USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lexington > History of the town of Lexington, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1868, Volume I > Part 51
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The Club was incorporated under the provisions of the 115th Chapter of the Public Statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its purpose stated as follows: -
"The association and accommodation of a Society or Club in the town of Lexington in this Commonwealth, having for its ob- ject the promotion of good fellowship, social intercourse, temper- ance, and morality in said town, and the encouragement of athletic exercises; such accommodation to consist in part of a Club-House wherein shall be maintained places for reading rooms, libraries, and social meetings."
The first meeting after organization was held in Cary Hall on June 21, 1892, and Robert P. Clapp was elected Chairman, and L. E. Bennink, Clerk. At this meeting a code of By-Laws was adopted and the following temporary officers of the Club were elected: -
President, 1st Vice-President, 2d Vice-President, 3d Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer,
Robert P. Clapp. William W. Reed. Dr. J. O. Tilton.
Kelsey M. Gilmore.
L. E. Bennink. Theodore P. Robinson.
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HISTORY OF LEXINGTON
At a meeting of the Club held on July 13, 1892, President Clapp in the Chair, a list of one hundred and seventy-nine members, principally citizens of the town of Lexington, were elected.
On July 19, 1892, a meeting was called in the Town Hall, and the following permanent officers were elected: -
President, Robert P. Clapp.
1st Vice-President,
F. O. Vaille.
2d Vice-President,
Miss Alice B. Cary.
3d Vice-President,
Mrs. B. F. Brown.
Secretary,
L. E. Bennink.
Treasurer,
William W. Reed.
L
Walter K. Shaw,
William E. Harmon,
Executive Committee,
Dr. J. O. Tilton,
Kelsey M. Gilmore,
Rev. Irving Meredith.
Plans were immediately begun for securing a piece of ground and building a Club-House; and a Bond Committee was appointed to raise the necessary funds for this purpose. At this meeting the membership was limited to two hundred and fifty.
The Executive Committee first secured a lot of land for the Club-House at the corner of Muzzey and Forest Streets, and then proceeded to secure plans from several architects. The plan finally chosen was that of Mr. R. M. Bailey, of Boston, and the building of the house was commenced in the summer of 1893.
The Club voted to issue $15,000 of first mortgage bonds to raise the necessary amount to pay for the land, building, and furnishings; and subscriptions were obtained by the Bond Committee. Messrs. B. F. Brown, George O. Whiting, and F. E. Ballard were made trustees of the bonds.
The Building Committee consisted of E. K. Houghton, Chairman; R. P. Clapp, Hammon Reed, E. A. Shaw, and J. F. Turner. The building was completed and dedicated on January 24, 1894; and the total cost of land, building, and furnishings was $13,775.
The plans for the organization of this Club and the house thereon were somewhat different from the ordinary club, inasmuch as women were made full members to the same extent as men. They have the same freedom of the Club-
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OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
House as the men at all times, no restrictions whatever being placed upon their use of it. The plan has proven most suc- cessful, and the Old Belfry Club, no doubt, owes in great part its success to the support given it by the ladies since the beginning.
The Presidents of the Club have been as follows: -
Robert P. Clapp,
1892-94
John F. Hutchinson,
1895
A. M. Redman,
1896-98
Dr. Nathaniel H. Merriam,
1899
Herbert G. Locke,
1900
Frank E. Clark,
1901-02
Walter W. Rowse,
1903-04
Edward P. Merriam,
1905-06
Edwin B. Worthen,
1907
Charles B. Davis,
1908-09
George E. Briggs,
1910-11
Elwyn G. Preston,
1912-
The membership of the Club has been increased from time to time, and under the presidency of Mr. Rowse, when a winter series of entertainments at the expense of the Club was inaugurated, grew to four hundred, where it remains at the present time. The membership is now full, and there are thirty-three applications for resident membership on the waiting list.
Financially the Club has been successful from the start, and the bonds have been reduced from the original issue of $13,775 to a present issue of $7,850.
The Club for many years past has given a most excellent series of entertainments during the winter, free to all mem- bers; has carried through each season a successful series of informal parties; has been the gathering-place for nearly all the social events of the town; and has been the means of getting together and entertaining the young people in a very much more satisfactory manner than was ever possible before. The Club is considered by all as a great success and as a distinct asset to the town.
LEXINGTON CHAPTER, DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. In the winter of 1894, at the request of the State Regent, Mrs. Charles M. Green (Helen Ware Lincoln), the ladies of Lexington, descendants of Revolutionary
502
HISTORY OF LEXINGTON
patriots, were invited to meet her at the home of Miss Susan Wood Muzzey, Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, and to present their names for membership in a Lexington Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, when it should be formed.
