History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894, Part 42

Author: Kingman, Bradford, 1831-1903. 4n
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1170

USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Brockton > History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894 > Part 42

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Gerge P. Burgess, Capt. ; Phillip E. Pierce, Lieut. ; William E. Mes- sick, Herald; Henry E. Leonard, Rec .; Charles C. Vinal, Treas.

Meetings held every Friday evening at "Pythian Hall," 57 Centre street.

SONS OF ST. GEORGE-EARL SHAFTSBURY LODGE NO. 188 .- In- stituted December 15, 1885. Officers for 1892 :

William Fox, P. P .; Thomas G. Fox, P .; Orlando Johnson, V. P .; Henry Starkey, Sec. ; Fred. Sykes, Treas. ; Arthur J. Bettridge, Messen- ger ; Joseph Early, Chap.

Meetings on first and third Fridays of each month in " Ryder's Hall," 246 Main street.

ORDER OF ÆGIS-BROCKTON LODGE .- Organized February 25, 1891. Officers for 1892 :

Winifred A. Haley, P. P .; Bernard C. Pratt, P. ; Ellen J. Farrell, V. P. ; Melvin F. Broad, Sec .; William F. Buckley, Treas. ; G. P. Hill, John W. Blackey, W. F. Allen, Trustees.

Meetings held on the first and third Thursdays of each month in "Savings Bank Block," 13 North Main street.

P. F. Y. B. O. - BROCKTON COMMANDERY NO. 61 .- Organized April 1, 1889. Officers for 1892 :

C. P. Sears, P. C .; J. W. Pratt, W. C .; F. E. Wentworth, V. C .; J. Mandeville, Sec. ; A. H. Baker, Treas .; Mrs. Elizabeth P. Battles, Prelate; N. E. Kelley, M .; Hiram Gray, Guard; J. J. Whipple, J. Mandeville, and J. W. Hayward, Trustees.

Meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at " Good Templars' Hall," Bay State Block, Centre street.

IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN-PEQUOT TRIBE .- Organized Feb - ruary, 1887. Officers for 1892 :

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MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.

W. H. Davis, P .; George W. Loring, S .; Charles B. Packard, S. S. ; J. B. Eldridge, J. S. ; Arthur G. Knapp, C. of R. ; George W. Prentice, K. of W .; J. W. Brown, George W. Loring and George W. Prentice, Trustees.

Meetings held at "Red Men's Hall," " Clark's Block," every Tuesday evening. ·

ORDER OF THE INTERNATIONAL FRATERNAL ALLIANCE-SUNBEAM ASSEMBLY NO. 53 .- Officers for 1892 :

Henry W. Clayton, S .; Mrs. E. L Haskell, Ex-S .; V. C. Thomas, V. S .; Mrs. L. Eagan, Clerk ; E. L. Haskell, Treas .; W. H. Clayton, Serg't-at- Arms; C. Gilson, D. Keeper.

Meetings at 37 Lawrence street.

CHAPTER XXI.

MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETIES.

Philomathian Association -- Alpha Epsilon Literary Society-Brockton Athenaeum- St. Patrick's Literary and Benevolent Society-Libraries-North Bridgewater Library Association-Library Association-North Bridgewater Agricultural Library Association -Brockton Public Library-Sabbath Schools-Female Beneficence-Music- Band Music Campello Brass Band -- Thespian Society -- Union Musical Association -- Union Musical Society- - World's Peace Jubilee-Society of Progressive Spiritualists -- Spiritualist Society -- The Woman's Mission Society-Brockton Woman's Suffrage Association -- Enterprise Association, Campello -- Campello Sportsmen's Club-City Bicycle Club- Brockton Bicycle Club-Brockton Fancier's Club -- Fire Department -- Fire Engines -- Fire Alarm-Special Fire Police-Brockton Firemen's Relief Association-Brockton Gas Light Company -- Edison Electric Illuminating Company-Jenny Electric Light and Power Company-Brockton Street Railway Company -- East Side Street Railway Com- pany (Electric).

