USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Somerville, past and present : an illustrated historical souvenir commemorative of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the city government of Somerville, Massachusetts > Part 24
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The Webcowit Club has enrolled as members many of the prominent citizens of East Somerville, among whom may be named Dr. H. P. Hemen- way, Ex-Mayor Charles G. Pope, Horace Haskins, John Haskell Butler, Charles H. Buswell, John W. Chatman, William Taylor, Charles Williams, Jr., John F. Cole, Elijah C. Clark, Amasa E. Southworth, George W. Per- kins, Ex-Mayor Mark F. Burns, Lucius Tuttle, and others. J. Foster Clark was its first president, and he was re-elected in 1886 and in 1888 to 1892 inclusive. Mark F. Burns was president in 1887, Robert H. Riddell in 1893 and 1894, and Elijah C. Clark was elected president in 1895 and 1896.
Charles M. Hemenway was the first secretary, and Charles H. Buswell treasurer. The title Webcowit was adopted at the suggestion of L. L. Cole.
The members have entertained their ladies and friends many times, and though the Club is prevented from exceeding its limit of membership (one hundred) by its restricted locality, it has always commanded the respect of the entire community.
ELIJAH C. CLARK.
J. FOSTER CLARK.
FRED PRESTON.
EDWIN N. SIMONDS.
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WINTER HILL CLUB.
BY JOHN F. KENNARD.
This is one of the purely social organizations which abound in Somer- ville, and is at the present time in a flourishing condition. It was organ- ized in the winter of 1884-5 by thirty or more of the prominent citizens of Winter Hill, who were " desirous of forming a club for the purpose of bring- ing its members into more friendly and social intercourse with each other, not only in business, but in all matters relating to each other's welfare."
The meeting was held in Brazillian Hall on Broadway, was called to order by Mr. Charles H. Sanborn, and Mr. J. E. Whitaker was elected temporary chairman, and Mr. C. H. Sanborn secretary. Mr. Whitaker then announced the object of the meeting, and subsequently the following officers were elected for the year 1885 : Selwin Z. Bowman, president ; Charles H. Sanborn, vice-president ; J. F. Kennard, secretary and treasurer ; C. H. Sanborn, J. E. Whitaker, H. F. Woods, D. C. Stillson and J. H. Woodbury, directors.
It was voted that the organization shall be known as the Winter Hill Club, and that it shall be located in the building then being erected by the Odd Fellows' Building Association, at the corner of Broadway and Marshall street.
Since its organization the Club has kept on in the even tenor of its way, making its headquarters in Odd Fellows' Building, and holding its regular meetings on the first Saturday of each month. The following is a list of its officers for the year 1896 : Fred. Preston, president ; E. N. Simonds, vice- president ; J. F. Kennard, secretary and treasurer ; D. C. Theall, M. C. Wildes, C. Everett Clark, F. A. Woodbury and Byron Eames, directors.
CHARITABLE AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
BY MARY A. HALEY.
THE CHARITY CLUB.
IN the year 1876 the Somerville Relief Bureau was formed, and it met every week in the hall of the Police Building on Bow street. The members furnished materials for sewing, cut out garments, and taught the applicants how to make them, paying for their labor in money or in clothing. This Bureau was afterwards associated with the Charity Club.
The Charity Club was organized in 1877, and legally incorporated the following year. The first meeting was held at the house of Mrs. M. T. Hol- lander, Boston street ; Mr. Henry F. Woods was chosen president. Various means were used to raise money, the most notable of which were a Dickens Carnival and a great fair. The fair was held in December, 1878, and was
MARY A. HALEY.
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one of the most brilliant occasions of the period. The fair was opened by Mayor Bruce, who was followed by Selwyn Z. Bowman and other speakers. There was an orchestral concert each evening. Each day a brilliant com- pany gathered there from all parts of the city. A paper was published in connection with it which contains literary gems well worthy of preservation. This fair secured for the Charity Club, in addition to money from its pre- paratory entertainments, a sum of not less than two thousand eight hundred dollars.
The purpose of the Club as set forth in its charter was "The relief of worthy objects of charity, and social improvement, by the distribution of money, food, fuel and clothing among indigent people."
