Kingsbury Estate (Block and Hall)

Kingsbury Estate (Block and Hall), Chicago Museum, Col. Wood’s Museum, Aiken’s Museum¹
Life Span: 1859-1871
Location: Block 35, Northeast corner Randolph and Clark
Nos. 109 to 123 Randolph and 59 to 65 Clark
Architect: Unknown

D. B. Cooke & Co.’s City Directory for the Year 1859

Childs Shurael, D.

Downing B. F. & Co.

Corbin W. R. & Co.

Baker William D.

Halpin & Bailey’s City Directory for the Year 1863
Kingsbury Block, 109 to 115 Randolph
Kingsbury Hall, Randolph, near Clark
Baker William D., engraver, 65 Clark, h. 66 W. Washington.
Childs Shubael D., engraver, 117 Randolph, h. Green Bay rd. sw. cor. Dyer
Corbin Daniel W. agt, for Peter Corbin, tobacconist, 65 Clark, bds. Sherman House
Higgins Hiram M., music publishing house, 117 Randolph, h. 91 N. Wells
Ideson John B. & Co., India rubber goods, 111 Randolph, h. 625 Wabash
Ottingnon Hubert G., gymnasium, Kingsbury blk., h. 123 Jefferson.

Halpin’s Chicago City Directory for 1864
Kingsbury Hall, Randolph, near Clark
Kingsbury Block, 109 to 115 Randolph
Baker William D., wood engraver, 63 Clark, r. Clinton, sw. cor. Washington
Childs Shubael D., jr., engraver, 117½ Randolph
Higgins Hiram M., music publisher, 117 Randolph, r. Hyde Park
Hitt Isaac R. & Co., (Isaac R. Hitt and Seth W. Hardin jr.,) real estate agts, 65 Clark
Ideson J. B. & Co., (John B. Ideson and Sylvanus Halleck,) India rubber goods, and leather belting, 111 Randolph, h. 625 Wabash
Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Ry., office Randolph, c. Clark, depot S. Canal, op. Monroe.
Wood J. H. & Co., (Joseph H. Wood and Benjamin F. Whitman,) proprs. Col. Wood’s Museum, 111 and 117 Randolph

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1866
Wood’s Museum, Col. J. H. Wood, propr. Randolph, bet. Dearborn and Clark
Baker William D., wood engraver, Clark, ne. cor. Randolph, r. 19 S. Green
Childs Shubael D., jr., engraver and die sinker, 117½ Randolph, r 116 Lincoln av.
Ideson John B. & Co., (John B. Ideson and Sylvanus Halleck,) mnfrs., agents and dealers in rubber goods of every description, leather belting, &c.,&c. 111 Randolph (See advt. page)

John C. W. Bailey’s Chicago City Directory for 1867
Kingsbury Block, 109 to 115 Randolph
Baker William D., designer and engraver on wood ne cor Clark and Randolph, h ne cor Lake and Sheldon
Childs S. D., Jr., engraver, 117½ Randolph
Higgins H. M., music dealer and publisher 117 Randolph, h Hyde Park
Hitt Isaac R. & Co., (Isaac R. Hitt and James R. Stanley,) lawyers ne cor Clark and Randolph
Ideson John B. & Co., roofing mnfrs Ontario, nr Market, office 111 Randolph
Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Ry., office 65 Clark
Thomas Giles G., ivory dealer 63 Clark, h 551 Wabash av
Wood’s Museum, Joseph H. Wood, proprietor , ns Randolph, bet. Clark and Washington

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1869
Wood’s Museum—113 to 117 Randolph street, between Clark and Dearborn. J. W. Blaisdell, sole lessee and manager.
Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway—Office, 65 Clark street.
Railway Passenger Ins. Co. of Hartford. Conn. John Culver, agt. 65 Clark, cor. Randolph

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago for 1870
Aiken’s Museum—North side of Randolph street between Clark and Dearborn streets
Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Ry., ticket office, 65 Clark
Baker William B., wood engraver, 63 Clark, r. 478 Lake
Travelers Insurance Co. Hartford, Conn. John Culver, local agt. 65 Clark
Limberg A. real estate and land broker, 65 Clark, r. 502 N. Wells.

Chicago Tribune, December 22, 1852

NEW BOOK STORE.
Irving Book Store.
63 Clark Street.
Hopkins, Douglass & Co., Publishers and Dealers, Wholesale and Retail, in School, Theological, Law, Medical and Miscellaneous Books, Blank Books, etc., etc. Importers of French and English Stationery.

Chicago Tribune, July 21, 1857

ENGRAVING.—Bacon & Co., No. 65 Clark street, are taking the lead in this branch of business. Mr. Bacon has recently associated with himself in the business Mr. Wm. D. Baker of Philadelphia, an artist who has few equals in this country as a Designer and Engraver on wood, and also Francis E. Thomas of this city, well known as a neat ornamental Engraver on metals, marking jewelry, &c. With these new acquisitions and other skiliful workmen in every branch of the business, this enterprising firm may safely be commended to publie favor.

Chicago Tribune, October 5, 1859

UNDERMINING A BUILDING.—In the course of the excavation for the foundation of the new Kingsbury Block on Randolph street, a two story brick building occupying a portion of the area in the rear of S. D. Childs & Co.’s engraving establishment, No. 117½ Randolph street, and by then occupied as a workshop, was undermined and fell with a heavy crash about 10 A.M. yesterday. Fortunately the alarm was given in time to allow the workmen to escape, and no person was injured. The wreck of the building and well nigh the loss of its contents was total and complete. The loss of Mr. Childs is heavy beyond the mere estimate of tools and material destroyed, from the interruption to his business at this season. The building was owned by Dr. Evans, who leased the ground from the Kingsbury estate. We learn that Messrs. Childs & Co. have made arrangements by resume work at once in a basement adjoining until a new building is completed on the site of the old one. Probably the full amonut of the damage will be from $3,000 to $5,000.

