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

| Philadelphans were aware that this city took
prominent part in archery, 90 years ago. ana
that so much Of the pastlme as has gained
foothold in this country is directly traceaole
! to the efforts made here at that time
| believe It would be safe TO say that not a
dozen Philadelphians ever have heard OF the
United Bowmen OF Philadelphia; or, II they
have, have promptly forgotten It.
confess that the story of the United Bow
men would never have been known to me
had IL not been my fortune to stray upon a
little volume entitled "Archers Manual" which
was published in 1890, during one Of my visits
to old book store. 1t is an interesting
little brochure and I valued it also because Of
its frontispice showing the Bowmen on the
butts. in the quaint costume which had been
designed for them by Titan Peale, an artist
who was 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 Phila-
delphan should you hasten to consult the
pages of Scharff & Westcotts History and
watson's Annals Being a Philadelphian and
having this habit fully developed 1 did the
same when ! desired to look up the United
either OF these works.
Yet was curious and continued my search
and was rewarded by uncovering 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
mystery, told the story of the rise Of the
association.
1t was a rather ambitious name with which
to start an organization Of half dozen en-
thusiasts. 1t also seemed equally ambitious
for them to adopt a costume for the purpose,
but they did.
And it ell 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 Peale, and although himself 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 then recently taken
over Louisiana territory He died in 1885 at
the age Of IS years, but some years before his
death he gave the history OF the formation of
the Bowmen to Mr.. Davidson
L 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
In 1885," 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
oined 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
e. Grifhth Samuel P. Grinth, Jr, Jacob G.
Norris and Thomas Sully. 1t appears that
'uil'' VINO at that time was almost at his |
height as n painter. did not take a very ac |
Ave part He did take the walks in the coun- |
ry. for the country was much nearer the |
,enter Of the city than It Is today.
This will be better understood when T tell
'ou that the Bowmen held their first tourna-
nents, II they may be so-caIled at Bush Hill
where they set up their butts. Bush Hill was
lose to the city hospital. and the arcbers
nay be said to have congreRatcd for ,h.,u
port in the neighborhood of Goth street and
'airmount avenue. There is not much IN
uggest open country in that neighborhood
low, But this was in 1928, when Peale had
lis Bowmen organized.
| should mention that they did uot bor,
tournaments under that name but had their
Held days" Tho costume as can h. x..n
" Sully's picture of the field day uniform,
vas rather prepossesslng, but looked a. great
eal like a boys suit OF the period that bad
cached full growth.
This uniform consisted OF light snortin,
ap OF black bombazine, an iron gray iaclet
ouno with black braid. and white pants
oohs ihus were the United Bowmen attired
II heid Gays and prize days, as they csIled
ne days when the archers shot for prizes
you can Imagine tina. this was a rather
Selusive circle. Only friends of the foundor,
'eFe hkeiy to apply for admission, and whiIa
ne number was gradually increased. at M
line did 1t contain more than 25 members
In 1856 they changed their uniform aeai,
his time they abandoned all suggestion or
oyhood in the design. The new costume
onsiSted OF single-breasted froclS coat ,,,,,,
landing collar OF drapd'ete Lincoln preon
Color evidently in honor of the great archer
'ooin HOOD and this coat was trimmed with
OLD lace so you see they must have made
cry pretty picture when they were all ont
n field day at Bush Hill
An arrow worked in gold adorned the couo,.
the coat and straw hat covered viii,
reen cloth, turned up saucily at one sid.
with three ostrich feathers couchant" FORMED
fitting capital to a noble figure. Tba re
'ainder OF the costume included white pspto-
ons' guard and belt of black leather and
cid buckle 'N
The rapid extension Of the city caused fl.
'b TO change its grounds every few vesrs
hey at one time rented farm at Fountai,
leen at another they had grounds at N,o.
Fn' and nnally at Csmac's woods DR. WIN
IN Camae was the last member admitted