History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 152

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 152

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Knowles, Edward H. Hall and C. M. Lamson ; Sec- retary, Rebecca Jones ; Treasurer, Joseph E. Davis ; Directors, Charles O. Thomson, Stephen C. Earle, B. W. Potter, Mrs. P. L. Moen and Mrs. Joseph H. Walker. It was early determined that one of the best methods of effecting the objects desired was to have an exhibition of paintings, and in March, 1878, the first exhibition was opened at the Board of Trade rooms, in Taylor's Block, opposite the Common. Over seventy oil and water-color paintings were loaned by members and others interested in art, which proved to be very successful, and several other exhibitions of a similar nature have since been given including, besides paintings, etchings, photographs and bric-a-brac. Later, lectures were given by spe- cialists in different branches of the fine arts and by members of the society. Lectures have been given since, during the winter months, most of which have been illustrated by stereopticon views, and have proved of value to those who were present. Advan- tage has also been taken from time to time of the valuable collections of photographs and other art illustrations at the Free Public Library, and interest- ing meetings have been held there. In December, 1887, the society was incorporated under the general law of the State and elected the following board of officers: President, Nathaniel Paine; Vice-Presi- dents, Samuel S. Green and Charles A. Chase ; Treasurer, Edward B. Hamilton; Clerk, John G. Heywood : Directors, Philip L. Moen, Jonas G. Clark, Henry A. Marsh, Burton W. Potter and Wil- liam T. Harlow; Advisory Committee, Anstin S. Garver, Charles S. Hale, Alexander H. Vinton, Ed- ward B. Glasgow, Mrs. Helen B. Merriman, Mrs. Charlotte E. W. Buffington, Miss Emily W. Sargent and Miss Mary N. Perley.1

THE ART STUDENT'S CLUB was organized in 1880, incorporated in 1887 and is composed of artists and art students of Worcester and vicinity, its object be- ing " the encouragement, promotion and practice of Art," and no one is eligible as an active member who is not a student in some branch of art. Two public exhibitions are held each year of the works of mem- bers, which have proved to be very attractive to the citizens of Worcester and a credit to the club. The improvement in the work of members is very marked from year to year, as shown by these public exhibi- tions. Monthly meetings are also held, at which active members are expected to furnish for inspection at least one original drawing or design. George E. Gladwin is president, Abbie J. Trask, clerk, 'and Frank E. Higgins, treasurer.

MUSICAL SOCIETIES .- The earliest musical society in Worcester, of which any reliable record is to be

1 At the annual meeting in November, 1888, the same board of officers were chosen, with the exception that Edward B. Glasgow was elected as clerk in place of John G. Heywood, who was made one of the advisory committee, and William E. Rice was elected a director in place of H. A. Marsh, resigned.

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found, was the Worcester Harmonic Society. The exact date of its formation cannot now be ascertained, but it was in existence as early as 1825, at which time Emory Perry was president and Henry W. Mil- ler, secretary ; and in October, 1826, the society gave an oratorio at the Old Sonth Church. This society also furnished the music at the Fourth of July cele- bration in the last-named year, on which occasion Hon. Charles Allen delivered an oration. The society continued in existence for several years, occasionally giving concerts, and often furnishing the music on public occasions.1

In 1845 the Worcester Sacred Musical Society was formed, with Rufus D. Dunbar as president, and the next year gave a miscellaneous concert in Brinley (now Grand Army) Hall, and mention is made in the newspapers of a concert given in the spring of the following year. It is probable that this society was in existence only two or three years.

In September, 1850, the Worcester Mozart Society, the first regularly-organized association for musical culture, was formed, with Putnam W. Taft as presi- dent and Albert L. Benchley, vice-president. This society continued in active existence till November, 1866, when it was united with the Beethoven Society, formed in 1864, with Austin L. Rogers, president. The name after the union was the Worcester Mozart and Beethoven Choral Union, the first president be- ing Edward Hamilton, William Sumner, vice-presi- dent, and Carl Zerrahn, conductor. The society was incorporated in 1872, by a special act of the Legisla- ture, as the Worcester Choral Union, and I. N. Met- calf was chosen president, J. A. Titus, vice-president, and B. D. Alleo, conductor.

