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Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society |
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Source: January 1982 Volume 20 Number 1, Pages 13–26 Recreation in the Last Half of the Nineteenth Century
Tredyffrin and Easttown townships in the nineteenth century were still primarily rural and agricultural areas. The work was hard, and the workday long. But this does not mean, as some observers have suggested, that the people living on farms had no time for recreation, although it is true that much of this recreation was purposeful in its nature and associated with daily farm chores or homemaking activities. To alarge extent, recreation was found in hunting and fishing, in militia musters and political rallies, and in farm festivals or frolics - corn huskings and barn raisings (perhaps enlivened by a jug of whisky or a keg of beer) and sewing and quilting bees. Towards the end of the century, however, as the villages along the Main Line became larger and population increased, and people lived closer together, there were also other social and recreational gatherings in addition to these more purposeful pursuits. Items from the local newspapers of the period give an indication of the variety and types of diversion and recreation in which the residents of these two townships participated during the latter part of the nineteenth century. TopHunting and Fishing Hunting and fishing were probably the most common and universal recreation for the men. Some indication of the popularity of hunting in this area, much of which was still wooded, as early as in the 1850's is implied in this "NOTICE TO GUNNERS", which appeared in the American Republican, published in West Chester, for July 6, 1852, and also in the next two succeeding issues, "The subscribers of the townships of Easttown, Willistown, and Tredyffrin, of the county of Chester, having suffered material injury from gunners, and their dogs, hereby give notice that all persons found trespassing on their premises, will be dealt with according to law.
Wm. C. Lobb Atlee Potter There were also early protests against hunting on Sundays, as shown by this letter to the editor, from "Observer", which appeared in the American Republican for November 14, 1854
"MR. EDITOR, - Will you be so kind as to allow me to use a brief space in the columns of your
valuable paper. There are some individuals who reside in Tredyffrin who appear very indifferent and
regardless as to the observance of the Sabbath day. These persons (or more properly slate hill
rangers) divert or amuse themselves by foraging around in the forest, in order to procure game by
the constant use of guns: report after report is distinctly heard on the first day of the week,
much to the annoyance of the community in general. In conclusion let me say to those persons who
are in the habit of violating that sacred injunction, 'Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,' I
say to such to refrain from such conduct immediately or they will most certainly be prosecuted to
the extent of the law. In addition to informal angling in nearby streams and rivers, in 1880 a group of local residents formed the Berwyn Fishing Club to engage in the recreation of bay and ocean fishing. In the West Chester Daily Local News for July 28, 1880, was this account of one of its outings, reported as one of the "newer matters related by a reliable newsman" "The Berwyn Fishing Club, Captain Frank Fenimore, of Wayne, commander, returned from their week's fishing at Barnegat Bay on Saturday last. Their success was not equal to their expectations. But a few hours were given to blue-fishing. A catch of over 40 was made. The remaining five days were overcast and windless, and without sailing no bluefish can be captured. So weak fishing was resorted to. The catch of eight numbered about 300, which for size and beauty were hard to equal. Isaac A. Cleaver of Berwyn, and James Francis of Radnor, never tire of the sport. They made the best records from the fact that they let no idle moments pass by while on the bay. ..." TopMilitia Musters Another break from the daily chores were the muster days. That these militia musters provided entertainment as well as the opportunity for serious military training is indicated in an item from the West Chester Daily Local News of April 27, 1897. The article issigned by "W.D.H." and entitled "Reminiscences of Paoli, of the Paoli Parade Grounds and those who took part, by one of the Participants". "When a boy I remember with what supreme pleasure I looked forward to Paoli Parade Day. For many years this outing was anticipated by many, old and young, for a radius of twenty miles of the grounds, all hoping for a fine day for the military display, so as not to mar the gorgeous trappings of the soldiers or detract from their members. ... "The military companies of those days mustered with full ranks, among whichmay be mentioned the Great Valley Light Infantry, Captain John G, Wersler; the Chester County Fencibles, Captain George Hartman ...; the Delaware County Blues, Captain Litzenberg; The West Chester Blues, Captain