The charter was signed by Louis P. Hollander, J. Frank Wellington, Charles S. Lincoln, Rufus B. Stickney, Henry H. Barber, John Haskell Butler, George A. Bruce, and many others. Charles S. Lincoln was the first president under the charter. Nineteen directors were also chosen. The city was divided into districts, each director was appointed over a district and had a resident committee under him, who were responsible to him for the expenditure of money.
The meetings were held every month at the different residences in the city, and after the business was transacted, an agreeable entertainment was provided, and sometimes a lecturer was invited from Boston to speak on " Charities." Besides the regular meetings, a series of entertainments was given for several winters : social parties, a mock trial, and dramatic enter- tainments, at which substantial sums of money were secured. The dis- bursements up to 1883, amounted to nearly four thousand dollars.
The history of the Charity Club is a very important one in the annals of the city. It differed from other organizations, from the fact that it drew its members from all parts of the city, and thus an agreeable social harmony was brought about, so desirable in such a scattered community.
In 1883, the funds of the Club had become somewhat exhausted; the condition of the country had improved ; and there was less demand on the part of the poor for assistance. The officers of the Relief Bureau resigned with the intention of changing the basis of their work, and interest in the Club declined. The Club existed for some years longer, but shared the fate of other organizations in the gradual decrease of attendance at its meetings, and finally it ceased to meet. At present it holds some funds which it uses at its discretion.
THE CONVERSATION CLUB.
In 1868 a very pleasant club was started on Spring Hill. It met weekly at the houses of the members on Spring Hill and on Winter Hill. The time was mainly devoted to the discussion of current topics, literature and symbolism. Its members included the representative people on both hills, such as the Rev. and Mrs. Charles Lowe, Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. Francis H. Raymond, Mr. and Mrs. S. Foster Damon,
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Mr. and Mrs. George W. Durell, Mr. and Mrs. j. Frank Brown, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Hall, and many others.
The death of one of the members in 1874 was so sudden and so great an affliction, that no meeting of the Club was ever held afterwards.
THE SOMERVILLE LITERARY ASSOCIATION.
In 1867 an association for mutual pleasure and profit was formed in East Somerville. In anticipation of its far-reaching effects, and the good that might revert to the members, it was called the " Boomerang." As the Club increased in size, and had representatives in all parts of the city, a more conservative name seemed necessary, and it was called " The Somer- ville Literary Association."
The meetings were held twice a month, and at each meeting a committee was appointed to prepare a program for subsequent meetings. The pro- gram was always interesting, consisting of music, witticisms, the dis- cussion of new books, and a paper on some important topic of the day. There was never a dull moment. The year's work was concluded with a dinner in Boston, and a theatrical performance in which the members were the actors.
The president for many years was Thomas I. Delano, Jr. Among the members were Mr. Arthur A. Smith, Miss Alice Cole, J. T. Meader, George S. Littlefield, James L. Tyler, Jr., Dr. Gerry, the Misses Mary E. Davis, Martha Ireland, S. Fannie Gerry, Julia Warden and Helen M. Edgerly. Death and removals from the city gradually diminished its membership, and those who remained did not care to continue the Club by the addition of new members, and in 1875 it ceased to exist.
THE SUFFRAGE LEAGUE.
When the Legislature granted the right of voting for the School Com- mittee to women, Mrs. Maria Theresa Hollander and Mrs. Martha Perry Lowe organized the " Woman's Educational Union ; " Mrs. Lowe was its first and only president, Mrs. Martha B. Pitman was the vice-president, and Miss Mary A. Haley the secretary. Its membership numbered more than sixty ladies. The chief object of the Club was to advance the cause of woman, and assist her in securing the position, as physician, preacher, lawyer, and school officer, for which, by training, natural ability and moral character, she was best fitted.
The members were expected to visit the schools in their districts, in order to become familiar with their management, and thus be able to vote intelligently for the members of the School Committee.
It had a prosperous existence for many years, the meetings were held monthly, and such speakers as Arthur Gilman of Cambridge, Mrs. Julia R. Anagnos, and Dr. Mary Safford, were invited to lecture.