P HILOMATHIAN ASSOCIATION .- The above was the name of an association connected with Mr. S. D. Hunt's academy, the object of which was mutual improvement. It was formed in 1855, soon after he opened his school, and was in existence till the close. Weekly meetings were held by the members, at which exercises, consisting of debates,

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

declamations, lectures, essays, critiques, and the reading of a paper pub- lished monthly by the association, was read.

ALPHA EPSILON LITERARY SOCIETY .- Organized April 14, 1874. The society is composed of graduates of the High School of Brockton, associated for literary exercises and as a debating club. The first five members at its organization were Frank E. Packard, Frederic R. French, Benjamin W. Cobb, Arthur E. Kendrick, and Loyed E. Cham- berlain. The meetings of this society were held in the High School room, on Tuesday evenings, and were well attended. Here follows a list of the earlier members : Frank E. Packard (1874), B. W. Cobb (1875, deceased), Fred R. French (1874), A. E. Kendrick (1875), L. E. Cham- berlain (1875), James Poyntz (1875), W. C. Keith (1875), Edgar B. Stevens (1875), E. Kingman, jr., H. C. Severance (1876), J. E. C. Lagergreen (1876), S. E. Foss, (1875), John Gilmore, jr. (1876), George Woodward, E. L. Emerson ( 1877), Charles F. Jenney (1878), J. Rob- ert McCarthy (1877), C. H. Kingman (1877), W. S. Bennett (1878), Edward T. Ford (1878), Horace Richmond, H. N. Packard, E. H. Foss, H. I. Mitchell, A. C. Gill, Willie E. Porter, George H. Bryant, W. J. Keith (1878), Fred K. Tribou, R. E. Brayton, W. F. Brooks.

In 1880 the number had reached thirty-five members. Social enter- tainments are held yearly.

BROCKTON ATHENAEUM-Organized 1884. This society meets twice every month for literary improvement and progress of the arts sciences, and promotion of thinking, and the consideration of current questions of the day.

Officers : Loyed E. Chamberlain, esq., president ; Charles E. Robin- son, vice-president; Warren A. Reed, secretary and treasurer.

Members : E. Bradford Jones, Dr. Henry H. Filoon, Albert F. Poole, Herbert H. Chase, Henry C. Gurney, Henry T. Anglim, Waldo V. Howard, Frank G. Jaeger, William E. Beals, William F. Jones, B. Frank Simmons, B. Ellis Eaton, William J. Loheed, George C. Howard, Russell S. Beale, Frank A. Dunham, C. E. Small, Eliot L. Packard, Emil A. Lagergreen.

ST. PATRICK'S LITERARY AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY was organ- ized 1871 for the purpose of rendering assistance to such of its mem -

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bers as might be needy, and also furnish reading matter for such as de- sired it.

LIBRARIES .- The first public or social library in Brockton was raised by subscription about 1781, and was kept for most of the time in private houses. The last librarian was Col. Edward Southworth, and the library was given up.

In 1842 the Legislature appropriated fifteen dollars for the use of every school district in the Commonwealth that should raise an equal amount for the purchase of a school district library. With this encour- agement many of the districts raised the requisite amount and pur- chased libraries.

At a regular town meeting, held March 30, 1857, the town "voted to purchase a town library, the amount not to exceed $1,400, or one dollar on every poll paid in the town." For this purpose the following committee were chosen, namely, Edward Southworth, jr., C. C. Bixby, Dr. Alexander Hichborn, David L. Cowell, Ellis Packard, Jonas R. Perkins, Lucius Gurney 2d, Jonathan White, and M. L. Keith, who proceeded in the selection and purchase of such books as were thought suitable to the wants of the community. The library was well selected, and consisted of many of the best works extant. Many persons, not wishing that the town should have any library, raised an opposition to the plan, and as the result the town "voted, May I, 1857, that all books, effects, and appurtenances of the town library be placed in the hands of the selectmen, to be disposed of in the best manner for the interest of the town." And in accordance with these instructions the selectmen sold the library of books, that cost eleven hundred and eighty-three dollars, to an association called the North Bridgewater Library Association. The price for the entire lot was six hundred dollars.

