History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 151

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1464

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II > Part 151

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

THE WORCESTER COUNTY ATHENEUM was estab- lished as a stock company in 1830, the shares being twenty-five dollars each; and rules and regulations for its government were adopted December 16th of that year. The first board of officers consisted of Rev. George Allen, president; Rev. John Nelson, vice-president ; Fred. W. Paine, treasurer, and Wil- liam Lincoln, secretary. The object of the society, as indicated by a subscription paper prepared for sig- nature by those who were to become members, was to form a public library in the town of Worcester, to consist principally of such rare works in science and literature as were not usually found in private libra- ries. The Athenaeum had a room in the second story of Dr. John Green's block on Main Street, opposite Central Street. In March, 1830, the library of the Worcester County Lyceum of Natural History was transferred to the Atheneum, and the same month the society was incorporated, and in April elected officers under the charter. After a few years the Athenæum deposited its library in the hall of the American Antiquarian Society, and ceased to be an active corporation.1

PHRENOLOGICAL SOCIETY.2-Founded in May, 1834. Dr. S. B. Woodward, of the State Lunatic Asylum, was elected president; Stephen Salisbury, vice-president; Isaiah Thomas, secretary ; Dr. Wm. Paine, treasurer; and Dr. John Green, Dr. O. H. Blood and Christopher C. Baldwin, directors. Meet- ings were to be held monthly, and the object of the society was to investigate the science of phrenology and ascertain its nature and the foundation there may be for it in truth. One of the directors, in writing of the society, says of the first meeting for organization : " Like all new converts, we are full of fury and enthusiasm, and we may think ourselves fortunate if we escape being rank lunatics." The so- ciety probably existed but a short time, and but lit-

tle can be found of its history. The immediate cause of its formation was probably the arrival in the United States of Spurzheim, the eminent Prussian phrenolo- gist, whose lectures in Boston and other cities attracted the attention of educated men to the science he so ably presented.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SO- CIETY .- The first steps taken for its formation were in the fall of 1840, and on the 19th of September of the same year it was organized by the choice of Dr. John Green as president ; Dr. S. B. Woodward and Stephen Salisbury, vice-presidents ; Benjamin Hey- wood, L. Lincoln Newton and J. C. B. Davis, record- ing secretaries; and William Lincoln and Dr. Joseph Sargent, corresponding secretaries. In May, 1841, a constitution and by-laws, reported by William Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury and William N. Green, were adopted, and in March, 1842, the society was incorporated, and became one of the permanent in- stitutions of Worcester. In 1850 the society pur- chased the lot of land on Front Street now occupied by them, and began the erection of their ball, which was completed in time to hold an exhibition there in the fall of 1851. The first exhibition of fruits, flowers and vegetables was in 1840, at the time of the annual Cattle Show, and was in the hall of the So- ciety of Friends, on Main Street, opposite the Waldo mansion. The exhibition was considered a great success, and for many years after was given at the same time as that of the Agricultural Society. Of late years exhibitions have been given weekly, except during the winter months.

The present officers of the society are : President, Henry L. Parker ; Vice-Presidents, Stephen Salis- bury, George E. Francis and H. F. A. Lange; Secre- tary, Edward Winslow Lincoln ; Treasurer and Libra- rian, Charles E. Brooks. There is a good library of some two thousand volumes, a notice of which will be found elsewhere.

WORCESTER COUNTY MECHANICS' ASSOCIATION. -The first meeting to consider the question of form- ing a society in the interests of the mechanics of Worcester was held at the town hall November 27, 1841. This meeting was presided over by Ichabod Washburn (who afterwards became the benefactor of the association), and Albert Tolman was the secre- tary. The objects of the association were stated to be " the moral, intellectual and social improvement of its members, the perfection of the Mechanic Arts and the pecuniary assistance of the needy." A committee of fifteen, of which Anthony Chase was chairman, was appointed to prepare and report a plan for organization, and they reported at a subse- quent meeting, but were not fully agreed as to the qualifications of members. A constitution was, how- ever, adopted, which limited active membership to those engaged in some mechanical pursuits. An or- ganization was effected February 5, 1842, by the election of William A. Wheeler, president; Ichabod

1 For notice of the library of the Atheneum see chapter on libraries.

"The information in regard to this society was obtained from the MS. diary of C. C. Baldwin.