Miss Emma C. Hamlin, daughter of Rev. Cyrus Hamlin, well known for his work in Robert College, Constantinople, was appointed Regent to organize the chapter; and on March 12, 1894, a certificate authorizing her to fulfil such duties was issued by the National Society, D. A. R., at Washington by the President-General, Mrs. Letitia Green Stevenson.
On January 1, 1895, another meeting was called by Mrs. Green at the home of Miss Muzzey, Mrs. Daniel Lothrop, of Concord, being present and addressing the meeting.
On September 19, 1895, the ladies who were to constitute the charter members of the chapter met with Mrs. Green in the vestry of the First Parish Church of Lexington. Miss Hamlin having resigned the regency, Mrs. Sarah Bowman Van Ness, a former member of the Warren and Prescott Chapter of Boston, was appointed to complete the work; and the election of Mrs. Van Ness as Regent by the Execu- tive Board of the National Society, D. A. R., took place at Washington, D. C., on October 3, 1895.
Mrs. Van Ness is a descendant of the early Puritans and Pilgrims of Massachusetts on her paternal side and from the Cavaliers, who made the first settlement in Virginia and were the founders of Maryland, on her maternal side.
The charter of the chapter bears the name of "Lexington," and was granted by the Executive Board of the National Society, D. A. R., at Washington, on October 19, 1895, with the following sixteen names of officers and members: -
Regent, Mrs. Sarah Bowman Van Ness. Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Emma Catherine Hamlin.
Registrar, Mrs. Helen Hilgar Gookin Munroe.
Miss Mary E. Hudson, Mrs. Etta C. Pierce,
Mrs. Rebekah Eliza Robinson,
Miss M. Alice Munroe, Miss Susan Wood Muzzey,
Mrs. Eli M. Robbins,
Mrs. Esther M. Tidd Barrett, Mrs. Fannie Russell Herrick,
Miss Theodora Robinson,
Miss Elmira Munroe,
Mrs. Carrie E. Locke,
Mrs. Ella C. Bigelow,
Miss Sarah E. Holmes.
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OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
But it was not until November 7, 1895, that the organiza- tion became legal. The first regular meeting was held Satur- day, October 19, 1895, at two o'clock, at the home of Mrs. Van Ness, Pleasant Street, East Lexington, when Mrs. James W. Cartwright, of the Paul Revere Chapter, read a paper.
Included in the early work of the Chapter was the awarding of prizes to the school-children of Lexington for creditable papers on historical subjects; also the supplying of the schools with copies of the coat of arms of each of the original thirteen States. By personal solicitation of the Regent, Mrs. Van Ness, the sum of $904 was collected and given to the Lex- ington Historical Society towards the preservation of the Hancock-Clarke House in Lexington.
After serving for eight years as Regent of the Lexington Chapter, Mrs. Van Ness resigned in February, 1903, and was succeeded by Mrs. Medora Robbins Crosby in April, 1903, as Regent. Mrs. Crosby had resigned from the Paul Revere Chapter of Boston, of which she was a charter member, to accept the office. Mrs. Crosby had a number of direct ances- tors who participated in the Battle of Lexington. They were Thomas Robbins, Stephen Robbins, Stephen Robbins, Jr., Samuel Winship, and Joshua Simonds.
Mrs. Charles M. Green, who was a direct descendant of Rev. Jonas Clarke, joined the Chapter January 11, 1905, and was elected Vice-Regent, an office which she held until her death, November 2, 1911.
During the administration of Mrs. Crosby, the Chapter has adhered to the general lines followed by the national organization, subscribing to the work of patriotic education and contributing to the Southern Mountaineers' schools for both blacks and whites.
Regular meetings are held the third Thursday of each month from September to June, when papers on historical subjects are read, followed by a social hour.
From 1906 up to 1912, the Chapter has contributed to- wards the Continental Hall at Washington, a chair for the Banquet Hall, also for the Massachusetts State Room, and one hundred dollars to the general building fund which en- rolled the names of Eli M. Robbins and Henrietta Gaines Robbins on the Roll of Honor Book. It has also aided in the preservation of the Royall House, Medford, Massachusetts.
The most important work of the Chapter has been the
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HISTORY OF LEXINGTON
placing of a boulder with a tablet on the Battle Green at Lexington, marking the site of the Old Belfry from which the alarm was rung to call the Minute-Men on April 19, 1775. In 1910, a committee was formed, comprising Mrs. Medora Robbins Crosby, Regent, Mrs. Charles M. Green, Vice- Regent, Miss Susan Wood Muzzey, Mrs. Ralph E. Lane, and Mrs. Carrie E. Locke. October 19, 1910 was the day selected for the unveiling exercises.
