Hide Article Text (OCR)
REMINISCENCES THAT WILL BE READ WITH INTEREST, Cornelings J. Vanderbilt's Suicide and the Noble Set of Mis BRrother.4 Few Pointers on Theatres and Operas and Many Other Pacts Mentioned, Special is the Prem ¢ New York, Jap. 80, 105. The recent sale of the Langham Ho tel for $7,000,000 is another , proof of the soaring tendency of Fifth Ave nue prices. The Langham bears such a resemblance in name at least, to the Glenham, that they have been fre quently mixed, but both will soon be only memories. The Glenham’'s chief distinction is that it was Cheeley's political headquarters during his in foruunate preidential canvas This was the great error of his life, and cost him unutterable distress only terminated by death. The Glenham was connected with another affair—the suicide of Corne lius, J. Vanderbilt, a tragedy due to his sudden acquisition of wealth and the lack of the habit of paying debts. His father had for years kept him under a short allowance —that is short for a spendthrift and gambler—but bequeathed him a life annuity of $10, 000, to which William H. Vanderbilt added the gift of a million. Corne lius owed everybody that would trust him and as soon as he had such wealth his creditor beset him for pay, and having never been accustomed to pay all his bills, this worried him to such an extent that he ended his life with a pistol. ANOTHER BIG SALE .To return to real estate, the sale of the Madison Square Church for a mil lion is another noticeable proof of the recent marked advance. The plot is 765x150, it being at the rate of four millions the acre. There are many who can remember the time when Madison Square was occupied by the House of Refuge and was surrounded by a high wall to prevent the escape. A much more recent point of inter est, however, is the Crazy Hunt epi sode, which may be thus briefly giv en. When the upward trend flees reached Madison Square builders could buy lots for $1,500, but sudden ly and strangely a new purchase de moralized their plans METHODICAL MADNESS. This man was an old bachelor nam ed Jonathan Hunt, from Mobile, where he had made a fortune, but being of northern birth, he came to this city to spend his days. Real estate soon at tracted his attention and he became such a reckless buyer, that it was not long before he was considered insane, at least in this specialty. He actually ran Madison Square lots up to $2,500, which really appalled the other bid ders, but ‘Crazy Hunt ‘continued to sweep in the property until at last his heirs determined to protect them selves by lunacy proceedings. The old man got wind of the intention and to escape he took passage for a foreign port but was lost at sea. It is now plain that there was ‘‘method in his madness,’ which indeed was only clear foresight, as the lots for which he paid $2,500 are now worth $250, 000 and those of his heirs who held on reap its advantage. BURLING SLIP MEN. The late Abram Hewitt was the last of that class of self-made men which once distinguished Burling Slip and its immediate vicinity. Peter Cooper opened his warehouse there nearly 70 years ago and soon afterward Cyrus W. Field, who had just reached full age, began business next door. Coop er became interested in the smart Yankee and this led to their co-oper ation in the first ocean cable. Cooper being an old-fashioned man, often called him ‘’Cyrus’’ and never object ed to the responsive appelation of ‘‘Uncle Peter.’’ Abram 8S. Hewitt was also of the same simple habits Though highly educated he always looked like a workng man and so did his father-in-law, Peter Cooper, and they both found their chief recreation in their business. OTHER OLD FASHIONED MEN. The entire vicinity was noted for the same class. Nearby was the warehouse estabished by Anson G. Phelps, founder of Ansonia. Begin ning with no capital but his trade, he built up a great business, and became rich, but always wanted to be viewed as a mechanic. His son of the same name, bore similar characteristics and both made their mark on the bene ficence of the age. William E. Dodge was in later times a mmber of the same great concern and he too was one of the people. Near Peter Coop er’s Burling Slip establishment was the great tea importing house of Ab iel A. Low, father of our present mayor, and he too was one of the same primitive clase AUDUBON ALSO. And a little farther up the street I used to see a little tin sign bearing the name of ‘“‘John J. Audubon, who was then preparing his great work (The Birds of America, ) for the press. It was sold to subscribers at #1,000 a copy, but has since then brought four times that price. All this neighborhood was then noted for solidity wealth, and I have never heard of any failures there that these men are now passed away and it will be some time before Burling Slip will see their like again. FINANCIAL GLINTS. No wonder that the money market hardens when such heavy loans are being floated. The Lake Shore Road is now trying to sell 25,000,000 of bonds and to increase their value, the interest is five per cent. At the same time the Pennsylvania Railroad offers $35,000,000 in 4 °. per cent. bonds is sued by other roads but now owned by the Pennsylvania road, which no doubt