Part 5
The society numbered among its members the brightest and best bred young people of the city, most of whom took part in each performance. They were given in a room on Wood street, in a building known as Masonic Hall." _Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
"The Theatre of this City has been now opened nearly a fortnight, and the managers although they have used every exertion to please, in the selection of their pieces, have not been enabled to pay the contingent expenses of the House. This is a severe satire on the taste of the place.
Tomorrow [Wednesday] evening we understand that the 'Stranger' is to be produced--we hope under auspices more favorable to the managers than heretofore. The part of the Stranger is to be performed by a Young Gentleman of the City, who has never before graced the Boards.--If report speaks correctly of his talents, he bids fair to excel any person who has yet appeared upon the stage on this side the Mountains. It is hoped that this novelty, together with the correct and manly acting of Mr. Savage, a stranger here, and the chastened elegance which Mrs. Savage is said to exhibit, will attract to the Theatre, for this one evening at least, the friends to this rational amusement." _Commonwealth, Nov. 12, 1816._
On Friday evening, June 7, will be presented, Shakespear's celebrated comedy, in 3 acts called
Catharine & Petruchio after which, a much admired comic opera called The Highland Reel. For particulars, see bills.
And, that every person should have the opportunity of seeing the most splendid spectacle ever exhibited in Pittsburgh, on Saturday evening, June 8, will be presented, the grand romantic drama, called
Timour the Tartar; or, the Princess of Mingrelia.
Which will positively be the last time, of its being performed, as the scenery will be appropriated to other purposes.
With other Entertainments.
For particulars, see box bills.
"A few days after the performance of Hamlet, Mr. Entwistle, the manager, had for his benefit, that irresistibly amusing burlesque, 'Hamlet Travestie.' His line of acting is a broad-farce caricature of that of Liston. He personated the modern Danish prince. The audience were solemn, serious, and dull. The affecting entrance of the deranged Ophelia, who, instead of rosemary, rue, &c. had an ample supply of turnips and carrots, did not move a muscle of their _intelligent faces_--the ladies, indeed, excepted, who evinced by the frequent use of their pocket handkerchiefs, that their sympathies were engaged on the side of the love-sick maiden. Some who had seen the original Hamlet for the first time a few evenings before, gave vent to their criticisms when the curtain fell. They thought Mr. Entwistle did not look sufficiently grave; and that, as it was his benefit, he acted very dishonourably in shaving (cheating) them out of two acts; for that they guessed when Mr. Hutton played _that'ere_ king's mad son, he gave them five acts for their _dallar_. Mr. ---- assured me that on the following morning, a respectable lawyer of Pittsburgh met him, and said, 'I was at the play last night, Sir, and do not think that Mr. Entwistle acted Hamlet quite so well as Mr. Hutton.'" _Fearon's Sketches of America, 1818._
_Thespian Society_
The Public are respectfully informed that on this evening, Jan. 14th, will be presented the much admired Drama, called
the Man of Fortitude.
The proceeds to be appropriated to the benefit of the Sunday Male Charitable School.
Recitation, Alonzo the brave or the fair Imogen.
Song, I have loved thee, dearly loved thee.--Mrs. Menier.
----, America, Commerce and Freedom.
_After which the much admired Farce, called_, The Review, _Or, the_ Wag of Windsor.
Doors to be opened at half past 5 o'clock, and the curtain to rise at half past six. Box, one dollar; Pit, _Fifty cents_.
