^ E. FCHT
THE DETROIT JEWISH CHRONICLE
Phoenix and Redford Clubs Separate
OLD PROGRAM SHOWS
FOUNDED IN 1872
CLUB MEMBERS GAVE
PHOENIX CLUB HAS BRILLIANT PLAYLETS
SPLENDID GROWTH
Sketch, Presented in German',
Proves Great Social Event in
Spring of 1874.
Separation of the City and Coun
try Organization Recalls
Events of Past.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
APPOINTED FOR REDFORD
History Proves Institution Great
Influence in Detroit Jewish
Social Life.
With the announcement of the
separation of the Phoenix Social and
the Redford Country Club is brought
to the recollection of many Detroit
Jews the founding of the older society
and its continued force as a factor
in the Jewish activities of the com-
munity. Especially in the memory
of those few who have had the for
tune to spend the last half century
or the greater part of it in Detroit,
is the growth of the organization a
matter of prideful memory..
WHERE THE CLUB FOLKS GATHER
HOME OF THE "PHOENIX" AT JOHN R. AND ERSKINE.
Snowy Arms, Swan-like Necks,
Ruddy Faces, Pearly Teeth
Figure in Couplets.
REDFORD COUNTRY
CLUB BEGINS OWN
EXISTENCE, JAN. 1
Membership, Same as That of Par-
ent Organization, is Limted to
was written and delivered by I. L.
Two Hundred and Fifty.
One of the first of a long series of
brilliant muslcals and entertainments
given by the club occured on the
evening of May 14, 1874. This little
playlet, given in German, "fin tilneck.
hiker Familienvater," was the first
to receive special mention by the
Detroit press, which continued to
prase each successve effort of Phoe-
nix club members. The cast induct.
ed: IS Hesslein as a rich old burgheri,
I. Joachimsthal as "Max Leichthin,"
his nephew; J. I.. II irshinan as
"Rosenberg" the artist; Miss R. Henn
as "Adele," toothier of the family;
Miss M. Hirshman, as "Clara" the
daughter; S. Weiss as "Pr'ckel," the
"Farbenreiber," and Sol Heavenrich
as "Knaller," the coachman. The
action took place in Berlin and the
plot—it is in the submitle—"A King-
dom For His Child." The program
states that "a grand social hop will
terminate the performance."
SAMUEL SUMMERFIELD
HEADS PHOENIX CLUB
DURING COMING YEAR
POET TOASTS CHARMS
OF PHOENIX LADIES AT
OPENING BALL, 1872
The following "Toast to the Ladies"
Hirschman on the occasion of the for-
mal opening of the Phoenix Club rooms,
.Von. 14, 1872:
CLUB RECORDS SHOW
SAMUEL HEAVENRICH
EVOLUTION OF DANCE
ONLY LIVING MEMBER
FROM POLKA TO JAZZ
OF ORIGINAL GROUP
I know that the task which I've now
undertaken,
Is considered a bold one;
but I am
not shaken
To brave it courageously through, to
the last,
Although by so doing my die may be
cast;
For when a young chap, quite tender
in years,
Before such a brilliant assembly ap-
pears,
And rises to answer a toast of such
weight,
Both his actions and words he should
well calculate;
For the complacent eyes that are bent
on me now
Can create without warning a serious
row,
And if in my subject I carelessly falter
I'll soon be lassoed by some feminine
halter.
But how to avoid this has cost me
much thought,
As I wish not to be quite so easily
caught.
So I've weighed all my words with
precaution and care,
And fearlessly face their most danger.
ous glare.
LEO M. BUTZEL ELECTED
FIRST YEAR'S PRESIDENT
Modern 18-Hole Golf Course
Taken Over; House to Be En-
larged and Remodeled.
For the best interests of both the
Redford Country Club and its parent,
the Phoenix Club, a separation was
voted, and on January 1, 1920, the
country club incorporated and of-
ficers were installed as an entirely
distinct organization. It has formal-
ly taken over all jointly-owned
property—an 18-hole golf course,
clubhouse and tennis courts. A pro-
gram of rapid expansion is being
worked out. All members of the
Phoenix Club have automatically be-
come members of the Country Club,
which, it is thought, will continue to
keep the maximum number of its
members at 250.