Chicago Tribune, October 8, 1859

REAL ESTATE IMPROVEMENT—THE KINGSBURY TRACT.
Strangers as well as residents, looking about our city are impressed on every side with the fact that much is being done even in a dull and depressed time, which is adding to the sterling and important advantage and improvements of Chicago. Long rows of business blocks are rising, capitalists availing themselves of the low rates of labor and material, to make investments their own sagacity can but assure them will prove profitable and paying. The time has gone by when any one will look for an annual rental which shail cover the entire outlay in one or two year’s time, but rates are ranging on a basis healthier and sounder, because nearer the line of greatest mutual advantage to tenant and to landlord, and the rule of such investments in other prosperous and busy cities is fast being inaugurated here.

Not only are, our building improvements many and striking but there are various large enterprises in various parts of the city looking to bringing into market tracts that have awaited these movements on the part of their owners.

The Kingsbury tract is a large and very valuable part of the North Division, lying north from Kinzie street along the North branch. It is a part of the noble estate of the late Major Kingsbury, now being extensively and liberally improved by the trustees and agent Major Burnside. The splendid marble building, Kingsbury Block, fronting eighty feet on Randolph street east of Clark, is a part of the improvements in progress on this estate.

The Kingsbury tract has heretofore run wild and uncared for, save where skirting the river front, the land has been leased for lumber yards. Now all is being changed, and the whole is being put into city trim and order. Streets have been filled and graded throughout its fuil extent, and two thousand feet of the same have been dressed with Joliet gravel. Water pipes and sewers have been introduced. Three thousand feet of street will be graded this fall, making a total of five thousand within the year.

In addition to this the dock front has been greatly improred. Not long since an application was before the Common Council we believe, for leave to manufacture gas on this tract for the use of residents thereon. We believe it was not decided upon, but state it as indicative of the thorough and go-ahead style in which those in charge are pushing forward their designs in making this tract a desirable and every way thoroughly city-like quarter of Chicago.

These are only a portion of what is being done on a large seale in various sections of our city, which an hour’s ride about our streets, especially just out of our business centre, will develope to interest and astonish the beholder, the latter, that so much is being done.

Chicago Tribune, December 15, 1859

The last touches are being put to the exterior of Kingsbury Block on Randolph street. It presents a noble front.

Chicago Tribune, March 27, 1860

THE NEW CONCERT HALL.—The new Kingsbury Hall will be finished in a week or two. The frescoers are at work on the ceiling. C. N. Pratt has become the lessee. It will be formally opened on the 20th of April in a concert by the Mendelssons. It will seat seven hundred—for its size will be a gem of a place, and most popular with certain classes of entertainments.

Chicago Tribune, June 13, 1860

Physical Culture.
The advantages to be obtained from a judicious and skillful training of the human muscular fibre, have lately been illustrated in some points connected with the brutal prize fight between Heenan and Sayres in England. In one direction, perhaps, this disgraceful proceeding may have a lasting and good effect. It may have called public attention to the fact that to become the perfect embodiment of vigorous, healthy manhood to have a sound mental as well as bodily organization, a person must pay more than ordinary attention to the physical system. A regular course of gymnastic training, persevered in through years of attendance at college, and kept up even after graduation, would insure us a more healthy minded, able-bodied clergy, a more intellectual and vigorous representation of all the professions. No one who haa paid the least regard to physiological research will dispute this.

In view of the facts in the premises, it is with pleasure that we announce the completion of the Metropolitan Gymnasium, Kingsbury Block, and also the opening of the first course of gymnastic instruction by Messrs. John C. Babcock and Wm. B. Curtis, the proprietors.

The Hall devoted to this school for the muscles, is of itself a beautiful representation of what Chicago architects and decorators can do when they set themselves seriously to work. The frescos are especially worthy of consideration. It is located in the third story of Kingsbury Block, with an easy entrance from Randolph street; the Hall is eighty by one hundred and eight feet in dimensions, twenty feet high, with a handsomely decorated dome over the center forty feet in diameter. The office ts sixteen by twenty feet bath room sixteen by twenty, dressing room sixteen by eighty. The following constitute a few of the fixtures and properties for the use of pupils:

Parallel bars for adults, youths and experts; single bar, vaulting bar; suspended rings for adults and youth; tight rope, slack rope, suspended rope, plain and knotted; suspended inclined and perpendicular pole; peg pole, spool ropes, pulling weights, (four sizes); wrist weights (two sizes); dumb bells, assorted, from 5 to 145 lbs.; Indian clubs, two to ten inches in diameter; vaulting horse, lifting scale, spring board, leaping board, balancing spar, double trapeize, triple do, spirometer, and a running track, a perfect circle, well stuffed with saw dust and covered with canvas, twenty-two circuits of which constitute a mile.

It is undoubtedly the largest and most complete establishment of the kind in the United States, and aside from the healthful influence emanating from it, is well worthy the patron age of the public on the ground of convenience, comfort, and the skill and experience of the inceptions.

Western Railroad Gazette, June 23, 1860

The Delmonico of Chicago is Mat. Conley, and his International Dining Hall, Couch Place, rear of Kingsbury Block, is the best place in Chicago to Dine or Lunch. A large, cool, well regulated room, elegantly furnished—attentive colored servants—an unexceptionable Bill of Fare—charges moderate. Gentlemen go there.

Western Railroad Gazette, June 30, 1860

A FIRST CLASS RESTAURANT.—Chicago has long been notorious (next to its dilapidated pavements, “Lager Bier” dens and Long John eccentricities of City management) for having the meanest eating saloons, and places for lunch, and “down town” dining of any other city of its size east or west. Even “Wrights” (considered the “Taylor’s” of Chicago) to sell the plain truth, is by no means (ver cleanly or palatably attractive. The walls have a dingy, dirty, humid look, the marble tables are invariably sticky as if smeared over with a greasy dish cloth; the mirrors are measly with innumerable fly deposits; the paint and floor apparently receive judicious applications of soap and water none too often, while the slatternly, cream colored waiters affect a shabby genteel, don care a d——n mode of attendance far more satisfactory to themselves than pleasant to their customers.