The present Worcester County Musical Association was organized at a meeting held in Mechanics' Hall October 2, 1863, with Samuel E. Staples, president, and a board of directors selected from various towns in the county. The object of the association is stated in its by-laws, "the improvement of choirs in the performance of church music; the formation of an elevated musical taste, through the study of music in its highest departments ; and a social, genial, harmo- nious reunion of all lovers of music." The name under which it was originally known was the Wor- cester County Musical Convention, ? and this name was retained till the adoption of the present one in 1871, at which time it was also voted to call the an- nual gatherings Musical Festivals. Since 1865 an- nual sessions of the Association have been held, at which oratorios of Handel, Haydo and Mendelssohn, also the best productions of Rossini, Gounod, Verdi

and others, have been given. The annual festivals of the Association have been constantly growing more popular, and it now has a prestige and a pros- perity not equaled by any similar one in the country. The number in attendance increases yearly, and its patrons are not only from Worcester County and the State of Massachusetts, but lovers of music from both the New England and Middle States. Soloists from all parts of Europe, as well as of our own country, are procured, with the best available orchestral accompa- niment, and a local chorus which has won well-de- served commendation from the best musical critics. The Board of Government for 1888 was Edward L. Davis, president; William Sumner, vice-president ; A. C. Monroe, secretary ; J. E. Benchley, treasurer ; and eight directors-B. D. Allen, C. M. Bent, Charles I. Rice, J. Q. Adams, Daniel Downey, L. M. Lovell, C. C. Stearns, of Worcester, and B. L. M. Smith, of Whitinsville.

If space would permit, it would be of interest to speak in detail of other musical societies that have existed in Worcester, but mention can be made only of the Hamilton Club, named in honor of Edward Hamilton, for many years the leading singer of Wor- cester ; the Schumann Club, organized in 1877; the singing society Frohsinn, organized in 1858, with G. A. Patz, musical director, and Benjamin Zaeder, secretary,-William Lichtenfels is now the president and Heinrich Kayerle, secretary ; the Gounod Club, organized in 1886 ; the president is Henry F. Harris ; Secretary, Josiah A. Rice ; and Musical Director, E. N. Anderson.

HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETIES .- The High School As- sociation was established in May, 1886, its object being "to renew and maintain school friendships, and to contribute in all practicable ways to the good of the school." A meeting of abont thirty old mem- bers of the school had been held the previous month, at which a committee, with A. S. Roe, the principal of the school, as chairman, was appointed to prepare a plan of organization, and they reported May 24, 1886, a code of by-laws, which was adopted. Samuel S. Green was chosen the first president, and the first meeting of the association after its organization took place at the High School building, the occasion being the graduation exercises of the Senior class for that year. The members consist of the pupils and teachers in the school previous to September, 1865, and all graduates and teachers since that date. The privi- lege was also extended to all pupils and teachers of the Boys' Latin School and the Girls' High School- two schools merged into the present High School. The association now numbers nearly eight hundred members ; the president is Edward L. Davis; A. S. Roe, secretary, and J. S. Brown, treasurer.

Other High School societies, which are literary in their character, are the Eucleia Debating Society, founded in 1858, and composed of young gentlemen ; the Aletheia Club, founded in 1881, and composed of

1 ln Is15 there was a misical society in the county called the Old Hundred Musical Society, which gave a concert at Hopkinton, Mass., that year, and it is quite probable that some of the Worcester musiciens and eingers were members of it.

2 A successful convention under the direction of Edward Hamilton and B. F. Baker, in 1858, was held under the name of the Musical lu- stitute.

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young ladies ; the Sumner Club, founded in 1883, and the Assembly, founded in 1885, the two last named having male members only. There is also an Ath- letic Association, made up of members of the school who are interested in athletic games and amuse- ments.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CLUB was organized in January, 1875, its purpose being "to encourage among the members of the Congregational Churches and societies of Worcester County a more intimate acquaintance; to more concert of action, and to pro- mote the general interests of Congregationalism." Meetings are held six times a year, at which papers are read upon some special topic and discussions fol- low. Occasionally the meetings are of a distinctive social nature, and are participated in by both ladies and gentlemen. Rev. A. H. Coolidge, of Leicester, is president.

THE BRIGADE CLUB, originally composed of the offi- cers of Third Brigade (Mass.) Volunteer Militia, and officers who had served in the army or militia, was or- ganized in December, 1879. Gen. Josiah Pickett was chosen president, and still holds that office. Gen. R. M. Chamberlain was chosen vice-president, and Capt. Charles S. Chapin secretary and treasurer. The membership of the club has changed somewhat in the past few years and is not confined to military men.

THE COMMONWEALTH CLUB, organized in 1880, and incorporated in 1881, comprises many of the active business and professional men of the city, and is social in its objects. The club have commodious and pleasant rooms on Foster Street, with a reading- room, billiard-room and other conveniences for the use of members, and it has proved successful in pro- viding a pleasant place of resort for many of our citi- zens. William J. Hogg is president, II. A. Currier secretary, and L. Delavan Thayer treasurer.

