Y. M. C. A. GYMNASIUM OPENED IN CORTLAND

Standard block.

The Post office occupied two front office spaces, Cortland Standard occupied one front office space on the first floor of the Standard block on Tompkins Street. Carmichael & Co., Jay Smith and Newkirk & Hulbert occupied the first floor on Main Street shortly after the building was completed in 1883. Singer Sewing Machine Co. occupied a space on the second floor.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, October 31, 1890.

Y. M. C. A. Gymnasium Open.

   After some unavoidable delay the opening of the Y. M. C. A. gymnasium under the new director, Mr. J. S. Helmer, took place Monday evening. As the admission was no heavier a tax than the effort to mount two flights of stairs, the settling capacity of the hall was occupied by 8 o'clock, and a selection by the orchestra opened the evening's entertainment.
   Miss Terry, Mrs. Twigs, Messrs. C. F. Brown and Frank Starr, with Prof. Bentley, accompanist, sang "My Soul Doth Live in Thee, O, God," following which Mr. F. Daehler gave a pleasing exhibition of his whistling abilities. An orchestral selection was succeeded by Miss Terry in a solo, "I Will Ever Love Thee."
   Assistant State Secretary W. M. Griffith was then introduced and made a brief address in the course of which he said that not all of the large associations were in quarters' of their own, but rented; and that Cortland was better equipped than many associations in larger places. He appealed directly to members that they work earnestly for the enlargement of the membership ever hopeful of the new Y. M. C. A. building in the future. "Last Night" as sung by Miss Terry, Mrs. Twiss, Mr. Brown and Mr. Starr, concluded the literary and musicale. Mr. Helmer then gave a practical talk followed by a class drill illustrative of the regular gymnasium work.
   Many were the queries and guesses on the word "climax" which appeared on the programme next preceding refreshments, but the solution was revealed, while the orchestra played a short selection, by three or four hats circulating through the audience receiving any small or large change to be applied in liquidation of a worthy demand. The response was liberal considering the brief notification. A pleasant social hour was then passed in the parlors discussing light refreshments and social topics.
   The advertised classes are: Mass class at 8 P. M. every evening except Sunday. Business mens' class at 5:15 P. M except Sunday. Boys' class on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30, and Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30. Ladies' class Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30, and Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30. Five dollars pays for all privileges and entitles members to the grand entertainment course soon to open, without extra cost. 
   ["As the admission was no heavier a tax than the effort to mount two flights of stairs" is a veiled reference to the Standard building, where the Y. M. C. A. had rented rooms on the second and third floors. Reading and library room with a separate parlor room were on the second floor; the gymnasium, bath rooms, dressing rooms and a Director’s office were on the third floor. See page 162, Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland for more detailed information—CC editor.]

Cleverly Gathered in.

   About a week ago warrants were placed in the hands of under-sheriffs Chas. Burlingame and W.W. Parker, for the apprehension of Frank Johnson and James Reynolds, suspected of being the twain who robbed Mrs. Wilber, a lady nearly seventy years of age residing in the town of Willett, on the night of October 5, by entering a window and seizing the lady and demanding and obtaining a pocket book containing a note of $100, and $25 in cash. With a faint clew upon which to base their operations the officers set out, at first upon the wrong track, but by silent work they finally picked out a frail wire which they speedily converted into a strong chain and entered Pennsylvania where after an exciting chase they run [sic] Johnson down near Emporium, Camden county, while Reynolds was found at a lumber camp some four miles from Portage Creek, McKean county.

   Clear heads and prompt action resulted in the party arriving in Willett Tuesday, where an examination was held, prisoners and pocket book identified and the pair remanded to the county jail to await the action of the next grand jury. They were placed below on Wednesday morning. The prisoners are both under 21 years of age.

   It will be remembered that Johnson figured in an alleged elopement with a party from Brewery Hill, Homer some months ago. Both of the boys, it is said, have an unsavory reputation. Considerable expense was saved by the forethought of the officers and it is to be hoped justice will be properly balanced in the remaining scenes. The pocket book was found in Reynolds possession and both have acknowledged their guilt.

May Rice's Terrible Death.