If such blemishes are noticeable in this most fashionable place of resort, it is better to imagine than describe the majority of the less pretentious restaurants of our city. In fact Chicago has long needed just such a Restaurant as Matt Conley has quite recently opened in the rear of Kingsbury block on Couch Place. Its location renders it convenient of access to business men. The room is a neatly finished, large, cool, and well ventilated apartment, the tables are covered with linen of immaculate whiteness, fresh napkins are abundant, the victuals are admirably cooked and well served without bungling, noise or confusion, every thing looks and is clean, wholesome and inviting, while the scale of prices is very moderate. Though cheap, this place is by no means one of the nasty cheap kind as those who have once tried it can truly bear witness, We cordially recommend our friends to go, and see with what order, promptness, and system everything is there managed. It is by all odds the best restaurant in Chicago. We hope Mr. Conley will succeed beyond his most sanguine expectations, and we think he will, for he certainly has conferred a positive benefit upon the hungry lunchers and diners of our community in thus catering to their tastes and necessities, which they will not be slow to appreciate.

Western Railroad Gazette, July 21, 1860

CONLEY’S RESTAURANT.—Everybody should bear in mind that the new Restaurant of Matt Conley is in the rear of Kingsbury Block on Couch Place, and that no place in town offers greater inducement to epicures or business men in search of good, substantial, well cooked meals at prices exceedingly moderate. Gentlemen frequently take their wives and families there to dine or lunch as the case may be, the neatness, quiet, decorum, order, good attendance, &c., superadded to excellent fare, rendering this Restaurant particularly attractive to the ladies, who are criti. cal housekeepers and who can appreciate the superior management and taste with which this place is con-ducted. Mr. Conley gives his personal attention to Nshe details of his business, and nothing is too trivial to escape his notice. The consequence is a “First Class Restaurant” such as our business men and down town merchants have long needed, and are beginning to thoroughly appreciate.

Chicago Tribune, November 19, 1860

NEW BRAND.
Corbin, at his Cigar Store the corner of South Clark and Randolph streets, has just received several new brands Cigars, freshly imported. The De Gala, will be in the mouth of all lovers of the weed in its highest excellence. Corbin is enterprising, and most fortunate in the quality of stock, and so reported about town. on his.

Chicago Illustrated, May, 1866

Until 1862, nothing of this kind had been attempted in Chicago, or west of New York, and in no place in the West, but Chicago, could such an enterprize have been matured in so short a time, and with such unequaled success. The tact and the ability of the proprietor, of course, had much to do, but it was eventually the liberal taste of the public that made it a success. The proper way to account for the success of such an extensive experiment, is probably give Col. Wood credit for the sagacity in discovering that Chicago was the only city outside of New York where people had the cultivation and liberality to encourage and maintain a Museum of such large proportions and heavy expenditures.

Connected with the Museum is a Lecture Room, which is nicely fitted up in the style of a Theatre, and where you produced sterling plays. The company engaged in the production of these plays include representatives of very branch of the dramatic profession, and in point of numbers and in excellence, will compare favorably with any similar company in the United States. The success of this part of Col. Wood’s Museum has been in keeping with that of his general enterprise.

On the corner of Clark Street is the well known general ticket office of the Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne Railroad, and all of its connecting lines. It is one of the railroad centres of Chicago.

To the right of the Museum, is the justly celebrated sign painting establishment of B. F. Chase, who for twenty years has been the sign artist of Chicago. The business of the establishment is now carried on by Chase & Hild.

The artist has made a very truthful copy of the various signs that indicate the business and occupation of the occupants of the several buildings adjoining the Museum. They can be discovered without any editorial reference. Three lines of horse-railway cars pass this corner, which, with one exception, is the most crowded crossing in Chicago.

James W. Sheahan, Esq.
May 1866

Chicago Tribune, January 14, 1861

THE MUSIC TRADE.—At No. 117 Randolph street, H. M. Higgins; the oldest music dealer and publisher in this city, is issuing numerous valuable additions to his and the public’s stock of musical matters. His latest publications are, “Il Trovatore Transcription Brilliant,” by F. M. Brown; “The Maiden’s Prayer,” republication from Badarzewska; “The Old Man Dreams of Woodland Warblings,” by J. P. Webster; “Gentle Willie Ward,” by B. J Curtis, and a winter song, “Beautiful snow,” by R. S: Taylor.

Mr. Higgins is dealing largely in musical wares and literature, and it is hard to name an article, either the complete instrument,-or parts needed for its repair, which hehas not at hand. He is introducing into the West, many of he beautiful and sterling pianos of Light & Bradbury’s manufacture at New York, instruments approved by all amateurs and artists. They possess a peculiar feature in the Patent Insulator, a complete remedy to the shortness of tone common in many pianos, since a firm bed is thus provided for the iron frame, preventing it from interfering with she vibrations of the wood work.

Chicago Tribune, August 7, 1861

CAOUTCHOUC.—Mr. J. B. Ideson, No. 115 Randolph street, dealer in Rubber goods, has a sample of pure Caoutchouc, or the milk from the India Rubber Tree, from which the various and numerous articles of India Rubber are made. It is a rare curiosity.

Chicago Tribune, July 31, 1862

NEW MUSIC.—H. M. Higgins, 117 Randolph street, has just issued a stirring war song, from the pen of that excellent ballad composer, J. P. Webster. It is entitled “Our Country’s in Danger and Calls for you Now,” and both in sentiment and music is exactly suited to the present crisis. It must meet with a rapid sale.

Chicago Tribune, February 3, 1863

Corbin & Co., Tobacconists.
Corbin & Co., the well known tobacconists, (D. W. Corbin, agent), 65 Clark street, have just thrown open their new cigar store to the public. It is a perfect gem of a place and has been furnished and fitted up in tip top order. The carpenters and painters have so completely changed the old stand that it will hardly be recognized by the patrons who have thronged the well known corner where “Corbin’s Own” have been so long dealt out. Corbin has furnished the new establishment with a fresh and extensive stock of cigars, chewing and smoking tobacco of the most approved brands. It is hardly necessary for us to endorse the well known “Corbin’s Own,” as its praises are in every smoker’s mouth. Few cigars are of better flavor or give more unqualified satisfaction. The various lots of smoking and chewing tobacco are of the very best description, In a day or two, he will be thoroughly provided with pipes of every kind, from meerschaum to cutty, cigar holders, tobacco pouches, and all the other appliances necessary to the smoker.

