USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > The history of Melrose, County of Middlesex, Massachusetts > Part 37
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421
ANNIVERSARIES.
of the town. At the top of the plate is Hill's Tavern - "the Rising Eagle" - as it appeared in 1850, taken from a cut in Corey's History of Malden. This house, which is still standing, was built about 1725, and was occupied as a public house until 1804.
On either side appear the obverse and reverse of the borough seal of Maldon, Co. Essex, Eng., the mother of the Malden of New England.
On the right hand, in a medallion, is a view of Malden in 1837. drawn from a cut in Barber's Historical Collections of Massachusetts. This view was taken from Bailey's Hill, and presents with accuracy some of the prominent landmarks of that day.
·NIEKBOP TU I
On the left, in a corresponding medallion, is the Old Parson- age, near Bell Rock, which was built in 1724, and was the birthplace of the celebrated missionary, Adoniram Judson, who was born here in 1788.
At the bottom, in the ornamental border which surrounds the plate, and in which the medallions are set, appears the seal of the town which was in use until the incorporation of the city, when it was superceded by the present city seal. The
422
HISTORY OF MELROSE.
design is by Ludvig S. Ipsen, of Malden, and is as beautiful as it is apposite.
The following letter shows that the city of Malden was pleased with the action of Melrose and thoroughly appreciated ` the efforts put forth by the citizens and its committees to render the celebration of their 250th Anniversary a grand and gratifying success:
MALDEN, May 27, 1899. Hon. Levi S. Gould, Chairman Melrose Celebration Committee :
MY DEAR SIR .- At a special meeting of this committee held this evening, the following vote was unanimously passed:
Voted, That the Executive Committee of the General Committee on the Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Malden, appreciates the enthusiastic interest of the Town of Melrose as shown by its active assistance in the preparations for the events of the celebration, and also by its participation in the parade in a manner deserving of highest praise.
And this committee tenders its thanks and the thanks of the citizens of Malden to the Committee and citizens of Melrose for these expres- sions of affection for and interest in the Mother Town.
Respectfully submitted, ALBERT AMMANN, Clerk.
A handsome and profusely illustrated volume was issued by Malden under the auspices of the Memorial Volume Commit- tee, Deloraine P. Corey, Chairman. Among the illustrations are three, showing portions of the Melrose Division, en route, while taking part in this grand parade; U. S. Grant Post 4, G. A. R., the old Endeavor Engine and the float of the High- lands Improvement Association.
OLD HOME WEEK. Instigated by the example and good influences resulting from the institution of "Old Home Week" which has been adopted by New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, our Representative to the General Court, Charles HI. Adams, introduced a bill for a similar act for Massachusetts, which became a law February 25, 1902. By this act, the calen- dar week beginning with the last Sunday of July in each year, is set apart as a season in which cities and towns may hold appropriate celebrations in honor of returning sons and daughters, and other invited guests, with exercises of historical interest. Cities and towns are authorized to appropriate money for such observances.
In the first year of its enactment many towns and cities
423
ANNIVERSARIES.
embraced the opportunity, and held very successful celebra- tions. As the years go by such anniversary gatherings will increase and become more popular.
In Melrose, under the auspices of a Committee appointed by the City Government and the Board of Trade, consisting of His Honor, Mayor John Larrabee, Charles H. Adams, Oscar F. Frost, Daniel E. Gibson, Moses S. Page and Aaron Hill, Jr., a well arranged programme of exercises and events was prepared for its first celebration. On Sunday, July 27th, appropriate sermons were preached in the different churches either by local or former pastors; that in the Orthodox Con- gregational Church by Rev. Henry A. Stevens, who was settled over that Church from 1861 to 1868, and in the High- lands Congregational Church by Rev. D. Allen Morehouse, its first minister.
In the evening union services were held in the City Audito- rium, Mayor Larrabee presiding. Introductory address by the Chairman; reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Thomas W. Brown, former pastor of the Unitarian Church; prayer by Rev. Henry A. Stevens; historical addresses by Levi S. Gould and Elbridge H. Goss, and address by Rev. John D. Pickles, D. D., former pastor of the Methodist Church; the whole interspersed with singing by a double quartette under the leadership of William C. Brown.
