L -r^/f F 549 .R7 Be Copy 1 CoiTiplirr]erits of \ J. G. PENFIELD, Real Estate, Loans and Insurance, fi.ger[t ar\d OvJr[er of Desirable Property iv\ Riverside, Wesleyari Senqiriary, West Er]d, Higl^larid and Soxltt] Easterr] Siibdivisioris, See Pages 25, 113 ar\d 115, INDUSTRIAL and PICTURESQUE ROCKFORD. co^yci^xLEiD :B^sr EUCxENE BROWNE and F. FORD ROWE. PPICE, 50 CENTS. POSTAGE ON THIS BOOK, FOUR CENTS. ROCKFORD, mil.: Forest City Publishing Company. June, 1891. j^r^r, V // Original Ptiotogpaphs by EI^ICK EI^ICKSOPI, J^oekfofd, - - Illinois. 'Tl^e Fepesfe Gifey. The din of commerce greets the listener's ear, Hammer and anvil sound an echo clear, The sturdy tread of honest labor's foot Tells where the oak of progress finds a root. I HE primitive and painted Indian warrior who stood upon the bank of what is now Eock river a trifle over half a century ago, could not have imagined in his wildest hour that child of his could live to see a stately city rise from the prairie and point its hundreds of factory chimneys toward the azure dome. But such a vision became palpable,— and he himself bore reluctant evidence of the first steps toward this wondrous transformation. The white man came, and the red brother abandoned his tepee and disappeared before the wave of civilization. Now Rockford is a city of thirty thousand progressive people; brimful of busi- ness and bustle, and toiling tirelessly. Her citizens are pleased with her past, proud of her present, and fulsome for her future. The fleeting years have made much of her and she stands to-day a queen amid queens and destined for great ends. Men come and go; clouds form and burst; stars rise and fade; but fair Rockford came to stay. Her pulse beats with enduring vigor and the chill of decreptitude can never reach her heart. It is not the intention of this little book, however, to give an unnatural gloss to her present or future. We deal only in facts; cold, hard realities. The city was settled by sturdy men from New York and New England, and their descendants are here to day. They are not rainbow chasers, fiction fanciers or snake charmers; they are citizens with a world of faith in the prowess of their own right arms. Unaided they have established a wonderful manufacturing municipality. Without soliciting outside capital they have started hundreds of industries whose product foots up many millions every year. They have created a city with broad paved streets, luxuriant homes, unequalled water and sewer systems and perfect fire and police protection: a city where good government and enterprise march hand in hand. The men who have made this rose to blossom are in a position to talk facts. Facts are what they speak to-day. They are talking to you. 5 — Past ar|d Preser|t y^^OCKFORD"S first settlers were Germanicus Kent and Thatcher Blake, who T(^2v taiue from Galena in 1835 and built a saw mill on Kent's creek near _!_ 1^ where the Illinois Central depot now stands. A ford across Rock river I was at that place, and hence the name— Rockford. A rope ferry suc- ceeded to the ford, and in 1836 the count}- of Winnebago was organized ■with Rockford as the count}- seat. The territory also included what is now the county of Boone, and at the first election 128 votes were cast. The same area now has a population of over 60,000 souls, half of whom dwell in the city of Rockford. the queen of Northern Illinois. The first saw mill which marked the city as a manufacturing point has long since disappeared, but 170 other industries have arisen. Phoenix like, and now Rockford lays claim to the title of the industrial city of the west. Against that ■claim there are none to say her nay. Her dinner pail brigade of eight thousand fac- tory employes forms an argument that cannot be gainsaid. Ter] T]qoiIsar)d Worst^ippers .^^^OCKFORD is a city of churches. There are twenty-seven religious organ- \\^^ izations, and at least eight of them own property exceeding in value ^ l"^ $.50,000 each. Three of the largest and most expensive churches in the I state are located in Rockford. The greatest Swedish congregation in the Inited States is found in the First Lutheran church, which has a member- ship of 2,200 and can seat them all in their handsome edifice. The Court Street M. E. church has the largest membership of any society of that denomination in the state and worship in a structure costing over $80,(X)0. The Second Congrega- tional society is just completing a ^100,000 edifice. St. Mary's Catholic church owns a $75,000 structure and the parish has a membership of -2,200 souls. All the religious denominations are in a prosperous condition and combine a total membership exceeding ten thousand persons. The churches are divided as follows: Baptist three, Catholic two. Christian two. Congregational three, Episcopal one, Lutheran five, Atethodist six, Presbyterian three, L'nity one. These various societies own church property exceeding $800,000 in value and the edifices have a seating capacity of nearly twenty thousand persons. The Young Men's Christian Association have a stalwart organization in Rock- ford and their headquarters is one of the beauty spots in a city of handsome build, ings. The association has 330 active members and their building and lot at the corner of State and Madison streets represents an investment of about $60,000. Not a Miislfiroorr). .^^^OCKFORD disclaims the suggestion of being a boom town. She needs no TT^)/ brass band to puff her prowess. The extraordinary growth of the past ^y^ two years has not been attained by minstrel methods. Her own citizens 1 have expended capital that demanded earnest toil to complete the idea of the investor. Skilled labor accordingly came to her doors and found a ready market. Homes were needed for the new arrivals, and more mechanics were required to build them. Thus the chain lengthened until all branches experienced a wholesome advance. Rockford has doubled her population within a decade, and more than sixty per cent, of this increase has been in the two years ending May 1st 1891. There is no evidence of a cessation. On the contrary never was the city so full of life and promise as at this time. Labor is in strong demand. There are no idle factories, empty stores nor vacant homes in the entire city, and this in spite of the unparalleled building operations that have been and are going on. Tt^e Secret Societies. ,HE social side of Rockford claims the admiration of all visitors. Her people are fraternal and hospitable, as becomes a community which traces its ancestry back to the old New England homes. Within her gates are many social organizations in w^hich the stranger finds a cordial greeting. The many secret societies which adorn the social fabric of the nation are widely repre- sented in the city. The Masonic bodies are very strong, as are also the Odd Fellow organizations and Knights of Pythias. The uniformed rank of the latter finds its headquarters here, as also do the Select Knights, the Good Templars and the Grand Circle of White Men. Other organizations are the Elks, the Red Men, the Foresters, the Royal League, the Hibernians, the A. O. V. W., the Royal Arcanum, the Knights of Honor, the Modern Woodmen, and something less than a score of other secret bodies. There are also very many social and literary clubs, assem- bling for various purposes. Many of these are luxuriantly located and all in flour- ishing condition. The Thursday Knights, the Y. M. C. U. and the Knights Tem- plar have exceptionally handsome lieadquarters. — (.)■- Edilcatiori ir| RocKford >^NN unrivalled opportunity is? aflforded the young idea to shoot in the city of |V^j/ Rockford. Nothing lies between it and the zenith sun. The municipal- 1"^ ity supports fourteen large public schools and three annexes, in which all / common school branches are taught by competent instructors. Besides this there are the famous Rocliford Seminary, the Rockford College, the Rockford Academy and other private schools where general knowledge may be acquired, and also various conservatories and schools of art and music. The cen- sus shows a population of over ten thousand souls between the ages of six and twentj'-one, and of this number nearly four thousand are duly enrolled in the pub- lic schools under seventy-five skilled teachers. The management rests in a board of education and a school committee of the common council. The Hisrh school is a magnificent building, occupying a commanding site on the east bank of the river. It was erected at a cost of $40,000. The fourteen schools of the city represent an investment of 1250,000 for the buildings and sites. Prof. P. R. Walker is superin- tendent of schools. The Rockford Seminary was founded forty-two years ago, and its alumna? may be found all over the land. Among its graduates are many who have found fame in the various avenues of life that are open to the gentle sex. The buildings are situ- ated in a romantic park of ten acres lying on the river's bank. The property is valued at over $100,000 and the average number of pupils is about 125. Rockford ^rollege more especially educates its pupils for a business career, and is a large and flourishing school. A graduate of the Rockford high school is admitted without ■question or examination into the leading colleges and universities of the coi^ntry. Har|dsorr)e Basijiess BlocKs ERTAINLY no more nnfailing criterion of the material progress and pros- perity of Rockford could be adduced than the number of solid and sub- stantial business house- which have been built; many conspicuous for their artistic architectural design and the completeness of their appointments. Among them might be mentioned the Stewart block, costing SHO,000, Perry & Lake block, costing $>0, 000, Third National Bank and Blake block, costing $40,000, Central block, -costing $-2.5,000, Sumner block, costing $2.5,000, Burpee and Woodruflf block, $50,000. Rockford National Bank. $2.5,000, and the Hutchins & Lake block, $30,000. But •while the progress made in 1889 and '90 was remarkable, the present year gives greater promise of an unprecedented activity, as a large number of magnificent buildings are to be started, among which are the new hotel costing $250,000, the Commercial Bank building to cost $150,000, and also the government building to cost $100,000. — 11 — Pleasures of Siirrinqer, URING the torrid months of summer and the mellow autumn days the Rockfordite and his visitor from abroad brush away many of the cares of commerce and take advantage of the numerous opportunities afforded for out of door recreation. Rock river, one of the most picturesque streams in the west flows through the city, and its banks are lined with many beauty spots. Picnic and camping parties pitch their quarters above and below the city, and within easy reach; so that the elements are not to be feared. The Rockford Yacht Club was formed last year, and operates the spruce and staunch little steamer Arrow, which plys up and down the river constantly, visiting the recreation parks and camping grounds. The vessel will carry two hundred passengers, and is but one of a numerous fleet of steam and sail craft that plow the picturesque stream. Harlem Park, Remington Park, Riverside, Arrow Park. Latham Grove and Edgewater are some of the superb retreats along the river bank. The former is a part of the river boulevard, and is reached by driveway and electric car, as well as by the stream. It has been converted into an elaborate park, and is utilized for nicnics, promenade concerts, encampments, and other out-of-door gatherings. The novel Switchback railroad, or midsummer toboggan, is located here, and is a drawing card for the park. The Fair association have grounds near the center of the city that form a natural amphitheatre. They are illuminated by electricity and devoted to summer night concerts as well as the fair. The property contains a half mile race track, and is used by the city as a public park. The Rockford Driving Club was organized in the early spring of 1891, witli Frank G. Smith, President. H. H. Palmer, Vice President, C. C. Jones, Secretary. and Geo. L. Woodruff, Treasurer. The club owns magnificent grounds, embracing seventy acres, and have laid out a kite-shaped mile track that is pronounced the best and fastest in the west with one exception. The park contains an amphitheatre seating three thousand persons, and all the appointments are patterned from the most approved racing courses of the world. The club gives at least two trotting meetings each year, and otfers liberal purses. The grounds are easily accessible by electric cars or the St. Paul road, lying just north of the city limits. The Rockford Base Ball Club was organized this year, with that crack player and manager, Hugh >Jicol, at the helm. The club secured a franchise in the Illinois and Iowa league, composed of eight lively cities. They have a strong team, and their park is located in the west end on the route of the new electric street car line. The club promises to finish a successful season. Only seven miles from Rockford are the famed Blackhawk Springs. Within easy reach are the many delightful lakes of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The city is in the "health belt," and her people need scarcely stir from their doors to seek a fresh and invigorating summer resort. The Ransom Sani- tarium, located on the river just north of the city, has quite a reputation as a curative establishment, whether it be the summer or the winter season. All things considered, Rockford is especially favored in her situation. The blizzards of winter and the extreme sultry days when the dog star rules do not fall to her lot. The climate is even, and the annual rain-fall comparitively small ; all of which assists in sustaining the city's claim as a spot for healthful out-door recreation. — 13 — Hs a Jobbirig Poir|t, Y^^wOCKFORD has developed into quite a jobbing center. The same factors which j'S/ have been instrumental in making her a manufacturing center, are the ones \^ which contribute largely to her success as a jobbing point. The railway facilities are unexcelled. In supplying surrounding towns and cities quite a wholesale and jobbing trade has been established in drugs, groceries, harness, paper, cigars, snuff, meats and seeds, reaching annually into a very handsome sum. Tl\e ConqEqercial Club ©NE of the city's more recent creations is the Commercial Club, formed the present year and already domiciled in a handsome home on North Main street in the stylish residence portion of the city. Their club house possesses perhaps the handsomest interior in the town, the decorations alone costing $3,000- The membership includes fifty or more of the young business men of the city, who find the Club residence a very convenient and attractive spot in which to entertain friends from other cities. The Club is quite a social one and there is a ladies' recep- tion night each week. The officers are: O. P. Trahern, President; E. H. Keeler, Vice-President: Paul F. Schuster, Secretary and Treasurer. Tt|G Water WorKs, ^^HE water supply of the city is a source of special pride to the citizens and of (%) profit to the municipality. The water works represent an investment of 8400,000 on the part of the city, and they yield a handsome revenue each year. The supply comes from five artesian wells, having an average depth of 1500 feet each. The works are fully equipped with the best Holly machinery and the pumps have a capacity of eleven million gallons per diem— enough to supply a city of 75,000 inhabitants. The water is as pure and sparkling as that which flows from a mountain spring. There are forty miles of water mains laid in the city, and many more to follow. There are three hundred public hydrants for fire service. The total pumpage at the works during 1890 was 866,000,aX). The revenue of the water department was $27,000 and the operating expenses $11,000. There are no cities in the Union better or more cheaply supplied with water than Rockford. The whole is under the efficient charge of Chas. W. Calkins, chief engineer and superintendent, — 15 — ii;m 1,1 riii:i;.