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Cornell University Library 1993.SOCIAL LIFE IN
EARLIER BUFFALO
BY
MARTHA FITCH POOLEINTRODUCTION
The following chapters were written, but a few months before
she passed from earth in 1903, by Mrs. Martha Fitch Poole. Buffalo
had been her home since 1835. Throughout her long residence here,
she was active in the social, philanthropic and religious life of the
city. No one was better qualified than she to record these phases of
the community as she knew it in her girlhood and young married
life; for as the following pages testify, she ever retained not merely
a clear memory, but the young heart that makes one’s outlook upon
life cheery and cheering, to the end. Happy those who at the end of
many years can write, as was her custom, “Yours with pleasant
memories.”
Martha Fitch was born at Annsville, Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 4,
1818. Her parents, Benjamin Fitch and Phoebe Brown, moved to
Le Roy five years later. She was descended from a long line of dis-
tinguished ancestors. Among those who came to this country be-
tween 1620 and 1640 were Elder William Brewster of Mayflower
fame, Rev. James Fitch of Norwich, Conn., and Rev. Henry Whit-
field of Guilford, Conn.
At the age of thirteen Martha Fitch was sent to Niagara-on-the-
Lake, where she attended school and studied music and French,
making her home with an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Rodman
Starkweather, also with an older sister, Mrs. Long, at “The Castle,”
Fort Niagara, Lieut. E. R. Long, U. S. A., being stationed at this
post.
Martha was a noted beauty, gifted with wit and brilliant con-
versational powers, which with a cultured mind made her rarely at-
tractive to all who knew her. Soon after coming to Buffalo in the
spring of 1835 she met Rushmore Poole, one of the best known young
business men of that time. They were married in Le Roy by the
Rev. Mr. Metcalf, April 13, 1837, departing on their wedding jour-
ney to New York by stage coach. Three children were born to them:
Anna, Edwin Long and Arthur Augustus. The first only, survives
the parents.
Mrs. Poole was identified with Trinity church from its early or-
ganization and was a communicant according to the Episcopal faith.
Thrift, economy and industry entered into every department of her
life, and the fact that she made every garment she ever wore, even to442 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
her dresses, with her own hands (never having owned a sewing
machine) proves how well equipped she was for the practical duties
of life. With the firm conviction that there was no death, she passed
away June io, 1903, aged 85 years, at the residence of her son-in-law,
Dr. Joseph T. Cook.
Rushmore Poole was born at Herricks, L. I., Sept. 7, 1810. His
parents were Samuel Poole and Sarah Cheesman. He came to Buf-
falo in 1825, at the age of fifteen, under the care of Mr. McIntosh of
Albany, N. Y., the first husband of the second Mrs. Millard Fillmore.
An uncle, Joseph Cheesman of New York, and a Mr. Weeks had
established the first crockery store in these western wilds under the
firm name of Weeks & Cheesman, and Rushmore Poole was sent out
here to learn the business.
He was taken into the firm as partner in 1833 and at the expira-
tion of the partnership in 1836 he bought out the New York men
and carried on the business in his own name. The panic of the early
’40’s brought disaster to many Buffalo firms and with many others
Mr. Poole failed. Seth C. Hawley obtained the position of canal in-
spector for him under Linus Harris, who was superintendent of the
Erie canal for Western New York. This position he held for a few
years until an eastern capitalist started a crockery store under the
firm name of E. C. Brown & Co., when Mr. Poole became the pur-
chasing manager of this establishment. It was bought out by
Homer & Co. of Boston, but continued the employ of Mr. Poole.
About 1865 he engaged in business on Seneca Street with his son
Arthur, Edwin Long having died several years earlier. In a few
years the firm became R. Poole & Son. After the tragic death of
Arthur Poole, who was killed while going to a fire, at the age of
twenty-eight, Mr. Poole, who never recovered from the effects of this
affliction, sold out to a nephew from Long Island, and retired from
business.
Rushmore Poole was one of the founders of Trinity Episcopal
church. He was one of the earliest members of the Young Men’s
Association, a member of the fire department and an organizer and
performer in one of the early orchestras in Buffalo. He was an ac-
complished musician and his penmanship was like copper-plate en-
graving, and elicited great admiration throughout business circles.
He was a patron of the best in music, the drama and literature. He
possessed a nature of extreme refinement and modesty, while in all
matters his integrity was that of the Christian gentleman.
Mr. Poole died suddenly of apoplexy at his home, No. 98 Seventh
Street, Oct. 14, 1885, aged 75 years.MARTHA FITCH POOLE.	RUSHMORE POOLE.PLEASANT MEMORIES OF
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF BUFFALO
IN THE ’30’S AND ’40’S
BY MARTHA FITCH POOLE
I. When Old Buffalo was Young.
I came to Buffalo from Niagara-on-the-Lake to reside,
in the spring of 1835, with my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs.
Rodman Starkweather.
Indians walked the streets in blankets and moccasins,
cows were grazing at the roadsides, and pigs roamed at
their own sweet will, only kept out of beautiful gardens by
stout fences, usually of the picket variety. Yet Buffalo was
a very beautiful city, notwithstanding. There was little or
nothing to pull down and buildings of the better sort were
rapidly filling up the open spaces. The elegance with which
the city was laid out, though the area was limited at that
time, has ever been admired. It was noted for the magnif-
icent trees that bordered every street and lane, while the
views of river and lake, uninterrupted for miles by the
smoke of railroads or business structures, were superb.
Birds sang from morning till night in the most populous
sections of the city, and such gardens of flowers and nur-
series of fruit trees in this locality, as could then be seen,
are things of the past.
Buffalo was a bustling business place eight months of
the year, say from April to December. The other four were
443444 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
given up quite generally to social enjoyment. The winter
of 1836-1837 was the coldest and the longest I have ever
experienced. Navigation did not open until the end of May,
and the ice did not entirely disappear from the lake until
June 10th. We were literally ice-bound that winter, and as r
there was no means of transportation except by stage coach
or sleighing, everybody stayed at home, contributing to the
general pleasure. Buffalo was, at this time, preeminently
a social center. The guests were often not a few from
Batavia, Le Roy, Lewiston, Niagara-on-the-Lake and
Niagara Falls. It is doubtful if a finer or more genial set
of people ever assembled than did those who came to Buffalo
in these early days.
A code of good manners and a chivalry among men kept
things well within bounds, even though tfye “flowing bowl”
often overran the limits of strict sobriety. There may not
have been more drinking then than now in proportion to the
population, but it was the universal custom to serve wines
on all festive and even other occasions. Drinking was done
in the open and drunkenness at a party was considered an
insult to the host and hostess.
At the time of which I write, many were the fine man-
sions already erected, and more were in course of building.
In these days of palatial homes with their manifold conveni-
ences, it is quite interesting to contemplate how really com-
modious and fine were the houses away back in the ’3o’s.
The rooms were spacious, the ceilings very high, the win-
dows and folding-door openings were wide, so that for en-
tertaining these residences were unsurpassed. The archi-
tecture was elegant, being of the style generally in vogue at
that time in New York.
I was much impressed when I first came to Buffalo with
the large number of stately blocks of residences. These
gave a decidedly citified air to the place, quite beyond its
size and population.
Some of these once fashionable homes may still be seen
and they stand as examples of many other blocks long since
razed to the ground. The Darrow Block1 on Washington
1. Still standing, though so mueh changed that there is little hint of its
former elegance.BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.	445
Street, east side, above Eagle Street, was an elegant row of
houses built to stand firmly in its aristocratic dignity, long
after its projector passed away. Another fine group of
houses, similar in construction to the Darrow Block, is still
standing on Swan Street. Still another is on Niagara
Street, just off of Main Street. One who entered them so
often in their palmy days, can but exclaim: “How are the
mighty fallen.,,
Numerous, also, were the mansions which stood more or
less isolated, surrounded by the beautiful gardens heretofore
alluded to. The circle that had the entree of these homes, in
other words, what is termed society, was not so contracted
in 1836 as one might imagine. It was not uncommon to
write 300 or 400 invitations, even in those days, to a party.
It also required considerable time for my lady to com-
plete her round of calls two or three times a year, even
though she had a carriage, which in those days she must
have always, else how get to Cold Spring, Black Rock and
even to the Hydraulics, where many fashionable people
lived ?
The Starkweathers, with whom I resided until my mar-
riage in 1837, lived at the northeast corner of Washington
and Swan streets, in the house that still stands there very
much as it was, so far as its construction is concerned. Many
were the card parties (whist was then the rage as now),
dinner and supper parties held in this house. If its walls
could speak they would indeed give forth plaintive utterance
at the changed environment both within and without, that
its well-planned endurance has had to encounter. Many
times the officers and their ladies from Fort Niagara graced
these festive occasions, as they did other notable functions,
the former always appearing in full-dress uniform. They
and their wives added much to the gaiety and eclat of Buffalo
society, as so many of their successors have done down to
the present time.
The Eagle-street Theatre, as it was called, was new at
this time, and it was really a great attraction to the city. The
gentleman I married came here a lad in 1825, the year the
Erie canal was opened for business. In the course of time446 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
he joined the firemen’s organization, and was for years
active in getting up the firemen’s balls, given annually at
this theatre. These were well attended by the fashionable and
better class of citizens, being as popular as are our charity
balls of today. Mr. Poole owned and furnished a private
box at this time in the Eagle-street Theatre, which was
draped with curtains of blue damask. The furniture con-
sisted of a sofa and two chairs upholstered with the same
material. Later this box was given up, the chairs being
brought to our home. They are much cherished as relics of
a bygone day. I am wondering if there is another article in
existence from this old house, so often the scene of dramatic
and social triumphs, in a few years to be a smouldering heap
of ruins, never to rise.
Another thing that impressed me deeply when I first
came to Buffalo was the bustling activity of Main Street,
especially the lower part of it. It was quite solidly built up
from Court Street down to the dock with some very sub-
stantial buildings. Many of them are still in existence,
notably a part of the Kremlin, several blocks of stores
between Seneca Street and the dock, and the buildings
known as the Granite Block, owned at the time of which I
write by my uncles Starkweather and Brown. Mr. Poole
established the first crockery store in Buffalo. It was located
in the modernized building now occupied by T. & E. Dick-
inson. It was famous far and near for an enormous blue
and white earthenware pitcher which would easily hold four
men who could not be discovered unless one climbed up to
look in.
This pitcher, which for years stood on the sidewalk in
front of the store, was certainly typical of the business Mr.
Poole was engaged in; while at the rear, inside the store,
was that which more truly represented the taste of the man.
It was a piano. It was said at the time that Mr. Poole would
never be a rich man on account of his great love for and
participation in music. I have never had reason to doubt the
truth of these assertions. He was a thorough musician, and
as a pianist was far above the average performer of the
present day.BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 447
Returning to the lively appearance of Main Street: cob-
blestone pavement, multitudes of carts, drays, wagons, car-
riages and stage coaches coming and going continually to
and from the boat landings, made this part of Buffalo as
busy and noisy a scene as it has since become funereal and
silent.
I cannot refrain from mentioning the beauty of the view
from off the dock. What is known as the Island was a mass
of exquisite green with quantities of sweet-smelling shrubs,
including wild roses, juniper, sassafras and flowering-cur-
rant bushes. Trees and green grass stretched far away to
your right, as you stood looking out upon the clear blue of
the lake in a cloudless summer day. No smoke thickened the
air, no ugly elevators marred the marine view or the adja-
cent landscape. The song of hundreds of birds and the
balmy breezes made a visit to the dock a pleasant pastime of
a sultry morning. Tooting whistles and shrieking fog-horns
had not come into use and one could look out upon Lake
Erie’s broad expanse and scarcely count the white-winged
vessels as they quietly glided in and out, so numerous were
they on the face of the water in these early days.