On Monday evening a public reception was held in the High School Building; the receiving party being Mayor Larrabee, Ex-Mayor Gould, President Robinson of the Board of Alder- men, President Small and Ex-President Frost of the Board of Trade, and Representative Charles H. Adams, with their wives. Several hundreds of our citizens and visitors took the occa- sion to visit our handsome building, with its many valuable gifts with which it is adorned, consisting of engravings, paint- ings, bas-reliefs and statuary, contributed by citizens and classes. Dow's Orchestra discoursed excellent music during the reception. Wednesday was the gala day, being filled with races, games, water sports at Ell Pond under the direction of John J. Kcating, a parade of the Police and Fire Departments, led by the Melrose Cadet Band, twenty-two pieces, under the direction of George H. Glover, and in the evening at the band stand at the head of Ell Pond, a very fine concert by the Cadet Band, at which a large crowd was in attendance.
424
HISTORY OF MELROSE.
On Saturday, the last day, the Soldiers' Monument was dedicated at Wyoming Cemetery, under the auspices of the U. S. Grant Post 4, G. A. R. A parade consisting of a platoon of police, City Officers, the U. S. Grant Post 4, G. A. R., Sons of Veterans, Camp 79, Woman's Relief Corps and citizens gener- ally, with music by the Melrose Cadet Band, proceeded from City Hall to the monument where the exercises took place.
These consisted of an address of welcome by His Honor Mayor Larrabee, and who, in behalf of the City, temporarily placed the monument in the care of the Post for the dedicatory services. Commander Frank T. Palmer accepted the same, prayer was offered by Chaplain John E. Marshall, an address by Mrs. Mary A. Livermore and the oration by John D. Billings, Past Commander of the G. A. R. of Massachusetts.
The Officer of the Day was Horatio S. Libby, Adjutant, Edwin C. Could, Senior Vice Commander, A. A. Carlton Guard of Honor, Sergeant John S. Larrabee and Comrades Charles E. Palmer, Fernald, Casey and Riley, Flag Bearer, William H. Richardson.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
TEMPERANCE MATTERS.
EARLY ACTION.
M ELROSE, ever since the date of its incorporation, has ranked as one of the strongest temperance towns in the Commonwealth. While the Prohibition Law was on the statute books, various persons were appointed Liquor Agents; Jonathan Cochran, Solomon Severy and Hiram Whit- ney, each serving a number of years. Year after year attempts were made to have this law repealed and a local option one substituted. In 1867, some prominent clergymen appeared before a Committee of the Massachusetts Legislature, and spoke in favor of a moderate use of intoxicating liquors. This action met the hearty condemnation of many citizens. The Melrose Orthodox Congregational Church met and passed the following resolutions unanimously:
Believing the sale of intoxicating liquors for a beverage to be wholly injurious to the social, moral, and religious interests of the community, therefore,
Resolved : That the Congregational Church of Melrose earnestly protests against the passage, by the Legislature, of any law licensing the same for other than mechanical or medicinal purposes.
Resolved : That the present prohibitory law should not only be sustained, but strengthened by such legislation as may be necessary.
Resolved: That the clerk of the church present a copy of these resolutions to the Legislature.
But all efforts were unavailing. The Prohibitory Law was repealed in 1875. and the Local Option Law enacted. This necessitated the action of voting each year, in every town and city, deciding whether or not intoxicating liquors should be sold as a beverage in its municipality. Melrose has always voted strongly against the evil. It was the banner town in Massachusetts, for a while in this respect, only two or three votes being cast in favor. The results of some of these ballots
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HISTORY OF MELROSE.
are as follows: in 1886, yes 3, no 229; in 1887, yes 2, no 420; in 1888, yes 3, no 595; in 1889, yes 16, no 518; and from that time there has been a gradual increase of both votes, that at the last election, December, 1901, being yes 292, no 1326. Notwithstanding the very strong anti-license vote year after year, the iniquitous traffic has been illegally and secretly carried on in Melrose, in years past, to a certain extent; but every effort has been made to eradicate the evil. At a Town Meeting held September 6, 1870, the following resolution was adopted by a unanimous vote:
Resolved : That the Selectmen be requested and instructed to require of the proper officers that they prosecute forthwith every violation of the law, and if necessary to so increase the Police Force, as to effectually and forever, close every place where such liquors are sold, the additional expense to be charged to the Contingent Fund.