"A citizen of Pittsburgh, and a lover of the useful and rational amusement of the Theatre, begs leave to observe to his fellow citizens, that on Monday evening next Mr. Alexander will stand forward for public recompense, for his exertions in his profession.... It must be readily acknowledged that no young gentleman of more transcendent talent ever graced the dramatic floor of Pittsburgh; it is, therefore, but just that he who has so often made _us_ smile, should from _us_ receive a something to make _him_ smile in turn." _Commonwealth, Nov. 4, 1815._
"The Theatre in this city is now opened by the Thespian Society, for the double purpose of gratifying the public taste by a moral and rational amusement and adding to the funds of the Male Charitable Sunday School. The _Man of Fortitude_ and the Farce of the _Review_ have been selected for representation this evening. Since society has been released from the chains of superstition, the propriety of Theatrick amusements has not been doubted by any man of liberal feelings and enlightened understanding.... The stage conveys a moral in colours more vivid than the awful and elevated station of the preacher permits him to use--it is his coadjutor in good, and goes with him hand in hand exposing vice to ridicule and honouring virtue." _Gazette, Jan. 14, 1817._
The Morals Efficiency Society of 1816
"The Moral Society of Pittsburgh announce to the public their formation. The object of their association is the suppression of vice and immorality, as far as their influence shall extend, and they shall be authorized by the laws of the commonwealth, and the ordinances of this city....
We hereby give this public information of our intention to aid the civil officers in the execution of the laws of this commonwealth, and the ordinances of the city, against all vice and crime cognizable by said laws and ordinances. Such as profane swearing, gambling, horse racing, irregular tippling houses and drunkenness, profanation of the Lord's day by unnecessary work of any kind, such as driving of waggons, carts, carriages of pleasure and amusement, or other conveyances not included under the exception of the laws of the commonwealth in case of necessity and mercy." _Commonwealth, Nov. 26, 1816._
Fourth of July, 1816
"A numerous and respectable concourse of citizens met at Hog Island, nearly opposite the village of Middletown, on the Ohio river, to celebrate the birth day of American independence. Colonel James Martin, was nominated president, and Captain Robert Vance, vice-president.--The utmost harmony and unanimity prevailed; and it was a pleasing sight to see citizens of opposite political sentiments, bury their former animosity, and with great cordiality join in celebrating the American anniversary. After performing the manual exercise, the company partook of an elegant dinner, prepared for the occasion, and the cloth being removed ... patriotic toasts were drank with great hilarity, accompanied by the discharge of musketry, and appropriate music....
The citizens retired at a late hour in the utmost harmony." _Mercury, July 20, 1816._
Police
"When the borough was incorporated into a city [March 1816], the act incorporating it authorized the authorities to establish a police force, but there was none established for some years afterwards. The act limited the city taxation to five mills on a dollar, and the corporation could scarcely have paid a police force, even if one had been required. The city authorities did, however, pass an ordinance on August 24, 1816, establishing a night watchman, but soon found they had no money with which to pay him. They accordingly repealed the ordinance and for some years the city slept in darkness without the benefit of police protection." _Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
Eagle Fire Company
"In 1811 the second epoch in the company's history may be said to have started, the younger element having gradually crept in and assumed control of affairs, and the older men had to some extent lost interest and perhaps gained rheumatism in the fire service. The company was now re-organized on a more active and vigorous basis. The first engineer to take charge under the new regime was William Eichbaum, who continued to act in that capacity until 1832, when he was elected First Chief Engineer of the Fire Department on its organization....
In the company organization the most important duty devolved upon the Bucket Committee. Every citizen was required to keep two or three heavy leather buckets with his name painted on them, and in case of fire these were all brought on the ground. Two lines of men and women were formed to the water supply, to pass the full buckets to and the empty ones from the engine.... When the fire was extinguished all the buckets were left on the ground till next day. Then, as many of the inscriptions were obliterated, there was some stealing of buckets and consequent fights. Certain folks ... picked out the best buckets, just as in modern times some people get the best hats, or umbrellas, at the conclusion of a party. The Bucket Committee, to put a stop to this, decided to deliver all buckets to their respective owners." _Dawson's Our firemen._
Water-Supply
"The water supply was gained, up to 1802, from wells and springs which flowed from out the hillsides, these being sufficient for a small town. An ordinance passed August 9, of that year, called for the making of four wells, not less than forty-seven feet in depth. Three of these were to be located on Market street, and were to be walled with stone.... Wells, with the springs at Grant's Hill, furnished the supply of water for public use until 1826." _Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
Banks
"As early as the year 1815, there were only three banks in Pittsburgh; viz., the Bank of Pennsylvania, located on the north side of Second Avenue, between Chancery Lane and Ferry Street; Bank of Pittsburg, south-west corner of Market and Third Streets; Farmers and Mechanics' Bank, north side of Third, between Wood and Market Streets,--the aggregate capital amounting to less than two million dollars, which was considered abundantly adequate to the business of that period." _Parke's Recollections of seventy years._
The Bank of Pittsburgh is situated on the s.w. corner of Market and Third streets.
