USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Dedham > History of Dedham, Massachusetts > Part 32
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man, Fisher Ames, and incorporated November 1, 1888. The Club organized with sixty-five charter members in which the prominent men of the town were largely represented. The Hon. Winslow Warren was chosen the first President and held the office for four years. He loaned his portrait of Fisher Ames to hang upon the walls upon the condition that if the Club becomes extinct the portrait should go to the Dedham Historical Society. The object of the Club was to provide a reading room and a place for social meetings. The reading rooms were supplied with daily papers and all the leading magazines. A piano was purchased and Henry B. Endicott and Col. E. V. Mitchell presented the Club with pool and billiard tables. The receipts in the early years of the Club were at least $1500 per annum. The cost of refreshments was limited to a sum not exceeding $2.00 per night.
CONSTELLATION LODGE OF FREE MASONS. The fra- ternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons is the largest, oldest and most widely distributed secret society in the world. The order claims existence from the time of the building of King Solomon's Temple. Masonry had a powerful influence in the founding of the New Republic in the Western world. The first outburst against tyranny, the Boston Tea Party, was the work of Masons. Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, all but six were Masons. The governors of the 13 original colonies, and Paul Revere, Joseph Warren, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, Rob- ert Sherman and Robert Livingston were Masons. Washington and 29 of his major generals were Masons, and of his brigadier generals all but one were masons. The original Constellation Lodge of Dedham had its beginning in 1801, when a little company of Free Masons-13 in number-living in Dedham and vicinity petitioned the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for the establish- ment of a lodge in Dedham. Constellation Lodge was instituted by the Grand Lodge on March 13, 1802 and the first convocation was held in the meeting house of the First Church. The officers of the Lodge were as follows: Dr. Nathaniel. Ames, Worshipful Master; Abijah Draper, Senior Warden; Jeremiah Baker, Junior Warden; Isaac Whiting, Secretary; Francis Child, Treasurer; Charles Hunnewell, Senior Deacon; David Dana, Junior Deacon; Enoch Harris, Steward. The Masons met in the upper front room of the Masonic Hall Building up to the time of the Anti-Mason's
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agitation which compelled them to cease holding meetings. Out of the entire membership of the Lodge not more than three or four "stood by" to the last.
As the years passed resident members of the order in Ded- ham Village felt the duty resting upon them of bringing the principles and precepts and privileges of masonry to their neigh- bors and friends. Informal meetings in the early days of 1871 were held in the boot and shoe store of Alfred Allwright. As a result of these meetings a petition was addressed to the Grand Lodge in 1871 asking for a dispensation to form a new Lodge. This prayer was granted February 9, 1871 and the new Lodge took the name of Constellation Lodge thus preserving memories of the earlier Lodge. The following constituted the officers of the new Lodge: Frederick D. Ely, Worshipful Master; Alonzo B. Wentworth, Senior Warden; Thomas E. Trampleasure, Junior Warden; Alfred Allwright, Treasurer; Henry W. Woods, Secre- tary ; Charles C. Sanderson, Chaplain; William R. Rice, Marshall; David L. Hodges, Senior Deacon; George Hewitt, Junior Deacon ; George M. Farrington, Senior Steward; Thomas C. Thompson, Junior Steward; John Bestwick, Jr., Sentinel; David S. Hill, Tyler.
A campaign was started in 1927 to raise funds for the erec- tion of a Masonic Temple. The effort was successful and as a result the present Masonic Temple was erected at a cost of $70,000, and dedicated January 27, 1928. The Lodge has a present mem- bership of 317.
EASTERN STAR. Contentment Chapter of the order of the Eastern Star was organized in Odd Fellows Hall July 7, 1922, fifty persons having previously petitioned for a charter which was granted February 16, 1923. The Order of the Eastern Star was organized in 1868, and now has chapters in almost every state in the Union. It is a mixed organization made up of Masons, their wives, daughters, sisters and mothers.
ORIENT LODGE, A. F. A. M., of the South Parish. On Feb- ruary 4, 1861, Joseph Day, Josiah W. Talbot, Thomas P. Jordan, C. E. Davidson, Eben M. Gay, Jacob S. Woodman, a company of interested Masons, met in the Village Hall building to arrange for the organization of a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. A charter, dating from February 22, 1861, was granted by the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts. The Lodge purchased
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the Village Hall property in 1868 where for many years it held its meetings. The following Worshipful Masters served previous to the separation of the town in 1871: J. Warren Talbot, Warren H. Billings, J. Edward Everett, William H. Gay, and George L. Rhodes.