In various years votes like the following, passed 'November 15, 1882, have been recorded in favor of temperance:
Voted, That the sum of three hundred dollars be appropriated for the enforcement of the liquor laws, and that the Selectmen be author- ized to employ such legal and other assistance as in their judgment may be necessary to suppress the sale of intoxicating drinks in this Town; and that the Treasurer be and he is hereby authorized to borrow the sum of three hundred dollars for the purposes mentioned.
So faithfully and persistently have our officers aided in this manner that it is safe to say that Melrose still maintains her rank and honor as a banner temperance town.
This sentiment has been largely fostered and increased by the many temperance organizations that have in the past, and do now exist in our town. Earnest men and women have banded together to do what they could to stay the inroads of this terrible evil in our midst; and in this way much has been accomplished for the well being of our community. In their day the "Sons of Temperance," which body existed for a number of years, did valiant service; so was it with the "Loyala Temperance Cadets," and the "Catholic Total Ab- stinence Society," all of which have been superceded by other like organizations.
The oldest one now existing in Melrose is the
SILOAM TEMPLE OF HONOR, NO. 29, which was instituted May 14, 1867. It has forty-five members. It is officered as fol-
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TEMPERANCE MATTERS.
lows: Worthy Chief Templar, Worthy Vice Templar, Worthy Recorder, Worthy Assistant Recorder, Worthy Financial Re- corder, Worthy Treasurer, Worthy Chaplain, Worthy Usher, Worthy Deputy Usher, Inside Guardian and Outside Sentinel.
Closely affiliated with this organization is the
SILOAM SOCIAL TEMPLE, No. 6, which was instituted Novem- ber 11, 1868, and has sixty-seven members. This is officered as follows: Sister and Brother Presiding Templar, Sister and Brother Vice Templar, Sister and Brother Recorder, Sister Financial Recorder, Sister Treasurer, Sister and Brother Usher, Sister Chaplain, Sister Guardian and Brother Sentinel. For many years there was associated with these orders the Cadets of Temperance, composed of young men and boys. It was the means of instilling into the minds of those coming to years of maturity, and many of whom now have to manhood grown, the temperance principles so strongly advocated by the fathers and mothers.
THE MELROSE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION was organized June 7, 1882, with a membership of fifty, with Mrs. Olive J. Littlefield as its first President, who is now its Honorary President. It has now three hundred and seventy- eight members, active and honorary. Its Constitution is as follows:
In view of the wide spreading influence of intemperance throughout our country, and especially in our community, its debasing influence upon the souls of its victims, the misery brought through its use to the homes of our citizens :
We, the undersigned, women of Melrose, hereby form ourselves into a solemn compact, pledging our active co-operation in all practicable ways for removing this terrible evil, and in creating such a healthful public sentiment as shall demand and secure the banishment of in- toxicating drink from our land.
Fully comprehending the difficulties of this work and our utter insufficiency, unaided by Divine help, we will not cease to implore by prayer and communion with God and His Word that strength and wisdom which alone can crown our labors with success.
This large and active body of energetic and determined women has done much effective work in keeping Melrose the strong and influential temperance town that it is. Each season a course of lectures and entertainments has been sustained.
428
HISTORY OF MELROSE.
Many of the eminent speakers and lecturers, and much of the talent for these courses, has been obtained through the instru- mentality of Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, who has acted as the " Lecture Committee," and who has ever taken a very great interest in the prosperity and good work of this Society. To her more than any other one is due the credit for its long and prosperous career. But her efforts have been earnestly and energetically aided by the many others that have been asso- ciated with her.
In August, 1899, this Society established a very practical and beneficial structure; one that will be enjoyed and appre- ciated by the public. It has given the City a handsome bronze drinking fountain, which has been placed on Main Street, at the edge of the sidewalk, on the easterly side of the City Hall. A tank has been built in the sidewalk, which is surrounded with a coil of water pipe, in the centre of which a supply of ice is placed daily; thus furnishing cold water to the thirsty public " without money and without price." This ornamental accession to public improvements bears the following inscrip- tion: W. C. T. U. 1899.
The officers are chosen annually, and are as follows: Hon- orary President, President, two Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treas- urer, Auditor, and there is a large Executive Committee. There are also Lecture, Franchise and Distribution Temperance Literature Committees, a Superintendent of Temperance In- struction in Schools, and a Committee on the Willard Y Settle- ment and Wide Awakes.