President,
William Wilkins,
Directors,
George Anchutz, Jun. Nicholas Cunningham William Hays James Morrison Craig Ritchie (Cannonsbr'g) James Brown (baker) Thos. Cromwell John Darragh Wm. McCandless John M. Snowden George Allison T. P. Skelton
Cashier
Alexander Johnston, Jun.
Open daily from 9 o'clock a.m. till 3 p.m., except Sunday, Fourth of July, Christmas and Fast days. Discount day, Wednesday. Capital $600,000. Shares $50 each. Dividends, first Mondays in May and November. _Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
The Office of Discount and Deposit of the Bank of Pennsylvania is situated on the north side of Second between Market and Ferry streets.
President,
James O'Hara.
Directors,
Joseph Barker Anthony Beelen Thomas Baird Ebenezer Denny Boyle Irwin George Wallace David Evans
_Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
THE FARMERS' AND MECHANICS' BANK OF PITTSBURGH.
Cashier George Poe, Jun.
Open daily from 9 o'clock a.m. till 3 p.m., except Sunday, Fourth of July, Christmas and Fast days. Discount day, Thursday.
Is situated on the north side of Third, between Market and Wood streets.
President,
John Scull
Directors,
William Eichbaum, Jun. John Ligget William Leckey Jacob Negley
_Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
Post-Office
POST-OFFICE ESTABLISHMENT.
Arrival and Departure of the MAILS, At the Post-Office--Pittsburgh
The Eastern Mail arrives on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, and closes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 8 o'clock A.M.
The Western Mail arrives on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and closes on Sunday at sunset, and Wednesday and Friday at 1 o'clock P.M.
The Beaver Mail arrives on Monday evening, and closes the same day at sun-set.
The Erie Mail arrives on Monday evening and closes the same day at sun-set.
The Steubenville Mail arrives on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, and closes same days at sun-set.
The Huntingdon Mail, via Ebensburgh and Indiana, arrives on Tuesday, and closes same day at half past twelve P.M....
As there are several places of the same name in the United States, it is necessary that the directions should be particular, the states should be distinguished, and, where it might otherwise be doubtful, the counties....
Those who send letters may either pay the postage in advance, or leave it to be paid by their correspondents.
RATES OF POSTAGE
For Single Letters
Cents
For any distance not exceeding 40 miles 12 Over 40 and not exceeding 90 do 15 Over 90 and not exceeding 150 do 18-3/4 Over 150 and not exceeding 300 do 25-1/2 Over 500 37-1/2
_Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
The Suburbs
"_Birmingham_ is a small village across the Monongahela, about one mile south of Pittsburgh. It has works for green glass, furnaces for casting hollow ware, &c. from pigs, and a saw mill, which is moved by a steam engine. The coal for all these, is used fresh from the mine, without mixture, coaking or desulphuration.
Many of the balls for Perry's fleet, were cast in this foundery. But instead of forming such ministers of havoc, the metal is now moulded for softer hands, and _flat_ or _smoothing_ irons are produced in abundance. These are ground on a stone which revolves by a band from the steam engine." _Thomas's Travels through the western country in 1816._
"At a respectable meeting of the inhabitants of Birmingham and its vicinity, convened at the school-house, on Friday evening the 28th of March, 1816, in order to take into consideration the expediency of erecting a Market-House, in said town; Nathaniel Bedford, was called to the Chair, and George Patterson, appointed secretary.
The chairman having stated the object of the meeting, the following resolutions were proposed and unanimously adopted, viz.--
RESOLVED, That a Market-House be built on the plan exhibited by Mr. Benjamin Yoe.
RESOLVED, That the site of the structure be the centre of the square.
