USA > Maine > Penobscot County > Holden > Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington : history and families > Part 18
USA > Maine > Penobscot County > Eddington > Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington : history and families > Part 18
USA > Maine > Penobscot County > Orrington > Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington : history and families > Part 18
USA > Maine > Penobscot County > Brewer > Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington : history and families > Part 18
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This sounds like a very ambitious study program for the young ladies, as did such subjects as "Women's Suffrage", and "The
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Advisibility of Admitting the Dominion of Canada to the United States", which were assigned for discussion at subsequent meet- ings.
That the young ladies were not entirely devoted to the pursu- ance of the affairs of the world is shown in their plans for a minstrel show and buck-board ride.
Discussions on "Dress Reforms" and "Bicycle Riding" shower that they were interested in problems which might concern them more closely than the topics mentioned above. On January 31, 1896, the club held an oyster stew supper and entertainment at the Chapel, the money to be used for a library which they planned to start at South Brewer. They took in over $40.00.
They voted to hire a room over Sargent & Herrick's Store for the library for which the club was to pay $3.00 a month for six months. At the first anniversary meeting on February 14, 1896, the library committee reported that they had secured a stove and lamps and subscribed to a number of magazines. The library was to be open on Tuesday and Saturday and the mem- bers were assigned to serve as librarians.
Although the reports from which these notes were taken ceased in 1897, the club must have continued to prosper for some years. A note from the Maine Federation of Women's Clubs shows that on October 20, 1899, they were informed that their club was admitted to the state federation. The cash book which accom- panied the secretary's reports shows items entered until 1902, then speaks of continuing in another book. Almost all of the items mentioned are in connection with the library and its upkeep. That such a worthwhile organization should have grown from the suggestion of one young lady made at a social affair speaks well for the civic interest and pride of the members of the group.
OAK HILL CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
The Oak Hill Cemetery Improvement Association was organized on January 19, 1894, for the purpose of improving the appear- ance of Oak Hill Cemetery. In April following its organization the association petitioned the city government as follows:
"We, the undersigned committee representing the Oak Hill Cemetery Improvement Association respectfully petition your
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honorable body that a certain tract of land containing and sur- round the pond, so-called, situated in Oak Hill Cemetery, be set aside or allotted to the purpose of a public park or garden and that this association be allowed to make such im- provements therein as may be desired and in accordance with such plans as the associations may desire. They furthermore pray that said land shall be set aside perpetually for the purpose named.
Mrs. Leslie Kellen Mrs. Benjamin Tefft Mrs. S. A. Burr
The petition was referred to the committee on cemeteries and later in the same month the report was given:
April 30, 1894
To the City Council of Brewer:
The Cemetery Committee recommended that a piece of land in Oak Hill Cemetery be set apart to use as a park, bounded as follows: Commencing on the street which runs at right angles from Main Street to the back line of the cemetery to a point opposite the Holyoke Lot, and running along said street about 60 feet, thence northerly along said street about 160 feet, thence westerly about 55 feet to a large boulder; thence southerly about 160 feet to the point started from. The pond, so-called, is included in this park. They also recommend that the Oak Hill Cemetery Improvement Association be allowed to improve and beautify said park, subject to the control of the City Council.
S. E. Stone D. A. Sargent Cemetery Committee
The City Council voted to set aside the park as the land described in the committee's report. They also voted to allow the association to take gravel, cobblestones, and the like from the city gravel lot as the need arose for them.
From that time on the ladies worked independently, the latter being the last request which they made to the city. They ac- complished their purpose to the fullest extent and succeeded in making the cemetery one of the beauty spots of the city. Many hours of labor were put into the tasks of planting the tulip bulbs in the fall and seedlings and other plants in the spring; of
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making sure the pool was kept clean and the fountain was in good working order.
In order that these things might be accomplished, money was needed. Nothing daunted this little group went to work to earn the money to take care of their needs. Numerous suppers and food sales were held and each year a membership drive was held.
While some of the money was used each year to refresh the flower beds and care for them, the ladies did much of this work themselves and so were able to put away a little money each year until their dearest dream was finally realized. During 1930 they were able to finance the erection of an entrance gate and a walk gate, both of which added greatly to the appearance of the cemetery.
Many improvements were made to the park and these were kept up through the years resulting in a cemetery of such beauty that it might compare favorably with any to be found in a city of this size.
The Association ceased to exist several years ago, but the park with its lovely flower beds, pond, and fountain, as well as the gate, remains as a lasting memorial to the loyal endeavor of this group of enterprising women.
THE M. P. M. CLUB
The M. P. M. Club was organized in October, 1892, by Mrs. Katherine Gardner. It was first called the Women's Literary Club. As it met on Monday afternoons it gradually became known as the M. P. M. Club.
A study club, limited to a membership of twenty-five women, each member is required to entertain and prepare one program yearly. All members are also required to hold office in the club, serving alphabetically.
