USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Gloucester > The book of the three hundredth anniversary observance of the foundation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony at Cape Ann in 1623 and the fiftieth year of the incorporation of Gloucester as a city > Part 17
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It is also recorded that in 1627 "one Fells fled with his para- mour to Cape Ann to escape his just deserts at the hands of the outraged Pilgrims." Incidentally this is the first record of a white woman resident within the precincts of the Cape. Thomas Morton, he of Merrymount fame, it is also recorded settled here at that time, "having been driven from other sections of the colony." But these strictures of the Pilgrims must be taken with reservations. As has been shown, Morton, after returning to England, kept up a correspondence with Jefferies. This gives us at least nine persons indisputably known to have resided in Cape Ann between 1626 and 1630. Probably some of these were joined by their families.
During this interval Captain John Mason, to whom the terri- tory had been granted in 1621, was not idle. Shortly after 1626 he dispatched his agents to Cape Ann to take possession and pre- serve his rights, thereby, making up for the defection of the Conant following.
However the "Godly Magistrates of the righteous colony of Massachusetts Bay" looked with disfavor on the inhabitants at Cape Ann and in 1630, a decree went out for their expulsion which, evidently, was nothing but a gesture of disapproval. This before the coming of Robinson at Annisquam. It follows that if there had been no settlers just prior to 1630, no such mandate would have issued.
The passenger lists of all the ships that came over from Eng- land after 1628 were kept and from these can be traced the names and time of the coming of emigrants after that date. Among the early settlers here are many whose coming cannot be accounted
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for. They undoubtedly were of the orginal number who came over here in 1623 and 1626 including those who, according to Rev. Mr. White, refused passage home. These are included in the following list :
On the westerly slope of Beacon hill lived eight of the early colonists-Henry Felch, Stephen Streeter, Thomas, Richard and James Smith, Alexander Baker and William Cotton, the latter eventually removing to Boston. They built their log houses along the alluvial land of the "Done Fudging" -- poor-farm section-af- fording opportunities for a garden plot and ready access to their boats and fish drying stages.
Thomas Ashley, William Addes, William Ash, Giles Barge, who bought a part of the Fisherman's Field in 1653, Alexander Baker, the discarded master of the Pilgrims' fishing ship Charity; Thomas Millard, Andrew Liston, Will Southmeade, John Luther of the 1625-30 settlers, it is known, built farther down along the land abutting the inner harbor. The population from 1626 to 1631, to the coming of Robinson, was between 40 and 50 persons Incidentally it may be stated that there is no record of the names of Robinson's, 1630 Annisquam, colony.
Rev. Eli Forbes, a graduate of Harvard, who served as minister of the First parish, has left valuable testimony on the history of this early settlement. September 13, 1792, on the oc- casion of the reopening of the First parish meetinghouse, after being repaired, he preached an historical sermon, in which he states "that there were settlers here in 1633 who met and carried on the worship of God among themselves, read the word of God, prayed to Him and sang psalms." This sermon was considered so valua- ble, historically, that it was published. In a note in the margin it is stated that these facts are given on the authority of "an ancient manuscript." Unfortunately, this document is lost. If it is ever recovered it will unquestionably throw much valuable light on the history of the early settlement.
Another in this assemblage of divergent records which fits in and pieces out this sequence of evidence is furnished by Thomas Lechford, a lawyer, who lived in Boston, who returned to England in 1638. He published a book in 1639 wherein it was stated that "fishing was set forward at Cape Ann where one Master Rashly is chaplain." Here is a story in short meter. A well established settlement worthy of note, which maintained a minister of the gospel, prime evidence of community stability, an outgrowth of some years.
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The evidence is that from 1623 and especially from 1626 on the settlement grew steadily in population, its superiority as a fish- ing base-the principal and only industry of the people-attracting mariners then as it does today.