'THE WORCESTER CLUB, incorporated in 1888, is strictly a social club, with a membership limited to one hundred and fifty. It has purchased and fitted up in an elegant manner a fine house on Elm Street, formerly the residence of the late Hon. Isaac Davis, and offers many attractions to its members. Excel- lent meals, well-served, are furnished to members and friends ; there is also a dining-room for ladies which has proved very popular. A reading-room, library. billiard and pool-room, and other conveniences, are provided for its members, who consist of prominent professional and mercantile gentlemen of Worcester and vicinity. Hon. George F. Hoar is the president ; Charles F. Aldrich, secretary ; and James P. Hamil- ton, treasurer.

Boat clubs, and clubs composed of lovers of other athletic sports, are numerous, but want of space will prevent detailed notices of them.

The first regularly-organized boat club in Worces- ter of which any record has been found is the ATA- LANTA CLUB, established in 1859, and commenced

boating at Curtis' Pond, near Webster Square, soon after moving to Lake Quinsigamond, where they were the pioneers of systematic boating. The members of the club also had an active part in the arrangements for the first college regatta at the lake, in the summer of 1859. This club gave up active boating in 1865, bnt kept up their organization for several years after.

The present QUINSIGAMOND BOAT CLUB was organ- ized as the PHANTOM CLUB in 1860, but soon after adopted their present name. It is still an active organization, having fine grounds on the west side of the lake, where they have erected a handsome club- house and a commodious boat-house, in which they have a number of racing and pleasure boats.

THE LAKESIDE BOAT CLUB also occupy a fine club and boat-house on the west side of the lake.

There are other organizations for athletic sports, connected with the Worcester Academy, the Polytech- nic Institute, and College of the Holy Cross. Brief mention may be made of the Book Clubs now so numerous in the city.

These clubs are formed for the circulation of books and periodicals among their members, and usually consist of from twenty to thirty ladies and gentlemen. The first organization of this kind in Worcester, and the third in the State, is the WORCESTER BOOK CLUB, established in 1839, and still flourishing. The next was the REVIEW CLUB, formed in 1847, followed soon after by the WORCESTER READING CLUB, and later by several others, among which are BOOK CLUB No. 4, WAVERLY, RIALTO and WEBSTER SQUARE CLUBS.

MASONIC SOCIETIES. - The institution of Free Masonry was established in Worcester in the year 1793, the first lodge chartered being "The Morning Star." In the spring of that year Isaiah Thomas ("The Patriot Printer of the Revolution "), Nathaniel Paine, Nathaniel Chandler, John Stanton, Ephraim Mower, Clark Chandler, Samuel Chandler, Charles Chandler, Benjamin Andrews, Joseph Torrey, John White, Samnel Brazer, John Stowers and Samuel Flagg petitioned the Grand Lodge for a charter, which was granted under the above name April 19, 1793, and the first board of officers was installed in June of the same year. They were: Isaiah Thomas, W. M .; Nathanial Paine, S. W .; and Samuel Chan- dler, J. W. On the occasion of the installation Rev. Aaron Bancroft, pastor of the Second Parisb (Uni- tarian) in Worcester, delivered an oration, which was printed by Isaiah Thomas. The year before Thomas had printed "The Constitution of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, &c. To which are added, The history of Masonry in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, &c. To- gether with a large collection of songs, epilogues, &c." The volume is dedicated " To our illustrious Brother, George Washington, the friend of Masonry, of his country, and of man." It is a well-printed volume of two hundred and eighty-eight pages quarto, with a copper-plate frontispiece. The early meetings of the

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lodge were held at Mower's Tavern, which was at the corner of Main and Mechanic Streets, afterwards the site of the United States Hotel, and now that of the Walker Building. Later the meetings were held at the United States Arms (where the Exchange Hotel now is), the landlord being Colonel Reuben Sikes. Meetings of the Morning Star Lodge were held with regularity, and it was in a flourishing condition till the time of the anti-Masonic excitement in 1829-30, when it became dormant for several years, as did the Masonic organizations generally. It was reorganized in March, 1842, with the following officers: Horace Chenery, W. M .; Henry Earl, S. W .; Asa Walker, J. M .; and Pliny Holbrook, secretary. Meetings were then held in a small hall in the upper story of Dr. John Green's block, on Main Street, now owned by the Merchants' and Farmers' Mutual Fire Insu- rance Company. The lodge, which is now in a pros- perous condition and numbering over three hundred members, has its meetings in Masonic Hall on Pearl Street.