The Redford Country Club is in
reality, the offspring of the Phoenix
Club, and since its inception a few
years ago has enjoyed the same main-
Beautiful and Picturesque Course.
tainance provisions. Now, however, Prominent Detroiter to be Aided History of Terpsichorean Crazes Resident of Detroit for 66 Years
The golf links were designed by
it was decided to elect separate hoards
Disclosed By Study of
Has Been Associated With
in Work by Active Board
Doland Ross, noted golf club achi-
of directors and governing heads, and
Ancient Programs.
Many Activities.
of
Directors.
tect, and were built under the direc-
beginning with Jan. 1, 1920 the two
tion of Mr. George McLean, the Club
organizations have had little connec-
professional. Mr. McLean was pro-
Evolution—progress—the
sign
of
tion with each other, except that both
Samuel Ileavenrich, one of the
Mr. Samuel Summertield, president
will serve to reflect much of Detroit's of the Phoenix Club for many succes- time's movement is shown by many country's Jewish pioneers and a con- Then foremost and first, in portraying fessional for the l'hoenix Club for
four years and ranks as one of the
their charms,
Jewish social life.
sive years, and but recently re-elect things, by charging costumes, political structive force in the communal life
institutions, forms pf speech, and, re-
I must mention their white and sym. hest golf instructors in the country.
ed
to
head
the
organization,
is
prom-
1872.
Club Founded in
of Detroit during the entire 66 years
metrical arms;
The clubhouse at present is a tem-
inent in social and industrial circles sorting to the oil scrap books pre-
served by the Phoenix Club, by the of his residence here, is today the Next come their pretty and soft little porary one. Plans are under way for
From that early beginning, in 1872, of the city.
various
dances
which
one
by
one
only surviving charter member of the
hands,
the erection of a new clubhouse, at
„A native of St. Louis, Mo., Mr.
when less than 70 Detroiters met to-
grew to favor, waned and died to be Phoenix Club.
Adorned both by golden and silvery a cost of approximately $200,000, one
gether in the old Kanter hall on Summertield cause to the city a replaced by others.
bands,
that will he commensurate with the
hfr. Heavenrich was born in Freus-
Lamed street between Griswold and
A student of psychology, however, dorf, near Bamberg, Germany, on Not to speak of their necks so swan membership and high standing of the
may, front those yellow ed relics of June 15, 1839, one of a family of nun:
like in graces,
Shelby in the rear of what is now
Country Club. For this purpose
the past, derive not a little amuse- At the age of 14 he sailed for Amer- Nor their fresh, ruddy, happy ind in. ground has already been purchased by
known as the old Federal building,
ment. Back in 1891, on the night of ica, having been preceded by his elder
nocent faces;
a syndicate of members oil the
the Phoenix club dates its birth.
November 7, when the leaders of brother, Simon, and sister, Mrs. S. And their bright, sparkling eyes with Seven Mile road adjoining the Club
Thence onward it proved steadily
a heavenly lustre,
Jewish social life in Detroit gathered Sykes.
property.
more and more popular, especially
for the opening ball, the orchestra
Of every known hue which dame na-
with the younger set, and the ()Id
Large Waiting List by Spring,
struck into the stately measures of
ture can muster.
quarters being outgrown, the rooms
the waltz—the waltz which, through
The membership of the Club is
Then the hair—I now ladies please
were moved to a building at Wood-
the Strauss influence had come from
don't pull my ears,
divided into three classes—(a) active,
ward avenue and Duffield street.
Germany to take the world by storm.
I will not betray you, you need have (b) intermediate, (c) junior—and its
That was in 1875. •
That time was not so distant when
no fears.
limit of 250 members has almost been
the waltz, Which demanded the en-
New Building Is Erected.
Not a word will I say about artful readied. It is expected that by the
circling arm of the gentleman about
device,
opening of the playing season in
Thirty years passed, marked by
the waist of his fair partner, was—
Such as "switches," and "chignons," April there will be a waiting list in all
consistent growth in membership and
shades of the Cheek-to-Cheekl—de-
classes.
and "frizzles," and "mice,'
dared
positively
vulgar.
But
then
as
activities, until in 1904, a new build.
