USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 1 > Part 32
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The club was launched under the auspices of the Massachusetts League of Women Workers in March, 1911, at the initiative of the sewing guild of the Broadway Congregational Church, when Miss Ethel Hobart, then secretary of the league, came here and presided at a mass meeting that was held for the purpose at High School Hall. There were more than three hundred girls present to sanction the beginnings of the institution, and it was decided to form one in Taunton, first meetings being held at High School Hall and Historical Hall. For eight years afterwards, the gatherings were held at the Boys' Club building, the second story of which was planned for their accommodation. In 1923 the club was meeting at 40 Taunton Green, through the courtesy of the Taunton Gas Company, while the various classes met at different places. Miss Nellie Leary was chosen first president of the club, which office she held up to 1914. Her successors in the office were Misses Mae Dreghorn, Eva Sears, Hazel Eickhern, Emma McCarthy, Tilly Lunny, Alice Tierney. During the World War, the club shared with all other organizations in the drives for funds. On the club service flag are the names of Miss Helen Kilcline, an active member, who took a course in nursing and went to France; Miss Grace Sullivan, who took a nurse's course and went to Camp Devens; and Miss Mary Fagan, also a nurse, who went to Camp Devens. The directors who had charge of the affairs of the club since its organization were the following-named: Misses Josephine Carr, Eleanor Upton, Sybil Williams, Mary E. Gibbs,
Miss Rachel Morse. The objects of this club are to form a center for friendship and educational improvement, and to have and to share all benefits. It has placed its interests in the current of those of the practical charities of Taunton. During the World War over six thousand surgical dressings were made by the club members, as well as a large number of sweaters, helmets, wristlets and mufflers.
Knights of King Arthur .- In writing a history of the boys' order of the Knights of King Arthur in Taunton, says Merle T. Barker, head of this work in Taunton, it is necessary to briefly outline the story of the order as internationally organized, to summarize its purpose, and to explain the general plan of a modern Castle of the Knights. The idea originated with William Byron Forbush, a noted worker with and for boys, in 1880. From a tiny beginning the order is now international, with castles in every State of the Union, in England, Canada and Australia. We quote:
It is a fraternity, private but not secret, self-governing and under the control of the local church. It is based upon the oldest English Christian
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legend, that of the Round Table. It is a revival of the nobler side of mediaval chivalry. The thought is to fulfil the prophecy of King Arthur that he would return to re-establish a kingdom of righteousness, honor and service. The boys collectively are a Castle. Each boy takes the name of some ancient knight or some hero, ancient or modern, and tries to repre- sent his knightly traits. He starts as Page, and undergoes a humorous, harmless but instructive initiation. The keynote in this stage of the boys' fraternity experience is Obedience. It is intended to take some of the conceit out of him and to give the adult leader an opportunity to watch him for his possibilities, while he, in turn, is learning to see how he will like his new relationships. After a season, when he has manifested evi- dences of the possession of the right spirit, he may be advanced to the rank of Esquire. The keynote of this stage is Habit. The Esquires con- stitute usually the working body in the Castle. It is they who are learning to live nobly and fraternally together. In order to become an Esquire, each boy must have had suitable instruction regarding the discipline of his body and concerning his personal ideals. He must also be able to give a short biography of his chosen hero. Still later he may be elevated to the rank of Knight, usually after he has become a member of the church. The keynote of this stage is Service. Each boy is expected to begin his life in this degree by a "quest" for others. All of these ranks are open to every member who fulfils the required conditions of entrance. In the Castle Hall there is a "Siege Perilous," which may be occupied only by such as have performed some worthy deed, recognized as such by the boys, and who thereafter are honored with the title of Baronet. Other higher ranks are open to all members who conform to the requirements. The boys themselves fill the various Castle offices, from Sentinel to King. The adult leader represents King Arthur's hoary counsellor, Merlin.
The first castle in Taunton was organized by Rev. Joel Metcalf, at the Unitarian Church. Soon afterward Miss Georgia Harlow became the adult leader of Camelot Castle, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Miss Harlow was especially fitted for the work by temperament and vision. Camelot became a model castle, and was the real inspiration for the rest of us. In January, 1911, Winthrop Castle was formed at the Winthrop Street Bap- tist Church, with the writer as Merlin, J. Fred Barden, Jr., as assistant, Harry N. Smith, dubric, and Louis T. Wood and A. Milton French, adult chancellors. Camelot installed us with pomp and ceremony, and helped us to get our first ideals of what the order meant.