1529

WORCESTER.

Washburn, vice-president ; Albert Tolman,' secre- tary ; and E. G. Partridge, treasurer. The formation of a library for the use of members was early begun, and courses of lectures established ; for an account of the success of the first-named, reference is made to the chapter on libraries. The first lecture was given in February, 1842, by Elihu Burritt "the learned blacksmith," and in the same year a course of lectures on geology, by Dr. Charles T. Jackson, of Boston. Courses of lectures have since been given during the winter months with few exceptions, and for the last few years, owing to the great increase in the membership of the association, two courses are given each winter. In 1848 the first exhibition 01 fair was held, and there have been others held from time to time since. The association was incorporated in 1850, and authorized to hold $75,000 of real es- tate (afterwards increased to $200,000), and personal estate to the value of $25,000, since increased to $50,000.

The need of a building for the use of the associa- tion early became manifest, and in May, 1854, the offer of Ichabod Washburn to give $10,000 towards the purchase of land and the erection of a suitable building made it possible. By the aid of other sub- scriptions the association were enabled to purchase the lot of land on Main Street, formerly owned by Daniel Waldo, and to begin the erection of a build- ing, which was completed and dedicated with ap- propriate ceremonies in March, 1857. There are tw; halls in the building-the smaller one being called Washburn Hall, in honor of the first benefactor.

Mechanics' Hall, then and now the largest in the city, has a seating capacity of about 2000 and has proved to be none too large for the public demands. In 1864 over 200 liberal-minded citizens subscribed about $9000 for the purchase of an organ, to be placed in Mechanics' Hall, and in the fall of that year the fine instrument now in the hall, made by Messrs. Hook, of Boston, was completed and ap- propriately dedicated. It has proved a most valuable addition, and has been largely instrumental in mak- ing successful the Musical Conventions yearly held in Worcester.

In 1864 an Apprentices' Drawing School was formed, for instruction in mechanical and architec- tural drawing, which is said to be the first school of a like nature established in the country.

A summer school for boys, under the auspices of the association, was opened at the Polytechnic Insti- tute, July 12, 1887, and has fully proved its useful- ness. A similar school had been conducted in the association building for some years previous. The officers for 1888-89 are Robert H. Chamberlain, president ; Ellery B. Crane, vice-president; William A. Smith, clerk and treasurer.

VERY REVEREND FATHER MATHEW MUTUAL BENEVOLENT TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY was or- ganized November 4, 1849, with Rev. M. W. Gibson

as president, and incorporated in 1863, for the pur- pose of promoting the cause of temperance in Wor- cester. The immediate cause of its formation was the visit of Father Mathew to Worcester in October, 1849, on invitation of the mayor and other prominent citizens. The officers of the society in 1888 were: Richard O'Flynn, president; William Brown, vice- president ; Timothy Murphy, treasurer ; and John A. Garvey, secretary.

Other temperance organizations are the St. John's Catholic Young Men's Temperance Guild, organized in 1883; Worcester Reform Club, organized in 1876; Woman's Christian Temperance Union (two societies), organized 1874-78; Worcester Temperance Club, or- ganized in 1878 ; Sons of Temperance (two divisions), organized 1865-82; Worcester Temple of Honor ; Slow But Sure Lodge of Good Templars ; Helping- Hand Lodge; Worcester District Temple, No. 3, or- ganized in 1885 ; Stjernan Lodge, No. 21, O. of T., or- ganized in 1884; Klippan Lodge, No. 43, O. of T., organized in 1885; Worcester Central Temperance League, organized in 1887 ; Daughters of the North, organized in 1886; and Sons and Daughters of Tem- perance Mutual Relief Association of Worcester County, organized in 1887.

