would advance from 50c. to $1.00 per pound on account of the expense of cleaning it of its seed. This invention has been worth more than five thousand millions of dollars to the United States. It has made the prosperity of the Southern States; it has made England rich, and changed the commerce of the world. Lord Macaulay said: " What Peter the Great had done for Eussia, the inventor of the cotton-gin has equalled and more to advance the power and progress of the United States." But for all this the inventor realized no remuneration. What he received in one Southern State he spent in another in law-suits to sustain his patented rights. He had sixty law-suits in Georgia before the courts even affirmed and confirmed his rights — and the State paid him nothing. Taking cold on his last journey to the South, he contracted a complaint which proved fatal, and his suffering during the last months of his life was marked by paroxysms of intense pain. Hence he died a martyr to the benefaction which he conferred upon his country and the world. His family, if dependent upon what he realized from the invention of the cotton gin, would be among the poorest in America. While monuments to military and civic celebrities are numerous through that section, no South- ern city or State has ever yet erected a monument to the memory of the author of an invention to which their prosperity is so largely due. Such tribute as this would be eminently proper.
WHITNEY CAEBINE.
g7
88 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
In fact, it would be even more appropriate if the monument was erected by the nation, for to no other inventor does the nation owe a greater debt.
The Winchester Repeating Arms Company of New Haven had a rich and extensive display of weapons, consisting of magazine rifles, field, sporting, and target models, there being more than one hundred specimens in the collection. The cases containing them were upright, forming three, sides of a square, with project- ing counter cases, and in the center an upright, octagonal case. In the angles of the square were cases containing collections of all the styles and sizes of metallic cartridges (about seventy-five in number) made by the company, on shelves of plate-glass. In one of the counter cases was a rifle with barrel and magazine sawed in longitudinal sections. Another case contained a rifle exquisitely inlaid in gold tracery on blued steel, the floor of the case being a mirror, reflecting the reverse side, and thus exhibiting the whole piece. The exhibit included a total of nearly two hundred guns, representing about fifty different styles. The cost of the cases alone was $3,000, and this represents but a fraction of the value of the exhibit. The theory upon which the "Winchester repeating rifle is constructed is, " to produce an arm effective and accurate at all practicable ranges up to 500 or 600 yards, with the least weight of ammimition, and possessing unparalleled rapidity of firing. This feature of rapidity is obtained by the use of a maga- zine holding from eight to twenty shots, which can be fired at the rate of two .in one second, or eight times as fast as the single breech-loading gun, and is its distinguishing characteristic; never- theless, it can be used as a single breech-loader with all the ease and rapidity of any gun of that class." At the Exhibition the company received an award on their magazine sporting rifle, the report of the judges characterizing it as "the best magazine rifle for sporting purposes yet produced." The company also received an award for the perfection of their metallic ammunition for mih- tary purposes. Their cartridge factory is claimed to be the largest in the country.
The Sharps Rifle Company of Bridgeport exhibited their famous sporting and target rifles and carbines in an elegant case, appro- priately surmomited by a pair of stag's horns. Every style of weapon manufactured by the Company was exhibited, and many of the pieces were covered with elaborate ornamentation. The merits claimed for this weapon were its strength, simplicity of
90
SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
meclianism, and good action, combined with remarkable accuracy; this has been demonstrated at Creedmoor and elsewhere, and places the Sharps high among the best target and sporting rifles of the world. A British sportsman has scored sixteen consecu- tive bulls-eyes with this rifle, at one thousand yards. Christian Sharps, the inventor, began the manufacture of the rifles at Hart- ford in 1851, and was located there until 1876, when a new
SHAKPES' RIFLE.
and extensive factory in Bridgeport was taken. This rifle has been in use for over twenty-five years, and although hundreds of thousands of them have been sold to governments, hunters, sportsmen, rifle clubs, and others, yet no instance has occurred of injury inflicted through any defect of system, workmanship, or material. Soldiers, hunters, and marksmen have, as their esti- mate of its excellent qualities, long given the name of "Old Eeliable" to the Sharps rifle, and the Company have adopted that as their trade-mark.