The factory of Corbin & Co., is now in full blast, employing thirty hands and turning out the best of cigars at a rate which will ensure the filling of orders promptly and satisfactorily. We heartly commend the firm to the great chewing and fumigating public, and especially to country dealers, who will find it to their advantage, both in the matter of economy and a good article, to send their orders to Corbin & Co., 65 Clark street.

Chicago Tribune, July 6, 1863

A MUSEUM IN CHICAGO.—We make the announcement with pleasure, that through the liberality of two of our worthy and public spirited citizens, the St. Louis Museum has been purchased, and will soon he removed to and permanently located in this city, suitable rooms being in course of preparation for its reception. This Museum is much the largest one in the West, and in several of its features the choicest one in the United States. The ornithological and other specimens of natural history embrace the rarest animals that are known, and are prepared in the best style of the taxidermist’s handicraft, while the miscellaneous curiosities comprise cabinets of numberless wonderful works of nature and art.

Chicago Tribune, August 17, 1863

Chicago Museum, No. 1.
The Chicago Museum, in Kingsbury Hall, was opened to the public this morning, in connection with ” Riley’s River Thames and Mirror of England.” It is, we understand, proposed, in the future conduct of this establishment, to give a regular series of theatrical representations, which, with the wonders of the Museum itself, and the pictures in the splendid room which is to be devoted to the purposes of a picture gallery, will constitute the regular attractions of this novel place of instruction and amusement.

We have not yet had time to inspect half the curiosities in the collection of the Museum, but we have made time to examine the pictures, come of which are both rare and good, and most of them worth looking at. We are very glad that an attempt is being made to establish an Art Gallery in this city, and we shall be happy to render it every assistance in our power. It is a thing which we have been advocating more or less for the past six or eight months, and if it is properly managed, we have very little doubt about its success. It will be a great boon both to the citizens of Chicago, and to the people of the West generally, to have an opportunity of examining pictures by some of the best modern, and a few of the ancient artists. We have long felt it to be a want of the city, and the prospect of haying it so well supplied is very inspiriting. People generally have no idea of the value of art to civilization, nor the influence which it exercises over social life, and manners. It has, however, a very important influence, which can scarcely be overrated. The Roman Catholic Church understood this well enough, and took care to enlist music and painting, and sculpture—the great trinity of arts by, and through which the imagination and the human soul can be most profoundly affected, and thus prepared for the reception of divine truth. To this end, they adorned their noble monasteries, abbeys, and other religious houses, with the grandest creations of pictural art, and employed in the execution of these, the highest genius of the ages during which they were the masters of the world.

We are all moved, far more deeply than we know, by the power of beauty; and it is the highest office of beauty to elevate and refine the human heart, and expand the imagination to the very verge of the infinite. It would hardly be possible for a man who was continually surrounded by painting and the plastic arts, to be otherwise than humane and gentle; and it is certain that nothing tames the ferocity of evil passions more suddenly than music, and the presence of beautiful objects. A man must reflect in his manners, and radiate in his person the graces, and proportion the beauties and the harmonies of these surroundings. Hence their civil value, and the refining influences which they throw over the household.

Goethe said, with great wisdom, that every day a man should see a beautiful picture, or hear a fine melody, or a noble poem, or look upon a beautiful woman, if he desired to krow the fullness and glory of life. We are quite sure that he was right in this saying and we hope the Chicago gallery upon private as well as public grounds, will meet with the support which so bold an enterprise in 80 young a city deserves.

The paintings already on exhibition will, as we said, well repay a visit. There are not many old masters in the collection, perhaps not more than two genuine ones; but this is no great matter, at present, as there are so many good ones by modern—and we are glad to say American painters. We assure the visitor, however, that the largest in size are not always the best in quality, and if he brings a pair of cultivated eyes to the work, he will, in all likelihood, find some real gems enclosed in a very small frame. We will, however, for the sake of a convenient classification, speak of some of the large ones first.

The Murder of Miss Jane McRae, by the German Muller, is a very striking picture, and is conceived in a bold, masculine, resolute spirit, without either poetry or imagination. Our readers may remember the story, which lies far back in the early history of the country. This young lady was engaged to an officer, who, dreading lest she should fall into the hands of the savages, sent for her to come from Vermont, where she was residing, to Albany, where he was, and where he proposed to marry her. On the way she was capturedif our memory serves us right–by savages, who fell into dispute about who should posseas her. To end the trouble, the Chief of the party stabbed the lady; and this is the point of the story which the artist has seized in his picture. The savages in the background are fighting, the one with a musket, the other with a tomahawk. In the foreground, the Chief, who with one hand grasps her hair, As she lies helpless and insensible, midway from the ground, and with the other hand, wields a tomahawk, with which he evidently designs to scalp her, is suddenly arrested in the attempt by a powerful Indian, apparently in pity for her fate. The head of the Chief is finely executed, and the face has the expression of one who has done a necessary act of cruelty, without being distorted by vengeful passion. It is savagely firm, but not cruel—whilst the face of the arresting Indian is animated with a fearful expression of rage—his knife in his hand, and murder in his eyes. The figure of the lady is cramped and far too small, when compared with her head and arms—these last, although very lucidly painted, and the hands well drawn and moulded—being thick and long, and look as if they did not belong to her. The hands, indeed, are more like those of a strong man than of a delicate, slender girl. Her head, face and neck are superbly painted, and are real flesh and blood—the features expressive more of a swoon than of death, with utter hopelessness and helplessness pictured in them.

Altogether, it is a powerful representationthe vast, tawny bodies of the Indians contrasting finely in their general effect- although the drawing and anatomy are very defective in parts- with the marble and moonlight beauty of the slaughtered maiden..

Western Railroad Gazette, September 5, 1863

THE GYMNASIUM —We are glad to announce that the Gymnasium, which was formerly at Kingsbury Hall, has been removed to Old Trinity, on Madison street near Clark, and is now open for the reception of those who desire to avail themselves of a well regulated institution for physical culture. Public attention has been particularly called to the subject of physical training within the past two years, and Chicago may well be proud of an institution so thorough in its appointments and so well managed, as the one referred to.

Every person who pursues a sedentary occupation ought to be a regular daily practitioner in the Gymnasium. The investment would be returned a hundred fold in increased mental and bodily vigor. The Gymnasium is under the management of Messrs. Blake & Quitzow, accomplished gymnasts and courteous gentlemen, who, we are confident, will use their best endeavors to satisfy their patrons, and we doubt not their efforts will be appreciated and crowned with success.