\N swkdish ciilKcii. Miiiiicipal Mar]agerT|er|t .HE affairs of the city are in an enviable condition in spite of the large sums that have been expended for public improvements within the past two or three years. Rockford owns property to the value of a million dollars, and her indebtedness is only $250,000. The assessment is based upon one- tenth to one-fifth of the actual valuation, and the rate of taxation is about three per cent on these figures — much less than in almost every other growing city in the state. Within the past two years the city has expended $125,000 for bridges and $70,000 for paving. There are now fourteen miles of large sewer mains, making an •excellent drainage system which is being added to from month to month. The entire business portion of the city is splendidly paved, and two miles more of brick pavement is now being laid in other districts. Electric street railways run to all parts of the city and clear out to all the later factory additions, furnishing rapid and satisfactory communication in every way. The city possesses every metropol- itan advantage, and the electric lights that hover over her are not more brighter than her future. The business-like administration of Mayor J. H. Sherratt which witnessed so many permanent municipal improvements, finds a worthy successor in that of Mayor Harry N. Starr. Fire DepartrT)er)t, /TNNOTHER thing that is pardonable in the citizens of Rockford is the I V^if amount of pride which they take in the fire department, which has not f"^ only a local reputation but is celebrated throughout the state for its effi- / cieucy. It is a paid department, and numbers eighteen men. The prop- erty consists of one steamer, one mogul, two hose carriages, two hose wagons, one hook and ladder wagon, twelve horses, 3,000 feet of hose, and four engine houses. The value of this property is $38,874.00. Edward Hefferan is chief marshal, suc- ceeding that etticient olticer, John T. Lakin. Owing to the promptness and the manner in which the department is handled, we will venture to make the asser- tion that Rockford has a less number of fires than any city of its size in the state. The city has twenty-four miles of fire alarm telegraph with twenty-eight boxes and seven house stations. atTording rapid communication with the factory districts. — 17 — Police Protectior), /^MONG the many things which catch the eye of a stranger upon entering *i^ Rockford is its police force, which is composed of as fine and handsome J a lot of men as one might see in many a day, and who manage to keep the rougher element in the "straight and narrow way," and thus maintain the rep- utation which Eockford has as a moral city. The force numbers eighteen men, with Ed. Tisdale as chief. fl Railroad City. HE tie that binds— the railroad tie, is one that bisects Rockford at frequent intervals and easily connects her with all the thoroughfares of steel that cover the face of the continent as with a net. The city lies on four great systems of railroad, and is one of the greatest points for travel and ship- ment that the Mississippi Valley contains. Fifty passenger trains arrive or depart daily, bearing their thousands of travelers to all parts of the land. The city is but a little over two hours' run distant from Chicago, and there are more than a score of luxurious trains running daily between the two points. For the handling of freight the arrangements are perfect. Nearly every one of the two hundred industrial enterprises of the city are connected by sidetrack with some road, and there is a project on foot for the construction of a belt line around the town for the accommodation and advantage of all. Rockford gets the benefit of a low rate on in and out freights, and is so situated that lumber, iron, coal, and all raw materials are quickly and cheaply brought to her doors. The aggregate of freight handled at Rockford station by all roads is enormous. Mile after mile of trains pass out or in each week, bearing to all the world the story of her prowess as a city of commerce and industry. THE ILIillVOIS CENTRAL. Perhaps as prime a factor in the city's marvellous growth of recent years was the entrance of the Illinois Central railway into the limits. It cost the company some- thing like a million dollars, but when the work was completed the city began to put on its good clothes and to swell. The company now has nearly five miles of sidetracks and yards in and around Rockford, and a score of large factories have been erected along their right of way, to all of which they have lent their encour- agement. Small wonder, then, that the Rockfordite swears by the Central and calls it the godfather of the boom. The main line from Chicago to Sioux City — 19 — passes through Rockford, and the most luxurious and rapid trains in the West pass over it. Two hours has been beaten between Rockford and Chicago, and this division has been pronounced the best piece of railway construction west of New York. Certain and rapid connection with all of the company's 3,000 miles of rail west, east, north, and south is afforded from Rockford, and all trains roll into a palatial passenger station, which is pronounced the greatest beauty spot on the line of any railway in the state. Both the freight and passenger business of the company is enormous, and much is due to the tireless energy and popularity of the general agent at Rockford, Aid. Ed. W. Brown. "THE BCJR1.IN&T01N KOUTE" (C. & f. RAILWAY). Rockford stands as an important point on the mighty Burlington system by vir- tue of its being the northern terminus of the Chicago & Iowa road, one of the exten- sive lines included in their operations and controlled entirely by them. The divi- sion extends to Aurora, with connections at that place, Shabbona, or Rochelle, with the main Burlington lines in the north and west. The magnificent train service of this great system of steel is a matter of praise on the part of all tourists. For speed, luxury and safety the Burlington trains challenge the universe. Close and certain connections are made to enable the traveler to quickly reach any one of the hundreds of stations on the system, as well as lo open the entire railway opera- tions of the land to his accommodation. The local business of the road is very large. 'Sla.ny of Rockford's heaviest shippers are on the right of way, and all have facilities afforded by a complete system of sidetracks. The business, both freight and passenger, continually shows a wholesome increase. Supt. H D. Judson, of the Chicago division, is in charge of aft'airs at Aurora, and Al. G. Everett is the efficient general agent of the road with headquarters in Rockford. There are over 7,000 miles of steel railway directly controlled by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy system, and all is quickly available from Rockford. CHICAGO, miLlYAUKEE 6c ST. PAUL. This system, pronounced the greatest in the world, has an important division passing thiough Rqckford, and a huge business, especially in the way of bringing in lumber from the north, is transacted. Trains run from Madi*on to Davis Junc- tion, connecting with their main lines east and west, and reaching the thousands of lively stations touched by the company. Their interests here are looked after by J. A. Cotton. The company occupy a passenger station jointly with the C. & I., with Lew Blake as general ticket agent. CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN. One of the greatest, and the pioneer division of this huge system is the 120 miles of track between Freeport and Chicago, and on which Rockford is the lead- ing station. All points on the 7.C00 miles of rail controlled by this company can easily and quickly be reached from Rockford by means of the handsome vestibule trains that pass through daily. They do a very large business, both freight and passenger, and their interests locally are in charge of E. E. Manning. — 21 — Tl^e Field of Fir)ar|ce, HE numerous banking and financial institutions of the city have always deservedly commanded the confidence of the community. No breath of suspicion or portent of panic has ever dimmed their credit. There are now six national and two state banks. Two others are in process of organ- ization. All are luxuriantly housed and possess every modern safeguard against the attack of the fire fiend. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a cracksman to enter the strong box of a Rockford bank. Recent statements made by them are summarized below : Forest City National Bank. John D. Waterman, President; Paul F. Schuster, Cashier. After but 223 days of business the loans and discounts were 61ti3,2G3; total resources, 3230,223; cash capital, $100,000; deposits, $101,130; surplus, «6,593.27. Rockford National Bank. Gilbert Woodruff, President; W. F. Wood- ruff, Cashier. Capital, $100,000; resources, $478,303; surplus and profits, $97,967. Second National Bank. G. A. Sanford, President; Geo. E. King, Cashier. Capital, $200. OCO; resources, $837,863; surplus and profits, $93,174. Winnebago National Bank. T. D. Robertson. President; Chandler Starr, Cashier. Capital, $100,000; resources, $704,648; surplus and profits, $121,989. l^Ianufaeturers' National Bank. C. O. Upton, President; A. P.Flo- berg, Cashier. Capital, $125,000; resources, $428,690; surplus and profits, $20,422. Peoples' Bank. A. D. Forbes, President; W. H. McCutchan, Cashier. Capital $12.5,0C0; resources, $607,320.50; surplus and profits, $55,.593.78. American Excliange Bank. John Budlong, President; Rob't L. Giffen, Cashier. Capital, $50,005. 000; factory (brick) 36x70, three stories high. Central Furniture Company. Located at the southeast end of water power: organized in 1878: capital, $125,000. Its present oflicers are: S. A. Johnson. President: J. R. Anderson, Vice-President : Aug. Peterson, Secretary and Treasur- er. They are manufacturers of bookcases, desks and extension tables, and esti • mate their annual output at $150,000. They employ 140 hands, with an annual pay roll of $75,000. The size of its factories are 40x100, 40x70, 86x102, four stories: and 50x52, two stories high. Diamond Furniture Company. Formed in March, 1890, succeeding to the business of Fred Bigalow. They manufacture patent oflice chairs and other similar lines of furniture. The capital stock is $.50,000, and the oflicers are A. F. Judd, President: and Fred A. Dow, Secretary and Treasurer. The company employs fifty hands, with an annual pay roll of $30,000, and turn out a product aggregating $60,000. They are about to build a new factory in Manning's subdivision. Excelsior Furniture Company. Organized in 1881, with a capital stock of -t50,000. Tiie l)re^^ellt officers are Thos. D. Reber, President; Aug. Haegg, Vice-President : C. F. Salstrom, Secretary and Treasurer. They manufacture a fine grade of parlor furniture. The annual output is $90,000. They employ seventy- live hands, with an annual pay roll of 135,000. The factory is of brick and wood 60x100 and 80x100, three stories in height, with an engine house G0x20. Forest City Furniture Company. Eockford's pioneer industry in the furniture line. The business was established in 1869 by A. C. Johnson, and the present company was incorporated in 18T5. The officers are: Gilbert Woodruff, President; R. W. Emerson, Secretary and Treasurer; A. C. Johnson, Superintend- ent A general line of furniture and office desks is manufactured. The capital stock of the company is $1.50,000. The plant of the company includes four large four- story brick buildings, with a floor area of 150,000 square feet. They also have six acres of yard room for lumber storage. They employ an average of 240 hands and •do a business exceeding $300,0^0 a year. Illinois Cliair Company. Organized in April. 