Osborne; the Delaware County Riflemen, Captain Smith (a large company who drilledby the tap of the drum and not by word of command); the Delaware and Chester Cavalry, Captain Jones; the Chester County Cavalry, Captain Samuel Hoiman; the Chester County Riflemen, Captain Alexander Marshall, and Captain Sinquatt's Company from Willistown; The National Guards of West Chester, Captain Irwin; and The National Greys, Captain William Apple, who were always admired for their neat and soldierly appearance and efficient drill; the Republican Artillerists, who always boasted that the large company wasmade up entirely of Democrats, and who possessed the large, brass field piece called the Diana, while the Junior Artillerists, a large organization of opposite politics, possessed an iron gun named the Minerva. There was much rivalry between the two companies, to see who could excell in rapidfiring. Both companies possessed large military bands, and other companies possessed martial music only. These were the old companies that assembledat the old parade grounds, for many years, numbering often 1,000 uniformed men in line ... "The morning was given to a regimental parade and review, and a mock funeral to the old soldiers buried on the ground, while the afternoon was devoted to the sham battle. In later years this was omitted, owing to the danger of some in excitement forgetting to return ramrod in loading. The skirmishing of the troopers and riflemen afforded much amusement to the crowds. "The enforcement of the laws requiring company and batallion drills on all had its effect in bringing ridicule on military musters, which were [sic] enhanced by a few elections to office of men who in refusing and neglecting to attend to their duties brought disrepute on the volunteer system, and in this manner aided to break up all military spirit within the county, but they were not loath to assume the titles of Generals, Colonels, and Majors,if not epauletted, and so the military in this county for many years fell into desuetude. It was on these occasions that the bullies of the county assembled to settle their differences and many bloody fist fights occurred at such times. ..." Additional evidence that the drill on muster days was not always taken too seriously is also suggested in unpublished accounts by Franklin L. Burns. Here is his account of some of the activities on muster day at the "old Glassley Commons" in Easttown Township. "Here [at Glassley Commons] Major Wetherby, Captain Rowan and Ensign Hampton, in early years proudly exhibited and exercised their gaudily clad militia, later degenerating into a farce. "Every male over 16 years of age was supposed to turn out once a month formilitary drill, according to the law, but the military spirit was at low ebb and there were no active leaders. The men and boys tramped about at random, often armed with cornstalks, to fulfill the letter of the law. On one occasion a man came through with a setter dog; the men said 'let us make the dog our captain!' and followed it as it quartered about the commons. "Later they persuaded landlord Finley to assume charge, dubbing him 'Colonel' though he knew nothing of military matters. However, he was nothing loath to lead them to 'the field and exclaim 'Line up, b'ys, line up with your backs to the turnpike and your faces to the gum tree and stand still until I guv' the word "halt!"' ...) TopPolitical Rallies Another occasion to get together was the political rally and paradethat became a tradition in American politics beginning with the presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison in 1840. In the 1860 election, for example, it was reported in the West Chester Village Record for September 11, 1860 "A Wide Awake Club was formed at Leopard, in Easttown, on the evening of the 6th inst. The Club was addressed and drilled by Capt. GIVINS. Thirty-three members joined the Club. ..." and, a little over a month later, in the October 16 issue, this notice appeared,
"A Grand Mass Meeting will be held at the LEOPARD, in Easttown, ON SATURDAY EVENING OCTOBER 20TH. Here is a report of a similar rally, held to celebrate the election of Benjamin Harrison over Grover Cleveland twenty-eight years later. It is from the Local for November 13, 1888. "At least five hundred people paraded and cheered the names of Harrison and Morton in Berwyn last night. It was the Republican jollification over the result of the election. ... N. H. Culver, of Berwyn, was chief-marshal of the parade. There were three clubs in line, the Berwyn, Malvern and Tredyffrin, besides people in citizen's dress from the three places. The Malvern and Berwyn bands furnished music for the demonstration, "I.A. Cleaver marshalled the Berwyn club, with William McClure as aid; George Walton officiated as marshal of the Malvern delegation, with H. M. Ruth and Wm. G. Mattson as assistants, while Harrison Rennard and John Myers commanded the Tredyffrin organization. The Malvern boys wore high hats made of paste board. Prominent in the line was the float with a catrigged yacht. Thos. Hunter, representing President Cleveland, sat in the rear, and, with fishing