[9] At this time Willow Grove Park, fifteen miles out of Philadelphia, was the foremost summer musical center. [Illustration: © The Phillips Studio ALEXANDER VAN RENSSELAER, ESQ.] Finally, after much effort, terms were agreed to by which Mr. Scheel consented to remain in Philadelphia. He was to conduct three different enterprises during the winter: 1. The Philadelphia Symphony Society, a well-established amateur orchestra organization (with weekly rehearsals and three public performances). 2. The Opera Class (an amateur chorus meeting weekly at Mrs. Alexander J. Cassatt’s house). 3. A week’s series of Popular Concerts during October at the National Export Exposition at the Commercial Museum in West Philadelphia. He was to receive $1000 from each of these associations. He accepted with the provision that at the end of the season he should be given the opportunity to conduct two concerts with an orchestra of professional musicians. The winter passed and in the early spring Scheel asked to have this part of the contract fulfilled. Like the ogre in the fairy tale, who always claims the beautiful princess, it must have seemed to the men, who had no idea how they were going to keep that promise. Scheel had given this as his only reason for staying, for he wanted a chance to show what he could do with professionals. However, having given their word, a committee was formed consisting of Mr. John H. Ingham, Mr. Oliver Boyce Judson, Dr. Edward I. Keffer, Mr. Edward G. McCollin and Mr. Oscar A. Knipe. Scheel selected his players by visiting the theatres and making notes each evening about the various musicians in the orchestras. At this point his task was easy compared to that of the Executive Committee who were responsible for the financial side of the concerts. Various benefits were contemplated and finally a decision was arrived at through the presence in Philadelphia of Lillie Langtry, who was acting for the benefit of the families of soldiers fallen in the Boer War. Why should not this undertaking be a patriotic one likewise? Why not assist the families of soldiers and sailors fallen and disabled in the Philippines? No sooner said than done. Mrs. Alexander J. Cassatt had a son in the army, and was speedily interested in a plan to raise money for the families of our own men in the service. She embraced the idea with enthusiasm, formed a committee of prominent women and carried the concerts through brilliantly and efficiently. The Executive Committee managed the musical end, and Mrs. Cassatt’s Committee of Women advertised the concerts, procured the support of musical and social organizations, secured the patronesses, and filled the house. The tickets were sold at auction with much profit. The concerts were advertised as follows: “Our Soldiers and Sailors. Academy of Music Thursday, March 29th and April 5th, 3.30 P. M.