For many years, and until within a short period, the " Independent Order of Good Templars, Guiding Star Lodge, No. 28," which was organized in 1861, did long and faithful service in the cause of temperance. It had a large member- ship, and was aided and encouraged by all who had the best welfare of the Town at heart.
On November 13, 1900, this order was reorganized as Melrose Lodge, No. 5, I. O. of G. T., and is now in a flourishing condi- tion. It is officered as follows: Chief Templar, Vice Templar, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Marshal, Deputy Marshal, Chaplain, Guard, Sentinel, Super- intendent of Juvenile Templars and Past Chief Templar.
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TEMPERANCE MATTERS.
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY, was organized April, 1897, and has 73 members.
The foundation, the corner stone of our Society is total abstinence, the grandest cause ever instituted by man. We are banded together for the elevation and true education of the Catholic young men of the city. The need of the Society is evident. The good that is being done by this Society in this city is daily manifesting itself. The fruits of our labors are gratifying, and are a source of great encouragement to us to continue the work.
It is officered by a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Board of Directors of five; Rev. Francis J. Glynn, Spiritual Director.
Some of the action taken by our mother Town, and the votes passed in connection with the traffic in, and use of spirituous , liquors form curious reading for the present day, for the citizens of anti-license communities. Most of what follows concerning these matters is taken from Corey's History of Malden, Chapter "Church and Town."
As Thomas Call was the first beer seller of Mystic Side, so to Thomas Skinner belongs the doubtful honor of being the first recorded dealer in "strong waters " in Malden. Although the latter remained in life and in Malden until 1704, he appears to have soon retired from the "Ordinarie" business. The following petition lies in the Middlesex Court files, vi. 27:
To the honoured Court at Charleto 16. 4th mº. 1657 :
The Town of Maldon being destitute of An Ordinarie keeper for Accommodating the Town and Countrie. It is the desire of the Selectmen of the sayd Town : that A Brot of the Church there : namely Abraham Hill may by this Court be licenced to keep an Ordinairee there. As Allso to draw wine for the better Accommodating both the Church and Countrie.
JOH WAYTE JOHN SPRAGUE
JOHN VPHAME WILL BRAKENBURY
The Court consents hereto 23. 4. 1657.
THO: DANFORTH Record!
Two years later the selectmen requested the Court that:
Abr. Hill may be lycenced to sell strong liquors in the sd Towne for the necessary supply of Travellers as allso for the Inhabitants that
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HISTORY OF MELROSE.
prsons may be prvented from keeping such quantities in their priuate Houses, the abuse whereof haue proued of uery euill consequence.
5th 2mo 1659:
The evils of license were not long in appearing. Drunken- ness was of frequent occurrence and many sins which drunk- enness might often incite were not unknown.
And in October of the same year the County Court en- deavored to remedy the evil:
This Court doth order yt all ye inkeepers within the limitts of this Coun. shall henceforth be prhibited selling of strong waters by retaile.
But prohibition did not prohibit. Laws were annulled or fell into disuse. The sale of liquors has ever continued more or less; and pen cannot describe resultant crimes, poverty and sufferings arising therefrom.
Other items of interest follow: In 1671, John Pemberton of Malden was found drunk in the street in Boston and was put in the stocks; but he took a drunkard's revenge in beating his wife.
In 1767 John Mudge, who had been a worthy citizen and a deacon of the South Church, appears in the following order as one who had become dependent upon the town:
an order on the Treasurer to m' James Kittle for one pound ten Shillings & ten pence for Supplies of Rum & Sugar for Dea" Mudge Eight month (viz) from march 10th to Oct. 27th: 1766. Dated in Malden Feb !. 18 !! 1767.
By order of the Select men
EZRA GREEN, Town Clerk.
At a Town Meeting, held August 12, 1779, when the report of a " Committee to state the prices of several articles of Com- merce among ourselves which the Convention did not state," was considered, votes were passed which affected the prices of lodging and sustenance at public houses. It was then ordered that New England rum should be nineteen shillings a bowl, and West India toddy eighteen shillings a bowl with loaf sugar and sixteen shillings with brown sugar.
The first place in which rum was sold on the territory of Melrose was in the old Upham house, on the old road now Green Street, near the corner of Howard, in a store then kept by Israel Cook. This is spoken of more in detail under the heading " Revolutionary Incidents."
CHAPTER XXIX.