tackle, imitated a fisherman very acceptably. On the float red, white and blue lights were burned and rockets and Roman candles were set off. ... "Berwyn was illuminated as it never was before and an enthusiastic time was had." TopFrolics A more traditional form of recreation for rural families, however, were the farm frolics or "bees" - clearing (or rolling) bees, reaping bees, husking bees, sewing bees, and similar occasions on which neightbors would get together to combine work and play. An example of this type of get-together (and also of the neighborliness of the people) was reported in the Local for November 19, 1881. It was entitled simply "Husking Frolic". "On Monday last twenty-two of the neighbors of Robert Nixon, Easttown, invaded his premises and husked a large quantity of his corn, and on Wednesday evening following eight others of his neighbors called and did a similar act of kindness to Mr. Nixon, who is confined to his home by sickness. A pleasant feature of the occasion was that some of the fair sex also made their appearance on the ground and lent a helping hand. The corn of Mr. Nixon is not quite all husked yet, there being enough left to furnish another party as evening's amusement. Among the first party were Messrs. Thomas Fiersol and Clarkson Pyle, who had a little contest in which they boast of having husked thirty shocks." Here are two other reports of a "Corn Husking Match" as they appearedin the Local. The first item is from that newspaper for December 6,1882; the follow-up story appeared three days later, on December 9. "A husking match will take place to-morrow on the farm of Jacob Clemmons, in Tredyffrin township. The field contains about 900 shocks, and some forty of Mr. C.'s neighbors and acquaintances will make an attack upon his crop, and the surrounding atmosphere for a short time will be filled with flying ears of corn. A hay wagon, containing 4-0 men, led by Mr. Aaron Rennard, of East Goshen township, will leave for the scene of action. Messrs. George Jacobs and John Walker will have charge of a two horse wagon loaded with eight men. Those engaged in the friendly contest will be under the'command of leaders, designated by both parties. When the last shock shall be husked the men will be summoned to a bounteous repast, sometimes termed 'a big supper,' which will be followed by a shooting match and other forms of diversion." "The husking match which was announced to come off at the farm of Jacob Clemmons, in Tredyffrin township, took place on Friday. The attendance was very large. Joseph Rennard, of West Goshen, took a four horse load of visitors and participants from West Goshen. There were fifteen contestants on a side, who commenced work at 10 o'clock, but the wind became so high they they were unable to work with any satisfaction, and quit about 2:30 p.m., without deciding the contest. There were 300 shocks husked by the party." As these reports indicate, shooting matches or other competitions were often an added attraction at these farm frolics. Such competitions were not limited to these occasions, however, and frequently were held as separate competitions in themselves, the contestants vying for prizes - a turkey or a quarter of beef or the like. Here are several reports of shooting matches in this area. As indicated in these accounts, some were individual competitions, others wereteam matches. The first item is from the Local for July 13, 1881. "On the 4th of July a newly organized club of marksmen shot a glass ball match at Waterloo Mills, in Easttown. Twenty-five balls was each man's complement which were thrown from a revolving trap. The result was as follows: A. Smith, 9; F. Rudolph, 18; E. Rogers, 19; H. Wolfong, 15; H. Steele, 8; T, C. Smith, 8; C. Rudolph, 13; Wm. McClure, 11; H. Pinadet, 15." For one shooting match in Berwyn it was announced that prizes of agun and a bicycle were to be offered. Here is an account of that contest as it was reported in the Local for May 18, 1887. "A number of West Chester marksmen went to Berwyn Saturday to shoot for a sweepstakes and also for a gun and bicycle. They took with them their rifles, expecting to shoot from 100 to 500 yards. When they got there they found that light guns were being used, and did not enter the contest. Some of them did try their hands at the sweepstakes amounting from $1.50 to $2. George Walton, Malvern, won two sweepstakes and J. L. Williamson, of near West Chester, won one of the sweepstakes and second money in another. The gun was won by Lewis Felty, of Radnor, who made 54 points out of a possible 56. John G. Dillin was second and made 53 points. In another score he made 52 points out of a possible 56. There were not enough entries for the bicycle and it was not put up." In the Local for February 5, 1885, for another example, was a reportof a team match. "A shooting match took place at Howellville, February 2d between crack shots from Thornton and Cabbagetown. The former killed 25 out of 40 and the latter 23 out of the same number. There were a large number of persons present, friends of the contesting parties, and excitement ran high at several times during the match." If