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Thursday, October 31, 2019

Right Reverend Edward Hawks - Catholic Authors Contemporary Biographical Sketches - 1952




Right Reverend Edward Hawks
Right Reverend Edward Hawks 1878 - 
The author and lecturer, Monsignor Edward Hawks, was born in Wales in 1878 of English parents. He has lived in the United States since 1900. His family on both sides were members of the Church of England “stiff and conventional Anglicans” in the words of the Monsignor. 

Brought up in a home where definite religion was little known, of parents who were not church goers but believed in sending their children to service, the family nevertheless considered them selves average Christians. As a child he attended a private school where “scripture" was one of the subjects and he went rather indifferently for a short while to “Bible Class” which, though held in the rector's drawing room, was not in charge of the rector. 

His first interest in Catholic beliefs came through the accidental attendance at a ritualistic church where from that day forward he and his brother became adepts. 

On a visit to Canada in 1900 Edward was selected for the Anglican ministry by the Lord Bishop of Quebec. For several years following, he attended Lennoxville University but later moved to Wisconsin because the Bishop was more “Catholic.” He finished his studies at Nashotah Seminary near Milwaukee where he was ordained “Anglican Priest.” His first appointment was tutor of New Testament Greek. 

When the modernist movement became acute, his eyes were opened to the necessity of a visible infallible Church. With twenty of his Episcopal brother ministers he came into the Catholic Church (1908). 

He intended to return to England but was induced to enter the seminary at Overbrook by Archbishop Ryan. He has been stationed in the Philadelphia Archdiocese ever since. 

Monsignor Hawks is the only member of his family in America. At the time of his conversion he was not aware that a single member of his family had become a Catholic or Non-conformist since the days of Queen Elizabeth. Later research on his part, however, has revealed a distant relative on his father's side who became a nun in Portugal, and a convert cousin who was well-known in Rome one hundred years ago; also a Quaker convert among his mother's people. 

Most of his family in England have since become Catholics. His mother, brother (with eight children and grandchildren) and his unmarried sister, have all followed in his footsteps. Monsignor Hawks is opposed to writing about his conversion, because he has never been able to analyze its phases. Speaking generally, he said: “I would not if I could.” He added: “I can only say, like the blind man: once I was blind, now I can see. In this vision I pray I may be kept. It has been a supreme satisfaction always. I cannot even suppose anything else.”
Monsignor Hawks is the author of Conversions of 1908 (1930); Wm. McGarvey and the Open Pulpit (1935); Difficulties of Myron Digby (1936); Pedigree of Protestantism (1936); History of the Parish of St. Joan of Arc, Harrogate, Philadelphia, (1937); Difficulties of Fr. Callaghan (1939), and How It Looks Now (1940).
He has been an editorial writer on the Philadelphia Catholic Standard and Times for twenty-four years. His column, known as the “Third Column" is recognized for style and treatment of difficult subjects. In it he discusses matters which relate to the contacts of the Church with the non-Catholic world. It has become famous as a column to be copied in out-of-the-way places. On one occasion a bishop in England reproduced one article in the form of a Lenten Pastoral. On another occasion a check came from the Catholic Digest by way of G. K.'s Weekly. As a lover of history and as an Englishman, he has many times verbally crossed swords in defence of his native land.
Right Reverend Monsignor Edward Hawks is pastor of St. Joan of Arc's Church, Philadelphia. He is known far and wide for his work with converts and the promotion of street speaking.
E. F.
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Philadelphia Evening Ledger - 15 Sept 1916




Philadelphia Evening Ledger - 15 Sept 1916

WAS BOYS' JOY ONCE 

Adam Forepaugh Gave Him to Zoo, Where He Died in 1908 

Bolivar the mammoth elephant whose, stoutainous form was a feast for eyes of young Philadelphians, a decade ago, and who recently has been a main attraction at the Academy of Natural sciences has shown signs of deterioration lately.

The thick skin that had stood Bolivar in many a jungle fight, and could have resisted the leaden bullets of a hunter's gun, is now shrunken and cracked in places. 

David McCadden, taxidermist of the academy was working today In an effort to forestall the ravages of time. Mr. McCadden believes he can patch up old Bolivar's form and make him presentable for several years to come. 

Bolivar was presented to the Academy of natural Sciences following his death in the Zoological Gardens in 1908. Mr. McCadden undertook the work of mounting the immense body in the summer of that year, and completed  in January 1909. 

