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| Alex Mahan's residence, 91 North Main Street, Cortland, N. Y. |
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| Mahan's Piano & Organ Store, 11 Court Street, Cortland, N. Y. (sorry, no photo of the maestro himself.) |
Mahan's Music Festival.
Great is
the enthusiasm manifested at Mahan's 15th annual music festival. Never in the
history of the fifteen years since it first came into the mind of Alex. Mahan to
organize a musical convention, has there been so great an attendance and so
much earnest enthusiasm as at the present one. Already there are nearly four
hundred singers in attendance and in the two days that remain at the time of
this report, many more are expected.
There are
singers from far and near, some coming as far as the southern portion of
Pennsylvania. It is quite a novel sight just to look in and see the sea of
faces extending from the front of the platform of Cortland Opera House, diagonally
upward until stopped by the rear wall and the lifted curtains.
Dr. Palmer
has never given better service at any festival than he is doing at this. He is
giving the chorus real hard work to do and they are finding out that this is no
play spell. One feature of this year's chorus drills is the time which is now
given to the practice of sacred music. It is more than a drill in music for Dr.
Palmer spends quite a little time in remarks after the style of a lecture,
interspersed with the singing. Probably at no former festival could singers spend
their time so profitably as now.
It is a pleasure
to notice so many of the better singers of Cortland and vicinity taking part in
this festival.
Mrs.
Shepard is giving great satisfaction at the piano. In addition to her playing she
has sang the leading soprano in some of the choruses, showing herself a fine
artiste in vocal music as well as instrumental.
The first
matinee was given Wednesday afternoon to a good attendance. The following is
the programme:
Mr. L. F.
Stillman, Director of Matinee.
1. Chorus—Blessed is the People......Righini.
Choir.
2. Tenor Solo—Marguerite……Watte.
Mr. M. D. Murphy, Jr.
3. Violin solo—5th Air Varie…… Danela.
Miss Nellie Mulligan.
4. Waltz Song—Speak, Love ...... Arditi.
Mrs. C. A.
Phelps.
5. Soprano Solo—The Alpine Rose…… Sieber.
Mrs. L. R. Murphy-Pomeroy.
6. Piano Solo—Tarantelle…… Whitney.
Mrs. Martha Dana Shepard.
7. Contralto Solo—Love's Old Sweet Song……Molloy.
Miss Clara Dutton.
8. Part Songs—‘Twas on a Bank of Daisies……Hullah.
—The Blue Bells of
Scotland……Scotch.
Choir.
Each part
was warmly received. Mr. Murphy never sang with better effect than in his rendering "Marguerite," Miss
Nellie Mulligan won the hearty sympathy and generous applause with her violin
solo.
Mrs.
Shepard and Miss Dutton received hearty encores.
Miss
Dutton has improved much since her appearance of last year and while she did
not respond to her encore of to-day, will sing again at Friday's matinee. Mrs. C.
A. Phelps showed a very fine voice, fairly well cultivated, and aside from some
evident embarrassment at the first, gave good satisfaction.
The great
days of the festival will be today and to-morrow. The programmes for the two
matinees and the two concerts are about completed. The great attractions are
Prof. and Mrs. Tred, who arrived Wednesday evening, the Mandolin Quintette, Mr.
Chas. D. Kellogg, the wonderful warbler and whistler, and the Mundell Sisters,
who arrived Thursday morning.
Prof. and
Mrs. Tred sang with the chorus and the practice last evening, and was received
with marked favor by the chorus.
And now
it alone remains for the people of Cortland to go and enjoy the feast which has
been prepared and from what we hear, there are indications that the Opera House
will be filled to overflowing [over 1,000 patrons—CC editor] at the remaining matinees
and the great concerts.
A. Mahan, Smith’s History of the Town of Cortlandville 1885:
Books, Stationery, Musical Instruments, etc.—The first store in Cortland devoted to the
exclusive sale of books, stationery, wall paper and kindred goods, was that
of the Apgar Brothers, which was opened in the Taylor Hall block about the
close of the last war. The business was moderately successful, and in 1868 was
sold to A. Mahan, an enterprising young man who had been engaged in the
produce business in Virgil for several years previous. Mr. Mahan is a man of
exceptional business capacity and under his enterprising and discreet
management the trade of the establishment was rapidly extended and the range of
stock enlarged. Musical merchandise was added, and subsequently sewing-machines
and other specialties. In 1870 D. F. Wallace entered the firm where he remained
a member until 1874 , the business meanwhile becoming largely increased. In the
year last the firm divided their interests, Mr. Wallace retaining the book and
stationery branch and Mr. Mahan taking the musical merchandise and
sewing-machine interest into the new building which was erected on Court street, Nos. 9 and 11. During the ten years since that date, he has devoted his best
energies to the building up of a large trade in musical instruments,
sewing-machines, etc., which he has extended throughout central New York. He
is also a member of the firm of F. A. Bickford & Co., dealers in guns and
sporting goods, in the same building. Mr. Mahan's business and his general
character as a citizen is fully recognized by the community, as evidenced in
their selection of him as president of the village for the year 1883, an office
which he filled with the most satisfactory results. In 1881 he erected one of
the finest residences in the village, in spacious grounds on North Main street.