On the evenings when the steamboat went “up the lake”
it was quite the fashionable thing to go down to the dock
to “see her off.” A band always played from the forward
upper deck and the occasion was one of festive excitement
and the liveliest interest. I can never forget the flutter of
joy I experienced, when at the opening of navigation this
same year of 1835, I was a passenger on one of these steam-
boats bound for Sault Ste. Marie, to make a visit of several
months to my oldest sister, whose husband, Lieut. Burnett,
U. S. A., was stationed at Fort Brady. It seemed to me
when I embarked for this voyage as if the business of the
whole world centered at the dock in Buffalo.
It must be remembered that Buffalo in the ?3o’s had the
entire trade from the adjacent towns, many of which were
much more alive than they are now. Besides this all boats
of whatever kind, including canal boats, were equipped and
supplied by Buffalo firms.448 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
Strange to say, in later years, in many respects we be-
came more provincial in matters pertaining to municipal
affairs, business methods and social customs. Have we
entirely worked out of it in the decades that have followed ?
Has commercialism blinded us to some of the finer cour-
tesies of life?
Still a third phase of life in this city at that time made
things appear very gay. It was the apparently countless
hotels, taverns, inns and boarding-houses. They were in
every block, and turn where you would, the lumbering rattle
of the stage coaches accompanied by the tooting of horns,
was apt to greet the passer-by at almost any hour of the day.
These hotels, taverns, etc., were the club houses of that day.
The Mansion House, Eagle Tavern and American Hotel
were fine hostelries, with an elegance and luxury of appoint-
ments and furniture, that a find in later years in the attic of
the first named, by a more recent proprietor, will attest.
On the corner of Washington and Exchange streets was
a large and finely-built brick house of the “mansion” class,
erected for his own use by Jacob Barker. As he wished to
move “up town” into a house he built on the site where
President Fillmore’s residence1 now stands, he rented the
one first named. It became a fashionable and most popular
boarding-house, presided over by Mrs. Sheldon, the mother
of the late Judge Sheldon. In this house I spent the first
year of my married life.
It may be of interest to some to know who were the
boarders there in 1837. They were John Lattimer, who
married a daughter of Hezekiah Webster; Mr. Birch, who
married a daughter of Erastus Corning of Albany; James
Cowing, Ambrose Sterling, R. J. Sherman, John Bull,
William Laverack, and George Brown, who married a Miss
Buell of Pittsfield, Mass., she having rejected Gzowski of
Canadian fame. At this writing I am the only survivor of
this once genial and most interesting company.
1. Niagara Square, north side, now known as Castle Inn,BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 449
II. A Gay Sleighride.
Gay, brilliant little Buffalo, considered at this time by
our New York friends a very provincial city ’way out west,
had advantages for true social enjoyment unsurpassed by
any other city in the world.
To be sure, we were hemmed in several months in the
year by snow-decked forests and an ice-clogged lake. But
what of that? The spirit of hospitality and fun made good
cheer the order of the times, and no one felt the need of any
more change of scene than lay at our very doors. My mind
goes back to a very gay sleighride, which for the number
that participated and the hilarity of the company was with-
out exception the most enjoyable party of the kind I ever
attended.
On similar occasions we often went out to Scott’s, a
tavern, quite the fashion in old times, on the Williamsville
road. But the drive to which I refer was to Niagara Falls,
and the Cataract Hotel was the place where we put up for
the night. The day before, a quantity of oysters (they
came in tiny kegs in those days)? several cases of cham-
pagne and other drinkables and eatables such as pioneers
delight in after a twenty-two mile ride, were sent down. It
was between Christmas and New Year’s, on a crisp, clear
cold day, with plenty of glistening white snow, that the start
was made.
The company invited were about one hundred ladies and
gentlemen, both married and single. Some thirty sleighs,
from the slender cutter to the pretentious one that was sup-
posed to take the lead, were called into requisition.
I shall never forget this last-mentioned gorgeous turnout
that drove up to our door. As I think of it now, it seems
like some chariot of fire on runners, or like a fairy equipage
such as Santa Claus would like. To come down to a prac-
tical idea of it, I can compare it to nothing less than a very
ornate circus vehicle of the most bewildering style and color.
It was like this: Graceful and long, the brightest scarlet
imaginable, culminating in a yellow dashboard with golden
swans on either side, their long curving necks and slender
heads standing out conspicuously in front.450 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
I wonder if our good citizen, C. W. Miller, ever heard
of this wonderful sleigh? It came from his father’s estab-
lishment, I am quite sure, although Efner’s was another
livery much patronized at that time.
The cushions of this splendid sleigh were of red velvet.
On the occasion I allude to, it was drawn by six white horses
with the gayest of harness and trappings, and such rever-
berating, tintinnabulating bells I have never ridden behind
since. Foot stoves and plenty of fur robes gave /'assurance
of comfort to the twenty young married people who so mer-
rily went forth for a winter’s lark, while, as might beA:on-
jectured, many of the single couples preferred the cutters.
We left Buffalo at 2 p. m., arriving at the Cataract a little
before dusk. Apparently every Indian and his squaw for
miles around had heard that we were "coming to town,” for
scores of them met us just outside the village, and more were
at the hotel offering for sale beadwork, maple sugar in birch
boxes, and skins of animals.
The open fireplace filled with crackling logs of wood
made us feel at home, and after enjoying for a while the
beneficent glow and warmth, none was loth to partake of the
fine supper soon announced, for we had not only furnished
the supplies, but we had sent forward a colored cook to pre-
pare the same. The gentlemen of those days %did nothing
by halves.
And such oysters! Does any one think he gets such
flavored bivalves now ? I quote from my old friend Samuel
M. Welch’s book, "Recollections of Buffalo,” in which he
says:
“Alas! Their name is all that is left to us; nor do the multitude
who consume the coarse, loose, soft, ill-bred, no-flavored, tasteless
oysters of the present, mourn their degeneracy, because they know
not the ancestral oyster which the generation of the thirties reveled
in with convivial zest.”
Supper over, every one repaired to the ballroom, the
same that is in use today, all more recent additions in the
way of dancing halls in this hotel having been done away
with during the last decade. We took the musicians fromBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 451
Buffalo. A colored man by the name of Hicks was the
leader, and he furnished very good music. He was also a
dancing master by profession and was well patronized by
the fashionable people of Buffalo. He was a unique figure,
pursuing either or both vocations at the same time. When
teaching his pupils to dance he would glide over the mirror-
like floor of the American Hotel in the most graceful and
agile manner, playing his violin all the time, calling off the
figures or directing their movements as the case might be.
He was as black as the ace of spades, but respected and liked
by every one.
When he played with others as on this and similar occa-
sions, there was a dash and swing about his music that
suggested the most rollicking pirouettes and pigeon-wings,
which such merrymaking men as Robert Hollister, A. A.
Evstaphieve, Oliver G. Steele, Seth C. Hawley, Col. James
McKay and others were not slow to avail themselves of.
The figures were called off this night by a grotesque
negro, who created no end of fun, while his stentorian tones
were interspersed by the robust laughter of the men and the
more musical titter of the girls, like “Charlotte a-cornuT
down de lane.”
Considerable champagne disappeared that night, but no
one was reajly the worse for it, and this particular sleighride
has always been a bright spot in my memory, from which
the sounds of the jingling bells and the hilarious merriment
of the intimate friends of that early day have never been
effaced.
Besides those mentioned above and their wives, there
were present Mr. and Mrs. John L. Talcott, Mr. and Mrs.
George R. Babcock, Mr. and Mrs. Sam. Purdy, Mr. and
Mrs. H. K. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Rodman Starkweather,
Mr. and Mrs. William Laverack, Dr. and Mrs. Charles
Winne, Elizabeth Staats, who married Horatio Seymour,
the Misses Townsend, the Wilson girls, Heman B. Potter,
Charles Gold, William Lovering, Charles Peck, Charles
Pickering, John Wellington Buckland, a charming gallant,
and Russell Searle Brown, a banker and financier of note.
This goodly company and others with us on this occasion452 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
helped lay the foundations of this now great city and may be
said to have represented most of the professional and com-
mercial interests of Buffalo. As one realizes what they did
and what they stood for as citizens and gentlemen, one is
easily convinced, “there were giants in those days.”
The following morning about 9 o’clock the sleighs were
again loaded with their human freight and a drive around
Goat Island was enjoyed. Nothing could exceed the beauty
of this then utterly wild spot in its winter dress of crystals
and snow. Grunting Indians followed us all the way, doubt-
less thinking us as queer as we thought them. The scene
was certainly unique.
We arrived home with but a few hours to spare before
it was time to attend a concert given that night by the cele-
brated English singer and composer, Henry Russell. He
sang “Some Love to Roam,” “Woodman, Spare that Tree,”
“Wind of the Winter Night,” and “John Nott,” com-
mencing, “Being of the livery he was a stable man”; also
another of his humorous songs which ran in this way:
“There was a little maid
And she wore a little bonnet,
She had a little finger
With a little ring upon it.”
This concert was given in the ballroom of the American
Hotel, and all Buffalo was there. Did we enjoy ourselves
when Buffalo was young?
III. In Old Mansions.
Inconveniences that would be looked upon as insur-
mountable by the ambitious housekeeper of the present day,
were not taken note of at the time of which I write when
the entertaining of one’s friends was contemplated.
To be sure we had to send a block away to the pump,
for water to drink and cook with. Wood, the only fuel then
in use, was piled up in an outbuilding often located severalBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 453
rods from the house. There was no gas with which to illu-
minate my lady’s drawing-room, no furnaces to bring the
temperature of our homes up to summer heat when the ther-
mometer registered zero. Kitchens were almost universally
in the basement. We had no laundries fitted with stationary
tubs, steam-heated drying-rooms, and wringers, etc.; no
refrigerators to store food in that it might keep fresh for
several days. Yet we lived in great comfort, often elegantly;
many of the houses were of pretentious style. A few are
still standing, and they will illustrate the many others equally
fine that have given place to business blocks.
The one so well known as “the Cottage” was very much
handsomer in all respects in the ^o’s. The gallery was an
elegant feature in the arrangement and it did not originally
have the cheapened effect that it had after several alterations
had taken place.
Its owner, Dr. Ebenezer Johnson, mayor of Buffalo, was
most lavish in his hospitality at this time. Garden parties
were given frequently during the summer months, and citi-
zens living here now can scarcely imagine the beauty of this
place with its acres of well-cultivated lawns studded with
luxurious flower beds, majestic elms without number, and
in the rear, away back by Prospect Avenue, were fruit
orchards, vegetable gardens and outbuildings. These
grounds, as I remember them, extended from Chippewa to
Tracy Street. In February, 1836, a very elegant ball was
given in the Cottage. It was notable for having engraved
invitations, a fine band of music and a table that fairly
groaned with good things to eat. Dancing was kept up until
long after midnight, and people came in considerable num-
bers from adjacent towns to enjoy the hospitality of the first
mayor of Buffalo.
We gossiped in those days very much as we do now. I
quote from a note written to me by an intimate friend the
day after the ball. The reader will recognize the fact that
slang was also known in the most elegant circles; happily it
was not common: “What do you think of the way Buckland
flirted with Miss S—? I do not think it was very slow. Did454 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
you know they went out sleighriding today? Cutter-riding
at that. He is one singular man.”
