"The popularity of the 'Musical Club' was doubtless due in a considerable degree to its attractiveness as a fortnightly social center for the elite and society favorites to gather, whether especially interested as members likely to appear on the program or drawn thither in the expectation of meeting other genial spirits who were pleased to be accounted members for encouragement of the club and the fun there was in it. For indeed the club was the first and foremost function for refined amusement in the little city. At no time since 'those good old days' could the society of Flint claim more intelligence, refinement of manners, or the culture derived from good reading and discussion, than when comprising the families and society youth of Flint forty or fifty years ago. Facilities for cultivation derived from travel, from easy communication with centers of art and musical interpretation, it is true, have shown their advantages within the last two decades, while of the days I recall these aids were limited. But it will likewise be recalled that society lines were drawn more exacting then than now they seemed to be.

"The Harmonia Club was organized with a view to permanently, with a president, secretary, program committee, and sometimes a critic; their election, annual; the president was always a lady, the secretary a gentleman. Meetings were fortnightly, being held at private residences where a piano was found. Flint was proud in the possession of more pianos then most towns of its population in the state, despite the handicap of a necessary transportation by wagon from Fenton, Holly or Pontiac; the first piano came through mud, from Detroit, when four days was good time in transit.

"Among the places popular for club recitals were Mrs. Russell Bishop's commodious music room, on Beach street, this lady, a sister of Col. E. h. Thomson, being an excellent pianist and a favorite accompanist; at Mrs. colonel Fenton's, where is now the McCreery homestead; Mrs. E. H. Thomson's, whose dwelling, which contained the Colonel's famous library, was situated on the site of A. G. Bishop's residence; with Mrs. E. H. McQuigg and daughter, where now is the new post office; Miss McQuigg, now Mrs. Stewart, was an active member; Mrs. William Hamilton, then on court street, whose daughters, and sister, Miss Marum, were frequently on programs; the Misses Crapo, at the Crapo homestead, later Doctor Willson's residence destined to become Willson Park. Of several young ladies, Miss Rhoda and Miss Emma only appeared in vocal numbers; the Misses Moon, on Garland street--Miss Hattie's name for piano solos frequently appearing; and the Stewarts on Detroit Street. In this family, Miss Ellen (Mrs. Henry Seymour) and her brother, Will, played many fine duets. This popular youth followed his brother, Damon, to the front, early in the war, and was killed at Resaca.

"The Payne mansion on Third avenue (new version) was sometimes thrown open for club recitals. Mrs. George M. Dewey's was likewise opened for club meetings. Mrs. Townsend's, Mrs. A. Thayer's, Mrs. George T. Clark's, Mrs. H. M. Henderson and daughters, Mrs. James Henderson, Mrs. J. B. Walker and daughter, and yet a number of other houses were open to these popular society functions.

"I readily remember the familiar faces of society gentlemen with but little claim for musical criticism, perhaps, but who enjoyed the social feature and who seldom failed to attend and heartily applaud every number: Hamilton, Robert page, Turner, Fenton, Avery, Newton, the Bishops, Russell and Giles, Pettee, Eddy, Witherbee, et al.

"Miss Hulda Johnson, (Mercer), Mrs. M. E. Church, Misses Belle Jenny, Julia Saunders, Jenny Williams, Kate Decker, Helena Walker, Emily Beecher, Ada Fenton, Maggie and Jennie Henderson and other ladies; Messrs. Harley Clark, Elmore, Dewitt Parker, Hammersley, McAllister, Woolhouse and Deary assisted in the programs."

Two very popular vocal organizations of the seventies and eighties were the Fuguenoids and the Flint Choral Society. The former, founded in 1875, was a glee club of eight voices. The original membership was as follows: First tenors, Jerome Haver, M. G. Wood; second tenors, H. M. Sperry, A. J. Watling; first bass, M. Bowman, William French; second bass, Delos Fall, Willis Parker; H. W. Fairbanks, director. The first appearance was at the annual meeting of the Independent Order of Odd fellows. By their excellent drill and perfect harmony they are once established themselves in popular favor. They assisted at all the band and choral society concerts and at many private entertainments. A portion of the club visited the larger cities of the state. All the members had from time to time invaded the rural districts and invariably met with immoderate applause and (very) moderate financial success. It was their practice always to devote the first day of the new year to convivial pleasures. On that day in a body they paid their respects to their many friends, and these occasions established for them a reputation for excellent music and brilliant social qualities. An Eastern musician of repute expressed a very general sentiment in this toast given at a social gathering: "Those jolly Fuguenoids--may they ever be as successful as they are happy."