A Successful Fair.
The
Emerald Hose Company's fair closed on Monday evening last. On Thursday evening
Orris Hose Company presented the Emeralds with a handsome silver ice pitcher
and goblet. The presentation speech was made by Mr. J. E. Eggleston and the
response was made by Mr. M. F. Cleary on behalf of the Emeralds.
On
Saturday evening the hall was crowded full of people to witness the
distribution of prizes. The presents were awarded as follows: W. Bell, suit of
clothes; Ella Dexter, one dozen cabinet photographs; Will King, pair of robes;
Dan McBraiarty, harness; B. D. Shirley, oil stove; Peter O'Brien, landscape; Allie
Gillett, pair custom pants; Patrick Dowd, new market; Harrison Wells, silk hat; G. Bugby, pair shoes; Geo. McKean, cake basket; Willie Bates, silk umbrella;
Will Murphy, picture; J. Davern, rug; Mame Dowd, stand; Lizzie Welch, ice-cream
freezer; A. Garvy, ten pounds tea; G. W. Woolston, banjo; Will Boyle, set
terracotta; Jerry O'Leary, meerschaum pipe; Prof. Pritchard, picture;
Schermerhorn and Graham, twelve cabinet photographs; Burdette Howard, glass
globe; W. Kavanaugh, glass water set; J. P. Lodge, carpet sweeper; H. A. Dresser,
sack flour.
The
contest for the plush couch resulted as follows: C. H. Riley, $144.74, C. H.
Drake, 50 cents; contest on shoes, Miss Kittie Lathe $48, Anna Schuester $25; on tricycle, Miss May Kennedy,
$84; Miss Libbie Cowley, $40.
There
were several articles that were left over on Saturday evening and these were disposed
of on Monday evening as follows: W. A. Wallace, stove; D. Rob Reilly, buggy;
Molley Barry, cutter and hanging lamp; Chas. Wood, plush chair; B. Burns, plush
rocker; C. H. Drake, satin parasol; J. H. Ashworth, silk umbrella; Willie O' Connell,
silver vases.
The boys
added a handsome sum to their treasury after paying all expenses, and have the
satisfaction of knowing that they gave those who attended the full worth of
their money. Every entertainment was especially good and the hall [Taylor Hall]
was filled each evening.
The Riding Club.
If anyone
were asked how many equestrians there were in Cortland the answer might be
"A dozen at the most.'' But the riding club now has on its rolls the names
of over sixty, all of whom enjoy and indulge in the sport.
At the
meeting on Friday it was agreed that as many members as possible should meet
every Saturday at 2 P. M. at the Soldiers Monument, and take a ride to be announced
by Captain Webster Young, or Lieut. E. F. Jennings. The first ride will be a
short one, to Blodgett Mills and return, and will take place June 1.
A
considerable number have signified their intention of joining the overland excursion
beginning June 10. Capt. Young would like the names of any who can go.
The
following names were added to the list of members: Hon. R. T. Peck, Col. C. Clark and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Watkins,
Frank Peck, Fred Peck, D. F. Dunsmore, G. Bligh, Mr. and Mrs. A. Mahan and
daughter, A. Sager Jr., Seymour Jones, Mrs. J. H. Hoose and daughter, Miss
Clara L. Smith, Mrs. J. F. Maybury, Miss M. L. Roberts, Miss Scudder, Miss Mary
Rogers, Mrs. E. M. Hulbert, Miss
Belle Atkinson, Mrs. Silas Sherwood, Miss Ella Schutt, Mrs. C. E. Selover, Miss
Lena Patrick, Miss, Bertha Powers, Miss Louise Tanner, Mrs. Webster Young, Miss
Nellie J. Pearne, Miss Sarah A. Saunders, Mrs. Floyd Hitchcock, Floyd Stoker,
Fred Harrington, Chas. Wickwire, H. Wells, Jr.
A Great Man in Town.