A few years later this fine property was divided, and
Philander Hodge built the residence on the northwest corner
of Delaware Avenue and Chippewa Street. Many have
been the elegant social functions in the way of balls, suppers
and receptions given not only by the Hodges, but by the
Patchins and Gansons, who occupied it in later years.
It was a universal custom in those good old times to take
something home from the supper table to the children. A
frosted bit of cake, or two or three mottoes were abstracted
and put into papa's dresscoat pocket without the slightest
hesitation. Indeed, if nothing was taken to the little ones
at home, the hostess felt quite hurt at your suggested infer-
ence that she was neither generous nor rich enough. Imagine
the fun created when, at one of the largest parties given,
Mrs. Hodge, while descending the stairs on her way to her
carriage, dropped a well-filled handkerchief, out of which
rolled two or three quail, biscuit and other things. I pre-
sume papa in this case found it inconvenient to load his
pockets to the required extent, so Mrs. Hodge concluded to
be the bearer of these dainties. She was dubbed long after-
wards as “Mrs. Quail Hodge."
A. A. Evstaphieve built the tall house opposite on the
northeast corner. It was built in an awkward style of archi-
tecture with its winding steps and high stoop, but the inte-
rior was very commodious and stately, and lent itself to
many interesting gatherings.
One of these was a beautiful ball, Mr. and Mrs.
Evstaphieve having been married but a short time. It was
just before a financial panie, but in those days men were not
easily dismayed, and although they knew not what misfor-
tunes would soon overtake many who were present that
night, they knew that “the signs of the times" boded no
good. Mr. Evstaphieve was like many of the rest, too young
to borrow trouble, and as it was his temperament to turn
even the serious side of life into a huge joke, he went among
his friends this night as champagne flowed freely, saying,
“Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow ye die." For theBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.	455
nonce his guests accepted this rather pagan but well-meant
advice and forgot the “handwriting on the wall.” The crash,
however, soon came and the genial host was one of the many
who went down with it.
During these early days, Mr. Evstaphieve’s father, the
Russian consul and a great friend of the then reigning Czar,
visited Buffalo. He was an interesting man and given to
writing poetry when the mood seized him. He purchased a
summer home near Newport, R. I., and these are the lines
he wrote for my album:
“Tiverton! Seat of balmy air and health,
Open alike to poverty and wealth,
Where Cholera ne’er shows its Gorgon head
And doctors find it hard to earn their daily bread,
I love thee! And my thanks shall never cease
For thy blest yearly gift of life’s new lease.”
On Niagara Square the Wilkeson homestead, the Stephen
G. Austin mansion, southeast corner of Delaware and
Niagara Square, and the Sizer residence, northwest corner
of Delaware and the Square, were frequently the scene of
most brilliant parties, and as they still remain intact, they
illustrate the fact that Buffalo in the ’3o’s and early ’qo’s
was a city of wealth and unusual hospitality. In addition
to these there was the Burt house, now so merged into the
Central High School building that the passer-by would never
imagine how elegant a home it was. Here also, the “Four
Hundred” were frequently bidden to dance and make merry.
Other beautiful and equally genial homes were those of
George R. Babcock, southwest corner of Delaware and the
Square, S. G. Haven, on Genesee Street, east of Delaware
Avenue, and James Hollister, northeast corner of Delaware
and the Square. At these residences the culture of Buffalo
society often congregated. Many of these fine homes have
disappeared, as have the revered hosts and hostesses who
gave to this city for all time the best examples of good citi-
zenship, culture and refinement and never-to-be-excelled
hospitality.
Niagara Square at the present day gives no evidence of456 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
its beauties sixty years ago, except the fine arrangement of
the streets converging there. Most of the trees have disap-
peared and the once almost unobstructed view of the lake
can no longer be enjoyed. That transition state is now upon
it, which is always somewhat pitiful, for it suggests decay,
change and possibly death. The home of Mrs. Horatio
Seymour still standing on Niagara Street, right side, just
above Franklin, was often the scene of gay parties, suppers
and sewing societies. How we did sew for the churches in
those days!
Pearl Street from Eagle to Seneca was a fashionable
residence street and being adjacent to “the Churches,” as
St. Paul’s and the First Church were ordinarily spoken of,
it was a most popular location. Pearl Street was very gay,
notwithstanding it was “under the eaves of the sanctuaries.”
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Talcott lived here just behind St.
Paul’s church. They entertained lavishly, giving champagne
suppers, musicales and card parties frequently. Here one
met Col. and Mrs. Henry K. Viele, Mr. and Mrs. E. S.
Warren, the Purdys, Sally Ann Thompson, who married a
brilliant lawyer, H. K. Smith, the Peacocks, the Hatches, the
Rochesters and hosts of others who were among the royal
entertainers of Buffalo in these early days. John L. Talcott,
with his magnificent figure and brilliant mind, conversing
with another elegant-looking man, Col. Viele, stands out as
distinctly in my memory on one of these occasions as does
the beautiful singing of Mrs. Talcott and the remarkably
fresh beauty and sweetness of Mrs. Viele, who was one of
my lifelong and most beloved friends.
Mrs. Talcott was a Frenchy little woman, graceful, dip-
lomatic, witty, accomplished and red-haired. She had
very fascinating but frivolous ways and both she and her
gifted husband contributed much to the enjoyment of their
numerous friends, until domestic infelicity crept into their
otherwise delightful home. Mrs. Charles Lord, a very beau-
tiful woman and a remarkable soprano singer, was present
at one of the Talcott musicales, as was also Miss Fanny
Wilson, a sister of Mrs. Evstaphieve. Who that heard Miss
Wilson sing negro songs, including “Old Dan Tucker,” willBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 457
ever forget it ? Mrs. Lord went to St. Louis soon after, and
sang for years in a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church.
Gn Pearl Street near Seneca, Seth Grosvenor resided.
He was one of the large-hearted, generous, genial men of his
day, who gave champagne suppers to his gentlemen friends.
On one occasion, when every one was enjoying the merri-
ment of stories, jests and plenty of good cheer, it was dis-
covered that the doors were locked, as Mr. Grosvenor did
not wish his guests to depart until the wee hours. Mr.
Poole not being in good health at this time, slyly watched his
opportunity and climbed out of the window, much to the
surprise and amusement of his associates.
Capt. and Mrs. Stephen Champlin lived on Seneca Street,
as did many of Buffalo’s best citizens, and their house was
noted for its suppers and card parties. Whist was a hobby
of the captain’s. He had a somewhat irascible temper, espe-
cially when defeat in whist stared him in the face. It was
not an uncommon thing for him to storm at his partner
under such circumstances, so that very few ladies were
willing to play with him. As Gen. Winfield Scott had taught
me to play the game, and I had often played with other army
officers, I seemed to be inspired with bravery and was daring
enough to play with him. It was like “bearding the lion in
his den,” for he always came near swearing when my play
did not suit him, but he suppressed it and contented himself
with something like a growl, which always made me laugh.
This relieved the situation and we got on very well. A
lovely daughter, Sophia, married Capt. Simpson of the
United States army and they graced Buffalo society for a
number of years.
IV. Gay Buffalo Society in the ’30’s.
It must be difficult for younger generations to realize
that prominent families resided on Washington Street as
far down as Exchange Street. Among these, noted for their
hospitality, were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hollister and Mr.
and Mrs. William Laverack. Their houses were stylish458 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
brick three-story buildings, located where the checkered
store now stands, below Seneca Street, right hand side. Mr.
Hollister built a palatial home a little later, up Main Street
above Chippewa, now replaced by a handsome business
structure. The entertainments in this beautiful home were
brilliant and numerous. I have often wished that the ele-
gant mahogany dining table now in the possession of a kins-
woman could talk. How much it could relate of romances,
flirtations and possibly broken vows, for this charming home
was the rendezvous of lovers of all kinds, who were prone to
make Mr. and Mrs. Hollister the bearers of their confidences.
One of the most genial couples when Buffalo was young
was Mr. and Mrs. O. G. Steele. They lived on Clinton
Street in a simple frame house where many a Virginia reel
and sprightly cotillion were enjoyed by their many friends.
Here I met Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Sherman, the parents of
Mrs. Bradley Martin, who resided in Buffalo a short time.
Among the guests one always met, Col. and Mrs. James
McKay, the parents of Steele Mackaye of dramatic fame.
Mrs. McKay was a sister of Mr. Steele. Col. McKay, a
dashing, handsome man, spent money lavishly upon his
friends. He built “The Castle” at Fort Porter and enter-
tained frequently there until the United States Government
established an army post on this spot.
One of the most charming homes in the ’3o’s was that of
Mr. and Mrs. Bela D. Coe, located on Main Street, with
elegant grounds extending to Eagle and through to Wash-
ington. Garden parties were given here and several fine
balls took place in their stately colonial home. In the early
’4o’s they moved into the spacious mansion now occupied by
A. Porter Thompson, and here, with its magnificent lawn
then extending over an entire block, brilliant parties were
given both summer and winter. William A. Moseley, one
of the most elegant and courtly of men, was an habitue of
this house. Mr. Coe died while traveling with his wife in
Europe, and a few years later Mr. Moseley married the
widow. One could never imagine the dignified, stately
Moseley in a position to be laughed at, but on one occasion
at a dinner, when he commenced carving a duck, by someBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 459
unlucky chance the bird evaded the operation and suddenly
as if reanimated, it flew from the platter, landing on the
floor. The situation was so funny that every one burst out
laughing, in which he joined heartily, exclaiming: “If any-
one present can perform that feat as well, I will wager him
a case of champagne.” The challenge was not accepted.
The Townsend house with its beautiful grounds, now
considerably curtailed, at the southeast corner of Main and
Tupper streets, is still standing.1 In this handsome residence
many delightful parties took place, the Misses Townsend
being much admired. Descendants long maintained its
beauty and hospitality.
Nearly opposite is the fine old colonial mansion, now
known as the Ensign house, but in the thirties as the Hecox
residence, and later the home of John Hollister. The
grounds were beautiful and much social favor was dispensed
from this house in the early days.
Where the Teck Theatre now stands was the Walden
mansion, surrounded by acres of fine lawns, trees and flower
beds. Many brilliant functions were given in this spacious
residence. The host’s daughter, Kittie Walden, was a very
pretty and attractive young lady. She married Gen. Meyer
of weather-bureau fame. Opposite this fine property on the
southeast corner of Main and Goodell streets was the elegant
house built by William Hollister, where he took his lovely
young wife, Grace Keeler, who enjoyed with him the gay
life of those early days. E. G. Spaulding purchased this
residence, where he lived until his death.
Further up Main Street on the northeast corner of High,
was the aristocratic mansion known as the Guy Goodrich
home. It was purely colonial in style and furnished through-
out in the most sumptuous manner. Many beautiful balls
and receptions were given here. This residence was re-
moved to Amherst Street where it forms the principal part
of John C. Glenny’s fine home.2
1.	Torn down, spring of 1905.
2.	This house was begun by Joseph Ellicott in i823-’24, and was occupied
in 1825 by him. Now known as Amherst House, it is one of Buffalo’s most
beautiful residences, and is the only structure in the city directly associated
with the founder of Buffalo.460 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
Pierre A. Barker built the handsome house which was
known later as the Sidway residence, facing Hudson Street.
He entertained munificently. The grounds, which extended
far back from Hudson Street, were superb, with the many
fine trees which surrounded the entire place.
Mr. and Mrs. Israel T. Hatch, whose house is still
standing on Cottage Street, were very hospitable enter-
tainers in the early days.
The stone building on Rhode Island Street, now owned
by the Church Charity Foundation, was for years the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Thomas. It was surrounded by
beautiful grounds and its host and attractive hostess were
noted for their genial hospitality. No gayer parties were
given in Buffalo than were enjoyed in this substantial edi-
fice.1 Mrs. Thomas was a Miss Truscott, daughter of Capt.
