davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

January, 1888, created o healthy excite
ment. Council offered . reward OF 800 for
the inoendiariss, appointed q night watch
and gave ear 10 the complaining fremeb,
authorizing the payment Of their bills lor
repairs, appropriated 5000 more for appa-
ratus, besides o., 900 for hose.
THB SECOND ENGINE PuReHABBD.
They also complied with the petitions Of
100 citizens asking for the purchase OF an.
other engine. Mr.. stroup received $40 for
ares furnished the company. The Commit
leo on Engines, after months OF frultlem
work In trying 10 secure an engine uuiting
their views, received . letter from CLARK ~
Freeman, Of the PhenlI Hose Company, Of
Philadelphia, offering To sell their engine
and hose for 5000, with reduction ofb psr
cent for cash, On October b, 1888, Council
authorized the committee 10 accept the offer.
The Hope Fire Company pstitloned Coun-
oil 10 place the Ph@nlI engine In their
charge, which was granted, Itwas not long
In their possession until they wanted 10
alter the CAREFUL iy-seleetsd engine on q plan
proposed by william Meade. This was 70.
fused, The old engine house wAs sold In
1884 at public outery.
PUBLIC BELL RINGER
Thomas Griffith was paid $50 for years
service in ringing the public bell for meet
ings and fire alarms, and for care Of engine
houses and apparatus.
In 1886 the first ladder was introduced
into the department, for which Peter Boisell
received " 76, A year or so later an ordi-
ma nee constituting regular fire department
was passed, and four fire wardens were ap-
pointed for each company. They were as
follows: Thomas Barnet Joseph Irwin,
William H. Clark and James Cole for the
Columbus; R. A. Campbell, John Nor
rison. William M. Davis and John H. Gill
lespie for the Phoenix. These gentlemen
were appointed in February, 1885, The
ordinance also provided for the appointment
of bell-ringer, whose specified duties were
to ring the bell as di rected by Council, to
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16
CURIOUS LAND TRANSACTIONS.
How Some Very Valuable Property In AIle-
gheny Once Chm nEed Hnnds-IuteresrIus
Stories by nm Old Timer.

How Some Very Valuable Property In AIIe-
gheny Once Chm nEed Hnnds-IuteresrIus
Stories by nm Old Timer.
There have been some curious land trans
actions in the history of Allegheny. L. D.
MeCandless says that Mr.. Taggart tells him
that in the memorable year of 1915 his
grandfather, Robert Hare was the only for
tunats farmer in this nelghborhood. He
lived back Of the river bills on Cork's run.
He realized some seventeen barrels OF -four.
1t was fortune. Crossing on the Cork's
run ferry he was on his way to the city.
When opposite the old poorhouse be was
halted and offered fenced-in lot on the op-
poste side OF the lane, some two acres vide
and extending TO the Ohio river, for his
load. But he refused IL and sold the -four
In Pittsburg, and purchased farm that he
had long coveted at or near Horseshoe Bend
on the Perrysvills road. II is now valu-
able oil territory, although the two acres Of
ground that he refused IL now the heart Of
Manchester, aud would bring many thou
sands Of dollars in sale Jehn TagKArt,
aged %, residing now on Irwin avenue, is
an older brother Of Andrew Taggarl, who
married a daughter Of Robert Hare, tho
maa who chose farm Ia prsfsrenos 20 eily
lots
j.. ID. MaCandless tells another good
story OF this character. tte writsaI "Ons
evening while slrolllng along Union ave-
nus In company with Matthias MogonnlEls
va stopped at the corner Of Montgomery
Ryenue, where he polnLsd to where, whsn he
was child, q cluster OF forest trees grew,
IN whose sbeltsrng shade their aIok mulsy
COW once lay painting. lie and bla father
had stood there watching the COW, when
they we're Joined by Mr.. bhlslda, who
offered 10 trade Lhe pasture field nearby tor
the COW. His father refused, the COW cost
Ing him nothing for pasture. Tho pasture
Held, on the other hand, amounted 10 g2B
per year more than II was worth. That
pasture held faced the parks on Union
avenue and Montgomery avenues whole
bloek-and to-day 10 an enormously Valua-
bic tract of property, being solidly built up
with dwellings and business houses.
Matthias heGOnnigls claimed to be the
aeeo nd white child born where Allegheny
now stands. He was. during life, u useful,
honored eitizsni for O long time Clerk TO
Council, and till the Joint ownership Of
Pittsburg aud Allegheny the pOoFhOuss
ceased, each caring for their own poor, hS
was made clerk 10 the Allegheny Poor
Board, which Office he held for many years,
holding it when he died in 1874 or 1875.
General William Robinson was at one
time what is popularity called "Iand-poor."
He having decided to build the hotel first
known as "the Mcclure" then as the 'St
Clair" and Exchange, and now the site OF
the handsome Anderson Hotel, located ON
Sixth street, was compelled to cease for
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16
ALLEGHENY'S PARKS.
How tho Founders Of the City Ar.
ranged for tho
WELFARE or THEIR DESCENDANTS.
Pretty Pleasure Grounds In tho Very Heart
Of the Town.
HANDSOME Walks AND MONUMENTS,
Where Artistic Gardening Has Bssh Carried oul 10
Perfection,

