The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-05-24
SCOTTISH CHIEFS.
The Silver Anniversary of the
CaledOnian Club.

On the approach of the twenty-ifth an
nuai gathering and games OF the Caledonian
Club Of this city, which takes place at Shell
Mound Park on the 30th inst. and in con-
tempiating the long and continued success
of this Scottish organization, which is the
pioneer and the leading club Of its kind on
the Pacific Coast, and perhaps, for that
matter, it may be called the leading one in
the world, we are reminded that its growth
and advancement are identical with the
growth and progress of this great city and
State. 1t will surely be interesting to these
sturdy old Scots who have watched and as
sisted in the transformation of the Yerba
Buena sand-Ell Is and swampS into the mag
nificrnt city of San Francisco OF the present
day. as well as the iT descendants, TO refer
back 20 the days when the CaiedOnlan Club
consisted of mere handful of representa-
tiveS of old Scotia, who gathered at HAYES
Pavilion in the neighbOrhOOd where now
stands St. IguatiuS College, to inaugurate
the perpetuatiOu Of the games and manly
sports of ancient Caledonia, which have
helped in great measure to give its sons
those sterling characteristics for which they
are known throughout the world.
The first gathering and games Of the Gale
dOuan Club took place at the old white
House." Oh the Mission road, now Mission
street, after which games were held an
nually in SauSalto, the old Recreation
Grounds, WOOdWaTd'S Gardens, Badgers
Park, City Gardens, and for a number of
years past at Shell Mound Park, Berkeley.
The permanent organization Of the club was
effected November "A, 1865 The late Don
aid NcI4ennan, who VIII be remembered as
one Of our leading and most prominent ciu-
ZenS, at that time served rs Chief for the
first four years. He was followed by The
late David Mitchell, who was recognized as
a very able and enthusiastic officer. Then
followed Hon. Stewart MenZIeS for one
year; Hon. d. a. Macdonald then pre-
sided over the destnies Of the club for FIVE
years, and his administration gave it new
and extraordinary era Of prosperity.
The successor Of this worthy Chief was
Bon. Colin NJ. Boyd, whose term of three
years was characterized by the same sue
cess and ability evuced IN his official
career in this community. The next to fill
the position of Chief for three years was
Hon. John +. Kennedy, under whose able
administration the club was exceedingly
prosperous, aud took the first steps in secur-
ing its now valuable home, properly deSig-
mated as Scottish Hall, on Larkin street, OPP
pOsite the new City Hall. Then, again,
came that Chief OF chiefs, ID. A. Macdonald,
for two years, followed by a typical Scot
fish chief in Angus Mcleod, whose term of
three years was signaliZed by superior ex-
ecutYe ability and uub0unded devotion to
ana successful efforts for the best interests
of the club.
The next was the present Chief, 8 veteran
OF the Mexican War, Hon. W. c. Burnett,
elected in 1889, and reelected 10 1890. The
same warm Scotch blood flows as actively in
his veins when he steps in the arena on the
day of games as when he fought with
General Scott. He is acknowledged as a
successful and popular Chief. In addition
to those who have filled the position Of
Chief, there are many members OF the club,
too numerous 10 designate, who, as officers
and otherwise, are entitled to much credit
for the wonderful success which have been
achieved. II is notable fact that those Of
Scotch descent, although not to the manner
born, take equally as much, If not more, in
terest III the perpetuatlCn OF the ancient
games, customs and literature of Scotland
as those who were born on the native
heath.
1t may be proper to mention here that
although essentially an athletic and social
organization it has always been open TO the
calls OF charity, as eXempllhed by Its liberal
contributions TO sufferers by fire at Seattle,
the floods at JOhnStOwn, the epidemic or
yellow fever at Memphis, the fires at St.
John, New Brunswick and at Chicago, and
in rendering assistance In individual cases
Of want and distress in our own community.
In the last five years the club has in this
manner distributed over $4,000, and not
outstanding its liberality iJ is now worth
over $4,000, with the additional satiSfac-
ton, which Is paramount TO every other
consideration to the Scot, that it owes
no man." The literary entertainments of
the club are of high order, embracing read
ing, recitations and music, and often includ-
ing very able efforts in depicting ancient
Scottish history. The annual gathering and
games of the club, popularity called the
Caledonan pcnics," are remarkable for
the immense crowds that attend, the inter-
esting character of the events, the cha ae-
teristc hospitality, and the exceptional
good order and satisfaction given to con-
testants and spectators alike.
The present officers of the club are: W.
c. Burnett, Chief; d. K. Mcneil, First
Chieftain; r. 5. FaIconer, Second Chief
tain; Thomas Wilson, Third Cheftan;
Neil Beaton, Fourth Chieftajn; Trustees
James Aiken, A. NJ. Mcdonald, Daniel d.
Logan, Duncan 9. Chisholm, NJ. p. Fol bes
George Adam, Physician.