The programme consisted of a procession headed by a band from the United States Navy Yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts, which had been especially detailed for this occasion by the Secretary of the Navy at Washington, D. C .; a company of Lexington Minute-Men under command of Captain Alfred Pierce; the Lexington Fife and Drum Corps; the color-guard and the school-children singing "America." It was an imposing spectacle as it marched from Munroe Tavern up Massachusetts Avenue to the Battle Green, where the dedicatory exercises were held. Rev. Samuel Knowles, Chaplain of the Minute-Men Company, offered a prayer, followed by Mrs. Charles H. Masury, Honorary State Regent of Massachusetts, D. A. R .; Mr. James P. Munroe made an eloquent historical address, and J. Willard Brown, Com- mander of the G. A. R., impressed upon the vast audience the importance of marking and preserving historic spots. Mr. Edwin A. Bayley closed with an address on "Patriotism and Politics."
The boulder was then unveiled by Miss Elizabeth S. Parker, great-grand-daughter of Captain John Parker, who commanded the Minute-Men April 19, 1775. The Regent, Mrs. Crosby, then in the name of the Lexington Chapter, D. A. R., presented the boulder and tablet to the town of Lexington, which was appropriately accepted by Mr. Frank D. Pierce, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen.
Lexington has always been interested in music and musical organizations, and although it is impossible to present a com- plete account of the various instrumental and vocal societies which have flourished here, we find evidence that the towns- people have shown activity for many years in musical mat- ters.
About the year 1855, a singing-school, conducted by Mr. Leonard Marshall, was held in Robinson Hall. All ages were
,
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OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
represented; indeed, both old and young joined in making a joyful sound, and the youthful accompanist was so small that she needed an unusually high stool to reach the piano.
Later, Mr. Bird, of Watertown, conducted a school in the same hall, and for many winters these classes were a popular form of amusement and instruction. At the close of a success- ful course of lessons conducted by Mr. H. S. Thompson in the High School Building, the cantata of "Esther" was presented in the First Parish Church before a large and enthusiastic audience, and later "The Haymakers" was given, with Mr. Prentiss, of Arlington, as conductor. It is a fact worthy of note that chorals, cantatas, and what were known as "psalm tunes" were given much prominence in all the singing-schools of the day.
Lexington furnished its full quota of singers when the Peace Jubilee was held in Boston in June, 1872. Professor Torrington, who later became a leader in the musical life of Toronto, Ontario, instructed the Lexington vocalists who participated in this unique event.
It is also pleasant to recall the HOLT NORMAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC, which was conducted by Professor and Mrs. H. E. Holt for several years during the summer season. The men- bers of this school were chiefly non-residents, but they were most generous in sharing their exercises and concerts with the public.1
In 1886 was established the LEXINGTON MALE CHORUS, with twenty members, which number was later considerably increased. It continued for eight years, the conductor during the entire period being Mr. E. Cutter, Jr.
In 1891, the LEXINGTON ORCHESTRAL CLUB of about twenty-five members was formed, with Professor J. B. Claus, of Malden, as leader. Mr. Claus had been formerly a band- master in the German army, and his somewhat militant methods were decidedly stimulating to the members of the Orchestra. For several winters, the Club presented a series of concerts; and among the members were musicians of no mean ability. Later the organization changed its name to the VERDI ORCHESTRA, and Mr. Marshall, of Arlington, became the director. Mr. Charles C. Goodwin, a patron and lover of good music, devoted himself with untiring zeal to the welfare of these organizations.
1 For an account of this school, see Chapter XVIII, ante. Ed.
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HISTORY OF LEXINGTON
During the past few years, Lexington has had no large orchestra, but Mr. James Blodgett has directed a small group of amateur musicians who have generously given their serv- ices to entertainments in aid of charity.
The EAST LEXINGTON BRASS BAND, with eighteen mem- bers, flourished for five years under the direction of Mr. John H. Wright; and in 1898, the Colonial Orchestra, which is still active, was formed.
The LEXINGTON DRUM CORPS was organized in 1893, and has maintained its existence from that date uninterruptedly to the present time. Since its organization the Corps has appeared in every parade in Lexington, and has been promi- nent always on April 19. The members have participated in several large parades in other places and have always been well received.
