History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 52

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I > Part 52

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" brought in buckets from Willard's Tavern (now the Horse Railway Station), and served out in the shade on the northern side of Harvard Hall." This prac- tice led to drunkenness and disturbances, and finally, in 1838, President Quincy encouraged tbe conversion of Class Day into the respectable celebration which it has since been. Not only the Faculty and a few residents of Cambridge, but the friends of the Seniors from far and wide, were invited to the exercises; ladies, young and old, attended the "spreads"-or entertainments-provided by the Seniors, and, with the introduction of the gentler sex, the performances became gentle. In 1850, after the exercises in the Chapel, the class, accompanied by friends and guests, withdrew to Harvard Hall, where there was a rich collation. "After an interval of from one to two hours," writes a recorder at that date, "the dancing commences in the Yard. Cotillions and the easier dances are here performed, but the sport closes in the Hall with the Polka and other fashionable steps. The Seniors again form, and make the circuit of the buildings, great and small. They then assemble under the Liberty Tree, around which, with hands joined, they dance, after singing the students' adopted song, 'Auld Lang Syne.' At partiog each member takes a sprig or a flower from the beautiful 'Wreath ' which surrounds the ' farewell tree,' which is sacredly treasured as a last memento of college scenes and enjoyments." 1

Others officers, besides the Orator and Poet, were, from time to time, added; there are now three Mar- shals, chosen for their popularity or for athletic prowess; a Chorister, who writes the music for the Class Song, and conducts the singing at the Tree; an Odist, who composes an ode to be sung to the tune of "Fair Harvard," at the morning exercises; and an Ivy Orator. The last officer is expected to deliver a · humorous composition, in which he hits off, in merry fashion, the history of the Class, not sparing his class- mates nor the Faculty. Forty years ago it was the custom to plant an ivy when a President went out of office ; then each Class planted its ivy on Class Day, and listened to the Orator. But the ivy never grew; so the oration was no longer delivered in the open air under the shadow of Boylston, but in the Chapel, and now in Sanders Theatre. The Seniors also choose a Secretary (who publishes, from time to time, a Class Report), a Class Committee, a Class Day Committee, and (recently) a Photograph Committee. A Hymnist and a Chaplain are no longer chosen.

Class Day has come to be the gala day of Cambridge. The "spreads" and " teas" have become more and more elaborate. Every Senior who can afford it takes this opportunity of entertaining his friends, and of paying off social debts. In his evening dress and silk hat he is, from morning till midnight, a per- son of greater importance than, presumably, he will

ever be again. And on no other occasion in these parts can there be seen so many pretty faces and dresses, so many proud parents, and so much genuine merri- ment. The literary exercises in the forenoon are fol- lowed by the spreads, at some of which there is dancing ; then by the exercises at the Tree, with the final struggle for the wreath, and then by teas and dancing throughout the evening. When darkness comes the Yard is illuminated by festoons of Japanese lanterns ; the Glee Club sings in front of Holworthy ; and then, at ten o'clock, a pyrotechnic piece, in which the number of the class is interwoven, is set off; but it is still some time before the last visitors turn towards home, and the Seniors, wearied out with excitement, drop into bed.

On the lists of Class Day Orators and Poets are found the names of many men who distinguished themselves in later life, and so justified their class- mates' choice. For instance, among the orators are H. G. Otis, 1783; H. Ware, 1785; J. C. Warren, 1797; J. Walker, 1814; E. S. Gannett, 1820; F. J. Child, 1846 ; and Henry Adams, 1858. Among the Poets are J. Storey, 1798; W. Allston, 1800; J. G. Palfrey, 1815; G. Bancroft, 1817 ; W. H. Furness, 1820; R. W. Emerson, 1821; G. Lunt, 1824; F. H. Hedge, 1825; C. C. Felton, 1827; O. W. Holmes, 1829; J. R. Lowell, 1838; and E. E. Hale, 1839. The old custom of giving a jack-knife to the ugliest man in the Senior Class was abandoned when classes became so large that either there was less intimacy among their members, or it was impossible to agree upon the person to be thus distinguished ; but each class still presents a cradle to the first child born of a member of the Class. The class of 1877, owing to internal dissensions, failed to elect Class Day officers, except a secretary.