Allegheny ID the City OF Parks. This
fact 10 impressed upon the yisiter a. soon
A. hs eFesses one of the handsome bridges
that span the river at frequent intervals, II
Ia easy enough to get from PittsbuEg to Allie
gbeHy, and the stranger IL likely to be
unaware that there IL any other than the
natural barrier Of the Allegheny river be-
tween them, In the very heart Of the North
side the air is full of the fresh scent of grass
and flowers. and even before the waving
greenery OF the trees meet the eye. their
presence Is made known in that subtle way
that Is unmistakable as IL is indeseribable.
At any street corner you are likely to behold
q vista Of elms, lindens and magnolias, sug-
gestive OF lovers walks In the moonlight or
of restful strolls for men tired and heated
with the struggles of daily business.
There are 100 acres of park land In ALLIE
gheny, and they are In the center OF the
city. When Allegheny City was laid out
one Of the provisions was one that 100 acres
should be reserved for common pasture. In
the course Of years other arrangements were
made, so that the common pasture became a
park, and park II will probably be until
the end Of time. Now the city OF Allegheny
sustains 1t, paying the salary Of o superin-
tendent and several assistants, and expend-
ing money occasionally in securing valu-
able plants for it. But little expense is in
Cured by the city in the latter direction,
however. Mr.. William Hamilton, the su-
perintendsnt, who has held that position for
dozen years or so conseoutively, knows
how to make the most Of the means
at his command, and by transplanting,
grating, bedding out, etc., keeps up the
stock Of plants and trees without calling
upon the municipal treasury Then, too,
individual citizens often contribute plants
worth their weight in gold or trees that will
give shade to many generations yet unborn.
Two famous trees in the parks are one
planted by General Grant and another from
tree planted by George Washington.
Entering the parks from Stockton avenue,
on the west side Of Federal street. you see
broad stretch of velvety grass extending
as far as the eye can reach. Along the
trim, well-kept walks are trees OF all the
varieties that thrive we'll in this locality
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

Penn company, Of Allegheny, who acted as
escort. on the lines coming down Ohio
street, when the alarm was sounded. The
captain of the Penn company wanted the
Allegheny reels to 60 to the fire, but their
friends were waiting their arrival in Pitts
burg, and it was refused. However, some
OF their members went to the fire, one OF
them doing mischief upon which q Penn
member was afterward arrested, but proved
guiltless of any wrong. The captain Of the
Penn, learning that one of the young fell
lows not memb bers of the company were wear
ing Penn hats, took the hats from them.
THE DEPARTMENT DENOUNCED.
Public opinion at once turned against the
fire department for this wanton act. Citi-
zens held an indignation meeting, and re-
fused to make any distinction. The entire
department was denounced as rioters and q
menace to the public safety. The WASH
ington Company was completely broken up
by the affair, J. j. Binning presiding at
meeting of its members, where several red
hot speeches were made and stirring resolu-
tions passed, after which the company dis
banded. A parade of the Pittsburg fire
department occurred on September17, 1850,
but 1t was confined to the city of Pittsburg,
the department claiming that there was no
regularly organized fire department in Al
Councils and the fremen. Time patched up
n peace, however, and the old hand engines
did many valuable services until the paid
fire department was created by City Coun-
ellis In 1868
GREAT FIRES IN ALLEGHENY.
The greatest FIRE that ever swent Allie
ghsny was on the Fourth Of July, 1874. It
destroyed the dwelling houses and stores on
mabv arraa nj lnta tS nat df FaHafal atfaut aud
north of North avenue. The incidents OF
that eonhagration are still fresh In the
minds OF the present generation, but many
years back Ia the history Of the city there
we're some big blases, which the children Of
to-day do not know much about In the
50's the cotton sheds connected with the
Hope Cotton Factory were burned, The
bales OF cotton by the hundred had TO be
hauled down 10 the river and thrown Into
the water IN check the spread Of the flames.
DO many girls worked in the cotton mills oi
early Allegheny, and the material was OF
such An in1nmmable character, that II after
ward became the custom when an alarm
was sounded for hra nj or near . cotton
mill the PlttAburg 6re department an
Awered II, ~ we'll rs the Allegheny boys
A. late as April 20, 1851, there IL entry Of
the Plttaburg machines going over 10 ALE
gheny 70 suppress flames In the picking
room OF tho Penn MILL
LOSS or LIFE, TOO.
On April 7, is4b, the temporary ware.
houses Of the old canal were destroyed by
are. They faced Lseoek street, and were
filled with most valuable freight.
On August Is, le4b, o patent gas appara-
tus used In the East Common Methodist
Church exploded, destroying the church.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