Chicago Tribune, October 13, 1863

CHICAGO MUSEUM.—One of the most wonderful and instructive places in this city is the Chicago Museum (rooms at 113, 115 and 117); its curiosities are drawn from every country, and represent every age of the world. Art and nature have alike contributed to its wonders. Here the curious can gratify their marvelousness, and the scientific can pursue their researches. The naturalist will find here a grand collection to admire and study, embracing, in various stages of preservation, almost everything from the tiny insect to the skeleton of Zeuglodon—an antedeluvian monster of our own continent 96 feet long, and of such monstrous proportions as to throw into the shade the mastodon, the magaiherium, paleotherium, pterodactyl and other wonderful animals of a past age. This furnishes an evidence of the monsters of the past, which to argument can gainsay or no prejudice resist. But after all, its greatest wonders of are in the infinite variety of the lesser things collected from the fathomless depths of the ocean, the boundless expanse of the atmosphere, and the innumerable collections of human skill from our own and other nations.

This community is surely fortunate in having a museum which is in many respects the best in this country, and which would add to the attraction of any museum in the world.

Chicago Tribune, December 28, 1863

GARDNER’S OPERA HOUSE.—Sam Gardner, formerly of Arlington & Co.’s Minstrels, has organized a new company, and taken the Museum Hall, which will be known as Gardner’s Opera House. It will be opened for the first time to-night with a company which contains a large number of Chicago’s favorites. They ought to be greeted by a full house.

Western Railroad Gazette, January 16, 1864

THE CHICAGO MUSEUM.—We understand that thie establishment is to be resurrected under the management of Mr. Wood of New York, and that the lecture hall and picture gallery are to be metamorphosed into a first-class theatre.

We hope that Mr. W. understands his business and that we shall not again be obliged to chronicle the collapse of the institution.

If well arranged and conducted, it will prove a fortune to the manager.

The daily papers already make magnificent promises in regard to what is going to be done by the new manager, but as we read some of the articles we are forcibly reminded of the question of the elder Weller to his son: “Isn’t that rayther strong, Sammy?” Our fear is that the performance won’t fill the bill.

Chicago Tribune, January 23, 1864

MUSEUM—THE SEA LION.—The great Sea Lion arrived safely in Chicago yesterday, from Barnum’s Museum in New York. He will probably be ready to see visitors to-day, the tank fer his accommodation having been nearly finished last evening. His appearance at the depot created a perfect furore among the crowd in waiting. It was the most distinguished arrival of the season. The following letter accompanied it:

Barnum’s American Museum

I know that you not only understand the wants of the community in this respect, but from your long career as a public caterer, you have learned the fact, that in order to make money you must give the people double their money’s worth. Your knowledge of all the details of public amusements and of managers here and in Europe, furnishes you extra facilities for success, which I am sure you will not fail to improve. I am sure, also, that you will adopt my motto, “we study to please.” and live faithfully up to it. Your liberality, vim, and perseverance, are all that is required to make yours the most popular piace of public amusement in the West. I shall be but too happy, at any and all time, to furnish you with any attractions and hints that I can command. So “go ahead,” with my best wishes, and never be afraid of giving the people too much for their money. They will fally appreciate and liberally respond to all your efforts.
Truly yours,
P. T. Barnum.

Chicago Tribune, March 8, 1864

Museum.-Col. Wood’s Museum is one of the most attractive places in the city to spend an afternoon or evening. He has in his family now, Gen. Greens and Miss Amee, the Lilliputs, the Trained Monkey, the Invisible Lady, Albinos, &c. Visit the Museum.

Handbook for Strangers & Tourists to the City of Chicago, 1869

Chicago Tribune, February 9, 1865

COL. WOOD’S MUSEUM.—It is now a little over a year since the term Museum was permanently attached to a public institution and resort in Chicago, and that interval has abundantly established the enterprise a success. Not indeed that it has not had the vicissitudes, but that it has now come broadly and solidly upon a basis alike satisfactory to the public and solidly upon a basis alike satisfactory to the public and to the proprietor. This has been due to the features of that portion of its history since the connection of Col. J. H. Wood with its control, a fact that makes all the more agreeable assurance of its future now that it is announced that he has become sole owner.

The art if pleasing the public by catering to its demand for suitable amusements is comparatively a rare one, and yet must be the endowment of any one who shall successfully make it his vocation. There is but one Barnum, and there is but one second to Barnum in the profession of the showman, and the latter is Col. Wood, who brought to Chicago a reputation and substantial proof success well earned in more than one country of the globe. In his hands the Museum, in Kingsbury Block, became at once an institution that challenged the pride of our citizens. Its cabinets of natural curiosities, its series of living and dead wonders, its novelties and art gems have a range that attract all ages and conditions among us, and it has been the art of Col. Wood so to vary his attractions as to keep his establishment continually fresh in the minds of amusement seekers. The savant, the citizen, the school boy and school girl have all been indebted to Col. Wood for months past for many hours of amusement and profit.

But it is in the Lecture Room, devoted to the Drama, that Col. Wood has not less thoroughly attested his skill as a manager. Originally of somewhat doubtful status in this department, in former hands, Col. Wood’s Museum audience room every every evening, and on the delightful matinee occasions, has been steadily growing in favor, until now commands the best audiences of Chicago, and it is no unusual circumstance to see the diagrams of seats largely taken up several days in advance of some promised attraction. The secret, or rather the no secret is this, that the management relies on the steady attraction of one of the best dramatic companies ever gathered in this country, avoiding the flickering and changeful “star” system. More an better than this, there is no catering to depraved and vicious taste, and an equally careful police system, preserving the materiel of the audience from contamination, and the matter on the stage from indelicacy and doubtful double entendre.

