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iyr yuwituuoiis maae unaer tin* neaa.jAw £xe«JI«iil Canutiu. To the Editor of the Hkrau:Dkab Sir:—-Your readers are familiar ’w ith what is known as “The Historical Pilgrimage’' inaugurated this past summer _ under “University Extension’' auspices. The newspaper press reports gave full accounts of its start and progress With Boston as a radiant point, it traversed many towns prominent in our Colonial and Revolutionary H istory, in New England, from thence along the Hudson river and down into New Jersey. At every point of ?i-.terest the “Pilgrims” wereaddressed by prominent residents upon incidents and facts concerning the place visited.Mon of world-wide fame were delighted to lend their support, by voice and presence, io this movement, calculated to arouse ami preserve interest in the history of our own native country.Tins first pilgrimage is a forerunner of others 011 u larger and more extended scale.it was a success, in the broadest sense ■of the term. A success in its inception, in its progress, and greater Hum all inthe impetus given to the study of the wealth of historical and romantic, material existing in every part of our land.To the residents of the Oil Country there is a valuable suggestion in this movement, and in the revival of historical lore as shown by the various societies, such as Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Revolution, Colonial Dames and kindred organizations, and by the research into the archives of the past.The discovory of oil and the subsequent development of the business, constitute an exciting and wonderful epoch in the material and commercial history of 011 r land and of the world.Our own town was the very cradle of this great industry and about us are great points of interest. Much of the early incident connected with tho oil business has been forgotten or lies buried in the hearts and minds of men who have gone to their last great sleep—men whose lives and struggles are a part of the history of their time. Such men as Colonel Drake, Dr. Brewer, Jonathan Watson, your own father. Mr. Editor, the founder of this paper, JB. D. Benson, Colonel and Dr. Roberts and many others whom time and space forbids me mentioning here.To come to the point of this suggestion, why not adopt the “Historical Pilgrimage’ ’ idea right here in Titusville?With.the approval of the school board and acceptance of Professor Crawford,our High School would form the nucleus of the pilgrims. Let an hour each week be devoted to the matter, and that hour during the Friday Rhetorial exercises. These to he open to visitors, and every one interested could easily arrange to be present.There are many among us who undoubtedly would be willing to give this 11 ou 1* their titnr and reminiscecee. Some in the form of an address, and the others would send written recollections to lie read by one of the pupils. Typewritten copies of the addresses should be preserved, along with the written communications. This collection to be kept in tlie High School library and thus form a beginning, not to be despised of a historical library of the oil regions.Suppose, for illustration, some such programme as the following be arranged, and those mentioned, with many others, be prevailed upon to contribute their recollections: Messrs. William Bams-dall, Joseph T. Chase and William M. Henderson, tell of the . country before Drake’s discovery; W. H. Abbott and It. D. Fletcher, as to early business methods; M. N. Allen aiid J.H. Cogswell, as to newspaper experiences. Then Pith ole could be revived by Roger Sherman, Esq.,. or E. G. Patterson; Church Run and vicinity by E. 0. Emerson and J. A. Cadwalliuler; “on the creek” were active W. B. Benedict, Milton Stewart, C. N. Payne,. F. S. Tarbell, John Fertig, S. P. Boyer and a host of others ready to contribute. John L. McKinney, Frank Tack, Joseph Seep could tell many a tale of the early Butler countv times. Alex Brown and S. W.: ’Stewart of rieasantville would be willing, perhaps, to relate of their experiences, and many an old resident and present lover of “dear old Titusville,” would send back stories of the time now but a memory.lt; Rev.Dr.Pnrdonand many of on r physicians have stored in mind memories which today must seem to themselves unreal. Many ladies, too, could tell of social and domestic experiences once as earnest and interesting, as today they would seem improbable.After a winter of such preparation all W)ukl be eager for short excursions during the spring and summer, to points of interest in our vicinity.The Drake well site’ the great dam of pond fresh times, Mowbray’s refinery, Pleasantvi lie, Pi thole, Pioneer, Columbia, the starting point of Cdrhegie's great wealth, are but. a few of these points.-Many and many a place, now a peaceful-pasture, once the scene of bustle and life, would present the subjects for lectures on the ground, by men who participated in the stirring scenes there enacted.Interest the present youth of our town in such an idea, find you go far towards preserving, to future generations, the the history of one of the most remarkable incidents in our nation’s life.While the men of the present mav underestimate these events, time will show too well the past lack and present wisdom of some such step.With the hope that this letter may: bring active interest on the part of many ; •and suggestions which will tend to tangible action, and asking the pardon of each of the gentlemen herein mentioned for the unauthorized use of his name,I beg to remain,Very respectfully yours,Robert Cai.vis Hau, Titusville, November 10,1894.Republican Conirresmnmii from Texas.antEhparcorTin■fannocopsEh of 1 the last tioi Toe was teufineandFtheCheTollt;tha1dreeCabHal
Newspaper Details
Titusville Herald
Titusville, Pennsylvania, US
Mon, Nov 12, 1894
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Rob W.
USA 20 Jul 2023
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