NORTH BRIDGEWATER LIBRARY ASSOCIATION .- This association was formed by a few individuals for the purpose of holding a library. It was organized under a statute made for such purposes July 11, 1858. Each member paying five dollars becomes a stockholder, and an additional one dollar annually entitles him to all the rights and privileges of a member of the association. It had over two thousand volumes, and is in a flourishing condition. The officers at the organization of the asso-

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

ciation were: David L. Cowell, president; Rufus L. Thatcher, vice- president ; Augustus Hayward, secretary ; David L. Studley, treasurer ; Henry A. Ford, John L. Hunt, Alpheus Holmes, Charles B. Crocker, Darius Howard, Edward Southworth, jr., Lorenzo D. Hervey, Charles Curtis, jr., Washburn Packard, directors.

LIBRARY ASSOCIATION .- Prior to the year 1847 the town of North Bridgewater had not enjoyed the privilege of many literary or scientific lectures or social gatherings. During the winter of that year the prin- cipals of the Adelphian Academy, feeling an interest in the matter, and the want of some elevated and improving intercourse for the multitude of young people in the town, proposed and finally arranged a series of social levees or gatherings, composed mostly of members of the school. The exercises consisted of brief essays and addresses, interspersed with music and a season of social conversation.

This association was reorganized in October, 1851, or a new one formed under the old name; and a series of useful lectures was given by able lecturers, together with excellent musical entertainments.

NORTH BRIDGEWATER AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION .- An association under the above name was formed April 3, 1859, the ob- ject of which was to obtain a library of agricultural books, papers, etc., such as would tend to the improvement of agricultural pursuits. The fol- lowing persons were its officers : Chandler Sprague, esq., president ; Isaac Kingman, vice- president; Alpheus Holmes, treasurer and librarian ; H. W. Robinson, secretary.

BROCKTON PUBLIC LIBRARY .- The city has a good public library in the Satucket Block, corner of Main and Elm streets, containing upwards of 16,000 thousand volumes. This library was established in 1867, and is supported wholly by taxation, for the free use of all the inhabitants of the city. Mrs. Eliza Perkins gave $500 by her will, for the purchase of reference books. The annual appropriation of the city is $4,800, and one-half the dog tax. The only other source of revenue is from fines and the sale of catalogues. The library has an annual circulation of 55,000. It has no library building, but occupies rooms in a brick block. It contains files of the local papers. The teachers of the high school are allowed unrestricted use of the library, and all the teachers except

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those of the primary schools, are allowed teachers' cards, on which they may draw five books at a time, to be kept out four weeks for use in the schools. The library is managed by a board of nine trustees, three of whom are appointed annually by the mayor and alderman of the city.

The officers for 1892 are Myra F. Southworth, librarian ; Lizzie H. Williams, assistant librarian ; Jonathan White, John G. Brooks, Henry H. Filoon, for one year; David W. Battles, Edward Parker, jr., Horace Richmond, for two years ; Frank E. Packard, Fred R. French, Wallace C. Keith, for three years, trustees.

SABBATH SCHOOLS .- The first Sabbath school in Brockton com- menced in May, 1818, through the efforts of Mrs. Huntington, the wife of the pastor. The school consisted of one hundred and seven girls and seventy-eight boys. These were divided into classes of from four to eight persons, according to their ages, the males under the care of teachers of their own sex, and the females under the care of teachers of their sex, the whole number under the direction of the superintendent. The time allotted for the school was during the intermission between the morning and afternoon services on the Sabbath, and was usually one hour long.