1891; capital stock of $50,000, with R. L. McCulloch, President: G. E. Knight, Secretary. They will employ 200 hands, with an annual pay roll of $100,000, and estimate their annual output at $200,000. They will manufacture a fine line of chairs. The main building will be of brick 135x65, three stories high, w'ith large warehouse, 80x80, three stories. Meelianics' Furnilure Company. Formed in the spring of 1890, with the following officers: L. M. Xoling, President: John Ek, Vice President: Jonas Peters, Secretary; A. P. Floberg, Treasurer; Alfred Kjerner, superintendent. Man- ufacture a line of hall trees, desks, book-cases and cabinets. Capital, $75,000; employ eighty hands, with an annual pay roll of $40,000, and a product of $125,000. The factory is of brick and frame, located at the corner of Seminary Street and the C. & I. crossing. The building is 80x144 feet in size and four stories high. Plioenix Furniture Factory. Located at the corner of Fulton and Latham Ave., North End; are manufacturers of chamber suits, extension tables, and chif- foniers: organized July 1st, 1890, with a capital stock of $50,000, with Ed. H. Marsh, President: Geo. Penfield, Vice President; Chas. E.Cohoe, Secretary and Treasurer; employ 100 hands, with an annual pay roll of $36,500; estimated annual output $125,000. The buildiugs are brick, 128x80, four stories high and a basement, engine room 40x50. Rockford Burial Case Company. Located corner Peach and Ogden Streets. Capital stock, $75,000. L. B. Williams, President; W. C. Blinn, Vice-President: C. L. Grout, Secretary and Treasurer. Company organized in 1882. They manufacture wood and cloth-finished caskets. Annual product. $75,000; employ thirty hands, with a pay roll yearly of $15,000: factory of brick, 100x50 and 50x50, four stories and basement. Rockford Co-operative Furniture Company. Located at the corner of Ninth Street and Railroad Avenue. Capital stock, $50,000. Present officers: P. A. Peterson, President; C. A. Hult, Secretary and Treasurer ; C. E. Knudson, Superintendent. They manufacture a line of combination and cylinder book-cases, sideboards, tables and office desks; annual output, $175.0i)0; employ 135 hands, with an annual pay roll of $65,000. The factories are of brick, four stories high, 42x110, 59x120, with engine room 42x.50. — 29 — Koekford Cliair and Furniture Company. Organized in 1882. Cap- ital, $100,000. The officer;? are: Andrew Kjellgren, President; Alex. Johnson, Vice- President: Robert C. Lind, Secretary and Treasurer. Located on Railroad Avenue; manufacture a line of book-cases, ladies' desks and fancy furniture. Their plant includes three buildings, 50x150 four stories, 100x100 four stories, and an office and warehouse 50x1.50, one story high. They employ over 820 hands; annual pay roll, $90,000, and their product exceeds $-225,000 yearly. Rocklord Cabinet Company. Organized in 1880, but recently moved to the West End. The capital stock is $50,000. Present officers: Geo. F. Kellogg, President; A. D.Early, Vice President; Chas. H, Porter, Secretary and Treasurer. They manufacture a fine grade of wood mantles, and give employment to 65 hands^ with an annual pay roll of I^W.OOO, and produce annually $75,000 worth of goods. The factory is of brick, 01x128, four stories hi . Thig iif ciieof Eockford's gtrciigtet inetilu- tions.^Tlie biisiiie>?e was originally es'tablisliTd in^the 60's,' but was reincorporated in 18^8, with O. P. Trahern as President and John A. Lewis, Secretary and Treas- urer. The capital paid in is fl-20,000, and the company manufactures a complete line of iron and brass pumps, employing" from eighty to one hundred hands the year round. Their plant is located at the corner of Wyman and Mill Streets, on the water power, and embraces a three-story stone machine shop, 42x&^-\ a one- story stone foundry 40xllo; a five-story bi-ick othce and warehouse 30x100; a two- etory iron warehouse, 45xS0, and a brass foundry of brick, "25x69 feet in size and three stories high. Utter Ulan II f'actu ring Company. This concern is located on both sides of Race Street on the water power. The capital stock of the company is 175,000, and the officers are: H. B. Utter, President; E. M. Utter, Vice-President; J. M. Fraley, Secretary and Treasurer. The business was first established in 1848, and incorporated in 187(5. The company employs an average of fifty hands in the man- ufacture of seeders, cultivators, and a general line of agricultural implements. Their plant includes a machine shop and foundry, of stone, one and three stories high and 42x120 feet in size; a pattern and blacksmith shop, of brick, 30x120 feet and three stories high; also five warehouses, embracing about 25,000 feet of total floor area. Ward Pump Company. This company was organized in 1889, with a capital stock of $5 J, 000. Its present officers are: Frank Ward, President; G. H. Stanley, Vice-President: F. Lane, Secretary; M. E. Ward, Treasurer. They manu- facture a full line of iron pumps and cylinders, and produce annually $50,000 worth of goods, giving employment to forty men, with an annual pay-roll of $20,000. The factory is of brick and wood, covering an acre of ground. Tlie Ii. A. Weyburn Company. This incorporation was formed in 1885, with L. A. Weybuni as President, and Geo. S. Briggs, Secretary. They manufac- ture blacksmiths" supplies, live shrinkers, screen doors and hardware novelties, and occupy several buildings on the water power. Their capital stock is $20,000, and they do a business nearly, if not quite, aggregating $100,009 per annum. They employ an average of thirty-five hands, with an annual pay-roll of $18,000. Their main building is 50x149, built of stone. A. W. Wood%vard. The business was established in 18T2, and a line of water wheel governors and machinery specialties is made. The capital invested is about $7,000. Three employes are at work, and the pay-roll aggregates $2,000, with an annual product of $8,000. The building is located on Mill Street, on the water power, is of wood, 25x50 feet in size, and two stories high. — 37 — o-io MACHINE SHOPS AND MKTAL WORKERS. diaries Andrews A: Co. The Androws wire works was first establi:«bed in 1885, and in December 1890 removed to their new building in the West End. All kinds of wire goods are turned out, and the business represents an investment of $6,000. An average of fifteen hands are employed with a pay roll of $5,000 and an annual output footing up to over $10,000. There are two frame buildings, one 30x60 two stories, and the other 15x20 one story high. H. G. Dickinson & Co. They are located on Race street, water power, and do a general jobbfng and repair business of all kinds of machinery. They employ four hands with an annual pay roll of $2,500, and estimate their annual business at $4,000. A- If aniniill. The business of this brass foundry was established in 1890 in a one story brick and frame building 20x100, located on Forbes street, on the water power. Small brass castings are made, and the business will foot up to $2,500 a year. Tlie Ingersoll Milling ITIacliine Company. Located in Edgewater Ad ■dition; organized, April 1891. with capital stock of $80,000. The officers are: Win- throp Ingersoll, President; R. L. McCulloch, Secretary; W. H. McCutchan, Treasurer. They manufacture a line of iron milling machinery, and estimate their annual output at $125,000. They employ one hundred hands with an annual pay roll of $50,000. The factory is of brick, 150x50, two stories high. liillibridge & Eibacli. Are located on Race street, water power; capital invested $6,000. They do all kinds of repairing in brass and metals, and also bicycles. They employ twenty hands with an annual pay roll of $7,200, and do a yearly business of $18,000. Factory is of wood, two stories high, 30x60. liOve ITlanufacturing: Company. This corporation was formed in 1890. ■with a capital of $10,000, and docs a general machine shop business both in iron and wood, and also conduct a foundry for light and heavy castings. Their machine shop is of frame, 40x50 feet in size and two stories high; the foundry is .50x125, one story. The company employs thirty five hands, with an annual pay roll of $20,000; the business of the concern during the year will foot up to $50,000. Iflanny lieiuon Juiee Extractor Company. This company is located at 106 North Church street, and manufactures a novelty in the shape of a glass extractor which has met with good success, and the firm are doing a nice business annually. Its officers are: Wm. A. Talcott, President; Wm. Lathrop and Jno. P. Manny. Vice-Presidents; Miss J. C. Lathrop, Secretary and Treasurer. The com- pany w^as organized in October, 1890, with a capital stock of $25,000. ITIunson I^Iannfactiirins; Company. The company was formed in Angus! 1.^90 with a capital of $;3,000. A. 31. ^lunson is President, George S. Briggs, Vice-President, and L. A. Weyburn, Secretary. They occupy a one story frame building, 40x70, located on South SVyman street on the water power. The company manufacture barb wire, employing three men and turning out a product of $18,000 a jear. The pay roll i- about $1.51X1 per annum. — 39 — Barney :?IcCarren. Boiler maker; capital invested $4,000; employs] five hands with annual pay roll of $8.50(1; annual product $15,000. Tlie Rockf'ord Brass "Works. Do a general jobbing business of bronze and brass castings. Located on Mill street, water power; capital stock $10,000. B. E. Trabern, President; F. B. Trahern, Treasurer; and H. Trahern, secretary. The company was organized in 1890; annual product $20,000, employing ten hands; the annual pay roll amounts to $3,600; size of factory 2.5x50, three stories high, built of brick. Rockford Electrical ITIanufacturiiig^ Company. The company is located at the corner of Grant and Fulton avenues; the capital stock is $100,000. Its present officers and directors are: C. M. Haven, President; E. A. Van Wie, Sec- retary and Treasurer; and Geo. A. Mayo, Superintendent. They manufacture arc and incandescent dynamos and motors and railway generators. They give employ- ment to eighty-five hands, with an annual pay roll of $2-2,000, and produce yearly $1.50,000 worth of goods. The factory is built of glass and wood and is .50x2.50 wjth L 24x48 and engine house 10x24, one story high. Tlie Rockford IVlacliine Company. Is located at 904 Tenth street: ha& a capital stock of $10,000; incorporated in 1889. Its present officers are: Chas. A. Forsburg, President and Superintendent; W. F. Noling, Secretary and Treasurer. They are manufacturers of special machinery for wood work; they do an annual business of $15,000, and give employment to twelve hands, with an annual pay roll of $6,000. The factory is 22x65, one story high. Rocklord Iflalleable Iron Works. The business of this concern was first established in 1854, but the present company was not incorporated until 1890. A. D. Forbes is President, Harry F. Forbes, Secretary; and George Forbes, Superin- tendent. The company turn out malleable iron castings and their capital stock is $75,000. They occupy several brick, stone and frame buildings at the corner of Mill and Forbes streets on the water power, covering an area of 2.5,000 square feet, one and two stories high. These buildings were largely rebuilt in 1885. The com- pany employ an average of seventy-five hands with an annual pay roll of about $32,000, and do a business aggregating $100,000 per annum. The Rockford Steam Boiler Works. Jas. McCarren, proprietor Cap- ital invested $4,(M1an3'. This t-ompany was incorporated in January 1889. with a capital of if lOO.OiK). The officers are J.'G. Chick, President; F. A. Chick, Vice President: J. B. Antes, Secretary: F. L. Chick, Treasurer. They manufacture all kinds of liour and feed, and do an annual business of 1350,000, employing twenty five hands, with an annual pay-roll of .fl.5.(XK). The mill was first built in 1854. since which date several additions have been added. Blakeinaii &, Dobsou ITlaiiiifacliiring Conipaii)'. The business was established in 1880 by Blakeman it Dobson. who incorporated under the pres- ent title in 1883. Benjamin Blakeman is President and Wm. Dobson Secretary of thecompany. They operate a planing mill and manufacture barrel churns. The capital stock is $30,000, and they employ an average of fifty hands, with a pay-roll of $25,000. They do a business of $90,000.a year. Their plant is located at the corner of Pleasant and Cedar Streets. Their main building is .">nx80 feet in size, and a machine room 40x70: both buildings are four stories high. The Brown Brick Company. This company has a capital stock of $10,000. Its present officers are Sam"l Ennett, President; C. J. Jones, Secretary. They manufacture a line of fine white brick. Annual product, 81.5,000: give employ- ment to twenty employes, with an annual pay-roll of $9,360. Connors' Lime Kiln. John Connors, Proprietor. He has $8,000 capital invested, and employs fourteen hands, with an annual pay-roll amounting to $7/.200, and does an annual business of $18,000. S. B. Hendricks conducts a planing mill on Race Street on the water power, and also manufactures wooden water tanks. The business was estab- lished in July 1891, with an investment of $4,000. A business of $10,tKX) a year is now being done by an average of eight employes, and a pay-roll of $;3,50O. The mill building is 60x100, with stuccoed exterior, and is one story high. Hess Sc Hopkins' Leallier Company. Tannery located at foot of Acorn Street: office and warehouse, 515 West State Street. Business first estab- lished in 1875: present company incorporated in 1882, with a capital of $50,000. Samuel N. Jones, President; L. M. Hess, Vict-President ; T. F. Hopkins, Secre- tary and ■' reasurer. The company does a business of tanning harness leather, and manufacture horse collars and fly-nets. Their main building is 93x112, built of frame, and mainly four stories high. It was built in 1882 and added to in 1887-89-91 . The company employs sixty-five men, with an annual pay-roll of $37,000, and does a business exceeding $130,000 a year. The T. J. Derwont Company. This company was organized in 1865; incorporated 18S0, wilh a capital stock of $10,000. Its present officers are: T.J, Derwent, President: Thos. Derwent, Vice-President: Luther Uerwent, Secretary and Treasurer. They are manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds, stair-work and mouldings, and employ twenty hands, with an annual pay-roll of $12,000; annual product, $50,000. Factory is located south end water power, built of wood, and is ;30xl0f), two stories high. Tiie Excelsior Dry Plate Company. This firm is located at No. 122 South Second Street. Capital stock. $4..")00. Present officers are: P. L. Wright, Piesident; Henry Shedd, Secretary hnd Treasurer: and produce annually $1.5,000 worth of their goods. They employ seven hands, with an annual pay-roll of $3,60): factory is of wood. 40x60. two stoiies high. lv»n ,M ,,u.i I'AINT CUMrANV Dewey's Sfeain Laundry. W. E. Dewey, proprietor. Capital involved, $2,500. The biis-ines^s amounts to $in,*"iOO per year; employs eiyht hands, with an annual pay-roll of $3,200. The building is 30x76, one story high. Eugene Ford. Manufacturer of all kinds of light carriages, and factory located 20(j North Wyraan Street: amount of capital invested. $i.00!\ and estimates his annual output at $12,000: gives employment to eight hands, with an annual pay- roll of $'i,000. The factory is a frame structure, 44x70 in size, two stories high f«ra1iain's Distillerr* This firm consists of Julius, Freeman and Byron Graham, with a capital stock of $150,000. They manufacture sour mash whiskies. The annual product is $800,000. They employ forty-five hands, with an annual pay- roll of $:30,00J. A. Hinie. Manufacturer of barrels; located 810 Ninth Street. Capital invest- ed, $15,000, and does an annual business of $30,000; gives employment to fifteen hands, with an annual pay-roll of $10,000. The factories are frame, two stories high, 3'2x.