A few years ago it joined the State Suffrage League, and the words Suffrage League formed a part of its name.
At present Mrs. M. P. Lowe is the honorary president, Mrs. Sarah I). Field, acting president, and Mrs. S. A. Davenport, secretary.
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The Municipal Club is an outgrowth of this, and is especially engaged .n securing the registration of women, in order that they may vote for School Committees. Subjects of current interest relating to art, literature, and the household are discussed. Mrs. Maria F. Hill is the president.
THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris, in May, 1833. Branches of it soon spread over Europe, and at length reached this coun- try. It is composed of a council of directors, consisting of a spiritual director, president, vice-presidents and treasurer. It is divided into general conferences in and around Boston, of which there are thirty-four, that are organized in the same way, and hold their meetings in the basement of the Roman Catholic churches or in the parsonages.
The great power of this society consists in the fact that it calls into service the laymen of the Roman Catholic Church, although the bishops and priests are their constant advisers, and give them sympathy and encour- agement in the work. Besides their general works of charity, they have a special department in Boston for the protection of children, of which Mr. Richard Keefe of this city was the agent. His principal business is to find homes for abandoned infants and neglected children, to rescue young girls from evil lives, and to give friendly assistance to boys brought for the first time before the courts. The office is at Room 36, Charity Building, Chardon street, Boston.
In one year he and his assistant report that they have made 4,000 visits, placed in homes 659 children, and had 159 boys, who were before the courts in Boston, placed on probation.
Mr. Keefe was the originator of this branch in Somerville about twenty years ago, and it is called "St. Joseph's Conference of St. Vincent de Paul." This conference has a membership or working force, composed of twenty- three men who meet once a week through the year.
The twenty-three members of the older organization are obliged to visit poor families once each week. They report to an investigating committee of three persons, always composed of the same members, any case of desti- tution which they discover, and this committee then reports back to the con- ference if the applicants are worthy. The conference then attends to the family. It does not pay any rents, nor give much money directly, but fur- nishes groceries and fuel by giving the poor orders upon the different dealers in the city.
Besides ministering to the physical wants of the destitute, the confer- ence endeavors to induce the people to attend to their religious duties, and often clothes the children in order that they may go to Sunday-school. It is composed of men of moderate means, who are conscientious and ready to give their time to the work. But at each meeting they are expected to make a secret contribution of money, small or large, for the poor ; and it is a note- worthy fact that the amount raised by these members secretly last year was greater than that contributed by any other conference in the diocese.
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The value of these conferences, however, is not estimated by the amount of money raised, but by the faithfulness of the members in attending the meetings and making their weekly visits. Outside of these working mem- bers is a list of subscribing members, among those men who are more wealthy, and who make a liberal annual donation, although they have not time to attend to the work. Some money is raised by collections in the church, but the system of obtaining funds by entertainments has been abandoned, as it developed some features which made it seem objectionable to their spiritual advisers.
The conference of late years pays more attention to the special work which we have already recorded as being done in Boston, that is, the care of abandoned and neglected children, and boys arrested for a first offense. The society makes no distinctions in race, creed or color.
THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR.
This institution has existed in Somerville about two years. It is a branch of the great society of the same name founded in Europe, and gradu- ally extending to this country. The building faces on Highland avenue, and receives aged people of both sexes without respect to their religious opinions or any requirement of money. The home is governed by a mother superior and sisters, who collect their funds from door to door in the city, and are also assisted by donations and legacies from time to time. About fifty persons can be accommodated in the building. Religious services are held every day, but Protestants are not obliged to go to mass.
The dining room is large and comfortable, and the pleasant ample grounds will be further improved when the necessary funds are obtained for it. The inmates are allowed to see their friends on Sunday, and the sisters are happy on that day to receive any visitors who are inclined to call upon them and see the working of the institution.
THE FRIENDLY HELPERS OF THE POOR.
Many members of the charity club became convinced that the practice of giving money was attended with dangers to the self-respect of the poor, and after the dissolution of the labor bureau, which required a good deal of capital for the purchase of cloth for its work, the above organization was formed.