Nor will I expose either "rat,' "roll"
The Redford is a member of the
TIO•, the will of youth must be the
or
"puff,"
Michigan Golf Association and of the
ing, devoted exclusively to the uses
elders' law and waltzes there were—
For fear that some damsel will rise in Detroit District Golf Association. It
of the club became imperative. Al.
five of them out of the 15 dances at
a huff.
is represented on the Executive Com-
bert Kahn was engaged as architect
that opening ball.
Hold onl I had almost forgotten their mittee of the latter organization by
Here, too. conforming to the ideas
lips,
and his plans met with the entire ap-
Charles C. Simon. Application will
of what mother and father considered
proval of the members, the corner-
From which the sly lover the pure be made during the coming season
propriety in the dance, were sets of
honey sips.
stone being laid in May, 1905, With
for membership in the Western Golf
the lanciers, the old-fashioned quad-
its commodious ballroom, dressing
Do not ask me right here from my Association and in the United States
rille,•
the
graceful
polka,
york
and
subject to roam,
rooms, billiard rooms, bowling alleys,
Golf Association.
schottische. \Vhere are they now?
and dining rooms, the building was for
And say that I'd rather take It out of
The links of the Redford Club are
Gone the way of the English country
the comb,
long a model club house for Detroit
SAMUEL SUMMERFIELD.
located northwest of the Village of
dances, the Sir Roger de Coverleys
and its dedication was celebrated with
As this is not proper, for everyone Redford, fronting on both the Seven
knows
lengthy newspaper articles descrip- quarter of a century ago and became of the "Spectator's" time, the sweetly
Mile road and Grand River avenue.
associated with Weil & Company, phrased minuets of our great-grand-
tive of the furnishings.
That honey, if pure, must be sipped The Rouge River winds through the
then on Woodward avenue. Ten mothers, as out of place on the ball-
from the rose.
'The building on the corner of
property.
It is heavily wooded and
years later the firm of Summerfield room floor today as the Highland
John R and Erskine street" said the
& Hecht was organized, composed of Fling or the Fisher's Hornpipe.'
I will skip pearly teeth and "Sozo -
Detroit News, "has two stories and
Mr. Sununerfield, A. H. Hecht and
Then it was that the late Reginald
dont's fame,
a basement and is constructed of
C. H. Hecht. the latter now deceased. de Koven was in his prime and the
Also powder and rouge, they are things
vitrified brick with white stone trim-
Mr. Summerfield, whose name is tuneful waltzes of "Robin Hood"
I could name,
mings. It was erected at a cost of
identified with every communal, ,ac- were needed to round out every pro-
But I won't, for there's nothing so
$50.000. The John R street entrance
tivit y in the city, is a member of the gram. What memories the names of
wicked in man
will be used only on nights when
Redford Country Club, the Board of those gone mid forgotten composers
As to betray the good ladies whenever
entertainments or balls are being
Commerce, Temple Beth El and must conjure up of reigning beauties
he can.
given. In both entrances marble
B'nai Brith. —
and of handsome men—Tobani,
Yet mortals are sinful, and I cannot
stairs lead to the entrance hall, the
Dr. Karl M. Fecheimer is vice-pres- Chassaigne, Schlepgrell, Waldtettfel.
understand,
walls of which are paneled in weather-
ident of the Chub; heroine Ackerman
Slowly but insidiously the innova-
Though it costs me my life or my
ed oak, eight feet from the floor.
s treasurer and H. E. Schlesinger, tions come. The "rag" is born. Ten
SAMUEL HEAVENRICH.
cherished right hand
There is a large open fireplace in this
secretary. On the Board of Direc- years ago the dancing revival mani-
To speak of their tongues; although
hall, which is handsomely fitted with
tors are Jerome Selling, Milton Sil- fest itself with the coming of the
Ile came at once to Detroit, then a
quite inactive,
leather chairs and divans as a loung-
beramn, Samuel Sloman, Jerome tango. shocking, imniodest, wholly to city of 25,000 inhabitants, whose Still
they have a way to make them
ing room." The fittings or living
Freud. Louis Simon, Albert Schloss, he deplored. The "Grapevie," the northern boundary was the Grand
attractive,
rooms, lounge and ballrooms are
Max Fttlinger and E. T. Berger, all "Argentine," the "Fox-trot," the slyly Circus Park. The Michigan Central
There are many other things that I
described in detail.
