USA > Maine > Somerset County > Bingham > Bingham sesquicentennial history, 1812-1962 > Part 8
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During the summer of 1902 work began on the present Fraternity Hall, a three-story building costing about $8,000.00, and on April 19, 1904, the first Rebekah meeting was held there. This was during the fourth year when Mrs. Myrtie Cummings was serving as Noble Grand; a very busy year for the new home had to be furnished.
Mrs. Viola Colby was the fifth Noble Grand, and the first one to be installed in the new hall. Following these first five were: Mrs. Florence M. Owens, Mrs. Georgia M. Colby, Mrs. Nellie Clark, Mrs. Bina Preble, Mrs. Susan Preble, Mrs. Effie J. Robinson Craig, Mrs. Eunice J. Baker, Mrs. Ethel E. Robinson, Mrs. Lillian Dunton, Mrs. Laura Hussey, Mrs. Addie Dutton, Mrs. Faustena Andrews, Mrs. Emma Gipson, Mrs. Annie E. Moore, Mrs. Junia Witham, Mrs. Linnie B. Spaulding, Mrs. Cora Reynolds, Mrs. Eunice Hardy, Mrs. Marion Robinson, Mrs. Gertrude Russell, Mrs. Helen McCollor, Mrs. Annie Spalding, Mrs. Addie Jones, Mrs. Almedia Spalding, Mrs. Jennie Robinson, Mrs. Flossie Beane, Mrs. Mildred Bray, Mrs. Althea Lamson, Mrs. Hazel Roberts, Mrs. Floy Robinson, Mrs. Marion Stockson, Mrs. Glenna Lombard, Mrs. Aurilla Shepardson, Mrs. Cassie Durgin, Mrs. Julia Beane, Mrs. Lura Dority, Mrs. Eva Fecteau, Mrs. Marion Campbell, Mrs. Verna McCollor, Mrs. Betty Stuart, Mrs. Villa Laweryson, Mrs. Mary Clark, Mrs. Ruth Clark, Mrs. Erma Hutchins, Mrs. Leola Rollins, Mrs. Ida West, and Mrs. Cecelia Morris.
Many of these have served twice and some even three times dur- ing the years. Our present Noble Grand, Mrs. Ruth Clark, is serving for the second time. Twenty-three of these Past Noble Grands are still active members of the Lodge, one has transferred her membership to another lodge, and one withdrew her membership some years ago. Twenty-eight have answered that final summons which awaits us all, two within the past few weeks.
Once every four years, our Lodge is asked to furnish a District Deputy President for our District, which consists of the lodges in Bingham, Solon, North Anson and New Portland. Mrs. Myrtie Cum- mings was one of the early Deputies from our Lodge, who served about 1914, when each Deputy served two years, and the officers were installed in January. Of course, automobiles were not so common in those days and most of their traveling was done in a horse-drawn sleigh. Mrs. Cummings often told of the trip from Bingham to New Portland; of the hours spent on the road, and how they would stop in North Anson to visit friends, get warm and have a lunch. Sometimes they would change horses there and would always heat bricks to put in the sleigh to help keep their feet warm. A number of our Past Noble Grands have served as District Deputies during the years, but now
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the officers are installed in October, and it is just a short journey to New Portland in our modern automobiles, and over our good roads.
Some of our loyal and faithful members have served as officers year after year. In the early days of the Lodge, Mrs. Rose Lander served as treasurer for twenty years or more, and afterwards Mrs. Gertrude Russell held the office for fifteen years. Mrs. Carrie Hilton served as recording secretary for about twenty years, and following her, Mrs. Faustena Andrews held the office for sixteen years. Mrs. Hazel Roberts has held the office of financial secretary for the past four- teen years.
Some years ago it was decided that our hall needed redecorating, so, with the assistance of our Odd Fellows Lodge, we went to work. The men painted the walls and ceiling of our lodge hall and the Rebekahs purchased a new rug for the floor. The Odd Fellows and Masonic Orders combined to have the hall painted on the outside, and also to paint the kitchen and dining room inside. Some years ago, all the Orders combined to purchase a new furnace. Altogether our Lodge Home is very attractive and comfortable, and we are very proud of it. We have received many compliments on our attractive hall from visitors coming from other lodges around the State.
