Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/96

 76 Sloan's Architectural Review and Builders' Journal. [July, Philadelphia Saving Fund Society. — The corner-stone of the building to be erected by the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society, at the corner of Walnut and Seventh streets, was laid on the 15th June. The interest of the occasion was height- ened by the presence of Charles N. Bancker, the only survivor of the cor- porators, who, at the advanced age of ninety-one years, was present, by invita- tion, to lay the corner-stone. The cere- monies were opened by Mr. Caleb Cope, president of the society, who made a brief address. He said that the institu- tion was founded in the year 1816, and that the first office occupied was located on Sixth street, nearly opposite Minor. From thence it removed to the south- east corner of Sixth and Minor streets. In the year 1821, an office was rented on the west side of Decatur street, near Carpenter. Five years afterwards it was removed to the southeast corner of Third and Walnut streets, up-stairs. In October, 1827, there was a removal to No. 66 Walnut street, now No. 304, and in 1840, to the present location. Industrial Home for Girls. — It wjas with pleasure, that we noticed the fact of a building having been ob- tained for the Industrial Home for Girls at Tenth and Catharine streets. The managers of this excellent institu- tion determined to replenish their treasury, and with this view they gave a very delightful entertainment on Tues- day evening at the Amateur's Drawing- room. Dr. L. R. Koecker was the prestidigitateur on the occasion, and for nearly two hours he delighted his audi- ence by some wonderful and well-exe- cuted experiments in magic. Successful in every trick, he was justly greeted with applause at the termination of each one of them. Then followed the Sphynx, which was superior to any similar delu- sion we have ever witnessed. The rope- dancers attracted much attention, and when the Lilliputian family appeared the audience became convulsed with laughter, and although it was after eleven o'clock when the curtain fell, many left with regret, the juveniles being taken away with much reluctance on their part. Mr. Berger, who assisted Dr. Koecker, contributed much to the pleasing entertainment and was warmly appreciated. The Industrial Home is perhaps the only one in this country where girls are instructed in household duties and ren- dered competent to obtain an honest livelihood. The excellent managers have shown great wisdom in affording a delightful evening's entertainment to their friends, and thereby securing funds for their treasury. Every seat in the magnificent drawing-room was taken, and no place of amusement held a more delighted audience. — Press, May 14. The gentlemen adverted to in the above are no more than deservedly praised. Dr. Koecker, the duke of ama- teurs, is a thorough mechanician and a good artist, possessing, besides, much general talent. The automata spoken of are, doubtless, of his own construction ; and he has something of Robert-Hou- din's natural tendency to slight of hand. — Ed, The Lyle Monument — The contrac- tor for the monument to be erected over the remains of the late David M. Lyle, Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, has caused to be completed the model of the statue, at his rooms, Eleventh and Parrish streets. The model is a fine piece of workmanship. The statue is six feet six inches in height, and is a faithful representation of the late Chief. It presents him in full equipments, with hat in one hand and horn in the other, standing alongside of a fire-plug. The work of cutting the statue in marble will shortly be begun, and when completed, will be to the entire satisfaction of the Fire Department.