More on the Use of High Island as an "Actors' Paradise" by Famous New York Stage Legends in the 19th Century

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High Island is roughly an 18-acre island a few hundred feet off the northeastern tip of City Island.  It is one of the "Pelham Islands" that once were part of the Town of Pelham but since have been annexed by New York City. At low tide a sandbar links the island with City Island. A small private bridge wide enough for a single vehicle to pass also links the island to City Island. 

The island has a fascinating history about which I have written before.  See, e.g.:  Fri., Feb. 17, 2017:  More on the History of High Island in the Town of Pelham.  

For many years during the 19th and 20th centuries, the island was a popular tent and bungalow summer resort. In about 1962, the bungalows were removed and, in 1964, Columbia Broadcasting System purchased the island as a new location for its transmission tower for WCBS Radio. In 1967, a small plane crashed into the tower, knocking out radio transmissions the day before WCBS switched to an all-news format. Consequently, that switch-over was delayed by about a week. Today, the island is believed to be one of only two places in North America where "a single tower radiates not one but two non-directional 50,000 watt signals." See Tower Site of the Week from FYBush.com, High Island, New York (April 24 - May 1, 2003) (visited Sep. 28, 2019). Today the private island is home to two famous AM radio signals: WFAN (formerly WNBC) on 660 AM and WCBS on 880 AM."

One interesting aspect of the history of High Island is its use for many years beginning in 1869 as an annual encampment clubhouse and grounds of club known as "Multum in Parvo."  (The Latin phrase means "Much in Little.")  The Multum in Parvo club was a product of the imagination of an actor named Harry Cunningham.  He organized the club on September 12, 1869.  The club promptly leased High Island from its owner, a member of the King family of New York City fame, for a term that, according to differing accounts, was either for ten years or twenty years.  

The Multum in Parvo Club was an organization of well-known actors and entertainers principally from New York City. During summers in the early and mid-1870s, the organization installed a cook and an extensive bar in the clubhouse on the island and hosted over-the-top dinners for its members. The dinners became an odd spectacle because the actors often appeared in costume during the grand celebrations of the club. Heavy drinking was involved, even on Sundays when the bar in the clubhouse was closed but the members brought their own "bottles." 

Women were not allowed on the island. Thus, wives often accompanied club members, but remained on City Island where, according to one report, each day while on the island, "the married men have to go to the water's edge and say 'good morning' to their wives on City Island through a telescope." The Multum in Parvo Club had grand plans including a plan to construct a grand new clubhouse on High Island in 1872. The club, however, promptly faded into obscurity and, by 1878, reportedly was defunct though its ten-year lease of the island had not yet ended.

Harry Cunningham was a jovial and well-liked actor who graced the New York Stage for a few decades beginning in the early 1850s.  Though not a leading man, he is recorded as playing in Uncle Tom's Cabin as early as 1853 and, later that decade, in farces at Barnum's Museum in New York City during the summer season.  He played the Barnum's Museum house during summer and some regular seasons through the fall of 1864.  At various times in his career he played roles in shows at the Bowery Theatre, and the separate Bowery Amphitheatre.   

Today's Historic Pelham article transcribes the text of an article that appeared in the sporting magazine New York Clipper on August 31, 1872.  The article describes the club's third annual summer "encampment" on High Island.  The article is most notable, it seems, for conveying how outlandish and sophomoric the annual "encampments" of the club actually were -- strongly corroborating multiple sources that alcohol always was heavily involved in the gatherings.  

The encampment was held on High Island on August 4, 1872.  Visitors to the encampment traveled to City Island first.  From there, they were rowed to High Island for the festivities.  

A centerpiece of the encampment was a nice meal in the clubhouse.  The report makes clear that a man named "Brown" was hired by the club to act as a "chef."  The clubhouse -- the only structure on the island at the time -- had a small cellar that served as a dining hall.  Although the dining hall lacked niceties such as tablecloths and napkins, the food reportedly was excellent and centered around a clam chowder.  

After the meal, club members gathered near the water.  They placed two barrels and a wooden lounge near the water and lit a large bonfire.  During this particular encampment, members of the club dressed in witches costumes.  There was "quaint" live music.

New York City actor George Johnson, labeled the "life of the club" and referenced as "Governor Johnson," apparently served as the master of ceremonies.  Late in the evening, apparently after much enjoyment of hard liquor, Governor Johnson stood on the wooden lounge to stir the fire without realizing the bonfire had burned away the supports beneath the lounge on which he stood.  The lounge collapsed and he tumbled over a large rock into the "damp and darkness below."  His comrades found his misfortune hilarious and asked him what happened.  He replied that he merely thought it was his time to "exit" the stage.  

These men who trod the boards of New York stages around the time of the Civil War and afterward clearly enjoyed their time together -- and their time in the little Town of Pelham very summer!

