2001.126

Staff, Collected by

Field Collection

Museum Collection.

1883 - 1885

Date(s) Created: 1884 Date(s): 1883-1885

Notes: 2001.126.0101 Text of First Annual Report followed by text of enclosures ==== [cover title and page [1] ] title] First Annual Report of the Young Men's Christian Association. Organized January 19th, 1883, Hoboken, New Jersey. This report covers the work of the Association , from the Organization up to August 1st, 1884. The Building is in Bloomfield St., between 8th and 9th Sts. ==== [page 3] THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. To Public of Hoboken : The Young Men's Christian Association of Hoboken, desire to present to their patrons, and the christian public of Hoboken, some record of the work which they have been enabled to do during this, the first, year of their existence, trusting that such report will create confidence in, and sympathy with our work. The need of such an organization as ours, has been fully demonstrated by the work which we have found ready to our hands, and this work has been limited only by the want of men and means to carry it on. This first Report of our work, and that of the Ladies' Auxiliary, will show that we have not used our organization merely as a means of pleasant and profitable intercourse among the members ; we have not merely organized classes for the instruction of the young men and women of our Association ; but we have also reached out the hand of sympathy and help to those who were not members, either of our Association or of the Churches. The record of this work is given in the report hereto annexed. At the beginning of the work a General Secretary was engaged. Later on, we became convinced that our funds did not warrant this expense, and hence the labor has been ==== [page 4] 4 performed by the members themselves. This entails on a few, a great deal of work. With our large library, and our various methods of mission work, we need the funds to engage and pay for the clerical work necessary for efficiently carrying on our labors. We need funds for maintaining and extending our Evening Classes for the young men and women of our Association. We need funds to engage the services of some one who shall devote the whole, or the larger part, of his time to the superintendence and extension of our mission and charitable work, and with the annexed report, we appeal confidently to the christian public of Hoboken. Since the future of our city depends upon its young men, and since some of them have banded together to raise the moral tone of the community by an organized effort, we ask you, if you can afford to allow their effort to fail for the lack of a small annual contribution ? We ask you, if your interests in the city do not demand your support ? We ask you, if the added attraction, which this institution gives to our city, will not make you support a good investment? We ask you, if the character of this city is not on trial in the matter of this Association ? And, finally, we ask you, if as leading citizens, you are willing to bear the responsibility of the failure of this institution ? Upon your answer to these questions its existence depends. S. B. DOD. ==== [page 5] 5 (Extract from the Constitution.) ARTICLE I. Sec. 2.— Active Members.— Only male members in good standing in Evangelical Churches may become active members of this Association, according to Section 9 of this Article, upon payment of the annual fee. Only active members . . . shall have the right to vote and hold office. ARTICLE I. Sec. 3.—Associate Members.—Any person of good moral character, male or female, may become an associate member, according to Section 9 of this Article, upon payment of the annual fee, and shall be entitled to all the privileges of the Association, except those of voting and holding office. The Association was organized as follows : A few young men, finding themselves in this city, with no place in which to meet, and desiring a place where they could resort and enjoy a pleasant evening together without being driven to mingle with the society found in the saloons and low places of amusement, proposed to organize an Association for their mutual benefit. As it is essential that men, when they meet, should do so for a purpose which they hold in common, it was proposed that they should work to help their fellows into a healthier and happier life. It is a fact beyond dispute, that young men crave the