DRESS .- I have come upon no description of the dress of the students during the 17th century. Probably there were no restrictions. But, by the middle of the last century, some of the students were so extravagant in their garb as to call out the following vote from the Overseers (October, 1754) : "It appearing to the Overseers, that the costly habits of many of the scholars, during their residence at the College, as also of the candidates for their de- grees on Commencement days, is not only an unne- cessary expense, and tends to discourage persons from giving their children a College education, but is also inconsistent with the gravity and demeanor proper to be observed in this Society, it is therefore recom- mended to the Corporation to prepare a law, requir- ing that on no occasion any of the scholars wear any gold or silver lace, or any gold or silver brocades in the College or town of Cambridge; and that, on Commencement days, every candidate for his degree appear in black, or dark blue, or gray clothes ; and that no one wear any silk night-gowns ; and that any candidate who shall appear dressed contrary to such regulations may not expect his degree." Gowns were

1 College Words and Customs.

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introduced about 1760, but, after the Revolution, the prescription of 1754 seems to have been unobserved, for, in 1786, another sumptuary law was established, prescribing a distinct uniform for each of the classes. " All the Undergraduates shall be clothed in coats of blue gray, and with waistcoats and breeches of the same color, or of a black, or nankeen, or an olive color. The coats of the Freshmen shall have plain button-holes. The cuffs shall be without but- tons. The coats of the Sophomores shall have plain button-holes, like those of the Freshmen, but the cuff's shall have buttons. The coats of the Juniors shall have cheap frogs to the button-holes, except the button-holes of the cuffs. The coats of the Seniors sball have frogs to the button-holes of the cuff's. The buttons upon the coats of all the classes shall be as near the color of the coats as they can be procured, or of a black color. And no student shall appear within the limits of the College, or town of Cambridge, in any other dress than in the uniform belonging to his respective class, unless he shall have on a night-gown or such an outside garment as may be necessary over a coat, except only that the Seniors and Juniors are permitted to wear black gowns, and it is recommended that they appear in them on all public occasions. Nor skall any part of their gar- ments be of silk ; nor shall they wear gold or silver lace, cord, or edging upon their hats, waistcoats, or any other parts of their clothing. And whosoever shall violate these regulations shall be fined a sum not exceeding ten shillings for each offence." 1

The students rebelled against this prescription, and, in 1798, the rules about frogs and button-holes were abrogated, but the blue-gray or dark-blue coat was still prescribed. Three-cornered cocked hats were then in fashion ; the hair "was worn in a queue, bound with a black ribbon, and reached to the small of the back." Ear-locks were subjected to curling-tongs and crimping-iron. Lawn or cambric furuished ruffles for the shirt bosom. The shoes were pointed, and turned upward at the end, "like the curve of a skate." Buckles for the knees and shoes, a shining stock for the throat, a double-breasted coat, waistcoat and breeches, completed the toilette of the student at the close of the last century.

Again, in 1822, the Faculty tried to regulate the dress of the undergraduate, and passed the following ordinance, which was not formally abolished for many years; "Coat of black mixed (called also Oxford mixed, black with a mixture of not more than one-twentieth, nor less than one twenty-fifth part of white), single breasted, with a rolling cape, square at the end, and with pocket-flaps, the waist reaching to the natural waist, with lappels of the same length ; with three crow's-feet made of black silk cord on the lower part of the sleeve of the coat of a Senior, two on that of a Junior, and one on that

of a Sophomore. Waistcoat, of black-mixed or of black, or, when of cotton or linen fabric, of white; single-breasted, with a standing collar. Pantaloons, of black-mixed, or of black bombazet, or, when of cotton or linen fabric of white. Surtout or great- coat, of black-mixed, with not more than two capes ; or an outer garment of camlet or plaid. The buttons of the above dress must be flat, covered with the same cloth as that of the garment; not more than eight nor less than six on the front of the coat, and four behind. A surtout, or outside garment, is not to be substituted for the coat; but the Students are per- mitted to wear black gowns, in which they may appear on all public occasions. A night-gown of cotton, or linen, or silk fabric, made in the usual form, or in that of a frock-coat, may be worn, except on the Sabbath and on Exhibition or other occasions when an undress would be improper. Neckcloth, plain black, or plain white. Hat of the common form and black; or a cap, of an approved form. Shoes and boots black." This costume was to be worn, moreover, in vacation as well as in term-time, under penalty of dismission. In the catalogue of 1825 the following prices are given : "coat, $15 to $25; pantaloons, $4 to $8; vest, $3 to $5; outside coat, $15 to $25."

