The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-23

Some of the Eccentricities of the Founder OF
the Lime Kiln Club.


the Lime-l&iin Club.
Detroit Times
One story that is related of him is to the eff
feet that after receiving the 81, 600 check from
James Gordon Bennett of which mention has
been already made he wandered into the street
and ere long found himself pausing in front of an
iron store, in the window of which was displayed
a shapely metal canine This at once struck
him as being the very thing for which his soul
had long been craving as an ornament for the
lawn IN front of his pleasant Pitcher street resi-
dence, and without moments hesitation the an
Imal III ef1gy was purchased and shipped to his
far-oH Michigan home This dog is said to have
had somewhat remarkable career, having in
few years represented almost every species of
dog which is known to the world First it was
painted white; then, after bearing paint in all
the cOlOrs of the rainbow, it finally brought I'D
in the majesty of a spotted coach dog.
This is said to be fair representation of the
temperament of the man under discussion. He
is distinctivey an individual of notions, waver-
ing, restless and changeabe. His besetting sin
is an ngovernable proneness for hobbies of all
sorts and descriptions. His residence,
Pitcher street, is described by those who have
visited it as a receptacle for the odds and ends
of life Every nook and corner bears the ear
marks of the eccentric owner. The lawn pre-
sents the appearance of Chinese panorama to
such an extent that many passers- by pause to
contemplate its wonders in open mouthed
constituent. Gaudily painted shells. arranged in
startling groups and impossible pyramids;
hOwer-beds designed to represent the wonders Of
EARTH sea and air, and fountains declled in paint
Of dazzling variety meet the eye al every turn.
The Office in the Free Press building is also
daily bulletin board for chroniclng forth tho
sudden fancies of its eccentric occupant.
A few years ago Lewis is said to have suddenly
become imbued with violent passion for the
terpsichorean art AS this fever gave unms-
taxable signs of continuing for an indefinite
period, he took steps for its indulgence which
would not bring him into constant contact with
that society which he has always seemed to
the construction of private dancing hall at his
own residence Filled with this idea he caused
the rear portion Of the building to be raised by
the addition of a second story. which was divid-
ed into spacious dancing hall with a card room
adjoining. To further his plans. when this task
was completed, he proceeded to organize the
Senate dancing and social club from the ranks
OF his most desirable friends and acquaintance.
Then the fun is said to have commenced with
vengeance
Not satisfied with the old and accepted forms
and figures of the art. Lewis created dances that
should be after his own heart. The result was.
doubtless, exceedingly bewildering to his guests,
but he explained and beat time with great yehe-
menee and patience. The dances were very in
formal and the fun immense. The host Of the
various occasions is said to dance after the man
ner of ruralists of fifty years ago, leaping high
into the air and rebounding with more enthusi-
aSm than grace
The walls and ceilings of the card room are
alleged to be papered with small scraps of every
possible and impossible pattern and color The
barn attached to his premises is also said to be a
favOrite resort for the eccentric humOrst. Here
he has Il small steam engine fitted up which is
employed to manipulate u bewidering series Of
dancing figures, such as have formed an UNI
bounded source of amusement for children. from
time iInmemoral, Hours are spent in regulat-
ing and arranging these, and careful notes
are taken of their eXtravagant GYM
nastic evoutions and exercises. AM
other mania is to be found in a supposed
expert knowledge of horsefesh He generally
owns very fair speeder, and his shouts and
gesticulations while racing with some privileged
friend are filed with all the reckless enthusiasm
of early boyhood His knowledge Of horses is
said to really be exceedingly limited, but as his
mind is evidently made up upon the subject the
enjoyment is Just intense us though his
knowledge complete He is alleged to
waste a vast amount of money each year in use
less whims and hobbies. Two children a son
aud daughter, have resulted from IA happy mar
riage.
Last June a syndicate, composed of the New
York Sun. the Wall Street News. and the pub
fishing house of Munroe & Co. are said to have
combined in an offer, by the terms of which
Quad was to receive the sum of $40, coo per year
just twice the amount he now receives-to de-
sert the columns Of the Free Press and take UP
his residence permanently in New York. AS the
above publications occupy distinctive fields the
published matter in each would in no sense con
flict. If the Free Press does not take satisfac-
tory steps to retain him. it is deemed possible
that Lewis may accept the above offer in June.