a match ended in a draw, it, of course, sometimes simply became areason to have another contest; such was the case in a match describedin the Local for February 20, 1888. Dr. Butts and John Thomas each shot at 25 pigeons near Paoli, Saturday. Each shot 14, and as this was a tie, the contest will be resumed at Mr. Thomas' in two weeks." Another form of competition was the wheeling match. This item, from the Jeffersonian in West Chester for February 10, 1872 not only reports on a "Wheeling Match" held in Howellville, with a pig for a prize, but also describes the way in which a wheeling match was conducted. "A wheeling match took place at Howelltown, Tredyffrin township, upon the farm of J. Morton Davis, one day the beginning of this week, for a pig. The modus operandi was as follows: A stake was driven in the ground about 100 yards from the starting point. The competitors for the prize were severally blindfolded, and endeavored to trundle the wheelbarrow to the stake. The performance on the above occasion was quite amusing, and some very crooked, zig-zaggy routes were made. We have not been informed as to who was the winner of the porker, but without doubt, the losers were amply repaid for their investments by the sport which the event occasioned." TopCoasting and Picnics Other diversions and recreational pasttimes included sleigh rides andcoasting in the winter and picnics in the summer. The popularity of winter holiday sleighing parties, for example, was noted in this item from the Local for December 27, 1883, under the headline "Making Good Use of the Sleighing". "The citizens of Howellville, Tredyffrin township, this county, are determined to make good use of the sleighing while it lasts. James Riley, who has a large force of horses working in his limestone quarries, had no less than 16 of them on Wednesday evening out hauling a sleighing party. One of the teams was a six-in-hand. The party drove to Norristown and back. On Thursday evening he had a six-in-hand team loaded with ladies and gentlemen and drove them to the Washington Troop armory, at Paoli parade grounds, to attend the ball given by 'Y.P.M.B.B.C.' - whatever that means." Sledding of a more informal nature in the area was similarly reported in the Local a month later, on January 23, 1884, under the headline "Coasting". "The citizens of Berwyn, both young and old, have had a fine time coastingon Walter's hill, on Waterloo avenue, which is about a half mile long andquite a heavy grade. The fire-flies and sleds go down it with great velocity, and the rides of the merry coasters are very exciting. There have been several injured by upsets and collisions. On Friday evening there were three persons considerably injured, by being run into by other sleds after their own had been upset." In the summer time, picnics were popular; there were reports of picnics in the newspapers as early as in the 1860's. This brief item, for example, appeared in the Village Record for August 29, 1865, with the headline "PIC-NIC". "There was a picnic in the grove of Jesse Green, Howellville, on Saturday last. About five hundred were in attendance, principally from Chester and Delaware counties." Despite the fact that there were several popular picnic spots in the area, including "the grove of Jesse Green", Paoli Grove, and Coates'Woods among others, unfortunately some picnickers apparently did not always get permission from the landowners for their outings and fun. This lack of consideration was lamented by "A Resident" in an item in the Local for July 12, 1885, in which he noted "EDITOR NEWS: - The Fourth of July proved to be quite a day for pleasure hunters, and many picnic parties wended their way in as many directions. One crowd of about twenty-five or thirty persons, residents of Paoli, directed their course one mile down into the Valley and took up their quarters for the day in one of the fields commanding a fine view of Valley Forge hill and a long range of the Valley. It is certainly a fine ground for a picnic; and there they spent the day in picnic style; had shooting going on, pitching quoits, shouting and singing; took down some fence, drove into and out of the field, and left the fence lying on the ground,not as they found it; all their arrangements were carried out without asking permission of the landowner, who lives quite close to the grounds. The field is not a commons, but is enclosed by a fence. Some people maythink that was just the correct thing to do on a holiday, but other people are not of the same opinion." TopGames and Sports Time was also occasionally found for games. One game quite popular during the 1850's and 1660's was cornerball; it provided recreation not only for the contestants, but also perhaps provided one of the earlier opportunities for "spectator" sport. Here is an account of its popularity from the Local in 1886. "The game of corner ball, which 35 years ago was as much a national game as base ball has been since, is, we notice with pleasure, being revived, there having been a number of exciting contests at public sales in this county this month. About the year 1850 this game was perhaps in higher favor