Truscott, one of our best and most honored citizens.
Then there were the charming Colton girls, Mary and
Louise, who lived away out Main Street in the Cold Spring
district. They were very attractive and fine-looking. At
their pleasant home, the best and most genial society con-
gregated and delightful dancing parties were frequently
given. During one of these, a quantity of red pepper was
spilled on the kitchen stove. The house was soon filled with
its fumes to the distraction as well as amusement of the
guests, for everybody commenced sneezing so that the house
echoed and reechoed alternately with sneezes and laughter.
No more hospitable entertainers ever lived than Mr. and
Mrs. H. M. Kinne, who resided and kept a lavishly open
house year after year, in the large frame building on the
northwest corner of Pearl and Huron streets. Their parties
were among the most delightful ever given in Buffalo.
I might go on indefinitely mentioning the beautiful
homes where unstinted hospitality was so frequently offered
to society in Buffalo’s early days. There were the elegant
mansions of Mr. and Mrs. George C. White, Judge and Mrs.
Masten, the several Pratt residences on Swan Street, Dr.
and Mrs. James P. White’s on the southeast corner of South
Division and Ellicott streets, William A. Bird’s fine house
i. Demolished to give room to new buildings, spring of 1905.BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.	461
at Black Rock, and many others. But all dispensed that
good old-fashioned home hospitality which carries with it
to the end of one’s life, influences that warm the heart and
memories that seem to bridge over the unknown space that
separates us from the dear friends who participated in the
social pleasures of early Buffalo.
The gallantry and liberality of the Buffalo beaux in the
’30’s and early ’40’s inspired the pleasantest of recollections
which time can never efface.
There was the elegant Buckland, a notable figure as he
walked on Main Street, followed by his great St. Bernard
and dignified Newfoundland. My uncle, Russell Searle
Brown, the dilettante, was so fastidious in his dress that he
was called by common consent Dandy Brown, and this with
no lack of respect. He, with his partner, John Wellington
Buckland, occupied a fine suite of apartments, with their ser-
vants, steward, butler, etc., in the Granite Block. I quote
again from S. M. Welch’s “Recollections of Buffalo,” con-
cerning these gentlemen:
“They lived in grand style. When the elegant furniture for the
rooms was unpacked upon the sidewalk, there was a considerable
gathering of interested neighbors expressing their wonder at the
reckless extravagance of these young gentlemen. Why, it must have
cost $6,000.”
Many were the dinners, suppers and card parties given
by these men.
There were three handsome brothers of unusual physique
and courtly manners, who came from Canada to reside
among us. They were known as the Tall Thompsons, each
being over six feet in height. The oldest one, William A.
Thompson, built the beautiful residence at Queenston which
he named Glen Cairn. There he spent the latter years of his
life. While in Buffalo these brothers kept bachelor’s hall
in a large house on Washington Street near South Division
Street, and here they entertained most generously.
Then there were the fascinating and witty William Lov-
ering, the dignified and courteous Ellicott Evans, the charm-
ing, chivalrous gentleman, Asher P. Nichols, the gentle,
kind-hearted Henry Kip, the gallant and agreeable Samuel462 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
M. Welch, the true-hearted Henry Garrett and many others
who added zest and brilliancy to Buffalo society in these
good old days. Many were the assemblies given at the
American Hotel and the Eagle Tavern by these gentlemen,
as well as sleighrides out to Sherwood’s, Scott’s and down
to Niagara Falls.
Carriages were always furnished by the committee which
had the management of these assemblies, and an escort went
to fetch unmarried ladies who had neither fathers nor
brothers to accompany them. It was very bad form to per-
mit any lady to be a wallflower, and not one of the fair sex
ever thought of such a thing as not being invited to go out to
supper. Has society improved in these respects ?
We never heard of a “debutante” or a “bud” in those
days. The young ladies were introduced to society inci-
dentally, and always in the midst of their elders. No ball
or party was complete without the mature portion of society.
It added dignity and prestige to such occasions, often wholly
lacking at the present day. Card rooms were always pre-
pared for those who wearied of the maddening throng, so
that a game of whist or euchre formed a pleasant pastime
for many an older couple at large dancing parties. Enter-
taining our friends at this time, was never considered a bur-
den or even an obligation. It was always a pleasure made
doubly so, by that mutual dependence enforced by the con-
ditions of those early days, which made a community such
as I have described from the social standpoint, a band of
brothers and sisters, full of consideration and appreciation
of every effort made in each other’s behalf.
V. A Notable Neighborhood.
“The future we know not, but safe is the past,
And the first we loved, we love to the last.
The dearer gifts, the longer we live,
Are the quiet joys our memories give.”
Have you, kind reader, after an interim of many years*
reappeared upon some scene that was so intimately asso-BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.	463
dated with your early life as to have made you feel as if the
world had been bounded by this same locality ? If you have,
perhaps you will better appreciate my sensations when on a
bright June day somewhat recently, I strayed out of my
usual course and walked down Eagle Street and stood for
some time where beautiful linden trees once waved their
noble branches against the windows of the house where my
husband took me to reside in 1838, at the northeast corner
of Ellicott Street. How the sweet and permeating perfume,
mingled with dear voices, came back to me despite the awful
devastation of this once delightful neighborhood. My little
home on this corner was often the scene of such social gath-
erings, as warm the heart and energize the brain to deeds
of kindly import, while the parties given within its walls,
will ever remain a mystery, for I cannot now explain how
our two or three hundred friends were so often entertained
within its limited space. The majestic lindens are gone
around which merry children once romped, playing tag,
puss-in-the-corner and other noisy but healthful games.
Among these, the majority of whom have passed away, was
mischievous Susan Flint, daughter of the eminent Dr.
Austin Flint, who was our next-door neighbor. I discovered
this child one day in that long ago, passing a case of lancets
through a hole in the fence which divided our backyards,
over to my daughter some years younger than this pre-
cocious child. Then there was Lavinia Hawley, who in her
maidenhood became engaged to one of Commodore Van-
derbilt’s sons, but the marriage was never consummated as
young Vanderbilt died soon after the engagement was an-
nounced. The commodore remembered Miss Hawley hand-
somely in his will.
Then there was black-eyed Mary Bristol, who, in later
years, married the eldest son of the beloved Rev. Dr. Inger-
soll. Emily, daughter of George R. Babcock, whose quaint
and original sayings are remembered to this day, was one
of the children who frolicked in and out of the lindens. Then
there were the two sprightly little daughters of William G.
Fargo, Georgia and Irene, who little knew at that time what
wealth and what sorrow were to be their portion.464 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
The American Hotel was so near Eagle Street on Main,
that the families who boarded there were considered our near
neighbors. They included Judge and Mrs. George W.
Clinton, Mr. and Mrs. Elam R. Jewett, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron
Patchin and others. The Patchins lived in very elegant
style in a fine suite of rooms, having their private dining-
room, butler, and all the accessories that wealth, good taste
and refinement suggest. There was no ostentation in their
methods of life, but somehow when Mrs. Patching coach
drove up to one’s door and her dainty feet descended the
folding steps which her footman was quick to let down, you
realized that she was “to the manner born” and that she
belonged to that royalty begotten of Christian grace and
good breeding that surpasses mere rank of name and pedi-
gree. This charming coterie of residents at the American
Hotel were among my dearest and most prized friends to the
end of life.
A fine three-story brick house, very much after the New
York style, was standing on the southeast corner of Wash-
ington and Eagle streets until a few years ago. It was occu-
pied in the thirties and forties by Dr. and Mrs. Winne.
They were distinguished citizens, she being a Miss Viele
and noted for her handsome figure and generally majestic
appearance. This mansion was often the scene of delightful
social functions of various descriptions.
A very important contributor to the comfort of this
locality, situated midway between Washington and Elficott
streets on the south side of Eagle Street, was the pump.
Here, one’s maid of all work would often loiter, innocently
gossiping with the friends she met who were bound on the
same errand, even though the bread was burning in her
oven.
Returning again to my home at the corner of Eagle and
Ellicott streets, I was impressed with the fact that they built
well in those days, perhaps better than they knew. For after
nearly seventy years have elapsed since the completion of
this block of simple, cozy homes, they stand intact, although
so changed in their aspect and environment as to make oneBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 465
wonder if they had ever been the abodes of prosperous and
distinguished citizens.
Oliver G. Steele and Mr. Poole contracted with Benja-
min G. Rathbun to build the block of four houses, which
was afterwards added to, and the block was completed and
ready for occupancy May i, 1835. Mr. Steele resided in the
corner house until we took possession in May, 1838, when he
removed to Clinton Street. I have the original contract
signed by all three men; the trustfulness which each had for
the other, as outlined in this document, gives interesting evi-
dence of the accommodating methods then in use among
good business-men. These houses cost $9,000 complete,
part of which was to be paid for in crockery from my hus-
band's store, and part in books from Mr. Steele's store, and
the balance as should be “agreed upon later by all the
parties."
As I continued my walk a few steps further down Eagle
on the same side of the street, I came upon the modest frame
house (now entirely changed by a front built of brick and
converted into a saloon), where I had enjoyed so many
delightful evenings midst many genial spirits, who basked,
as I did, in the radiant smiles of “Aunt Kissie" and the jolly
wit and good humor of her stalwart husband, the well-
known Henry W. Rogers. Can anyone who ever knew this
fine-looking couple ever forget them or their kindnesses?
Some, who may read these short sketches, may recall an
incident which was a test of quick and brilliant repartee, not
to the advantage of Mr. Rogers. It was during some tilt of
words between James M. Smith, a very small man, and Mr.
Rogers, who was a colossus by the side of him. Finally the
latter exclaimed: “Smith, I can put you in my pocket,"
whereupon Mr. Smith retorted: “Well, if you did, all I have
to say is, you would have more brains in your pocket than
you ever had in your head."
Mr. Rogers owned at this time a curly black poodle dog.
He would say to him: “Which would you rather do, live a
loco-foco or die a whig?" Immediately the poodle would
lay himself out, and to all intents and purposes become “as
dead as a door nail."466 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
The beautiful Jennie Rogers held court in this house.
She was an adopted daughter and the most notably beauti-
ful woman that Buffalo has ever had. She was a brunette
with such perfection of form and feature, such lustrous
black eyes, such luxurious coils of raven black hair as no
Juno could surpass. Added to these physical charms was a
rare intelligence and a grace of manner that have won for
her in the annals of the belles of Buffalo, a lasting and
ineffaceable memory. A disappointment in an affair of the
heart was fully compensated for a few years later, by the
devoted love and admiration of that highly-bred and noble
gentleman, Ellicott Evans, whom she married. In the early
’40’s the Rogers moved from Eagle Street into a vine-
covered cottage on Delaware Avenue. It stood very far
back in the once beautiful garden that has of late years been
known as the Van Vleck property. Roses bloomed by the
hundreds around this cosy house, and the same bountiful
hospitality was dispensed until they left Buffalo to reside in
Ann Arbor.
The little Eagle-street house was soon rented for a
season or two, to Mr. and Mrs. John Drew of dramatic
fame. At the time of which I write, the Eagle-street The-
atre was at the zenith of its popularity, and the Drews were
members of its very fine stock company. It was a pleasant
sight to see this young couple, both so refined and agreeable
in their appearance, always arm in arm and deeply inter-
ested in each other’s conversation, walking back and forth
to their morning rehearsal and to the evening performance.
