History of Linn County Iowa Part 52

Lafayette--Gilman Clark, Chas. Cantonwine, Daniel Richards, Sam'l Brazier, Jacob Cress.

Putnam--Jno. Barnet, Jno. Hile, Alex c.o.x.

Marion--M. Strong, Geo. Greene, Iram Wilson, Prior Scott, Perry Oxley, S. H. Tryon, Joel Leverich, John Hunter, Thos.

Railsback, S. W. Durham.

Rapids--N. B. Brown, P. W. Earle, Baker, Gainor, Justus Wells, John G. McLoud.

Resolved, that each township send one delegate to Linn convention and those having 100 votes, 2, and 1 for every additional 50.

Resolved, that with order to an organization of the democratic party in Linn County the committee in each township be requested to give due notice to the democratic citizens of their respective townships by written advertis.e.m.e.nt or otherwise, to meet at some convenient place in their said townships on the first Sat.u.r.day of June next at 2 o'clock P. M., for the purpose of choosing delegates to attend the Territorial Convention at Iowa City on the 4th Monday in June, and also to appoint delegates to a District Convention, to be held at William L. Gilbert's at such time as may hereafter be agreed upon by the corresponding committees in the counties composing the 8th electoral district, to nominate candidates for Representatives to the Legislature to be supported by the democratic party at the annual election in October next.

Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed.

L. M. STRONG, Prest.

SAM'L W. DURHAM, Sec.

[Ill.u.s.tration: MAIN STREET, CENTRAL CITY, FROM THE SOUTH]

[Ill.u.s.tration: GENERAL STORE AT COVINGTON]

CHAPTER x.x.xI

_Society in the Early Days_

The early settlers in Linn county were intelligent and cultured. They did not come to the county because communities in the east were glad to be rid of them. It was for far different reasons our pioneer men and women made their homes here. They looked upon this as a goodly land, one filled with opportunity, and they entered in and occupied it.

Mrs. R. C. Rock, now in her 83d year, has vivid recollections of beginnings in Linn county. She came overland from Dubuque in 1850, and ever since has called Cedar Rapids her home. She says in her first years here the people took the best magazines of the day, pa.s.sing them around so that all might read them. In 1852 there was organized a literary circle of ladies and gentlemen. This circle met once a week at the homes of the members. Original papers were read at these meetings, the subjects being a.s.signed in advance. Occasionally distinguished lecturers from abroad were obtained. On one occasion Oliver Wendell Holmes was here, giving an entertaining talk to a large audience on the "Great Pyramids." Judge Williams, of Muscatine, one of the original members of the supreme court of the state, was also a lecturer here.

From time to time Dr. J. F. Ely, Judge Greene, and other local men read papers or made addresses, "and they were always of a high order," says Mrs. Rock.

Occasionally there were formal parties, as in these days. There was a greater amount of entertaining a half century or more ago here than there is now. There were no special distinctions of cla.s.s, all the citizens were welcomed. Some of the most hospitable homes were those of the southern colony, mentioned in another chapter in this book. Dr. and Mrs. Ely entertained a great deal in their home located where now stands the old Post Office building. Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Bever were always hospitable, and the Greenes did their share. Mrs. Rock says nothing as to her own entertaining in these days, but her home was recognized as one of most cordial hospitality, refinement and culture.

Col. W. H. Merritt, Gabriel Carpenter, William Greene, Lawson Daniels and their wives were also pleasant and hospitable entertainers.

Mrs. George C. Haman, whose husband by the way is the oldest business man in this city--oldest in point of continuous service--wrote in 1906 quite interestingly for the _Republican_ her recollections of society in Cedar Rapids in the early days. We take the liberty of reproducing the same here. It is a vivid picture of social doings a half century and more ago.

Society in the early days had one pleasant feature that we do not have at the present time. There was only one social circle and there was not so much society to the square inch as there is now. It was before the days of parties with the men left out and before the days of clubs and cliques. A large social function meant all the social people in town, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and nothing but sickness or death kept any away. The first social affair I attended was in '57. Even then Cedar Rapids enjoyed a social reputation equal to any town in the state and it soon took the lead with such families for social leaders as those of Judge Greene, Dr. J. F. Ely, S. C. Bever, Gabriel Carpenter, Colonel Merritt, William Greene, Lawson Daniels and a few others, who believed that money-getting should not be the only aim in life, and believed in a high standard of social and literary enjoyment as well.

The social, literary and religious foundation laid by these far-seeing men and women is what gave Cedar Rapids the prestige it enjoys among the sister cities of the state. Of course in the forties and fifties most of the entertainments were simple, but there were red letter days. The first large social affair I attended was a wedding, and the first wedding I ever attended. It was the marriage of Miss Carpenter, daughter of Gabriel Carpenter, to Mr. George Weare, brother of the late John Weare and Mr. Charles Weare.