It consisted of about a dozen young ladies who met once a week, on Thursdays, at the overseer's room in the Police Building, to receive poor women who wished opportunities to do washing and house-cleaning, and to confer with gentlemen and ladies who desire such help, thus bring- ing about a wholesome unity of action between employer and employed. Besides giving work to these women, the Friendly Helpers collected clothing for the children, and in cases of sickness they visited the families, with alleviation for the sufferers.
REMINISCENCES OF SOMERVILLE.
BY MARTHA PERRY LOWE.
I HAVE been asked to give some reminiscences of the early days of Somerville. My memory only goes back to the year 1859, in which year my husband received a call to the Parish of the First Congregational (Uni- tarian) Society of Somerville. It was difficult to find a satisfactory house, and as everyone said that real estate was a safe investment here, we pur- chased a lot of land at what we called the " jumping off " point of Summer street, and built a house adjoining a large open pasture. While the house was building, we spent two nights in the neighborhood. The first night, strange to say, at the McLean Asylum, with our beloved friends, Mr. and Mrs. Columbus Tyler. We had a delightful time, and enjoyed walking in the ample grounds, and hearing the birds sing in the noble elm-trees, all planted under the supervision of Mr. Tyler. I cannot think without pain of the destruction of those beautiful grounds and trees, in order to give room for unsightly railroad freight-houses, and am quite sure that those who come after us will blame us for sacrificing such a spot to the demands of business, when so much is being done now to provide breath- ing spaces for the multitudes in our cities. If Cambridge would unite with us in securing the property, we might bequeath a valuable gift to posterity.
We were very much pleased with the rural aspect of the town. Our second visit was at the hospi- table home of Mr. John S. Edgerly on Winter Hill, who lived in the dignified house once occupied by Edward Everett. It was then a square, substantial colonial house, but has undergone considerable alteration. The land was all more or less open between Summer street and Highland avenue; and the earthworks of our Revolutionary MARTHA PERRY LOWE. Fathers were still seen, and the crows even were cawing in the tall elms scattered about on the hillsides. As the population began to crowd upon
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us, we bought land from time to time to protect ourselves and the street, and pastured our cows and our neighbors' cows in the field which was the resort of all the children around us, and often a playground for the boys in their ball games. We had only a line of omnibuses in our neighborhood as a conveyance to Boston, and I well remember that one day, in coming out, a teamster grazed the wheel of our omnibus, and our driver stopped his horses, jumped off the box, pulled him off his seat to the ground and pummeled him until the blood ran, while the passengers sat waiting inside. Some of us left our seats and said we would have the omnibus driver arrested, but it was in the days of incendiaries, and we were afraid he might set fire to our houses, and so we let the matter rest - so much for law and order at that period.
Our favorite walks were at Nor- ton's Woods - where the anemones grew in abundance, and the grounds were not entirely fenced in, until rough boys abused the privilege -- and at Polly Swamp. Here fathers and mothers with their children were often walking Sundays, and wild violets and jacks-in-the-pulpit and many other flowers grew there. The place is now almost entirely built over, but some of the pro- prietors have had the good taste to save the tall trees in their neigh- borhood from the hand of the con- tractor and builder. I ought also to have mentioned the old Jaques place, leading from Broadway to- wards the brick-yards. The house was large, in the colonial style, and full of old memories, redolent of co- REV. CHARLES LOWE. lonial hospitality. A short walk from there were seen the old convent grounds and buildings rudely destroyed by ruffians in one of those freaks of religious fanaticism worthy of the days of St. Bartholomew. This happened some years before I came to Somerville, but it was a sad pleasure to walk among those deserted grounds with relics of cultivation and beauty around, which reminded us of the deserted mon- astery grounds of Port Royal in France. One of the most attractive old houses was that of Oliver Tufts, on Sycamore street, which had been in that family for generations. It was a pleasure to see him there with his gentle invalid wife, who kept up the nice old-fashioned housekeeping. We bought our hay of him, and always invited him to come into the house. Although he often wore his long blue farmer's frock, he had the manners of a gentleman : using the most elegant language, and conversing well on a
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variety of topics. Another member of the Tufts family, probably a distant relative, was Nathan Tufts, who lived at the corner of Medford and Washing- ton streets, and was identified with the early history of the town. He was a man of decided opinions, Christian convictions, and of sterling character. He once remarked in his old age that he was almost impatient to "go into the next world and see what there was on the other side," showing a per- fect faith in immortality, not so common nowadays. It is a satisfaction to see his place well kept up, and occupied by two of his children.