It is a fundamental principle of evidence that a condition of things shown to exist at a certain time is competent evidence in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that this condition has continued to exist, especially if at a later period competent evidence shows its existence.
The settlement had grown to such importance in 1639 that it was considered advisable to incorporate, and in that year a peti- tion to that effect was lodged with the General Court and granted the final act of incorporation being issued in May, 1642. The name "Gloaster," as applied to the Cape is first mentioned by the General Court in 1642. From that time records began to be kept and the names of the pioneer settlers to appear.
In view of these facts there can be no doubt but that Cape Ann has been continuously settled since 1623. It must be also definitely kept in view that Cape Ann up to the division from Manchester, in 1645, included the stretch of hinterland as far as Beverly known as the "Cape Ann side," and this term is still used. The Sandy Bay section was set off as a town-Rockport-in 1840.
The desire for an impressive numerical showing for the Conant group undoubtedly prompted the inclusion of the entire list of Cape Ann settlers in the Salem enterprise but the facts are that Conant simply marked time with his following of yeomanry from 1626 to 1628 in which latter year the aggressive Endicott arrived and assumed charge.
Just why Gardner, who was nominated by Rev. Mr. White as one of the overseers of the original colony, did not accompany Conant to Salem is conjectural. Had he been of that band White surely would have mentioned him as he did Balch, Woodbury and Palfrey all of whom he outranked. He does not appear in Salem before 1637. It is begging the argument to make an assumption to the contrary.
Jefferies, the Norman's, Allen, Black, and the rest were fish- ermen pure and simple and remained at Cape Ann the natural base of the fisheries. Salem, or its harbor had no appeal of material ad- vantage to these men. But to Conant and his group it indeed meant "a city of peace." There they found what they sought when they resolved to cut loose from the sturdy Dorset and Devon primitive
WILLIAM MOORE Chairman Committee on Sports
REV. A. MORRILL OSGOOD Preacher at Prospect Street M. E. Church
CAPT. KENNETH B. SHUTE Chairman Committee on Bell Ringing and Salute
REV. A. W. WARREN Pastor First Baptist Church
N. CARLETON PHILLIPS Chairman Committee on Badges. Vice Chairman and Director Finance Drive.
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fisherfolk who laid deep and lasting the foundation of the Bay colony at Cape Ann.
An original ode written by Miss Abbie F. Rust was sung by the chorus and audience to the tune of "Adeste Fideles"
ODE BY MISS ABBIE F. RUST
To thee, Mother Gloucester, we turn our glad hearts Though far from thy bosom thy children may roam,
We hear above clamor of Ocean and marts
Thy tender voice calling the wanderer home.
In storm and in battle, on sea and on strand, Wherever thy sons stray they worthily bear A heritage noble bestowed by thy hand,
Of courage undaunted to do and to dare.
Revered Mother Gloucester, we pledge thee this day We ever will honor and cherish thy name;
Thy glorious Past as a guide on our way,
Thy Future our highest and holiest aim.
We pray thee to guide us and lead us aright,
Though dark clouds may banish the stars from the sky; And as in the Past, may thy Future be bright, Emblazoned thy glory forever on high!
The music was by the Arthur S. Wonson Choral society, 150 voices, augmented by members of the community chorus, Arthur B. Keene, conductor ; and the Boston orchestral players of 25 pieces.
The benediction was offered by Rev. Myles D. Kiley, P. R. of St. Ann's Roman Catholic church.
"At the close of this Literary and Historic meeting it is becoming that we ask God's blessing upon all here assembled and upon the na- tion of which we form an important part.
Let us first of all acknowledge our gratitude to Almighty God for the privilege that is ours to be citizens of a country never darkened by the blight of oppression, and whose people, all enjoy perfect liberty in the affairs of civil polity and unrestricted freedom in the affairs of conscience.
These blessings are the peculiar fruit of our institutions founded in justice and placed in God's confiding care. And it is my prayer that we may always live and act in such a manner as to merit the Divine assistance necessary to protect these well-springs of our national glory, and pass through in all things to succeeding generations.