From the first, Winthrop Castle prospered, and has become one of the best known and strongest castles in the order. Its growth through the years has been due almost wholly to the high type of boys that joined. After Winthrop's inception, castles began to spring up rapidly in the various churches in the city. Broadway Castle at the Broadway Congre- gational Church, with Frank P. Smerdon as Merlin; Lovering Castle at the Union Congregational Church, Rev. George A. Merrill, Merlin; Miles Cas- tle at St. John's Episcopal Church, Rev. Walter Tourtellot, Merlin; Cen- tral Castle at the Central M. E. Church, Rev. Elmer Mossman, Merlin; Winslow Castle at the Winslow Congregational Church; Walker Castle at the First M. E. Church with George Ogg, Merlin; Livingstone Castle at the Grace M. E. Church, Rev. Samuel A. Livingstone, Merlin, followed in fairly fast succession. During the years, courts of the Queens of Avalon (the sister society for girls) were also being started. Winthrop at the Baptist Church, with Mrs. William R. Park, Jr., lady of the lake; Beth- any, at Broadway, with Miss Lucy Bliss as lady of the lake; Monsalvot, at the Unitarian, with Mrs. Ruel Harvey as lady of the lake; Walker, at
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First M. E., with Mrs. George Ogg as lady of the lake; Avalon, at Grace M. E., with Miss Hazel F. Mader as lady of the lake; Camelot, at Union Congregational, with Mrs. George A. Merrill, as lady of the lake.
In 1915 the writer conceived the idea of the Taunton County Palatine, which should bind together all the various castles and courts of the city. The Palatine has become noteworthy as an example of what can be accom- plished with the enthusiasm of numbers and a unity of purpose. It has undoubtedly been a source of inspiration to the hundreds of boys and girls within its memberships, and has been a means of promoting fellowship among the different churches. The adult head of the Palatine is ranked as viscount, and the following have served in this capacity: Merle T. Barker, Rev. F. R. Sturtevant, Frank P. Smerdon, Rev. G. A. Merrill, Rev. W. R. Tourtellot, John E. Clare, Allan M. Walker. The county scribes have been: Clayton Lincoln, Winthrop; Edwin E. Pierce, Monsal- vot; Donald G. Merrill, Winthrop; G. Donald Guthrie, Broadway; Curtis G. Leavitt, Winthrop; Miss Hannah Christenson, Court Bethany; Miss Doris B. Dean, Court Winthrop. The county treasurers have been: Miss Helen Hodges, Court Winthrop; Frederic S. Mann, Walker; Miss Kather- ine Davol, Court Monsalvot; Miss Edith Gibson, Court Bethany; William Mason, Monsalvot.
Of the castles and courts mentioned, Camelot Castle, Broadway Cas- tle, Central Castle, Winslow Castle, Walker Castle, and Court Walker have ceased to function. The others are active, and in addition we have two commanderies-Winthrop and Broadway. The commandery is a "big brother" organization taking in older boys of a castle who have outgrown their boyhood activities, but who desire to retain the fellowship of their King Arthur friends, to perpetuate the ideals of the order, and to assist the younger boys in their castle. The commanderies are of vital help to the adult leaders, an example of the eternal spirit of knighthood to the boys, and a striking proof of the appeal of the Order to all ages. In some cases, new Merlins and ladies of the lake have succeeded the original leaders. At the Unitarian church, Rev F. R. Sturtevant succeeded Mr. Metcalf, and has been one of our staunchest friends and most loyal work- ers. The court at the same church is now in the hands of Miss Alice Emery. At the Grace M. E. Church, Earl Mader, the first king of the castle, has succeeded Mr. Livingstone as Merlin. At Court Bethany at the Broadway, Mrs. Marcus A. Rhodes has taken Miss Bliss' place, and is now county lady of the lake. Once each year at the spring conclave of the Palatine, the high degree of earl or countess is bestowed upon the boy or girl who, in the opinion of all the adult leaders, has been the most knightly or queenly in life and conduct. These have been thus honored: Donald G. Merrill, Winthrop; Mason Noyes, Monsalvot; Charles M. Kingsbury, Winthrop; Miss Edith Gibson, Bethany; Edward Court, Miles; Miss Hannah Christenson, Bethany; John E. Clare, Winthrop. This is the special honor roll to which other names will be added each spring, as the ancient high standards of chivalry are again exemplified in the lives of these modern knights and queens. As Walter J. Clemson, our county troubadour, has so beautifully put it,
"There's a long, long quest a-shining Across the land of my dreams, Where the Grail of Noble Living Sends its golden gleams. There's a long and hard endeavor Until that worthy end is won, When life's fruition comes to pass And the Master says, "Well Done."