^0, 24x50, 30x00, and 24x50. Knapp Slioe Company. This factory is one of Rockford"s recent acqui- sitions, having moved here from Brockton, Mass. They are manufacturers of gents" fine shoes. The capital stock is $75,000. They estimate their annual output at $.'25,000; will employ 125 hands, with annual pay-roll of $75,0;X). The factory will be 114x20, three stories high. T. J. Ryan Packing House. Located on water power. Employ four- teen hands, and do a business of $40,000 per annum, with a pay-roll of $(),0J0; will build a huge packing house this year on east bank of the river. Tlie Rockford Slioe Company. This factory is located on North Wyman Street, and are manufacturers of men's fine shoes. The capital stock is $60,00(1. The present officers are A. C Deming, President: J. W. Irvin. Vice-Presi- dent: S. C. Tribou, Secretary and Treasurer: company has been organized since August 1880, and do an annual business of $250,0(X). They give employment to 115 hands, with an annual pay-roll of $50,000. The factory is built of stone and is 53x88, four stories high. Rockford Paint IVIanufacturing Company. Is located on Railroad Avenue. The capital stock is $8,000. B. A. Knight is President, and C. Lund, Secretary. They are manufacturers of all kinds of paints, and do a business an- nually of $12.0(¥); give employment to five hands, with an annual pay-roll of $5,000. The factory is of brick, two stories high, 40x120. Rocliford Oatmeal Company. Manufacturers of oatmeal and Nuda- vene flakes. Located at corner of ("edar and West Streets. Organized 1*^82. Rob't H. Tinker, President: Geo. H. Cormack, Vice President and Superintendent: Frank C. King, Secretary and Treasurer. Capital, $120,000. Average annual product, $750,000. Employs eighty hands, with an annual pay-roll of $:iO,0(M). Main mill built 1887, of brick, 70x120 feet in size, and four stories high: wareliouse. brick, 04x74 feet, four stories high. Rockford Lubricating Company. Organized July 1889, with a capital of $10,000. John SpatTord. President; Miss Anna L. Hull. Secretary and Treasurer. Estimated output, $30,000; manufacture axle grease, lubricating and coach grease; employ six hands, with a pay-roll of $4,860 annually; size of factory, 42x100 feet, two floors. - .-3 — r W^::* Rocklord Pry Plate Company. Located at .31U W. State street. Capi- tal stock, ?3,nr(). B. F. Greene, Manacrer; do an annuiil bus^iness amountini? to fl.-),000; employ eight hand^^, with an annual pay-roll of .f3,000. Roekl'ord Connitruetion Company. Thi.* is a Rockford co-partnership, •composed of Jones. WccdiulT it Co., W. C. Butterworth, Watson Pierpont, D. E. Mead, A. W. Rut ledge, and others. They are general contractors in the line of bridge building, paving, water works, construction and also operate brick yards at Eock Isiand. The business was established in 1888, and the tirm employ from one hundred to one thousand hands. Their operations in 1890 exceeded half a million •dollars. The Rookford Baking; Company. Located Race Street, water power, was organized December 10. \SHd. with a capital stock of $25,000; manufacture ■crackers and cookies of all kinds. J. W. Bartlett, President: D. G. Spaulding, Yice-President ; C. E. Eskelsen, Secretary and Treasurer. Annual product, :$60,000; employ tbiity bands; pay-roll per year, $12,000. Factory, frame building, 40x75, three stories high, H. H. Palmer & Company. Manufacturers of churns, creameries, •cooperage and general dairy articles. Located at corner of Cedar and Winnebago Streets. Business established in 1879. Capital invested, $.')0,000; employ about seventy hands, with an annual pay-roll of $27,000 The average annual product is $75,000. Main factory building is of wood, 75x132 feet in size, and two stories high, -with warehouse 34x73, on opposite side of the street. ITIarsli Wlitre ITlaeliine. H. C. Marsh, manufacturer. This machine is a mitre and picture frame vise combined. Annual output, $20,000: employs fifteen hands, with a pay-roll of $8,000. Jolin McDern-aid. Manufacturer of the Boss and Star Churns, also dog powers. Factory located at 212 to 220 North Madison Street. Capital invested, $40,000. Annual output. $40,000: employs thirty hands, with an annual pay-roll amounting to $12,000; business established in 1871 ; factory of wood, 33x66, 36x66, 22x66, two stories high and 33x66, four stories high. Lovell's >team Laundry. Located on North Wyman Street. Capital invested, $20,000; do an annual business of $16,000, and give employment to fifteen hands, with an annual pay-roll of $.5,000; two-story building, 40x1.50. Kauftman Bros. Cigar makers; located at 120 South Main Street, and have been established since 1885. 1 hey employ six hands, with an annual output ^V CITY situated as Rockford is has many advantages as a commercial center. f \y <>f course we are too close to Chicago to be a large jobbing center, but on h^ the other hand our proximity to the metropolis of the west gives us low J freight rates and good connections with the entire country. We have a number of jobbing houses doing a good business, and more are contemplated. But it is as a manufacturing center on which Rockford's fame mainly rests. If, however, not a factory had ever been started in the city, still the Forest City would have been a thriving place, merely as a country trading point. In the center of a county of the richest farming lands in the world; whose farms are owned by a prosperous people; mostly clear of mortgages, well stocked, with neat and even •elegant houses and spacious barns; a county which never knew a cyclone, a hurri- cane, or a blight, and seldom a drought, the farming trade enjoyed by our retail merchants is simply enormous. The growth of the city to its present size where it overshadows all cities within a long distance around, enables the merchants to ■carry immense stocks, and draws trade from a large radius. The retail trade of Eockford, both city and country, would surprise eastern cities of five times its size. There are between live and six hundred retail stores in the city, including some mammoth concerns, using entire three and four story blocks, and including as well a great many smaller establishments. It speaks volumes for their prosperity to «ay that there has been but three failures in the city during the past year, and the Aggregate amount involved in all three was less than $7,000. The city has eight banks, six of which are national, one state and one private. The banking business has reached such proportions that a clearing house must «oon be established. The business men have a Business Meu"s Association and & Commercial Club, and there will be a Board of Trade established presently. As a commercial center Rockford is right in line, and within the next two or three years will push forward as she never has before. Terqperarice Headqilarters, /^NMONG the many things which are worthy of especial notice is our local A^^ Woman's Christian Temperance Union, who are the happy possessors of J a very fine building, which is centrally located at the west end of the city bridge. A lunch and coffee room is conducted by the ladies, which is in charge of a competent matron. The organization is a national one. The local or- ganization is a most excellent one, and is accomplishing very praiseworthy results. The officers are: President, Mrs. T. G. Backus; Vice-President-at-large. Mrs, Rev. W. A. Phillips; Recording Secretary. Mrs. Margaret SkitT; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. P. R. Wood; Treasurer, Miss Julia L. Worthington. Regular meetings are held every Thursday afternoon and on Sunday at 3 o'clock. — 71 — Oiir TtiGspiaii Tenqple, /^^ 0\ ERS of dramatic and operatic amusements are well cared for in the Forest 1 i City. The Rockford Opera House is a large, handsome brick structure, on North Wyman Street, costing, with recent improvements, $50,000, and is ele- gantly[fitted up and well supplied with all modern convenience, scenery and stage settings. Its seating capacity is fifteen hundred. The management is fully awake to the needs of the public, and presents the amusement-loving people with 'a spendid list of attractions, such as the Daly, Madison Square, and Lyceum com- panies; Modjeska, Janauschek, Booth, Kean, Nat Goodwin, Sol Smith Russell, and Bostonians. The house is under the [personal management of C. C. Jones, who is assisted by Maurice B. Field. Tl\e City Hospital O institution in the city covers a wider field of usefulness; none does so much to alleviate human suffering: nor so much real, necessary and unos- tentatious good, as the Rockford City Hospital. It is under the owner- ship and control of the Rockford Hospital Association, which consists of 202 individuals who contributed toward the establishment or the institution. This association was organized in the year 1883, and was due largely to the efforts of W. A. Talcott, Dr. W. H. Fitch, and a number of other people who had become cogni- zant of the great need of a place to care for the victims of accidents, the sick and afflicted. The matter was agitated during the year, and in December the agitation crystalized into action. The association was formed and incorporated. A valua- ble piece of property centrally located on the corner of South Court and Chestnut Streets was purchased. There was a large brick house on the lot and this was fit- ted up for use, nearly everything necessary being donated. Judge Wm. Brown was elected as President of the association and Mrs. S. B. Wilkins, Vice President, for the first year, and Wm. A. Talcott was made Secretary and Treasurer, which position he has since held. Mrs. M. J. Smith was selected for matron, and still holds that important post. It was an exceedingly wise choice. "Aunt Jane,"" as she is known all over the city, is a born nurse, and under her administration the utmost good hiis been accom- plished with the means at hand. In 1887 efforts began to be made for a larger building, especially for the use of the hospital. This was erected during the winter and dedicated in March, 18S8. It is a splendid three-story brick edifice, facing on Chestnut Street, costing $15,000. It accommodates thirty patients and is supplied with every convenience. The old hospital building stands just east of it, is connected by a hall and is used by the matron and nurses as living rooms. Shortly after it was erected, Horatio Stone, who has ever been an enthusiastic supporter of the institution, and who is now president of the association, donated an elevator costing $1,500. A new operating room has just been completed on the west side of the main building, the old one having been found to be too small. This new — 73 — addition is built by Mr*. Ralph Emerson in memory of her son, Ralph Emerson, Jr. The hospital is always as full as the management will allow. Daily, almost, the patrol wagon brings some poor fellow, mangled by an accident, to the door. Be- sides this, cases of sickness are cared for as soon as possible, When the patients are able, they are expected to pay. but when they cannot, they receive the same care. Necessarily, running an institution on such a plan, it cannot be nearly self- supporting, and the hospital depends upon volantary subscriptions and annual collections which are taken up in the various city churches. Funds are constantly lacking to do the work required. If some one would leave a bequest in such a way that a regular income could be assured, the effectiveness of the hospital would be greatly increased. The present officers of the association are: Horatio Stone, President; Mrs. Jane G. Wilkins. Vice-President; \V. A. Talcott. Secretarv and Treasurer. Tl]e Public Library, /@/S an important element in giving to the city its old world aroma of culture its |TL public library is entitled to important consideration. Books, if well chosen, ^ are the best and most considerate of companions, and the records of the library indicate that in Rockford the creations of master minds go alike into man- sion and cottage. The library was first opened in 187S, and has grown to extensive proportions. There are now twenty thousand well-chosen volumes on its shelves and new books are added almost as fast as they come from the press. The library occupies commodious quarters over the postoffice, and a large public reading room, supplied with the leading newspapers and magazines, is a valuable auxilliary. That these advantages are offered to the public evenings and Sundays is an evidence of the liberal educational spirit of the hour. The number of those entitled to draw books from the library is over ten thousand. Mr. W, Rowland is the efficient libra- rian in charge; Miss Lizzie Williamson, assistant. Social Pleasures ai)d Society. yr^ROBABLY many of our friends in the eastern states feel somewhat sur- |(^ prised at the many social advantages that may be enjoyed throughout this ■\^ section of the country, but nowhere are these social features in any degree superior to those at Rockford. While the busy hum of machinery is heard on every side of the "gem of Illinois," yet human desire for friendly com- minglings is as apparent here as in the most fashionable of eastern cities, and amid the noise and bustle of a booming city the efforts to drive oft" dull care for a short season are as assiduously pursued as the most fastidious might desire. Every church congregation has its social and literary circle, and the secret and benevo- lent societies have their regular "blow outs." Then there are a great many social clubs of various kinds, which hold meetings weekly, and there are progressive cinch and euchre clubs,.married people's, card clubs, and all kinds of clubs organ- ized by various cliques for informal amusements. RocKford Y, M, C, fl //TJANE of the finest buildings of its kind in lliu countiy. is tin- Vounir .Mi-n s \<>/ Christian Association, located at the coiner of North Madison and East State streets. The edifice is a very handsome one costing $50,000, and is a monument of the generous and practical interest of nearly eight hundred contribu- tors: persons who believe in and desire to perpetuate this noble institution, wiiich has for its object the spiritual, intellectual upbuilding and uplifting of young men. Meetings are held at various times during the week, and Sunday afternoon from 4 to 5 o'clock, Young Men's Gospel Meetings are held, which are largely attended. The gymnasium is fully equipped with bars, rings, ladders, i&c. and is under the personal charge of General Secretary E. M. Aiken. It is a grand good thing, and many