To this end we must be ready to admit that some moral power is requested to check our turbulent desires, and moral instruction to sooth and calm our hearts. We require moral support in adversity, and moral and religious training to render us fit to rule and to be
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THREE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY
ruled. Without virtue there can be no security, without morality, no virtue, without religion there can be no morality.
May the Almighty Father from whom comes every good gift that blesses mankind, endow us with good will sufficient to be informed with the principles of religious teaching, and to observe its precepts.
I hope every act of ours, and every word, will be an influence for good with the growing millions, enkindling the hope that the glorious structure of our national greatness will never pass away. Amen.
AEROPLANE CARRIER EXHIBITION
From five to six in the afternoon came an exhibition on the U. S. Aeroplane Carrier "Langley." This was the first ship of the kind in the navy and was designed to be a "mother ship" of the naval air plane service. From her deck the planes arose and returned. These exhibitions of this, then latest adjunct to the Navy, were most interesting and were viewed by thousands. The "Langley" was anchored near Dog Bar breakwater during her stay here. Congressman A. Piatt Andrew was instrumental in securing the presence of this novel craft.
CARILLON CONCERT
At 6.30 another carillon concert was given, Edward Shippen Barnes being the carilloneur. The program :
Folk Songs: "America"; "Loch Lomond"; "Lullaby," Brahms; "Little Dustman," Brahms; "All Through the Night"; "Bohemian Christmas Carol"; "Au Clair de la Lune"; "Hard Times Come Again No More," Foster; "Happy Farmer," Schumann; "Traumerei" and "Romance," Schumann; "Largo," Handel; "Prelude in C minor," Chopin; "Prelude in A," Chopin; Andante from "Orpheus," Gluck; Improvisations; "Star Spangled Banner."
GRAND CONCERT
A concert with community singing under the direction of Professor George B. Stevens, with the Waino band of fifty pieces, John Jacobson, leader, and the United Swedish Male chorus and soloists, at the tent at Stage Fort park made a fitting end of the land festivities, a notable day.
To Professor George B. Stevens, a native and prominent musician of the city, the chairman of the committee on choruses, is due the gratifying results of this essential branch of the cele-
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bration's activities, the outcome of several months' hard and conscientious labor in rehearsals and preparation.
THE PROGRAM
"March of the Boyards," Waino Band. Chorus singing, "America the Beautiful"; "Finlandia," Sibelius, Waino band; (1) "Hear Us Svea," Wennerberg, (2) "My Home," Kromer, (3) "Spring Song," Prince Gustaf, by the United Swedish Male Chorus. Aria, "Bright Star of Hope" from "La Juive," Halevy, Gladys de Almeida, with clarinet obligato by Andrew Jacobson. Community singing-"Old Folks at Home," Stephen Foster; "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny." Bland. "Scenes Pittoresques," Massenet-(1) March; (2) Air de Ballet; (3) Angelus; (4) Fete Boheme, Waino band.
Intermission Part II
Community Singing-
"Love's old Sweet Song," Malloy; "Flow gently, Sweet Afton," Scotch Folk Song; Cornet Solo, "Inflammatus" from "Stabat Mater," Rossini, John Jacobson; "The Northland," Stenhammer; "Battle Prayer," O. Lindbald; "March of the Bjorneborg Regiment," Pacius, United Swedish Male Chorus; Overture, "William Tell," Rossini, Waino Band; Songs with Band, Gladys de Almeida.
Community Singing-
"My Bonnie lies over the ocean," "Seeing Nellie Home," "Auld Lang Syne." March, "Semper Fideles," Sousa, Waino Band.
FINALE-ILLUMINATION OF WAR VESSELS
The finale was the grand illumination of the ships of the navy, and colored electric searchlight display at 9:30. The ships were outlined by various colored electric lights and presented a striking marine spectacle the overcast night heightening the effect. Special effort had been made to secure screens of new and varied hues for the searchlights and the results achieved were among the finest of the navy along this line.