Before the beast was cut up Mr. McCadden, who had recently introduced a new method in mounting animals, made accurate measurements of Bolivar's body. From these figures he constructed a plaster-of-Paris cast, over which the elephant's skin stretched.  The result was a perfect likeness of Bolivar alive.  

Bolivar has since stood in the main corridor of the academy, facing the main entrance on Race street. He has been subjected to many drafts throughout the changing seasons, and this has been one of the  reasons for the breaking up of the skin. 

MARKS OF SUFFERING

Sections of the right foreleg, the under part of the neck and a large space on the forehead have suffered most. One large hole ten inches square, has opened under the neck. The breaking of the skin on the forehead is due to Bolivar's having rubbed this section of his body against the massive bars at the Zoo, causing a bad sore to develop there.


Bolivar. The name electrified boys and girls fifteen years ago. Bolivar, the largest elephant that was ever in captivity. Everybody wanted to see him. 

He wandered the face of the globe as a feature of the Adam Forepaugh circus.

 Adam Forepaugh bought Bolivar for $10,000 while his circus was playing in Europe. Bolivar came from India. He was widely advertised upon his arrival in this country. He was then about forty years  old.

KILLED TWO KEEPERS 

I night Bolivar became agitated at his keeper and trampled him to death. After In was not used in the ring, but killed another keeper before Mr. Forepaugh decided to dispose of him. in 1888 presented Bolivar to the Zoological Society. 

Bolivar was placed in a big cage in the elephant house. His legs were manacled with heavy chains to prevent his roaming about.  Keeper George Harrison is the only man who could go into the cage.

Bolivar gave no evidence of his feriousness to the hundreds who dally stopped in front of his cage. The sale of peanuts grew with his arrival at the Zoo. 

Finally old age began to get to him and Bolivar became very quiet and morose.  On July 31 he lay down and died. When brought to America Bolivar weighed close to seven tons, but at his death his weight was said to be little more than five tons. 

"I think  I will have the old boy in a presentable condition in a few days declared Mr. McCadden. as he jammed a fistful of soft cement Into Bolivar's mouth, a thin the huge beast would have resented in former years by picking up Mr. McCadden and hurling him half a block. 





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Have You Seen The Play The Clansman At the Walnut - "Amusements" Page Phila. Inquirer 8 May 1906




The Birth of a Nation merely reinforced 75 years of daily theatre propaganda, vaudeville, minstrel portrayal of African Americans as stupid, lazy and dishonest.

Reading Dixon's bio, he is more than a Lonesome Rhodes preacher, almost an eternal student in his many career changes, a polished Lonesome Rhodes none the less. What he ran into in Philly was what I call the "quiet wave" of black middle class emigration from the South following Plessy vs. Ferguson in 1896 that set various Jim Crows laws in the South into Stone with no hope for improvement down there. 

A growing black middle class in the South were more than glad to take factory jobs in North Philly around Reading R.R. transportation hubs like Columbia Station and the rapid white flight away from these areas so to speak. 

Cohocksink Presbyterian Church and its racist flight away from the area in 1915 after decades of a losing white congregation base. Cohocksink Presbyterian's institutional racism and its demand for the mother church not to resell the surrendered congregation building to a "colored" congregation as proof of rapidly changing demographics back then. 

In reaction to Dixon's play in Philly, the various social and economic enclaves of the African American communities in Philly felt confident enough to challenge The Clansman and other similar public displays of racism. 

That the film Birth of a Nation film found a friend and a fad in many rural and urban areas where jobs perceived to be taken by blacks was an odious excuse to promote hate. 

That the north was not immune to lynchings of racial minorities as in the 1911 immolation death of minority Zach Walker in Coatsville, Pa.. 

https://phillyandstuff.blogspot.com/2016/09/rev-george-chalmers-richmond-attacks_9.html



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Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Asian Elephant - Philadelphia Zoo - 1892 - Bolivar






Strawbridge & Clothier Elk's Convention Decorations July 15-20, 1907, Free Library of Phila. - Designer Jerome A Koerber




Elk's Convention in Philadelphia July 15-20, 1907 - Strawbridge & Clothier Department Store, 8th and Market Streets. Decorations designer Jerome A Koerber. 