In the catalogue for 1849 the requirements for dress are stated thus: "On Sabbath, Exhibition, Exami- nation and Commencement Days, and on all other public occasions, each student in public shall wear a black coat, with buttons of the same color, and a black hat or cap." But with the increase of students, the lifficulty of examining the color of their buttons also increased ; moreover, academic sentiment tended toward freedom in this as in other matters, so that, although the sumptuary laws still remained in the College " Bible," they were less frequently enforced, and from about 1860 we hear no more of them. Students now dress as they please; the force of cus- tom suffices to bring the Seniors out in evening dress and silk hats on Class Day and Commencement ; and since custom of late years has sanctioned the wearing of tennis suits to college exercises, the last vestige of uniformity and soberness in dress has vanished.

COLLEGE SOCIETIES .- College societies have played so large a part in undergraduate life during the pres- ent century that we are curious to know what socie- ties there were at Harvard two centuries ago. I have found, unfortunately, no mention of clubs or socie- ties in early times. About the middle of the 18th century the Faculty took particular pains to improve the declamation of the students; and this seems to have led to the formation of speaking clubs; for in the entertaining Diary of Nathaniel Ames (Class of 1761) there are several memoranda of plays, such as "The Roman Father," Addison's "Cato," " The Re- venge," and "The Orphan," -- performed by the stu- dents in their rooms. Under date of Nov. 13, 1758,

1 Laws of 1790.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Ames says "Calabogus Club begun ; " Dec. 9, " went [to] Whitfield club [at] Hooper's cham[ber] ; " Dec. 31, " Club at my chamber ; " May 5, 1759, "Joyn'd the Tea Club; " Oct. 19, " Joyn'd a new Club." What the proceedings of these societies were we can only con- jecture. Not until 1770 do we come to an association which still exists. This, the "Institute of 1770," was originally a Speaking Club, founded by Samuel Phil- lips, John Warren and other Seniors in the Class of 1771. No member was allowed to speak in Latin without special leave from the President. The orators spoke on a stage four feet in diameter, two feet high, " with the front Corners clipt," and they chose such subjects as "The Odionsness of Envy," and "The Per- nicious Habit of Drinking Tea." In 1773 this Club united with the " Mercurian Club," founded two years before by Fisher Ames. In 1801 it called itself "The Patriotic Association," and, later, " The Social Fra- ternity of 1770." In 1825, two more rivals, "The Hermetick Society" and the "Ακριβολογούμενοι" coa- lesced with it, under the name of the " Institute." It passed from the Seniors to the Juniors, and at last to the Sophomores, who elect in May every year ten Freshmen; these, at the beginning of their Sopho- more year, elect the rest of the members of their Class. The " Institute " kept up its literary exercises until about fifteen years ago, when it became merely the mask behind which the A.K.E., a secret society, hid itself. The first four or five "tens " were mem- bers of the A.K.E. ; the others had the empty honor of calling themselves members of the "Institute." The A.K.E .; is now the most harmful society in the Col- lege; its regular meetings resemble the Kneipe of Ger- man students ; its neophytes are subjected to silly and sometimes injurious hazing, under the guise of initia- tion ; its members give three theatrical performances each year. Some of the most prominent members of the Class of 1883, finding that they could not reform the A. K.E., resigned from it in a body.

The Harvard Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1779. In its origin it was a secret society, devoted to the encouragement of literary exercises. Its members were Seniors and Juniors. In 1831 the veil of secrecy was withdrawn, and the mystic letters Φ.Β.Κ. were found to stand for Φιλοσοφία Βίομ Κυβερνήτης, -" Philosophy the guide of life." Its members were chosen according to their rank in scholarship; rarely, besides the first twenty-five, a man of lower grade was admitted. The active work of the Society ceased loug ago; but it holds a meeting annually on the day after Commencement, at which graduate and undergraduate members attend, to listen to an oration and a poem by men of distinction chosen for the occasion. Honor- ary membership is coveted by those who failed while in College to secure the rank required for election, but who since graduation have distinguished them- selves.