CHAPTER V
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28-YACHT RACE-DEDICATION OF CORNER STONE OF THE PERMANENT MEMORIAL - MAYOR'S LUNCHEON-GRAND PARADE-FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE PAGEANT-DRAMA, "GLOUCESTER"
T UESDAY'S program was a memorable one. With the yacht race; the impressive and solemn dedication of the corner stone of the memorial to the drowned fishermen; the mayor's luncheon; the grand parade, culminating in the evening with the magnificent presentation of the historical pageant-drama "Gloucester," the day was crowded with events which literally engrossed attention from early morn until midnight-perhaps the greatest day, as far as celebrations go, in local history. The largest number in attendance at any day, some 100,000, it is es- timated, were present.
THE ANNIVERSARY YACHT RACE
Forty-seven yachts contested in the open race of the Ter- centenary celebration. There was a wide range of classes from the 31 raters and Bar Harbor 31 footers to the "Midget" boats.
The wind was from the southeast steadily strengthening, with a slight chop to the sea. The larger boats were sent over an outside course while the smaller craft sailed inside over the harbor triangle, repeated. The starting line was between Stage Fort Head and Ten Pound island. The larger classes had a beat to the whistling buoy off Eastern point, a reach to Norman's Woe buoy and a run to the finish. The harbor course was a beat to windward to the spar buoy off the breakwater, a broad reach to a mark off the Hawthorne inn and a run to the starting line and repeat.
The winners were the Onda II, Saracen, Arrow, Evanthia, Snipe, Cherub, Sandpiper, Surprise, Perch, Sea Mew and Phil- etas. The summary :
First Special Class.
Name. Owner. El. Time
Onda, John Greenough 0.55.10
Betty, Gerald W. Ford 0.57.33
1.14.02
Cricket, Mr. Lothrop
Second Special Class.
Saracen, Dr. A. S. Torrey 1.01.17
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Tunipoo, W. C. Treat
1.07.37
Weasel, J. A. Hayden 1.11.05
Normahal, P. M. Tucker
1.12.17
Sentinel, George A. Parsons
1.17.24
Frolic, P. M. Tucker
1.18.51
Class 1.
Arrow, J. S. Raymond
1.09.30
Privateer, A. W. Pollard
1.13.30
Manchester 17-Footers.
Evanthia, E. S. Welch
1.10.37
Leon, W. H. Blanchard
. 1.12.05
Teal, R. Foster 1.12.36
Reverie, J. H. Harwood
1.14.41
Belfay, Carl H. Skinner
1.14.50
Shad, D. and S. Welch
1.16.12
Majhon, Mrs. H. P. Mckean, Jr.
1.18.16
Annisquam 15-Footers.
Snipe, John T. Norton
1.17.28
Nisan II., D. H. Woodbury
1.17.33
Tabasco, Jr., H. H. Wiggin
1.18.40
Gloucester-Manchester 15-Footers.
Cherub, Alfred Manierre
1.15.33
Arab
1.15.34
Toodles, Helen Patch
1.17.05
Boojo
1.25.15
Cupid, Frederick Smith
1.27.03
Annisquam Bird Class.
Sandpiper, R. R. Smith
1.26.12
Marblehead O Class.
Surprise, R. S. Thayer
1.12.33
Barracuda, L. F. Percival, Jr.
1.16.29
Bimbo II., Graydon Upton
1.16.50
Annisquam Fish Class.
Perch, Harry Griffin
1.25.43
Skate, Harry Worcester
1.25.50
Tom Cod, Brooks Stevens
1.25.52
Skipjack, Robert Morse
1.28.57
Tautog, L. Kendall
1.31.26
Hippocampus Bob Riley
1.35.32
Tuna, C. Needham
Did not finish
Annisquam Cat Class.