There was
a much larger crowd than common in and about the Messenger House last Thursday evening, and businessmen and
citizens generally stopped on their way to and from tea to ascertain the cause
of the assembling of so many people. They were at once informed that the circus
was caused by the arrival of that great and good republican statesman, Jim Belden,
of Syracuse, who it was understood had come to parce out the pert [post?] offices in
this county.
The crowd
was principally made up of candidates and their backers, and if there was a
town or post-office in the county that was not represented it may be put down
as a mistake. The leaders of the party, notably, Messrs. Clayton H. Buell, W.
H. Clark, Wesley Hooker and a few others, were invited to the great man's room
and held long interviews with him while the candidates and lesser lights were
forced to cool their heels in the waiting room and to finally return home, only
to renew the siege the next morning.
The
candidates for the post-office in this place were all on hand with two or three
exceptions. Several republicans in town have openly and publicly stated that
they could name the next
postmaster of Cortland, but when asked to do so have declined. It is said that
the matter has been already decided, and if this is true, the men who have been
let into the secret are guilty of great cruelty to their neighbors in
withholding the facts. If it was certainly known who was to have the place,
those who are now permanently fastened to the anxious seat could be released
and relieved from their uncomfortable situation.
Judging
from the anxiety manifested by some of the candidates, if they should be
dropped next December, after living on hope all summer, the consequences might
and probably would be quite disastrous. Candidates for the post-offices in
other towns were here and pressed their claims whenever an opportunity offered.
Emerald
Hose Company discovered an excellent opportunity to transact a little business
on their own account, and on Friday sent a written invitation to Mr. Belden to
visit their fair. When Jim Belden fails to note an opportunity to do something for
himself it will be an
exceedingly frigid day. and last Friday was not that kind of a day. He
regretted his inability to attend, but enclosed a check for $50, which we
presume was equally as acceptable as his presence would have been.
If Jim Belden
wasn't a very wealthy man, he never would have been a Congressman, and of
course there would never have been any need for the citizens of this county to
come and go at his beck. It only adds one more testimonial to the old saying
that money accelerates the speed of the female equine.
Belden
left for home on Friday evening, and the candidates are anxiously waiting for
results.
SUICIDE AT FREETOWN.
Isaac Hall, While Insane, Hangs Himself in
a Barn.
(From the Marathon Independent, May 29.)
As we go to press information
reaches us of the death, by hanging, of Isaac Hall of Freetown, which sad event
occurred yesterday, the body being discovered last evening.
Deceased
resided just a little north of the corners at Freetown. He was a carpenter by
trade, and well known as an upright, honorable man and citizen. He was a member
of Marathon Lodge, F. & A. M. Some years ago he had serious nervous
trouble, brought about by excessive use of tobacco, and since that time has had
occasional periods of flightiness. In fact, it was only a few days since that
Dr. Reed told a friend that watch should be kept, or
he would make way with himself.
Mr. Hall
left home about 1 o'clock, remarking that he thought a walk would do him good,
as one had some days before. From that time until his body was found, we have
no information of his movements. His wife became anxious over his extended absence,
and a search party was organized. Joseph Underwood, one of the party, entered a
barn on a farm owned by Dr. Allen, and formerly occupied by Eugene Watrous of
this place, and the body of Mr. Hall was found hanging to a beam, suspended by
a bed-cord. He was dead when found. Solomon Robinson cut the body down, and it
was carried to the home of the deceased.
Charles
Dickinson drove to this village, and summoned Coroner Trafford, who took
charge. The inquest will be held
at 1 o'clock this afternoon.
Mr. Hall
was about sixty-six years of age, he leaves a wife to mourn his untimely demise.
There is no doubt but that his death was the act of an insane person, as no other
motive can be ascribed. The funeral will be held on Friday.
HERE AND THERE.
An artist
has left his mark on the show windows of Beaudry’s store.
New ties
are being put in on the track of the Syracuse & Binghamton road.
The third
annual temperance picnic will be held at Floral Trout Park, July 4th.
Stone
Brothers have nearly completed the repairs on their foundry in Homer, and have
commenced work again.
The
contract for building a coal trestle and store house for the Excelsior coal
yards in this place has been let to Mr. J. T. Keenan.
Joseph
Bushby, of this place, and Cicero Phelps, of Homer, have purchased the Wilber
& Blany meat market in Homer, and have taken possession.
The 45th
Separate Company have a tennis court in the armory, where the boys propose to
while away the hours when the country is at peace with all the world.
The ladies
of Grace church will give a strawberry festival at the residence of L. J. Richardson, No. 16 Monroe Heights, on Wednesday
evening, June 6th. All are invited to attend.