We have two life members at present-Mrs. Faustena Andrews and Mrs. Linnie Spaulding. Mrs. Effie Jane Craig, who passed away recently, was also a life member. All of these have belonged more than fifty years. Mrs. Ivie Quann of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will receive her Fifty-Year Jewel in November of this year.
Many of our loyal and faithful members have joined that Great Fraternity above during the years, and in May of each year a memorial service is held in their honor.
The present officers of the Lodge, who were installed last October, are: Mrs. Ruth Clark, Noble Grand; Mrs. Alice Clark, Vice Grand; Mrs. Selma McCollor, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Hazel Roberts, Fi- nancial Secretary; Mrs. Julia Beane, Treasurer; Mrs. Leola Rollins, Warden; Mrs. Erma Hutchins, Conductor; Mrs. Glenna Lombard, Chaplain; Mrs. Cecelia Morris, Junior Past Noble Grand; Mrs. Mary Clark, Left Supporter to the Noble Grand; Mrs. Erma Pratt, Musician; Mrs. Beverly MacDonald, Inside Guardian; Mrs. Mabel Brown, Out- side Guardian; Mrs. Laura Steward, Left Supporter to the Vice Grand; Mrs. Villa Laweryson, Right Supporter to the Vice Grand. Mrs. Lura Dority, recently deceased, held the office of Right Supporter to the Noble Grand for many years, and has not yet been replaced.
In January, 1951, we celebrated our Fiftieth Anniversary with a nice program, and are now looking forward to our Seventy-Fifth Anniversary, which is only a few years away.
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It has been said that one of the greatest things in the world today is friendship, and that is the object of our organization. May we continue to prosper and serve our fellow men, forgetting self in the joy of useful service as the coming years go by.
- MRS. GLENNA LOMBARD
BINGHAM CHAPTER No. 77, O. E. S.
Bingham Chapter, No. 77, Order of the Eastern Star, was or- ganized December 12, 1900, and a charter granted May 16, 1901.
There were thirty-five charter members, namely: Juliette Adams, Edith Andrews, Mary H. Beane, Mary W. Colby, Carrie Colby, Grace Colby, Belle Dinsmore, Mary Eames, Mae L. Foss, Alice S. Foss, Abbie E. Hilton, Florence Lander, Lucinda C. Moore, Emma C. Miller, Fannie Piper, Lephe S. Preble, Delia Webster, Clara Bray, Grace Vittum, Jane Vittum, Sue Preble, Esther L. Smith, Addie Woods, Belle P. Williams, Nellie Robinson, David Beane, Henry Collins, George Eames, Tilson Foss, Samuel Smith, Robert Woods, Walter E. Robinson, Forrest H. Colby, Fred H. Preble, and Edwin O. Vittum.
Lephe Preble was the first Worthy Matron, and Samuel Smith the first Worthy Patron who served in that capacity for eight conse- cutive years. Other officers for the year 1901 were as follows:
Delia Webster, Associate Matron; Juliette Adams, Conductress; Emma Miller, Secretary; Mary Colby, Treasurer; Mary Eames, Adah; Addie Woods, Ruth; Fannie Piper, Esther; Emma Whitney, Martha; Lucinda Moore, Electa; and Florence Lander, Organist.
We were unable to obtain the names of those who served as Associate Conductress, Chaplain, Marshal, Warder, and Sentinel for that year.
The meetings were held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, in an attic over the present Kennebec Hall in the Preble and Robinson block. Light was obtained by kerosene lamps suspended from the ceiling. Wooden settees were arranged along the sides of the sloping walls to accommodate the members. In 1905 the Masonic lodge rooms were transferred to the present location, and the Eastern Star rented these rooms from the Masons to use as a Chapter room.
A rented organ furnished the music until 1904, when a used organ was purchased. This was used in conjunction with victrola records until February 1923, when the old organ was sold and the present piano purchased.