in the minds of Chester county's active sons than at any time prior or since. Then it was common during the winter and early spring seasons, as weather would permit, for 'sides' chosen by public schools to meet at some public sale and there decide the respective accomplishments of the contesting parties in a game, which for high and graceful jumping and tumbling would do credit to the best gymnasium performance of to-day. The boys of Diamond Rock School were often pitted against the big guns of Flat School, west of Cedar Hollow. The Presbyterian School, on the Swedesford road, also in Tredyffrin township, trotted out the heavy hitters against those of Howellville school, while the balls used on such occasions measured over two inches in diameter and weighed something less than half a pound, its component parts being a large leaden grape shot or bullet for the centre - this wound around with a small quantity of India rubber, then with grey stocking yarn and the whole covered with leather, normally calf skin, in a neat and durable manner. In those days the cross roads shoemaker wasn't considered much of a workman if he couldn't cover a ball in handsome style, and this branch of his industry entailed considerable labor without a corresponding recompense in many instances. These contests at the public vendues often times served to draw more people than did the sale attractions proper, and not infrequently there were some unpleasant controversies indulged by the friends of the opposing parties. Chester Valley was noted for its expert corner ball players, as was also Charlestown township, and no doubt should this reference to the exciting games of those days come to the notice of those who yet survive it will recall some pleasant memories of school boy days - of schoolmates and of enjoyments of more than three decades ago." By the 1880's Berwyn had its own baseball team, known as the "Rex Base Ball Club", organized by the Rex Livery Stable owned by JosephRex, and located at the corner of Bridge and (Old) Lancaster avenues. In the Local for June 18, 1881, this "Base Ball Challenge" was announced. "The Rex Base Ball Club, of Berwyn, Chester county, Pa., sends us the following notice: We are willing to play a social game of ball with any amateur club of Chester county. Address, J. W. White, secretary." Apparently the challenge was answered by several teams of varying degrees of organization. Eleven days later, in the Local for June 26, for example, this report appeared under the heading "Berwyn Items". "As I am writing a very interesting game of base ball is being played between the Rex club and the brick layers working at the new station. The score last evening at the end of the fourth inning stood Rex club 23, brick layers 22. The Rex club intend to give the West Chester boys a challenge before long. This evening nine married man will play the Rex club, and we will let you know the result." The Radnor team the following week offered even stronger opposition, as shown by the report from the Local for July 6, with the headline "Ball and Bat". "The Radnor and Berwyn base ball clubs crossed bats at Berwyn Monday last. The Radnor club came off victorious in a score of 25 to 8." Considerably more one-sided was the game against the Married Men the following month, reported under the headline "Base Ball" in the Local for August 25. "The 'Rex' base ball club of Berwyn and the 'Married Men' of that place, crossed bats on Saturday afternoon last, which resulted in the squashing of the 'Married Men.' The 'Rex' club came off victorious in a game which ended 75 to 9." For the "gentry", most of whom raised horses and maintained stables, there was also horse racing. (The most famous race horse in the two townships was undoubtedly The Bard, purchased as a yearling in 1884 by Alexander J. Cassatt, and the winner of the Preakness in 1885.) Here is an early report on this type of recreational activity, which appeared under the heading "The Turf" in the Jeffersonian for May 14, 1870. "Sporting gentry in Tredyffrin and neighborhood are in high glee at the prospect of some notoriety in the sporting world. Edward Wilson, a prominent farmer of that township, and S. Wood, a manufacturer, are expected to contest with two splendid young mares at Norristown today (Saturday). Bonner and Grant may possibly be there. At least they should have been invited. Who knows, but that Dexter may be completely put in the shade. Success to Tredyffrin, and, as we have no choice, may they both beat." By the mid 1880's there were several race tracks in the area, including one in Tredyffrin Township on Alexander J. Cassatt's Chesterbrook Farm; and Serrill's Race Track, owned and operated by William P. Serrill on the plot of ground bounded by Waterloo, Sugartown, Dorset and Devon roads in Devon in Easttown Township. In 1892 the Devon Trotting Association held its first meet, with three running races, two trotting races, and one pacing race, on August 20. An account of this first meet appeared in the Local two days later, under the headline "TROTTING AT DEVON", with the sub-head "Some Lively Steppers Give a Good Exhibition of Speed".