pavilion. The water IL almost NJ clear ~
crystal, and upon Its placid bosom float
swans, Wild geese, ducks and other aquatic
fowl. II ID q great place for tho children,
this lake. They like 10 got down there on
alumberous summer afternoons and watch
the graceful swans putting thelr heads Into
the water 10 the extreme length Of their long
white neeks, or the fuzzy duck llBgs striving
with each other Tor the crumbs that float
upon the surface. Some OF the prettest
scenery In the parks IL In the Vicinity Of the
lake.
Superintendent Hamilton prIdes himself,
and Justly, upon his artistic flower beds
On the bank facing the railroad he every
year spells out tho words "Allegheny
Parks" in gigantic letters Of alternanthera,
their light green showing up boldly against
the background Of dark lawn upon which
they rest. In other parts Of his beauti ul
domain the superintendent makes portraits
OF distinguished Americans, using alternan-
thera and other plants to get the proper
shadings. His models are made by Fred
Mayer, the Allegheny sculptor. but the
actual work on the flowers IS done by Mr..
Hamilton himself The excellence Of the
result can be judged by the fact that
paper devoted TO gardening interests,
published in Eriurt. Germany, pub
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

lished engravings of the portraits of Lincoln
and Washington. done in flowers in the AL
legheny Parks. The editor of the paper, in
the course Of an elaborate article describing
the portraits, says that they are the only
sucoessful pictures Of the kind that have
been made. Many gardeners have tried II
before, but none save Mr.. Hamilton man
aged TO get reproductions Of the features go
that ,hey could be readily recognized BY the
smallest child. Besides these portraits
there are many fns flower beds In different
parts OF the parks, in which some 10000
plants are used up annually, The beds are
laid Oh. 10 ell kinds oil shapes, while the
bisndn OF eelors 10 carefully watched, 50
that the harmony shall bs preserved, how.
ever gorgeous may be the hass introduced.
The Allegheny Parks do not lack mohu.
msnts, either. IN the South PARK, ovsrloek-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

have charge Of engine and hose, to clean the
apparatus, to sweep the rooms and
LIGHT THE CAND LES
in the Council rooms under the direction of
the Town Clerk, for all of which he was to
receive S. per month. Sinecures were scarce
in those DAYS, which perhaps accounts for
Gus Husselbaugh holding this position for
years.
The Phoenix was an eight-inch, double
chamber, hand-lever engine, with q two
wheel hose carriage and 600 eet OF hose. A
portion of the crossbeam and joist had to be
cut away to admit the machine into the
town house. The officers OF the Phenix
Company in 1887 we're James Binning, Cap
tain; james McVicker, Lieutenant; Henry
Irwin, John E. Park, H. E. Davis and
William NJ. Davis. Engineers. On July Q.
1840, the German citizens, at their own re-
quest were given charge of the engine.
The Phenix was rebuilt in 1923, and after
ward known as the "william Penn"
The civilian Penn" was frst built on
springs, and when in service
DANCED MERRY 40,
the efforts Of the engineers, Dave Caldwell
and Bill Phillips, TO retain their positions
on the gallery, affofdihg considerable
amusement for the spectators. The springs
were removed and then the engine proved
success. Tom AldfidRs wHs The Arst captain
Of the Penn. Joe Packer, the wesvsr's son.
was the frst Lieutenant The members
seeking O favorable location for their engine
house applied 70 General Robinson for
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16
MEMORABLE YEARS.
The Weather of 1850 and 1915 We'll Re.
mrmbercd In Allegheny.