In 1935, in keeping with various other Chapters, it was voted
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to discontinue one meeting a month and to hold our Chapter meetings on the second Wednesday of each month.
In 1943 a gift of $1,000.00 was received from the Al Hilton estate of Anson, in memory of his wife Sarah Nottage Hilton, who became a member of Bingham Chapter September 13, 1916, and who passed away June 1936.
Bingham Chapter has been honored by having three Grand Officers: Elizabeth S. Moore, Grand Martha in 1934; Josephine Sawyer, Grand Chaplain in 1936; Ruby F. Robinson, Grand Warder in 1942.
We also have had four District Deputy Grand Matrons: Edith K. Dinsmore in 1919; Grace M. Smith in 1934; Eva D. Bachleder in 1930-31; and Dorothy B. Shaw in 1956-57.
Since the Chapter was organized the following have served as Worthy Matrons: Lephe Preble, 1901-02; Delia Webster, 1903; Belle Williams, 1904-05; Addie Woods, 1906-07; Mary Baker, 1908; Emma Whitney, 1909-10; Florence Lander, 1911; Nellie Robinson, 1912-13; Lilla Dunton, 1914; Abbie Hilton, 1915; Stacy Witham, 1916; Addie Dutton, 1917; Edith K. Dinsmore, 1918; Lucinda Moore, 1919; Junia Witham, 1920; Grace Smith, 1921; Eunice Hardy, 1922; Myrtie Cum- mings, 1923.
Charlotte Sterling, 1924; Estelle Hilton, 1925; Josephine Sawyer, 1926; Eva D. Bachelder, 1927; Stella Montgomery, 1928; Anna S. Howes, 1929; Ruby F. Robinson, 1930; Louise Pierce, 1931; Elizabeth Moore, 1932; Grace H. Pooler, 1933; Annie Spalding, 1934; Jessie LaPoint, 1935; Mary Taylor, 1936; May B. Tupper, 1937; Clara Bowen, 1938; Jane Durgin, 1939; Bina Preble, 1940; Dassie Nickerson, 1941; Kathleen F. Doe, 1942; Mattie Thompson, 1943; Hazel Whit- man, 1944; Eda E. Williams, 1945; Alice M. Andrews, 1946; Dorothy B. Shaw, 1947; Alice E. Davis, 1948-56; Ernestine Bushey, 1949.
Dorothy Quint, 1950; Bertha Haggan, 1951; Margaret C. Hill, 1952; Villa Laweryson, 1953; Sadie Holmes, 1954; Beverly Stuart, 1955; Eloise Kershner, 1957; Patricia Hunt, 1958; Selma McCollor, 1959; Charline Hunnewell, 1960; and Gertrude Williams, 1961.
The following have served as Worthy Patrons: Samuel Smith, 1901-02-03-04-05-06-07-08-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18; William Richmond, 1909-10; Arlie Dinsmore, 1919-20; Walter Robinson, 1921-22; Harry Cummings, 1923-24-25-26; Robert Smith, 1927; Harold Coleman, 1928; Allan P. Robinson, 1929-30-54; Orville Forsythe, 1931; Howard Bowen, 1932-37; Harry Spalding, 1933; Arthur Tupper, 1934-35; Harold Doe, 1936-42; Blin Witham, 1938; Floyd Nickerson, 1939-41-57; Alfred Stevens, 1940; Guy Hunnewell, 1943-44-45-47-49; Clayton Andrews, 1946; Ernest Davis, 1948-56; Rudolph Quint, 1950-51; Earl W. Hill,
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1952-53; Richard Spalding, 1955-60; John Hunt, 1958; and Douglas Gordon, 1959-61.
Officers serving for the year 1962 are as follows: Rosalie Walker, Worthy Matron; Donald Walker, Worthy Patron; Frances Sterling, Associate Matron; F. Donald Sterling, Associate Patron; Alice M. Andrews, Secretary; Dassie M. Nickerson, Treasurer; Julia Hansen, Conductress; Sadie Holmes, Associate Conductress; Margaret C. Hill, Chaplain; Nancy York, Marshal; Doris Rupell, Organist; Gertrude Williams, Adah; Geneva Gordon, Ruth; Joyce Baker, Esther; Elaine Tremblay, Martha; Grace H. Pooler, Electa; Selma McCollor, Warder; and Bernard Andrews, Sentinel
We of the present day have much admiration and respect for those early members who started and kept alive our beautiful Order of the Eastern Star, and passed on to us the teachings and precepts which they exemplified throughout their lives.