"The opening of the half mile track at Devon took place on Saturday afternoon. Several interesting
races took place, in which, however, only local horses participated. There was a good attendance of
sportsmen of the vicinity, in addition to a number of Philadelphia gentlemen now stopping at the
Devon Inn. In several instances, fairly good time was made, but no official record was kept. The
racing was under the auspices of the Devon Inn stables, Dances and Balls Another form of diversion, as already noted in the item on sleighing,were dances and balls. Under the headline "Terpsichore", this brief report of a "grand ball" at Paoli Hall appeared in the Local for February 2, 1882. "This evening Harry Schofield will give a grand ball in Paoli Hall. A good orchestra will be in attendance to furnish the music. Five two-horse sleighs will leave the residence of George Jacobs, East Whiteland township, early this evening, loaded with human freight and bound for the dance hall." That the affairs sometimes lasted well into the night is also shown by this brief account of "The Ball at Paoli" from the Local for November 30, 1883. "The ball given at Paoli last evening was a very pleasant affair and well patronized. Many persons from West Chester attended, who state that everything passed off in a highly satisfactory manner. Good music served to keep the heel and toe rocking until the wee small hours of the morning." Somewhat less formal was a surprise party dance, in which the guests also provided the music for the occasion, reported under the one-word headline "Surprised" in the Local for January 13, 1885. "Last Wednesday evening a party of merry-makers from Radnor, Tredyffrin and Easttown assembled at the residence of Mr. Wilson Linn, above Berwyn, for the purpose of duplicating the very pleasant time spent there some ten days before. From the noiseless movement of the crowd, and the many injunctions to "keep quiet or they'll hear", one might have thought that large depredations in the chicken roost were in contemplation, but at length, when the carriages were unloaded, the uninvited guests proceeded to announce their arrival by thundering knocks on shutters and doors. When with trembling fingers the alarmed occupants had unfastened the door, they were so surprised by the sight of the visitors that one of the ladies in her agitation (?) shook her friend by the shoulder instead of by the hand. 'Jack' had his violin with him, and we soon 'took partners for the grand march.' We 'tripped the light, fantastic toe' until after midnight, when refreshments were served and the dancing was continued until a late or rather early hour in the morning. All agreed that they had enjoyed an exceptionally good time. A PARTICIPANT." Another occasional embellishment was to have the guests appear in costume, as was the case in this "Masquerade Party", reported in the Local for March 10, 1881. It is also interesting that when a party washeld on a Saturday night, the revelry and festivities apparently endedmuch earlier! "On Saturday evening last a large number of the young ladies and gentlemen of Tredyffrin visited the residence of Mrs. Isabella Walker, in the same township, dressed in masquerade costume. They brought with them Kelly's orchestra, of Philadelphia, and spent the evening 'tripping the light fantastic toe,' Refreshments were served at 11 o'clock, and the party broke up in time to prevent any violation of the Sabbath, and of course all were happy." TopConcerts, Lectures and Other Entertainments The construction of town halls in Berwyn and Paoli and the availability of the facilities of the Devon Inn in Devon, together with the growth in the population of these areas, made possible an additional type of recreation for local residents in the last two decades of the century in the form of concerts and entertainments, and even a lyceum. The lyceum was organized in Berwyn in 1879. In the Local for January 17 of that year it was noted, under the heading "Berwyn Lyceum", "The Berwyn Lyceum, recently started at that place, is in a flourishing condition. There are about thirty-five members, who meet every Tuesday." A sample of the programs offered by the Lyceum is found in the reports of its weekly meetings. In the February 5, 1879 Local, for example, with the Lyceum then about one month old, it was reported, "The ... [Berwyn] lyceum met as usual last evening, and was called to order by the Vice President, I. A. Cleaver. The house was crowded with a very intelligent audience. The following was the programme: Music, 'Hold the Fort.' Answering referred questions by John Campbell and Miss Annie Wertz. Selection, 'Is it Any Body's Business?' by Miss Mary Ottey. Essay, 'Poets of One Poem,' by F. H. Stauffer. Declamation, 'Calling a Boy in the Morning,' by Master Eugene Cleaver. Selection, 'The Critic,' by J. T. Doran. Recitation, 'The Boys,' by Annie Wertz. Recess. Music, 'On the Shoals.' Dialogue, 'Scene in a Police Court,' by F. M. Stauffer and S. A. Kromer. Selection, 'Revolutionary Reminiscences,' by I. A. Cleaver. Election of new members; collection of dues from male members. Business, Music, 'Freedom's Flag.' Adjournment until February 11th at 7:30 P.M. Miss Abbie Eyre organist, and John Kauffman chorister. The Lyceum is surely in a flourishing condition." The following week there were visitors from Philadelphia. In the Local