The books in use during the early part of its existence were the New Testament, Emerson's " Evangelical Primer," and "Hymns for Infant Minds." Most of the scholars, during the first term, were well versed in the primer, and in addition to that for the first sixteen Sabbaths they had committed thirty-two thousand six hundred and seventy-four verses of Scripture, and twenty-seven thousand three hundred verses of hymns which were recited.

As further specimens of individual diligence on the part of the young- er members of the school, we publish the following :

A girl eight years of age, recited 402 verses of Scripture, and 236 verses of hymns. Another girl, ten years of age, recited 1,408 verses of Scripture, and 1,464 verses of hymns. Another eleven years of age, recited 995 verses of Scripture, and 1,558 verses of hymns. Another, thirteen years of age, recited 1,885 verses of Scriptures, and 1000 verses of hymns. Another girl, seven years of age, recited 2,191 verses of Scripture, comprising the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, and nine chapters of Luke, besides 287 verses of hymns. It is with pleasure we

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

record of this little girl that, when a pecuniary reward was presented her by a relative for her exemplary diligence, she generously sent the amount, by the hand of her pastor, to the treasurer of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, for the education of heathen children. Another girl, five years of age, recited the whole of " Assembly's Catechism," with proofs, 12 verses of Scripture, and 100 hymns.

The first term of the Sabbath school closed with public religious ex- ercises on the day of the annual meeting of the Bridgewater Evangeli- cal Society. The sacred music on that occasion was performed princi- pally by the scholars.

The report of their attention and improvement was received with much satisfaction by the society, and a Testament or religious tract presented to each scholar as a reward for past, and encouragement for future exertions.

The religious exercises of the day were closed with the following hymn, composed for the occasion and sung by the children.

When shall we thus meet again ? When shall we thus meet again ? When the dreary winters past, When is hushed the northern blast,

When new verdure clothes the plain, Then may we here meet again.

Of our little blooming band, Some may feel death's icy hand ; From each friend on earth we love, Early make our long remove ; And among this favord train, Never !- Never meet again !

But what changes first may come ! Of our happy number some,.

Round a much lovd parent's bier, May let fall the parting tear,

And in orphan grief complain, Ere we thus shall meet again.

Let us then with care improve Lessons taught in Christian love ;

Let the truth their lips impart, Dwell in every grateful heart. That, their labor's not in vain We at last may meet again.

When our wasting years shall be Lost in vast eternity, Where the saints immortal reign, Then may we all meet again !

FEMALE BENEFICENCE .- A number of young ladies in the North Parish of Bridgewater have for a year past been associated under the name of " The Female Society in North Bridgewater for Promoting Christian Knowledge." They meet statedly at the home of their pas-

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tor, and are questioned by him in some Scriptural subject previously ar- ranged for examination. They spent the afternoon or evenings together about once a fortnight, and the time not occupied by the regular recita- tions is improved in various reading or conversation, while the mem- bers employ themselves in braiding straw, knitting, or needle work. The avails of their industry are devoted to charitable purposes, and they have as the result of their diligence hitherto presented their pastor, Rev. Daniel Huntington, a New Year's gift of forty dollars, to constitute him a life member of the American Bible Society.

There are at the present time schools connected with all the churches in the town, together with extensive libraries of well-selected books.

MUSIC .- According to the universal custom in early times, there was nothing but congregational singing. Tunes were few, and for want of books the exercises were read a line at a time and then all would join in singing ; then the good deacon would read another line, and thus the service was " deaconed " through the whole of the verses.

The first music book in the country was brought by the Pilgrims, and entitled "Ainsworth's Version of the Psalms." This gave way to the " Bay Psalm Book," the first book printed in America, which went through seventy editions, and in 1758 was revised and republished by Rev. Thomas Prince of Boston.1

Previous to 1765 or 1770 there were no choirs in the churches, and as these were formed the custom of lining or " deaconing " the hymns grew into disuse, but not until after a good deal of determined opposi- tion. The custom had been introduced by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, and hence could not easily be surrendered.