of whom have been active in affairs bacchantic 'handmaidens to a synco- Railroad at that tune came down
might mention,
Ceremonies at Formal Opening.
of the club.
pated Terpsichore. Still the elders Michigan avenue to the site of the But I told you before this was not my
Milton Silberman, one of the pi- protested, still a few waltzes and present City Hall and the Detroit &
Intention,
Many there are who remember the
oneer members and active workers two-steps were thrown to them to Pontiac Railroad arrived via Gratiot
formal opening of the club house in the dub for manv years, heads the keep the peace, and, just as those avenue at the site of the Detroit As I have no desire to get into a tussle;
I'll therefore have nothing to say of
that gusty March evening in 1906. House Committee; Dr. Karl M. Fedi- same elders were beginning to won- Opera House.
the "bustle."
Two hundred couples attended the heimer the Entertainment Committee; der if, after all, there mightn't be a
In 1862, in partnership with his I'm sure that I'd get myself into a
Jerome
Freud
the
Financial
Com-
whole
lot
of
fun
and
no
very
dread-
reception and banquet and, as one of
mess
brother Simon of Leavenworth, Kan-
mittee; Jerome Ackerman, Sinking ful harm in the tango—lo! it flickered
sas. he established the firm of By trying to show what composes the
the daily papers had it, "were loud Fund; Jerome Selling. Membership. and died.
dress
Heavenrich
Brothers,
manufacturing
in their praise of everything." Offi-
clothiers. This business continued Of the exquisite creatures whose pres-
LEO M. BUTZEL.
cers of the club welcomed the arriv-
ence tonight
until 1893, when the interest of Simon
ing guests and conducted them about
its ravines adds to its picturesque-
Heavenrich
was
taken
over
by
Wal-
Makes
everything
lovely,
mirthful
and
the rooms. Leopold Freud, at the
ness.
bright,
ter and John Heavenrich, sons of
dinner that began sometime alter mid-
Samuel Heavenrich. In 1903 the firm So I'll simply respond to the toast that
The Club is planning a series of
night, presented a golden key to the
I chose,
was dissolved and Mr. Heavenrich
golf tournaments and social enter-
executive committee composed of
Sh-h-h! Turn down the lights. the sandwiches for$1.75. Of course joined the staff of the Northwestern And thus bring my hasty remarks to tainments for the coining season. La-
Joseph Siegel, Albert \V. Schloss and
a close.
dies are permitted to play at any
himself. Other speakers at the ban- Bar all the windows. Lock the doors. there-were excellent Whiskies at 10 Mutual Life Insurance Company,
time except on Sunday morning.
quet were Henry M. Fechheimer, We're going to bring out the old cents per whisk, and slings, punches, with which he is still associated.
then president of the organization, wine list. Brief has been the lapse gins and brandies for the hegger's
In 1866 Miss Sadie Trounstine, of From the smiles of the ladies I plain.
Leo M. Butzel Elected President.
ly can see
1.eo M. Butzel, Rabbi Leo M. Frank- of time since the famous Detroit hos- fee of 15 cents. When Benedictine, Cincinnati, became the wife of Mr.
telries flourished, yet ages it seems to • the one memorable gift of the monk-
Mr. Leo H. Fluted, of the law firm
lin and Emil Hevn.
Heavenrich and their happy married That none of them have been offended
the man who sees no heinous crime , ish alchemists to man, when its rival
of Stevenson, Carpenter, Butzel &
by me.
life continued until the death of Mrs.