The Union Metallic Cartridge Company of Bridgeport had a very interesting exhibition, in cases finished in French walnut and plate glass, including cartridge shells and percussion caps in every stage of manufacture, and a box of cartridges which had been recovered from a submerged wreck, where they had been three months under water. On a trial of several thousand of these cartridges not one failed to explode. The brass from which these cartridge cases were made was from the Coe Manufacturing Company, Wolcottville, and the works of AYallace & Son, Ansonia.
One of the most interesting exhibits in the Main Building was that of the "Willimantic Linen Company. Columns on two sides of their enclosed space supported entablatures bearing in hand- some black letters the device, " Willimantic Spool Cotton," the first and the last two words being displayed intermittently. The
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y
EXHIBIT OF THE WILLIMANTIC LINEN' COM2
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SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
mechanism, and good action, combined with, remarkable accuracy; this has been demonstrated at Creedmoor and elsewhere, and places the Sharps high among the best target and sporting rifles of the world. A British sportsman has scored sixteen consecu- tive bulls-eyes with this rifle, at one thousand yards. Christian Sharps, the inventor, began the manufactui'e of the rifles at Hart- ford in 1851, and was located there until 1876, when a new
SHAKPES' RIFLE.
and extensive factory in Bridgeport was taken. This rifle has been in use for over twenty-five years, and although hundreds of thousands of them have been sold to governments, hunters, sportsmen, rifle clubs, and others, yet no instance has occurred of injury inflicted through any defect of system, workmanship, or material. Soldiers, hunters, and marksmen have, as their esti- mate of its excellent qualities, long given the name of "Old Reliable " to the Sharps rifle, and the Company have adopted that as their trade-mark.
The Union Metallic Cartridge Company of Bridgeport had a very interesting exhibition, in cases finished in French walnut and plate glass, including cartridge shells and percussion caps in every stage of manufacture, and a bos: of cartridges which had been recovered from a submerged wreck, where they had been three months under water. On a trial of several thousand of these cartridges not one failed to e.xplode. The brass from which these cartridge cases were made was from the Coe Manufacturing Company, Wolcottville, and the works of Wallace & Son, Ansonia.
One of the most interesting exhibits in the Main Building was that of the TVillimantic Linen Company. Columns on two sides of their enclosed space supported entablatures bearing in hand- some black letters the device, " Willimantic Spool Cotton," the first and the last two words being displayed intermittently. The
EXIIIBI r 01- THE U'lLLIMANTIC LINEN COMPANY.
CONNECTICUT'S EXHIBITS PART I. 93
pavilion (see engraving) enclosed a long, wide show-case contain- ing 2,520 spools of cotton, comprising no less than 120 different shades of color, making a spectacle not only of exceeding beauty but strikingly illustrative of the taste and progress evinced by the manufactures of the company. The central object in this minia- ture spool cotton mill was a revolving pyramid twelve feet high, surmounted by a figure of Victory, holding a wreath above her head. This was constructed of spools of six-cord cotton of all conceivable colors, but showing prominently in black and white the word " "Willimantic." Next, resting against a pillar of the building was a frame six feet square, within which were 8,464 spools, so arranged in colors as to represent an immense eagle, with the figures "177G" above and the word " Centennial " be- neath. Finally, another large show-case contained an extensive display of samples of work done with Willimantic cotton, com- prising the greatest variety of articles — hats, shoes, shirts, collars and cuffs, ladies' underwear and other garments — all showing the fineness of the work which is attainable with this cotton, and evincing much taste and skill in the execution of it.- The entire process of manufacture was also shown in actual and active oper- ation, attaining the most instructive results. The cotton was first shown as it came from the boll; next was presented perfectly ginned, as it exists in the bale; and so on through the various stages of manufacture, until the completed delicate threads, of all shades and colors, were exhibited. These different conditions or stages were placed side by side, in the gradation of their develop- ment. Also in operation was a spinning frame, its spindles re- volving 8,500 times a minute, and making No. 150 yarn, a delicate fiber, so fine and sensitive that even the slightest breath affected it. Near by was a spooling machine, which wound any prescribed number of yards of cotton on a spool, at the rate of two hundred and thirty yards in thirty seconds, stopped when the number was filled, and also if by any accident the thread should break. The ticketing or labeling machine, a wonderful apparatus, was busily at work placing the labels upon the end of the spools. "All that this machine required was to be supplied with the filled spools and sheets of paper on which the tickets or labels are printed. It then cut the tickets; pasted one on each end of the spool; having finished that, took up another, and so on, at the rate of eighty- five a minute "
The silk industries of the State were mainly represented by
94 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXniBITION.