A large percentage of the boys of Lexington has been con- nected with the Corps at some time, and the annual dances of the organization have been a feature in the social life of the town. The Corps has always enjoyed the friendship and assistance of the townspeople to a marked degree, and the patronage of two well-known citizens, Mr. F. E. Ballard and the late Mr. William A. Butler, was so highly appreciated that the Corps elected them honorary members.
In closing, it seems appropriate to remember not only those who participated actively in the various musical organ- izations, but to acknowledge the debt which each of the musical interests of Lexington owes to the public spirit of the citizens who gave their generous support and cooperation.
Lexington has always been enthusiastic in its support of dramatic entertainments, and has had a number of excellent amateur actors among its citizens. The earliest formal organ- ization of which there seems to be record is the LEXINGTON SOCIAL AND DRAMATIC CLUB. It was established January 1, 1868. As its name indicates, it served the double purpose of stimulating the social life of the town and of cultivating the dramatic talent of some of its members.
Its membership was very large, including many who never appeared upon the boards in any way. A long hall, known as Robinson's, and as Seminary Hall, over the old stores for- merly standing near the junction of Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street, was hired for the purpose, and for four
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OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
years was the headquarters of the Club. Here, during the season, which usually continued from early autumn till late in the spring, social dances and dramatic entertainments alternated at fortnightly intervals.
The dances were entirely informal, with music of a very simple character, sometimes furnished by home talent.
The dramatic entertainments were in charge of committees specially appointed for each evening. On these committees the names of Frank Whiting, George C. Dupee, Leonard G. Babcock, George O. Smith, and Dr. Dio Lewis were promi- nent. They were assisted in their labors by many well-known ladies of the town. To the gentlemen above named was due much of the success of the Club during its four years of existence. By their ingenuity, and their patience in over- coming obstacles seemingly insurmountable, a small, dark, and most unpromising stage was made convenient and attractive.
These entertainments were at first very simple, but gradu- ally assumed a character somewhat more ambitious. "Still Waters Run Deep," "Meg's Diversion," "Nine Points of the Law," "Chimney Corner," and "Helping Hands" were among the plays produced, with scenery which, though of home manufacture, was often very effective and pleasing.
At the end of four years the members of the company became somewhat scattered, and the Social and Dramatic Club ceased to exist, although some of its members, early in 1872, rendered two plays on the stage of the newly dedicated Town Hall, in aid of the fund for the statuary in Memorial Hall.
Scarcely a winter since 1872 has failed to see one or more plays given in the Town Hall, in the Village Hall in East Lexington, or in other meeting-places. An organization, of which Mr. John F. Maynard was the leading spirit, pre- sented a number of excellently given plays in the eighties, and later, on the somewhat inadequate stage of the Old Belfry Club, serious dramas were for several years well staged and acted by members of that organization; but not until 1906 (it is believed) was there created a formal organiza- tion, as a successor to the Social and Dramatic Club of 1868. The LEXINGTON DRAMATIC CLUB was in that year brought together, and in the ensuing six years it has given creditable presentations, in the Town Hall, of such plays as "David
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HISTORY OF LEXINGTON
Garrick," "Esmeralda,""The Private Secretary," and "The Amazons." The successive presidents of this Club have been : Messrs. W. M. Hatch, C. C. Doe, H. H. Putnam, and Mrs. Edwin Read.
THE MONDAY CLUB is an organization of women formed in 1882. Its meetings have been continued every season with unabated interest, although its limited membership of sixteen in number has had many changes from deaths and removals from town.
Its officers, elected for life, have been: President, Mrs. Benjamin F. Brown, succeeded in 1909 by Mrs. Charles C. Goodwin; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. William A. Harris.
The programmes of each year's work have been varied, consisting of studies in Art, Literature, Travel, History, and Drama, all interesting and profitable. Many social and literary entertainments have been given from time to time, to which the husbands of the members, and other friends, have been invited.
The cordial and informal hospitality, found in the homes where the meetings have been held, has helped to cement close ties of friendship among the Monday Club members, as they have shared in the joys and sorrows which thirty years have brought to one or another of this little company; and the fruits of their studies and neighborly intercourse are counted as some of the most precious and valuable experi- ences of their lives. The programmes have been as follows: ---
The Study of French,
1882-84.
Chautauqua Course,
1884-88.
American Literature,
1888-89.
English Literature, 1889-90.
French History and Literature,
1890-91.
German History and Literature,
1891-92.
Study of Art,
1892-97.
Study of Shakespeare,
1897-99.
Roman History,
1899-1900.
Italian History,
1900-01.
American History,
1901-04.
Bible Study, 1904-05.
Citics and Countries of the Old World, 1905-06.
The Island World, 1906-08.
