Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-02-19

callty for which they labor. | need
only mention as an instance of this
kind that the beginning of the great
est period of prosperity and develop
ment ever enjoyed by our own city
was coincidept with the advent of our
Citizens Improvement association,
and it is much to be regretted that
its power for good could not have
been continued.
club, while easier to maintain
because of the greater variety of life
and interest within its scope, does not
always live and prosper without con-
siderable effort by its membership,
and is not likely to long survive unless
its members, as a whole, give it their
hearty support both morally and fl
nanciallY, by attending its meetings,
by patronizing it's entertainments, by
availing themselves of its privileges
and attractions; and by many other
means too numerous to mention here.
These few general observations lead
up naturally to the subject in which,
at this time, 1 particularly wish to in
terest you-that is, the Rock Island
Club. Our club was brought into eX-
istence some four years ago through
the efforts of n few enterprising and
earnest citizens, and given at that
timely a large number of persons,
most of whom did not associate them
selves with it's promoters, and as
yet have not become members-a year
in which to complete its life and
usefulness. In the beginning, its
membership consisted of less than
seventy-fve persons, and but little
hope then existed that it could be i'm
creased to more than one hundred.
In fact. it was thought if such n num-
Der could be secured, permanent sue
cess would be assured; but the club
now has nearly two hundred and fifty
paying members. For the first two
years it occupied building which for
a long time had been allowed to go to
waste and decay, and had become
very unattractive both inside and out.
Now. however, through the zeal, gem
crosby and good management of its
earnest supporters, the building re-
ferred to has been purchased, repair
ed, improved and beautified to meet
the requirements of the club, at IA
cost of Approximately $2O,O0O-all of
which is paid, and thus a permanent
home of ideal character and location
has been acquired. The club has be-
sides about $500 invested in FURNISH
ings and outfit,
In a social way the Rock Island
Club has been the source of much
private pleasure and satisfaction to
its members, many of whom can testi-
fy to the good times had within its
doors. In its broader scope as an or
Fganization, it fills long existing void
i'm the social conditions of this COM
munity, by establishing more init
mate acquaintance and congenial re-
lations among our citizens in their
personal and business affairs. 1t has
literally entertained many conven-
tions of various kinds that have been
held in our city, and opened its doors
to the public on such occasions. Its
hospitality has been extended to and
accepted by many noted persons. ON
which occasions opportunity has been
afforded the public, through the club
reception, 70 meet and greet these dis
tinguished people. If one desires to
privately entertain a small party of
friends, better place cannot be
found in the three cities, or can more
or better viands be served for the
prices charged. Billiards, pool, bowl
ing, ping-pong, chess, checkers and
cards always afford opportunity for
entertaining, and the best facilities
are offered for enjoying these games,
while abundance of good reading mat
ter, including the daily papers, stan
dard magazines and weeklies, is at
hand in the library.
As business association. the Rock
Island Club has at all times been a
persistent and perseyering factor in
promoting the best interests of this
city and community. 1t has very fire.
quently taken the initiative and ex-