Robert Vinal was another early resident here, a constant supporter of the institutions of religion, and of every good cause, which spirit he has be- queathed to his descendants. The old Spring Place was long a noted fea- ture in what was called Milk Row, now Somerville avenue. We have always regretted that the name was changed. The Spring Place stood high from the street, with extensive grounds, and large trees. We took tea there once or twice, and were much impressed with the size and attractiveness of the old-fashioned low-studded rooms, especially the large square parlor. Mr. A. C. Spring did an extensive business in Boston ; and yet when he came home from New York, early Sunday mornings, his wife said she could not prevail upon him to rest. He would always insist upon going to church. Jonathan Brown, of Winter Hill, is one of our oldest and most esteemed citizens. His great age and the preservation of his faculties show that he is a man who keeps his intellect sharpened by the study of literature and the progress of science, and his moral nature, stimulated by a sympathy with all good causes, can never grow old. Cutler Downer, who had a handsome residence on Central street, was much beloved by his neighbors and friends. He did an immense business in Boston, and was pronounced by one who knew him well one of the most " absolutely honest brokers he had ever known." Rufus B. Stickney's elegant home on the next street was always given to hospitality, and the pretty cottage of the venerable John Boles, at the top of Broadway, was a pleasant feature of the landscape. Although he was a man of wealth, he preferred it to the most stately mansion. It had a very fine view from its piazza, and was always kept in exquisite order. He amused himself in his old age by making beautiful inlaid boxes of the finest wood, which he presented to his friends. His only fear was, that the city would dig down the green embankment which fronted his house, in order to widen the street. The change was never made, although the house has been en- larged by his son-in-law. His widow for many years resided there, with only a companion, but her religious faith and courage cheered her loneliness, and she was often visited by her children and her neighbors. Deacon Charles Foster occupied the fine old house on Broadway, built somewhat in the Grecian style, with large columns to support the piazza. He had been for- merly a member of the parish of the distinguished Dr. George E. Ellis, of Charlestown, and brought all his spirit of faithfulness and consecration to his adopted church. This house has since been moved to a different situa- tion.
On Spring Hill there were Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Pitman, who occupied
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the estate left to her by her brother, Mr. Minot, who presented a fine bell to the Unitarian Church. Mrs. Pitman was a Swedenborgian, and an in- timate friend of the poet Whittier, and one of the early anti-slavery leaders. Mr. Pitman was a genial, cultivated man, and their home was a gathering- place for some of the most notable people in New England. Just across the way was the Brackett family in Chestnut court. The father, mother and children were all devoted to intellectual and philanthropic pursuits. The parents are not living, but the son and daughters, although no longer in Somerville, are among the first educators in the country. Major Brastow was a striking personality, always hospitable, ready to oblige a friend, one who loved to joke about his experiences in the war, and tell how he "gradu- ated at Bull Run." Mr. Samuel T. Frost was a genial neighbor, often seen working in his garden, which was a little compensation to him for the loss of the old gable-roofed colonial house and estate not far off, owned by his father, and often the headquarters of Washington in this vicinity. Father Durell's pleasant face was often seen on the street. Dr. Luther V. Bell, of the asylum, lost his life from exposure as an army surgeon. He was much esteemed, as was also his assistant, Dr. Booth, who married Miss Tufts, now Mrs. B. F. Allen. He was a man of genius and of cheerful re- ligious philosophy, so said Dr. Bowditch ; and the story is told of him, that when he was at the point of death, his mother said to him : " My son, have you made your peace with God ?" " Mother," he answered, " I never had any quarrel with God."
Many pleasant reminiscences I might also record of Lebbeus Stet- son, clerk of the court for many years ; John G. Hall, well known for his business integrity and wide intelligence ; Major Allen, an early and promi- nent figure on the streets of Spring Hill ; and Charles E. Gilman, town and city clerk for many years.
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