Sea Mew, R. French
1.24.03
Catnip, F. Ives . 1.26.13
Puss-in-Boots, J. Glenn
1.28.01
Katchup, Fred Hawkins
1.28.34
Catenary, D. Norton
1.28.42
Scat, R. Jones
1.34.58
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THREE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY
Gloucester Midgets.
Philetas, Lois Tucker 1.32.24
Wind, R. Hinchman 1.34.15
Gatina, Molly Williams 1.34.58
No. 5
1.43.18
The chairman of the yachting committee, who made this feature a success, was Jonathan S. Raymond.
THE PERMANENT MEMORIAL
No more important committee functioned than that having charge of the Permanent Memorial to the drowned fishermen of three centuries.
As the acquisition of the Stage Fort area in 1897, followed by the placing of the tablet in the boulder in 1907, is the outward and permanent manifestation of the 250th anniversary obser- vance, so is the dedication of a fitting tribute to the men of the sea, who, during the years have sailed, never to return, the logical and enduring testimonial of the Tercentenary.
The committee did its work well. Numerous sketches of high merit were submitted but, in the final analysis, the design of Leonard Craske seemed to embody most adequately the spirit of what it was desired to express and it was unanimously selected.
As at Concord, the "Minute Man," placed beside the "rude bridge that arched the flood," symbolizes the patriot-yeoman, so the figure of a fisherman guiding his craft through storm and stress should inevitably typify the indomitable spirit of Glouces- ter.
No more appropriate spot for its placing could be chosen than the site selected, a bastion in the center of the sea-wall over- looking Gloucester bay. Here it will stand for all time, token of a community task nobly fulfilled that, as at Lexington and Con- cord-
"Memory may their deed redeem When, like our sires, our sons are gone."
There are many who will second the thought voiced at these exercises by the late Colonel Haskell, himself a native, that there "shall be placed on the memorial a tablet to the wives and mothers of Gloucester who have made the greater sacrifice."
And yet the writer may venture to say that the tribute to the "Woman of Gloucester" may well be a memorial in itself. Per- chance, when the years mark another anniversary outpost this
VIEW OF GLOUCESTER IN 1836 Painted by Fitz H. Lane. Foreground,' East Gloucester. Rocky Neck in Left Center.
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OF GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
may well be the outstanding complement to what has come before. The "Pioneer Mother," she who braved the terrors of the great adventure over the pathless plains, looks out on the waters of the Golden Gate as the tribute of the West to its founding Woman- kind.
So, also, in this oldest fishing town of the Atlantic, will there eventually be consecrated a similar testimonial to the "nobler part" enacted during the centuries by these truly pioneer women of the Eastern seaboard .*
"Give us the sailor-soul that dares Nor counts the cost whate'er it be; Give us the patience of the coast That weeps-a woman-by the sea."
The state of Massachusetts had appropriated $10,000 and the city $10,000 additional to defray the cost of the memorial. As the plans had been decided a short time before the anniversary all that could be done was to lay the corner stone. Senator John A. Stoddart, Gloucester's 'World War Mayor,' was delegated by Governor Cox as the presiding officer of the occasion.
In opening Senator Stoddart spoke as follows :
"Fellow citizens, ladies and gentlemen:
"I esteem it a privilege as well as a high honor to attend these exercises and to represent the Commonwealth in my capacity as your State Senator in the Massachusetts Legislature. I do, at this time, bring to you its greetings on this, the 300th birthday of our beloved city.
"Massachusetts has always had a warm spot in her heart for our sea-coast town, and to show appreciation and gratefulness to- ward her people she has come forward and given, at the last session of the Legislature, a sufficient appropriation to finance the erection of a permanent memorial, which, when erected on this site at a later date, will be dedicated to the memory of those who have made Gloucester what she really is-the pioneer fishing port of the United States, the cradle of New England commerce, and the nursery of the American navy.