the splendid exhibit contributed by the Cheney Brothers of Hart- ford and South Manchester. The display case, in the Main Build- ing, was a pavilion of black walnut and plate glass, eighteen feet long, nine feet wide, and fourteen feet in height, the roof sup- ported by symmetrical columns. It was located in the silk de- partment, adjoining those of other leading manufacturers of the country, and was an object of interest, especially to the lady vis- itors, with whom the Cheney silks are universally popular. En passant, it may be remarked that the ladies are not usually in- fluenced by any patriotic desire to help American manufactures when they set out to have a silk dress, but their prejudice in favor of the Cheney silk is based rather more upon their knowl- edge of its durability of color and of material. The aggregate value of the exhibits was nearly $15,000. Black, gros grains, colored silks of every hue, were shown, in rolls, as prepared for the market, or falling in rich combinations from the roof, present- ing their splendid shades to the best advantage. Full lines of Marcelines and Florentines were displayed, parasol silks in all shades and widths demanded by the prevalent fashions, and foulards, all colors and grades, for hat or fur linings and millinery purposes. The ribbon branch was charming in its richness of mingled hues, from the standard shades to all the strange tints, with stranger names, which emanate from the dictators of fashion in Paris or New York. The varying widths and myriad colors of these ribbons gave opportunities for producing good effects, and their arrangement showed an artistic hand. The Centennial year rage for silk goods in national designs was manifest in the numerous styles of handkerchiefs, ties, etc., red, white, and blue, and the Centennial decorative rage by silk flags, hundreds of thousands of which were manufactured and sold by the Cheney Brothers during the year. Machine twist and sewing silk, to- gether with patent spun silks for a variety of purposes in the trades, were shown, the exhibit, as a whole, fully representing the productive capacity of the great silk manufactory of Connecticut. The award made by the judges was of a tenor most compli- mentary to the exhibit of Cheney Brothers, yet its terms are no stronger than deserved.
The silk twist industry was represented by exhibits from the establishments of J. H. Hayden & Son, Atwood & Richmond, Hol- land Manufacturing Company, and others, the last named firm showing, in addition to twist, ingenious machines for winding.
Connecticut's exhibits — part i. 95
testing, etc.; and Belding Brothers & Co. of Rockville, cocoons and raw silk. Tobias Kolm, Hartford, showed near the Cheneys' collection a fine assortment of his embroidery, star and serpentine braids, of three hundred varieties, with several wound on spools ready for sewing-machine embroidery. He exhibited also a selec- tion of sewing silk and twist, finished by his patented process in a very even and perfect manner.
Fine, fancy cotton warp cassimeres, diagonals, flannels, and similar goods were shown in great variety by the New England Company, the Rock Manufacturing Company, and the Hockanum Company of Rockville, the Meriden Woolen Company, the Clin- ton Mills Company, Norwich, and other exhibitors, the former showing a neat cassimere design for summer wear, in which the figures '76 formed a delicate and tasteful pattern. Many of the goods were of superior style and finish, especially diagonals, etc., which quite equaled the best European cloths, and are frequently sold by dealers as imported goods, without detection of the mis- representation, either by primary inspection or subsequent expe- rience with their wearing qualities.
The Hartford Carpet Company of Thompsonville, and the Read Carpet Company of Bridgeport, were the sole exhibitors of this class of goods. The Thompsonville Company occupied two enclosed spaces in the Main Building, representing apartments, with the carpets properly arranged on the floors. The tinting of the walls and the management of the Hghts were considered so as to afford complements or foils to the textures and colors.