The Flint Choral Society was the outgrowth of a young people's singing-class which had for its nucleus the pupils of the high school. The society rendered some of the heavier oratorio choruses and a number of Mendelsohn's part-songs, besides many operatic choruses.

In 1860 the Old Flint Band had become known as Clay's cornet Band. It numbered at that time as members: S. G. Clay, leader; C. J. Dewstoe, A. P. Conant, William Stewart, Allen S. Stewart, George W. Hill, D. E. Smith, Thomas Symons, William Charles, W. C. Cummings and George Andrews. Later many changes occurred. Old members resigned and their places have been filled by new ones. In 1865 it was reorganized and called the Armstrong cornet Band, and remained so until J. Henry Gardner's presence infused new spirit into its members and it was christened Gardner's Flint City Band. No better history of its achievements could be given than the numerous press notices of that day. On the occasion of a visit to Detroit, in connection with the commandery of Knights Templar, the city press thus spoke of the band:

"The hundreds that were present soon swelled to thousands, so that it is safe to say that fully three thousand persons listened to them. As they came up the street marching with that wonderful precision for which they are famed, they were greeted by a ringing cheer by the crown which made way for their approach. Instead of their plumes, each man had a neat torch in his helmet, thus presenting a novel and unique appearance for furnished light enough for their music. Their program embraced a fine collection of music--overtures, selections, medleys, and some of Gardner's exquisite solo E-flat and Mait Corliss's solo work judiciously thrown in. there is one thing in favor of the band which should be borne in mind; the members of it are gentlemen. They are recruited from the ranks of the business men and the professions in the beautiful city of Flint and constitute a standing advertisement for that city which is worth ten time what it costs the citizens."

In 1874 the ;leader of the band was the recipient from the ladies of Flint of a very elegant testimonial in the shape of a superb gold E-flat cornet, imported from England at a cost of three hundred dollars. Mayor George H. Durand presented the instrument on behalf of the ladies in a most happy speech, which was responded to in fitting terms by Mr. Gardner. During the Centennial year the band accompanied the Detroit commandery as their musical escort to Philadelphia. An enthusiastic reception awaited them on their return home. They were met at the station by a large concourse of citizens, the Flint Cadets receiving them with military honors, and Col. E. H. Thomson welcoming them says: "I have been deputed in the absence of our worthy mayor and also in behalf of the citizens of Flint to Welcome you home again--to the home where loved ones, together with generous and confiding friends, watched your every movement from the time of your departure. In the providence of heaven you are permitted to return after having traveled from the lakes to the Atlantic seaboard without a casualty of any kind, and I may add in this connection, covered with glory and honor. A wise man hath said. 'He that hath no music in his soul is fit for treason, stratagems and spoils,' and I am afraid that if in your travels such an one had ventured into your presence, that by the power of music, guided by your master-leader, you would have taken him captive and made him confess to the skill and potency of your marvelous proficiency. It is due to you to say that when you left Flint no lingering doubt remained that you would in any manner fail in your high mission, either as gentlemen or musicians, but with all that pride and high character of your musical organization you would honor the noble commandery of the Detroit Knights Templar and stand, like them, at the very head of your profession."

In the summer of 1878 a grand state band tournament occurred at the state capitol. Twenty leading bands of the state participated and, after a severe and very spirited contest, which excited the most intense interest, Gardner's Flint City Band bore away the prize, consisting of one hundred dollars in gold and an elegant gold-plated cornet.

"Among the church societies," says Professor Humphrey, "the Methodist, Baptist, roman Catholic and Episcopal were the most prominent, the last named being the only church society allowing popular games and dancing, taking a liberal view of social enjoyment. This society at one time during its struggle for a new edifice and equipment, organized a series of social entertainments by which means a large sum was raised toward the purchase of the organ that still does duty at St. Paul's.

"the principal amusement at these entertainments was dancing, the music being volunteered by members of the society, prominent among whom were the Misses Decker, Mrs. E. C. Turner and Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Humphrey. It is fitting here to day that these entertainments excelled in point of refinement, moral influence and the elevating of a higher standard of social intercourse more than most other forms of amusement.