Thus much of the past of Col. Wood’s Museum, now in the full career of deserved prosperity. And it is a sufficient earnest of its future success, especially as the recent change makes it more than ever likely to bear the fruits of Col. Wood’s genius. We have been aware that he has been considering for some time past a most advantageous offer to become to Philadelphia what he is to Chicago and the Northwest, and Barnum to New York. The decision in our favor is made in the face of a strong monied appeal, and is itself the earnest that Col. Wood means still further liberal devices here. There are changes promised in the building itself, which have largely to do with the commodiousness and completeness. Personally Col. Wood has done well to identify himself largely with the growing interests of our city, and has won respect as a citizen by large-heartedness becoming his position. This has given great fitness to the selection of him as the Chairman of the Committee on Amusements at the forthcoming Northwestern Sanitary Fair in this city, and his antecedents and capabilities have well fitted him for an advisory position in such matters. In the name of the multitude whereof the institution is a prime favorite, we wish long continued prosperity to Col. Wood’s Museum.

Chicago Illustrated June 1866

Handbook for Strangers & Tourists to the City of Chicago, 1866

COL.WOOD’S MUSEUM,
Occupies a handsome four-story marble-front building on Randolph street, between Clark and Dearborn streets. The Museum is entered by a spacious stair case ascending directly from the street. It is divided into several large halls on the second, third, and fourth floors, filled with an immense number of curiosities of every description; galleries containing paintings, statuary, and works of art; an extensive ornithological collection—one of the most valuable in the United States; a cabinet of minerals and shells, besides numerous other objects of interest and wonder. The specimens of birds and quadrupeds in the department of natural history, for variety ,beauty, and faithfulness to nature, challenge comparison with any other in the world. But the greatest curiosity in the Museum is the great Zeuglodon, the largest and most wonderful fossil ever discovered. This wonderful relic of antediluvian times was discovered in 1848, in a lonely worn-outfield in Alabama, near the line of Washington and Choctaw counties. It was removed from thence (partly enclosed in the rock in which it was found) to Dresden, in Saxony, where it was articulated in its present form, after eight months’ labor, by distinguished naturalists. After its return to this country, it was purchased by Col. Wood, for this Museum. It was an amphibious animal, bearing some resemblance to the whale, the alligator, and the serpent. It was carnivorous, and is supposed to have struck its prey with its tail. Only a single other skeleton of this wonderful fossil, and that inferior to this one, is now known to exist. It is owned by the King of Prussia, who gladly paid for it the sum of 20,000 thalers. The Zeuglodon surpassesin size all other fossil remains of extinct animals yet discovered. The Mastodon attracted great attention when first discovered,and was for years the wonder of the world. Its length was only twenty feet, while the Zeuglodon measures ninety-six feet.

In connection with theMuseum is the Lecture-Room, where dramatic performances every night, and matinées every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, are given by an excellent stock company. The members of this company are distinguished for their excellences, and it may truly be said that their performances are among the most enjoyable and entertaining given at any place of amusement in the country. Reserved seats for the Lecture-Room may be obtained at any of the first-class hotels.

Chicago Evening Post, December 20, 1867

The Museum.—Mr. Aiken’s Success.
Chicago is ever foremost to recognize genuine merit, and any one who doubts it can easily be convinced by a review of the Museum success under the management of Mr. Aiken. Frank E. Aiken was and still is, without doubt, the most generally popular actor who ever remained in Chicago. As leading man since the first opening, his various assumptions have won him hosts of friends, and made a national name for the Museum. There were, however, those who dubiously shook their heads when he undertook first the part of manager and subsequently that of lessee in addition. The result must certainly gratify him very much. The houses have been fuller under his auspices than ever before. He spared, in the first place, no expense to renovate the establishment, and it is now elegant and comfortable in all apartments. His greatest solicitude, of course, must have been untiring in his effort to make it reach the present standard of the best outside of New York certainly, and in the opinion of many the best in the Union.

Strangers visiting Chicago need scarcely any recommendation to make them visit the Museum. Everybody goes, and everybody is always pleased. The succession of popular and meritorious plays are expensive, but they will be kept up, and Mr. Aiken will undoubtedly fulfill his desire to make it more than ever the leading center of amusement in the West.

Handbook for Strangers & Tourists to the City of Chicago, 1869

COL. WOOD’S MUSEUM
Is on Randolph street, between Clark and Dearborn streets. It is a handsome marble front, four-story building. It is divided into several large halls, on the second, third, and fourth floors, which are entered by a spacious stair-case, ascending directly from the street. The museum is filled with an immense number of curiosities of every description; galleries containing paintings, statuary, and works of art; an extensive ornithological collection one of the most valuable in the United States ; a cabinet of minerals and shells besides numerous other objects of interest and wonder. The specimens of birds and quadrupeds, in the department of natural history, for variety, beauty, and faithfulness to nature, challenge comparison with any other in the world.

In connection with the Museum is the lecture room, where dramatic performances every night, and matinees in the afternoon, are given by an excellent stock company. These performances are most enjoyable and entertaining.

Aiken’s Museum contained collections of natural history objects, a hall of paintings, a panorama of London, and occasional concerts held in the exhibition hall. Colonel John Wood became the proprietor of the museum in January, 1864, and realizing the importance of dramatic performances to attract visitors, he increased its equipment by annexing to the rooms already used the building called Kingsbury hall, in the rear of the museum, and added a stock theatre company to the attractions of the place. During part of the history of the museum, when Frank E. Aiken was manager, it was known as Aiken’s Museum, but the more familiar name was resumed when Colonel Wood became manager in June, 1871.

Chicago Tribune, October 16, 1870

The West Side Theatre.
The work upon Mr. D. R. Aiken’s Theatre on Desplaines street is rapidly approaching completion. It will probably be finished and ready for opening early in the ensuing month. The roof is about done, and the work on the stage is now in active progress. Present appearances indicate that it will be one of the best arranged theatres in the city. Mr. Allen is now busy organizing his company, and expects to open about the 7th with a well-selected dramatic corps. There is every reason to anticipate for the new theatre a successful career.

Chicago Tribune, October 7, 1871

An important case has been decided by the Supreme Court, affecting the ownership of all the real estate which is known as the Kingsbury Estate, and divides that estate between the heirs of Major Julius J. B. Kingsbury, restoring to Mary K. Buckner one-half interest in the property of which her father died possessed. The property consists of Lots 5 and 6 in Block 35, Original Town, the site of Wood’s Museum, and the block of buildings running north from Randolph street to the alley mid-way to Clark, formerly occupied by The Tribune; as well as all of that part of the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 9, in Township 39, north of Range 14 east, 3 p. m., which lies east of the North Branch of the Chicago River and south of the centre of Ontario street. The value of the property may be estimated at over one million of dollars. The estate (by the Receiver, John Woodbridge), about a week since, purchased the building on the South Clark street front for $21,000.