Selected Readings and Current Events, 1908-12.
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THE ART CLASS had its origin in a Study Class of six women, who began meeting regularly in 1889. In 1893, its membership was increased to fourteen, with the title of "The Art Class," its President being Mrs. Sylvia R. Brown, and its Secretary, Mrs. Mary L. Russell. The Class has interpreted its name in its broadest sense, and has explored many of the paths radiating from "Art."
In its earlier years the history of painting, sculpture, and architecture received its attention, and more recently music and literature have been included in its study. A feature of its weekly, or fortnightly meetings, since its earliest organiza- tion, has been the free discussion of current events. There has been but one vacancy in its original membership, caused by removal from town. At the present time the Class num- bers eighteen, with Mrs. Grace G. Merriam, President, and Mrs. Katie G. Reed, Secretary.
THE TOURIST CLUB was formed in October, 1890.
The charter members were fifteen, and the whole number, since the Club started, has been thirty-two.
The following outlines of study have been followed: -
Scotland,
1890-92.
England,
1892-95.
France,
1895-97.
Germany,
1897-99.
American History,
1900-03.
The Bible,
1904-05.
Italy,
1906-07.
The Netherlands,
1908-09.
English Novelists,
1909-10.
Literature,
1910-12.
Its presidents have been Mrs. H. A. C. Woodward, Mrs. E. A. Bayley, Miss Carrie E. Bacheller, Mrs. W. I. Bradley, Mrs. J. L. Norris and Mrs. J. P. Prince.
THE FRIDAY CLUB was organized December 26, 1895, by a committee appointed by the Follen Alliance, with which it was always affiliated.
Presidents: Mrs. Georgie E. Locke, 1896. Mrs. Jeannette Worthen, 1897-1900.
Mrs. Annie Teele, 1901. Mrs. Cora S. Cochrane, 1902.
Mrs. Frances A. Kendall, 1903-04.
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HISTORY OF LEXINGTON
Outline of its work. 1895-96, a trip to California under the leadership of Mrs. E. T. Harrington; also conducted a course of lectures.
1896-97. Life and works of some of the noted American authors; also the study of current events.
1897-98. Study of English history; alternating with cur- rent events.
1898-1900. Famous authors again, with fifteen minutes each day for current events.
1900-01. Study of astronomy; also of physiology under direction of Dr. Sanford, of Arlington.
1901-02. An imaginary journey through the British Isles, making a study of the country and cities through which the club passed. Fifteen minutes spent at each meeting discussing some popular book. In January, the Friday Club was in- vited to join with the other clubs of the town in forming a Literary Union, and it was unanimously voted to accept the invitation.
1902-03. Studied the Rubaiyat, by Omar Khayyam.
1903-04. Studied Browning.
THE OUTLOOK CLUB. In March, 1902, a society known as the Literary Union was formed with a membership of two hundred and fifty. For two years this society existed with Mrs. F. E. Ballard and Mrs. James P. Prince respectively as chairmen.
In the spring of 1904, the Union was organized under the name of The Lexington Outlook Club, a constitution adopted, and Mrs. James P. Prince elected as President. The object of the Club, as stated in the preamble of the constitution, is "the promotion of the ethical, social, and intellectual culture of its members." No philanthropic work has been under- taken by the Club, and it has never joined the Federation of Women's Clubs.
In 1909, the membership was increased to two hundred and seventy-five, where it still remains. The Club member- ship has been filled each year, and there has been a waiting list. The following persons have served as President: Mrs. James P. Prince, Mrs. Charles B. Davis, Mrs. Francis E. Tufts, Mrs. Clarence E. Sprague, Mrs. George D. Milne, Mrs. Edwin Read, Mrs. J. O. Tilton, Mrs. Frederic L. Fowle.
The meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons, with the
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OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
exception of the annual Guest Night, which occurs in the evening.
Once each year the Club gives a children's afternoon, to which the children of the higher grades in the public schools are invited.
It has been the aim of the Programme Committee to make each year's programme a well-balanced one. Music, litera- ture, science, art, history, travel, research, economics, and current events have each received its share of attention. The talent engaged has always been of the highest order.
THE COLONIAL CLUB, limited to fourteen members, was organized for the study of colonial history, January 7, 1904, and was indefinitely suspended, May 18, 1909.
The first paper was written on the general geology and topography of Massachusetts Bay and the Islands. Then followed papers on the Stone Age, the Discoveries, Fire, Tin, etc., the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age, the causes that led up to the colonization of America; and papers on Oliver Cromwell; religious suppression in England; and the move- ments of the Puritans and Pilgrims.
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