ODD FELLOWS. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an international secret, fraternal, beneficiary society with head- quarters in the United States. The society is based upon defi- nitely expressed obligations to care systematically, financially and otherwise for sick, distressed and dependent members and their families. The American Independent Order of Odd Fellowship far outstrips in number all other similar societies. It is today one of the largest secret societies in the world where its women mem- bers, known as Daughters of Rebecca, are taken into account. The Dedham Independent Order of Odd Fellows* was instituted as Samuel Dexter Lodge, No. 232, September 24, 1895, with ten charter members of whom the following were the elected officers: John R. Todd, Noble Grand; Herbert A. Towle, Vice Grand; Charles W. Coburn, Recording Secretary; Benjamin Rose, Finan- cial Secretary ; and Albert Steinert, Treasurer. Wildey Rebekah Lodge, No. 193, was instituted in Dedham, February 14, 1919, with twelve charter members.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. A fraternal, benevolent society founded in New Haven, Connecticut in February, 1882. Its pur- pose is to render pecuniary aid to its members and their bene- ficiaries, to assist its sick and disabled members and to promote mutual social and intellectual intercourse. It is governed by a supreme council, the members of which are elected by the various state councils. Dedham Council, No. 234, was instituted on Thanksgiving night, November 25, 1897 with forty-five charter members. The following constituted the first board of officers: Grand Knight, Charles H. Shriver; Deputy Grand Knight, Luke C. McGuinness; Chancellor, John F. Riley; Financial Secretary, William N. Durkee; Recording Secretary, Thomas G. Connors; Warden, Louis Jacobus; Chaplain, Rev. Charles P. Heany; Advo- cate, Luke C. McGuinness; Lecturer, John F. Riley ; Inside Guard, John H. Sullivan; Outside Guard, John P. Kelley.
* A lodge of Odd Fellows was early organized in Dedham and a Hall erected on Church Street, but the order did not flourish and its charter was given up.
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PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. Patrons of Husbandry, pop- ularly called the "Grange," is a secret organization of farmers founded in Washington, D. C., December 4, 1867. At the sug- gestion of Miss Carrie A. Hall, a Boston school teacher, women were admitted on equality with men, a feature novel at that time but which has had much to do with the rapid growth of the order. Through the years the Grange has put upon the statute books much important legislation including rural free delivery and par- cel post and the Interstate Commerce Act. Dedham Grange was organized December 15, 1913, with 143 members. The following was the first board of officers: Samuel H. Capen, master; George C. Ingraham, overseer; Dr. Walter H. Young, lecturer; Thomas J. Brennan, steward; J. Raphael McCoole, assistant steward; Henry Bingham, chaplain; Henry S. Humphrey, treasurer; Erastus Worthington, secretary; Abbie E. Hebblethwaite, gate keeper; Mrs. Lizzie H. Dunbar, ceres; Mrs. Mary C. Doggett, pomona ; Mrs. Mary C. Shatswell, flora; Mrs. L. C. Conant, lady assistant steward; Executive Committee, Dr. Edward Knobel, Lombard Williams, Edward L. Burdakin.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. An American patri- otic society organized in Decatur, Illinois, April 6, 1866. The prin- cipal object of the order is to maintain and strengthen the frater- nal feeling which binds together the soldiers, sailors and marines who united to suppress the Rebellion; to perpetuate the memories and history of those who have died and to lend assistance to the needy and their widows and orphans. The society admits to mem- bership any soldier of the United States army, navy or marine corps who served between April 12, 1861, and April 9, 1865, and was honorably discharged. The Charles W. Carroll Post was organized May 26, 1871 with the following officers: Thomas Sher- win, Commander ; Charles B. Dexter, Sr. Vice Commander ; George M. Farrington, Jr. Vice Commander; Amasa Guild, Adjutant ; Cornelius A. Taft, Quartermaster; John W. Chase, M. D. Surgeon; Charles E. Lewis, Chaplain; William Chickering, Jr., Officer-of- the-Day ; Charles W. Blenus, Officer-of-the-Guard; E. A. Everett, Sergeant Major; Samuel H. Cox, Quartermaster Sergeant. The total membership of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post 144, has been 178, of whom only one member, namely Commander John E. Bronson, survives.