The bride was lovely. The groom was a young business man of Sioux City, where they have lived ever since. The wedding banquet was a feast of all the good things that a good housewife could prepare, and Mrs. Carpenter was famous for her culinary achievements. Her turkey dinners brought joy to many friends. She is now in her eighties, and lives a retired life.

While writing the account of this wedding I received a paper giving the account of the wedding of a granddaughter of this bride and groom.

The second social affair that stands out prominently in my memory is a large party given by Dr. and Mrs. Ely. The social functions given at this hospitable home were always delightful. The genial personality of the host and hostess pervaded every corner of the home, and when one entered its portals one knew that Dr. and Mrs. Ely would give a cordial welcome. It was a home where all of the new-comers were always entertained, the latch-string always being out. Mrs.

Ely was a very philanthropic woman, was the leader of all of the charitable works for many years. Under her leadership many of the philanthropic women of today received their early training. Her n.o.ble works gave them their incentive.

There were not so many s.p.a.cious homes as now, but those who had them dispensed hospitality most generously and in a way not surpa.s.sed in these days.

The home of S. C. Bever, for many years the largest, stood where the Rock Island offices now stand. This home was where the bishops and other clergy of the Episcopal church were always entertained while in town. This home, with its large family of young people that drew like spirits, was the source of many gaieties. Mr. and Mrs. Bever's hospitality many times won financial success for Cedar Rapids. They entertained strangers who came to spy out the land. One occasion of this kind was in '55, when Judge Greene, Dr.

Ely, John Weare, Lowell Daniels, W. W. Walker, S. D.

Carpenter and S. C. Bever all went to Chicago to attend a national republican convention. All being business men, ever ready to build up Cedar Rapids, at this convention they made it their business to meet men from New York and Boston and to talk up the advantages of Iowa and what a railroad could do, until Mr. Ames of Boston, Crocker, Bertram and others came back with the Cedar Rapids delegation, and were taken in conveyance through central Iowa. While the men were working the eastern capitalists for a railroad the women all got busy and prepared for a reception and dance at the home of S. C. Bever. Some baked cakes, others prepared meats, others the bread and others the ice cream. The whole town was invited, so when the eastern men returned, they were won completely over and the project of the first railroad into Cedar Rapids was laid then and there.

Homes were often called upon to open their doors to strangers in town, who often were induced by the warm hospitality and good fellowship to invest their money and join hands and build up Cedar Rapids. When a large function was given all the friends a.s.sisted. Dishes and table linen and services were offered. We could not hire a caterer to come and prepare refreshments and serve a company. Our friends were the helpers.

The home of William Greene was also one with open doors. It stood on the corner of Third street and B avenue. It was not a large house, but a very hospitable one. Later William Greene built a beautiful house in the block where A. C.

Taylor, Dr. Ruml and Dr. Kegley now live. The grounds covered the whole block and were laid out with landscape effect. It was a beautiful place, and many fine entertainments were given there.

The Higley brothers, Harvey, Wellington, Mort and Henry, in the early days, lived in small homes, but that did not deter them from keeping up their end of social life. Lucy and Jennie Higley were fine cooks and charming hostesses. Mort and Wellington were jolly good fellows and every one knew they were sure of a pleasant time when invited to their homes, no matter whether it was to a church social, or a big "standup" party as they were called in those days.

S. L. Dows' first home was like those of the rest of the pioneers, small, but hearts were large and no one extended a more cordial welcome to their friends than Mr. and Mrs.

Dows. After they built their new home on First avenue, many brilliant affairs were given by them.

The home of George C. Haman, on the corner of A avenue and Fifth street, is an old land mark. Mr. and Mrs. Haman have lived there for over forty years. Their children were born and brought up there, and like many pioneer homes, it has been the scene of many festivities and good times.

The home of the late John Weare, with its large family of young people, will always be remembered by the old settlers.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Belt, now owned by Mrs. George W.

Bever, was the scene of many enjoyable house parties.

Friends from eastern cities and prominent people throughout Iowa were entertained there. Mrs. Belt loved to entertain the clergy.

The entertainments given by Judge and Mrs. Greene were the crowning social events of early days. The home and estate were outside of town, but that was no obstacle to their entertaining. Judge Greene was ready for every emergency and the home was characteristic of the man. He was broadminded, warm hearted, foresighted, generous and philanthropic, and his home was conducted on these plans. His first house on his beautiful estate, Mound Farm, was not large, but he always found a way to entertain his friends and visitors to Cedar Rapids. For example, he had a house party of friends and wished Cedar Rapids people to meet them. He was at the time building some buildings to shelter his sheep, of which he had a great many. So he put floors in the building preparatory to entertaining his guests and friends. He found on short notice that if he expected to have the only good music in town he must take it next day. He and Mrs. Greene talked the matter over and decided to have the party. They sent word to the other members of the Greene family and intimate friends what they expected to do and they all came to their a.s.sistance. Early in the morning Mrs. Belt made out the list and the family delivered the invitations. Mrs. Belt and Mrs. William Greene baked all the cakes. I don't know just how many picked strawberries, but Mrs. Greene told me that eighty quarts were picked and hulled that day. Mrs.

