Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-18
DONE IN PHILADELPHIA

| Philadelphians were aware that this city TOOK
prominent part in archery, 90 years ago, and
that much Of the paetlme as has gained
foothold in this country is directly traceable
to the efforts made here at that time.
I believe 1t would be safe to say that not
dozen Philadelphians ever have heard of the
United Bowmen of Philadelphia; or. IL they
have, have promptly forgotten It,
confess that the story Of the United Bow
men would never have been known to me
| had 1t not been my fortune to stray upon
! little volume entitled "Archer's Manual" which
was published in $780, during one OF my visits
! to an old book store 1t is an interesting
| little brochure and valued It also because of
| its frontisplce showing the Bowmen on the
| butts, In the quaint costume which had been
! designed for them by Titan Peale, an artist
| who the founder of the organization, the
plate had been drawn by Thomas sully, the
portrait painter, who also became one of the
founders
Whenever you want TO know something Of
the history Of the city, as every good Pha-
dephian should, you hasten to consult the
pages of Scharff 6 westcotts History, and
Watson's Annals. Being Philadelphian and
having this habit fully developed L did the
same when l desired to look UP the United
Bowmen. But I did not find anything in
either Of these works
Yet I was curious and continued my search
and was rewarded by uncovering a little his
tory OF this ancient society Of archers.
This pamphlet was pcnned by the survivor
OF the little band of bowmen, r. b. Davidson,
who died in 1885, at the age of so years, and
who realizing that he held the key to the
mystory, told the story of the rise of the
association
1t was rather ambitious name with which
10 start an organization of half dozen en-
thusasts 1t also seemed equally ambitious
for them to adopt costume for the purpose
but they did
And 1t all came to pass just because Titan
Peale felt a Tightening Of the chest after his
return from the Rocky Mountains on Longs
expedition, and felt the need of exercise before
breakfast
Titan Peale was the fourth son of the first
great American portrait painter, Charles Will
son Pcale, and although himself a draughts-
man and naturalist, he was not generally
regarded as painter, yet of course, he could
paint.
Peale accompanied Longs expedition in the
early part Of the last century to explore the
Rocky Mountains in our then recently taken
over Louisiana territory. He died in 1885 at
the ese of IS years, but some years before his
death he gave the history of the formation of
the Bowmen to Mr.. Davidson.
] need not quote him further than TO give
his explanation OF the genesis of the archers
here, and the introduction of archery into this
country.
I'm 1926" he wrote after returning from
Longs expedition TO the Rocky Mountains and
feeling the want of outdoor exercise and dis
liking billiards. tenpins, ETC., a few friends
Joined in choosing archery before breakfast
and walk in the country"
The friends who became the FIRST members
and founders OF the United Bowmen were
Franklin Peale. Titan r. Peale, Dr. Robert
H. Griffith, Samuel p. Grlffith, Jr Jacob G.
Norris and Thomas Sully. 1t appears that
Suily, who at that time was almost at his
height as painter. did not take very ac-
tive part. He did take the walks in the coun-
try for the country was much nearer the
center of the city than it is today
This will be better understood when I tell
you that the Bowmen held their first tourna
ments, il they may he so-called. at Bush Hill.
where they set up their butts. Bush Hill was
close to the city hospital, and the arcbers
may be said to have congresated for their
sport in the neighborhood of Goth street and
Falrmount avenue. There is not much to
suggest open country in that neighborhood
now. But this was in 1928, when Peale had
his Bowmen organized.
should mention that they did not hold
tournaments under that name but had their |
'held days. The costume. as can be seen |
by Sully's picture of the field day uniform,
was rather prepossesslng but looked a great !
deal like boys suit of the period that had |
reached full growth.
This uniform consisted OF a light sportipc,
cap of black bombazne, an iron gray Jacket |
bound with black braid, and white na,ts
Icons Thus were the United Bowmen attirsd
on helu days and prize days, as they called |
the days when the archers shot for prizes
You can imagine thar this was a rather
exclusive circle. Only friends OF the foundars
were likely to apply for admission and while
Inc number was gradually increased at no
time did 1t contain more than rs members
In 1896 they changed their uniform apain
This time they abandoned all surpeation 80
hoyhood in the design The new costur,o
consisted OF sngle-breasted frock coat WITH
standing collar OF drapd'ete Lincoln gra.n
III eoior' evidently in honor of the great archer
Robin Hood, and this coat was trimmed nil,
gold lace, so you they must have rada
very pretty picture when they were all out
on a held day at Bush HILL
An arrow worked in gold adorned The oou.,
OF the coat and straw hat coverad ,,,I
green cloth turned up saucIy at one s,a.
win Ihfee ostrich feathers couchant' formed
htl4nS capital to noble figure The 80
meinder OF the costume included white n,nt.
looms guard and belt OF black leather go
geld buckle anu
me RAPID extension Of the city csusa5 ,,.
club TO change its grounds every few 80.
Ihey at one time rented a farm AT Eonnt.t,
Sreeh' at another they had grounds at Me-