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SONS OF VETERANS. The Sons of Veterans is a patriotic society organized in Philadelphia September 29, 1879. It admits to membership lineal descendants of honorably discharged sol- diers, sailors and marines who served in the Civil War. General Stephen M. Weld Camp, No. 75, Sons of Veterans of Dedham, was organized April 25, 1887, and bears the name of an honored and respected citizen of Dedham. The camp numbered from the first some of the old and prominent families of Dedham. The camp rendered for some years a signal service as aids to the Charles W. Carroll Post, G. A. R. in its patriotic duties and service. The Dedham Camp, S. O. V., not only met for military drill but its balls and minstrel shows are pleasantly remembered. There being no seeming demand for its activities the camp disbanded October 10, 1904.
AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS. This is the oldest of the World War organizations, having been organized in 1917. The work of the Society is carried on with unremitting vigor by four chapters in Massachusetts. Several Dedham mothers belong to the Boston Chapter. The welfare activities of the organization are many and varied, including not only assistance, financial and friendly, for disabled veterans and their children, but for their mothers, those "forgotten women" often in dire need. The flag of the American War Mothers now flies on the Capitol at Wash- ington beneath Old Glory on every Armistice Day, the only flag thus honored in the country.
THE AMERICAN LEGION. The American Legion had its origin in France. A Paris caucus held in March, 1919 was at- tended by delegates representing the two million American sol- diers in France. There were two million others who never got across. The men in America were animated by the same patriot- ism and so it was decided by the Paris caucus to organize in America. The second organization culminated in the St. Louis Convention in May, 1919. Membership was offered to any one who had worn the uniform of the United States at any time or place during the World War. The constitution adopted at the Minneapolis Convention defines its purposes as follows: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a hundred per cent Americanism ; to preserve the memories and incidents of our
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association in the World War; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safe- guard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion Post, No. 18, of Dedham, was organized in Memorial Hall June 5, 1919 with the following officers: Robert St. B. Boyd, Commander ; Law- rence V. Brindley, Vice Commander; James E. Gould, Adjutant; William T. Crawford, Financial Officer; Henry W. Vogel, Histo- rian; Fernald Hutchins, Chaplain.
The Post was chartered with 274 members. The Legion is housed on the beautiful estate of the late Charles B. Shaw and known for many years as the "Boys Home."* The house was ac- quired through a gift of $35,000 given in memory of Henry B. Endicott "who gave unstintedly of his time, energy and resources in wartime service to the Nation." This gift was made by his family in furtherance of his service to the community and the ex-service men.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY. The American Legion Auxiliary was established at the first national convention of the American Legion at Minneapolis in November, 1919. It was or- ganized as an auxiliary or helper to the Legion to carry forward its public policies and in addition to serve in the scope of women's activities. Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is lim- ited to the mothers, wives, daughters and sisters of members of the American Legion or of service men who died in the line of duty during the World War and to those women who, of their own right, are eligible to membership in the American Legion. The American Legion Auxiliary to the Dedham Post, No. 18, was or- ganized in March, 1920, from an organization which was known as the Dedham Service Star Legion. The principal activities of
* During the year 1934 there were two new juvenile organizations born in Dedham, along the same lines as the old order of Sons of Veterans. The "Sons of the American Legion" sponsored by the Dedham Post. No. 18. A. L., and the "Sons of the Veterans of Foreign Wars" sponsored by the U. S. S. Jacob Joncs Post, No. 2017. V. F. W. The main motive that brought about these two. juvenile organi- zations was to combat the serious menace of radicalism that was sweeping the country, even getting into the public schools, in some districts of our nation ; and to teach the youth of our nation true patriotism, and to uphold the laws of the country for which their fathers fought.
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the auxiliary are along the lines of rehabilitation, child welfare and Americanism.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS. The Society of "Veter- ans of Foreign Wars" was created through the amalgamation of several societies which had been formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania. In 1913, at Denver, Colorado, the societies of Ohio and Pennsylvania united with the "Army of the Philippines" in a single organization to be known as the "Veterans of Foreign Wars." The objects of the association are fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational; to preserve and strengthen comrade- ship among its members; to assist worthy comrades to perpetuate the memory and history of the dead, and to assist their widows and orphans, to maintain true allegiance to the government of the United States of America, fidelity to its constitution and laws, and to foster true patriotism. To maintain and extend the institu- tions of American freedom; to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever.