About the banquet table sat four of
in taking a nip now and then to cool liqueur—the Chartreuse, both yellow
Backus, is president of the Redford
Heavenrich in 1914. Their children Admitting that I am unusually pert ,
the charter members—Samuel flea- hint off, to warm him up, to drown
and green—and the famous Three are: Mrs. Alfred Rothschild, Mrs. It is pleasant to know that there's Country Club. He is a native De-
'enrich, Martin Butzel, Henry Bing
his sorrows, to celebrate his joy, to Star Hennessey, priceless now, were
troiter
and a graduate of the Univer-
"nobody hurt"
Leo M. Butzel, Miss Edith Heaven-
swanger and Sigmund Simon. Only
cheer him because he's lonesome, be- delivered at your table as soon as
rich, and Walter, John and Herbert Then, gentlemen, join me and fill up sity of Michigan, class of '94. He
one, Samuel Heavenrich, is living to-
cause lie's with a jolly crowd—or just you made, with the club through
has been engaged in the practice of
your gl
Heavenrich, all of whom reside in
day.
because lie likes it.
your waiter a -verbal contract to pay Detroit except Herbert.
Let us drink to the health of the law in this city for many years.
Extensive Additions Planned.
ladies and lasses;
One glance at the old-time Phoenix 15 cents a glass—well, read the old
He is a member of the Bar Assn-
Their homestead at the corner of
To see them here often would give us dation of Detroit, the Fellow•craft
For long the membership was limit- Club wine list, of the Nineties, say, wine list of the Nineties.
Woodward avenue and Alfred street,
A
club's
wine
list
is
not
a
thing
much pleasure,
Club, the Detroit Golf Club, Detroit
ed to 200 but with the new $50,000 •is sufficient to bring reminiscent tears
built by Mr. Heavenrich when Al-
to the eyes of those who remember to be dragged out into public gaze
They're cordially welcome whene'er Motor Boat Club, Detroit Yacht Club,
addition td be begun shortly, the the
fred street was almost the northern
old regime as a time of good fel- even for the purpose of serving as
they have leisure;
Temple Beth El and the Lotus Club
limit of Detroit, and their present
number will be increased to 250. lowship.
of New York city.
Present-day bootleggers, subject of eulogy, but under the cir-
residence at 45 Pingrce avenue, have Without them the "Phoenix" would
Whether other stories will be added waxing fat, may be inclined to smile cumstances, those old cards—many
shed every feather;
The other officers are: Henry F.
been
the centers of much of the ac-
,' a new wing will be built on the 16 scornfully at the ridiculously low of them preserved since that fateful t ivity of Detroit, where many visitors' While their co-operation will keep us Fechimer, vice-president; Julian H.
April evening in 1918—will recall
together.
Krolik, treasurer; Nathan SI. Gross,
feet of ground adjoining the present prices. Those were the days when a many pleasing memories. What prominent in social and civic life were
May their lives be a continuation of secretary. On the Board of Directors
club house is a matter still to be man might invite the crowd to share stories have been told over the entertained.
joy,
are Henry M. Butzel, John Heaven-
decided. It is intended that the in his joy over the birth of an heir, \\ urtzberger
or imported Kaiser
Mr. Heavenrich has been one of the Without care, without trouble or other rich, Louis Kahn, Charles C. Simons,
lounging room shall be extended the signing the wine order for three dol- (Qts. .40; Pts. .20) and what merry
lars
and
a
half
each
time
most
active
and
progressive
members
the cork
alloy.
Harry Ilelfinan, Andrew Wincman,
length of the building. Private din-
evenings passed enlivened' with a few of the community. Ile is one of the
And let it be known all over the world I. C. Freud and Sam Ginsburg.
ing rooms will be increased in num- popped from a quart of Pommery
rounds of Budweiser (Qts. .25; Pts. earliest members of Temple Beth El,
That with our "Phoenixian" banner
ber, and many smaller rooms devoted I Sec, Mumm's Extra Dry or Veuve
Committee chairmen are as follows:
.15) posterity doomed to drag its serving as its president for two years, unfurled—
to the afternoon socials and recep- Cliquot. Three dollars and a balfl
Green, Andrew Wineman; house.
weary way across the burning sands and as trustee since 1893, a period of
"United we stand, divided we fall,"
tions of members wives arc included
For an after-theater party, a quart of time with never an oasis in sight,
Henry
H. Fechimer; entertainment,
over 25 years. He is also a director Thla proves our harmonious opening
in the plans.
of Pontet Canet claret to go with may only surmise.
Louis Kahn; finance, John A. Heaven-
of the United Jewish Chariti es.
b a II .
rich,
OLD WINE LIST EVOKES MEMORIES