Juline J. B. Kingsbury, who owned the property, died on the 26th day of June, 1856, leaving to survive him a widow, Jane C. Kingsbury, and two childrenBolivar Buckner, of Kentucky, an ex-officer of two children, Mary K. Buckner, wife of Simon Bolivar Buckner, of Kentucky, an ex-officer of the Confederate Army, and Henry W. Kingebury. To these the property descended, dower to the widow and the fee to the children as tenants in common. The son, Henry W., a Lieutenant in the United States Service, married one Eva Taylor, on the 4th day of December, 1861. The estate was managed by General Burnside in the interest of the parties until the war broke out. When the rebellion commenced Buckuer, living in Kentucky, and being a Brigadier of the militia of that State, under Governor Magoffin, desired by some means to preserve to his wife her Chicago property, the more especially as being about to join the rebel army, feared that confiscation would follow. Henry W. Kingsbury, being in the United States Army, as a Lieutenant, and being north of Mason and Dixon’s line, obtained permission to join the forces of Connecticut, and himself attached to a regiment of its troops as Colonel. Fearing this confiscation, by reason of her husband’s disloyalty, Mrs. Buckner, on the 15th day of May, 1861, joined her husband in a deed, absolute upon its face, conveying her interest in all the property which had descended to her. The war progressed until the 17th day of September, 1862, when, at Antietam, Henry W. Kingsbury was killed. Three months, lees one day, after he had died, there was born to him a posthumous child, who received his father’s name. On the 26th day of September, 1865, the widow, Eva, re-married, accepting Albert G. Lawrence, then a General in the army, as her husband.

In the year 1869 the estate came into litigation. It was managed without legal authority, by an agent, for a number of years, until the then Judge Bradwell stirred about to see that the probate law law was obeyed. The result of this was, at last, that in 1869 proceedings were had to conduct matters according to law. As a consequence of that litigation, which was probably amicable, there was a decree entered of record which found the title in the posthumous child, subject to the dower rights of his mother and grandmother. To their uses and the cancellation of incumbrances, the income of the estate has ever since been appropriated.

In the course of time it came to be learned that upon the eve of his departure to the battle field of Antietam, Lieutenant Henry W. Kingebury (Colonel of volunteers) had left in the hands of a friend a paper which he supposed to be a will. In this document he stated that he then expected “soon to start upon a military expedition where death” might overtake him: wherefore be left a record of his wishes respecting the disposition of his property, bequeathing to his mother Chicago property of the value of $20,000; to his sister, Mrs. Buckner, “one-third of the property in the city of Chicago, III., left by my father, Julius J. B. Kingsbury, deceased;” to a cousin $5,000 and some realty at Waterbury, Ct., with the residue to his then wife. It also came to be known that this paper had been withheld in the family, so that Major General Ambrose E. Burnside, known to be named as executor, could not obtain it until, by some stringent means, he procured an order in the Surrogate’s office of New York, which brought it forward.

When the supposed will was proved to be in existence it was caused to be probated in the Corporation Court of the city of Alexandria, in the State of Virginia, and the record was brought to this State and county and duly recorded.

The legal aspect of the ownership of the estate began now to be changed, and shortly after Mrs. Buckner set up her claim for an undivided half of her father’s estate, claiming that her deed, absolute upon ite face. was but a deed in trust, to prove which she presented the supposed will in testimony, alleging that the bequest to her was but the fulfilment of the trust according to the mind of her brother, who was untutored in law, and, therefore, had supposed that he, she, and their mother each were entitled to an undivided third of the whole estate. The defendants, the Kingsburys, answered, denying the validity of the will, and setting up the conveyance of 1861 as an absolute deed. The complainant, Mrs. Buckner, however. claimed nothing of the supposed will, but that it was a declaration of trust, executed by her brother, with a view to restore to her what he supposed to be her proper share of their father’s property.

In the Circuit Court there was no hearing of the case. By agreement of counsel—for the Buckners, Messrs. Goudy & Chandler, and for the Kingeburys. Messrs. Beckwith, Ayer & Kales—took a decision pro forma, dismissing Mrs. Buckner’ bill, and at once proceeded to the January term of the Supreme Court, sitting at Springfield. The case was argued during that month, and now the decision is filed.

The decision finds that the deed of Mary K. Buckner was, in fact, a deed of trust, wherefore that she is the owner of the undivided half of the property known as the Kingsbury estate. A copy of the decision has not yet been received, nor has the Clerk of the Central District announced that it has been filed, but it is understood that the cause fell to the lot of Judge McAllister, from this district, to write.

Chicago Tribune, April 5, 1878

KINGSBURY ESTATE.
Fearful Shrinkage in Value.
The attention of the Probate Court has been occupied for a week past in hearing objections to the accounts of Heman G. Powers, the late guardian of Henry W. Kingsbury, and as much more time will be required before the arguments of counsel are concluded. Important questions are involved,—one being whether a minor’s estate can be taken charge of by annihilated. a guardian and absolutely The Kingsbury estate, valued in 1871 by experts at $1,250,000, to-day yields hardly enough to pay the boy’s school and if legal proceedings expenses, him will now pending go against he not have a penny when he becomes of age. Its present condition is due to in the interest of others management though than the minor, and, no charges of fraud are made who have had the handling of those against the property, save in one instance, it is claimed that their acts are illegal in that they exceeded the authority conferred upon them by the law.