Merchants Record And Show Window, Vol. 28-29, 1911 - Jerome A Koerber, Chief Window Dresser at Strawbridge & Clothier




MERCHANTS  RECORD AND SHOW WINDOW 
SOME DISPLAY SUGGESTIONS
SEASONABLE ADVICE AS TO THE ARRANGEMENT OF THANKSGIVING AND HOLIDAY DISPLAYS, ILLUSTRATED BY EXAMPLES OF THE WORK OF JEROME A. KOERBER OF PHILADELPHIA
For several years we have been publishing examples of the excellent work of Jerome A. Koerber, chief window dresser for  Strawbridge & Clothier of Philadelphia. These displays have attracted so much favorable notice, and we have received so many letters concerning them, that we are publishing a brief article about Mr. Koerber and his work. 

Although yet a comparatively young man, Mr. Koerber is a veteran in the window dressing business as he has followed this line of work since he was a youngster. Like several other of the leading decorators of America, his apprenticeship was served in Europe where he had charge of the windows of some of the most fashionable stores in Vienna and other continental capitals. After a number of years' service in the best stores of Europe, Mr. Koerber determined to try his fortunes in America, and his remarkable genius for handling all kinds of merchandise soon landed him in a good position in one of the best stores in New York. Here he remained for a number of years and laid the foundation for his American career. 

But it has been since his connection with Strawbridge & Clothier of Philadelphia, that Mr. Koerber has done his most notable work. The Strawbridge & Clothier store is one of the largest in America catering to a high class trade, and the magnificent lines of merchandise carried, coupled with a liberal policy in the matter of window display, gave Mr. Koerber an opportunity to exercise his talents to the utmost. And he has taken advantage of the opportunity. 

There are many window trimming specialists who have achieved distinction in the handling of some one line of merchandise, but Mr. Koerber is an all-round specialist. He has the unusual faculty of handling all lines of merchandise with surprising facility. No matter whether it be house furnishings or shoes or the costliest dress materials, he is equally at home, and when the display is done, (which seldom takes very long) it is well worth looking at. Nor does he confine himself to window dressing alone for his interior decorations of the big rotundas of Strawbridge & Clothier show some of the best work that has ever been done in this line. Perhaps the most notable piece of outdoor decorating ever attempted by a department store was that done for Strawbridge & Clothier by Mr. Koerber on the occasion of the Elks’ convention a few years ago. 

While Mr. Koerber has great natural talent for his work, he modestly attributes his success largely to hard work and careful study. He is constantly on the alert for further information, and as a consequence he never grows stale. Much reading and critical observation of the work of others, combined with occasional trips to Europe, keep him well informed as to show what he is going on in the world of window dressing. 
The several displays by Mr. Koerber that are reproduced in connection with this article are not chosen as representing the best of his work. but rather to show what he is doing all year round. These pictures were selected almost at random, and represent only what Mr. Koerber considers his average work. 



The Christmas rotunda display is not nearly so elaborate as some of those that have been done by Mr. Koerber. Indeed this is quite simple compared with some of his interior decorations. The lower festooning was of white holly leaves tinted with green and made up into Roman garlands and suspended from plastic cupid's heads. These were hung along the lower gallery with pendants of the same leaves hung between the garlands. Along the ledge at intervals were large plastic figures in a frosted finish. Each of the figures supported above her head a vase or urn filled with red foliage which descended over the sides of the urn. Above was a 16-inch white globe on which were cut out stars in red. Between the figures were wreaths 3 feet in diameter and the entire ledge was studded with electric lamps covered with red fireproof paper shades. On the upper floor, at either end was an immense white holly wreath supported by two sitting cupids. From the middle of the wreath was suspended a large red glass illuminated ball. The festoons about the wreath corresponded with those on the lower level.








The three opera windows, while all somewhat similar are reproduced to show how the same general theme can be carried out with sufficient variation to prevent monotony. In the upper windows were shown furs and other accessories of outer apparel. The background was a rich two-toned, red figured velour with plain velour panels at the sides. In front were three marblized plastic columns suggestive of theater architecture. They had gold caps and on top of each was an illuminated white globe. There were four figures wearing white fox and ermine coats. On a gilt table in the middle was a handsome white feather fan, gloves, opera glasses, etc. To the right was a gilt divan upon which were shown other accessories. The two other displays of this series were designed to suggest the interior of the theater with a proscenium box in either corner. The posing of the figures is worth studying and the whole effect of each of these windows is suggestive of life. They possess much more interest than is usually seen in windows of this sort.