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Musical Organizations .- The story of music appreciation in Taunton had its initial chapters in the year 1821, when the Beethoven Society was first formed, the same year that the first newspaper was published here, and the year of the beginning of the Bristol County Agricultural Society. Colonel Samuel Fobes came over from Bridgewater to direct the society mentioned, Jotham Colburn was the instrumental leader, and James Sproat was the first secretary. The first public concert of the society was given in February, 1822, and Samuel Presbrey gave an address on "Music." One of the really great musical events of the decade was that of June, 1823, when an oratorio was given, and Oliver Shaw and other prominent composers came here to participate. Jotham Colburn was then president of the society, and Ellis Hall secretary. Among the members of the society were: Zephaniah Hodges, Nathan Fisher, Abiezer Dean, Benjamin Seaver, James and William A. F. Sproat, Deacon Jezaniah Sumner, Thomas C. Brown, Elias C. Fisher, General Cromwell Washburn, John W. Seabury, William R. Crandell, A. Richmond Dean, Colonel Adoniram Crane, Ellis Hall, Otis and Caleb Strong, Julia Dean, Nancy Sproat, Abby Ingell, Eliza, Mary, Fanny and Sarah Seabury, Lavinia, Relief and Mary Smith, Eleanor Dean, Mary Shaw, Nancy Hull, Polly Hood.
The Mozart Society revived the failing spirit of the Beethoven Society in 1836, its promoters being S. O. Dunbar, H. M. Barney, George S. Pierce, William A. Crocker, Samuel L. Crocker, Samuel C. West, James C. Brown, Samuel Crocker, Charles Richmond, Caleb Duxbury. Again, in 1847, how- ever, the Beethoven Society came to the fore, with many of the former members sharing its activities. Its officers in the nineties were: President, Charles L. Lovering; vice-president, Frank L. Fish; secretary and treas- urer, William M. Dunbar; librarian, E. E. Richards; leader, Leander Soule.
It is due to the revival of the Beethoven Society that the South- eastern Musical Festival was given its earliest impetus in November, 1879, the first call for a meeting to perfect a permanent organization being made by Leander Soule; A. B. Winch, first teacher of music in the public schools; James Henry Sproat, William H. Bent and Frank L. Fish. Hon. John L. Hawes was elected the first president. The first festival lasted two days. Later the festival was continued three days, with a grand chorus of more than two hundred voices, and orchestra of more than three hun- dred members. The evidences of the influence of this association still exist in the work of the training of the high school orchestra by Walter J. Clem- son, and in the series of addresses on "Appreciation of Music" that have been given at Historical Hall by John B. Archer, A. M. Mr. Clemson, director of music in the public schools, and originator and director of the high school orchestra, has devoted his talents to the advancement of the musical interests of Taunton schools. He is an official and has long been a promoter of the interests of the Southeastern Musical Association. Taunton owes much to the application of his musicianly gifts to her musical history.
The Taunton Choral Union, organized in 1904, with Allston Estes Williams as its president and William R. Park, Jr., and Charles W. Eddy among its leaders, was a successful exponent of best effort in music here for some years.
It was during the year 1888 that a few musically inclined young women, neighbors, agreed to meet at regular intervals in order to increase
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their confidence by playing in the presence of some one outside their own families. These meetings were informal gatherings, but in 1889 it was suggested that an organized society be formed, and the following-named officers were chosen: President, Mrs. Annie B. Woodward; vice-president, Mrs. A. C. Rhodes; secretary and treasurer, Miss Susan A. Bassett. Miss Woodward held her office until compelled to resign on account of pro- tracted illness; and she was succeeded in 1896 by Mrs. A. C. Rhodes, but after Mrs. Rhodes removed from Taunton, she was succeeded in 1910 by Mrs. Grace Bonner Williams, now in office. The vice-presidents have been: Mrs. A. C. Rhodes, Mrs. S. A. Burt, Mrs. John A. Abbott, Mrs. Charles T. Hubbard, Mrs. Willis K. Hodgman, Mrs. Charles W. Davol. Secretary and treasurer: Miss Susan A. Bassett, 1889-1900; Miss Annie Andros, 1900-02; Miss Jane Burbank, 1902 -. At the present time (1923) the membership number is limited to thirty-five, and meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, and at the homes of members, from October to May. A plan of work is prepared for each season by a pro- gramme committee appointed by the directors, with a committee of four or five to prepare a programme on a subject assigned. Besides the above- named officers, there are now three directors each year, one retiring and one appointed, the directors at present being Mrs. Charles P. Whitters, Miss Dorothy Park, Mrs. Charles S. McNulty; and the club has a librarian. Occasional concerts are given for the benefit of some local charity.