Wickwire
Brothers, of this place, have entered Greystone in the 2:25 class to be trotted
at Binghamton, next Tuesday, and Dot Wick in the 3:00 class to be trotted on
Thursday. R. R. Van Bergen has entered Hector C. in the 2:40 class to be
trotted on Tuesday, and in the 2:36 class to be trotted on Wednesday.
Those
citizens who planted gardens early and failed to cover the tender vegetables Tuesday
night, now wish they had planted late. The frost was a danced sharp one.
Twenty
drops of carbolic acid evaporated from a hot shovel will go far to banish
flies from a room, while a piece of camphor gum the size of a walnut held over
a lamp till it is consumed will answer the same purpose.
The firm
of Gage, Hitchcock & Co., of Homer, has been dissolved. Mr. Coleman Hitchcock now owns a one-half interest in the real
estate and machinery. We understand the members of the old firm intend to
engage in some new manufacturing enterprise soon.
Pleasant Beach, Onondaga Lake.
[Advertisement]
Syracuse,
N. Y., the king bee of Summer resorts, easily reached. Cars from city every 15
minutes. Bicycle, sailing, rowing running races, day fireworks,
beautiful hotel overlooking magnificent sheet of
water, grove and one thousand rustic
chairs, stretch of beach one-half mile as hard as asphalt, base ball game daily,
champion clubs. Grand opening Memorial day, May 30th. Music by Otto Dresser for
concert or dancing. For full information apply to or address Alfred E. Aldridge,
sole owner, 116 East Genesee St., Syracuse, N. Y.
NEIGHBORING COUNTIES.
MADISON.— O. M. Knox and Harvey
Lindsley, of Oneida village, have each lost a valuable horse within the past
week, from epizootic which seems to be prevalent here as in some other parts of
the country. Six or eight horses have died from that disease in the vicinity in
the past few days. The animals are often sick only four or five days.
TOMPKINS.— The condition of Mrs.
Geo. Small, of McLean, who was so badly burned, last week, while engaged in
burning worms' nests from apple trees, is considered more favorable.
Miss
Carrie A. Dean, a young lady residing on Chestnut street, Ithaca, who has been
subject to epilepsy for twenty-one years, has become violently insane. On Tuesday Drs. Brown and Morgan were called to
examine her mental condition, and as a result she will be removed to an asylum.
LITTLE YORK.
The
farmers are nearly all through putting in their crops. The average of potatoes
will be about half of that of last year. Flax is more than double and scarcity
of seed kept many from sowing. Oats will be one third more. Meadow lands are very poor especially on
hill farms. The hay crop will be the shortest for years. Sowed corn is the only
thing that will help out the fodder crop.
On Sunday
we met our old friend and brother correspondent, H. C. Goodwin, (who is now
residing near Alfred Center) at his old home on East Hill. By invitation we both
dined with Mrs. Giles Corl. Mr. Corl is in very poor health with heart trouble.
While Mr. Goodwin can see so as to write he cannot see to read, a double and
blurred sight preventing. Age has not otherwise grasped him with a heavy hand.
School
Commissioner Van Hoesen visited the school taught by Miss Rexa A. Perkins in
the Kellogg district last week. He remarked the contrast of the last term when the
scholars conversed aloud, went around the room or out of doors at their own
option.
The milk
depot is shipping over sixty cans daily.
Dick
Savage, the section boss is putting in a large quantity of new ties. He manages
to keep his section in better repair and with less extra labor, than any other
on this division [D. L. & W. R. R.].
ULI
SLICK. [pen name]
MARATHON.
A large
and commodious cooler has recently been placed in Brown's hotel.
John
McCaw has recently placed an addition to his residence on Cemetery hill.
The
Climax Road Machine Co. are shipping quite a number of machines daily. They seem to take the cake where other machines
fail when tested with them.
Our new [fire
department] steamer had a trial on Friday and Saturday of last week and from
all accounts proved very satisfactory to the trustees, it doing all the work
promised.
* * [pen name symbol]
*
Highly recommended (in PDF):
Highly recommended (in PDF):
Mr. Alexander Mahan obituary, Cortland Standard, August 22, 1905: http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2021/Cortland%20NY%20Standard/Cortland%20NY%20Standard%201905/Cortland%20NY%20Standard%201905%20-%201587.pdf
Mrs. Alexander Mahan obituary, Cortland Democrat,
October 5, 1917: http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2021/Cortland%20NY%20Democrat/Cortland%20NY%20Democrat%201917/Cortland%20NY%20Democrat%201917%20-%200368.pdf