Detail from 1872 Beers Map Showing the "Multum Inparvo

Club House" on High Island Just Off the Shores of City

Island.  Source:  "Town of New Rochelle, and Pelham,
Westchester County, New York [Insets] Pelhamville and

City Island" in Beers, J.B., County Atlas of Westchester New

York, pp. 53-54 (Washington, D.C., J. B. Beers & Co., 1872).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

High Island, Upper Right, With Sandbar and Bridge Linking

It to the Northeast Tip of City Island, on the Left.  Source:

Recent Google Maps Earth View.

*          *          *          *          *

"THE ACTOR'S PARADISE.
-----
HIGH ISLAND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW YORK CLIPPER.
-----

The idea of forming an association of actors for the purposes of mutual enjoyment and sociability, was ventilated in Harry Cunningham's place one day in the fall of '69, and the projects and plans then proposed appearing feasible, a course of action was immediately entered upon, which resulted in the organization of on the 12th of September, 1869, of the 'Multum in Parvo' club.

They secured a twenty years' lease of High Island, a desirable spot in Long Island Sound, in the vicinity of City and Hart's Islands, upon which every summer they hold their 'annual encampment,' where, in freedom of the most comfortable kind, they while away the summer solstice, and obtain that much-needed rest and recreation which certainly, of all people, the actor stands in so much need of.  The rules of the club, the means of enjoyment, the actions of the members themselves -- in fact, everything surrounding the 'encampment' point unmistakably to the objects in view, to wit, an entire freedom in actions and dress, and an utter disregard of uncomfortable customs and stilted formalities.

Each and every member appears to make earnest endeavors to contribute to the general comfort, so that, in the words of their preamble, 'we may continue to enjoy our annual encampment sociably and agreeably to promote harmony and good feeling.'

It may be easily imagined that with the above objects in view, and with a determination on the part of the members to stand by them, a decidedly pleasant and enjoyable state of affairs has been arrived at.  And such is the case, as a visit to the 'Encampment' last week satisfactorily proved, every thing working in harmony, and the members thereof enjoying themselves to the top of their bent, undisturbed by those little bickerings and petty jealousies which so often retard the growth and welfare of clubs and associations of all kinds.  At the third annual meeting, held on the Island on the 4th Inst., the following officers were elected for 1872-3: -- 

Harry Cunningham, president; Isaac L. Street, vice-president; Dr. S. S. Fitch, jr., treasurer; Gilbert V. Ryder, secretary; and Richard Street, captain of the boats.

Among the members, on the occasion of our visit, were Harry Cunningham, the worthy president and originator of the club; the jovial Harry Macarthy, prize swimmist and story-teller; Charlie Parsloe, the lively, with his talented little 'un, Sniffen; the Streets -- sociable, pleasant Streets -- one and all; George Johnson, the life of the club; 'Across the Continent' O'Neil, whose champion oar practice increases instead of diminishes his 'heft,' and who can row as well as the next man, if the passengers would but please be costive [sic] with their orders and directions; 'Gid' Ryder, another jovial 'consumptive;' Frank Sanger, easy-going and sociable; 'Doc' Fitch, the courteous and efficient treasurer, whose professional services, to judge by the remarkably healthy look of the 'Multum' tribe, will not often be required; Ben. Porter; J. H. Mulligan, whose moustache requires almost as much waxing as the Napolenoic Heresford's Hen. Fisher; Chas. Norris, who was made in the Boothenian mould, and who looks enough like one of the Booths to be taken for a -- friend; Gen. Wright, an enthusiastic 'Multum;' Mike O'Brien, the quiet, etc.

In this connection we mustn't forget to make mention of Brown, the colored chef de cuisine, whose handiwork, it is needless to say, is well appreciated by the hungry High Islanders; in fact, Brown's work is always done Brown.  Among the High Island pets may be mentioned 'Beauty,' who is 'not poorly but good;' the Rock of Gibraltar Ram, who passes the time on an imitation Gibraltar near the house, meditatively musing, and wonderingly much no doubt how it ever came there; the hens 'Maggie Mitchell,' 'Janauschek,' etc., all of which it is needless to say are much petted by the boys, and are thriving wonderfully.

In company with a sociable crowd of 'Multums' we made the trip to the 'Encampment' last week.  After a pleasant run of about sixteen miles, we reached City Island, where we were met by another detachment of 'Multums' in costumes decidedly original and -- well, slightly out of style.  Top boots, whose appearance precluded the idea of their ever having fit anybody; pantaloons, which apparently wouldn't be much 'siled' if the wearers thereof should happen to brush against a dirty wall; hats 'fearfully and wonderfully made;' these were the principle articles of their costumes, which, as before remarked, although not entirely fashionable, were nevertheless decidedly comfortable and sensible withal, as all those can testify who have felt the entire 'out-of-placeness' -- if we can coin an expression -- of fine clothes, 'city' clothes, immaculate shirts and stiff collars, during a pleasant 'roughing' it in the country.