The U.S.S. JACOB JONES Post No. 2017, Veterans of For- eign Wars, was organized in Memorial Hall on Sunday afternoon, February 22, 1931, with sixty-seven charter members. The fol- lowing officers were elected and installed: John F. Dervan, Com- mander; Martin Brennan, Sr. Vice Commander; Edwin S. Pierce, Jr. Vice Commander; Frank Newton, Quartermaster; Robert J. Fraser, Adjutant; Harold N. Baker, Chaplain; Frederick Schort- man, Judge Advocate; James O'Brien, Officer-of-the-Day ; Joseph O'Brien, Surgeon; John Kennedy, Historian; Frank J. Hassey, Guard; Fred A. Beake, Sentinel; Aureolis Bodi, Color Bearer; James O'Brien, Color Guard; William Borosavage, Standard Bear- er; Jack McLean, Standard Guard; Walter Leavitt, Trustee; Wil- liam H. O'Neil, Trustee; Stephen Ferris, Trustee.
The U.S.S. JACOB JONES Post thus commenced its frater- nal, patriotic and educational work in Dedham. The Post was named for the destroyer "U.S.S. JACOB JONES,"* the first naval vessel sunk in the World War. This destroyer was named in memory of Captain Jacob Jones of the United States Navy, whose service was conspicuous for bravery in the War of 1812 and in the
* For the History of this vessel and a description of the sinking of same, refer to Seaver's History of the U. S. S. Jacob Jones Post No. 2017, V. F. W. on file at the Dedham Historical Society.
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Mediterranean Sea operating against the Algerians. The Post is housed in a former portable school house, which was moved by the members of the post from Readville Manor and placed on leased land on Eastern Avene. With untiring effort the Post* has made its quarters attractive and convenient for its purpose and a credit to the town.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS AUXILIARY. A com- mittee of the Post, especially delegated to form a woman's auxil- iary, met with a company of ladies in Memorial Hall on September 14, 1932 and formed the "Ladies Auxiliary to the U.S.S. Jacob Jones Post No. 2017," Veterans of Foreign Wars. On October 19, 1932 in Memorial Hall the Auxiliary was officially instituted.
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS OF THE WORLD WAR. This organization, more commonly known as the "D. A. V.," was organized in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March, 1920. It is the only organization with a membership composed entirely of wound- ed, gassed or disabled soldiers, sailors and marines, and also women, who served the colors in 1917 and 1918. From Cincinnati this organization has spread to 45 states throughout the Union. On July 16, 1934, the National organizer, William J. Dodd, organ- ized a local chapter in Dedham, which is known as the CHARLES RIVER CHAPTER NO. 54, D. A. V. The following officers were elected: Thomas A. Morris, Commander; Melvin J. Weschrob, Sr. Vice Commander; John H. Hines, Jr. Vice Commander ; John Browne, Treasurer; John W. Fay, Chaplain; James H. O'Brien, Officer-of-the-Day; State Executive Committee Member, Thomas A. Morris.
GOOD TEMPLERS. Soon after the close of the Civil War a lodge of Good Templers was organized in East Dedham which at first met in Mechanics Hall over Tapley's Grocery Store. The membership included both men and women, young and old. The members pledged themselves to abstain forever from the use of intoxicating beverages. Holding a glass of water each candidate mutually pledged himself, as he drank the water, to a lifelong fidelity to the cause. A member, now 86 years old, proudly pro-
* It should be recorded that several members of the Post have received special honors from the War Department in having the "Purple Heart Medal" conferred upon them, a military decoration given to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. This medal is awarded to veterans for bravery, wounded in action, and cited in orders for meritorious service.
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claims, that after a lapse of 65 years, he has never broken the sacred pledge he took in his membership.
DEDHAM BOAT HOUSE. The first Boat House of the Ded- ham Club was located at the foot of the hill below William Bul- lard's house. It was an old square structure of rough unpainted boards with a flat roof covered with tar and gravel. The house held the shells and rowboats, the latter in the water under the platform and the "aristocrats" of the river on wood supports above the platform. Two boats are especially recalled, the Bell boat and the Whale boat. The Whale boat was a big lumbering craft with heavy oars which belonged to the Cobb brothers. Miss Mary Hodges, a popular teacher, owned the Water Lily in which she often took her favorite pupils out for an early morning row on the river. In their season Miss Hodges often gathered two hun- dred lilies in a morning row which she distributed among the sick and her many personal friends. On the creek which leads from Wigwam Pond to Charles River there was a boat moored for pub- lic service bearing a placard that it was for rent at 12 cents per hour, application to be made at the office of the Phoenix House ..