WORCESTER NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. - In August, 1852, a call was published in the Worcester Spy for " the young men connected with Unitarian, Second Advent, Universalist, Friends' and Free Churches and all interested, to meet at Waldo Hall, to consider the propriety of organizing a Young Men's Christian Association worthy of the name." This meeting was called to order by Rev. Edward E. Hale, then pastor of the Church of the Unity, and organized by the choice of George F. Hoar as chair- man and William Mecorney as secretary. It was re- solved at this meeting that the secretary take the names of those persons present who were favorably disposed to the formation of an organization for the benefit of the young men of Worcester, in which all the members should have equal rights and privileges. About fifty names were handed in to the secretary in response to this resolution. A committee was also appointed to confer with the Young Men's Christian Association, previously formed in the city, to ascer- tain if any change could be made to render possible a union of the associations. This committee after- wards reported, that in their opinion a union could be formed between the two associations upon some liberal principles, but that the committee of the Christian Association had not power to act in the matter, and they recommended that no further action be taken in regard to a union, but that a meeting of citizens generally be called to take measures to form a society. Pursuant to such a call, a meeting was held at Waldo Hall; William R. Hooper presiding and Henry Chapin acting as secretary, at which time a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The first clause of the constitution was as follows: "The name

1530

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

of the association shall be the Young Men's Library Association, and its object the improvement of the young men of the city of Worcester, by affording them intellectual and social advantages, by the main- tenance of a library, reading-room and such courses of lectures and classes as may conduce to that end." An arrangement was made by which the new associa- tion assumed the lease and took the rooms, which had been handsomely fitted up and occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association. In December, 1852, the first election of officers took place, and Francis H. Dewey was chosen president ; George W. Bently, vice-president ; George F. Hoar, correspond- ing secretary ; Nathaniel Paine, recording secretary ; and Henry Woodward, treasurer. Fourteen directors were also elected.

At a meeting held the 1st day of January, 1853, action was taken, which resulted in obtaining an act of incorporation from the Legislature then in session, which was accepted by the association April 16, 1853. Another election of officers was held, resulting in the choice of the same gentlemen elected in December previous, and William Cross, Esq., as second vice- president. A subscription was started during the following year for the purpose of obtaining means to found a library ; subscriptions being received both in cash and books. Over thirteen hundred dollars in cash was contributed aud eight hundred and sixty- seven volumes given by public-spirited citizens.

The library was opened to the public June 18, 1853, upon the payment of one dollar per year. A reading- room was early established in connection with the library, and although quite poorly supplied with newspapers and periodicals when compared with the one now open to our citizens, was quite respect- able, and freely consulted by the members. In 1855 an agreement was made with the Young Men's Rhetorical Society, by which that society was merged into this ; their library was placed in the rooms and they had the use of the hall for rhetorical exercises. By the conditions of this union either society could discontinue the arrangement, and the Rhetorical Society withdraw their books, provided it was done before January, 1856. In 1858, by mutual consent, the rhetorical department of the association was dis- continued, and the members thereof formed a new society. In 1856, by a special act of the Legislature, the Worcester Lyceum, established in 1829, was united to the library association, and by the same act the name was changed to

THE WORCESTER LYCEUM AND LIBRARY ASSO- CIATION .- In 1854-55 a Natural History Department was formed for the study of the natural sciences, which has now become the main work of the associa- tion. This was done at the annual meeting of the association, in April, 1854, at which a committee was appointed, who were authorized to make the neces- sary arrangements for the organization of such a de- partment. Prof. Louis Agassiz was invited by the

committee to visit Worcester, and consult with them as to the best plan of operations, which invitation was accepted, and the 28th of April, 1854, he, with the committee, inspected the collection of specimens formerly owned by the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History. This collection was in the possession of the American Antiquarian Society, and they kindly gave it to the new department as the nucleus of a cabinet.

The organization of the department was effected by the election of Rev. E. E. Hale as chairman, W. E. Starr secretary, and James B. Blake treasurer. Mr. Blake held the office but a few weeks, when Henry A. Marsh was elected in his stead; eight curators of departments were also elected. In the early part of the year 1856 another important and interesting event in the history of the association occurred : that of the generous proposition of Dr. John Green (then one of our oldest and most es- teemed physicians) to place his valuable miscella- neous library in the charge of the association.

Hon. George F. Hoar, then president of the asso- ciation, says in his annual report, " A contract has been entered into between Dr. Green and the asso- ciation, by the terms of which, the books he has placed here, with such additions as he may see fit to make, are to remain in the Library, open to the free use of members, for at least five years, and longer if the arrangement shall be desired by both parties."