The " Hasty Pudding Club " is the most character- istic and famous of all the Harvard Societies. It was

founded in 1795 by members of the Junior Class, among whom were Horace Binney and John Collins Warren. Its aims were to "cherish the feelings of friendship and patriotism." At its weekly meetings two members in turn provided a pot of hasty pudding. Besides the regular debates and essays, there was given a public performance every Spring, at which an oration and poem were delivered. About 1845 the custom of performing a farce originated; this has gradually been extended until now there are three theatrical performances each year-one before Christ- mas, one before the Fast Day recess, and one, "Strawberry Night," just before Class Day. For many years past the "Pudding" troupe have repeated their performances in Boston and New York for the benefit of the University Boat Club. Up to 1849 the meetings were held in the rooms of the members ; then, the College allowed the Society to use Stough- ton 29, to which three other rooms were subsequently added. But, owing to a fire in 1876, which broke out in the Pi Eta rooms in Hollis, the Faculty removed the Club to the wooden Society Building on Holmes Field. This was so far away that the meetings were poorly attended, and the Class of 1880 hired supple- mentary rooms on Brattle Street. That Class also raised a subscription among its members for a new building ; the Class of 1881 took the scheme up, laid it before the graduates, formed committees for collect- ing funds, and so pushed the project that in 1888 a large new club-house, containing a library, meeting- rooms and theatre, was dedicated on Holyoke Street. Formerly, the Seniors chose eight Juniors who in turn elected the members from their class. To be on the " first eight" was deemed a sign of great popu- larity. But with the increase in membership this old scheme, which engendered much wrangling, has been given up ; the members are elected in larger squads, and their names are arranged alphabetically. The Class of 1881 also abolished the old initiation,-running in the Yard, going to bed at sunset, writing mock-essays, and the bath in the meal-tub,-childish performances which no longer suited the times. The "Pudding" is now the largest social organization in the College; its secrecy has been abandoned, and it ought in the fu- ture, if properly directed, to be not only the best ex -. ponent of undergraduate opinions, but also a strong means of fostering the interest of the graduates in undergraduate affairs.

The " Medical Faculty" held an unique place amoug Harvard societies, and so deserves to be recorded. It was founded in 1818, its object being " mere fun." Its early meeting were held in the rooms of the members. "The room was made as dark as possible and brilliantly lighted. The Faculty sat round a long table, in some singular and antique costume almost all in large wigs, and breeches with knee-buckles. This practice was adopted to make a strong impression on students who were invited in for examination. Members were always examined for ad-

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mission. The strangest questions were asked by the venerable board, and often strange answers elicited, -- no matter how remote from the purpose, provided there was wit or drollery. . . Burlesque lectures on all con- ceivable and inconceivable subjects were frequently read or improvised by members ad libitum. I remem- ber something of a remarkable one from Dr. Alden (H. U. 1821), upon part of a skeleton of a superannuated horse, which he made to do duty for the remains of a great. German Professor with an unspeakable name. Degrees were conferred upon all the members, M.D. or D.M. (Doctor of Medicine or Student of Medicine) according to their rank. Honorary degrees were liberally conferred upon conspicuous persons at home and abroad."1 A member of the Class of 1828 writes : "I passed so good an examination that I was made Professor longis extremitatibus, or Professor with long shanks. It was a society for purposes of mere fun and burlesque, meeting secretly, and always foiling the government in their attempts to break it up."1 It printed Triennial Catalogues travestying those of the College. The doggerel Latin of the pre- faces to these has been aptly called "piggish." The catalogue of 1830, after stating that "this is the most ancient, the most extensive, the most learned, and the most divine " of societies, adds : " The obelisks of Egypt contain in hieroglyphic characters many secrets of our Faculty. The Chinese Wall, and the Colossus at Rhodes were erected by our ancestors in sport. It appears that the Society of Free Masons was founded by eleven disciples of the Medi- cal Faculty expelled in A.D. 1425. Therefore we have always been Antimason. Satan himself has learned many particulars from our Senate in regard to the administration of affairs and the means of tor- ture. ' Placid Death ' alone is co-eval with this Society, and resembles it, for in its own Cata- logue it equalizes rich and poor, great and small, white and black, old and young." From the Catalogue of 1833 we learn that, "our library contains quite a number of books; among others ten thousand ob- tained through the munificence and liberality of great Societies in the almost unknown regions of Kam- tschatka and the North Pole, and especially through the munificence of the Emperor of all the Russias. It has become so immense that, at the request of the Librarian, the Faculty have prohibited any further donations. In the next session of the General Court of Massachusetts, the Senate of the Faculty (assisted by the President of Harvard University) will petition for 40,000 sesterces, for the purpose of erecting a large building to contain the immense accumulation of books. From the well-known liberality of the Legislature, no doubts are felt of obtaining it." Among the honorary degrees conterred was one on Alexander I of Russia, who, not understanding the joke, sent in recognition a valnable case of surgical