a young man finds a helping hand extended to him in his need. The present officers are S. F. Weyburn, President: E. M. Aiken, General Secretary; H. T. Han- sien, Assistant Secretary. R City of Firie Dwellings Y^No person visits Rockford without being impressed with the beauty and !l~/^ comfort of her homes. Rockford people are "here to stay'" as the expres- ^ sion goes, and they build themselves homes where it is a pleasure to reside, not simply a place to stay for a season. One feature which is especially noteworthy and which strikes visitors from other factory cities as peculiarly strange, is that the people generally, in fact universally, own their own homes. The laborers and fac- tory people, as well as the business men, manufacturers, professional men and cap- italists, own their own residences, and very tasty, and convenient ones, too. Thou- sands of pretty homes, every one of which is the castle of some man, well kept, and surrounded by a hundred evidences of the care which a man devotes to his own, tells a story of prosperity and happiness more eloquent than words can paint. Rockford has but few grand castles. Few of her homes, even where wealth -and magnificence reside, have that exterior of gorgeous splendor which are vis^ible in some places. While there are many fine houses, it is in the grounds surround- ing them which are most striking for beauty. Nowhere in the West is there a city where the grounds will compare with those of Rockford. The homes set back among the groves, and well kept lawns are a constant picture to the eye. Rockford is noted for her numberless fine residences belonging to what is called the middle class; people who do not live on their means, but are engaged in active business. There are hundreds of these, fashioned in novel styles of architecture and not crowded into undue proximity to one another. These homes are really ele- gant in their architecture and appointments, and give the city a most prosperous and distinguished appearance. Then the houses of the mechanics. It is a constant wonder to the visitor at Rockfonl to observe the residences owned and occupied by our mechanics and laborins; people. All through the Swedish district particularly, the houses are models of beauty and comfort. They are prettily desif,'ned, well built, always two stories high and often two and a half — and what is better, they are owned and generally paid for by the people who occupy them. The grounds are nicely kept and the people take pride in beautifying and improving the looks of the city and of their own places. Shade trees aie abundant, so much so that the city has gained the appellation "The Forest City." The most elegant street is North Main street, which is lined, on either side by the houses of Rockford's wealthiest people. On the east side of the street the lots run clear to the river. These river bank lots are very beautiful, and as there are no fences for nearly ■ the entire distance of the fine residence dis- trict—over a mile— it has the appearance of an elegant park. On the East Side East State street is the most elegant thoroughfare. All along up the hill the street is lined with handsome grounds and fine houses. South Third street also contains some very handsome residences. One distinguishing feature of Rockford houses is that most of them are built of wood. There are comparatively few brick residences. Even where a large amount of money is put into the building, they are built of wood. There are a few notable exceptions, but as a class Rockford houses are built of wood. The interiors of Rockford houses are even [more pleasing than their exteriors. Comfortably and in many cases elegantly furnished they are really "homes,'" not simply places to stay. It is Rockford's homes and the home-life of her people which makes the Forest City such a delightful place to live in and draws peonle so easily to her borders. RocKford Drivirig Cliib, >^-v HE park consists of ninety acres of land in the north end of the city immedi- \^^ ately on the line of the C, M, & St P. railroad, the driving park being situated just west of the track. This park is one of the most thoroughly equipped in the country, containing all the modern improvements for taking care of the trot- ting stock, there being 150 excellently constructed stalls. The grand stand is a com- modious and artistic affair with a seating capacity of 2500, and is provided with com- fortable chairs for the accommodation of its patrons. The track is kite shaped. This track has proved a record-breaker, as every animal that has won a race on the track has lowered his record in order to do so. The park is most delightfully situated, commanding the most charming view of nature's diversified beauties, in which no other country on the globe is more prolific than is the country surrounding the city of Rockford, for in every direction one may look new scenes are presented to the vision, which is limited only by the capacity of the eye. The Rockford Driving^ Club was licensed to organize in 1889. The officers are, Frank G. Smith, President; H, H, Palmer, Vice-President; C. C. Jones, Secretary, and Geo. L. Woodruff, Treasurer. There are two meetings a year, held one in June and the other in August. ll Tlrie Lowell of tl)e West •CT T has not taken half a century to demonstrate that Rockford is the industrial /^ city of the Mississippi Valley. Two decades ago the vastness of her manu- j^ factures gave to her the sobriquet of the "Lowell of the West," and this clings to her still, although it is not worn with as much pride as in other •days, for Rockford, mind you, is passing this namesake of hers, and it may soon be that Lowell will feel a dignified desire to be known as the Rockford of the East. The agricultural implement industry was one of the first to seek a home in Rock- ford and bear her name abroad. Next came the era of furniture factories, and now there is but one city in the land that turns out more furniture than she. There are twenty factories in this line alone. There are cotton, woolen, paper and knitting mills, and they are all spreading out and increasing. Two of the largest watch factories in the country are now located here, and there is also a watch case factory :and a huge silver plating concern. From other cities a dozen industries have brought their plants to Rockford, but, better still, her own citizens have put their hands in their purses and furnished the capital for a large majority of her factories, and are to-day profitably operating them. It is more especially within the last two years that the eyes of the outside world were drawn to this manufacturing center. The advent of another trunk line of railroad and the establishment of a number of important industries, created considerable interest, and it was found that here was -a city of marvelous growth without any brass band attachment. Manufacturers learned that a town of 150 paying industries, with all the prestige that goes with that statement would open its doors to them: a city possessing all natural and com- mercial advantages, and some other facilities that no other place could boast of. Since this discovery has become more generally advertised this little metropolis has made marvelous strides. The census report, showing that the per cent, of gain in a decade led almost the entire state, still further added to her fame, until there is not a citizen within her borders, nor a drummer on the road but that claims tliat Rockford will be the second city in the state within ten years. She is destined to claim at least one hundred thousand inhabitants, and with the diversity of her industries and her independence from tributary agriculture, it is difficult to con- ceive a combination of circumstances that could give her a black eye. She is a •city not alone for to-day but for all time. When the last trumpet shall sound there will be at least one hundred thousand Rockfordites ready to don their crowns and take their places in the celestial choir. The smoke of her factory chimneys paints her story on the sky. It is a tale of energy, industry and progress. She dues not "boom""— she quick-steps with the sturdy stride of an army with banners. She welcomes legitimate industry and furnishes liberal aid, but she is careful of her reputation, and wants no unprofitable "snap" concerns looking for a Donus. All the factories that have more recently come within the limits of Rockford have been fully investigated and found profitable. Upon that finding the city has opened its purse, subscribed liberally to stock, and donated buildings and sites. This is still her program and pronunciamento. Any further facts regarding the city that may be desired will be cheerfully imparted by the Business Mens' Association, the Real Estate Exchange, the Commercial Club, or the firm or individual from whom this little work came. -81- A i^ '^^ . ■ -, ^ _5 ^B^^r^ \^ «^i Jlll^ilaE.1 ^„:,i. ■:■.'%. ^m ^— - **■"'' """»«t'.%yn -^H RESIDENCE OF H. W. PKICE. RESIDENCE OF OSCAR NELSUN. Milr)icipal Inqprovenqerits. ^^EW things more clearly indicate the progressive spirit that obtains in Rock Jl^ ford more substantially than does the mention of the municipal operations, which were so cheerfully undertaken and satisfactorily consummated dur- ing the year 1890. Two new bridges were built across Rock River, and one moved to another site, making six in all; a dozen bridges were built over Kent's and Keith's Creek, and other bridges were repaired, the whole cost of the operations in this department exceeding $122,030. The street paving included nearly two miles of cedar blocks, and cost upwards of $63,000. Five miles were added to the sewer system at an expense exceeding $10,033. The water mains were extended and a new engine put in, at a cost of $40,003. A handsome school house was erected at an outlay of nearly $25,00). These are but samples of what the municipality is doing for itself, and all with but a trifling fraction added to the general tax levy. This year the sewer system will be extended to a total of twenty miles of mains; two miles Of brick pavement and one of cedar block will be laid; the police and fire departments will be enlarged, and many other municipal improvements made, the whole cost- ing at least $200,000, and all with a slight reduction from the general tax of the previous year. The city government has always been clean and business-like. To the administration of Mayor John H. Sherrati and his coadjutors the community owes much, and it is felt that the present mayor and council will retain the mantle of progress which fell upon their shoulders. The municipal management is in the following hands: Mayor— HARRY N. STARR. CiTT Clerk— F. G. HOGLAND. City Attorney— R. K.WELSH. City Treasurer— J. D. WATERMAN. Police Magistrate— L. L. MORRISON. Health Officer— DR. W. A. BOYD. City Engineer— D. C. DUNLAP. f First Ward— Harry Woolsey, R. A. Shepherd. I Second Ward— E.W. Brown, A. J. Anderson. i Third Ward— T. J. Derwent, Z. B. Sturtevant. Aldermen ; Fourth Ward— Willis M. Kimball, L. A. Weyburn. I Fifth Ward— O. P. Trahern, W. L. Harbison. I Sixth Ward— G. A. Salstrom, W. D. Clark. L Seventh Ward— Thos. W. Cole, D. G. Spaulding. Two Valuable Paries, ®UT beyond the confines of the beautiful Forest City, to the north, and situ- ated on the banks of the placid Rock River, Harlem Park, the new crea- tion of the enterprising spirit which animates all Rocklord, offers to the wearied in body and burdened in mind relaxation, recreation and rest. Rich in rustic beauties and general attractions, it affords a pleasant refuge and retreat from the cares of every day life and business, refreshing the physical and — 83 — UTTER MANUFACTL'KING COMPANYS PLANT. CENTRAL FLRNITIRE FACTORY. mental faculties^, and rendering to enervated nature greater and more beneficial aid than potions and lotions from the shelves of pharmacies, or the sparkling waters from the fountain of universal youth. A new element of restorative power, a tonic to the dispirited, a real and vital izing force to instill life and activity into frames where torpor and languidity reigns, presents itself in the Switchback Railway, a new and popular feature of amusement which is at present attracting the attention and awakening the interest of thousands. Seated in its easy car for a rapid flight over its hills and wondrous vales, one forgets everything but the fact that time, space, and every surrounding object are being annihilated by the rush of its whirring wheels, and remembers that, only when the few seconds sufficing for the journey have passed into infinity. The genius of its inventor has brought joy and pleasure to youth and new experi- ences to age which will be remembered when the invention has passed into innocu- ous desuetude. Other factors for the promotion of pleasure are the band concerts wnich occur twice a week in the elaborate band stand and pavillion erected for the promotion of the pleasure of the music loving visitors. Twelve arc lights shed their effulgence over the scene on the evenings devoted to the enjoyment of this most elevating art, and render Luna an unnecessary expense to the solar lighting system. Every thing that nature has left undone in the creation of a park of wondrous beauty has been undertaken by mortal hands, and success has crowned every effort to render its attractiveness more attractive. The cool, refreshing shades of the park are meccas much sought by all classes of people. The rich, the poor, the high, the low, all meet on an equal footing beneath its waving foliage and on its emerald carpet. Rank, station, all are forgotten in the fact that nature is the common mother of all, and each and every one seeks pleasure in those sports in which their estimate of real enjoyment finds satisfaction. Beautiful Harlem Park is but ten minutes ride from the business centers on the electric railway, and is accessible by boat and carriage. A dock gives landing to passengers from the steamers, and a beautiful driveway leads along the shore of the river to the park confines. It is an attraction which lends to the Forest City another grace, and is a fount of exquisite pleasure to the lovers of nature as well as those who seek its limits from more sordid and grosser motives; and a cordial Svelcome is extended to the visitor by those who have the management of the grounds. With lovely scenery to charm the eye and delight the mind, with melo- dious harmonies to please the tuneful ear, and its host of amusements to entertain, Harlem Park is destined to become one of the most popular and much fre(iuented resorts within an extended radius. Mr. Chas. Brumbaugh, the genial superintend- ent, and Mr. John Camlin, the efficient and courteous secretary, are developing new and richer resources of pleasure, and the future will open the door to wider possibilities and the achievement of greater results. The second park that lies without the city's walls and is still easily accessible, is the West End Recreation Park, used for the grounds of the Rockford league base ball club. The park lies in the famous West End addition, on the line of the new electric railway, whose handsome olive green cars are the cynosure of all eyes. The grounds are neatly fenced and contain a large anipitheatre capable of seating the enthusiastic hundreds of admirers of the national game that the Forest City contains. The park is to be further improved and developed, and near by the lofty tower of the West End observatory will be reared. The whole is within a few minutes ride of the city's heart. ^. 