The large toy window is of an entirely different sort. This display was made in the subway windows, and was 120 feet in length. In each section was placed a dome shaped frame covered with light red mercerized satine and draped with specially made heavy tinsel. The mirror covered columns were also draped with tinsel. The toys were all classified and judiciously arranged. This was one of the longest stretches of toys ever shown.


The other doll display was a mechanical interior attraction. A throne was made from a gilt chair up holstered in rich red silk velour, on which was seated Old King Cole in light blue and white apparel of kingly cut. At each side stood a popular dollar doll that was being featured in the advertising of the toy department at that time. Both were attractively dressed. Old King Cole was supposed to be introducing these two dolls to society.
 Society was represented by a number of dolls on an endless belt. As they passed in front of the platform each one bowed and the two dolls on the platform gracefully bowed in turn. All the time King Cole was bowing and swaying his scepter from side to side. In the foreground were several handsomely dressed dolls. The scenery was made to represent a grotto. The drapery overhead and at the sides was red silk velour.


Dresden china window shows how still another class of merchandise is handled by Mr. Koerber. The background was in the style of Louis XIV in cream brocade with the molding, etc., touched with gold. The rose garland in the background was in metallic colors and surrounded a hand-painted oval panel in colors to harmonize with the decoration of the china. Two tall gold candelabrum with Dresden shades were used in the corners. The tables were covered with fine linen cloths and in the center of each was a Dresden candlestick tied with a French bow of nile green ribbon. The china was clustered at different elevations. From the gold candelabra was draped cream silk velour, which was puffed on the floor. At each end of the display was a large bunch of roses. 

The dining room table is suggested by Mr. Koerber as a Thanksgiving feature. It is decorated for the feast and every little detail has been handled with the utmost accuracy. It shows how the table should be set correctly with the proper cloth, using china, glassware, silver and the various favors. As the correct setting of a table for a formal occasion is a good deal of a mystery to many women, a display of this sort will prove interesting. The fruit dish in the center of the table should contain real fruit and this feature can be made interesting by selecting the less common fruits as well as those that are seen more often. The candle-sticks may be of silver or crystal with chrysanthemum shades of red or yellow or a combination of these two colors. The favors and place cards should also carry out the Thanksgiving idea. There are other additions that might be added such as a real roasted turkey, relishes, cranberry sauce, etc. A display of this sort would be practical in that it would show a considerable number of lines in the manner in which they are intended to be used.

(In memory of my aunt Irene McShea Thompson,1913-2007, an assistant buyer at Strawbridge & Clothier, 8th & Market and Cherry Hill Mall)



Monday, October 28, 2019

MERCHANTS RECORD AND SHOW WINDOW - Vol.22-23 1908 - Philadelphia's Subway Windows.






MERCHANTS RECORD AND SHOW WINDOW
Philadelphia's Subway Windows.
The Market street department stores are making elaborate preparations to receive passengers direct into their buildings from the subway when it is completed. Each of the big stores will have a station of its own, drawn on its own plans and designed by its own architect. The plans of most of these are now being drawn, Lit Brothers' only having been completed. But the general idea of these underground stations is known, and that is, to have display windows facing the subway platforms. One station will be located at Eighth and Market streets, where the three stores of Lit's, Strawbridge & Clothier's and Gimbel Brothers' all have a corner. Each store will have its own station, as will that of Snellenburg & Co., and each will pre sent a gorgeous display. There will be another entrance from Wanamaker's, west of Thirteenth street.
The exact length of the platforms that the big stores will build along the front of their places of business are not known, but there will be space for a wide entrance and room on each side for several large plate glass display windows, showing on the subway.
In most cases the subway platform on which passengers may alight from the trains will extend the whole length of the store front and the show windows, lighted by skylights in the pavement above and by electric lights beneath, will be brilliant. The length of the several fronts will depend upon how much space the stores can command and how much platform the trains will use. The entrances to the stores will be inviting, and in wet weather one not desiring to go in the street can enter the store without having to go out of doors. The expense of the stores in building these entrances will be large, but returns are expected to come from people who have to go through a part of the stores before they get to the street. In every instance where a store is building the exit to the street, the public, by using it, will not go to the street directly without going on the store property. But when the subway builds the exits the entrance will be directly from the street.
The merchants are doing their best to help make the subway attractive, and the various stations will not be surpassed for beauty by any subway in the world. 