In November, 1859, the sudden death of Mr. Gray, the librarian of the association, caused the calling a meeting of the directors to make arrangements to fill the vacancy. Dr. Green's large interest in the ques- tion was acknowledged and appreciated, and a com- mittee was appointed to consult with him as to the best course to pursue. At a meeting held the 26th of November the committee of consultation, con- sisting of Dr. George Chandler, Albert Tolman and T. W. Higginson, reported that Dr. Green liad ex- pressed a desire to present his library to the city of Worcester as a foundation of a free public library, and they recommended that the library of the asso- ciation be also transferred to the city, provided suita- ble appropriations and arrangements were made for its reception.

The gifts of Dr. Green and the association were ac- cepted by the City Council in December, 1859, thus establishing an institution which has proved so ad- vantageous to our citizens. This final disposition of the library had long been hoped for by the more ac- tive members of the association, and its consumma- tion was the cause of great satisfaction.1 The Nat- ural History Department and the winter course of lectures were now all that was left for the attention of members. The latter, however, was given up after a few years.

In the winter of 1866 the name of the society was

1 For a full notice of the library, see the chapter on libraries.

1531

WORCESTER.

again changed to the Worcester Lyceum and Natural History Association ; since which time the principal object of the association has been the study of nat- ural history and the collection of specimens for its cabinet. In 1880 the plan of giving instruction by means of free classes for the study of natural history was inaugurated, and has been continued since with great success. During the winter season classes are formed, free to members of the association, in such branches of natural science as seem, from time to time, most important and attractive, meeting weekly as a rule, and instructed by thoroughly competent teachers. The courses include from ten to twenty lessons each, and are designed to exemplify the best methods of modern scientific study. In 1881 the plan of a three years' subscription for the "purpose of continuing and rendering more useful the work of the society, to provide a competent Custodian, to fur- nish lectures and gratuitous instruction for classes in Natural Science, and to promote the study of Nat- ural History," was carried into effect, and still con- tinues in successful operation, most of the original subscribers renewing and increasing their subscrip- tions when they have expired.

Since 1882 the museum has been open daily, from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., free to all,-books, specimens and the help of the custodian are at the service of all in- quirers and students. A system of loans has been devised, by which the specimens can be loaned to teachers and schools and special students, in much the same way in which books are given out at the Public Library. By au act of the Legislature, ap- proved March 6, 1884, the name was changed to the present one, " The Worcester Natural History So- ciety."

In the same year a tract of land of between thirty and forty acres was secured on the west shore of Lake Quinsigamond, and was called Natural History Park. In the summer of 1885 the first "Summer Camp for Boys" was established there. The object of the Natural History Society in establishing this camp is to afford a pleasant and profitable place for boys to spend a part or the whole of their summer vacation. January 22, 1887, Mr. Thomas H. Dodge gave one thousand dollars for the purchase of tents and the building of a permanent structure, known as the " Dodge Pavilion," at the Park. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge afterwards added some five hundred dollars more toward the building and painting of the pa- vilion.

In 1888 Mr. Joseph H. Walker gave five thousand dollars to enable the society to secure a perfect title to the land. In the same year, through the efforts of Mr. H. H. Bigelow, a workshop, well stocked with tools, was built. The lumber and tools were con- tributed by the lumber dealers and the hardware merchants of the city. The summer school has proved a success, and may now be considered one of the established institutions of our city. Dr. W. H.

Raymenton has been the efficient president of the society since 1880, and to his untiring and enthusi- astic efforts is largely due its recent rapid develop- ment aud present flourishing condition.

The YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION was originally organized March 9, 1852, the first steps for its formation being taken at a meeting held at the Old South Church, February 20th of the same year. Thomas Tucker (landlord of the American Temper- ance House) was the first president, with Nelson Wheeler (principal of the High School), P. L. Moen and S. A. Daniels, vice-presidents ; A. G. Ward, sec- retary, and C. M. Miles, treasurer. The association occupied a finely-furnished room in the Worcester Bank Block on Foster Street, where a reading-room was established. The formation of the Young Men's Library Association the same year, with similar ob- jects in view, seems to have been the cause of the Christian Association giving up their active organi- zation soon after, and their room was taken by the Library Association. In June, 1864, the Christian Association was revived, or a new association formed, at a meeting held at the Lincoln House, and it was duly organized July 12th of the same year. The first president of this new association was Fred. A. Clapp. All the officers were selected from the evangelical churches of the city, and it has since continued one of the most active institutions of Worcester. In June, 1868, the association was incorporated by a special act of the Legislature, and soon after steps were taken looking to the erection of a building. It was not till nearly twenty years after, however, that much was accomplished in this direction. In October, 1885, a determined effort was made to raise the neces- sary funds for the purchase of land and erection of a building, which resulted in obtaining subscriptions from citizens of all the Protestant denominations to the amount of over ninety thousand dollars, making, with a fund previously given, about ninety-six thou- sand dollars. Early in 1886 a building committee, of which Albert Curtis was chairman, purchased a lot of land, between Elm and Pearl Streets, and the erection of the building was begun. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies August 27, 1886, the principal address on that occasion being given by D. L. Moody. The building was completed in 1887, and dedicated in October of that year, the dedicatory address being given by the Rev. A. J. Gordon, of Bos- ton. The cost of the land, building, furniture and equipment has been about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

The object of the association is the spiritual, intel- lectnal, social and physical welfare of young men, to be accomplished by religious meetings, classes in German, book-keeping and other branches of educa- tion, lectures, and the use of a finely-equipped gym- nasium, and rooms for social gatherings.

The association has a membership of from thirteen to fourteen hundred, and after nearly a quarter of a

1532

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

century of active work has proved itself one of the most valuable and successful institutions of our city. The present officers are: W. A. Denholm, president ; C. F. Rugg and William Woodward, vice-presidents ; George F. Brooks, recording secretary, and Arthur E. Dennis, treasurer.

WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ANTIQUITY .- The pre- liminary meeting for the formation of this society was held at the residence of Samuel E. Staples in January, 1875. A constitution was adopted and the society organized February 13th, at a meeting held at the printing office of Tyler & Seagrave. The first board of officers, elected at the meeting, were Samuel E. Staples, president; Henry D. Barber, vice-presi- dent; Daniel Seagrave, secretary; Henry F. Sted- man, treasurer ; and John G. Smith, librarian. The object of the society, as stated in its constitution, was " to foster in its members a love and admiration for antiquarian research and archæological science, and to rescue from oblivion such historical matter as would otherwise be lost." Meetings are held montb- ly, except in the month of August, at which valuable and interesting historical or antiquarian papers are presented. The society was incorporated in Febru- ary, 1877, and has become one of the prominent in- stitutions of the city. It has a valuable miscella- neous library, which is spoken of elsewhere. Since its formation seven volumes of proceedings have been published, containing many valuable historical papers. Among the publications of special local in- terest contained in these volumes may be mentioned : "The Records of the Proprietors, 1667-1778;" "Town records from 1722 to 1783;" and the "Rec- ords of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, 1731 to 1737," copied from the original manuscripts, for the preservation of which, in printed form, the society is deserving of high commendation. The officers of the society, elected in December, 1888, were: For President, E. B. Crane; Vice-Presidents, Albert Tolman and George Sumner; Secretary, W. F. Abbot; Treasurer, H. F. Stedman ; Librarian, Thomas A. Dickinson.

THE WORCESTER ART SOCIETY .- The first steps in the formation of this society were taken at a pub- lic meeting beld at the Board of Trade rooms, April 16, 1877. The meeting was called "to consider the expediency of forming an association to promote the study of art in Worcester," and a committee, con- sisting of Stephen C. Earle, Burton W. Potter, Henry Woodward, Nathaniel Paine and Edward L. Davis, were appointed to consider the subject, and report a plan of organization. This committee re- ported in October of the same year, at a meeting pre- sided over by Lucius J. Knowles, that it was expe- dient to form such an association. They also pre- sented a draft for a constitution and by-laws, which were adopted November 27, 1877, at which time the first board of officers was chosen as follows: Presi- dent, George F. Hoar; Vice-Presidents, L. J.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 151

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1464

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1464