The Dedham Boat Club was organized in 1874. John D. Cobb was chosen President, John F. Wakefield, Secretary, and Charles E. Conant, Captain. The object of the Club was the building and maintenance of a boat house, the encouragement of boating and the promoting of physical culture through athletic exercise. The entrance fee was $25.00 and the membership was limited to forty members.
The Club without delay proceeded with the erection of a boat house to take the place of the old boat house at the town landing place at the Ames Street bridge. The boat house was completed in February, 1875, at a cost of $3,046.79. The Dedham Boat Club was the life of the town for many years. On Monday, July 5, 1875, the Club gave its first regatta at Cow Island pond. It proved a great success and was witnessed by hundreds of spectators. Five prizes were given, all consisting of silver cups. The Fourth of July regattas were kept up for many years, the Club furnishing the only amusement on that day.
The Boat Club held a Bazaar in Memorial Hall in 1883. The success of the Bazaar seemed to be the especial pride of the citi- zens of Dedham. A Carnival of Nations was given on January
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15, 1884-a fancy dress ball-which was the event of the season. The hall was beautifully decorated with flags of many nations with music by a German band. The celebration of the Club on the Fourth of July, 1884, was of great interest and like previous celebrations was witnessed by a vast throng of people. There was a parade with a brass band, athletic sports, balloon ascension, boat race and fireworks. The boat house was burned in 1882 but was rebuilt and enlarged in 1896.
At a largely attended meeting of the stockholders of the Dedham Boat Club held on October 29, 1934, it was unanimously voted to liquidate and dissolve the club and remove the boat house. It was further voted to give the land on which the boat house stands, about one hundred and seventy-five feet frontage on Charles River, to the Dedham Historical Society. The boat house was removed in May, 1935. Thus has passed an institution which had been in active operation for more than sixty years. A half century ago it was the leading social organization of Dedham and included in its membership some of the most prominent young men of the town. Among its many good works was the leasing for twenty-seven years of the "Up River Grounds" located beyond the "cut" for the exclusive use of members and leasees of the boat house; policing the same and changing what used to be one of the worst spots on the river to one of the most beautiful.
A thirty-five ton boulder, which has been a well known land- mark in Dedham for centuries, has been placed on the site of the boat house. A bronze tablet is mounted on the boulder giving a perfect facsimile of the boat house and carries the following in- scription :
FOUNDED APRIL 25, 1874 "FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING THE BOATING INTERESTS OF THE TOWN." INCORPORATED OCTOBER 29, 1874 FIRST BOATHOUSE BUILT ON THE AMES STREET SITE IN 1875 DESTROYED BY LIGHTNING IN JULY, 1882 SECOND BOATHOUSE BUILT ON THIS SITE IN 1883 * ENLARGED IN 1888 AND 1902 TORN DOWN IN MAY, 1935 THE LAND ON WHICH THE BOATHOUSE STOOD GIVEN TO THE DEDHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY MAY 1, 1935
LIQUIDATED WITH HONOR ON THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS INCORPORATION OCTOBER 29, 1934
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The citizens of Dedham are indebted for this acquisition to the continued effort of Edward V. Cormerais, for many years the efficient treasurer of the Dedham Boat Club.
THE BICYCLE CLUB. The Boston Bicycle Club, the first wheeling organization in America, was formed February 11, 1878 and made its first run in March of the same year. The evolu- tion of the bicycle, "The Wheel Around the Hub," which was or- ganized in 1880, must not be forgotten. Only by the founding of bicycle clubs and by their organized effort was the good roads movement set on foot.
Scribner's Magazine, in 1880, fathered and financed the first over night cycling outing event in America, when forty men as- sembled in Roxbury and started on a two day's trip. All rode high wheels with solid rubber tires, there were none of the safety type with pneumatic tires at that time. They rode to Dedham, where they saw the Fairbanks House, and then on to Milton and Sharon, covering a distance of 35 miles the first day. They dined and passed the night at the Massapoag House, Sharon. For a period of 11 years from the first ride "The Wheel Around the Hub" was a pleasant outing and the riders were welcome guests in Dedham.
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