The Drews were doubtless very popular with their pro-
fessional friends and scarcely a week passed, but some
eminent actor or actress would accompany them home from
the morning’s rehearsal. Among these, whom I well re-
member, were Edwin Forrest, Junius Brutus Booth, Daven-
port, Yankee Hill, Charlotte Cushman, Fanny Kemble, Julia
Deane, Laura Keane, Anna Cora Mowatt, and several others
who have never been excelled in their several lines of dra-
matic portraiture.
On the south side of Eagle Street near Oak Street is a
block of houses, in one of which resided Rev. Cicero Hawks,BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 467
rector of Trinity Church and afterwards bishop of Missouri.
Mr. Hawks was a swarthy, medium-sized man, who ap-
peared to have inherited Indian blood. It was said that he
was directly descended from Pocahontas. He and Mrs.
Hawks did much for the welfare of Trinity parish and they
were thoroughly loved and respected by all who knew them.
After their departure from Buffalo, Rev. Dr. Ingersoll and
family occupied their house. This block still stands very
much as it was, at this time of writing, 1903.
As I muse on the familiar forms that regularly traversed
this street, one more stately than the. rest seems to pass
before me. It is Mrs. Lovering, as gentle as she was beau-
tiful; she was a grand specimen of the old-time American
lady. Would that her type had never left us! The Lovering
house at this time was on the south side of Eagle Street,
next to Mr. Hawks’. It was always a social center for the
most refined and cultured of our citizens. Three very attrac-
tive daughters were magnets, not to be resisted by either
their lady or gentlemen friends. Capt. Truscott and his
charming family lived in an adjoining house, and retracing
our steps to the southeast corner of Eagle and Ellicott
streets, we come to the fine brick house at this time occupied
by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Stevenson, two of the noblest of
friends and citizens. Later, after the Stevensons had re-
moved to Washington Street, C. C. Bristol bought this
spacious home. Among the royal entertainers at this time
were Mr. and Mrs. John Lay, who lived on Eagle Street
below Elm Street, in a handsome house, long since taken
down to make room for less spacious buildings. Mr. Lay
was a very wealthy man in these early days, and he spent
his money on his friends in princely fashion.
Still further down the street on the northeast comer of4
Pine, was the elegant residence of Judge and Mrs. Philander
Bennett. This house was of stone, built in fine colonial
style, scarcely surpassed in its arrangement and interior
finish by costly houses of the present day. It was sur-
rounded by grounds of extensive beauty with magnificent
old trees, many graveled walks, numberless flower beds, and
the greenest of lawns, where several deer disported them-468 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
selves, giving this fine domain the appearance of a park.
Here, elegant balls were frequently given, and all Buffalo
delighted to assemble under Judge Bennett’s hospitable roof.
A charming daughter married Mr. Rollin Germain, and they
kept up the prestige of this stately home for several years
after the death of Judge and Mrs. Bennett. This mansion
has been razed and the grounds are maintained as Bennett
Park, but are less spacious and beautiful than in their
original state.
I will mention a strange coincidence in names, which
only added to the unique peculiarities of this once notable
neighborhood. On the northwest corner of Eagle and Elli-
cott streets was a grocer whose name was Shilling; on the
southwest corner another by the name of Penny; next to
him on Eagle Street was a blacksmith by the name of Mills;
further down, on the corner of Oak Street, was a butcher
by the name of Farthing, and on the opposite corner was a
grocer by the name of Ruble. It was very evident that we
were rapidly approaching the era of the “mighty dollar,”
and it must have been an oversight of Dame Fortune that
the personification of this coveted quantity was left out of
our populous and pleasant neighborhood.
VI. The Garrison.
There are probably many persons now residing in Buf-
falo, who do not know that in the later ’30’s all the land
from North Street running southerly on Main Street to
Allen, thence through to Delaware, was utilized by the Gov-
ernment of the United States for a military post. At this
time it was beautifully laid out for this purpose and the
necessary buildings were constructed, consisting of officers’
and soldiers’ quarters, guard house, mess rooms, sutler’s
store and stables.
The center of this large tract was a well-kept lawn as
level as a parlor floor, with the historic flag-pole midway,BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 469
from the top of which Old Glory waved from sunrise until
sunset, for about five years. Surrounding this fine turf-
covered ground, which was the parade ground, was a low
rail fence painted white, separating it from a wide roadway
that extended in front of the houses entirely around this
lawn, and leading out to Main Street through an archway,
or sally-port, which was the principal entrance to the post.
Around this plot on Allen Street, Delaware Avenue and
North Street was a high board fence whitewashed, with a
gate opening out upon Delaware Avenue. The houses all
faced the parade; all the above streets being scarcely more
than lanes, with the exception of Main Street, which was
the great thoroughfare that its name implies. It must be
understood that this locality was “out in the country,”
although a very delightful country it was, with its forest
trees that have been cut down by the hundreds, and its
countless singing birds that the inroads of a great city have
driven away forever. The grade of Delaware Street, as it
was then called, was very much changed in later years, by
being cut down several feet, thus leaving much of the land
formerly occupied by the garrison “high and dry,” which
it remains to this day. A portion of the ground on the
west side of Delaware Avenue also attests to this fact. This
ground was a cemetery where many of Buffalo’s most
prominent citizens were buried in the ?3o’s and early ^o’s.
A very old man with long flowing beard as white as
snow, with barely clothing enough to cover him, lived,
hermit fashion, in this burying-ground during the summer
months. He was perfectly harmless, but had very little
intellect from some cause or other, and was known as
“Crazy Robinson.” It was a weird experience sometimes to
look out from this back gate opening out on Delaware
Avenue, and see this tall, gaunt figure with beard waving
in the breeze, climbing in and out among the tombstones
and over the graves, on his way to the garrison to get his
meals, for during these months he was fed from the army
stores, afterwards returning to the lonely but beautiful
graveyard, to repose under its rustling trees.470 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
POINSETT BARRACKS, BUFFALO, IN 1840.
Drawn from data furnished by Mrs. Poole, Mr. E. B. D. Riley and others. Given
only as approximately correct. No other diagram of these grounds
during the military occupation is known.
From near the corner of North Street, running towards
Allen until about two-thirds of the way down, were officers’
quarters with their backyards on Delaware Avenue. At
about this distance from North Street, the line of houses
turned and ran parallel with Allen Street, with quite exten-
sive gardens in the rear. Behind these were soldiers’ quar-
ters, mess rooms and a large stable which is still standing
on Allen Street, at the corner of Franklin.1 The guard
house was at the Main-street entrance and offices, sutler’s
store, etc., ran along the North-street side.
I can see this beautiful tract of land with its simple but
comfortable buildings, its bristling cannon, the many forms
i. This statement is doubted by old residents to whom it has been sub-
mitted. Possibly some of the earlier walls are included in the present struc-
tures.BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 471
so martial in their bearing, red-sashed, with sword hilts and
epaulettes gleaming in the sunshine, as if it were but yes-
terday.
The Patriot War broke out in the late ’30’s and for a
time there was considerable fear as to the outcome, as
Buffalo had no protection but the militia gathered in and
around this city. Consternation and fright were beginning
to pervade our usually happy and calm community, when
the Government came to our relief by sending in 1840, eight
companies of the 2d Artillery under command of Col.
Ichabod Crane. This contingent was stationed at the gar-
rison, but remained there but a few months. It was suc-
ceeded by six companies from the same regiment, com-
manded by Lieut.-Col. J. W. Bankhead. Lieut. Barry, who
during the Civil War became a general and was chief of
engineers, belonged to this command. He married Miss
McKnight of this city. Lieutenants Simpson and Woodruff
were also with this command and later belonged to the
engineers’ corps. The former married Sophia Champlin,
daughter of Commodore Champlin, and the latter carried
away from Buffalo one of its loveliest maidens, Miss
Mayhew, the daughter of a much esteemed citizen.
About this time Gen. Winfield Scott also appeared upon
the scene, and I shall never forget the feeling of security
that this yellow-plumed, gold-laced hero inspired every one
with. He was a grand looking and appearing man, of large
stature and very imposing manners. I had the pleasure of
meeting him at this time, as he was dined and wined as such
a distinguished man would be likely to be. The six com-
panies of artillery under Lieut.-Col. Bankhead, remained in
Buffalo but little more than a year and were relieved by
companies “A” “C,” “D,” “F” and “K,” 2d Infantry,
under command of that staunch fighter, Gen. Bennett Riley,
in the summer of 1842. They remained at the garrison
until 1845.
The various companies under this command were drawn
from several posts; Gen. Riley’s coming from Florida,
another from Fort Brady at the Sault Ste. Marie, another
from Fort Niagara, and so on. The coming of these troops472 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
meant more to me than to any other resident of Buffalo, for
it brought two sisters who had married army officers, re-
spectively, from these two above-mentioned posts; also a
bridegroom, Lieut. Hoffman, for my youngest sister. Thus
all my sisters resided in this garrison, and as I had spent a
year prior to my residence in this city at Fort Brady, and
another year I had lived at the castle at Fort Niagara, I was
by no means a stranger to many of the officers and their
wives when they came for a brief three years to reside in
Buffalo.
A fine band accompanied this regiment and many were
the opportunities, both social and otherwise, given to our
citizens to hear its inspiring music. The invitation to acome
and take tea,” and hear the band play, was freely given by
the officers and their wives. Society here was very much
augmented by the arrival of these most agreeable people.
Several of the officers were unmarried men and dancing was
one of the accomplishments that a West Pointer has always
taken pride in. The waltz was just beginning to be very
popular in this country, and Buffalo was not backward in
copying Paris and Vienna in respect to it and the beautiful
Strauss music that seems inseparable from it. Society went
wild over both, as well as the officers who added so much
dash and brilliancy to every function given.
Again the conquering hero came, for soon after the
arrival of these troops, Gen. Scott came on a visit of inspec-
tion, and, as all signs of war and rumors of war had ceased,
his stay in Buffalo was an ovation both with the military and
civilians. Round after round of balls, receptions, card
parties and champagne suppers were given in his honor.
Among the most delightful entertainments at this time was
a whist party, given by Mr. and Mrs. Rodman Starkweather,
and I felt exceedingly complimented when Gen. Scott asked
me to be his partner. The Starkweathers had recently
moved into a new house which they had built on the site
now occupied by the Coal & Iron Exchange, Washington
Street, near Seneca. It was a large frame house of colonial
style, with one especially peculiar feature, and that was an
immense locust tree which reared its stately branches aloftRESIDENCE OF ANSLEY WILCOX, DELAWARE AVENUE, BUFFALO. FORMERLY PART OF THE U. S. MILITARY POSTBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 478
over the entire front of the house, the steps to the main
entrance being built around it. It seems to me as I look
back to this period, that Buffalo society was at the zenith
of its glory. There were so many charming women, both
married and single, such an array of fine professional and
business men, whose chivalry in our behalf could always be
relied upon, that with the addition of these officers and their
wives, it left nothing to be desired in the way of social
brilliancy and eclat.
It may be of interest to many readers to know who some
of these officers were, and how their houses were situated.
The one still standing and now facing Delaware Avenue is
the home of Ansley Wilcox, made more historic than ever
by the ceremonial of the oath of office taken within its walls
by Theodore Roosevelt during Pan-American year. This
house was a double one, very simple in construction in 1842,
and was the home of Capt. Casey, father of Tom Casey as
he was familiarly called, the distinguished engineer of the
Public Library building at Washington, D. C. The other
half was occupied by Dr. Wood, surgeon, and his family,
including two pretty daughters called Puss and Dump.
Mrs. Wood was a Miss Taylor, daughter of Zachary Taylor,
who was later President of the United States.