Montacute Lodge was chartered June 9, 1859, its members coming largely from the older lodge. Its first Master was William A. Smith, followed in 1860 by George W. Bently. Among the early members of the Montacute Lodge were Henry Goddard, Seth P. Miller, Lyman Brooks, John Firth, H. M. Witter and John A. Dana. It now has a membership of three hundred and sixty-six, with Joseph H. Dunker- ton as Master.

Athelestan Lodge was chartered June 13, 1866, its members being taken from the other two lodges. The first Past Master was Henry Goddard ; the present Master is F. A. Harrington. This lodge has a mem- bership of about three hundred. Among the origi- nal charter members were Samuel T. Bigelow, James L. Burbank, David Scott, A. Y. Thompson, E. P. Woodward, L. B. Nichols, John D. Washburn and Geo. W. Bently.

Quinsigamond Lodge, chartered September 13, 1871, has a membership of about one hundred. The pres- ent Master is Edward B. Dolliver.

Worcester Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, organized in June and chartered in October, 1823, had among its original members Isaiah Thomas, James Wilson, Jonathan Going, Otis Corbett, Ephraim Mower and Benjamin Chapiu, the last-named being the first High Priest, serving four years. During the anti- Masonic excitement this chapter, like other organi- zations of the order, remained in a quiescent state, but in 1846 became again active and is now in a pros- perous condition, having a membership of two hun- dred and thirty-four. The present presiding officer is James H. Harrison.

Eureka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, was instituted in 1870 and has a membership of over three hundred. The first High Priest was Rev. T. E. St. John ; the present one is Forest E. Barker.

Hiram Council, R. & S. M., was chartered in Sut-

ton December 13, 1826, and it was removed to Wor- cester in 1858. The first presiding officer after the removal to Worcester was Geo. W. Bentley ; tlie pres- ent presiding officer is S. L. Shaffer. This council, the largest subordinate one in the United States, has now a membership of over five hundred.

Worcester County Commandery of Knights Templar was organized in Holden, Mass., and chartered in June, 1825. The first Commander was James Esta- brook, the present one being George B. Buckingham. In the year 1845 the headquarters of the commandery were removed to Worcester, where it has since remained and is now one of the most prosperous of its grade in the jurisdiction of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, numbering over four hundred mem- bers.

Ancient and Acceptable Scottish Rite .- The following grades of this rite are established in Worcester under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council 33° Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States, and are in a prosperous condition.

Worcester Lodge of Perfection, A. and A., Scottish Rite 4° to the 14°, was instituted September 30, 1863, and has a membership of two hundred and fifty. Its presiding officer at the present time is Geo. F. Hewitt.

Goddard Council, Princes of Jerusalem, A. and A., Scottish Rite, 15° and 16°, was instituted June 17, 1870, and has a membership of one hundred and seventy. Its presiding officer at the present time is Geo. M. Rice, 2d.

Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix, A. and A., Scottish Rite, 17º to the 18°, was instituted June 17, 1870, and has a membership of one hundred and seventy. Its presiding officers have been, Rev. Thomas E. St. John, Henry C. Wilson, Francis Brick, M.D., and George B. Buckingham, now in office.

The Masonic Board of Directors was organized in January, 1867 ; has in charge the lease of Masonic Hall, and the custody of its appointments and prop- erty.

The Masonic Mutual Relief Association of Central Massachusetts was organized in 1873. It has a mem- bership of more than twenty-three hundred. Josiah Picket is president and Wm. A. Smith, secretary. Its membership is confined to the Masonic fraternity, and are mostly residents of the New England States.

Stella Chapter, No. 3, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized in 1871. Its members, numbering about three hundred, are composed of Masons and their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters.

The Grand Chapter of the Order, organized in 1876, has twenty subordinates in its jurisdiction. N. W. Farrer, Easthampton, is Grand Patron ; Mrs. J. A. Crane, Millbury, Grand Matron ; and Daniel Sea- grave, Worcester, Grand Secretary. For the facts in this noticeof the Masonic societies, the writer acknowl- edges his indebtedness to Daniel Seagrave, of Wor- cester.