1'.. wll.KINS COMPANY KNITTING FACTORY. KOCKFORD OAT MEAL MILL. Tl^e Hotels of RocKford. ^py^HE Forest City has a number of excellent houses where the traveler may y^^ find rest and refreshment, and there are more coming. The New Holland and The Wilson are both operated by Irve Leonard, and are the leading hotels of the town, receiving nearly all the commercial patronage. The Holland is a handsome four story building, occupying half a square, and contains eighty well furnished rooms. The Wilson, which was formerly known as The Leonard, has fifty rooms, and is located on West State Street. The Hotel Noonan is a very comfortable and popular house containing twenty-five handsome rooms. The €hick House is located diagonally across from The Holland and has some forty rooms. It is well patronized. The Commercial, American and Forest City Houses are of a cheaper grade. Within a few w-eeks from the date of issuance of this book ground will be bro- ken for a magnificent hotel to be located on South Main street, one block South of The Holland. It will have six floors and will cover half a block. It will be called The Nelson, and will contain two hundred rooms. The cost, including furnishing and decoration will be $225,000, and a well-known Chicago hotel man will be lessee. Plans are also in view for a large hotel and opera house on the East Side, to cost $150,000. The opera house feature will probably materialize at any rate. RocKford's Filtiire, ^T" T needs no pen of seer or prophet to cast the horoscope of the Forest City. /*J\ When a man stands at the threshold of maturity, and is sober, honest, ^^ healthy, industrious, careful and rich, it needs no necromancer's art to say what he will be ten or twenty years hence. The world would be grievous- ly disappointed did he not prove healthier, wealthier, and wiser. So with Rock- ford. A city standing in so promising a position as she fills to-day cannot well help making a lofty record among the municipalities of the world, as the years develop. There is no pent-up Utica in Winnebago County, Illinois. A city set upon a hill cannot be hid. Millions of dollars are invested within her limits every year. All ventures are legitimate. There is no bubble to burst; no boom to prick ; no mush- room to grow and shrivel. Her own citizens have unbounded faith in her future. They do not talk of moving away. Few of them invest surplus money in Southern pine or Kansas mortgages. They put their good old stuff in Rockford and watch it grow in volume as the months go by. They do not take chances in thus disposing of their funds. Real estate is held comparatively cheap, and every house erected finds a buyer or tenant anxiously awaiting the key. There is an assured profit on every investment in home building, and so local capital remains local capital, instead of seeking some doubtful speculation in western wilds, chimerical corpora tions or vapor baths. It is needless to deduce Rockford's future from this. It is a known quantity. Come and take a hand in it if you will. — ST — IfOCKFOKD CITY HOSPITAL. ROCKFORD CABINET COMPANY, W]:]at RocKford War^ts, N every work of this character, every city write-up, every boom edition, you will find a chapter or article describing the city's needs. It is different here. Rockford asks not the earthly praise or prayer of any one. She has lots of bridges, railroads, paved streets, city lights, water, gas and street cars, and her citi- zens have all the pie and ice cream they can eat. Almost everything that is turned ont by the manufactories of the laud is the product of some one of her hundreds of industries. She is handsomely lodged, well fed and neatly dressed. There is ab- solutely nothing that she needs to insure her happiness or permanence. And yet, as in every prosperous household, the aroma of hospitality is abroad. She welcomes all good and honorable citizens. The visiting manufacturer finds greeting and co- operation; the statesman, the merchant and the commercial tourist are alike cor- dially received; even the tramp may stay out of jail so long as he is decently behaved. In fact Rockford welcomes the universe. She may not need you but she can at least find time to take off her working apron and assure you that she is glad you are here. That is the kind of a hair-pin Rockford is. Yo\li\q Mer) to tlrie Fror]t, -^ i^O the average visitor to Rockford an astonishing circuui'^iaiief ;- me leader- t(^\ ^hip which the young men have attained. This youthful blood has had much ^^ to do with the weal of the municipality, and seems to course with energy through its every vein. The young men are called "the city builders,"' and there is a coterie of half a hundred of them who have been foremost in nearly all the recent enterprises that have added to the city's wealth and importance. They are tireless workers, but poor hoarders, for every dollar of profit gained m one ven- ture is at once embarked in some new enterprise. They take chances, too, but governing it all is that ability for financial forecast that becomes a trait of Ameri- can character when thrown into active business. It is the young man who is now called higher by his fellows. He fills the mayors chair, and the council is drawn from his ranks. Even the halls of congress or the governor's mansion are not de- nied him. In Rockford he rules the roost. Development has been such that beards are no longer necessary to inspire confidence, and one who is on the sunny side of thirty may be president of a bank or corporation, or have manifold interests in his keeping. The young man with the small capital has been heard from. He is add- ing to his store, and his active business methods inspire the good will of his associ- ates. He is soon at the front. There are men in Rockford who have not yet com- menced to think of celebrating their thirty fifth birthday who are in one way or another connected with all the way from a dozen to twenty different enterprises and find time to carry a knowledge of them all. It is small wonder then that the young man commands so strong a regard in the public mind. Great is the City Builder, and the welfare of Rockford is his "profit," (tKahams cuttux :\iills. GRAHAM'S DISTILLERY. Tale of Two Years. T T(5\1THIN the rolling time of two "great suns" the advance of Rockford has \J^7 challenged the admiration of the country. Two years have added fifty per cent, to her population, and have started twenty-seven new factories within her borders. A dozen other industries have each doubled their capacity, and others still have greatly increased their business. Nearly one thousand homes have been built, and the character of the city's business blocks has entirely changed. Over $8,000,000 have been invested in manufacturing, building or financial enter- prises, and it is apparently but a start. A $225,000 hotel, a $150,000 office building, a ^200,000 watch factory, are but examnles of ventures to which present efforts are being turned, and there are still greater things in a neophytic condition. The two years just passed have but spurred the community on to greater efforts. The mil- lions of brick that have been laid are but a tithe of those that are to follow. They do not go to build any Chinese wall, however, but to build busy hives of industry and commerce, where honest labor will find a welcome and honest capital a fit remuneration. Tl\e Swedist) Citizeris •^^HE foreign element of the population of the city is mainly composed of th^ {^) peaceful and industrious sons of Sweden, who make the best citizens that reach this country from other lands. Rockford owes much to them, and the claim that we are the industrial city of the west is made substantial through their efforts. They number one-third the population of the city, and every one is proud of it. The enterprises they control are vast in character, and they are also extensively interested in many ventures conducted by Americans to the manor born. A large insurance company, a mammoth building and loan asso- ciation, and two substantial banks are financial corporations controlled by them. The largest Swedish church and congregation in the United States is located here, And there are seven other churches where services are conducted in that language. There are Uo Swedish firms or individuals in business, and no failures among them. Their total investments in commercial and financial ventures exceed $8.(XR)- ODO, and their real estate holdings will reach nearly as much more. They control nearly forty prominent industrial concerns, and it is to them that the community owes the co-operative idea of running factories, which is an effective barrier against strikes and labor troubles. They area modest, peaceful class of citizens, seldom Interfering or aggressive in politics; always industrious and frugul. Their work- ingmen own their homes, and they are the finest residences that any class of labor in the country can boast of. They are all two-story dwellings of modern construc- tion, and it is the rule rather than the exception that they cost over 11,500 each. They have built up one of the handsomest manufacturing districts in the world. To the stranger it is a marvel how such things can be, l)ut the native Rockfordite -91 — NELSON KNITTING COMPANY. ■-T— TT'; IlDBE nLDTHiNG M.F.G ^!^iii (iLOBE CLOTHIN(i COMPANY no longer feels surprised if his Swedish friend out-does him in home building. They are citizens of whom any community might feel justly proud, and there are a number of leaders among them who are found in the front rank in every enterprise with which the welfare of the city is in anywise connected. Some there are who-ie names will be found as stockholders or directors in a score of different ventures, and one man at least is an officer in ten corporations. Active men of business they all are and it is one of the brightest jewels in Rockford's crown that so many dwellers within her limits are the fair-haired and pink-cheeked sous and daughters of Svea. Electricity ir] RocKford HIS magnificent force of modern times which puts to shame all the genii of oriental fable has been a prime factor in the city's development. It is chained to various uses. Light, power, motion, in their best forms, own electricity as parent. The city contains an almost unrivalled system of electric street railway. There are two companies who have expended at least $200 000 in providing rapid transit to all parts of Rockford and her thriving suburbs. TheRockford City Railway traverses twenty-six different streets and have fourteen miles of track in service. They have franchises for four miles more which will be laid as soon as possible. They operate twenty cars at present. They reach the principal manufacturing and residence districts and also lead out to Harlem park and the grounds of the Rockford Driving Club. Their service will be enlarged and made perfect ere the season closes. The West End Street Railway passes through ten streets and avenues and reaches the large factory and residence additions in the west and northwest por- tions of the city. They also run to the Rockford base ball park and the West End Observatory. They have about six miles of track and are now running six hand- some cars, the line starting at the Holland House corner in the heart of the city. The company is also seeking a franchise to penetrate the East Side. There are two large companies who furnish light and power and their wires extend all over the city and into the additions. The incandescent light is in almost general use in stores and residences, and most of the large factories operate com- plete plants of their own. There are also a great many arc lights used in stores and for out-door illumination. The city is now formulating a plan whereby it will own its own electric lighting plant and illuminate the streets with almost noon-day splen- dor. The telegraph and telephone service also show that this branch of electrical ser- vice is most valuable. The offices of the Western Union are open constantly, and their business at Rockford is very great. The telephone system and service in Rockford is the best in the state. There are five hundred subscribers, which makes the office rank next to Chicago in business. In the central part of the city the lines are run in cables, with one hun- dred wires in each. This prevents entanglements with the lines of the electric light and railway companies. The Rockford Electric Manufacturing Company, who turn out dynamos and all manner of electrical appliances, is also a large and thriving instirution of this <^ity. _33_ ROCKFORD BOLT WORKS. ROCKFORD MITTEN AND HOSIERY COMPANY Music ir| tl\e Forest City, W HILE on every side we see evidences of the rapid and steady growth of our city, and Rockford's industries have won for her merited recogni- tion in every state in the Union, yet not alone to busy manufactories, ta successful business enterprises, nor to beauty of location is due the precedence which she has attained. But the energy which has made our industries a success, has at the same time been used for the advancement of our educational institutions, and the cultivation of the fine arts, and these, united, have made Rock- ford the ideal city of the west. Side by side with our material advancement has been the onward progress of musical culture in our midst. The conservatory of music in connection with the Seminary is an outgrowth of Prof. D. N. Hood's untiring labor in the capacity of musical instructor in that insti- tution, a position which he has held since 1858. From this conservatory have graduated many young women whose musical talent has attracted more than local notice, and