The first choir in what is now Brockton was established about 1801 under the leadership of Maj. Daniel Cary, a noted singer of that day. Previous to that time there were no seats specially provided for singers. Those who had thought of forming a choir in 1801 asked that seats might be provided for them.

January 12, 1801, we find an article in the parish records for meet- ings as follows :

1 In 1600 there were but six tunes known in the province, namely, "Oxford,""Litchfield," "York," " Windsor," "St. David's," and " Martyrs," and no new hymns could be introduced without a vote of the church. The first tune book especially devoted to music was published by Rev. William Walter in 1721, and was the first music with bars printed in America.

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

" To see if the parish will erect, or suffer to be erected, seats for the singers, in the front of pews in the front gallery." January 19, 1801, " Voted to erect seats in the front gallery for the singers, in front of the front pews." Also, " Voted that the above seats for the singers be erected in ' surkerler forme' "

Maj. Daniel Cary, Moses Cary, and Col. Caleb Howard were " chosen a committee to git the above seats built." The above seats were specially set apart for the use of those who had become " larned" in the rules of "musick."

Oliver Bryant, Josiah Brett, Isaac Packard, John Field, John Cobb, and Luke Lincoln were " choristers" in the parish until the town was incorporated. Since that time Thomas J. Gurney, then living in Abing- ton, was invited to lead the choir and teach them to sing, in 1829, who was the first person who received any compensation for services in sing- ing. Commencing in 1829, Mr. Gurney continued to lead the choir and teach singing schools until 1840, when he removed to Abington. From that time the choir of the First Church has been led by Mr. Seth Sumner, who became celebrated for his success in teaching singing schools in the immediate vicinity, and Messrs. Isaac T. Packard, of this town, Whiting, Brown and Appleton, of Boston, and Edmund Packard.

When the Porter Church was formed in the town, in 1850, Mr. Gurney was invited to take charge of their choir, which he continued to do till 1864, when he resigned. Mr. T. Emerson Gurney was organist at the Porter Church from 1850 to 1855 ; Mr. Joshua V. Gurney from 1855 to 1858.

The First Congregational Church had the first organ, in their old church, which was exchanged for a new one in 1854, for their new house. At one time there were four organs in the churches : namely, in the First Congregational Church, Porter Evangelical Church, Second Methodist, and the Catholic Church.

There was a musical society formed in the county of Plymouth, called the Old Colony Musical Society, which was for the benefit of singers throughout the county. Bartholomew Brown, esq., was leader ; Rev. Daniel Huntington was president. The society fell through for want of support. Mr. Huntington was a man of fine musical talent, and did much to elevate the standard of church music in the first part of his ministry, when so little attention had been paid to ruleable music.

- - -

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The next musical club formed for the purpose of improving the sing- ing was the Calcott Singing Society, which was about 1827 or 1828, and included the four Bridgewaters. Rev. Daniel Huntington was their first president ; Nathan Lazell, of Bridgewater, was leader.

Next in order was the Union Harmonic Society ; that was in exist- ence about 1835. From that time to the present it would be impossible to give a full detail of the various singing schools, rehearsals, clubs, etc. But probably no town in the county has given more attention to music, or been more successful in the production of talented singers and highly entertaining performances than Brockton. The church music of this city is of the highest order, and much time is devoted to the improve- ment of the singing throughout all the societies.

This town has sent forth some excellent teachers of music and per- formers of instrumental music, among whom are Thomas J. Gurney, T. Emerson Gurney, George T. Atherton, and William H. Faxon, who have made music a profession. Seth Sumner has been the most prominent instructor in music the city ever had.