SOCIETIES-ASSOCIATIONS-CLUBS.
TT is doubtful if any town or city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of the size of Melrose, has as many different kinds of organizations-Church. School, Masonic, Odd Fellows, Temperance, Patriotic, Political, Charitable, Fraternal Insurance, Beneficiary, Alumni, Educational, Chapters, Clubs, - women's, social, literary, golf, cycle, etc. - as has ours. It may, indeed, be called a "city of clubs;" as every kind of organization that is clubbable is in evidence. I have tried to enumerate the most of them, but, without doubt, "there are others."
FREEMASONRY. The Masonic Fraternity was first established in Melrose on August 28, 1856, when a dispensation was issued by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, to eleven citizens, "empowering them to convene, under the name of Wyoming Lodge, and in said capacity to initiate, craft, and raise Masons." It received its charter September 10, 1857, and "the Lodge was formally dedicated to the mem- ory of the Holy Saints John, October 12, 1857." It first met in the old Lyceum Hall, on Main Street, and afterwards in handsomely furnished rooms, with costly and appropriate paraphernalia, in Waverley Block, Essex Street.
On the 10th of March, 1863, a dispensation was granted by the Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of this Com- monwealth, to thirty-eight Companions, mostly citizens of Melrose, with a few from the surrounding towns, to work as the Waverley Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, and they were duly chartered September 30; and on the 27th of March, 1865, "it was deemed that the proper time had come to perfect their Masonic structure, and place the capstone upon the edifice, by establishing an Encampment1 of Knights Templars;"
1 Knights Templars organiza-
tions were formerly called En- campments, but the title was
changed, and they are now known as Commanderies.
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HISTORY OF MELROSE.
therefore a dispensation was issued by the Grand Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, empowering fifty-six Sir Knights, living in Melrose and the surrounding towns, to con- vene under the name of the Hugh de Payens Encampment.
Lodge, Chapter and Encampment were now enjoying a full tide of prosperity, but were doomed to bitter disappointment.
On the evening of Thursday, January 11, 1866, the alarm bell sounded forth its warning notes, and upon repairing to Waverley Hall it was found that this noble structure was in the power of the destroyer. Great and unceasing effort was made by the brethren resident in Melrose, assisted by the citizens generally, to rescue the furniture of our Lodge, and with partial success. The jewels and a portion of the necessary working implements of each body were saved; all else was swallowed up in irretrievable ruin. The extent of this disaster for a time paralyzed the craft, and some were almost ready to resign in despair the idea of regaining our former position; but there were many connected with each organization, who could not harbor the thought that Masonry with us should meet so tragic an end.2
But a short time elapsed, however, before steps were taken for the purpose of erecting a building for Masonic purposes in Melrose. The Waverley Masonic Association was chartered by the General Court, and in less than six months after the disaster, the corner-stone of the present handsome Masonic Temple on the corner of Main Street and Wyoming Avenue was laid under its auspices. The Temple was duly dedicated by Masonic ceremonies, April 24, 1867; and it has been sump- tuously furnished for all Freemasonry purposes; and in it from that day to this, brethren of the mystic tie have met and fraternized.3
The membership of these three orders is as follows: of the Lodge 248, the Chapter 240 and the Encampment 323.
Affiliated associations of these three bodies are: the Melrose Council Royal and Select Masters, which was organized in
2 From The Origin and Present Condition of Freemasonry in Mel- rose. Prepared by direction of the Waverley Masonic Association, for the purpose of being deposited in the Corner- stone of their new Edi- fice, at Melrose, June 25th, A. D. 1866, by Levi S. Gould, Past Mas- ter of Wyoming Lodge. Most of
the facts concerning Masonry here given are from this pamphlet.
3 After the Temple and its furn- ishings were completed the Associ- ation wasdissolved and the property turned over to, and given into the jurisdiction of the Wyoming Lodge in the care of a Board of Trustees.
43:
SOCIETIES-ASSOCIATIONS-CLUBS.
1868, and has 276 members; and which now meets in Masonic Hall, Malden, instead of Melrose, as formerly and " Melrose Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, No. 14," composed of the wives and daughters of Masons, organized in 1881, and has 106 members.
The names of the officers of these different organizations, which now meet in Masonic Hall, are as follows: Of the Lodge; Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Marshal, Chaplain, Inside Sentinel, Organist, Assistant Organist and Tyler.
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