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

wv of an archery tournament at the Merton
Cricket Club. at Haverford, we looked upon
it revival of sport which we had CON
nccted with Robin Hoods days. Probably few
phiadephans were aware that this city took
prominent part in archery, 30 years ago, and
that so much of the pastme as has gained
a foothod in this country is directly traceable
to the efforts made here at that time.
1 believe 1t would be safe to say that not
dozen Philadeprans ever have heard of the
United Bownen of Philadelphia; or, If they
have. have promptly forgotten it.
confess that the story of the United Bow
men would never have been known to me
had it not been my fortune to stray upon
little volume entitled "Archer's Manual" which
was published in 1880, during one of my visits
to old book store. 1t is an interesting
little brochure and valued it also because of
its frontispcc showing the Bowmen 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 Suy the
portrait painter, who also became one of the
founders.
Whenever you want to know something of
the history of the city. every good Phia-
dclphian should, you hasten to consult the
pages of Scharff &c Westcotts History, and
having this habit fully developed 1 did the
same when 1 desired to look up the United
Bowmen. But I did not find anything in
either OF these works.
Yet curious and continued my search
and rewarded by uncovcring 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 1855, 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.
il was 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 all came to pass just because Titan
Pcale felt tightening of the chest after his
return from the Rocky Mountains on Longs
expedition, and felt the need of exercise before
breakfast.
Titan Pcale was the fourth son of the first
great American portrait painter, Charles Will
rcale, and although himself a draughts-
and naturalist he not generally
regarded as a painter, yet, of course, he could
paint.
Pcale accompanied Longs expedition in the
carly part OF the last century to explore the
Rocky Mountains in our then recently taken
Louisiana territory. He died in 1885 at
the age Of S5 years, but some years before his
death he gave the history of the formation of
the Bowmen to Mr.. Davidson.
I 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 1885," he wrote after returning from
20 tbn
feeling the want of outdoor exercise and dis
liking billiards. tenpins, etc. a few friends
joined in choosing archery before breakfast
and a walk in the country
The friends who became the first members
and founders OF the United Bowmen were
Franklin Pcalc, Titan r. Pealc DR.. Robert
II. Griffith, Samuel 7. Griffith Jr. Jacob G.
Morris and Thomas Suy. 1t appears that
Sully. who at that time was almost at his
height painter did not take a very ac-
tive part. He did take the walks in the coun-
try, for tho country much nearer the
Ceuter Of the city than it is today
This will be better understood when I toll
you that the Bowmen held their first tourna-
m"nts, If they may be so-callcd at Bush Hill
where they set up their butts. Bush Hill was
close to the city hospital. and tho archers
may be said to have congrcgated for their
sport in the neighborhood of Goth street and
Paramount avenue. There is not much to
suggest open country in that neiGhborhood
now. But this was in 1S2S, when Peale had
his Bowmen organized.
should mention that they did not hold
tournaments under that name, but had their
field days" Tho costume, as can be seen
by Sully's picture of the field day uniform
was rather prepossessng. but looked a rreot
deal Ike boys suit of the period that had
reached full growth.
This uniform consisted of a light sporting
cap Of black bombazine. an iron gray iacket
bound with black braid. and white Darta.
Icons Thus were the United Bowmen attired
on ield days and prize days, as they called
the days when the archers shot for prizes
You can Imagine that this was a rather
exclusive circle. Only friends of the founders
We're likely TO apply for admission. and while
the number was gradually increased at No
time did II contain more than % members
III 1850 l"oy changed their uniform again
rms time they abandoned all suggestion of
boyhood IN tn" design. The new costume
consisted OF single-breasted frock coat with
standing collar of drapdote. Lincoln green
IN color, evidently in honor Of the great archer
Robin Hood, and this coat was trimmed With
gold lace, 50 you sec they must have made ,
very pretty picture when they were all out
on field day at Bush Hill
An arrow worked in gold adorned tho collar
OF IN" COAT and a straw hat covered viii
green cloth, turned up saucily at ono sIdo
with three ostrich feathers couchant" formed
hitting capital to noble figure Tho re-
maIuder Of the costume included whit -