- MRS. ALICE M. ANDREWS, Secretary
BINGHAM CENTURY CLUB
On February 16, 1912, a group of forty-five ladies met at the home- of Mrs. Marita Savage to consider the organization of a woman's club. Clubs had been organized in many of the surrounding towns and it was the general opinion of all present that Bingham should have a woman's literary club with its object "Intellectual and Social Better- ment". Thirty-two of these ladies signed their names as charter members. and thus a club was formed. This being Bingham's Centennial year, the club was appropriately named "Century Club".
The following ladies were chosen to serve as officers for the first year: President, Mrs. Nancy Whipple; Vice-President, Mrs. Ethel Brown; Secretary, Mrs. Florence Owens; Treasurer, Mrs. May Tupper; Historian, Mrs. Alice Goodrich. "Courtesy and Good Fellowship to All" was chosen as the motto and the goldenrod selected as the club. flower. The club in the fall of that year became a member of the Maine Federation of Women's Clubs.
Being a literary club, with "Intellectual Betterment" as part of its objective, the club ladies diligently labored to accomplish this aim. They debated, studied, wrote articles and book reviews. In the early years of its existence the members furnished the programs for most of its meetings. The subjects studied have been miscellaneous, including current events, travel, history, nature, music, poetry and art.
While "Intellectual Betterment" applied mainly to the members themselves, in keeping with our aim for "Social Betterment" the club has tried to enter into the life of the community and extend help-
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whenever possible. We have always been interested in the schools. Each year an educational committee is appointed whose duty it is to bring the club in closer touch with the teachers and pupils. We were instrumental one year in bringing into the schools a qualified drawing teacher. When the Domestic Science and Manual Training courses were introduced, the club contributed toward the furnishings of the rooms.
Arbor Day exercise were held one year and trees were planted on some of the new streets. Several of the elms planted by the club are now beautiful shade trees. The first community Christmas Tree was sponsored by the Century Club. -
The Century Club was influential in bringing about a re-organiza- tion of the Bingham Union Library and it has always been one of the main interests of the club. In former years the club donated many books to the Library for circulation. Last year a group of club ladies acted as hostesses for an "Open House Day" during Library Week.
When the Parish House was built, we contributed toward the piano, dishes for the dining room, curtains and an American Flag. Flower beds were planted on the lawns of the three churches for a number of years. During the war years the club tried to do its part. We bought bonds, knitted socks, sweaters and helmets, packed boxes and helped in every possible way.
For many years the club was responsible for the Christmas Seal Drive and has also sponsored the Cancer Drive for a number of years. Contributions are made each year to various good causes. Through the years we have contributed to the Easter Seal Drive, March of Dimes, Good Samaritan Home, New England Home for Little Wan- derers, Penny Art Fund, State Education Loan Fund, Opportunity Farm, Veterans at Togus, Care, Inc., Salvation Army and Maine Chan- laincy Service.
Organized in 1912, this year marks our Golden Anniversary. Of our thirty-two charter members, eight are now living, although only two are still club members. We have had forty-three presidents, twenty-eight of whom are now living. We are entering our fifty-first year in October with forty-five active members and four honorary members, and with Mrs. Hazel Whitman as president.
As we look back over the years, we are proud of our Century Club and the record it has made and we look forward with confidence that in the years to come the same high standard of service will be main- tained and the purpose of the Century Club will continue to be "Intellectual and Social Betterment".
- MRS. GRACE H. POOLER
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THE GOOD WILL CLUB
The Good Will Club is what its name implies. It was organized in Moscow at the home of Mrs. Edith Hunnewell in November, 1916. The purpose of the Club was to aid the needy, and to enjoy a social hour together.
As time went on many of the members moved to Bingham, and so did the Club. It continued to meet at the homes of the members until there were too many members and it now meets in the Grange Hall. It holds its meetings every two weeks, except in the summer months, with a dinner each time to which the families of the mem- bers come.
The Good Will Club has spread much cheer to the ill and needy and contributed to many worthy causes. The Club owns a consider- able amount of hospital supplies which it loans free of charge to those who need them.
The present membership is seventy-five. The president is Mrs. Doris Rupell.
STANLEY BEANE POST, No. 99, AMERICAN LEGION
Stanley Beane Post, No. 99, American Legion, was founded in the year 1920. although it did not receive its charter until the following year. It had as its founders the following persons:
Stean Collins
Floyd Padham
Alton Durgin
Forrest Doyle
Stanley Parlin
Don McTaggett
Wilmont Doyle Alfred Pugh Leslie Durgin
Donald Goff
Robert Smith Errol Hilton
John Gordon Beecher Vincent
Andrew Comber
Chester Hewett
Raymond Carl
Harry Morris
Dr. P. O. Hopkins
Moses Cilley
Thales Spaulding
Philip O. Jacques
Winfield Powell
Ed Allen
Robert Moore
Clifford Keene
Carl Curtis
Lester Morris
At a recent meeting of the Post, the following members were awarded Membership Pins: Forty-year pins, Robert Moore, and And- rew Comber; twenty-five-year pins, Donat Chasse, Dr. Franklin Ball, and Carl Curtis.
Each year the Post has honored those who died in military ser- vice by holding Memorial Day services, a ceremony which, some years before, had been performed by "The Grand Army of The Republic."
This year the Post has sponsored the name for the new Junior- Senior High School. The name selected is: The Upper Kennebec Valley Memorial High School. At the dedication of the school in October, a Bronze Plaque will be presented by the Legion to the-
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school in memory of those of the Upper Kennebec Valley who died in the service of their country. At that time a new flag will also be presented to the school.
At the present time the officers of the Post are as follows:
Commander, John Baker; First Vice-Commander, Robert Hunne- well; Second Vice-Commander, Lewis Davis; Finance Officer, Edward Sterling; Sergeant-At-Arms, George Adams; Service Officer, Richard Spalding; Chaplain, Joseph Bourque; Historian, Robert Moore; Ad- jutant, Edward Bray; Assistant Adjutant, Stanton Hunnewell.
- EDWARD BRAY
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
The American Legion Auxiliary of the Stanley Beane Post No. 99, was organized November 26, 1921, at the home of Mrs. Mae Hopkins with twenty-one charter members. Anna Smith Howes was the first president.
Through the years this organization has brought cheer to many veterans and their families, and contributed to many worthwhile causes. The members are especially proud of the gifts sent annually to the Gift Shop to be given to the patients to send to their families each Christmas.
The Poppy Sale is also an annual project, Memorial Poppies being sold for the benefit of veterans. The poppies are made by patients of Togus Veterans Hospital.
After World War II new members were added. There are now thirty-one members. Miss Gertrude Williams is president for the current year.
- MRS GLADYS GOFF
BINGHAM LIONS CLUB
The Lions Club is known throughout the world because of the number and importance of its activities. Its purpose is to serve the community in all possible ways unselfishly. It affords an opportunity for any public-spirited individual to serve in the particular field in which he is most interested.
The greatest field of Lions' endeavor is connected with Sight Con- servation, Work for the Blind, Community Betterment, Health and Welfare, and services to boys and girls of the community.
Lions are non-political and non-sectarian. It is composed of lead- ing citizens, and their purpose is to recognize the needs of the com- munity and develop means of meeting them, either through their own effort, or by cooperation with other agencies. Their aim is to make
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the community more attractive, and more active commercially, better known and a better place to live in.
With these things in mind, a group of citizens of Bingham and Moscow entertained an agreement with Lions International to form a Lions Service Club and received their Charter in July 1947.
Allan P. Robinson served as their first president and King Lion. It had a roster of twenty-four active members. Over the years the number of members has increased, and at times decreased, but interest and service have been sustained. A charter member has had 100% perfect attendance, and several have ten-year and more perfect attend- ance buttons.