Towards North Street on this Delaware-avenue line were
the quarters used by Capt. Westcott and wife, Lieut. Isaac
Richardson, Douglass Burnett, my brother-in-law, and
family, also Lieut. Heintzelman, who married Miss Stuart,
a sister of Miss Matilda Stuart, well known in Buffalo.
Some distance south of the Wood and Casey houses were
the quarters used by the batchelors. Among these were
Lieuts. Hayden, Gibson, Murray, Schurman, Martin and
others. Lieutenant Martin soon married a Miss Truscott,
daughter of Capt. Truscott, already referred to.
At this point the line of houses turned and continued in
the direction of Main Street. Along this line lived Lieuts.
Day, Anderson, Long, Albertis and the commandant, Gen.
Riley.
One of the events of social importance soon after the
arrival of the 2d Infantry was the beautiful military wed-474 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
ding of my sister. This occurred at the garrison, at the
home of our sister, Mrs. Edwin Ramsey Long, which was
connected with the adjoining one thrown open for this
occasion. The rooms were decorated with flags in great
profusion, soldiers were stationed everywhere to usher in
and serve the guests. The fine regiment band played during
the evening before a brilliant company from town, inter-
spersed with the officers, all in full dress uniform. The
refreshment table was loaded with good things, many of
them made by the ladies of the garrison, such as chicken
salad, charlotte russe, whip syllabub, jellies and cake. This
being the only wedding that took place at the garrison, it
was considered a very important event from a social stand-
point as well as the sacred union of two very interesting
persons. Lieut. Alexander Thompson Hoffman and his
bride lived in a house located just south of the Wood and
Casey quarters.
It was a most inspiring sight of a Sunday morning to
see these troops at the garrison emerge through the great
arch on Main Street, and march to the enlivening music
of the band, down in front of “the Churches/’ where they
disbanded with orders to go to whatever service they pre-
ferred. Scores of them went to St. Paul’s and the First
Church. After the service was over they formed again and
marched up Main Street to their parade ground, where they
disbanded once more.
But all too soon orders came from Washington for the
removal of the garrison; and for weeks confusion, bustle,
and sorrow-laden activity took possession of the once peace-
ful but gay regiment, whose officers had brought so much
of staunch character and so many lasting friendships to our
frontier city. It seemed as if all Buffalo was in tears at
their departure. For some time after, the grounds where
they had, as it were, pitched their tents, were more deserted
and avoided than the graveyard directly opposite.
As their coming meant so much to me, so their going
did also, for it was decreed that never again was I to see the
three noble husbands of my sisters. They passed away soon
after their departure from Buffalo, one closely followingBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.	475
the other. Many of the officers, the memory of whom
kindles such precious recollection, fell by the wayside from
frequent changes of climate and that scourge to the army,
death-dealing malaria. Others rose to distinction in the
wars that were to follow, notably the Mexican War, conflicts
with the Indians and the Civil War. In the first, General
Riley fought with unswerving bravery, courting death, as
it were, where shot and shell were thickest, as an insidious
disease had made its appearance, which to a brave soldier
was a thousand times more to be dreaded than death upon
the battlefield. But he was proof against bullets and lived
to suffer the martyrdom of wasting disease; a hero to the
end.
After the Mexican war, General Riley was ordered to
California, where he became its first governor, which posi-
tion he held for two years.
Soon after this he was retired, and having formed lasting
friendships with many of our citizens, he and his family
returned to this city where they resided on Main Street
above Barker until his death. A son, daughter and grand-
daughter of this distinguished soldier are still residents of
Buffalo.
The days that the regiment under General Riley’s com-
mand was stationed here were among the happiest of my
life and the zest, variety and brilliancy it added to our young
city were fully appreciated by every one. The changes
which were already foreshadowed and were brought about
by the introduction of the railroad, brought strangers of
every condition and kind to our doors. The departure of
the 2d Infantry in 1845 may be said to have marked the end
of a most brilliant period in Buffalo society. That ex-
clusiveness which the locality, surroundings, climate and
conditions of the times forced upon us, was now at an end
never to return. It is pleasant to reflect upon the fact that,
however much we have gained in many ways, no more sub-
stantial foundation could have been created for the great
hospitality for which Buffalo is noted, than that handed
down by the society of the ’3o’s and early ’4o’s.476 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
VII. Old-time Tea Parties.
Many Buffalonians must remember the little tea parties
that their mothers and grandmothers used to give, when
nests of tables were brought out from quaint corners and
scattered among the dozen or more favored few who were so
fortunate as to be invited. These delightful affairs included
the young lady and young man of the family, as there were
no lines drawn in those days to mark the difference in ages,
when social matters were considered. These nests, very
often of beautiful tables made of papier mache, generally
consisted of five or six, graduated in size. Two to three per-
sons were accommodated at each table and as the repast was
comparatively simple and never later than half-past six,
these entertainments were very little trouble to the hostess.
A salad with cold tongue, turkey or ham, biscuits and coffee,
followed by preserves and delicious cake, were usually
served. On these occasions the much prized “tea set” was
in evidence, and daughters and granddaughters of the
present day consider these heirlooms almost of priceless
value. Elegant silver was also much used, and even if there
was no butler, as was more often the case, the maid of all
work, though she was of the present type, soon learned to
be quite an expert at “passing the things,” under the constant
tuition of her mistress. It must be remembered that domes-
tics were “trained” in those days. At the present time there
is no law or order in the rank and file of this service. At the
time of which I am writing, I had a Hollandese by the
euphonious name of Kazina Taharr; thrifty, industrious
and quick of comprehension in every emergency. She could
not speak a word of English when I engaged her services,
the business being done through an interpreter. She re-
mained with me three years at $1.00 per week.
I have been asked many times how it was possible to give
large parties in the early days of Buffalo, when we had no
caterers, few professional cooks, and rarely average good
cooks employed in private houses. Really, the giving of a
party meant a gala time of a fortnight for the hostess and
her intimate friends. In those days we had neighbors; andBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.	477
the injunction to “love your neighbor as yourself” had an
almost literal significance to those who lived on either side
of the street, for at least that particular block. They came
to the rescue early, to write the invitations. Sometimes this
was done by the unmarried young women and occupied two
or three evenings, when they were sure to be joined by sev-
eral beaux, who managed to address the envelopes with com-
mendable correctness, considering the temptations to which
they were exposed by these sometimes flirtatious sirens.
Then came the congregating of the matrons for cake mak-
ing, jelly making, turkey roasting, ham and tongue boiling,
while the hostess, with such assistance as she could com-
mand, would, on the day of the ball, make the custards,
whips, floating islands, biscuits, etc., while some good soul,
who much preferred being in the background, though glad
to partake of the excitement of such an occasion, was always
available when the important evening arrived, to stew and
fry the oysters and superintend the making of the coffee.
In the early forties a colored man, by the name of Thompson,
often took charge of this part of the supper with great suc-
cess. He also would take your order days before hand for
a la mode beef, which was a very popular piece de resistance
in those days. He has never been excelled in this very sub-
stantial and imposing dish. And who can forget the boned
turkeys, showily garnished with red and amber jellies, the
hams gorgeous in their decorations of whole cloves, en-
circled with rings of cayenne pepper, with extremity decked
out with frills of white paper, deftly hiding any trace of a
bone.
Then we had a very prince of confectioners, McArthur,
of revered and delightful memory, who made charlotte russe
the like of which seems to be unobtainable at the present
day. In other words the art died with him. From his
hands, made with a large proportion of thick cream flavored
with the genuine vanilla bean, and with an outer covering
of sponge cake that knew no chemicals in the way of baking
powder, soda or ammonia, but eggs by the dozen to make it
light, a charlotte russe came forth as elaborate as a Swiss
chalet, and firm and impressive it stood on the supper table478 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
the entire evening. How different from those of today that
so often lop and slop over to the disgust of many a hostess.
McArthur’s ice cream towered in all manner of fanciful
shapes, giving dignity to the bountiful spread, while his
decorated loaves of pound, fruit, jelly and sponge cake re-
posed in frosted magnificence on glass standards, the bases
of which were imbedded in beds of mottoes, fruits, nuts and
raisins.
It may truly be said that this was the pyramidal age ;
for no table was considered complete without several of
these decorative features from the confectioner’s hands.
Often there were four of these candied wonders, one at each
corner concocted as follows: One made of kisses with a
shower of amber sugar over them, another of chocolate
drops with a lace work of white frosting, another of oranges
cut in quarters, garnished with spun sugar, and a fourth
made of macaroons decorated with candied cherries. These
pyramids were from two to two and a half feet high, and
stood like sentinels guarding the delectable viands gener-
ously provided. The centerpiece was either a silver mounted
glass epergne, or it was made by graduated glass standards,
one piled on top of the other to the height desired, gorgeous
mottoes, grapes and oranges being used to fill them; the
whole topped off with a small vase of flowers. When the
centerpiece was of this last style, it suggested a watch tower
and looked defiant enough, until the table of good things
was assailed by husbands, brothers and beaux, when all
these fine accessories were soon demolished and little left of
the decorations to “tell the tale.” As I have already written,
there were pockets in those days; and no mother returned
to her little ones at home, without taking several souvenirs
to them from these well-laden supper tables.
Compare one of these old-fashioned spreads with the
mixed-up messes now in vogue, and which is the more ap-
petizing menu?
While no American Beauty roses or exquisite lilies could
be had for decorating our tables, no southern smilax or
delicate ferns, still, as I see them in my mind’s eye as they
appeared over sixty years ago, with pyramids, turrets, tow-BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 479
ers and globes, they pass before me like gorgeous mosques
laden with glittering minarets, and I wonder if anything
more beautiful has been devised since, in the way of ele-
gantly decorated supper tables.
In these days of natural and illuminating gas, electric
lights and several kinds of coal, one may wonder how we
managed to keep our homes comfortable and bright, as none
of these were to be obtained in the ’3o’s and early ?4o’s.
But it was not so difficult a matter as one might suppose.
What we know nothing of, and have never had, does not
enter into the necessity or comfort of life.
Wood as fuel was all we had with which to heat our
large houses or to supply the cook stove. The Dutch oven
was still in use, and for baking bread, cake and pies it was
as convenient as more modern ovens. We paid from $2 to
$2.75 a cord for the best wood, and from 25 to 50 cents a
cord for sawing and splitting and having it piled up in the
cellar or woodshed, ready for use.
The best rooms in all houses were provided with large
open fireplaces. These were in constant use when the
weather was cold, and I have no recollection of any discom-
forts from lack of heat in our homes. The several crackling
and pleasantly odorous fires gave out a most cheerful light
as well as warmth, which was sadly missed when the hideous
black stove made its appearance a little later. Our infant
children were never known to have their arms and necks
covered in those days, when in the house.
As to lighting, the astral lamp with its cut and engraved
glass globe set off with brilliant prisms, gave a soft if some-
times odorous light, but no more offensive than the oil
lamps of today, and they were much more ornamental.
Candles of all grades were universally used, and on occa-
sions of entertainment these astral lamps were supplemented
by countless tapers of almost transparent wax, such as
cannot ordinarily be obtained at the present day.
One can scarcely imagine how effective and brilliant was
the illumination of these spacious rooms, the light ema-
nating from numerous lamps, silver candlesticks, candelabra,480 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
prism-laden girondoles, and often cut glass chandeliers made
to hold dozens of wax candles.
As I have said before, we had neighbors in those early
days, and the common custom was to borrow anything from
an egg to a piano; hence all the accessories needed on grand
occasions were easily within reach.