   Sunday morning Mr. Franklin H. Rice, who resides a short distance above Loring's Station, arose between 7 and 8 o'clock and after lighting the fire in the kitchen stove, went to the barn to attend his stock, leaving his eldest daughter May, six years old, seated in a chair near the stove. He had been absent but a few moments before the little girl rushed into the bedroom calling for help, her clothing being in flames. The mother awakened by the piteous appeal, did her utmost to rescue her daughter, severely burning her hands in the attempt. Mr. Rice ran to the house and tore the clothing from the child's person. The girl's face and hair was burned, yet it is thought had the flames not been inhaled her life might have been saved. Death came to the patient little sufferer at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The funeral was attended at 1 o'clock Tuesday.

   Mr. and Mrs. Rice have many friends here, where they formerly resided, who sincerely sympathize with them in their sad misfortune. It is thought the clothing was set on fire from sparks flying from the grate as the child had been carefully taught not to middle with a stove.

A Sensational Suicide.

   ITHACA. Oct. 27.—A sensational suicide occurred here this afternoon. The victim was Henry Frantz, a veteran of the late war and a cigar manufacturer. Frantz told some companions this morning that if he had 'sand' enough he would jump off the high bridge spanning Fall creek ravine and kill himself. He was under the influence of liquor at the time and no attention was given to his remarks. At 3 o'clock he walked up the hill with a young man named Gilbert Wilcox, and as they were crossing the bridge Frantz stepped near the centre. Wilcox had nearly passed over when he heard Frantz say "Good bye!" and looking around, he saw him leap from the rail and plunge to the bottom of the ravine, where he was crushed on the rocks. The deceased was a man generally liked and had but one enemy—himself. He leaves a widow and several children.

Continued Rain no Obstacle.

   Even the continuous rain does not dampen the spirit of enterprise and push which is increasing each year in our manufacturing circles. Wednesday workmen and teams were engaged in drawing material for the foundation of two new 50x100 feet three-story buildings to be erected by the Cortland Manufacturing company, one to the eastward and one to westward of their present factory on Squires-st. The stock is being removed from the low structures on the west side preparatory to their being torn down to give place to the improved building. Contractor Dudley G. Corwin has the contract and excavating for the walls commenced yesterday. Outside capital need not hesitate to locate in Cortland

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   Over 3,000 women voted at a recent school election in Binghamton.

   The population of this State is 5,981,934, an increase of 989,063 in ten years.

   Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Stanley sailed on the Teutonic from Liverpool yesterday for New York.

   November 18th, a commission will meet in Albany for the purpose of revising the game laws of this state.

   John O'Brien, who murdered William Mott of Canastota, was tried at Albany last week and found guilty of assault.

   Avon is rejoicing over the possession of a natural gas well at the depth of 405 feet. A layer of lead was passed through just before gas was encountered.

   The chime of bells being made in Troy for St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York city, will comprise 15 bells and will weigh in the aggregate 30,000 pounds.

   W. M. Moehler, who assaulted his wife with a shot gun in Binghamton a few months ago, was taken to Auburn prison Monday for a term of two years.

   The Thousand Island Park association has decided to rebuild the hotel and also charge an entrance admission to the park. Sixty thousand dollars in new bonds has been issued for the purpose of building the hotel.

   The net earnings of the R. W. & O. R. R. for the year ending September 30, 1890, show an increase of $229,480 over the previous year. This shows how popular the St. Lawrence is becoming, because all the river traffic must come over their lines.

   Yesterday afternoon Miss Lizzie Phelps, a society bell and heiress, who lives near Binghamton, was married to William Slattery, the family coachman. Miss Phelps is a niece of the late Judge Sherman D. Phelps, concerning whom and whose relatives there has been unlimited newspaper gossip. The bride is one of three sisters, is about 27 years of age and is worth $100,000. The groom is illiterate, but of good appearance.

   Word was received last night from Brownsville, Pa., 60 miles up the Monongahela river, that 400 fat hogs being fattened at Hamburger's distillery had died and were buried in a trench. Dr. Edward L. Carter, State Veterinary Surgeon, of this city, was called, and after investigation pronounced the disease hog cholera of the worst form. The matter is now in the hands of the State Board of Health, but it is feared the diseased hogs cannot be traced.

  

Killed by "Rough on Rats."

   UTICA, Oct. 25.—Cora VanHoesen, aged 22, of Yorkville, a suburb of this city, died to-day from ''Rough on Rats,'' eaten in griddle cakes. Her mother had mixed the poison with flour and meal in a basin and placed it on a half shelf in the pantry to kill mice. While she was absent from home Cora and her three sisters made griddle cakes of the mixture. After eating them all were taken violently ill and Cora died.