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Sunday, October 27, 2019

Saint Tamany Patron Saint of Fisherman - by J. Willis Martin





ST. TAMANY Patron Saint of Fishermen
(The following account of "St. Tamany" was prepared by J. WILLIS MARTIN, Governor of "The State in Schuylkill.")
St. Tamany, the patron saint of fishermen, was a famous chief, head of the Delaware tribe, and king of the confederation of the Lenni Lanape. He is described as "having been a marvelous man, endowed with mental as well as physical strength, filled with wisdom, forbearance, and patriotism and supposed to have intercourse with the Great Spirit. He, with chief Malanequan, conveyed to William Penn a tract of land between the Pennypack and Neshaminy creeks, by deed, dated April 23rd, 1683, to which their seals are attached."
His name is variously spelled Tamanen, Tamanend, Tamanand, and finally Tamany.
Heekewelder, calling him Tamanend, writes, "He was an ancient Delaware chief who never had his equal. He was in the highest degree endowed with wisdom, virtue, prudence, charity, affability, meekness, hospitality, in short, with every good and noble qualification that a human being may possess. He was supposed to have had intercourse with the Great and Good Spirit; for he was a stranger to everything that is bad."
In 1683 it is reported that William Penn visited Chief Tamany at Perkasie.
The chief passed away at a ripe old age and is buried by the side of a spring on Capt. Robert's farm, about three miles and a half southwest of Doylestown, within the bounds of the former cherished hunting grounds of the Delaware Indians. Along State Road, about a mile southwest of Doylestown, on the property of the Farm School, stands an old house, on the site of the building in which funeral services over the body of Tamanend (Tamany) were held.
The memory of his exalted career remained as a price less treasure among his own people and the whites. During the Revolutionary War his enthusiastic admirers declared him a saint, and he was established under the name of St. Tamany, Patron Saint of America. His name as a saint appeared in almanacs; and in his memory there was a festival celebrated on the first day of May in each year.
In the early periods of Pennsylvania history, about the time that citizens of foreign birth began to celebrate in Philadelphia the days of their tutelary saints, St. David of Wales, St. Andrew of Scotland, St. George of England, and St. Patrick of Ireland, the natives of Pennsylvania began to celebrate St. Tamany's Day. His festival was also celebrated in many cities with considerable pomp.
The Schuylkill Fishing Company, known as the "Colony in Schuylkill," the oldest club in the world, having a continuous existence from the period of its origin in the reign of George II, on the 11th of October, 1789, adopted a by-law providing that "a meeting of the company shall be held annually on the first day of May to commemorate the day of our illustrious saint and patron, St. Tamany. " The custom has been continued to this day.
Following the footsteps of The Schuylkill Fishing Company, on January 14, 1921, the Ocean City Fishing Club passed a resolution, by which the opening date for their fishing season is also the first day of May; and that prizes be issued as of May, June, July, August, and September, their fishing season.
In 1805 "The Tamany Fishing Company" was organized, with a wigwam clubhouse at 85 Race St., Philadelphia, Pa., and named in honor of Chief Tamany. In 1809 a club house was located on the "Pea Shore," the eastern bank of the Delaware River, a few miles north of Camden.
An elaborately carved figurehead by Rush, the famous Philadelphia sculptor, a photograph of which is shown on page 30, was attached to the old wooden Ship of the Line "Delaware." When the vessel was dismantled this figure head was retained and now stands on the lawn of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Occult powers are attributed to this effigy by the cadets; it is known as "Old Tecumseh" and "God of the 2.5," those figures rep resenting the passing mark for examinations.
Midshipmen who salute the figurehead during a march past are assured of obtaining a passing mark, the feature of the performance being that it is contrary to military discipline for men in rank to salute. To further propitiate the god, the custom prevails of tossing pennies as an offering prior to examination.
(Yearbook 1921 - Ocean City NJ Fishing Club)
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Amusements - The Philadelphia Inquirer, Friday, April 13. 1883




Perspective of Philadelphia 1886 - Map Collection, Free Library of Philadelphia
 



TO-MORROW -- Saturday

AFTERNOON

Weather permitting,

GRAND AND GORGEOUS

PUBLIC PROCESSION 

of the 

GREAT FOREPAUGH SHOW.