Thus, another thriving and Manufacturing Town, is added to the many which have been established in the western section of Pennsylvania; and social order, with its concomitants, the arts and sciences, illuminate those wild and dreary shades, where lately none but the prowling wolf, or the restless and cruel savage held their haunts." _Mercury, April 20, 1816._
"At the beginning of the century the site of Allegheny City was a wilderness. In 1812 a few settlers had made inroads upon the forest, and had builded their cabins. Notice is called to the fact in the minutes of the Presbytery of Erie, in April of that year, in the following words: 'An indigent and needy neighborhood, situated on the Allegheny, opposite Pittsburgh, having applied for supplies,' the matter was laid before the Presbytery.
Joseph Stockton seems to have been the first stated minister, preaching a part of his time there until 1819." _Centenary memorial of Presbyterianism in western Pennsylvania._
"The facility for getting to and from Pittsburg [from Allegheny] was quite a different matter from what it is to-day. The only highway (if it may be called such) leading west from Federal Street to the Bottoms at that early day, was the erratic Bank Lane, which owing to the natural unevenness of the ground upon which it was located, and total neglect of the authorities of Ross township to put it in a condition for travel, ... was for many years only accessible for foot-passengers." _Parke's Recollections of seventy years._
Lawrenceville was laid out in 1815 by Wm. B. Foster, and had begun with the building of the United States arsenal.
Courts
"The Supreme Court holds a term in Pittsburgh, on the 1st Monday in September annually, to continue two weeks if necessary, for the Western District, composed of the counties of Somerset, Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Warren, Venango, Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana and Jefferson." _Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
"Mr. Lacock submitted an important resolution for instructing the committee on the Judiciary to enquire into the expediency of dividing the state of Pennsylvania into _two Judicial Districts_, and establishing a _district court_ of the U. States at the city of Pittsburgh, which was agreed to." _Commonwealth, Jan. 6, 1817._
County Elections
"Henry Baldwin is elected to congress for the district composed of the counties of Allegheny and Butler, by a majority of about 800 votes.
John Gilmore, William Woods, Samuel Douglass and Andrew Christy are elected to the assembly.
Lazarus Stewart is elected Sheriff of Allegheny county, by a majority of 181 votes.
Joseph Davis is elected commissioner by a majority of 249 votes, and Charles Johnson, Auditor by a majority of 28 votes." _Gazette, Oct. 15, 1816._
The State Legislature
"The bill for erecting the two Bridges at Pittsburgh has passed both houses. The sites are fixed at St. Clair-street for the Allegheny and Smithfield-street for the Monongahela. The state subscribes $40,000 of stock for each bridge.
A bill is about being reported for establishing a horse and cattle market in the vicinity of Pittsburgh.
The bill for erecting Pittsburgh into a city has passed the senate and is before the house, where it is expected to pass through without opposition.
The bill for erecting a new county out of parts of Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, and Fayette, is reported. This bill will throw off the greater part of Elizabeth township from Allegheny county. There have been no remonstrances against it received from this county; but we understand that some have been received from the other counties concerned.
The bill for erecting a Poorhouse for Allegheny county, it is expected will pass." _Mercury, Feb. 24, 1816._
"We regret to say that neither from our correspondent at Harrisburg nor from the papers printed there, have we been enabled to procure an account of the legislative proceedings. We take two papers published at the seat of government, but from some unaccountable reason they do not contain the intelligence our readers require. We are reduced to the necessity of picking up here and there from letters to editors--from information derived from travellers--or from some other like inconclusive sources of information, that intelligence with which Journals published at the seat of government should supply us. They ought to be the fountains of information to the mass of the community: Instead of dabbling in politics and abusing or eulogizing party leaders, they should deal in facts. The National Intelligencer we look upon as the best model with which we are acquainted of a national journal." _Commonwealth, Dec. 24, 1816._
Slavery
"Nearly all of the first residents of Pittsburg and vicinity who were wealthy enough to afford the luxury were owners of slaves. The Nevilles, John Gibson, James O'Hara, Alexander Fowler, Adamson Tannehill, the Kirkpatricks and many others owned them, and several continued to do so as late as the war of 1812. The old newspapers contained advertisements for runaway slaves even as late as 1820." _Wilson's History of Pittsburg._
"The year 1780 is memorable in the annals of Pennsylvania for the passage of the act for the gradual abolition of slavery in this State.... It provided for the registration of every negro or mulatto slave or servant for life, or till the age of thirty-one years, before the first of November following, and also provided, 'that no man or woman of any nation or color, except the negroes or mulattoes who shall be registered as aforesaid, shall at any time hereafter be deemed, adjudged, or holden within the territory of this Commonwealth, as slaves or servants for life, but as free men and free women.'" _Egle's History of Pennsylvania._
Advertisements from the Newspapers of 1816
SHOT, POWDER, &c.