The Company displayed full lines of body Brussels, ingrains, and three-plys, in neat and pleasing patterns, one, a fern-leaf design, being charmingly appropriate for chamber furnishing. Their specialty was a Persian carpet, of modest design, with rich effects, yet of neutral colors that would harmonize with almost any style of furnishing, a decided departure from the old styles, for which it was necessary to select the furniture so as to avoid disagreeable contrasts with the carpet's gaudy pattern and colors. Several of the patterns exhibited at Philadelphia were generally admired, and thousands of yards were manufactured to fill orders from visitors. The texture and colors of the Company's produc- tions won for them general commendation, and no European car- pets of the same classes surpassed them in any essential features. The manufactory at Thompsonville, of which State Senator J. L. Houston is superintendent, is one of the largest in the
96
SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
country, with a productive capacity of 8,000 yards per day. Un- like many other firms, the Company spins all the yarns used, over half a ton daily, and this, with other features independent
CARPET HARTFORD CARPET COMPANY.
of the actual process of carpet making, greatly facilitates opera- tions, and makes the estahlishment complete in every respect. The exhibit of the famous Collins Company of Hartford and
CONNECTICUTS EXHIBITS PART I. 97
Collinsville, in the Main Building, was an attractive one, altliough the first thought would be that no arrangement of axes, hatchets, picks, shovels, etc., could be made that would be pleasing to the eye. But the company proved otherwise, and their spacious show-cases, radiant with plate-glass, held glittering designs formed with polished axes, hatchets, machetes, knives, etc., arranged in circles or otherwise ornamentally. These articles are known and used the world over; in every section of North America the Col- lins Company's trade-mark is the only guarantee required by a purchaser; the settler of Australia swings a Collins Company axe, and the Brazilian clears a path through his native jungles with one of its heavy machetes. As an illustration of the extent of their manufactures, it may be stated that nearly five hundred styles of machetes are made. Such is also the case with axes, plows, and other implements, for a design that will sell in one section or to one nation would not be accorded even the compli- ment of a trial test in another if its shape was unsatisfactory. Hence the great variety of articles manufactured, the exhibit of which at Philadelphia gave a good idea of the capacity and exten- sive trade of the firm.
The department of locks was extensive; locks of all descrip- tions, from the tiniest padlock for the ornamentation of a poodle's collar to the most elaborate time-lock. Mallory, Wheeler & Co., New Haven; the Norwalk Lock Company, South Norwalk; the Branford Lock Works, the New Britain Bank-Lock Company, and the Yale Lock Company, Stamford, all made large displays of these safeguards and their appurtenances. The Yale Company exhibited a completely fitted up post-ofiice, lacking only post- master, clerks, and the calling public to have it at work. The design was to show door, drawer, box, and mail-locks. A beauti- ful time-lock, with all its works exposed and running, was a unique feature in this display.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company of Thomaston, the largest in the State, whose products tick in every section of the civilized world, made an extensive exhibit in the Main Building, ranging from the common kitchen time-piece to the most elaborate and costly ornament for the parlor mantel-clocks, in fact, designed to meet all tastes and the financial means of every purchaser. While American manufacturers had for years supplied the home demand for clocks for ordinary uses, tower clocks were imported from Europe until within a few years, when several American firms
98 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
essayed their manufacture, and with good success. The Seth Thomas Company was one of these, and at Philadelphia exhibited one of their finest works of this class, — the "great clock" over the east door of Machinery Hall. The works were of bronze, the main frame ten feet long, three and one-half wide, and seven high; weight, three and one-half tons. The pendulum, fourteen feet long, weighed, rod and pendulum-bob, seven hundred pounds, and beat once in two seconds. That mysterious power, elec- tricity, was employed in connection with this mechanical triumph, wires connecting the great clock with numerous electrical clocks in the Main and Machinery buildings, communicating every twenty seconds. The award received by the Company for "tower clocks and clocks of commerce" was as follows: "For a large tower clock, with Dennison's double three-legged gravity escape- ment. The pendulum has a zinc and steel compensation. The weight of pendulum-ball is five hundred pounds, of the rod two hundred pounds. There is provision against accident from the breaking of the pendulum springs. The driving weight of this clock is two hundred pounds. The whole construction of the train is good, and the action of the escapement is all that can be desired, since an increase in the power applied to the train does not appear to disturb sensibly the arc of vibration of the pendu- lum. Also for the manufacture of brass clocks in great variety for general use, and of good quality in relation to their prices, and for ornamental clocks." The Ansonia Brass and Copper Company made also a good showing of clocks, mainly in spun metal cases. The Waterbury Clock Company, the New Haven Clock Company, the Terry Clock Company, and the E. N. Welch Manufacturing Company all made extensive exhibits, that of the last named company being particularly noticeable for variety of specimens. As might have been supposed from her reputation, Connecticut was not equaled in this line. The Ansonia Company showed a working model of O'Neill's nickel-copper movement, and handsome clocks fitted with it.