"In the seventies and eighties other social organizations sprang into existence. Owing to the natural trend of increasing population and wealth, social distinctions became apparent and society took on more and more exclusiveness. The Married People's Club and Kettle Drum Society became leading factors in social life among the 'Four Hundred.' A commendable feature of these entertainments was punctual observation of the hours of attendance, eight to eleven o'clock p. m. Refreshments were served on each occasion. Sometimes a six o'clock dinner was served, after which dancing followed until the sounds of 'Home, Sweet Home' from the orchestra announced the house of departure.

"among those who had spacious homes for these brilliant affairs were: J. B. and William A. Atwood, Mrs. R. C. Durant, Hon, George H. Durand, B. F. Simington, Dr. J. C. Willson, S. C. Randall, M. S. Elmore, Jerome Eddy, George L. Walker, Oren Stone, Dr. A. A. Thompson and C. T. Bridgman.

"It may be well to mention that many of the fraternal associations gave numerous entertainments during the year, military balls, Knights Templar parties, and one of the most notable events was the leap-year ball given by the ladies of the Masonic families, which eclipsed anything of the kind that occurred before or since."

To keep in memory the days of old, and to gather historical date for a record of the life of the county, there was early organized a county pioneer and historical society. At early as 1857 the Genesee County Pioneer Association was formed, pursuant to a public call signed by William M. Fenton, C. C. Hascall and about one hundred and eighty other citizens of the county. On the last day of December in that year a meeting was held at the hall of the Flint Scientific Institute. Benjamin Pearson was in the chair and Dr. Elijah Drake was secretary of the meeting. A committee was chosen composed of William M. Fenton, Edward H. Thomson and H. M. Henderson, charged with the duty of preparing a constitution and by-laws for the proposed society. At an adjourned meeting held on Washington's birthday the committee reported a constitution, which was adopted, and the society was organized by the election of the following as officers:

President Hon. Jeremiah R. Smith
Recording Secretary Elijah Drake, M. D. 
Corresponding Secretary Hon. Charles P. Avery
Treasurer Henry M. Henderson
Librarian Manley Miles, M. D.

It had been the custom of the association to hold annual reunions, at which, after the transaction of the routine business, addresses and narratives of pioneer experience were related by the early settlers. For many years these gatherings were held at Long lake in the town of Fenton (usually in August), and were regarded as occasions of great enjoyment and interest.

One of the picnics of the pioneer association was held at the grove at the head of Long lake on August 24, 1882, and the following letter was read from Enos Goodrich, then an aged man, who had for many years been a pioneer of the county:

Watertown, Tuscola Co., Mich., Aug. 23, 1882.

To The Pioneers of Genesee County, Greeting:

It is morning, and the sun shines bright on the fields and woods of Watertown, the place I have adopted for my permanent home. If the home of an old man came be said to be permanent on earth. Yet friendly do my thoughts and memories revert back to old Genesee. She has had my best efforts, for it is within her borders that the prime and manhood of my life was spent. She will always have my best wishes and if, in return, her sons and daughters will some time give a thought to me and my humble efforts in her behalf, they will shed a ray of sunshine along my pathway in the declining years of my life.

Enos Goodrich.

On August 26, 1886, the pioneers were addressed by Gov. Josiah W. Begole, of Flint, and were also addressed by many of the surviving pioneer men and women of the county, who graced the occasion by their presence and inspired the young buy recitals of the early times with their hardships and triumphs.

Of the picnics held in 1887 and 1888 no record appears in the press of those dates, but in 1889, on the 29^th of August, the picnic was held as usual, with President Horton in the chair. The picnic was largely attended, Judge William Newton, of Flint, being the speaker of the day, and his address is given in full in the Genesee Democrat of August 31, 1889. This is the first press report of an address in full that we find. The name of the society was changed at this meeting, to be thereafter known as the Genesee County Union Pioneer Society. The same officers were re-elected. Judge Newton said in part:

"Invited by the favor of your worthy president to address the pioneers of Genesee County, I accepted that duty with reluctance and great distrust of my ability to do justice to the men and women who were the pioneers of our civilization. I have concluded to address you along the line of 'the Debt that Civilization Owes the Pioneer.'