The Weather of 1850 and 1915 Well Re.
membercd In Allegheny.
On Friday afternoon, September q, 1880,
a most terrific hail storm visited Allegheny.
Lumps of ice larger than hens eggs came
down in a torrent, breaking windows and
endangering life. Some OF the Jumps weighed
IL ounces. One of them measured eight
inches in diameter. Scarcely window on
either side of Federal street escaped. Pitts
burg suffered more than Allegheny, the hail
stones, some people allege, breaking through
iron roofs of No. 26 iron, and were picked
up on the floor below. On the wharf, drivers
deserted their horses. In some instances
horses trRd to enter the doors of warehouses
on Watefstreet to get in out of the storm.
One thousand eight hundred and fifteen
was an off year. There was frost, snow or
ice in every month of that year, destroying
the crops. Not enough grain was raised in
that year in Western Pennsylvania to seed
with. Farmers had to send to Massachusetts,
to get seed, and owing to the distance and
the primitive modes of transportation, it
was costly.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

want of brick. He finally effected an ar
rangement with John Mcdonald, by which
that gentleman was to furnish the brick In
consideration of tract of land which he
(Robinson) was to transfer to Matthew Nc
Donald, brother Of John. This tract OF land
extended from Federal street to Sanduskey
street, and from the commons (Church ave.
nue) across the canal 10 Lacoek street. On
II later was erected q canal warehouse, aud
eventually the land became 90 valuable 40
TO make the new owners rich. To-day Il 10
also among the hiTb-priosd property on The
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

The oonssrvatofiss In The Allegheny
parks cover space OF 140KtB0
feet, they comprise nine separate houses,
In which nearly every ordinary variety
OF plant that ean be grown under glass IL 10
be feund besides many that are eTtraordi.
nary. In the middle 10 the palm house. 100
long and 20 feet Ia height Kept at q
tropical temperature md full OF mighty
trees such ~ are seldom seen In this county,
eysn 10 lighthouses, u 10 Q very interesting
some OF ths eurlosillss Even tbs 40 fact ID
not enough for them, and they are eontlnu-
ally thrsAtsning 10 force thsir way through
the glass roof. Around them are fine spee.
msns OF palms, pandanus, eyeads, orchids,
etc., while in stone basin at thsir roots
gold and silver fsh play among queer
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

eral providing another lot, corner of
Darragh and Robinson streets, on the same
terms as the other, he to bear the expense of
moving the house to the new location. Gen.
eral Robinson finished the hall when Henry
Clay passed through Pittsburg. Clay was
the guest of General Robinson, and at the
Generals request dedicated the hall. Rob-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

lag the stone fountain, IL q large granite
memorial 10 the members Of the Hampton
Battery who gave up their lives on the altar
Of their country during the War Of the Hs-
bslllon. The design II noble and ehasts.
Upon o majestic pedestal stands the figure OF
aa artllleFJmaa OF heroic proportions Wills
on the granite tablet ID aH inscription detail.
Ing lha engagements In which the Battsry
participated, and smbodYing tribute 10 The
brave dead. IL was sfseled BY the survivors
gather In lie vlelniLy for appropriate sIsrs
elasa on Memorial Day,
This Humboldt monument 10 another n0las
bic saturs Of tbs Allegheny Parks, n was
erected by The German elilasns OF Allegheny
some years ago, II ID 0f br0hss and consists
Of a bust portrait Of the great naturalist, u
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

privilege 10 occupy q vacant lot corner of
1aeeek aud Balkan streets, In the First
ward. General Robinson agreed 10 let ths
eenipany occupy this lot a. leng az thew
cheese Samples long room, built In 1e99.
the only place TO held public meetings ub,
der shelter, was altered 10 suit lor
dwelling house, General Robinson then
wanted The engine house lot on which ia
build public hall, aud wanted 10 sum
maFlly elect the engine company. The boys
would not have II that way,
TROUBLE ABOUT A HiTH,
The matteT was finally settled BY the Gan.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

water plants whose names are known only
to learned botanists. In the other houses
are thousands OF decorative and bedding
plants, the chrysanthemum show in the
autumn being one of the finest in Pennsyl-
vania. A proof of this is afforded in the
fact that Superintendent Hamilton has
taken several prizes with specimens OF this
plant at different flower shows throughout
the country.
Parks would not be perfect without orna-
mental water, SO there is lake Of two acres,
overshadowed by willows and sycamores,
not far from the conservatories and music
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

