“News from Pithole”
Titusville Herald, December 11, 1865
From Our Own Correspondent.
Pithole City, Dec. 7
Your correspondent having been for the past week on a tour – visiting his “[?]” and other business too numerous to mention but equally important to the reading public – has at last mastered the “rough and rugged roads” and landed via the mythical “metropolis” (Reno), as above. We were glad to see upon our return that the long talked of planking of Holmden street has at last been commenced in front of the Chase House. We do not know whom to give the credit for this piece of enterprise, but they will surely have the kind regards of travelers in this part of the town.
But the great excitement of the day is the city election, for be it known that we have at last, after much hard work, succeeded in obtaining the proper corporation papers. And will [before] long take our stand legally, as we have sometime ago virtually, among the most enterprising boroughs of our county – Erie Dispatch to the contrary notwithstanding. The darker days are beginning to give place to a more glorious light. We hope to appear as do those who “come up through great tribulations.” Our hope is not without foundation, for our farseeing friend mentioned above really believes this to be the great “rest for weary pilgrims.”
On last night a meeting of citizens was called at the Westmoreland House – which, on account of room, adjourned to the Casino – and called to order by electing Dr. W. B. Hazlep, President, and Capt. E. H. Brady, Secretary.
Mr. Crawford then addressed the meeting regarding the [?] success of the efforts to incorporate the town. A motion was made and lost to adjourn till tomorrow evening.
Attorney H. C. Johns made some very able remarks. He had been present at court and had heard with joy the flattering remarks of those in power there. We should lay aside oil party lines, and elect only our best men to office. The management of municipal affairs would have an affect on property. He then gave an outline of the statutes on this subject. He would not dictate in such a matter, but thought our people were preparing to give the recreant outcasts of other cities who attempt to curse us with their society, such a “warm reception” that they would soon desert so torrid a climate. He closed amid loud applause. Others spoke, and considerable confusion was the consequence, so that the President was compelled to request them, “Don’t all speak at once.” A very sensible speech was made by a gentleman whose name we did not obtain. And numerous efforts made to nominate favorite gentlemen. All, however, failed, and the meeting adjourned until today at two o’clock pm.
By reason of our absence we have as yet had no opportunity of noting the grand complimentary benefit given to Miss Eloise Bridges at Murphy’s Theatre on last Friday evening. Macbeth was up, and the character of Lady Macbeth, as taken by Miss B, we have very seldom seen equaled, and never surpassed. In the scene with her husband, in which an ambitious woman’s nature brooks no excuse, not even the pings of remorse. Miss Bridges’ “give me the daggers” was enough to make half the audience shudder. Macbeth was taken by Mr. Loveday, and seemed to be in reality the king and warrior. His dressing was simply grand.
As the curtain fell, Miss Bridges was called before the curtain and a speech, short, terse and well-timed, returned to the listeners her thanks. But this was not all. A more substantial testimonial awaited her. A package was thrown containing checks for $500, and the following note:
Pithole City, Dec. 1
To Miss Eloise Bridges,
Please accept the enclosed as a slight testimonial of appreciation of you as a lady, socially and professionally. And with it you have the assurance of many friends who have met you in a more congenial time … Where the encore of a thousand gladdened hearts filled your ears with expressions which only true merit can generate – and they are constant still.
That a more substantial tribute is in preparation for you we are happy to know, and we hope soon to meet you “there.”
May the choice of heaven’s blessings attend you and yours, is the prayer of your many friends in,
Pithole City
The affair was a happy one throughout.
Last night the “Lady of Lyons” was played and although Mr. Loveday did better than we ever saw him, Miss Bridges was sorely missed. All in all, however, it was good. A word more of Mr. Lovejoy. He seems from his playing to have been the author of this piece. In the character you see no phase of the man who plays it, and although it is pretty strong talk. Yet we venture the assertion that there is not a better “Claude Melnotte” on the American stage.
This is Thanksgiving day. How many high reminiscences does this day call up. Our citizens are celebrating it properly. The churches are open and good dinners cooking, and the hour being near for the latter to be served, we must “dry up.”
Affectionately,
Pit, Jr.