Bring out the Children to see 
25 Monster Elephants. 
40 Sun-bright Chariots. 
Opened Dens of Wild Beasts. 
400 Handsome Horses. 
Droves of Camels. 
Wild Beasts loose. 
Oriental Pageant 
Lalla Rookh. 
Bolivar, the Biggest Elephant on Earth. 
Great Nazir. 
Chamberlain of the Harem. 
Cashmerian Maidens. 
Beautiful Peri. 
Guards of the Great Kedar Khan. 
Egyptian Pageant Cleopatra. 
Queen of Egypt 
Barge Ablaze with Gold. 
Sails of Purple. 
Venus, Goddess of Love. 
Bower of Beauty. 
Treasures of the Orient 
Myths of the Nile. 
Art Poetry and Song. 
Mirth. Music and Revelry. 
Barbaric Glory of Asia. 
Blue Beard and Fatima. 
Band of Freedmen. 
Cotton Field Negroes. 
Camp Meeting Melodists
Cotton Bales and Mules. 
Songs and Shouting. 
Hippodrome Racing Chariots. 
Knights and Fair Ladies. 
English Thoroughbreds and Jockeys. 
5 Musical Organizations. 
3 Great Brass Bands. 
All Kinds of Music. 
All Sorts of Musical Inventions. 
Steam Piano. 
Independence Fife and Drum Corps. 
Free for All. 
Nothing so Grand Ever Seen. 
Glimpses of Fairy Land. 

The Procession will form at the Exhibition
grounds at one o'clock P. M Traversing 
the following:

ROUTE

 Up Broad to Chestnut, down Chestnut to Fifth, up Fifth to Girard Avenue, up Girard Avenue to Ridge Avenue, up Ridge Avenue to Columbia Avenue, down Columbia Avenue to Broad Street, down Broad Street to Arch down Arch to Twelfth, down Twelfth to Spruce, down Spruce to Fourth, down Fourth to South, up South to Passyunk Avenue, down Passyunk Avenue to Tasker Street, west on Tasker Street returning to the Show Grounds. 

NOTE

Mr. Forepaugh begs to inform his fellow citizens that he has experienced much difficulty on selecting the streets to be visited, on account of the net-work of telegraph, telephone and electric light wires that are placed so low as to obstruct the movement of the gigantic tableau cars, and render the highways well nigh impassible in localities he would be pleased to favor.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Should it rain on Saturday afternoon, April 14th. the Grand Parade will be postponed until the first pleasant forenoon during the week following. 

ADAM FOREPAUGH'S GREAT SHOW, 
MUSEUM, MENAGERIE, TRIPLE CIRCUS 
AND
ROMAN HIPPODROME, 

Will commence its nineteenth consecutive annual tour of America, by exhibiting for 

SIX DAYS AND NO LONGER. 
Afternoon and evening, 
in the city of Philadelphia, commencing 

MONDAY AFTERNOON APRIL 16. NO SOONER: NO LATER: 
APRIL 16,17,18. 19, 20, 21, 
Exhibiting every afternoon and evening, locating and remaining at 

BROAD, BELOW DICKINSON STREET. 

Admission 50 cents. Children under 9 years, 25 cents. Reserved numbered Chairs, ONE DOLLAR, will be for sale during the entire week of the Exhibition at Blasius & Son's Piano Warerooms, No. 1119 Chestnut street and at J. E. Ditson & Co.'s Music Store. No. 1238 Chestnut street; also General Admission Tickets at the usual slight advance. Special announcement. Courteous ushers in attendance. Especial care devoted to the comfort and safety of Ladies and Children, who can visit the matinees with the utmost propriety unattended by gentlemen. All owners and drivers of vehicles are requested to secure their horses along the route the procession passes.  


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Saturday, October 26, 2019

Married Four Days, Held In Death - Inquirer 16 April 1925




MARRIED FOUR DAYS, HELD IN DEATH

Man Whose Car Struck Woman Refused Bail Pending Coroner's Finding

Wedding Solemnized After Injury and Before Victim of Crash Died   
Married four days, Armand de Voe, 27, of 3244 Emerald street, was held without bail by Magistrate Dougherty yesterday in the Belgrade and Clearfield streets station to await the action of the coroner in the death of a woman who was struck by his automobile Friday night. 

Friday night, the eve of his wedding, De Voe, was driving his machine north on Frankford avenue to see his finance Miss Ezona Blaes of 4221 Frankford avenue. At Venango street, his machine struck and seriously injured Mrs. Alice Griffith, 48, of 2076 East Victoria street. As a result of the injuries Mrs. Griffith died in the Frankford Hospital Monday night. 