society of their kind. This natural desire we count upon to bring them to our Association where we have reading matter, music, gymnasium and, classes, (in several branches,) to improve their minds and strengthen their bodies, thus fitting them better for the work for which they were created, and for which they and we, ==== [page 6] 6 and you also, are accountable to the God who gave us being. To fit them for this work, and make them realize its supreme importance, is the highest aim we have in view — hence we call it a "Christian Association." To sum up the purposes of our organization in one word, it is to save young men : from the degrading influences of low company ! from the vices of intemperance and gambling, and from the moral pollution which surrounds them on every side — TO a purer, holier and happier life. Those who were first impressed with the importance and necessity of a Young Men's Christian Association here, called a " Town Meeting," and it would seem to indicate Providential guidance that the effort to organize did not end with "Town Meetings'' simply, as the good already done, and brought to your further notice, will conclusively show. ROOMS. The first preliminary meeting was held in the Chapel of the First M. E. Church, in Washington Street, on the 8th of January, 1883, and continued in the lecture room of the United Presbyterian Church, on Seventh Street, where the Association organized on the 19th of January, 1883. The first meeting, in their own rooms, was held on April 2d, 1883, at 177 Washington Street, from which place they moved to the Franklin Lyceum building, January ==== [page 7] 7 1st, 1884, having thus attained, in less than one year, to a place devoted exclusively to their own uses. The north room is carpeted and nicely arranged for a Library. Next to it is the room intended for the Reading Room, which has been painted, and the windows curtained, but the floor will have to be covered, as the constant tramp of feet passing through it precludes the possibility of reading, and drives those who wish to read, into the Library, which is too small to accommodate them. The main hall will be used for lectures and exercising, and will therefore need little alteration except in the matter of ventilation and lighting. The south wing is intended for a class room, and the room committee hope to arrange for the necessary alterations by money to be acquired through renting it during the day. We consider the appearance and order of the rooms of vital importance, and hence we make no secret of our desire that they shall be nicely carpeted and decorated. The attendance at the rooms, as reported by the Reception Committee, for several months ending August 1st, 1884, has averaged 25 every evening, (not all members), the numbers varying all the way from 10 to 100. THE GYMNASIUM Is very much desired by many of the members, and although the committee appointed for this work has only recently been named, we have no doubt that they will carry out ==== [page 8] 8 their purpose and fit up the main hall, with all the apparatus usually found in a Turnverein. CLASSES. The average attendance of all the classes has been 86, divided as follows: The Singing Class was organized by some of the members in November '83, their plan being for each member (males only) to pay 25 cents a lesson, and the instruction was chiefly in sight reading of music. But either the charge was too much, or the instruction unsatisfactory, for the attendance fell away from 26 to 10, and the class was therefore discontinued. On the 17th of March, this year, a new class was started under Prof. Wehner, which was free to members, and composed of "mixed" voices — ie — male and female. This seemed to meet with much more favor, and the attendance grew rapidly to 65, after learning one or two choruses, the Professor gave a concert, and discontinued for the summer. It will be resumed this fall, but whether in the same way or not, is still a question. The class in Phonography held 17 regular weekly sessions, beginning on the 6th of March, 1884, and ending on the 29th of June, and three extra lessons were given to beginners ; the attendance averaged about 8, equally divided as to sex. The Association is indebted to Mr. Ward McLean for his services in teaching this class without remuneration. The Drawing Class, under Prof. Ewell, also met weekly, and had nearly the same number in attendance as the class ==== [page 9 9 in Phonography. It began early in March with 13, and closed on June 4th, 1884. THE LIBRARY. The nucleus of the Library was obtained by a " book reception " given by the Ladies Auxiliary, in June, '83. A number of illustrated papers and magazines were added to the reading matter of the Association by the kindness of some of our friends. The greatest benefit to the library came from the Lyceum Society, which had, through many years been carefully collecting standard works to the number of about 2,000 volumes, these they offered the Association the full and free use of, withholding however, the ownership until they were satisfied of the stabilty of the Association. This Library, is now, we believe, one of the best selected of its size, in the State, if not in the country, and we cannot compliment the gentlemen who collected it, too highly for their literary taste and good judgment, or render them sufficient acknowledgement for their munificence. The use of this library is free to all the members of the Franklyn Lyceum; the Christian Association, and Ladies' Auxiliary. Those who are not members of either of these bodies, can enjoy the use of the library by depositing the small sum of two dollars annually with the Librarian ; who is present to give out books on Monday and Thursday of each week. The Library was opened for circulation on February 28th, and has been well patronized ever since ; every ==== [page 10] 10 person desiring a book is compelled to fill out and subscribe his name to a printed application ; which being practically a receipt, is a security for the book's safe return. There has not been a book lost since the association came into possession. Among the young men, 75 per cent, of the books drawn, are works of fiction, and with the ladies, the percentage of fiction is 88. Works of travel and adventure are next in demand. The library is lacking in religious and theological works of the higher order ; good Scriptural commentaries are much needed. It is to be hoped that during the coming winter funds may be obtained to supply this want. If the present popularity of the library be a criterion, we may rest assured that it will be ultimately of great use ; for in the comparatively short time since it was opened for circulation by the Association, over one thousand volumes have been taken out. BOARDING HOUSES, &c. The few young men who have applied to the Association, (half a dozen in all), for boarding places, were sent to good homes, and the secretary always has the names of places to report to any one inquiring for them. The deserving few that have applied for assistance, have had temporary relief afforded them. In the matter of furnishing work, the Association has been unable to do anything, for two reasons, first; because very little labor is employed in Hoboken, and second; be- ==== [page 11] 11 cause the few who do employ, prefer to get labor from any place but a Christian Association, probably because they fear that improper persons will be recommended out of charity, but of this they need have no fear, as the men, who officer this Association are business men, and understand the value of integrity, industry and ability quite as well as others, and do not recommend anyone indiscriminately. RELIGIOUS WORK. Believing that the principles of Christianity underlie and form the basis of all true character, as well as of all moral law ; we give them the first place in our work, and put the above heading at the close of our report as showing the result of our labors. First — The Sunday afternoon prayer-meeting, which was instituted when the Association was organized, has been continued without omission, with an average attendance of about twenty-five young people. Second — A Class for the study of the Bible has been held one evening in each week, without interruption, since its inception ; the attendants (young men only) have numbered about eight. Third — Since December 2d, 1883, the Association has assisted in holding Gospel services at the Chapel in Wee- [Weehawken] ==== [page 12] 12 hawken every Sabbath evening ; and, (except for one or two evenings, when Sunday School festivals were held), the members of the Association have conducted the services ; the people who maintain the Sunday School of that place, have furnished the music, and heated and lighted the building. In fact, without the active and efficient help afforded by them, the services