BAND MUSIC .- About the year 1840 a few individuals met together for the purpose of drill and practice in music upon various brass instru- ments, drums, etc., under the lead of Samuel M. Holmes, and by the name of the North Bridgewater Brass Band. They met every week or oftener for practice, and were very successful, so that after a time they were engaged in all the surrounding places to play upon public occasions, and their fame soon spread abroad, and it is at present one of the best bands of the kind in that section. A large delegation of this band joined the Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment in the Rebellion of 1861.

Soon after this band was formed, another was organized at Campello, under the lead of Martin L. Keith. The following persons were among the members of that band, namely : Charles P. Keith, Theodore Lilley, Sylvanus Keith, Albert Keith, Bela B. Hayward, Jarvis W. Reynolds, James C. Snell, Thomas French, Lucius Hayward and Harrison Bryant, Thomas Jackson, H. Martin Hayward and Caleb H. Packard. This company continued only about six months, when some of the number joined the Centre Band.

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

About the same period there was another band at the " West Shares," under the leadership of Ellis Packard, which continued about a year, and was then given up, some of its members joining the Centre Band.

The members of this band that joined the Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment received the highest praise from General Sherman, and it is said that this was his favorite band, and was conducted under the leader- ship of William J. Martland.

CAMPELLO BRASS BAND .- The Campello Brass Band was organized August 7, 1877, with the following seventeen members : Fred H. Pack- ard, D. Cary Keith, Myron L. Keith, O. Hayward, H. A. Monk, John Monk, Frank Monk, C. E. Packard, D. C. Berry, J. B. Pratt, Frank Alden, A. J. Guild, H. N. Hunt, Frank Brown, Myron Thomas, Lyman Carlson, T. H. Loring. Mr. S. C. Perkins, of Brockton, was engaged as leader and teacher, and for about two months regular meetings were held. The majority of the players were young and inexperienced, several of them knowing nothing of reading music, and meeting with unforeseen difficulties, the interest died out, and from Nov. 8, 1877, to May 17, 1878, no general gathering of members took place. About the latter date, however, Mr. George E. Kinsley was employed to direct them, and a good number of the original company, with others who were unwilling to see the experiment end in failure, commenced a second series of meetings for practice, which has been continued with pleasant results. The membership comprises the following players: William Swanson, first E-flat cornet ; Otho Hayward, second E-flat cornet ; Arthur Peckham, first B-flat cornet; Lyman Carlson, second B-flat cornet ; Frank Alden, first B-flat clarionet; M. L. Keith, solo alto; John Monk, first alto ; Wendell White, second alto; Daniel Berry, first tenor ; August Hellburg, second tenor ; Andrew Guild, baritone ; Frank Brown, trombone; Charles Martin, tuba; Corydon Andrews, E-flat bass; Frank Monk, E-flat bass; Melvin Washburn, bass drum; Nor- man Cobb, snare drum; William Joyce, cymbals.

THESPIAN SOCIETY .- In February, 1836, a company of gentlemen and ladies were organized into a society, under the above name, for the purpose of giving dramatic performances. The orchestra consisted of fifteen members, and was under the leadership of Sihon Packard. The

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songs, duets, and choruses were of a high order, and were performed before crowded assemblies. A slight fee was asked, to pay expenses of scenery, and expenses only.

UNION MUSICAL ASSOCIATION .- About the Ist of May, 1864, a new musical association was formed, under the above title, for the pur- pose of improvement in singing, practicing choruses, oratorios, etc. It was regularly organized, with a constitution and by-laws. The follow- ing were the officers: Henry W. Robinson, president ; Charles R. Ford, vice-president ; F. A. Thayer, secretary ; Sumner A. Hayward, treasurer ; James Porter, librarian ; Charles J. F. Packard, William H. Faxon, Samuel McLauthlin, Thomas Leonard, S. Franklin Packard, D. B. Lovell, trustees ; William H. Faxon, musical director.

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History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894, Part 42

Author: Kingman, Bradford, 1831-1903. 4n Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 1170

Author: Kingman, Bradford, 1831-1903. 4n
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1170