From City Island we were rowed over the THE 'Island' High Island -- and were received at the landing by still another detachment of 'Multums,' who, posted on 'Plymouth Rock,' welcomed our party with cheers and a salvo of firecrackers.  Passing over a bridge of primitive make, after our landing, we proceeded to the only house on the island, the 'Multum in Parvo Club' House, in the 'drawing room' of which our city costumes were laid aside and we were invested with the 'loose and happy' rig of the 'islanders.'  The curiosities and sights of the island were then inspected, viz., 'Whally's boots,' a pair of remarkably ferocious-looking top boots, in which Whally was won't to play his 'hefty' characters, and which were formerly used by the club as a mark of distinction for their visitors and guests, the putting on of which recognized the wearer as the guest of the club; 'Enoch Arden,' a tree overlooking the water, so called from its wonderful resemblance to a scene in 'Enoch Arden,' the illusion of which is heightened by the fact of there being a bush at the foot of it, which, at night, could be readily taken for a human figure peering over the waters, a la Enoch; the unique and original mantel ornament in the 'drawing room,' to which the attention of the visitor is at once called; the old well; the comfortable-looking old cellar (so pleasant to eat clams in -- real clams, too, manufactured  expressly for the Multums) -- all these, and many other sights and curiosities are the visitors called upon to examine.

The 'welcome cry of' -- not 'larboard watch' but 'dinner' caused all hands to inspect the attractions of the dining room, which may be summarized as follows:  --  An alarming absence of conventionalities, tablecloths, napkins, discomfort and bad food, and a corresponding increase and profusion of comfort, sociability and true politeness, topped off with a bill of fare which could not be improved upon.  Johnson's chowder was successful to the highest degree -- decidedly the chowderest chowder ever chowdered for hungry chowderists.  The meats, the 'puddins,' and last but not least, the 'A' High well water, together with the German mixture which ornamented the dining room were things of enjoyment indeed.  At night, two tar barrels and an antiquated lounge were placed on the rocks near the water, and the jovial 'Multums' having gathered around, the pyre was lighted with comical ceremonies, the Macbeth music being sung by the assembled 'witches,' Gov. Johnson officiating with a boat hook.  The scene at this juncture was decidedly picturesque -- the jovial 'Multums' in their outre costume, dispersed in various attitudes around the rocks, the quaint music (rendered in fine style) swelling on the night air, the ludicrous appearance of the 'party with the boat hook,' which a lively imagination would readily associate with the idea of old Neptune and his trident, as with exaggerated motions and comical antics he alternately stirred the fire and directed the assembled 'witches,' the whole picture made vividly distinct and striking by the blaze of the 'furniture,' was long to be remembered, and not to be equalled [sic] for effect by the most dazzling of 'transformation scenes.'

The climax was capped in the the [sic] above scene, when a sudden [illegible] had the effect of causing the 'witches' to roll over and over in paroxysms of laughter.  While attending the fire, Johnson was suddenly startled by the fall of the lounge, the supports of which had burnt away, and believing that he was to be damaged he jumped back with such 'emphaticness' [sic] that he was precipitated head and heels over the rock.  The sudden transition of Johnson in the blazing light on the rock to Johnson in the damp and darkness below, was as ludicrous as can well be imagined.  When, after a little appearance, in reply to a question as to why he had left the rock so suddenly, he gravely answered that, thinking the drop had come down, he had 'gone off, the hilarity was at its height.  Johnson's 'exit' from that rock was decidedly rich.  May all his comical 'exits' on the boards be provocative of as much mirth to his audience as was that.

Another Johnsonian adventure eventuated on the dock at City Island, fully as ludicrous as the above.  The boat, laden with passengers, was just about leaving, when Johnson espied an antiquated looking female of grotesque appearance passing near him.  Throwing up his hands, and giving a yell that attracted the attention of all on board, Johnson cried out, in fearfully pathetic tones, looking the antiquated  female straight in the eye: 'Ah! ha! ha! Yes, Tis me mother's face! Ah! ha!' and then 'swoonded' [sic] into the arms of a fellow 'Multum.'  The aged specimen on being thus 'come at,' uttered a yell of terror, and darted from the spot instanter, while the passengers were convulsed with laughter.  Among those who had been 'taking in' this scene were a number of countrymen on the dock, one of whom, with mouth open from 'here to here' with laughter, was approached by Charlie Parsloe with the question:  --  'Say, now, wasn't that funny, eh; wasn't that funny?'  The laughing countryman nodded assent.

'Wasn't it real good and funny, eh; wasn't it?' Again the countryman nodded.

'Did you see it?' continued Parsloe.  The countryman, still laughing, nodded negatively.

'Then what in thunder are you laughing at?' roared Parsloe, while a fresh burst of laughter from the spectators testified to the rib-tickling powers of the happy 'Multums,'  May they 'ever be happy.'"

Source:  THE ACTOR'S PARADISE -- HIGH ISLAND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW YORK CLIPPER, N.Y. Clipper, Aug. 31, 1872, Vol. XX, No. 22, p. 1, cols. 5-6.  

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