instruments, which went by mistake to the real Medical School. Chang and Heng, the Siamese Twins, Sam Patch, Day and Martin, and Martin Van Buren were also among the honorary members. The "Medical Faculty," was suppressed by the College Government in 1834, but it was subsequently revived ; but its proceedings have been kept so secret for so many years past that only on Class Day are even the names of the Seniors who belong to it known, from their wearing a black rosette with a skull and bones in silver upon it.

Only one other society which was organized in the last century still exists : the Porcellian or Pig Club, founded in 1791 for social purposes, and united, in 1831, with the Knights of the Square Table. It still maintains the secret initiation, but is otherwise a con- vivial organization, having a small membership, and consequently heavy dues. The Club is now (1890) erect- inga large club-house on the site of the rooms which it has occupied for many years.

Of other societies which once were famous and have long since been dissolved, mention should be made of the Navy Club (1796-1846), whose flagship consisted of a marquee "moored in the woods near the place where the house of the Honorable J. G. Palfrey now stands;" and of the Harvard Washington Corps, (1811-34), a military company whose parades and feasts were notorious. Then there was the Engine Society, which managed the fire-engine presented to the College by the Legislature after the burning of Harvard Hall; it used to attend the fires in Cambridge and the neighboring towns, the fire- men staying themselves with rum and molasses- "black-strap "-and was forcibly disbanded in 1822, after it had flooded the room of the College Regent. About 1830 a passion for secret societies swept through the American Colleges, and Harvard had its chapters of many Greek Letter Societies, which flourished until the advent of the Class of 1859, when they were abolished by the Faculty. At that period there also existed a lodge of mock Free Masons. The tendency during the past generation has been in an opposite direction. Of late the old Greek Letter organiza- tions have been revised, but as social clubs, and secrecy-so attractive to the juvenile imagination-is now held in less esteem. Five of these social clubs now have houses of their own,-the Porcellian, the A. D., the Alpha Delta Phi, the Zeta Psi and the Delta Phi. The O. K., founded in 1859, is literary and holds fortnightly meetings in the rooms of its members. The Pi Eta (1860) and the Signet (1870) are Senior Societies which draw their members from those who do not belong to the Hasty Pudding. The introduction and expansion of the Elective System have greatly modified the social aspects of the College, by obliterating the distinction between class and class, and it is evident that this modification will increase rather than diminish.

In the past, societies founded for literary or intel-

1 " College Words and Customs," 1850, pp. 199, 200.

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lectual purposes almost universally became trans- formed into social organizations, where conviviality and good fellowship were the prime requisites. But of late there have sprung up societies composed of men who are interested in the same work, and who discuss their favorite topics at their meetings. Such societies are the Classical Club (1885); La Conference Française (1886); the Deutscher Verein (1886); the Harvard Natural History Society (1837) ; the Boyls- ton Chemical Club (1887) ; the Electrical Club (1888); the Historical Society (1880); the Finance Club (1878); the Free Wool Club (1889) ; the Philosoph- ical Club (1878); the Art Club (1873); the English Club (1889); and the Camera Club (1888). The re- ligious organizations are the Society of Christian Brethren (1802); the St. Paul's Society (1861); and the Total Abstinence League (1888). The Pierian Sodality, or College orchestra, was founded in 1808; the Glee Club in 1858. The Harvard Union, the College debating club, was founded in 1880. There are also a Chess Club, and organizations of members from the chief preparatory schools (Andover and Exeter), and of students from the Southern States, from Minnesota and Connecticut. Many of the lit- erary clubs give public lectures, and the musical societies give concerts during the winter and spring months.

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 52

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1034