Messrs. Egeston, Russell and Heron were
SO badly burned that they died the same
night. Mrs. Brown, after lingering sew
eral days, also died. Several other people
were badly burned.
The old Mechanics street bridge was
burned on January 26, 1851. In 1880 10
houses were burned in the Allegheny Dia-
mond, originating in incendiarism in two
stables connected with the Cross Keys Tav-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

the property Of one OF its members was On.
dangered. They resisted interference from
the ffenen oil the other idle companies, and
continued bravely at work until attacked
by the striking AremeB, A riot followed,
In which more than one man was bruised.
THE HOSE CUT,
The hose Of the Washington engine was
cut and Rn attempt was made 10 wreck the
apparatus, With such rewdyisIn the Wash.
inEten men we're soon driven out OF serviee,
The Allegheny fire company that day was
returning home from y visit TO PHILADELPHIA.
IL was met ut Herf's Island by the William
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16
BRIDGES OF MARBLE

And Ties of Mahogany to be Seen or the
Mexican Gulf Road.
"But while In Mexico on my last trip,
saws drummer In the st. Louis Globe.
Democrat, II had my breath taken away
when saw what guess IL the most mag
n ificsntly constructed railroad In the world.
refer 10 the Mexican Gulf road, where ties
are made out Of the finest mahogany and the
bridges built Of marble. The waste seems
criminal, but the builders are .aetuatsd by
motives Of economy, as they and the fnahog.
any and marble along the tfiaek.sids. The
road hasn't really cost much % 70 construct
Leuis or Nav York standard OF prices Che
totsi would mount ~ In The Millions"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16
Ice nud Bren d.

New orleans Picsyune.1
An uncommon City Council will attempt
to regulate the size OF loaf Of bread made
for 8 cents By the poor bakers, but 10 will
not interfere with an ice company In the
6-oent piece Of Ice.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16
woes sf The FHumsrated,

Harper's BsEsr.1
II got fired for telling the census taksr
the truth"
"How so7"
"Hs asked me wha. my business was, and
told him II was none Of his"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

Little Danger FFsm this ssurss.
klnifa dAsetts.j
A little knowledge may be . dangerous
thing But the danger IL 90 universally
avoided that I've victims are few and Ter bs-
tween.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

brick was erected. Three years later q
school was added by occupying the dressing
room of the upper grade of scholars. In
1873 this territory became the Eleventh
ward of the city, and in 1874 the present
large and capacous building was erected on
Shady lane. The school at present en-
ploys nine teachers.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

The matter was finally settled by The Gen.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-16

Through the efforts Of James Shipman the
first school (select) was established in the
Ninth ward in 1886. At and prior to this
time the Ninth ward was part OF Ross town
ship. In 1868 this territory became part Of
Mcclure township, and The select school be-
came public school. In 1869 the Board
Of Directors purchased st cost Of $500 q
halt acre lot on William and Hanover
streets, on which they erected twe-story
frame building for q, 600 and In 1861
another room was added, In 1867 q brick
building was erected on the same LOT con-
tanning three rooms at q cost Of $4,000. In
1B70 part Of Mcclure township was ans
hexed 10 Allegheny % the Ninth ward,
The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1890-01-09
Inherited Blood Poison.

How many people there are whose
distress from sores, aches, pains and
eruptive tendencies are due to inherited
blood poison. Bad blood passes from
parent to child, and it therefore is the
duty of husband and wife to keep their
blood pure. This is easily accomplished
bva timely use of 3. b, b. Botanic
Blood Ralml. Send 70 Blood Balm Co.,
Atlanta, for book Of most convincing
proof.
James Hill Atlanta, Ga, writes:
INV two sons were afflicted with blood
poison, which doctors said waS heredi-
iarv. They both broke out i'll sores
and eruptions which b. b. B., prompt
IL controlled and finally cured conf
pletely.'
Mrs. $. VI. Williams, Sandy, Texas,
writes: MY three poor afflicted child
rem, who inherited blood poison, nave
improved rapidly after 4 Use OF Is. IS. b'
II is 4 Godsend.'
J.R. Wilson, Glen Alpine station,
y. G.. Feb. Is. 1885, writes: "Bone and
blood poison forced me to have my leg
anputated, and on the stump there
came q large ulcer, which grew worse
every day Until doctors gave me
up to die only weighed l2o pounds
when | began to take B. B. s., ana T.
bottles increased my weight to $50
pounds and made me sound and well.
/ never knew what good health was
before