Lotus Club
The Lotus Club, organized in 1878, was the first club of a social nature to occupy exclusive club quarters. Russell Hall, which was named after Mrs. Catherine Russell, over 151 and 153 North Main Street, was secured by the members of this club. The club apartment consisted of the main hall where the dances were held and a stage where dramatical and literary entertainments were given by the members. Elegantly furnished parlors, cloak rooms, a billiard hall and a banquet room adjoined the main hall. Prof. Fero taught many men who are now professional and business men of Wichita, with their sweethearts, who are now their wives, the latest dance. Although the music might not compare to the fine orchestras today, yet the dancers in the Lotus Club found nothing more to be desired than the piano music furnished by Miss Mamie Manuel. There was enough talent in the club to rival any of the periodical traveling troupes. Many can recall as stars Miss Anna Lynch, now Mrs. Chas. Smythe, Miss Anna Burr, Mrs. Fred Waller, and Mrs. Harry Kramer. Here Mr. Dave Dale made his initial appearance before the footlights in Wichita in this hall, and proved himself to be familiar with the boards. A few of the attractions were the "Hungry Army ' with Col. H. W. Lewis in the lead as Captain. H. L. Pierce, C. W. Bitting, Geo. Strong and Wm. Innes, members of the chorus. The minstrel troupe with W. S. Corbett as interlocutor and H. L. Pierce and George Berkman as end men; also Mr. Kos Harris' renditions of choice poems. Along with their pleasure seeking, the Lotus Club did not forget those less fortunate. A committee was named for charity work, of which Mr. Chas. Bitting was chairman. Records now in existence show that seventeen families were cared for by the club during one winter. Mrs. Catherine Russell, whose unselfish nature led her to contribute her rare musical talents so generously for Wichita's good, superintended special entertainments to raise funds for the club's chariity work. |
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