Greene superintended the making of the ice cream and the decorating of the building. Special train service over the Dubuque and Southwestern was arranged to bring the guests from a central point to the sheep pens. All was in readiness and the host and hostess ready to receive their guests at eight o'clock. It was a most enjoyable event, and is still recalled with pleasure by the old settlers. It is safe to say that with the conveniences of today, such a social affair could not be gotten up in one day. Later when Judge Greene built his large house on the crowning point of Mound Farm, in the center of the beautiful grounds which he had been ten or more years preparing, Mr. Paddington, an English gardener, had it in charge. Every kind of shrub and tree that could be grown in Iowa was planted. The place for situation and beauty could not be equaled in Iowa, and the grounds were the most beautiful. When Judge Greene had the walls up and ready to roof, a tornado tore them down. But notwithstanding this discouragement, his house was built and furnished with the richest furnishings of those days.

Three thousand dollars worth of oil paintings hung on the walls. All the furnishings were bought in New York City.

When all was complete, he opened it with a most brilliant house warming. As Judge Greene always considered Cedar Rapids and her citizens in whatever he did, all were bidden, as were many of his friends throughout the state, to the opening of his new house. The beautiful impression of the illuminated grounds and house and the cordial hand-clasp of welcome from host and hostess that thrilled each guest with good fellowship and heartfelt appreciation were never forgotten. Indeed it was an evening of rare pleasure.

There were a few years when fancy dress parties were all the rage. The first one given was in the home of Colonel Merritt and was novel and beautiful. Colonel and Mrs. Merritt were charming entertainers. Colonel Merritt built the house where Dr. J. H. Smith now lives. It was bought by John W.

Henderson. He and his handsome and cordial wife entertained hospitably. After Dr. Smith owned the house, he and his wife dispensed hospitality lavishly and state politicians were often their guests.

The Daniels home was another of the hospitable homes, where many large parties were given especially for the pleasure of the younger set.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Cook was for several years the largest and most modern in the city. Mrs. Cook, with her charming daughters, gave many elegant parties. The house was built by I. N. Isham. He only occupied it for a few years and sold it to H. G. Angle, who lived there one year. J. S.

Cook then bought it and lived there many years. Now it is used for the National hotel annex.

In the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. West, children as well as their older friends, found a warm welcome. The little folks loved to congregate there and entertainment and refreshments were always provided for them. "Papa and Mama West," as the children called them, were never too busy to answer all the questions asked by their young friends, who were always made to feel thoroughly at home.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Rock was one of hospitality and of culture and refinement, as well. No woman ever did so much toward the education of the young people in early days as Mrs. Rock. She was also a great worker in the church and is the only living charter member of Grace Episcopal church.

The first church wedding was in the little Second Presbyterian church. It was the marriage of Mr. George C.

Haman and Miss Louise Wolf. It was at five o'clock in the morning, and the wedding breakfast was at 4 o'clock. The reason for having the wedding at this unseemly hour was that the bride and groom were going east and there was only one train a day left town, and that was at six in the morning.

The attendants at the wedding were Mrs. M. P. Mills, nee Coulter; Mrs. Portus B. Weare nee Risley; Mrs. Taylor, nee Earl, and Miss Carpenter, bridesmaids. The groomsmen were Mr. James L. Bever, Mr. Carter Berkley, Mr. Mortimer A.

Higley and Dr. Lions.

The first large public affair in Cedar Rapids that gathered together all the people of the town, all in the state who could get here and some from Chicago and the east, was in June, '59. The occasion was the completion of the first railroad into Cedar Rapids. It was the Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska, now the Chicago & Northwestern. The citizens had looked forward to this for many years, and it was a financial struggle to get it through, but when it was completed there was great rejoicing. A great celebration was given. The tables for the banquet were spread where now stands the Masonic Library, and the George B. Douglas home.

The women prepared all the edibles and with the a.s.sistance of the young men and girls, served the banquet. The men took charge of the speeches, parade and music. The depot was then in the lower end of town, about Twelfth avenue and Fourth street. The speeches were made there. At the finish the marshals of the day formed all in line and marched to the grove where the banquet was spread, and it is needless to say the feast was enjoyed. I fear there were not twelve baskets full left. The climax of the occasion was a ball given at Daniels's hall, that stood where the Masonic Temple now stands. It was a brilliant affair and the dancers tipped the light fantastic toe until the rosy dawn was breaking.

The weary dancers wended their way home on foot, the girls in tarlatan gowns and white kid slippers. Public carriages were scarce, and the new and only bus had gone to meet the early train. Thus ended the largest public social event up to that time.