The instrumental organization of recent years that has created even more than city-wide interest, is the Taunton Orchestral Club, whose annual concert is a musical event to which the city has been accustomed to look forward to for years. The club was originated by William R. Park, jr., a talented leader, and a citizen foremost in all good works, and one appreci- ative of the musical training needs of the community. The initial concert was given at High School Hall, June 10, 1919, and all concerts have been held there since that time. The organization began its work with thirty- six pieces, and in 1923 there were thirty-eight, the rehearsals having been held at Historical Hall throughout the winter and spring.
Historical and Patriotic Societies .- Founded in 1853, the first within the limits of the Old Colony for the purpose of preserving the story and traditions of this section of the country, and of interesting each suc- ceeding generation in the records, relics and research of an ancient settle- ment, the Old Colony Historical Society has maintained the aims of the founders, and annually increased the historical interest both of the de- scendants of founders and of the new-comers, as well. The 1923 activities of the society are such as these: The progress that is being made with increase in membership of more than seven hundred; a series of at least eight meetings throughout the year, with speakers, and a varied pro- gramme; historical trips in spring and fall to villages about the city; a contention for the democracy of history, and a constant setting forth of the wholesome claim that the present is sequel of the book of the past, and that both are one in our unbiased survey of history.
Preliminary meetings for the establishment of the present society were held in the autumn of 1852, and the society was formally organized February 23, 1854, the date of the incorporation having been May 4, 1853. The first officers were: President, Nathaniel Morton; vice-presi-
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dents: Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery and Hon John Daggett; recording secretary and librarian, Edgar H. Reed; corresponding secretary; John Ordronaux, esq; treasurer, Hodges Reed; board of directors: Rev. Mor- timer Blake, of Taunton; Ellis Ames, esq., of Canton; Henry B. Wheel- wright, esq., of Taunton; William E. Deane, esq., of Boston; Caleb Swan, M. D., of Easton.
Plans were set in motion to acquire the old Taunton Bank building at the corner of Cedar and Main streets for a home for the society; but these plans being unfulfilled, it transpired that the society should be without a settled place of meeting from 1854 to 1885. At the meeting of July 20, 1885, Rev. Samuel H. Emery offered a resolution for the provid- ing of a suitable place for a permanent home for the society, and as a result, on September 25 of the next year, through a deed of conveyance of Joseph Dean, the institution came into possession of the Cedar Street Chapel that was built by Mr. Dean for the Taunton Union Mission in 1867 at a cost of ten thousand dollars. There were eighty-four contributors to the purchase of the building for the Old Colony Historical Society, Mr. Dean being the leading and largest. From that time to the present, the society has held its meetings there, and there also have originated many other societies and organizations of Taunton. Here is one of the most attractive halls of paintings and portraits in New England, and here has been gathered a library, dedicated November 18, 1904, of more than twenty-five hundred books and manuscripts, as well as many mementoes and relics of earlier generations. From 1860 to 1885, it appears that no records were kept, and that with the exception of a few meetings the society was in a dormant condition. President Nathaniel Morton died in 1856, when Hon. John Daggett of Attleboro was chosen to that position, so continuing for thirty years, or until 1886. Upon Mr. Daggett's death, Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery was made president, and continued in office until his own death in 1902. The society reached a high plane of ex- cellence at this time, and its future was assured. Capt. John W. D. Hall, secretary for many years, and an editor of pronounced abilities, was also an historian and genealogist of recognized worth. His successor, James Edward Seaver, had no peer in the genealogical world.