The History of the Estate
is briefly as follows:
Julias J. B. Kingsbury, a Major in the United States army, died intestate June 26, 1856, leaving a wife and two children, Henry W. and Mary. He was possessed of what is known as the “Kingsbury tract,”—35 acres on the North Branch; Lots 5 and 6, in Block 35, Original Town,—northeast corner of Randolph and Clark streets, and 240 acres in the Caldwell reservation. There were only two incumbrances,—one for $5,000 and the other for $8,000. The Clark street property had been leased for a long time to Drs. Evans and Brainard, who put up a block of cheap buildings, in one of which the the Post-Office used to be located. The North Branch land was vacant, being dock property.—at least Mr. Kingsbury never erected a structure on it. The daughter married Simon B. Buckner, who subsequently entered the Confederate service. He had had the management of the estate, and, when the Rebellion broke out, desiring to go South, he transferred his wife’s interest to young Kingsbury. The latter was in the army, and was killed at Antietam a few months after his marriage to a daughter of Gen. Taylor. He left a will, in which he devised to Mrs. Buckner a portion of the Chicago property. Some months after his death his wife had a child,—the present minor. The estate at that time (1863) was a very valuable one, its estimated worth being $2,000,000. A guardian was appointed for the lad by the Court in Washington, D. C., where Mrs. Kingsbury was then living. His name was Latrobe, and he was a well-known lawyer of Baltimore. Some of the patriotic citizens of Chicago, however, didn’t think it proper for a foreigner to look after the property, so they applied to the courts here to designate a native guardian, and David J. Lake, an entire stranger to the family, was appointed. Who influenced this cannot De ascertained. Mr. Cordon Beckwith now appeared and asked Judge Williams to appoint a Receiver for the estate. The pie was so full of plums that who should have it was the question. Judge Williams, having entire confidence in his brother-in-law, John Woodbridge, made him Receiver, and relieved Mr. Lake. During the administration of Mr. Woodbridge, while Judge Beckwith was acting as his attorney, Gen. Buckner turned up, the War being then over, and put in a claim for one-half of the property. A suit was begun in lower court, which was subsequently taken to the Supreme Court, where a decision was obtained giving his wife what she considered her due. The friends of the minor charge that Mr. Beckwith made an agreement with Mr. Goudy, attorney for Gen. Buckner, by which he consented that certain orders might be entered to bring about this result, for the securing of which Mr. Goudy received $70,000. A bill has since been filed against Judge Beckwith and others by the representatives of the minor, alleging that the decree was obtained by collusion between the parties at the expense of the boy. The Evans and Brainard building passed into the estate at the expiration of their lease, and just before the fire the estate was getting large rentals therefrom. After the fire, under the proceedings for partition growing out of the decree in favor of Buckner, Julian S. Rumsey, Edwin H. Sheldon, and John Forsythe being appointed by the Circuit Court to make a valuation of the estate, they appraised the property at between $1,200,000 and $1,300,000. There were at that time mortgages and debts due to the amount of about $75,000. The North Side land yielded in rentals somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000. The incarance was collected by Mr. Woodbridge. The estate was then taken out of the Circuit Court and transferred to the Probate Court, and Isaac N. Arnold was appointed guardian. After serving a few months, Mr. Anson Sperry succeeded him. During his administration he was ened on a building contract, and, although Judge Gary held that Sperry was individually responsible, and the Supreme Court affirmed the ruling, the judgment—over $4,000 and $1,000 attorneys’ fees—was paid out of the estate. He held on a year, and was followed by Mrs. Eva Lawrence, the widow of Henry W. Kingsbury, who had married again. She discharged her duties for two years, and then Mr. Heman G. Powers was appointed guardian, and was supreme until September, 1877.

Ashland Block.
During Sperry’s administration it was concluded that it would be proper to erect a building on the corner of Randolph and Clark streets. Application was made to the Probate Court for leave to borrow money, and, being granted, a first mortgage was given for $175,000 to the United States Mortgage Company, the interest being 9 per cent gold. As this amount was insaficient, power to make a further loan of $70, 0 was asked for and granted, and the money was procured from the same corporation. a slice of the North Side property being incumbered to secure it. After Mrs. Lawrence had had charge of affairs for some time, the Mortgage Company became dissatisfied with her management, and said they would foreclose if she didn’t retire. Forced to resign, Powers came in. as before stated. He, being, as it is alleged, one of the Advisory Committee of the United States Mortgage Company, applied to the Court for leave to borrow $95,000 more from that corporation in order to pay accrued interest and debts which the former guardian had contracted. This was done, and all the property of the minor in Illinois was pledged as security. Mr. Powers’ actions did not meet with the approval of the minor’s relatives. The boy had in the meantime been sent to school at Concord, N. H. Having attained the age of 14, under the laws of this State, he was entitled to choose his own guardian. He came to Chicago, and applied to Judge Wallace to be allowed to exercise his privilege, and, through his attorney, Judge Trumbull, suggested the Hon. J. V. Le Moyne. The appointment was resisted by the Mortgage Company, they desiring the retention of Mr. Powers, alleging that a large amount of interest was due them, that the taxes were unpaid, that the estate was running behind, and that they had a right to take possession of it. After considering it for several months, Judge Wallace finally appointed Mr. Le Moyne to the guardianship.

Shortly afterwards the Mortgage Company filed a bill in the United States Court to foreclose, and for a Receiver to take charge of the whole property and apply the proceeds to the payment of their debt. The minor’s representative contended that the mortgages were not valid, the guardians having no right to execute them to raise money to erect buildings, -that they could not dissipate the estate of the minor in that way. Judges Drummond and Gresham refused to appoint a Receiver, but the proceedings for foreclosure are still pending.

Almost from the beginning there has been an outflow of from $10, 000 to $20, 000 a year for attorney’s fees.

NOTES:

¹ Kingsbury Hall.—This public hall, which was subsequently converted into Wood’s Museum Lecture Room, was fitted up in the building on the north side of Randolph Street, between Clark and Dearborn. W. A. Christy and Byron Christy leased Kingsbury Hall.—Andreas History of Chicago, Volume II, 1885

Comments

Cc says

June 22, 2022 at 10:06 am

In this picture :

Aiken’s Museum
John Carbutt
Randolph, between Dearborn and Clark

What does the sign say ?
Wurlitzer
house
Langguth
Tician
117

??
Administrator says

June 22, 2022 at 2:41 pm

The sign says:
Wurlitzer House (sales office that opened in 1865)
J. G. Langguth, Optician, 117 (Randolph St)

After the fire, Langguth’s office was located on the SW corner of State and Madison (88 State Street).

Kingsbury Estate (Block and Hall)

NOTES:

Comments

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply