USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > The history of Melrose, County of Middlesex, Massachusetts > Part 38
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MASONIC TEMPLE.
Of the Chapter: Most Excellent High Priest, Excellent King, Excellent Scribe, Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Royal Arch Captain, Principal Sojourner, Master Third Veil, Master Second Veil, Master First Veil, Organist, Assistant Organist and Tyler.
Of the Commandery: Eminent Commander, Generalissimo, Captain General, Prelate, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Recorder, Standard Bearer, Sword Bearer, Warder, Third Guard, Second Guard, First Guard, Organist, Assistant Organist, Sentinel and Armorer.
Of the Eastern Star: Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, As-
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sociate Matron, Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress, Associate Conductress, Chaplain, Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa, Warder, Organist and Sentinel.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, MELROSE LODGE, No. 157. This order of the three links, Friendship, Love and Truth, was instituted October 6, 1871. It is one of the long established and flourishing institutions of Melrose, and has 180 members. Qualification of membership:
No person shall be eligible to membership in this lodge except a free white male, of good moral character, who has arrived at the age of twenty-one years, and who believes in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe. No saloon-keeper, bar-tender or pro- fessional gambler shall be eligible.
The Lodge is officered as follows: Noble Grand, with Right and Left Supporters, Vice Grand with Right and Left Sup- porters, Past Noble Grand, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Warden, Conductor and Chaplain.
DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH, GOLDEN RULE LODGE, NO. 23. This is a kindred body, composed of ladies, and was organized in 1874 and has 97 members. This is officered as follows: Noble Grand, with Right and Left Supporters, Vice Grand, with Right and Left Supporters, Past Noble Grand, Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Conductor, Warden, Chaplain, Inside and Outside Guardians. Both of these orders meet in Odd Fellows' Hall, Bugbee & Barrett's Block, Main Street.
MELROSE ATHLETIC CLUB. Like most clubs and organiza- tions, the Melrose Athletic Club began its existence in a very humble manner.
In November, 1883, five young men met at the house of the late Walter Babb, on East Emerson Street. These were Frank M. Goss, Rufus W. Smith, Edward E. Babb, Fred M. Goss and William J. McCoubry. The Club was then organized with Frank M. Goss as President, Rufus W. Smith as Vice President and Fred M. Goss as Secretary and Treasurer. From that time the numbers increased. A room was engaged in Boardman's Block, corner of Main and Essex Streets, and occupied until December, 1885, receiving its 'charter mean- while on October 26 of that year, when it moved into larger and much more commodious quarters in Eastman's Block,
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Main Street, where it enjoyed itself in a gymnasium with all the necessary athletic accoutrements, including bath rooms.
While here the series of annual minstrel entertainments was inaugurated; and these have been given for seventeen succes- sive seasons, each effort being received by enthusiastic and crowded audiences. Good music always interspersed with jokes, puns, local hits and burlesques, which run riot with un- curbed license.
For many years the Club solicited and raised the funds, and took charge of the Fourth of July celebrations, which have been the source of so much enjoyment to our citizens; bell- ringing, band music, athletic sports, ball games, boat racing and fire-works furnishing a varied entertainment.
The games and pastimes of the Massachusetts Inter-Club League, were inaugurated by the Melrose Athletic Club, a few years since, and are now enjoyed and participated in by many of the surrounding Clubs. The Club has had numerous field- days, with bicycle races and athletic sports.
In 1894, under the presidency of Sidney H. Buttrick, who held that position for several years, steps were taken for the purpose of building and owning quarters of their own, which resulted in the large and commodious brick front building now occupied on Main Street, just south of West Foster Street. It has a large hall, gymnasium, billiard tables, bowling alleys and all the appliances for the maintenance of a first- class athletic club. Cost of land and building $18,500.
Its present membership is 192 and it is officered as follows: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Clerk, and an Executive Board of three.
THE MELROSE CLUB. This Club was organized in 1889. The membership is limited to two hundred and fifty persons. The present Club Rooms are in the second and third stories of the Swett Block on Main THE MELROSE - Street, with a connected bowling alley in the rear of the building. The various rooms are handsomely furnished and possess every con- venience for the enjoyment of the members. CLUB Under the supervision of the committee on theatricals, during each season, a number of plays are produced in their hall, situated in the third story. Enjoyable "ladies' nights " are of frequent occurrence. During
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the Club's life several receptions of prominent people have taken place ; notably that of Hon. John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy, and Captain N. Mayo Dyer, Commander of the U. S. S. Baltimore, under Admiral Dewey; on which occasion he told the story of the Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898, much to the gratification of those present.
It is officered by a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Committee of six.
There are other minor committees having charge of the various games of billiards, bowling and whist.
HOME OF THE MELROSE CLUB.
Under the auspices of the Club several Loan Exhibitions of Amateur Photography have taken place, on which occasion the display of photographic work has been of a very pleasing and satisfactory character. Not only our own photographers but others from surrounding towns and cities have exhibited.
THE HIGHLAND CLUB OF MELROSE. This Club occupies its own house, situated on Chipman Avenue, at the Highlands and was built in 1891, at a cost of $24,000. The Club was first organized in that year as the Melrose Highland Club; but reorganized in 1894, as above. It now has 125 members.
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This Club House is complete in all its appointments; having a large hall, with stage, and seating capacity for five hundred; reception room, ladies' parlor, music room, billiard room, card room, four bowling alleys, open fire-places and other conven- iences. The stained glass windows on the first floor were contributed by different citizens; the one large, very handsome one, showing portions of Melrose Abbey, being the contribu- tion of the late Frank A. Messenger.
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THE HIGHILAND CLUB HOUSE.
The Club is officered by a President, Vice President, Secre- tary, Treasurer and eleven Directors.
On the opposite side of Chipman Avenue, nearly opposite the Club House, is situated the unique Stone Fort, built by the late George W. Chipman, now the property of Charles E. French. It contains a bowling alley on the Street side, and therein the Highland Club organized and met for several months while the house was being built.
This occupies ground formerly owned by Winthrop Rich- ardson, where stood the tower seen in the illustration on page
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125. These two illustrations, on pp. 125, 126, were photo- graphed from a lithographic plan of the Vinton farm, which Mr. Richardson bought and laid out in house lots in 1853; consequently are somewhat indistinct.
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THE STONE FORT.
THE BELLEVUE GOLF CLUB. In the spring of 1899, the members of the then existing Bellevue Tennis Club, as a nucleus, organized the Bellevue Golf Club which now has a limited membership of two hundred. It leased the thirty acres belonging to the estate of the late Calvin Locke. This rolling land, lying between Porter and Howard Streets, on the slope of Pine or Rattlesnake Hill, is admirably adapted to this purpose giving ample scope for its course of 1845 yards with nine holes; these are uniquely named as follows: "Long Tom," with its deep ditch to cross; "Elbow," through a swamp; "The Birches," through a small grove with adjoining swamp; "Grove," over rocky land with bushes, hill and ditch; "Over the Garden Wall," similar in character to the last; "The Pines," also similar; "Lookout," so named from its extensive and excellent view of the surrounding country; "High Ball," over a fair green, and "Ilome," the most difficult of all, with its stone walls, trees and bushes. During the year 1902 an
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additional tract of land containing 25 acres lying between Pine Hill and Howard Street was leased by the Club thus making the length of run for the nine holes 2,700 yards instead of 1,845.
During the summer of 1900 a beautiful and picturesque Club House was erected, on a commanding site on the side hill. Its walls are built entirely of pasture stones. It has wide verandas from which exquisite views are to be enjoyed; and its interior is handsomely finished and furnished with every convenience for the indoor entertainment of its members; lockers for the players' paraphernalia, and piano for music and dancing. It cost $1,800.
The Club is officered by a President, Vice President, Secre- tary, Treasurer and three Directors.
THE MENAWARMET CLUB, at the Highlands was organized two years ago, has twenty-five members, and is officered with a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
THE MELROSER DEUTSCHE GENOSSENSCHAFT, was organized in June, 1901. Anyone who has studied, or is interested in the German language, whether in the High School or not, is eligible for membership, and there are now 145 members. Its object is "to promote interest in the German language and literature, and also to furnish a common bond of interest between the alumni and present members of the High School." At its meetings German plays and readings are given, folk- songs sung, and games played. It is officered by a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and an Executive Com- mittee.
FANEUIL HALL CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMER- ICAN REVOLUTION. The Faneuil Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in Wakefield, Feb- ruary 11, 1896, receiving its charter from the National Society, July 31, 1896. Nearly all its members, numbering about seventy, are residents of Wakefield, Reading, Everett, Malden and Melrose; about half of whom are residents of our city, the next largest number belonging to Wakefield. The Chapter holds its meetings at the residences of its members.
Besides the active members, there are also, one life member, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, three honorary members, Mrs. Mary W. Pratt, Miss Lucretia A. Hopkins and Mrs. George W. Grouard, and an Orator, Elbridge H. Goss, who is, also, a life member.
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During its short existence the Chapter has made contribu- tions to a number of patriotic objects; among them a monu- ment to Mary, the mother of Washington; the Hancock-Clarke House in Lexington; statue of Washington to be presented to France; and the Lafayette monument. Also to the Continental Hall Fund, and the monument to Rubena Hyde Walworth, the soldiers' nurse at Montauk.
In January, 1897, a petition drafted by the then Regent, Mrs. Ida Farr Miller, was sent to all the Massachusetts Chap- ters, asking cooperation in an effort to have Faneuil Hall, " The Cradle of Liberty "-for which this chapter was named -- repaired and made fire-proof by the City of Boston; thus saving to future generations that famous building concerning which Lafayette said, when a guest of the city, in 1824:
The City of Boston, the Cradle of Liberty; may Faneuil Hall ever stand a monument to teach the world that resistance to oppression is a duty, and will, under true Republican institutions, become a blessing.
Other patriotic societies became interested in the effort, all of which culminated in action being taken by the City of Boston; and the Hall was renovated, beautified, repaired and made fire-proof; being completed during the year 1899.
In January, 1900, the project of adorning our handsome High School Building, initiated so successfully by the High School Alumni, was aided by the Chapter in a gift of a framed engraving of " Mount Vernon."
On the 24th of May, 1900, the Chapter celebrated a "Mary A. Livermore Day." The exercises consisted of the planting of a tree on the High School lawn, to be known as the "Mary A. Livermore Elm," the biographical address for the occasion being delivered by Elbridge H. Goss.1 The remainder of the exercises took place in the High School Hall, and com- prised addresses by the Regent, Miss Hattie A. Wilkins, the State Regent, Miss Sara Daggett, Gen Francis G. Appleton, President of the Sons of the Revolution, with a reply by Mrs. Livermore. These addresses were interspersed with vocal selections rendered by Misses Nickerson and Elliott, and Messrs. William C. Brown and Flint. A reception to
1 In the view of the High School Building, page 199, this elm tree may be seen. Although apparent- ly near the main entrance to the
building, in reality it is ou the lawn, near the street, and not far from the flagpole.
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Mrs. Livermore followed, which was participated in by all of the speakers, and Admiral N. Mayo Dyer, an invited guest.
A " Historical Class" for the study of the colonial period of our country's history has been organized in connection with this Chapter.
A very fine exhibit of colonial and revolutionary relics was made by this Chapter on the afternoon and evening of May 8, 1901, at the residence of Mrs. Charles C. Odlin, No. 89 West Emerson Street. In the collection were many rare and valu- able antiques; almost every member, and some that were not members, contributed interesting relics and souvenirs of those periods. Addresses appropriate to the occasion, were made by James J. Myers, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, and Representatives Odlin, of Lynn, and Adams of our City.
It is officered as follows: Regent, Vice Regent, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, His- torian, and four Directors. There are four standing commit- tees: Historical, Social, Music, and Program.
DELIVERANCE MUNROE CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION. Another patriotic society, affiliated with our city, is the Deliverance Munroe Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution, which was organized March 9, 1897, and which has thirty members living in Malden, Everett and Mel- rose. Like the former it has monthly meetings at the resi- dences of its members. During the year 1900, it placed a bronze tablet on the Deliverance Munroe homestead in Lex- ington, at a cost of $50, and it has raised the sum of $25 for the Valley Forge Memorial, which cost $5,000, all of which was raised by the Daughters of the Revolution. On each Memorial Day the Chapter decorates the graves of the fifty or more Revolutionary heroes who are buried in the Wyoming, Forest Dale and Bell Rock Cemeteries.
At its last monthly meeting it was unanimously voted to appeal by petition to the Malden city government to have " Bell Rock," on Main Street, where hung the bell of its first church, preserved as one of Malden's historic spots.
It is officered as follows: Regent, Secretary, Treasurer, His- torian, and an Executive Board of eight.
For the purpose of fostering patriotism among the children, a new organization has been established; and on February II,
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HISTORY OF MELROSE.
1898, the "Children of the Revolution: Wyoming Society," was formed with fifteen members, soon after increased to twenty-seven members and it is officered as follows: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar.
MELROSE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MAINE. This Society was organized January 10, 1895. It was formed for the pur- pose of promoting social intercourse among its members. Natives of Maine above the age of eighteen DIRIGO years and residing in Melrose, as also the wife or husband of such natives so residing are eligible to membership. The present number of members is one hundred and sev- enty-five. It is officered as follows: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and an Executive Committee of twelve, all chosen annually.
THE AMATEUR GARDENERS' SOCIETY. This Society was formed for the advacement of the cultivation of fruits, flowers and vegetables, and has done much to further that object. It was organized April 22, 1895, and has 100 members, It holds two exhibitions annually; the Rose Show in June, and the Flower, Fruit and Vegetable one in the autumn. It is officered by a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and a Board of nine Directors.
THE UNITED BOYS' BRIGADE OF AMERICA. The first organi- zation of this kind was formed in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1883; in America in 1890, at San Francisco, Cal. In 1895 a union was affected of all Boys' Brigades in the United States, under the name of the United Boys' Brigades of America. In the early summer of 1902, a Boys' Brigade was formed at the Highlands, in connection with the Highlands Congregational Church, and now has 115 members, divided into three compa- nies, A, B and C, belonging to the 6th Regiment, Ist Battalion. Each member takes the following pledge:
I promise and pledge that I will not use tobacco or intoxicating liquor in any form; that I will not use profane, vulgar or indecent language ; that I will obey faithfully all the Company rules, and that
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I will, at all times, set an example of good conduct to my comrades and other boys.
The companies are officered by a Commandant, Captain, First and Second Lieutenants, five Sergeants and four Corporals.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES-INSURANCE AND BENEVOLENT.
Melrose has many beneficiary and fraternal societies.
ROYAL ARCANUM, BETHLEHEM COUNCIL, NO. 131. This was organized in 1876, and has 209 members. Its officers are: Regent, Vice Regent, Past Regent, Orator, Secretary, Collector, Treasurer, Chaplain, Guide, Warden and Sentry, with three Trustees.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR, GUARDIAN LODGE NO. 406. Organ- ized in 1876. Has 51 members. Its officers are, Dictator, Vice Dictator, Past Dictator, Reporter, Financial Reporter, Treasurer, Guide, Chaplain, Guardian and Sentinel.
AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR, WASHINGTON COUNCIL, NO. 89. Organized in 1880. Number of members twenty-three. Its officers are Commander, Vice Commander, Past Commander, Orator, Chaplain, Secretary, Treasurer, Collector, Guide, Warden and Sentry.
UNITED ORDER OF THE GOLDEN CROSS, MELROSE COM- MANDERY, No. 99. Organized in 1880. Has sixty-four mem- bers. Its officers: Noble Commander, Past Noble Commander, Vice Noble Commander, Keeper of Records, Financial Keeper of Records, Treasurer, Worthy Prelate, Worthy Herald, Warder of Inner and Outer Gates.
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN, GARFIELD LODGE, No. 32. Organized in 1881. Has 167 members. Its officers: Master Workman, Past Master Workman, Foreman, Overseer, Recorder, Receiver, Financier, Guide, Inside and Outside War- dens and three Trustees.
ODD LADIES, LINCOLN LODGE, NO. 33. This was instituted at Melrose Highlands, March 19, 1895, and has 51 mem- bers. It is officered as follows: Worthy Noble Lady, Worthy Vice Noble Lady, Worthy Treasurer, Worthy Financial and Recording Secretaries, Worthy Lady Reporter, Worthy Chap- lain, Worthy Guardian, three Trustees, and Senior and Junior Representatives.
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FORESTERS OF AMERICA, COURT PRIDE OF MELROSE, NO. 107. Instituted October 30, 1895. Has 130 members. It is officered as follows: Chief Ranger, Sub Chief Ranger, Record- ing Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Senior Wood- ward, Junior Woodward, Senior Beadle, Junior Beadle, Physician, Lecturer and three Trustees.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, MELROSE COUNCIL, NO. 128. Organized June 16, 1895. Number of members 97. Its officers are chosen annually. They are as follows: Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Chancellor, Record- ing Secretary, Financial Sec- tary, Treasurer, Warden, Advocate, Lecturer, Physi- cian, Chaplain, Inside Guard, Outside Guard, and three Trustees.
K of C
KNIGHTS OF MALTA, RHODES COMMANDERY. This order was organized in February, 1902, and has fifty-three members. It is officered by a Sir Knight Commander, Generalissimo, Captain General, Recorder, Assistant Recorder, Treasurer, Senior and Junior Warden, Chaplain, and two Inside and two Outside Guards.
THE ROBERT EMMET BRANCH OF THE IRISH NATIONAL FORESTERS, was organized February 25, 1902. It has forty-five members. It is officered by a Chief Ranger, Sub Chief Ranger, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Senior and Junior Woodwards, and Senior and Junior Beadles. May 4, 1902, the
SARAH CURRAN BRANCH, was organized, consisting of ladies, and has fifty members. Its officers bear the same names as the above.
AMERICAN BENEFIT SOCIETY, MELROSE LODGE, NO. 126. Was organized December 31, 1898. It has fourteen members. It is officered as follows: President, Vice President, Junior
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Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Collector, Orator, Chap- lain, Warden, Sentry and three Trustees.
STAR OF MELROSE, LOYAL ORANGE LODGE, NO. 353. This organization was formed in 1896 and has sixty members. It is officered as follows: Master, Deputy Master, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies, Inside and Out- side Tylers, Committee on Finance and three Trustees.
NEW ENGLAND ORDER OF PROTECTION, WYOMING LODGE, NO. 365, was organized November, 1900, and has seventy members. It is officered as follows: Warden, Junior Past Warden, Vice Warden, Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Guardian, Sentinel and three Trustees.
THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS, DIVISION NO. 48, was organized in December, 1900, and has eighty-two members. It has a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Ser- geant-at-Arms, and Sentinel. The Ladies' Auxiliary to this order was organized a year later and has fifty members.
CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMERICA, MELROSE UNION, NO. 760. Organized in March, 1901, and has So members. It has the following officers: President, Vice President, Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Warden, Con- ductor, three Auditors and two Trustees.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, FORDELL LODGE, No. 115, was organized by James W. Murray, and instituted February 19, 1895. It has over one hundred members. This order is founded on Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, and a part of its " Dec- laration of Principles " is as follows:
OF
KNIGHTS
PYTHIAS.
F.C.B.
Pythian Knighthood had its conception in the exemplification of the life-test of true friend- ship existing between Damon and Pythias. Friendship, or mutual confidence, being the strongest bond of union between man and man, and only existing where honor has an abiding place, is adopted as a foundation principle.
It is officered as follows: Chancellor Commander, Vice Chancellor, Prelate, Master of Exchequer, Master of Finance, Keeper of Records and Seal, Master at Arms, Master of Work, Inner and Outer Guards, three Trustees, and two Representa- tives to the Grand Lodge.
CHAPTER XXX.
POLITICAL.
AUSTRALIAN BALLOT FOR TOWN ELECTIONS.
A T a Town Meeting held February 16, 1891, it was voted to accept the provisions of Chapter 386, Acts of 1890, as amended by the Legislature of 1891. This related to the printing and distributing of ballots for Town Elections at the public expense, known as the Australian ballot law appli- cable to Town elections. Under this action it was voted:
That the Town elect by ballot, under the provisions of law which have been accepted, the following officers, the number of each Board and terms of office of which shall be as follows: A Board of Select- men consisting of three persons to be elected annually, one Town Clerk, one Treasurer, and one Collector of Taxes, to be elected annu- ally, a Board of three Assessors to be elected as provided by Chapter 27, Sections 65, 66, 67 and 68, Public Statutes, a Board of Water Com- missioners consisting of three persons, one of whom shall be elected annually for three years, a Board of Water Loan Sinking Fund Com- missioners, consisting of three persons, one of whom shall be elected annually for three years, a School Committee consisting of six persons, two of whom shall be elected annually for three years, a Board of Trustees of the Public Library consisting of five persons to be elected annually, one Auditor to be elected annually, a Board of Overseers of the Poor consisting of three persons to be elected as provided by Chapter 27, Sections 69, 70, 71, 72 and 73, Public Statutes, a Board of Health consisting of three persons to be elected for the current year, one for three years, one for two years, and one for one year, and annually thereafter there shall be elected one person for three years, a Board of Park Commissioners consisting of three persons, one of whom shall be elected annually for three years, and four Constables to be elected annually.
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