The Subscriber Has Just Received a quantity of first quality
Patent Shot, No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. Good Rifle Gun Powder By the keg Country Segars, Scotch and Rappe Snuff Domestic Cloth, and Cotton Shawls. -- On Hand --
A General assortment of Merchandize, suited to the present and approaching season.
-- Also -- Prime Pickling Vinegar Very strong and fit for immediate use
All of which will be sold Wholesale or Retail at the lowest market prices, for Cash or approved Trade.
ISAAC HARRIS, Diamond, Pittsburgh.
Will be received in Exchange Butter, Beeswax, Deer Skins, Clover and Flaxseed, Flax and Tow Linen, Bags, Flax, Rags, and country produce generally.
CANDLE MANUFACTORY
The subscriber, respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has erected a dip and candle manufactory in the Diamond, Pittsburgh; where he will keep constantly on hand and offers, Wholesale and Retail, dipt and mould candles of the best quality and on the most reasonable terms.
THOMAS COLMAN.
N.B. Economical Lanthern Candles, at 12 cents per bunch.
D. & J. CHUTE
Have on hand, a handsome assortment of Shoes, adapted to the season; a few pairs Boots, suitable for laborers; also, Currant Wine, by the barrel or smaller quantity. The above are offered for sale low for cash or negotiable paper.
N.B. When servants call for shoes, it is necessary that an order be sent.
PITTSBURGH PIPE MANUFACTORY,
ROUND HOUSE.
WILLIAM PRICE
Informs the merchants of the Western country that they may be supplied with any quantity of long or short
Smoking Pipes
as handsome and good as those imported--and hopes the merchants of this place will give the preference to the Manufactures of our own country.
OYSTERS
Gentlemen can be genteely accommodated at the City Hotel, with Oysters.
EDWARD CARR.
STOP THE THIEF!
Taken from the subscriber on the 19th of November last, a Black Great Coat, with a large Cape, the Cape buttoned on the collar, on the front of the Cape is black glass buttons, and on the front and hips of the coat is cloth buttons, taken by James Dunlap from his boarding house. This Dunlap is a large man with a red face, and on the fingers of his right hand two of the knuckles are out of joint.
Said Dunlap is by occupation a sort of a saddler, but if you wish to see him you may go to the grog shop or brandy house, for there is his place of abode in general. Any person that will take up and return said Dunlap and Coat, shall receive the reward of Five Dollars.
BENJAMIN CRANDALL.
THE BANKS
WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS,
Are most respectfully informed, that the Bank Bill Engraving and Printing Office at Pittsburgh, shall in the future be kept constantly open in such a style of elegance and punctuality as to merit the honor of their patronage.
The Bank Paper manufactured for the office, by Messrs. Drum & Markle of Greensburgh, is allowed by competent judges to be equal to any in the United States.
CHARLES P. HARRISON.
PRACTISING BALL.
Mr. Boudet's first Practising Ball will be on Saturday Evening the 26th instant, at his School Room.
N.B. No gentlemen can be admitted without being introduced by a lady with whom Mr. B. is acquainted; nor can any gentleman be permitted to dance in boots. Admission tickets for gentlemen to be had at any time of Mr. B. Price One Dollar, pupils half price.
GERMAN REDEMPTIONERS.