Gets Bond and Weds 

Shortly after the accident De Voe went with his attorney, Benjamin Linton, to the District Attorney's office and applied for his release on bail. His release was recommended to Judge Davis by Assistant District Attorney Brown and bond was set at $1500. 

De Voe then went to the home of his fiance and made arrangements for their wedding which was to take place the following, morning. But, two hours before the wedding was scheduled he was summoned to appear before Magistrate Dougherty, Accompanied by his bride-to-be the young man appeared at the hearing Saturday morning and was held in $800 bail for a further hearing. After producing the bond De Voe and Miss Blaes motored to St. Mark's Church, Frankford, and were married. 

Husband and Five Survive 

Funeral services for Mrs. Griffith will be held at the home of her father-in-law, James M. Griffith, of 1718 North Eighteenth street, this afternoon. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Rev. Paul W. Huyette, Pastor of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Allegheny avenue and D street, will officiate.

She is survived by her husband, Walter S. Griffith, and five children, Marion V., 22; James W., 20; Doris, 18; Melva Elizabeth, 13, and Jean, 11. 

Prior to making their residence in Philadelphia twelve years ago the Griffith family resided in Philipsburg, N.J..


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Empress the Elephant vs. the King of Beasts in O'Brien's Circus Winter Quarters in Frankford, Pa.


Utica Daily Observer 22 Feb 1889

The Elephant Too Much for the Lion.

 A battle between a lion and an elephant alarmed the people of Frankford, and but for the speedy victory of the huge beast it is feared that disastrous consequences would hare resulted, says the Philadelphia correspondent of the Cincinnati Inquirer. 

The fight occurred in Lowande's barn, where a number of wild animals that travel with O'Brien's circus are being wintered by John Cather. On Saturday the lion broke the bars of his cage, and soon had his freedom. Having been kept on short rations, the king of beasts started in to have a royal feast, and a meek-eyed camel was selected for the principal dish. With one bound the lion was on the came's back, and his claws sank deep into the flesh. 

His huge fangs soon tore a hole in the neck of the camel, and the lion was sucking at its blood. The keeper conceived the idea of turning the vicious elephant Empress on to the lion. Empress was
undismayed at the growls of the lion. She had witnessed too many such scenes, besides she had killed five keepers since she had been in captivity, and seemed anxious to add to her laurels. The lion arose as Empress approached, but he was not quick enough to get out of the way, for with one powerful blow from her trunk Empress hurled the king of beasts against the stable wall. 

The lion made a dash at Empress with wild fury. He leaped upon her hind quarters and the elephant trumpeted with rage and pain as she felt the lion's claws scratching her think skin, but odds were against the king of beasts, for he was quickly routed from his position by the point of a pitchfork by a keeper, and the elephant turned just in time to catch her antagonist with her trunk. She held him high in the air for a moment, and then hurled him clear across the stable. 

The lion was evidently severely hurt, for he kept so still that the men had little trouble in moving and leading him into another cage. The camel's carcass was skinned yesterday and the meat served to the animals. 


Friday, October 25, 2019

William W. Chambers - Circus Trainer - 1863-1935






CHAMBERS—William W.. known as "The Star Kid.” at Columbus, O.. February 9, as briefly mentioned in the past issue. He was born at Frankford. Pa., June 11, 1863. and joined out in 1880 on the Batchelor & Doris Show, which that season used the greater part of the equipment of the old Pogie O’Brien Show, which had wintered in Frankford with the Forepaugh Show for many years.

He started as an apprentice on ponies. He was so skillful in handling long strings of them. as well as horses, that he was dubbed the "Star Kid Driver,” which name, cut to ’’Star Kid,” remained with him. 

From 1882 to 1885 he drove for the Adam Forepaugh Show; Frank A Robbins in 1886; back with Forepaugh, 1887 to 1890 as one of the best ”8” drivers in the business. As a horseman he had always been interested in the animals of the menagerie.  

In 1891 he was on Sells Bros’ Circus as elephant trainer, later as superintendent of animals to the season of 1906 for Forepaugh-Sells.  He later was with Ringling Bros and other circuses until 1918. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Eagles, Columbus. 

Surviving are his widow and two daughters.  Burial in Union Cemetery, Columbus, February 12.


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