considers this such good security that lower interest may be obtained. At the same time the city floats its S to per cent. bonds at a premium which shows that capitalists have more confidence in New York than in railroads, but when nearly a hundred millions are thus suddenly wanted no wonder the money market tightens. There is, however, enough for all, even including foreign demand. Yes, even Great Britain can borrow money in New York, while Mexico is also drawing immensely on Wall Street capital. It is said indeed that the ag gregate amount of Mexican invest ments is 800,000,000. A similar flow of our capital is entering Canada it is probable that in both of these in stances is is only the beginning of that financial power by which Wall Street is to aid the world. SOCIAL MATTERS. Society seems just now very proud to entertain the Colonial Dames also the Daughters of the Revolution, and a grand reception was given to the former at Delmonico’s by Mrs. James Lawton, while the latter were equally honored by Miss Mary Vanderpool at the Buckinam. Mrs. Lawton gave among other original features, a pro gram of Colonial music played on in struments almost obsolete. The at tendance was large and the guests fully appreciated the distinction in which they are held. Miss Vander pool’s reception was also a brilliant success, the parlors of the hotel being draped with flags and other national insignia and the revival of the spirit of '76 gave a patriotic glow to the splendor of the gorgeous age. SOCIETY AND BENEFICENCE. While honoring patriotism, society also remembers the claims of charity and yesterday an attractive entertain ment was given at the Ellerslie in be half of the Day Nursery. On the pre vious afternoon a large reception was held in behalf of the ‘‘Happy Day As sociation. ’’ In addition to which a concert is to be held at Sherry’s in behalf of the Strong World Sanitar ium in which Madame Nordica with other opera stars will appear. The most important of such efforts how ever will be the grand Charity Ball to be held at the Waldorf-Astoria next Thursday, which commands the pat ronage of all the social leaders. Three orchestras will be in service and the combination of beneficence and pleas ure will give rare distinction to the scene, OPERA NOTES. A number of opera artiste were also in service at the concert given at the Waldorf-Astoria in behalf of the des titute blind in which Madame Sem brich, also Edouard DeReszke bore an important part. This brilliant talent was rendered without financial com pensation, the best reward being, as Goldsmith says, ‘‘the luxury of doing good.’’ Apropos to the opera, the public will regret to learn the illness of Madame Eames and also of the prospective retirement of Manager Gran. He has been carrying an im mense burden which proved at last too great even for his unusual powers and the question naturally arises who will supply New York with grand op era. DeReszke has been mentioned as a successor, but he prefers to be the best paid member of the troupe and he shows his good sense in avoiding that responsibility which has crashed the unfortunate manager DRAMATIC HINTS. Turning from the opera to the the atre, one cannot but notice how the pressure intensifies as the end of the season comes in sight. Every possible attraction is brought into service. What immense expenses are also in curred an instance being founding the ‘Sleeping Beauty,’’ whose cost was £ 100,000, and yet it paid. Had the outlay been stinted one-half it might have failed, but it proved a brilliant success. And here too is ‘‘Mr. Blue Beard,'’ in which one scene is quoted at more than $30,000, and this also is a remunerative investment. Sothern’s Hamlet has been a grand hit, but as the public demands variety, he now appears in a different role. Musical plays attract those who cannot afford the opera and there are nearly a dozen now before the public, while the op era is the resort of that princely class which must have some place to dis play dresses and diamonds costing for each one $20,000 to $50,000 and to ac complish this they are willing to en dure the tedious performance. OUT OF THE CROWD. Now is the ‘‘strenuous time’’ with not only players and managers, but also with society people so many of whom are suffering to such an extent that even in the midst of wealth and luxury they are only objects of pity. Hence all who can take a Southern trip improve the opportunity and among others is the veteran comedian doc Jefferson who is enjoying his cot tage at Palm Beach. He has not how ever taken a formal leave of the stage and perhaps is still desirous to hear the applause and hence his reappear ance next season would not surprise THE ROSICRUCIAN. Don't let the little ones suffer from eczema, or other torturing skin dis eases. No need for it. Dean’s Oint ment cures. Can't harm the most delicate skin. At any drug store, 50 cents.
Newspaper Details
Middletown Orange County Press
Middletown, New York, US
Tue, Feb 03, 1903
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 15 Feb 2026
Other Publications Near Middletown, New York
Middletown Times Press
Middletown Times Herald
Middletown Daily Times
Middletown Daily Press
Middletown Daily Herald
