The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-06-04
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD.
Continued from Page 10.

ing, now resides at Abercorn and Con-
gIess streets. This house was built in
li2, and so antedates the exchange by
seven years. Like the old exchange. il is
still in good condition. At least three May
ors nave occupied II as a residence, as
James Proctor Screyeu the father of the
present occupant, was also Mayor before
the war and lived in this house. Very
rev persons in the city probably are
aware that Col Screven's residence is
over 100 years of age, and similar Ignor-
ance existed as to the age of the city ex-
cnange until recent publication in the
Morning News, made at the instance or
Hon. 5. G. McLendon, of Thomasville
Inc latter suggested a Masonic aud civic
celebration in honor of the one huudredth
anniversary of the laying of the corner
stone of the exchange, but the suggestion
met with no response from the Mayor and
aldermen or the public generally.
Many distinguished and worthy men
nave occupied the Mayor chair since the
old exchange was first built. An even doz-
en- portraits hang upon the wals of the
Mayors Office, the majority being of re-
cent incumbents Among them are Hon.
Herman Myers, the present Incumbent,
Hon j. j. McDouough, Hon. john
Schwarz, now a member of Council, Hon.
Rufus T.. Lester. now a member of Con-
gress, Capt John f.. Wheaton recently
deceased Col Edward c. Anderson who
was elected Mayor of Savannah more
times Than any other man, who has ever
4ad he honor bestowed, upon him, Col.
John ScreVen, now president of the Geor-
ga Historical Society, Or. r. ID. Arnold,
VINO was Tor number of years one of Sa-
yannahs leading citizens, and Hon JOnn
70; Ward. nov. residing in New York, and
VINO is the oldest living representative of
SaVannah's eX-Mayors. Col. p. w Mel
drlm, who recently retired from the Of
lice, has not vet added his picture to the
mayorlaf art gallery. With Ward, Screw
en-, Lester, SchwaTz, McDOnough, Meldrim
ana Myers, Savannah probably has as
large list of living Mayors as any city
in the country.
Among those who served IN ante-bellum
days Were DR.. Burroughs, Thomas Purse,
John r. Ward, James p. ScreVen, Cot.
Edward G. Anderson, who was elected ten
times, serving both before and after the
war, DR.. Richard Wayne, Sayannahs only
Mayor who died in office. Col. Charles c.
Zones, Georgia's noted historian and
Thomas Holcombe, who was
elected in 1861. Further back
there were James M. Wayne, who
was Mayor in 1878 and William c. Daniel,
who was Mayor on the occasion of La
fayette's visit in March, 1926.
The most important event of recent
years which has taken place in the long
room of the city exchange was the recep-
ton there to jefferson Davis in May
1856 the occasion which brought him to
Savannah being the centennial celebration
of the Chatham Artillery. On that coca
sion Mr.. Davis was the guest
of the city ana OF the people of Savan-
nah, and every attention which might
tend to show that the Confederacy's only
president stiH held first place In the hearts
OF the people VINO We're gathered here
from the entire South was showered upon
him. No more complete and perfect trib-
ute was ever paid to the leader of the
lost cause than the people of Savannah
and the South paid TO Mr.. Davis on that
occasion.
The exchange does not show its age
from external APPEARANCE. and the cas-
ual visitor would not judge it to be
more than fifty years. A trip 20 the bell
fry, however win show that the old tim
bers under the roof are dry and crumbling
with age, and architects have in recent
years expressed their doubts as to the en-
tire safety of the building. 1t is not likely
that another century will pass before Sa-
vannah lays the corner stone for another
city hall. In fact. the question of q new
and handsome city hall, thoroughly IN
keeping with the city's progress and de-
velopment. is already mooted and in all
probability the close of another decade
will see the city government occupying
newer and handsomer quarters
A splendid view of the city and surround
ing country can be obtained from the bell
fry of the exchange. The entire surround
ing country for miles can be seen with the
glance of an eye with the river stretching
and winding away in both directions.
The old bell in the belfry bears upon lis
upper rim the quaint Inscription
~MEFECIT G. sREsT AMsTELo-
&C. Seest made me in Amsterdam" The
Old city of Amsterdam Is built on the
river Amstel, and it's name signifies the
dam or dyke on the Astel. Beneath this
inscription Is another la larger letters,
The old clock which for so many wears
occupied its place in the steeple, bore The
inscription, Built by John Thwaites
Cierkenwell London, 1903" The orders
for the clock and bell were evidently given
would serve to show It's antiquity, il there
were no other evidence