not a few of these now grace Rockford's musical circles and wield an influence in society such as musicians devoted to their art, alone possess. An outgrowth of the Seminary Conservatory is the Mendelssohn Club, an organization which was formed in October 1884. The original membership num- bered forty ladies, of whom nearly all were graduates of the Conservatory of Music and some of whom had continued their studies abroad. Mrs. Chandler Starr has been the president of the Club for seven years and to her enthusiasm is largely due the success of the organization, since by her executive ability and musical attainments she has been both an efficient guide and an inspiration. The meetings are held every two weeks during eight months of the year, one-half of the member- ship furnishing the program for each meeting. Thus thorough and constant practice is required of the members and a wide range of composers studied, a work of the individual members which probably no musical society in the west has before successfully maintained. In 1888, honorary members were received into this society for the first time and they now number seventy ladies who are admitted to the meetings and annual musicales. However, the efforts of the Men- delssohn Club have not been for their own exclusive improvement, but for their annual complimentary concerts they have brought to our city some of the best musical talent available at the west, and thus given to hundreds of our people the pleasure and the culture which alone can be secured from such a source. Among the artists thus secured were Messrs. Liebling, Becker and Eicheim for a chamber concert in 1886, Mme. Fannie Bloomfield and Signorina Varesi in 1888. Mme. Teresa Carreno, assisted by the Mendelssohn ladies' chorus, in 1889, and in May of this year the Mendelssohn Quintette of Boston. Besides these artists, they also secured Miss Neally Stevens, of Chicago, for piano recital, Miss Amy Fay for piano conversation, and Mr, Frank Fisher Powers and Mrs. Gerritt Smith, vocalists. The society has itself given several concerts which show the good work accom- plished by the members, and have won for them a reputation of which we may justly feel proud. Besides the pianists of the club its membership includes many vocalists of merit, and from their number has sprung the Ladies' Mendelssohn Quartette, which is now readily conceded to have no superior in any western city. Their — 95 — RESIDENCE OF II. II. HAMILTON. ' i! ^ ' RESIDENCE OF MRS. W. D. TRAHEKN'. eoprauo, Mis^s Addie St. John, is spending several months in England, further cul- tivating her voice under the guidance of the renowned instructor, Shakespeare. The Weber Quartette is a company so well known to the cities throughout the West, that it requires no introduction, and needs no words of praise. It consists of Messrs. Myron Barnes, Chas. Rogers, Horace Wellington, and Henry Andrews, all Rockford young men. from boyhood. They have just completed a tour through the western states where they have received the ovation of professionals. The Sons of Svea have also accomplished a commendable work in our midst, in the training of a large chorus of Swedish young men. They number sixty voices, under the directorship of Mr. Alfred Larson. While too much cannot be said of these influences which have made Rockford audiences foremost among western cities for their appreciation of all that is high- est and noblest in musical composition, yet we must not ignore still other elements which have recently entered into the musical fabric of our city. Fitzgerald's Orchestra is the result of the careful selection of the best players our city affords, many of whom have devoted years to the study of orchestral music. Under their efficient and popular leader, Mr. F. A. Fitzgerald, this organi- ■zation has become an indispensible quantity in our city. It comprises twenty-two pieces, and they are well equipped for the choice musical works introduced by their leader. The Watch Factory Band, numbering thirty-five pieces, has more than a local reputation. With the influx of those who have been attracted by the business out- look of Rockford, we have been fortunate in numbering in this host many players from cities East and West, so that we now have in our band, musicians of exper- ience, and their work is already rivaling that of older organizations. Mr. Fitzgerald is also leader of this band, and himself the master of the cornet. The Royal Sewing Machine Company's Band, Svea Band, Seventh Street Band, and Forest City Band are working in the same line, and each numbers from twelve to twenty members. Rockford presents no spasmodic growth of the musical elements which enter now so vitally into her existence, but side by side with her material progress and keeping pace with the educational and moral advancement has been the development of those principles which so certainly affect the taste and indicate the culture of a commun- ity. It is not strange with all these things conspiring for the growth of our city that we apply the ancient proverb of Rome to our own community and claim that "Every road leads to Rockford." Public Sc]:|ool Systenq .HE educational advantages of Rockford are most excellent. The first school was established during the year 1839 in an old fashioned house built of logs on the east side of the river. In the same year another school was started on the west side. From this time on its citizens have taken the greatest interest in the public schools and other educational institutions, until now a diploma from the Rockford High School will admit the student to such institu- tions as Ann Arbor, Madison, Evanston, Beloit, and other colleges. Elsewhere these schools have been briefly alluded to, but they deserve a more emphatic notice. The Rockford public and parochial schools dispense their inestimable — 97 — Dli. E. C. DUNNS Kf:siDENCE. A. D. FORBES' RESIDENCE. blessings throughout our beautiful city. They act as an inspiration, for the irre- pressible urchin of five or six years, delights in nothing so much as throwing away his infantile toys, abdicating this throne of "me big Injun," and with his satchel and shining face, inarching like the soldier he has sometimes played him- self to be, proudly to school. It is his first step to learning and manhood. The excellence of these schools of Rockford is surpassed nowhere, and are equalled in but few places. They are the pride of the people, the opportunities of the young. It is not to be expected, therefore, that these agencies should be permitted to lan- guish, and they are not. No citizen, worthy of the name, begrudges the tax levied for their support. The official school census of Rockford, submitted June 30, 1890, showed 9,91'2 children between the ages of six and twenty-one. The city owns four- teen excellent school buildings and employs eighty competent school teachers. A list of the schools, cost of erection, etc., might not be out of place here. The High School. This building has the most approved sanitary arrangements, and all egresses open outward. It is in charge of Prof. Walter A. Edwards, a graduate of Knox College, assisted by a full corps of competent teachers. The cost of the building was about $50,000. The Lincoln School. A stone building, three stories in height. It is heated by steam and has a seating capacity of 450, and cost 830,000. It is in charge of Mary C. Spottswood as principal. The Adams School. The building is a three-story stone structure, and has a seating capacity of 450 pupils. Its original cost -vras 130,000. This is in charge of Mary G. McPherson as principal. The Hall School. Is a two-story stone building, and has a seating capacity of 350. The cost of this building was $12,000. The school is in charge of Miss Emma Coy as principal. The Kent School. This is located in South Rockford, and is a stone build- ing two stories high, and cost $25,000. Prof. O. F. Barbour is principal. The Marsh School. This is a two story brick building, and accommodates 175 pupils. Cost, $8,000, and is in cha'rge of Rose Cassidy. The Kishwaukee School. Has a seating capacity of 200. The building cost $6,000, and is in charge of Matilda J. Nygren as principal. The Montague School. Is a two-story brick building, and cost $12,000. Capa- city 170, Elpha S. Moffatt is principal. The Blake School. Cost, $6,000, and has a seating capacity of 150 pupils. Fanny Lyons is principal. The Haskell School. Cost $10,000, and has a seating capacity of 175. Anna Conaughy is principal. The Ellis School. Cost $7,000, and has a seating capacity of 160. Isabella M. Hunter is principal. The Nelson School. Costing $10,000, and has a seating capacity of 175, and is now in charge of Mrs. Marie W. Rice as principal. The Garrison School. Has a seating capacity of 150, and cost $12,000. This school is in charge of Grace K. Crumb as principal. The Wight School. Has just been completed at a cost of $25,000. This school is in charge of Mary C. Foote as principal. Besides these there is an annex in charge of Jennie McAnarney. Prof. P. R. Walker is general superintendent of city schools. -99- RocKford Senqiriary, N all the ages of the past, from the time the morning stars first sang together down to the present, there has never been a movement which had for its pur- pose the betterment of mankind but had its origin in woman's heart, and it was woman's hand that guided it to an end. There have been few move- ments of prominence of any kind but have had their principal chapters rendered more entrancing by the deeds or sayings of women. In all the names handed down by history, of the women rendered most famous, all are those whose minds were well stored with knowledge, and to-day, as in days gone by, it is the educated woman who is not only most highly prized but most useful as well. Our excellent public schools of Rockford are worthy preparatory institutions, fitting our girls and boys to take their places in the world of battle, but it is to our higher institutions of learning that must be given the credit for the brightness which surrounds the names and lives of many of our people of the past and pres- ent. Probably there are none of the leading institutions of learning in our land, that has given to society more bright ornaments in the way of cultured women than has the famous and justly famed Rockford Seminary. The Rockford Seminary is collegiate in character, and bears the title on account of the popularity of that title forty years ago, when the Seminary was founded. The location of the Semi- nary on high ground in East Rockford, commanding a full view of the pretty For- est City and the shining waters of the romantic Rock River, are such as to com- mend it as a health resort. The Seminary is not a denominational school, yet it is • strictly a Christian school. Its buildings, as will be seen by engravings in another part of this book, are extensive brick buildings in the midst of a grove of oak and hickory trees, covering in all ten acres in extent. The Seminary is very popular, and numbers among its pupils each year students from all parts of the United States. One of the features which has done much to build up the popularity of the school with parents is the fact that the health of the pupils is carefully looked after. This is done by a comprehensive system of training in the gymnasium, run under the Sargent rules now in vogue in Harvard University. Frequent examina- tions are made and the health of the pupil is noted, and anything calculated to over-exert is forbidden. The home life of the school partakes more of the home than the ordinary boarding school, and is pleasant in all its features. The faculty of the Seminary has always been graced by the names of many of the country's leading educators, and to-day it is among the best in the land. Below will be found the Board of Trustees now in charge of this excellent school: Board of Trustees— Prof. Joseph Emerson, D. D., President, Beloit, Wis.; (i. A. Sanford, Esq., Vice-President, Rockford; Thomas D. Robertson, Escj., Treasurer, Rockford; Wm. A. Talcott., Esq., Secretary, Rockford. Executive Committee— Hon. Wm. Lathrop, Chairman: Sarah F. Anderson, Secretary; Wm A. Talcott, Es(i., Mrs. Seely Perry, John Barnes, Esq., Henry H. Robinson, Esq. The officers of government and instruction are: Sarah F. Anderson, Acting Principal and Financial Secretary; Jessie I. SpatTord, B. A., Mathematics and Physical Science; Lena C. Leland, M. D., Resident Physician and Teacher in Physi- ology; Elizabeth Eastman, B. A., Rhetoric and Composition; Phebe T. Sutliff, M. A., History ; Elizabeth L. Herrick, French Language and Literature ; Alice A. Berry, — !01 — GOVERNMENT BUILDING. 