This year Calvin Cary is the presiding officer, 1962-63, and Joseph Begin is serving as secretary and treasurer.
- JOSEPH BEGIN
Present home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Knowles. The ell was built about 1801 by Joshua Goodrich III; the main part of the house about 1825. The place is still in the family. It was first settled by Joshua and Betsey Robbins Goodrich and passed on to their son, Simeon Granville and Claude Goodrich. Mrs. Knowles is the daughter of Claude.
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Bingham Union Library
T HE STORY OF THE LIBRABY is the story of the women who gave unstintingly of their time to procure the cultural advantages of good reading for their town.
The first record is that of a group of fifty readers forming what was called The Bingham-Moscow-Concord Circulating Library. There were 137 books and dues were twenty-five cents a year. Mrs. Joel Colby was one of the first presidents. It was formed in 1856.
In 1872 it was reorganized, dues were doubled and there were 400 books, one of which remains on the shelves - it is "The Memoirs of the Reverend Josiah Peet". The books were kept in various homes, in stores, once in the post office, and later were stored for a time in the Old Church. All this time the women collected the dues, kept the records and from time to time purchased new books.
In 1921 a committee was appointed by the Century Club to see what could be done to revive the association. Mrs. Lucinda Moore, Mrs. Mary Baker and Mrs. Alice Goodrich, chairman, were to look into the possibility of obtaining a regular room. Such a place was found in the corner of the store of Mrs. Etta Holt. The rent was ninety dollars per year. The three women requested an article be placed in the town warrant to obtain one hundred dollars for the Library. There was some opposition, but the husbands of the three ladies were enthusiastic supporters and $150.00 was raised.
The enthusiasm was so well sustained that the list of contributors expanded to list nearly every citizen giving time, money or other support. Mrs. Alice Goodrich became the president of the Library Association. Committees were named to solicit funds, books and mem- bers. Others were named to raise funds through sales and entertain- ment. Almost every week some event was scheduled such as whist parties, dances, food sales, rummage sales and sales of home-made candy.
By 1922 a thousand dollars had been raised and when the little white house on Main Street was offered for sale the Library Association was able to buy it.
This house, built about 1841 or a bit later by Cyrus Hunter, is a typical New England home of the type called Cape Cod. It is a one and a half story building with a central doorway leading into a small entrance hall from which a very unusual circular stairway ascends.
In 1922 the books were placed in the new quarters after gifts of necessary furniture, labor and time had made it possible. Soon after-
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ward a bequest of books from the estate of Mrs. Mary Brainerd con- taining many classics was given. The list of books and the cross-index- ing was done by Roy Savage and Leon Goodrich.
The women continued to raise money by all the various methods until a generous bequest of Mrs. Belle P. Williams paid off the indebt- edness and the remainder of the fund was placed in the bank by the Trustees to be used for future needs.
By 1924 a paid Librarian-still Mrs. Alice Goodrich-was hired for one dollar a week with the stipulation that the building be open two days each week. At last the Library was firmly established as a part of the community. After serving thirteen years Mrs. Goodrich died in 1937.
Mrs. Myrtie Cummings, Mrs. Eda Williams, Mrs. Vera Lindsley and Miss Rebecca Gilman filled in the next years.
In 1953 it became necessary to find a Librarian. Mrs. Elizabeth G. Jordan agreed to move into the south half of the building and to serve as Librarian. Accordingly, the stacks and bookcases were moved to the north side, a small room was made into a room for the children's books, a new heating system installed, and the south rooms became her home. Since that time she has continued with her work, and both the south and north sides have become more home-like by her presence.
There are now approximately four thousand volumes consisting of reference books, good adult fiction, classics, and a very fine collection of children's books. The Library rooms are open on Tuesdays from 3 to 5, and Saturdays 2 to 5, and Saturday evenings 7 to 9. During school weeks it is open during noon hour for convenience of pupils. The past year there were 3,897 books taken out, 861 by children and 2,029 by adults. It is hoped that this number will continue to increase.
- MRS. EDMUND C. MELCHER
ICO
Water Supply
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