could not have been conducted successfully. The attendants numbered about fifty, though there were generally more than fifty on pleasant evenings, and occasionally as many as a hundred were present; they seemed to desire the continuance of the services. Fourth —The Missionary work has been pushed vigorously by the Committee having that matter in charge, they were appointed in November, '83, and immediately visited the canal boats, schooners and docks, where they distributed a large number of tracts and papers, with a few copies of the Scriptures. This work has been continued ever since, (when the weather permitted), and almost all the places of public resort in Hoboken and Weehawken were visited. In all about 2,5oo tracts were distributed, besides other religious matter. To those who would call this work in question, we would say, that although we may not see the result of this department of our work, yet it certainly calls people's attention to their religious duty and makes their action in regard to it, a conscious one. ==== [page 13] 13 GENERAL SECRETARY. Soon after the organization of the Association, a General Secretary was deemed an essential element of success, (if not of existence), and as the International Committee had recommended a person for the position, the Association called him for three months, on trial, and he came accordingly on the first day of May, '83, but did not prove the right man, although he was persistent, straightforward and genial, he lacked the peculiar ability necessary for success in this place. He, however, did one great thing for the Association in organizing the LADIES' AUXILIARY, which met to organize on the 18th of April, '83, and elected officers, including a Board of Managers composed of one or two ladies from each church on the 3d of May, '83. They went to work at once and decorated the rooms of the Association at 177 Washington St., which they succeeded in making very home-like and comfortable ; having the rooms in good order, they gave a " book reception " at which a number of (about 150) good books were collected, each person giving a book at the door as an entrance fee, and the entertainment was much enjoyed. The Auxiliary, soon afterwards, assisted in arranging for a concert held in the " Odd Fellows Hall," which proved, a good advertisement at moderate cost. After the election of new officers in November, '83, it ==== [page 14] 14 was determined to organize a separate branch for the girls in the lower part of the city, and this was done in rooms rented at 112 Newark St., which were very nicely furnished by the Auxiliary. Good reading matter consisting of illustrated papers and magazines were supplied, and a piano added to the attractions. During the long winter evenings, from thirty to forty girls resorted to these rooms every evening, after their day's work, but as the managers of the Auxiliary felt the need of something to improve these girls they applied to Miss [Grace?] Dodge of New York for advice, and upon her suggestion an " Industrial Society " was organized to which each member contributes a small sum and in return the ladies instruct them in sewing, dress-making, cooking, music, singing, &c. One of the reception committee is on duty each evening, and while the attendants are busy with their work, she reads aloud from some book or delivers a short address on some interesting topic. This work has been carried on systematically and regularly, and we cannot sufficiently express our appreciation of the self-sacrifice shown by the ladies in the perseverance which made their work an unqualified success. They gave their members, (numbering eighty-two) two entertainments before closing this year's work, and also one entertainment to the members of the association ; all of which were very heartily enjoyed. They closed their year's work with a small surplus. ==== [page 15] 15 Officers of the Auxiliary. Elected May 3d, 1883. Mrs. WM. DAY, President. Mrs. FRANK NICHOLS, Vice-President. Mrs. SAMUEL ARCHER, Treasurer. Miss NELLIE HOWARD, Secretary. BOARD OF MANAGERS — Appointed May 3d, 1883. Miss Rogers, Miss Niven, Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Drescher, Mrs. McCain, Mrs. Shapcott, Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Dilworth, Mrs. Clinton, Mrs. Stoeo, Mrs. Mattlage, Mrs. Terry, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Shenck, Mrs. Wilkens, Mrs. Colin, Mrs. Schwartz, OFFICERS — Elected November 12th, 1883. Mrs. SAMUEL McCAIN, President. Mrs. FRANK NICHOLS, Vice-President. Mrs. SAMUEL ARCHER, Treasurer. Miss NELLIE HOWARD, Secretary. BOARD OF MANAGERS — Elected March 4th, 1884. Miss Rogers, Miss Niven, Mrs. P. Campbell, Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Drescher, Mrs. McLean, Mrs. Day, Mrs. Shapcott, Mrs. Maul, Mrs. Terry, Mrs. Jenvey. Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Bogart, Mrs. Mattlage, Mrs. Colin. ===== [page 16] 16 North McLean's Report as Treasurer of the Young Men's Christian Association, shows the following from organization : RECEIPTS. Donations to the General Fund and Dues of all Members as paid - $576.06 Donation to Library Fund ................17.00 Donation to Building Fund ........5.71 Receipts from Concerts and other sources ..........69.19 Total Receipts, $667.96 DISBURSEMENTS. Rent of Rooms,........$119.00 Furniture of Rooms,..............84.97 Gas and Heating,................37.52 Janitor's Services, ..............7.15 General Secretary—4 months, ..... 200.00 Printing, Postage, &c........92 08 Concert and Entertainments,..........102.87 643.59 Balance turned over to new Treasurer, $24.37 Hoboken, Oct. 11th, 1883. E. & O. E. Palmer Campbell's report as Treasurer of the Young Men's Christian Association from October 11th, 1883, shows: RECEIPTS. From former Treasurer, - - - - - - $ 24 37 Dues of Members, ..... - 298 23 Donations, ........ 25 75 Collected for Bibles sold, ..... 3 10 Rent of Room, - - - - - - - -600 Singing Class and Concert, ..... 73 95 Sundry Small Items, ...... 30 Total Receipts, $431 70 DISBURSEMENTS. Gas and Heat, - - - - - - $82 83 Entertainment, - - - . - - 6 62 Rent of Rooms, (Washington Street), - - - 51 00 Furniture and Carpet, - - - - - 76 94 Printing and Postage, - - - - 50 15 Janitor, - - - - - - - 44 00 Insurance, - - - - - - - 6 00 Library, (Magazines, &c.) - - - - - 13 50 Singing Class and Concert, - - - - - 71 84 Sundries, - - - - - - - 4 35 407 23 Balance on hand, $24 47 Hoboken, July 5th, 1884. E. & O. E. ==== [page 17] The Officers of the Association up to October 11th, 1883, were J. P. MANATON, M. D., President. ARTHUR SEITZ, Vice-President. NORTH McLEAN, Treasurer. W. A. HILL, General Secretary. Recording Secretaries. G.V. Reichel P.A. Straub --- Officers Elected October 11th, 1883. (now in office.) Rev. S. B. DOD, President. FRED'K BELTZ, Vice-President. PALMER CAMPBELL, Treasurer. J. W. McCULLOCH, Recording Secretary. PAUL A. STRAUB, Financial Secretary. HERMAN L. JACOT, Ass't Secretary. DIRECTORS, E. W. Ketcham, H. P. Campbell, Arthur Seitz, Sam'l Warren, Dr. G. F. Pitts, Dr. Nichols, Col. B. F. Hart, J. C. Besson, John Barr, Thos. Rae, Wm. Miller, Jr. W. H. Harper, Rev. J. C. Scott, J. H. Bahrenburg, H. W. Jordan, Geo. Offenheiser, James Morris, H.L. King. ==== [page 18] 18 The Officers holding until October 1885, are Rev. S. B. DOD, President. FRED'K BELTZ, Vice-President. PALMER CAMPBELL, Treasurer. J. W. McCULLOCH, Recording Secretary. PAUL A. STRAUB, Financial Secretary. HERMAN L. JACOT, Assistant Secretary. DIRECTORS. (Three from each Evangelical Church.) First Presbyterian. E. W. Ketcham, Arthur Seitz, H. P. Campbell. First Methodist Episcopal. Sam'l Warren, Dr. G. F. Pitts, Chas. Pitts. German Methodist Episcopal. J. H. Bahrenburgh, Geo. Oppenheiser, H. W. Jordan, First Baptist, G. D. Finlay, Dr. F. Nichols, James Hall, United Presbyterian. W. H. Harper, Rev. J. C. Scott, J. C. Dick, First Reform. Thomas Rae, Peter DuBois, Wm. Miller, Jr. Trinity. Col. B. F. Hart, Hon. J. C. Besson, John Stevens, German Lutheran. C. Moller, C. F. Mattlage, Hen. Offerman. Chas. Chamberlain of St. Pauls. ==== [page 19] 19 SUSTAINING MEMBERS. (WHO PAY $10 ANNUALLY.) Austin, David, Barkelew, Chas. Hy. Bryan, W. H. Beltz, Fred'k Besson, S. A. Cheeseborough, A. II., M.D. Campbell, Palmer Campbell, Colin Campbell, W. P. Campbell, H. P. Drescher, F. J. Dod, S. B. Edmonston, P. Farr, J. C. Findlay, G. D. Findlay, W. S. Harper, W. H. Howell, J. S. Hardie, Rob't Jewett, Ed. G. Ketcham, E. W. Lycett, J. W. Manaton, J. P. McCulloch, J. A. McCulloch, J. W. McLean, Ward McLean, North McNamara, M. S. Outing, Thos. F. Ramsay, Andrew Rae, Thomas Rudolphy, C. B. Seitz, Arthur Straub, P. A. Sweezey, W. T. Stewart, W. J. Stevens, Jno. Schultz, C. S. Underwood, A. L. DONATIONS. Building Fund - - - - - - - - $6 44 Condit, E. A. - - - - - - - 5 00 Dod, S. B. - - - - - - - 40 00 