1801 -9i ii-ll SI If Y. M. C. A. BUILDING B. A., Greek and Latin; Florence Bascom, B. S., M. A., Chemi^^try and Natural Sciences: Alice L. Hulburd, B. A., History; Julia H. Gulliver, Ph. D., Philosophy; Anna C. Behrens, German Language and Litera- ture; Lilian Jacoby, B. A., Drawing and Painting; Olive Rumsey, English Literature and Teacher of English; Etfie Lanagan, Italian and Teacher of Latin; Anna H. Lathrop, B. A., Teacher of English: Elizabeth Ballard Thompson, B. A., Teacher of Mathematics; Edith A.Sherman, Director of the Gymnasium; Emma G. Lumm. Teacher of Elocution; Mrs. Sarah E. Gregory, Matron; Marion I. Mead, Book-keeper and Librarian Department of Music— Prof. Daniel N. Hood, Instrumental Music; Addie L. St. John, Vocal Music; Sarah Burton, Vocal Music; Mary R. Wilkins, B. A., Har- mony. Ctiiirct} Directory, Centennial M. E. Church. South Third Steeet. Rev. J. R. Hamilton, pas- tor. Property cost $60,000. Church has 600 members. Court Street M. E. Church. Corner Mulberry and Court Streets. Rev. W. A. Phillips, pastor. Rev. W. H. Haight, presiding elder Rockford district. Prop erty valued at $100,000. Church will seat 2,200 persons, and has a membership of nearly 800. Grace M. E, Church. Meets in Judd"s Hall, West End. Rev. F. D. Sheets, pastor. Organized 1891 with one hundred members. Ninth Street M. E. Church. Building new edifice on Ninth Street, to cost f 10,000. Rev. J. F. Wardle, pastor. Has about 100 ujembers. Winnebago Street M. E Church. Organized in 1864. Located in South Rockford. Rev. Henry Lea, pastor. Church property valued at $20,000. Has 300 members. Swedish Methodist Church. Brick edifice, corner First Avenue and Fourth Street. Rev. A. A. Dahlberg, pastor. First Baptist Church. Corner of Church and Mulberry Streets. Dr. C. H. Moscrip, pastor. Building erected in ISjJ. Property valued at $i8,000. Church has 300 members. State Street Baptist Church. Organized in 1858, and located at corner of State and Third Streets. Rev. J. T. Burhoe, pastor. Proparty valued at $35.0 lO. Swedish Baptist Church. Brick edifice at corner of Seventh Street and Fourth Avenue. Rev. Petrus Swartz, pastor. FiR«T Congregational Church Organized in 1837. Now located at corner of Kishwaukee .Street and First Avenue. Rev. W. W. Leete. pastor. Property value 1 at $60,0CO. — \m — Second Congregational Church. Organized 1849. New edifice at corner of Church and North Streets, to seat 2,000 persons. Dr. Walter M. Barrows, pas- tor. Value of all church property, $150,000. Lincoln Mission. Colored. Meets in First Congregational Church Sunday- afternoons. First Lutheran Church. Organized 1854. Brick edifice at corner of Third and Oak. Largest Swedish church and congregation in the United States. Mem- bership nearly 3.200. Rev. L. A, Johnston, pastor. Church property valued at $75,000. ZioN Lutheran Church. Corner of First Avenue and Sixth Street. Present church built in 1885 at a cost of $30,000. Membership about 700. Rev. S. G. Ohman, pastor. Church building of brick and will seat 1,000 persons. Emmanuel German Lutheran Church. Corner Third Avenue and Sixth Street. Rev. A. Fors, pastor. Edifice valued at $1.5,000, and will seat 800 persons. First Lutheran Church. Corner of Chestnut and Church Streets. Rev. Prof. G. J. Kannmacher, pastor. St. Paul's German Lutheran Church. Chestnat Street, between Church and Court, Brick edifice worth $10,000. Rev. L. W, Corn, pastor. First Presbyterian Church. North Main Street, near Mulberry. Church erected in 1868. Property valued at $60,000. Society organized in 1854. Rev. Geo. Harkness, pastor. Westjiinster Presbyterian Church. Organized in 1856. Brick church edifice, valued atl$20,000; located at corner of Second and Oak Streets. Society has 300 members. Rev. W. M. Campbell, pastor. Church of the Christian Union. Undenominational. New edifice finished 1891, at a value of $60,000. Has 500 members. Dr. Thomas Kerr, pastor. Emmanuel] Episcopal Church. Corner North and Church Streets. Dean D. C. Peabody, rector. Property valued at $25,000. Church has about 300 communi- cants. St James Catholic Church. North Second Street. Rev. Fr. J. J. Flaherty, priest in charge. Have church building, school and deanery, valued at $.50,000. There are about 800 parishioners. St. Mart's Catholic Church. Corner of Winnebago and Elm streets. Have one of the handsomest edifices in the city. Whole property valued at $85,000. Rev. Fr. M. L. McLaughlin, priest in charge; Father Wolff, assistant. There are about 2,500 parishioners on the roll. The church will seat nearly 1,500 persons. Swedish Mission Tabernacle. Corner Kishwaukee Street and Third Avenue. Rev. F. M. Johnson, pastor. Church will seat 800 persons. First Christian Church. North First Street, between Market and Jefferson. Rev. H.^M. Dennis, pastor. Church is of brick, will seat 400, and is valued at $8,000. Calvary Union Evangelical Mission. Located on Kill)urn Ave. Rev. T. J. Hunter, pastor. Swedish Free Methodist Church. Meets over 3"2 East State Street. Rev. H. B. Marks, pastor. — 105 — BLAKEMAN k DOBSON CHURN FACTORY Z. B. STURTEVANT FLOUR MILL. Her Healtt] ts Good. EATH stalks through many communities in the form of an epidemic. Some cities have been ravaged bj- cholera, and others have been pillaged by grim yellow jack. Here lurks miasma and there the pestilence. Thrice happy, then, must be the spot so situated that no plague can reach it; where summer's sun and winter's chill are so tempered that suffering is unknown, and where the dry, clear breeze of the upland prairie bears health and energy on its wings. Much of the vigor of Rockford and Northern Illinois is due to the even and healthful climate she enjoys. The country is well above the lake level; there are no swamps or miasmatic spots, and the surface drainage is of the best. The average temperature is above sixty degrees, which scientists assert to be about the proper medium. There are no blizzards or extreme cold waves, and in summer the sun is seldom oppressive. The climate may well be described by the word genial. It is healthful, and the ravages of an epidemic are unknown. Rockford has the best and purest water to be found in the state. She has a perfect system of sewerage. She has an effective sanitary bureau and a complete method of house to house inspection. No pains or expense are spared to maintain her won- derful reputation as a healthy city. The d^ath rate will not reach twelve per thousand a year, and her citizens can stay and attend to business through all sea- sons without experiencing discomfort. As a matter of fact Rockford might well advertise herself as a health resort, for there is certainly no city in the land that can make a better showing. She is in "the health belt," and her people are ruddy, vig- orous, and full of sand. Twerity Miles of LunQber OTHING is a more convincing sign of the endurance and prosperity of a community than the erection of hundreds of handsome homes. They indicate plainer than words can do that the spot is one upon which the world has set the seal of approval. They deal with substance rather than shadow. It may be taken as a general rule that dwellings are not built unless there is someone to occupy them. The element of speculation is almost unknown in home building. Either a man builds for himself or else he pretty nearly knows who is to occupy the house he is constructing. Therefore, if eleven hundred new houses are built in one city within a twelve-month, it may be taken for granted that there is a growing and energetic municipality. Even during the winter months the good work was going on, and the visitor who drove over the city on last Christmas day would have found no less than two hundred and fifty residences in various stages of completion. Up in the North End additions there are one- hundred and twenty-five elegant homes where the corn was waviuLT but little more than a year a^ro. In the West End a similar cniulition exists, and the factories — KtT — FUKEST CITY KNlTTIX(i COMPANY. Is'.ll. SKANDIA PLOW COMPANY. there are being surrounded by attractive dwellings. East and southeast have also baen turned over to the builder and contractor, and many of the finest residences in the city are there to be found. The lumber u?ed in a season's building opera- tions in Rockford exceeded 40,000,000 feet, and would make a railroad train more than twenty miles long. Most of this went into house building, and when the stores and factories are added to the list the season's work will exceed $1,500,0f)0 to $2,000 for his bargain, lligliland. Sunrise, Churchill Place, and other East Side additions are also purely residence sub-divisions, and being well built up. The other additions contain more or less manufacturing, and property has a perma- — ll.'i — nent and known value. In the southeast part of the city a remarkable development in this respect is noted. Property in the business portion of the heart of the city is held at well advanced prices, but in all other directions there is no attempt to crowd values. Realty at the junction of the two principal streets of the city cannot be touched for ¥1,500 a foot, although the lots are but seventy feet deep, and this, too, without taking the buildings into consideration. Property on Main and State streets, in the commer- cial center, ranges from $250 to ¥1,00 ) per foot. These values have been maintained for several years, and clearly indicate the permanence and stability of a Rockford investment. Two years ago a syndicate sought to secure a site on West State street on which to erect a huge office building. They tramped from one end to the other and could find no one who desired to sell. The ofiice building is now erected on another street where a vacant site was found. The old city— the Rockford of ten years ago— is well built up. Very little of it is for sale,' and that by parties who desire to build and dwell in the newer, out-lying portions, which are made central and accessible by rapid electric railway lines. The development of these additions has been remarkable. The class of residences erected are superior in their average to those in the more central part of the city. The lots were purchased for one-third or one-half the prices of the others, and yet the resident can reach his store or office in less time than his down-town friend. He rides; the other walks. For the thousands who are employed in the factories, and who are in most instances heads of families, the laud surrounding these industrial institutions is in great demand. They want homes, and they are enabled to purchase lots at very reasonable figures. Many shrewd investors are putting up large numbers of dwellings, and are renting or selling them so as to net a handsome profit. There is room for more of these. The demand for houses is far greater than the supply. The enterprising men interested in the development of these newer residence districts have put in at least a million dollars of their own money, and have laid a sure foundation. They offer fair and square propositions to capitalist and workingman alike. Lots for actual home builders may be bought at very low figures, with an absolute certainty of their being a profitable investment. Rockford people invest their savings in Rockford realty. They realize that they are taking no chances then. Tl\e Bridges, EAUTIFUL Rock River winds through Rockford, and divides it into two districts almost equal in population. Six costly bridges span this stream, and trade and commerce goes back and forth upon them. They represent an outlay of $-250,000 on the part of the city and the railroads. It has been the policy of the municipality to build well. The steel plate girder bridge at State street, which was put in last year, cost the city over $60,000, and is said to be the strongest and best constructed road bridge in the United States. It was completed early in 1891 by the contractors, the Massillon Bridge Company, of Massillon, Ohio. The bridge is about five hundred feet in length, and stands on four stone piers, with massive abutments on either bank. It is a superb specimen of bridge construction in its every detail. There are also twenty excellent bridges across Kent's and Keith's Creeks, most of them built of iron, and the massive Winnebago street viaduct, spanning the entire yards of C, M. & St. P., C, B. & Q., and I. C. railroads. — 115 — RocKford's Clearirig House, ^ ! KUCKFUKD PLUW CU.MI'ANV RocKford's Paved Streets, •LEAN, well-kept and well-paved thoroughfares are a very reliable indica- tion of the spirit of enterprise that prevails in a municipality. Nothing^ impresses a stranger more in visiting a city than to find that the streets are smooth and well cared for, Rockford has an excellent pavement sys- tem which is being constantly enlarged. Experiments have been made with cedar blocks, brick and granite as paving materials, and the two former are in use. The first pavement laid in Rockford was that of East State Street, which was com- pleted in the fall of 1S89. Since that time much more has been laid, and this year will witness the doubling of the paving area. All the central business portion of the city is now paved, as also are the two leading residence thoroughfares. Ordi" nances are prepared for the paving of other streets, and the present plan of the pavement system includes over fifty blocks which will cost when all completed nearly $300,000. Much of this pavement was laid by local contractors. It is all ol the best and is invariably clean and well cared for. It affords superb surface drainage in the business portion and the thoroughfares are usually as neat as a New Eng- land kitchen. It is indeed one of Rockford's boasts that she is a well paved city, Thepaving contracts awarded alone in the month of June 1891 exceeded $92,000, and several others were then still pendiag. fldder|da ai\d Errata The directory of industries and corporations, commencing on page 27 has received some additions since its compilement. June 1891 was a busy month among men of enterprise. Some changes are also to be recorded in established institu- tions, so that this chapter of addenda and errata is made necessary : Graham Brothers. This corporation, which operates woolen, cotton and paper mills, and also two distilleries, have purchased the large Keeney paper mill plant on the east bank of Rock river, and have made extensive additions and alter- ations. They have invested $75,000 in the business and will run night and day. They employ forty hands in the paper mill; turnout a product of '?150,0()0 per annum, and their pay roll is about $-^2,000 a year. Americaa Burial Case Company. Incorporated July 1891. Capital $30,000. Organized by Emil Youngberg and Karl V. Berglund. Will probably erect a four-story brick and frame building in Robertson's Stockholm Park addi- tion, east of Churchill Place. Will employ fifty hands, with an annual business of $75,000 and a pay-roll of $22,000. The company expects to increase its capital to $50,000 within a few months. Rockforfl Flour Sieve Company. Incorporated July 1891, by Dr. John Thelberg, H. Wallerstedt, R. G. McEvoy, and others. Capital $25,000. Plant not yet located. Will employ twenty hands and expect to do a business of $25,000 a year. Cliampioii Watcli Company. Organized July 1891, by L. E. Crandall, Matthias Bredt, S. E. Mayo and others. Capital stock $250,000. The company- expect to build in Manning's addition in the West End. Their factory will be of brick, 60x250 feet in size and two stories high. They will do a business of $400,000 a year and expect to exploy 200 hands, with a pay-roll of $120,000 per annum. Rock River Planing lUill Company. Organized July 1891, with a capital of $50,000. Fidelity Buildin:^ and Loan Association. Organized May and June 1891. Authorized capital $23,0)0,000. George M. Blake, President; Gilbert Woodruff, Vice-President; Wm. G.Bennett, Secretary; Will F. Woodruff, Treas- urer. Rockford Improvement Association. E. M. Revell, President; Geo. F. Pentield, Secretary. The interests of the city looked after, and all information furnished inquirers. Factory sites located. West .£nd Improvement Company. B. A. Knight, (ieneral Mana- ger. To develop all West End property. H. W. Price Improvement Company. H. W. Price, President; E. H. Marsh, Secretary. Orgiuiized to build up and improve North End property. Harlem Park Company. Organized 1891. Capital $5,000. E. 11. Marsh, President; John H. Camlin, Secretary. — 121 — Rockford Su^ar Work^. Located between Semiiuiry >ll1!l'lillll 014 752 988