As the walls of these spacious houses were almost inva-
riably white, or papered in delicate tints, and the woodwork
except the doors, was always painted white in the grand
salons, it was not so difficult to light them well. The doors
in handsome houses were often of solid mahogany or rose-
wood, and were not hidden by superfluous draperies.
It was the custom to receive calls after n a. m. The
officers from the garrison and their wives more frequently
came “to pay their respects” in the morning, than at any
other time. Perhaps this was due to their living “so far
out.” Cake and madeira or sherry wine were always offered,
and to be without these was considered grossly inhospitable.
The custom of “dropping in” evenings was universal; one
never expected to be without several friends on any evening
when there was not an important social affair taking place.
Conversation was an art in these good old days; some
of it was doubtless “small talk,” but it was entertaining and
bound people in undying friendships. In these days of
profound study and deep thinking, nervous prostratio'n takes
the place of old-fashioned good comradeship. Which is the
better ?
I shall touch but lightly on the subject of dress. It was
not as complex either in style or variety as now, but women
of wealth and fashion wore very elegant clothes. Young
ladies wore swiss muslins, tarletans and mulls almost ex-
clusively to balls, while the matrons were resplendent in
brocades, velvets and satins. Diamonds were frequently
worn, and the head was laden on full-dress occasions with
feathers, flowers and turbans.
We had a fashionable French milliner in those days who
could speak but very little English. She was, however, am-
bitious to learn and was inclined to imitate all that appealed
to her idea of correct usage. One day a well-known citizenBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.	481
accompanied his wife into Madam Blancon’s store, she
wishing to purchase a bonnet. The lady tried one on and
turned to her husband for his opinion. He exclaimed: “It’s
devilish ugly !” She replied: “But it’s French.” The result
was the bonnet was bought and paid for. Imagine the
astonishment of the next customer who tried on several
bonnets, and as each one was being scanned in the mirror,
Madam Blancon would exclaim: “It's devilish ugly, but it’s
French,” little knowing that she was running down her own
wares.
Our society was full of ceremony and courtly usages; at
the same time it was quaintly provincial. There was little
false pride in those days. If the front steps needed sweeping
and “the girl” was busy with other work, the mistress of the
house took the broom in broad daylight and swept them
clean, and cared not who saw her do it.
Two unique figures were frequently seen trudging to
market with basket on their arms. One was the Hon. Albert
H. Tracy, the other was Rodman Starkweather; both ac-
complished and elegant men and as noble in form and
physique as they were strong in intellect. Both were prom-
inent in the business world and were accounted rich. They
were too self-respecting to think of any criticism that might
be aroused, and as it was a matter of convenience and
expediency, they cared not who saw them. As women never
did the marketing in these days men were the buyers as well
as the providers. I doubt if either Mr. Tracy or Mr. Stark-
weather could have been induced to trundle a baby carriage,
so strictly were the lines drawn between men's and women's
work.
I will say that scores of citizens, noted for their prom-
inence and hospitality, are not mentioned in these detached
reminiscences, who have equal claim with those that are.
With few exceptions I have written of those with whom I
was most intimate in my younger days. They in their
integrity and civic pride are samples of what constituted
good citizenship in those early days.
While grateful for the advances so rapidly coming upon
us, I feel that the men and women of society in Buffalo sixty482 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
and seventy years ago, were friends to whom we are last-
ingly indebted. It behooves those who always cry “for-
ward/’ to pause and look back for much that may be learned,
before “all the former things have passed away.”
VIII. Some Early Singers.
Old Trinity Church was the quaintest, cosiest, homeliest
edifice in Buffalo, if not in Western New York, but at
Christmas time it was transformed into “a bower of beauty,”
never to be forgotten by those who worshipped under the
odorous evergreen wreaths.
And what a service was held within its walls on Christ-
mas Eve! It was, indeed, a gala time in the church. Prepa-
rations were started a month before, by both choir and con-
gregation. The former was usually a sextette, and met at
private houses to rehearse anthems and festival composi-
tions that would do credit to any similar choir of the present
day. The congregation of Trinity never favored either
chorus or congregational singing; but the church was in
advance of any in Buffalo in the early ’40’s on account of the
quality of the music produced and the fine voices usually
secured.
An Englishman by the name of Barton was organist
for two years, after the church at the southeast corner of
Washington and Mohawk streets was completed. He was
succeeded by Everett L. Baker, whose genius was limited
only by his own indifferent appreciation of it. Mr. Poole
was chorister, basso, sometimes organist, vestryman and
clerk of the vestry, for twenty years from the time Trinity
was completed. Before this, services were held by the
seceders from old St. Paul’s, in a disused building called
Duffy’s Theatre, located on South Division Street.
It is a singular coincidence that so often a congregation
worships in an abandoned theatre, and vice versa, so many
disused churches are purchased for sites upon which toBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 483
build a theatre. Certain it is, old Trinity had its beginning
in a theatre, and ended by having the once hallowed spot
pass into hands that projected and commenced the erection
of a theatre thereon. This project proved a failure, for
which no one who worked to help pay for old Trinity can be
sorry. Isaac Sherman held a mortgage on Trinity Church,
as sundry papers and receipts among Mr. Poole’s records
give evidence of.
Mrs. Ambrose Sterling was the first soprano of Trinity
Church choir. Illness cut short her valuable services and I
found myself a substitute in her place, What I had intended
should last but a few weeks, continued for twelve years.
My satisfaction in looking back over this period of the
struggles, anxieties and work done to pay the debts of the
young offshoot from St. Paul’s, is that more than $2,000 was
saved to this parish, by the donation of my services, $200 a
year being the regular salary paid to a church soprano in
those days.
An Englishman by the name of Pewtress was employed
as tenor in Trinity’s choir in the early ’40’s. He had a very
remarkable voice and his singing showed experience and
cultivation in the best schools of oratorio music. He could
sing high “C” as easily as any middle note.
Everett L. Baker wrote the much-admired and ever
popular music to the words, “Shout the Glad Tidings,” for
me; and it was sung every Christmas Eve in Trinity Church,
during the time that I was a member of the choir. It has
been pronounced the finest musical composition ever written
to these inspiring words. It certainly has been the most
popular. In the early ’40’s William Eckley of Boston came
to this city to reside, and as he possessed a fine baritone voice
and considerable musical culture, he was soon prevailed
upon to become a member of Trinity choir. He sang regu-
larly for several years, giving his services, and no one did
more for the cause of good church music than did this most
Christian gentleman.
Rev. Cicero Hawks entered into the Christmas spirit
with most devoted fervor; but his ministrations were of
short duration, and Rev. Edward Ingersoll appears before484 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
me as the one most intimately connected with Trinity's early
Christmas Eve services.
How many beautiful sermons were preached on these
occasions by this handsome and saintly man! No one could,
in more touching tones or rhythmic sentences, send joy to
the hearts of his hearers that “a child is born," whose every
mission brings “peace on earth, good will to men." As I
think of him now, I seem to see his stately form surrounded
as of old, by so many of Trinity's old parishioners, such as
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Radcliffe, Mr. and Mrs. George W.
Clinton, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hollister, Mr. and Mrs.
Gibson T. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Evstaphieve, Mr.
and Mrs. William Laverack, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kip, Mr.
and Mrs. A. D. Patchin, Dr. and Mrs. Winne, Mr. and Mrs.
E. R. Jewett and scores of old Trinity's beloved ones, who
even now unite the Christmas of today with that far-off
festival so much enjoyed in the '40's.
To trim the church was a part of the pleasure, and in the
basement or Sunday-school room, opening on Mohawk
Street, such a genial throng of young and middle-aged men
and women as assembled every advent season, it is difficult
to equal. To surpass either the enthusiasm or earnestness of
the workers, to say nothing of the hilarity, would be im-
possible.
Mr. Baker, the organist, had a fine sense of the artistic
in decoration and made the designs for trimming the church
for many years. These were carried out and executed in the
most complete manner possible. Harry Daw, just before the
great festival, was always at the top of the ladder, working
night and day to perfect the plans for the beautiful Christ-
mas decorations. Hundreds and thousands of feet of ever-
green wreathing were made by the deft fingers of Trinity's
dames amidst laughter, good will and that delightful social
converse, which alas for all of us, is almost entirely oblit-
erated from the life of today. Who can forget- the fun that
Robert Hollister was noted for on such occasions? Who
would ever forget the contagious laughter of Jeanette Stark-
weather when an opportunity like this occurred, Mr.
Evstaphieve with his keen and ready wit, Mrs. Seth C.BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 485
Hawley with a jolly sense of humor that seemed to have no
end, Mr. and Mrs. William B. Peck always agreeable and
helpful, Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Rogers and Mr. and Mrs.
James M. Smith, all well known in society and Trinity
church for their delightful and cheering manners and their
hearty support whenever called upon ?
After the evening’s work was done, how often were both
young and old bundled into cumbersome sleighs to be taken
for a lively turn before going home! Sometimes we stopped
at some hospitable friend’s to partake of an oyster supper
and other good cheer.
When Christmas Eve came, everyone flocked to church.
As there were no chimes, great bells from far and near pro-
claimed the joyful occasion. How beautiful the old church
looked with its countless festoons leading from ceiling to
window sills, from pillars to chancel rail, from reredos to
pulpit front!
In fitting spaces, shields, mitres and suitable emblems
were interspersed that shone and glittered like diamonds;
while high up over the chancel gleamed a star, as brilliant as
pulverized glass or mica could make it. Under this were the
words in evergreen: “Unto us a Child is born,” while on
the railing of the gallery, which was directly opposite the
chancel, was the familiar line of “Shout the glad tidings.”
How the children gloried in this joyful service!
Everybody was in an exalted state of mind on these
occasions. Many were the bundles, boxes and baskets con-
cealed in the pews until service was over. Then such a
handshaking, “Merry Christmas” greetings, and exchanges
of gifts as is never seen in any city church nowadays. Oh,
the pity of it! Shadrake, the good sexton, who served faith-
fully for many a year, also his son, “the blow boy,” as he
was called, were both presented with little gifts and it was
pleasant to see them, like all the rest of us, so happy and
grateful. Lucas Chester was also a “blow boy” in the ’40’s
in Trinity church.
While the new order of things contains much that is an
improvement on the old, with the passing away of those who
made old Trinity church an abode of “peace and good will”486 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
there seems to have been buried with them a love for the
Christmas of the church; the beautiful Christmas Eve of
many years ago, when hallelujahs vied with the clanging of
the bells, to spread the good news of the Saviour's birth.
May the spirits of those who gave such kindly greetings
under the masses of twining greens be with us to the end.
I have a valued souvenir of a fair which was given by
the ladies of this parish, early in the '40's, to raise a fund to
pay for the organ. It is a white satin handkerchief case,
handsomely embroidered in greens and browns. The word
“souvenir” surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves and acorns
is designed on the upper side. The case is bordered with
green chenille and lined with quilted white satin. It is in
perfect preservation, but the sachet perfume is gone. Mrs.
Cyrus Athearn, a devoted worker in the church, made sev-
eral of these articles for the fair. They sold readily for $6
each, and a young gentleman named Henry Ogden pur-
chased one and presented it to me. I think his father built
and resided in the house on North Street, so long occupied
by Josiah Letchworth. We realized a profit of $600 from
the sales at this fair.
Leaving the church most dear to my heart, some allu-
sions to the older ones known as “the Churches” may not
be out of place.
Younger generations can scarcely imagine how pictur-
esque and beautiful were the sites upon which St. Paul's
and the First Church stood, in the '30's and early '40's. The
large structures which have replaced these early buildings
and the widening of sidewalks and roadways have curtailed
the extent of the lawns considerably, as they appeared
originally. The elms and maple trees that cast such grateful
shade in summer and gave shelter to hundreds of feathered
songsters who piped their canticles of praise, have all dis-
appeared.