The officers for 1901 were: President, Rev. Samuel H. Emery; secre- tary, Lieut. James Edward Seaver; treasurer, Capt. George A. King; historiographer, Prof. Joshua E. Crane; corresponding secretary, Thomas J. Lothrop; vice-presidents: Hon. John J. Brayton, Henry M. Lovering, James M. Cushman, esq., William S. Davenport, Hon. William W. Crapo, William E. Fuller. President Emery died October 3, 1901, and was succeeded in 1902 by Hon. John Summerfield Brayton, of Fall River. Edmund W. Porter was chosen vice-president that year. Henry M. Lovering followed as president in 1905, and Walter C. Baylies was elected a vice-president. In 1906, Dr. William W. Waterman was elected a vice- president, and Hon. Silas Dean Reed was made corresponding secretary. Frank Luscombe Tinkham, esq., was elected a vice-president of the society in 1912; Ralph Davol was made a vice-president in 1917, and that year, after the death of James Edward Seaver, Edward Hastings Temple was- chosen secretary. Frank Luscombe Tinkham, esq., was elected president of the society in 1919, Allston Estes Williams was chosen treasurer, and
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Frank A. Hubbard, M. D., a vice-president. Miss Edith M. Hodgman and Mrs. Cora H. D. Robinson were made secretaries pro tem up. to June 1, 1920, when Frank Walcott Hutt was elected to that position. In 1922 Marcus A. Rhodes was elected a vice-president.
The society has raised the tablet to be placed on Taunton Green, October 15, 1897, to mark the spot where Taunton townsmen raised a Union flag in October, 1774, and where, October 24, 1786, the Shays insur- gency was quieted here by militia in command of General David Cobb. The Robert Treat Paine statue, dedicated November 15, 1904, was a re- sult of the society's effort. The Dighton "Writing Rock," at Berkley, that had been purchased in 1857 of Thomas F. Dean by Niels F. Arnzen, and presented to the Royal Society of Northern Antiquarians of Copen- hagen, Denmark, came into possession of the society by deed of quit-claim from the Denmark Society, January 30, 1899, together with land in every direction fifty feet from the rock. The historical trips that have been taken every spring and fall since May, 1901, with the itinerary in charge of Captain George A. King; the papers that have been read before the society by leading educators throughout the country; the meetings of family associations and the ancestral researches that continue; the social hour of the regular meetings under the direction of the Jean Gordon Jackson Guild-all add to and strengthen the ties between the past and the present.
Lydia Cobb Chapter, D. A. R., is an organization with both an inter- esting past and a progressive present service to the patriotic and social elements of the community. Lydia Cobb Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, has been an influential factor in the life of Taunton for nearly thirty years. Its story as told by Mrs. Sarah J. C. Gibbs, its founder, is as follows:
Lydia Cobb Chapter, D. A. R., was organized November 23, 1896, and became a member of the National Society, February 10, 1897. The name of the chapter was thus chosen because of the fact that Lydia Cobb, of Revolutionary parentage, was of a family that was connected with the early military history of Taunton. She was the mother of General David Cobb, who performed good service throughout the War of the Revolution, three years of which time he was an aide on the staff of General. George Washington. Her husband, Captain Thomas Cobb, commanded a Taunton company in the French and Indian War of 1754; her brother, Captain James Cobb, was the muster-master for Taunton in the War of the Revo- lution; her son-in-law, Robert Treat Paine, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The charter list of the chapter contained forty-eight names, and in 1923 there were 162 names on the membership list. The chapter has had eleven regents, namely : Mrs. Sarah J. C. Gibbs, founder and first regent; Mrs. Emily Franklin Hack, Miss Maria Williams Baylies, Mrs. Augusta M. West, Mrs. Mary Louise Paige, Mrs. Edith L. Lincoln, Mrs. M. Winni- fred Briggs, Mrs. Edith G. Crowell, Mrs. Lucy A. French, Mrs. Cora H. Robinson, Mrs. Ida C. Godfrey, Miss Susan A. Bosworth. Four "Real Daughters" of the American Revolution have been members of the chapter, namely : Miss Damaris Raymond, Mrs. Eliza R. Beane, Mrs. Hannah D. Carpenter, Mrs. Elizabeth N. Munroe. Miss M. Emma Burt has been the secretary of the chapter more than twenty years.
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During the World War, the cause of patriotism was furthered in many ways by the chapter, particularly in the various branches of relief . work,. and the generous assistance that has been accorded in restoration in France. Always interested in educational work, too, the society has been of continuous help to schools in different sections of the country, particu- larly those giving attention to Americanization effort.
Robert Treat Paine Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, was organized September 11, 1897, and the following-named officers were elected : President, James Edward Seaver; vice-presidents, William W. Waterman and Frank A. Hubbard, M.D .; Secretary, Dudley M. Holman; treasurer, Dr. Onias M. Paige; registrar, Leonard C. Couch; chaplain, Rev. S. Hopkins Emery; board of managers: James Edward Seaver, James Martyn Cushman, Walter L. Mahoney, Joshua Eddy Crane, Dudley M. Holman, David Howe, William M. Dean, Alex W. Shaw, F. Arthur Walker, A. Cleveland Bent.
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