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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.1-In the early part of the year 1844, Joseph W. Coburn, of Boston, who was the contractor for building the stone court-house in Worcester, had among his employés four men who were "Odd Fellows," and finding no lodge in the town, they took steps toward the formation of one. Samuel S. Leonard and George C. Taft, of Worcester, became members of Siloam Lodge, No. 2, of Boston, and they, with the four men before spoken of, peti- tioned the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a char- ter, and May 1, 1844, Quinsigamond Lodge, No. 43, was instituted, and held its first meetings in the old Masonic Hall, over what is now the Five Cent Savings Bank. The elective officers of Quinsigamond Lodge for its first term were, James Murray, Noble Grand ; John F. Locke, Vice-Grand; George C. Taft, Secre- tary ; Samuel S. Leonard, Treasurer. Freeman H. Pelton is the present Noble Grand and Herbert Wes- ley, Vice-Grand. Present number of members, five hundred and seventy.

Worcester Lodge, No. 56, was instituted December 20, 1844. The elective officers for its first term were, Samuel S. Leonard, Noble Grand ; George H. Good- now, Vice-Grand; Geo. C. Taft, Secretary ; William Greenleaf, Treasurer ; Geo. Hamilton, Per. Secretary. James H. Richardson is now the Noble Grand and Wm. B. Louney, Vice-Grand. Whole number of members, four hundred and twenty-five.

Central Lodge, No. 168, was instituted September 17, 1874. Its first presiding officer was, Nathan Taylor, Noble Grand. Its present Noble Grand is John E. Lloyd. Present number of members, three hundred and ten.

Ridgely Lodge, No. 112, was instituted September 19, 1882. Its first presiding officer was L. A. Wil- liams ; the present one is F. A. Quimby, and it has a membership of two hundred and twelve.

Anchoria Lodge, No. 142, was instituted March 31, 1887. Its first Noble Grand was Charles A. McFar- land. Its present presiding officer is John F. Brierly, and it has a membership of cighty.

Naomi Lodge, No. 18, Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted June 27, 1872. Officers for the first term, Horace A. Richardson, Noble Grand ; Hannah S. Rice, Vice-Grand ; Sarah F. Church, Rec. Secretary ; Julia A. Taylor, l'er. Secretary, and Cynthia A. Had- ley, Treasurer. Present Noble Grand, Emma C. Mar- den. Present number of members, four hundred and forty-five.

Queen Esther Lodge, No. 33, Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted March 24, 1881. Its first presiding officer was Lewis C. Stone. Augusta J. Hubbard is the present Noble Grand, and it has two hundred and ten members.

Wachuset Encampment, No. 10, was instituted May 16, 1845, with Albert Case as Chief Patriarch ; B. H. Davis, High Priest ; Samuel S. Leonard, Senior War-

den, and D. C. Thurston, Junior Warden. It surren- dered its charter January 23, 1851, and was re-insti- tuted October 20, 1869. Theo. H. Day is now Chief Patriarch and C. H. Hutchinson, High Priest. It has a membership of two hundred and ninety-five.

Mount Vernon Encampment, No. 53, instituted Sep- tember 27, 1877, with Asa L. Burbank, Chief Patri- arch. Daniel A. Harrington is now Chief Patriarch, and the number of members is two hundred and forty- five.

Odd Fellows' Mutual Benefit Association of Worcester County was organized October 13, 1871; incorpor- ated October 15, 1877. S. V. Stone was the first president, and Nathan Taylor now holds the office. Present number of members, thirteen hundred, with a fund of fourteen thousand dollars.

Other secret societies are :

The D. O. H. Einigkeit Lodge (Germans), instituted 1853.

Knights of Pythias, instituted 1871-78 (various lodges).

Catholic Order of Foresters (various divisions), 1871-76.

Sons of St. George, 1872.

Patrons of Husbandry, 1873.

Knights of Honor (two lodges), 1885.

Royal Arcanum (two councils), 1877.

Knights of Labor, 1878.

Knights of Father Matthew, 1879.

Improved Order of Red Men, 1880.

United Order of the Golden Cross, 1880.

Independent Order of Mystic Brothers, 1881.

Order of United Friends, 1881.

Daughters of St. George, 1882.

United Order of Independent Daughters of Sama- ria, 1887.

Ancient Order of United Work men, 1885.

Iron Hall, Branch No. 396, 1886.

Iron Hall Sisterhood, No. 601, 1887.

Ancient Order of Foresters.

Bay State Lodge, Knights of Honor.

U. O. of Independent Odd Ladies (three lodges), 1886.

Independent Order of Good Templars.

Supreme Council of Knights of the American Eagle.

Daughters of Pocahontas, Minnehaha Council.

Order of United Friends, 1881.

American Legion of Honor, Hope Council.

Order ot Pythian Sisterhood, Order of the Star and Crescent.

There are many other societies and associations which undoubtedly deserve special mention, whose names do not appear in the foregoing account, and the writer regrets the necessity that compels their omission.

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History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 152

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