"Michigan of today is not the Michigan of fifty-,m forty or even thirty years ago. The elegant houses, the churches and schools of today and the increasing improved farms, weighed down with the rich golden harvests, and orchards bending under the weight of luscious fruits, do not in any sense represent the Michigan of those times. . . . . . .The men and women who settled in Michigan and in this county, while not confined to any particular nationality, were mostly from New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Massachusetts. They brought with them to this chosen field the habits and spirit of their thrifty New England home. They brought with them love of religious freedom, love of the free public school system, and their love of home and the purest morality."

The speaker then referred tot he great interest that the owner of a home has in the public weal, saying that 'he who defends a home is the truest patriot.' Judge Newton, in referring to the primeval conditions said, "The country slept, a wilderness in the arms of nature."

Judge Newton's speech which he delivered on the occasion of this gathering has been placed among the archives of the Genesee County Historical Society.

The annual picnic and meeting of the Genesee County Union Pioneer society held on the 29^th of August, 1890, was a memorable one. The men and women who gathered on this occasion were favored by the presence of Judge Albert Miller of Bay City. There were two picnics that year--one, of dissenters who were not in favor of the place of meeting as previously decided by the directors and who met at the usual place, and another picnic, at Peer's landing. It was at the Peer's landing meeting that Judge Miller spoke. There was a noticeable absence of the old pioneers, as many had died, and the speaker was perhaps the oldest pioneer of the county present, although he had removed from Genesee county and taken up his residence in another locality. Space prevents a full report of Judge Miller's speech. The Judge, however, referred tot he time when he knew every white man residing between Waterford and the Straits of Mackinac, when Saginaw had a population, all told, of exactly twenty-eight persons, and when there was not a white settler in either Shiawassee, Lapeer, Clinton, Tuscola, or Huron counties. Judge Miller spoke of the time when he came from the mountains and hillsides of Vermont and passed over the oak openings this side of Waterword, thinking of that region as a barren waste. He told of coming to Grand Blanc and to the hospitable roof of Washington Thompson; how he found friends and acquaintances in Harvey Spencer and E. R. Ewings living in that locality. He told how he learned that John Todd, on Flint river, wished to hire a man, so he journeyed to his home and hired out for eleven dollars a month; how he cooked for the family during the illness of Mrs. Todd, in the old trading house of Edward Campau, the Nau-a-ke-zhic, for whom the reserve number seven was made, and which he afterwards sold to Mr. Todd for eight hundred dollars. He spoke of his labors for Todd, the first day cutting a bee-tree, from which they extracted two pails of honey, a vivid reminder of one of Cooper's stories of "Oak Openings." He told of the dances in this year of 1831, of cutting out the road from Flint river to Cass in the fall of that year; of the first marriage in the county, that of his sister to Eleazer Jewett in October, 1831; of teaching school at Grand Blanc in the winter of 1831-32; of the accession of a large number of settlers in that year, and that Grand Blanc was a larger and more important place than Flint.

In 1893 the annual picnic was held at the old place, and was presided over by Dexter Horton, president. Among the speakers was John Slaight, of Mundy, H. H. Rackman, of Detroit, and G. A. Sutherland, of Argentine. William Evans, of Grand Blanc, aged ninety-six, was the oldest person present, and among those in attendance was Edmund Perry, of Davison, who came tot he county in 1826.

In 1894 the picnic was held at Long Lake, august 31, and S. A. Wood, of Detroit, gave a biographical account of Judge Leory, who was prominent in the early days of Fenton, owning the first store in Fenton and also being its first postmaster. S. S. Winthrop, of Ft. Wayne, and Judge Gold, of Flint, also made addresses. The picnic of 1896 was at the same place and was addressed by Col. A. T. Bliss, of Saginaw, as the principal speaker, Rev. F. A. Blades, of Detroit, and Rev. O. Sanborn, of Linden, also gave brief addresses.

The picnic of 1896 was the occasion of a debate on free silver, Judge McGrath, of the Supreme Court of Michigan, speaking on the one side, and Charles E. Townsend, now United States senator, advocating a gold standard.

On August 26, 1897, the pioneers were addressed by professor Loomis, of Chicago, whose subject was "George Rogers Clark, the Leader of the Rangers of the Revolutionary War Period." He related how the present state of Michigan nearly became a part of Canada, and gave to Clark the credit for saving it to the Union of States. He placed his hero in the highest niche of fame and said that his services to his country were second to none, not even the great Washington. Judge John Miner, of Detroit, also paid a tribute to the sturdy character of the pioneer. At this meeting Dr. H. C. Fairbank, of Flint, was elected historian of the county.