for Feburary 12th it was observed, "The Berwyn Lyceum met at the usual time and place. The storm had the effect of keeping many at home, but there was quite an audience gathered from our village and the country. Several residents of Philadelphia we noted in attendance. Vice-President Cleaver occupied the Chair, and the following was the programme: Singing, 'When the Mists have Rolled Away;' selection, 'Dundreary in the Country,' by John Campbell; declamation, 'Little Katie's Last Dream,' by Etta M. Stauffer; selection, 'The Schoolmaster's Guests,' by Abbie Eyre. The audience was then favored by an alto solo from Miss Lillie Buddy, of Philadelphia. It was a beautiful song and well executed. Essay, 'Our Public Schools,' by I. A. Cleaver. Recess. Music, 'On the Shoals;' various questions referred; declamation, 'The Tinker's Mistake,' by Marshall Stauffer; select readings from Shakespeare by E. K. Lewis; selection, 'Tacking Down Carpet', by I. A. Cleaver. Mr. J. M. Buddy and family were in the audience, and contributed very materially to the music during the evening." The report for the last meeting of the year, in the Local for April 23, 1879, again summarized the program, and then concluded "After thanking the audience for the good order and attention that had characterized all the lyceum meetings, the Vice President announced that agreeably to the action of the lyceum, with this meeting, its sessions would close until the coming fall months. ... This is the first winter of this lyceum, and everybody says it has been a success, and all look forward to the pleasant meetings in prospect when it shall again reorganize," Other concerts featured music only. Such a concert, for example, wasone held in Berwyn Hall, announced in the Local for December 7, 1881. "On Wednesday evening, 7th, an instrumental and vocal concert will be given in Berwyn Hall, by three blind gentlemen. Prof. J. H, Stett, composer and teacher of piano and organ at the Penn Institute for the blind; Robert St. Clair, professor of violin, piano and cornet in the same institution, and Prof. J. McDevitt, of the Blind Men's Home, of West Philadelphia. This combination of musical talent cannot fail to give a first-class entertainment. Mr. St. Clair plays his own accompaniments to his cornet solos. He also appears in character and comic songs and in imitations of animals, trains of cars, etc. on the organ. Doors open at 7:15, to commence at 7:45." Another example of a musical concert is one held at the Devon Inn, reported in the Local for July 10, 1896, under the headline "A Concert in Devon". "A large and fashionable audience graced the concert given Friday evening by W. H. Horton and Miss Lilly Post, of McCall's Opera Company. The picturesque dining room of the Inn was divided by a deep curtain of maroon velvet, and in that way a charming auditorium was formed for the audience. The concert opened with a piano solo by Walter D. Styer, and Mr. Morton followed with 'Golden Love,' by Wallings. Mr. Horton is widely known in Philadelphia and those who have had the pleasure of listening to his rich baritone voice at the Journalist Club can realize how hearty was the applause and appreciative the encore that he received. His second song was 'My Sweetheart When a Boy.' Miss Post sang Meyerbeer's cavatina, 'Robert,' with exquisite grace and finish. Her encore song was 'The Maid of Dundee." A little fellow astonished the audience with a solo on the violin, playing with complete control of the strings and evident genius.. Miss Josephine Richardson and Mr. John Urban sang acceptably. The concert concluded with Pinsuti's quartet, 'Good Night, Beloved.'" In some instances, entertainments were given as a benefit to raise money for charitable purposes. Such a program was this two and ahalf hour long entertainment, including music, recitations and humorous sketches, reported in the Chester County Democrat, another West Chester newspaper, for March 15, 1894.. "Odd Fellows' Hall was crowded to its utmost capacity, last Thursday night, at the entertainment given under the direction of Mrs. Jay R. Worst, as a benefit to the deserving poor of Berwyn and vicinity. For two and a half hours the excellent talent ... held the undivided attention and won the warm applause of the large audience; ... "The varied character of the evening's performance happily obviated the spirit of monotony that usually attends such occasions. Miss Edith Aughinbach won immediate favor by the masterly rendition of 'Midsummer Night's Dream' on the piano, which was increased after she had executed with comparative ease and great fluency several other very difficult selections of classical music, and Mrs. Jay R. Worst, who is well known in this place as an accomplished and entertaining performer, called forth the vigorous applause of the audience by her fine accompaniments, and masterly execution of the delightful solo closing the evening's entertainment. The vocal solos given by Miss M. Claude Robbins, in a pure contralto voice, were so highly appreciated that she was compelled to respond to encores every time she appeared on the programme, and John J. Hackney made a decided hit with his stirring ballads and sentimental songs. Joe D. Bicknell, the entertainer, kept the audience in a constant uproar of merriment with his witty sayings and original humor, and the recitals of Miss Rebecca Cochran Slaymaker were well received. In the delivery of 'A Chariot Race' she held the rapt attention of the audience as she depicted in a masterly manner its exciting scenes. One of the most enjoyable features of the entertainment was the violin solo by Elwood F. Kromer, the talented young musician of this place, whose fine execution of pleasing airs from the opera Norma captivated the audience which tendered him a flattering ovation. Equally as high appreciation was shown J. Comly Hall's clarinet playing in the concerts. The staff evolutions given by Major George A. Newton were very clever. His skillful manipulation of the Drum Major's staff won the admiration and applause of every one. The net proceeds of the entertainment were placed in the hands of the clergymen of this place for distribution." Similarly, from the Local for November 22, 1894, here is an announcement of a "Benefit at Berwyn" to aid a recently bereaved family inthe neighborhood. "Citizens of Berwyn and vicinity are interesting themselves in the destitute family of Walter Maikin, who died there some weeks ago, leaving no provision for his wife and little ones. For this cause an entertainment is to be given at Berwyn this evening." TopHolidays Holidays also provided an occasion for rural families to put aside their every day chores and get together. Some of the ways in which Thanksgiving Day, for example, was celebrated are found in this item from the Local for November 28, 1883. "Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated at Howellville, Tredyffrin township, by a wheeling match at Riley's Hotel, and at Duffryn Mawr by a feast of venison, oysters and turkey. The deer that will be served at the latter place, we learn, tips the beam at 170 pounds." But the big holiday was Independence Day or the Fourth of July. It was traditionally highlighted by picnics and other get-togethers, ending with a spectacular display of fireworks in the evening. In 1890, the traditional exhibition of fireworks attracted well over two thousand people to Devon, as reported in this story from the Local for July 5 of that year. "Twenty-four hundred people witnessed the grand exhibition of fireworks given at the Inn last night under the direction of C. B. Miller, who was assisted by H, G. Harman and J. W. Baer. It was the most magnificent display of pyrotechnics ever witnessed in this vicinity. It was divided into twenty-four different pieces, beginning with an ascension of signal rockets and interspersed with a polka quadrille and the Devon nine of baseball players, and ending with the grand parade of the Goddess of Liberty, with the American shield by her side, and the stars and stripes in her hand, while the heavens were filled with streams of fire from batteries and shells. The lawn was illuminated with colored fires, and the whole exhibition was of the most satisfying character. "After the last spark of the fireworks had died out, the guests assembled in the parlor and spent several hours in dancing." It was a holiday to be celebrated regardless of the weather. Despite a rainy Fourth of July five years later in 1895, as noted in this item from the Chester County Democrat for July 11 of that year "the atmosphere was ablaze with fireworks", although it was necessary to postpone the planned "grand exhibition" at Devon until several nights later,(The reporter also added a few political comments of his own, perhaps in keeping with the occasion, in his description of the festivities.) "The Fourth of July, despite the unfavorable weather conditions, was more generally observed throughout this section of the country than it has been for many years, and even paradoxical as it may seem to the average calamity shrieker and fire-eater, under a full-fledged Democratic administration and a revised tariff scarcely one year old, fashioned according to Democratic ideas, at that. The residences of the majority of our citizens were gayly decorated with a profusion of the national colors and the stars and stripes, and in the evening the atmosphere was ablaze with fireworks of every description and rent by the detonations of mammoth cannon crackers, salutes and bombs. Although the rain fell in torrents at intervals it did not prevent a number of fine private displays from being made, Down at Devon a full programme had been prepared for the day, but the rain interfered so much that the greater portion had to be abandoned. The fine exhibition set of fireworks purchased by the managers of the Inn were not set off until several days later. By the way, this year's Fourth afforded the American people a most convincing object lesson of the highly beneficial results of the Wilson Tariff Reform bill, as its reductions of the schedule of duties on fire-works placed these articles in the hands of the people at such remarkably low prices so as to enable the most humble citizen to celebrate his independence with a very creditable display of pyrotechnics. ..." It is clear from these random newspaper items that by the middle of the nineteenth century, Americans had begun "to learn to play". So despite long days of hard physical labor, it was not "all work and no play" for the residents of Tredyffrin and Easttown townships during the latter part of the century as they found a time and a placefor recreation in varied ways.
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