Finlay, G. D. - - - - - - - - 10 00 Ward McLean - . - - - - - - 10 00 Jas. W. McCulloch, - - - - - - 10 00 Moller, C. - - - - - - - 5 00 Rae, Thos. - - - - - - - - 10 00 Stevens, Mrs. M. B. - - - - - - - 17 00 ==== [page 20] 20 ACTIVE AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. In every new enterprise that is started, there is always a lot of material borne in on the first wave of popular interest. Much of this disappears as the interest ebbs. Our Association has been no exception — many who came in when dues were 25 cents a month, paid once or twice and then left and their names do not appear in the following list. Allen, J. J. Anderson, Chas. Angus, W. S. Austin, D. Bates, Jno. A. Barnhart, Ciias. L. Barr, John Barkelew, Chas. H. Bahrenburg, J. H. Beltz, Fred'k. Besson, S. A. Besson, J. C. Boesen, W. J. Butts, Theo, Jr. Bothwick, Jas. Brown, E. L. Brown, Jno. A. Brownell., C. L. Bryan, W. H. Brocklehurst, Jno. Campbell, Colin Campbell, Palmer Campbell, N. G. Campbell, H. P. Campbell, Adam Campbell, W. P. Cooper, Samuel Corwin, C. W. Cruden, Alex. b. Campbell, Rob't Cheeseborough, A. H. Crawford, Jerome Crawford, S. W. Dick, J. C. Dod, S. B. Dorsett, Benj. F. Dorsett, Chas. Drescher, F. J. Farr, J. C. Fall, Ciias. Fink, Jno. A. Finlay, G. D. Finlay, W. S. Francke, J. E. Grabhorn, Alex. Hall, P. E. Hart, B. F. Hart, B. F., Jr. Handforth, Thos. Harrison, Jno. S. Harlow, m. s. Harper, W. H. Harper, W. G. Heydt, Herman. Hieskell, J. M. Horwood, C. S. Howell, Jno. S. Jacot, H. L. Jordan, H. W. Kieffer, Louis Klein, Gustav Ketcham, E. W. Kerker, J. H. Kerr, E. L. Lorenzer, Chris. Lycett, J. W. Manaton, J. P. Maxwell, Alex. McCain, J. S. McCulloch, J. A. McCulloch, J. W. McLean, Embury McLean, North McLean, Ward McNamara, M. S. Miller, Henry Miller, We, Jr. Middleton, S. S. Miller, Jno. W. Morris, Jas. Nichols, Frank, M. D. Offenheiser, Geo. Outing, Thos. F. Pitts, Chas. L. Pitts, G. F., M. D. Pitts, Gerow Palmer, Rob't K. Perine, G. H. Rae, Thos. Rohdenburg, G. Rudolphy, C. B. Saltonstall, D. Scharff, O. C. J. Seitz, Arthur Schwer, Jno. D. Scott, Jno. C., D. D. Stephens, W. W. Stewart, W. J., M. D. Straub, P. A. Sweezey, W. T. Upton, Jesse Van Pelt, Geo. Vanderbilt, E. W. Vanderbilt, Jacob White, Geo. H. Warren, Sam'l Warren, W. H. Wendover, W. H. Zimmerman, W. H. [end] ==== ENCLOSURES text of holographic note Hoboken Y.M.C.A. 7 Feby /85 R.C. Morse Dear Sir, I send you by post copy of the first report issued by our Association which answers all your questions - there is no alteration in our condition except an increase in attendance to the Bible Class. Now about 20 - gymnasium complete - with an instructor - Singing Class of about 25 - no debt and no surplus - + no property except library, tables, etc. - we are still tenants at pleasure of the Stevens Estate - but are progressing - Respectfully yours, J.W. McCulloch, R.S.[Recording Secretary] ==== text of printed card with classes Y.M.C.A, Hoboken, N. J. CLASSES. — Singing Class — Meets every Monday evening at 8 o'clock. — Admission to members of the Association and Ladies Auxiliary 50 cents a month, and to non-members 75 cents a month.—Mr. Wm. Smedley, instructor. Book-keeping — Class meets every Tuesday evening at 8 o clock. Phonography — Class meets every Thursday evening at 8 o'clock.— Admission 40 cents a month.— If you wish to get the full benefit of this study you must begin at once and attend regularly. Bible Class — Meets every Saturday evening at 8 o'clock and is led by the members in tnrn. The Gymnasium — Is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 to 10 o'clock P. M., also on the first and last Thursday in each month The Library — Is open Monday and Thursday from 8 to 10 P. M Religious Services — Are held by the Association every Sunday evening at 7.30 in the Baptist Mission on 2nd Street between Grand and Clinton Streets, and in the Chapel at Weehawken.— The members are most urgently requested to assist in the singing at these meetings The Association meets monthly on the following dates:December 11th, January 8th, February 12th, March 12th, April 9th, May 14th. etc. An entertainment will be given the members after each meeting whenever practicable. Please keep this card for reference and speak of the classes to any friend you think would like to avail himself of the opportunities they offer. J. W. McCULLOCH, R. Secretary. ==== Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2012-06-22