"That holds today. When we speak of Gloucester, we first think of her as a great fishing port of the United States, a position she has held uninterruptedly nearly three centuries. Through storm and sun- shine, in winter and summer, this industry has been pursued, now
*As these proofs are being revised, (September, 1924), a statue, "The Pilgrim Woman," is being dedicated at Plymouth by the New England Woman's Society, as a fitting complement to the Tercen- tenary observance and a tribute to the Founding Mothers.
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THREE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY
with good luck, now with poor, in many a year bringing sorrow and suffering to many homes by reason of disaster on the deep, yet al- ways pushing onward and upward, and wringing from out the briny sea wealth and progress.
"It is to Cape Ann another important landmark in its history that you people of Massachusetts, representing the same courage and the same adventurous daring as did the men who came here in 1623, have come to this, our 300th anniversary celebration. To do and dare in the face of grave danger under every circumstance stamps the hero. We find them in fishermen as in men in all walks of life.
"Gloucester is fair, yes, wondrous fair, For artist's brush or poet's pen, Yet still its wealth beyond compare Is in its race of sturdy men."
"This memorial will also be to the memory of the men who, during the several wars and more especially the recent World War, came forward and volunteered their services in the Navy. It is recorded on the tablets of history and will always endure to the end, that Glouces- ter offered her best when this coast of ours needed their services for the protection of life and property.
"In the name of the Commonwealth I extend her best wishes for the future of our beautiful seaport city, as beautiful now as 300 years ago. May she continue to hold her position among the important in- dustries of the world."
After a selection by the U. S. Fifth Infantry band Rev. Albert A. Madsen, Ph. D., gave the following invocation :
"O Thou Eternal God, whose dominion is from sea to sea, look Thou kindly we pray Thee upon us, and pour out Thy benediction upon Thy people, as we dedicate this ground for the erection of a memorial to express the respect and honor of the people of this Commonwealth and of this community for those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business in great waters.
Accept, O Father, the gratitude of our hearts for the mercies of three hundred years, and grant Thy continued blessing and protect- ing care upon this hardy race of fisherfolk.
As we dedicate this little spot to the holy memories of the past and the high hopes of future, may we, O God of Love, dedicate also our souls unto the service of the Christ of Galilee, the great Fisher of men.
"Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidst the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea." Amen.
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Mr. Stoddart, continuing, said :
"My friends, the first speaker, I believe, needs but very little introduction to the people of Gloucester, who all know him. He is doing his part in this little city of ours to make it what it really should be, one of the leading cities in this Commonwealth. We only trust and hope that the good people of Gloucester will give their hearty cooperation with all his efforts to make Gloucester what she really should be, one of the foremost cities of Massachusetts. I promised myself when I accepted to preside on this occasion that my remarks and introduction would be very brief, therefore, I am not going to take any further time. I wish to present to you His Honor, Mayor William J. MacInnis."
Mayor MacInnis spoke as follows :
"Mr. Chairman, friends, fellow citizens of Gloucester, and those who have come to help us in these festivities,-perhaps this is the most important part of our celebration although it may lack the embellishments of some of the other features. But the plainer the program in connection with this event, the more fitting, because it concerns men, who are plain in their living, plain in their scheme of life, plain in everything that they do, and because of their very plainness they have made Gloucester what it is, cheer- ed throughout the country because of the romance connected with their very plain life. Three hundred years ago, a company of men came from Dorchester, England, to engage in the fishing industry, and erected their fishing stages on what is now known as Fisher- man's Field. Since that day, the fishing industry has been con- ducted uninterruptedly in this city until the present time. It is the oldest industry in the nation. And they came not only to establish an industry, but to establish a government, showing that business and government go hand in hand, and how out of this small colony grew the Massachusetts Bay Colony effused into the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, the first, and I say it with a degree of pride, of the Commonwealths of the Nation.
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