The countless Indians who reclined in stolid ease and
idleness on steps and grass are no more seen. Among these
was the famous orator Red Jacket, who was often a familiar
figure on Main Street. He was a noble-looking Indian when
sober, and sauntered in and out of various stores when heBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.	487
was not sullen. Most of the merchants could speak enough
of his language to greet him pleasantly, to which he would
respond with a grunt. In his latter years he gave little
evidence of the great gift with which he had swayed his
people, for firewater had reduced a giant to a pigmy.1 The
unobstructed views of Lake Erie have been shut off by huge
and ugly buildings in brick and stone, and as one now scents
the thick and cloudy atmosphere one realizes how easy it was
to retain the grayish blue of pretty St. Paul's, and the pure
white of the First Church in the smokeless period.
The breezes of Lake Erie were not always well tempered,
especially in this locality of open and unprotected streets.
It was nearly as necessary in a gale to strap and lash one's
self for safety, as for the sailor to be lashed to the mast
when tempest-driven on the seas. As for hats! it was no
unusual thing to see a dozen or more at one time wildly
careering up, down and across the street, and men rushing
from all directions in frantic efforts to rescue their wind-
tossed headgear. The sight was comical.
Here in the midst of the bustle and the business of Main
Street stood these twin churches, like beacon lights, minis-
tering to the joys and sorrows of the pioneers of Buffalo.
My heart goes out in grateful remembrance to the good men
and women of these historic churches.
An amusing incident comes to my mind concerning the
music of an Easter service at the First Church, which was
unusually elaborate for a congregation of the Presbyterian
denomination in those early days. A Mr. Stephenson, who
was a leading jeweler on Main Street, was conductor of the
choir in the early '40's. The music was generally of the
congregational kind, supplemented by a chorus on special
occasions.
Mr. Stephenson evidently believed in realistic effects,
and he took much pride and pleasure in employing a trum-
1. As Red Jacket died in 1830, five years before the writer of these rem-
iniscences came to Buffalo to live, her impressions of him may have been gained
in earlier visits when as a child she came to Buffalo from Le Roy; or perhaps,
from Mr. Poole, who came to Buffalo in 1825, and must * often have seen Red
Jacket as Mrs. Poole has described him.488 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
peter to produce the proper tones at the right times. A fine
anthem had been duly rehearsed for weeks and at the words
“When the trumpet shall sound,” the singers and a few
privileged spectators were electrified, as it were, by the
stentorian blast that promptly came forth from the sonorous
trumpet. Stephenson was in raptures over the success of
this additional sensation, which was to be kept a secret from
members of the church generally. He rubbed his hands
with delight whenever he spoke of the fine anthem his choir
was preparing for Easter Sunday, but never a word of the
trumpeter.
The long-looked-for day arrived and the church was
packed to the doors. Everybody was in a flutter of excite-
ment, as it was noised about that something extra was “in
the wind,” and so it was. The anthem proceeded without
a hitch until the words, “When the trumpet shall sound,” an
instant’s pause—then Stephenson’s voice in robust and de-
spairing tones—“Oh, my! whar’s that trumpet ?” This un-
expected climax created the profoundest astonishment.
In looking back to the times of which I have written it is
very evident that there was an influence and warmth in our
“society” in the ’30’s and early ’40’s sadly lacking at the
present day. The “heart” that was in it in these good old
days, that caused kindness and sympathy to permeate all its
ranks, lent an attractiveness and stability to what would
otherwise have been frivolous and fleeting. Christian cour-
tesy and unselfishness marked the lady and gentleman of
that long ago period.
Society built upon any other foundation, such as culture
or wealth alone, becomes—
“The baseless fabric of a vision.”
“They soon grow old who grope for gold
In marts where all is bought and sold;
Who hire for self and on some shelf
In darkened vaults hoard up their pelf.
Cankered and crusted o’er with mold
For them their youth itself is old.”
The day of emotions and chivalry is well nigh past. Is
this not a loss that no gain can compensate ? It may be wiseBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 489
to guard against becoming a pent-up and repressed people,
lest we Americans, like the grand machines so wonderfully
invented year by year, gauge all our actions by scientific
calculation.
After a continuous residence in and about Buffalo for
more than seventy years, I can exclaim with the psalmist,
“Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy
palaces/'
IX. New Year's Day in the ’30’s.
“Tonight where mirth with music dwells,
His wrinkled cheek, his locks of snow
Gleam near the grandsons of the belles
He smiled on sixty years ago!”
The holidays were very gay in these long ago times, for
married and older people as well as the younger ones, the
latter falling in with the general festivities as additions, but
not as leaders or monopolizers.
Business was light at this season of. the year and most
of the stores and offices closed their doors at three or four
o’clock during this week. While Christmas was a festival
of the church and the occasion for family reunions, New
Year’s Day was truly a time for friends and acquaintances
to celebrate by making and receiving calls, exchanging the
“compliments of the season,” and such hospitality as our
townspeople generally extended at their homes. This day,
so fraught with kind wishes, hearty handshaking and good
cheer, seemed to give strength and inspiration for the work
of those to follow, and it has always seemed a mistake that
the good old custom of “keeping open house” on the ist of
January, has passed out of fashion.
There must be many younger men and women who well
remember Van Velsor’s New Year’s cakes. I had almost
said that New Year’s was ushered in by these famous con-
fections for their popularity in Buffalo was almost universal.
They were of various shapes and sizes, some being eighteen490 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
or twenty inches across, and from three quarters to an inch
in thickness; the smaller ones were about half an inch thick.
They were heart-shaped, or in the form of stars, spheres or
diamond-shaped, with flowers, baskets of fruit, cornucopias,
birds, etc., stamped on the upper side in very distinct relief.
They were redolent with caraway seeds, and fond papas
quite generally stopped on their way home on New Year’s
Eve, to purchase the expected New Year’s cake. Van
Velsor was as important and necessary to the community in
those days in the line of bread, biscuit, rusk and cakes, as
McArthur was in ice-creams, charlotte russe and candies.
Everything from either firm was made upon honor, and has
never been surpassed in excellence.
New Year’s Day was ushered in, as now, by much noise
and clatter, the difference being in the kind of din and the
methods used to produce it. Bells from every steeple and
market-place rang the old year out and the new year in.
Boys hooted and yelled in the streets and tin bugles, drums,
fifes and jewsharps made a jingling jangle that was not
altogether unpleasant. It was not an unusual thing to hear
the sonorous voice of the town crier on New Year’s Eve as
he rushed through the streets of the city in search of some lost
child who had strayed from home to join the street urchins
in making merry. This town crier was an original character,
being a burly, kind-hearted negro. It was an impressive
sight, especially to the children, to see him on his fleet-footed
horse, galloping through the principal streets, ringing a
good-sized bell as he came to a halt at various street corners.
When silence was secured from the goodly crowd that sur-
rounded him, he would chant in musical but monotonous
cadence, “I have lost a little boy, five years old,” etc. He
would generally find the little boy and bear him home in
triumph on his stalwart nag. It was said that many a
youngster delighted in getting lost, so that he might have a
ride on the town crier’s horse.
The preparations, more or less elaborate, that house-
wives generally took pleasure in, were completed; so that
on retiring for a few hours’ sleep, they thanked their stars
that the cake was light and “done to a turn,” and the frost-BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 491
ing hardened but not too brittle. On these successful issues
depended our ability to sleep, otherwise we must rise at
dawn and proceed to redeem our failure of the day before.
“Miss Leslie’s Cook-book” was the one par excellence
most used in those days, and from its oft-studied pages so
full of matchless recipes for delicious viands, the up-to-date
housekeeper was seldom disappointed by disastrous results,
if she followed the rules set forth.
People ate more cake at this time than they have done in
late years, and hostesses vied with each other in the making
and baking of cake, which was considered an accomplish-
ment. The well-known Misses Strong were noted for their
fine cake-making. One of these young women married
Samuel Pratt, another Henry M. Kinne, and a third married
a Mr. Robinson and lived for years in a house still standing
on the west side of Pearl Street, near Chippewa. Later Mrs.
Robinson married E. G. Spaulding. When Mrs. Robinson
set her table for New Year’s callers, the gentlemen coming
from her house told wonderful stories about the superior
black fruit cake, the excellent pound and sponge cake they
were offered.
There was much hurrying and scurrying to get one's
house in order on New Year’s morn, the children arrayed
in their best (for they were supposed to be seen and not
heard), the fire lighted and stirred to send out a glowing
and welcome heat, the table set in a corner of the parlor, the
servant ready to wait upon the door; and last, but not least,
the hostess must be attired in her finest silk gown before io
a. m., that being the hour when callers commenced to arrive.
From this hour until seven in the evening, there was scarcely
an interval to eat one’s dinner. A sandwich and cup of tea
or coffee ad libitum, were all there was time for.
A few families, including the mayor’s, set prodigal tables
on New Year’s day, but the most approved custom was to
offer several kinds of cake, sherry and madeira wines, some-
times port, often brandy. Whiskey was never considered a
drawing-room drink. The original bottles were not in
evidence, but handsome cut glass decanters contained the492 BUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES.
wines, and tiny slender-stemmed wine glasses were always
used.
How well I remember one group of merry men as they
stood in my pleasant parlor at the corner of Eagle and Elli-
cott streets, with wine glasses raised to wish me and mine a
“Happy New Year.” They were the “four Charlies” as
they were called; Charles Gold, Charles Peck, Charles
Pickering and Charles Day. There was Joseph Stringer,
Hamlet Scrantom, John Macy, Henry Hickox, Seth E. Sill
and Carleton Sprague. Scores of others came singly, in
pairs, quartettes and even greater numbers.
One who has never lived in an atmosphere of sturdy
friendships and dependent conditions such as those early
times in young Buffalo brought about, can scarcely imagine
the genial and cheerful merriment of our old-fashioned New
Year's Day. Kindness and good will seemed to radiate from
every eye and the grasp of those firm hands and the words of
greeting from the lips and the hearts of those staunch men,
have left an impress that makes my soul cry out.
“Oh for a touch of a vanished hand
And the sound of a voice that is still.”
Sleighload after sleighload drove up to our modest door
and a lively number would rush into the house and out again
in most bewildering succession. As I look back over the
years that have elapsed, I seem to hear the kindly wishes
interspersed with the tinkling sleighbells outside and the
crackling of the logs upon the hearth. Then there is the
odor of the Christmas greens, the spruce and the hemlock
over doors and windows, that blend with sweet sounds of the
singers that often came unannounced to our house on New
Year's evening, and before one was aware of their presence,
“Sleep, Gentle Lady,” “Sparkling and Bright,” “The
Chough and the Crow” and other beautiful glees would be
sung just inside the front door.
In the evening also, it was the custom to congregate at
one another's houses for an informal dance. On some of
these occasions Mr. Coppock, a well-known musician, would
be at the piano while Mr. Poole played the flute. QuadrillesBUFFALO SOCIAL LIFE IN THE THIRTIES. 493
and waltzes were often arranged in this manner and were
enjoyed immensely by the belles and beaux of long ago.
Since those days of genial mirth and jovial friendships,
the years have rolled by and from out the visions of the past
I hear the “Happy New Year” of that long ago.
As I walk over Buffalo’s snow-covered stones or under
her wind-tossed trees, I feel the pressure of tightening
hands of those who have gone before.
May not sweet thoughts and heartfelt wishes come to us
from out the realms of space and through the aisles of time ?
Then, “A Happy New Year” to one and all.
Yours with pleasant memories,
Martha Fitch Poole.