In brass plate and wire goods, also, the exhibition made by Connecticut manufacturers was unapproachable. The Scovill Manufacturing Company, Benedict & Burnham, Holmes, Booth & Hayden, the Waterbury Brass Company, and other firms of that great brass manufacturing center — Waterbury — the Ansonia Brass and Copper Company, and the Stanley Works, New Britain, all made rich displays of materials and manufactures of sheet
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THE "FOREST AND STREAM" CUP.
ireridcn Britannia Co.
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REPOUSSE SET.
Meridea Britauuia Co.
PUNCH BOWL AND CUPS.
Mcriden Britanuia C"
Connecticut's exhibits — part i. 105
metal and wire, consisting, in part, of "buttons, military emblems, lamps, reflectors, hinges, printers' rules, rivets, shot-pouches, pow- der flasks, chargers, tubing, chains, pipe-railing, stair-rods, etc. The similarity of the exhibits of the brass goods industry, and the general use of these goods, renders unnecessary any extended description.
The handsomest show-case in the Main Building was the pavil- ion of the Meriden Britannia Company, situated near the music stand. It was quadrangular in shape, and walled in by four hand- some cases in black varnished wood, ornamented with gold, and set with large plate-glass. The base was formed of Tennessee marble slabs, and the roof was a dome, painted in blue and gold. The structure cost $7,500, and the exhibits were valued at $60,000 more. The arrangement of the cases was such that the visitor could first inspect them from the outside, and then, entering the pavihon, continue further inspection, and receive information from a representative of the firm. . One case contained salvers, dinner and tea-sets, including a dinner-set finished with figures of children serving dishes. Several toilet-sets were of interest to the fair sex. "The Buffalo Hunt," a statuette representing a mounted Indian pursuing the horned monarch of the plains, was placed on a pedestal fronting the nave, its design, execution, and finish being artistic in the highest degree, compelling attention from the multitude, and admiration from all who are skilled in such matters. In the same case was a handsome punch-bowl set, of graceful style, with bowl, salver, ladle, and twelve goblets, plated on nickel, and pronounced one of the finest specimens of modern art. A fac-simile, with a dozen extra goblets, was ordered by Governor Stanford of California, who was enthusiastic in his praise of the specimen exhibited. A yacht under full sail, the Forest and Stream cup, and "Indian" epergne were other in- stances of elegant design and exquisite workmanship. The " Neptune " epergne was an important feature of the show-case on the other side, and an interesting Centennial novelty was foimd in the " Elder Brewster " tea-set, manufactured after an original design brought over in the Mayflower. There were also a number of porcelain-lined baking and table-service dishes, ice- pitchers, and other specialties of this house, and a full line of the well known "1847, Rogers Bros. XII.," spoons and forks, plated by the sectional process, by which the wearing parts of spoons and forks are coated with an extra thickness of silver, a specialty
106 SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
of the Meriden Britannia Company. Specimens were also exliib- ited of Silliman's new patent white metal, whish has the ring of genuine silver.
The Simpson, Hall & Miller Co., of Wallingford, confined their exhibit to the Columbus water-cooler (elsewhere described), which was not only one of the finest specimens of art