Mrs. Gardner was the first president and was succeeded by Mrs. Sarah Farrington, who conducted the meetings and prepared the programs for the next two years.
The Club sponsored the first school lunches, providing the utensils and dishes, and taking turns in preparing and serving the food. The first projects of the group were for the benefit of the library and the schools.
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When the Brewer High School building, which is at present used for the Junior High School, was built in 1926, the club gave card parties and concerts, earning several hundred dollars with which they bought the chairs, tables, and steel stacks; in fact the entire equipment for the school library.
A constant interest is maintained in the Brewer Public Library and regular donations are made for the book shelf and for periodicals.
Each year at the commencement exercises held at Brewer High School, a book is presented to the senior girl who has shown the most improvement in English during her four years at the high school.
While none of the original members still survive, many of their descendants carry on. Becoming a member is considered an honor as each person is carefully chosen with the idea that she will help to carry on the traditions of the group.
Special programs in recognition of the seventieth anniversary of the club will be held in the fall of 1962.
THE VOLUNTEER CIRCLE OF THE KING'S DAUGHTERS
The Volunteer Circle of the King's Daughters was organized on November 29, 1892, at the home of Mrs. Harriett Lord, Holyoke Street. There were ten charter members: Mrs. G. P. Aiken, Mrs. N. H. Hall, Mrs. C. A. Hall, Mrs. G. E. Pettengell, Mrs. G. E. Homstead, Mrs. H. G. Lord, Mrs. W. E. Pierce, Mrs. W. E. Russ, Miss Effie Aiken, and Miss Etta Aiken.
On April 6, 1909, the members voted to become affiliated with the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons which was organized in January 1886.
The first two fifty-year citations were awarded to Mrs. Amos Saulsbury and Mrs. Hudson Hall on October 5, 1945. Since that time several other 50-year citations have been given to other members. There are at the present time ten members that have belonged to the group for thirty years.
In the summer of 1947, the first Maine Chautauqua girl was sent to Chautauqua, N. Y. Phyllis Burrill, the daughter of a member of the Brewer Circle was chosen for this honor.
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As it was originally organized the circle was open to all ladies in the community and was charitable in nature. About 1930, it became a closed circle, - open only to ladies of the First Congregational Church of Brewer.
During World War II, members made over 5,000 articles for the Red Cross. The group has stood ready at all times to give aid to any person or persons in need in the community. Since of late there have been fewer calls for assistance, the members have turned their energies toward helping the Maine Seacoast Mission.
In 1961, as a branch of the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons, the Volunteer Circle held a meeting and a party to observe the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the Order.
During the past 20 years, three members of this circle have been state of Maine branch presidents. They are Mrs. Royce Allen, Mrs. Loren Thompson, and Mrs. Victor Whitehouse. The loss of many of the records over the years make a complete history impossible.
The meetings which consist of a work period in the forenoon, followed by a luncheon and a business session are held regularly on the first Wednesday of each month from October to June. During the summer months picnics are enjoyed.
ESTHER REBEKAH LODGE #54 I.O.O.F.
The institution of Esther Rebekah Lodge took place at Patten Hall on February 21, 1895. Samuel Adams, grand Master of the Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F. of Maine presided at the meeting. The new lodge was opened by Gertrude W. Sargent, Warden, of the Rebekah Assembly of Maine.
Officers elected to direct the endeavors of this group were: Emily L. Merrill, Noble Grand; Grace E. Sargent, Vice Grand; Clara Archer, Secretary; Emma A. Burr, treasurer; Emogene Sawyer, warden; Mertie Curtis, conductor; Lydia Swett, chap- lain; Gertrude Bennett, right supporter of the Noble Grand; Fannie Kenney, left supporter of the Noble Grand; Addie Hall, right supporter of the Vice Grand; Alice Washburn, left supporter of the Vice Grand; Nellie Patten, inside guardian; and Stephen Sawyer, outside guardian. These officers were installed by Mr. Adams. Edward B. Burr, Minnie Lane, and Eda Nickerson were the first trustees.
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The purpose of the lodge is to cultivate and extend the social and fraternal relations of life.
Members of the lodge who have held high offices have been: Leon Higgins, William Merrill, Rev. John H. Miller, Forrest Paine, Mrs. Mary Burr, Mrs. Josephine Higgins, Clara Archer, Josephine Averill, Augusta Jenkins, Maude Getchell, and Mary Ellingwood.
On February 21, 1896 the first anniversary was observed with a social. The 25th anniversary was observed on February 16, 1920 with a program and refreshments. At the regular meeting on February 19, 1945, the 50th anniversary was celebrated with a supper and entertainment. The latter affair was highlighted with the presentation of the 50-year jewel to the first Noble Grand, Emily L. Merrill.
This group is now looking forward to its 75th anniversary.
COLONEL BREWER LODGE 356 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
The lodge was instituted on the 6th of May, 1901, with twenty-six charter members, none of which number now survive. The organization meeting was held in the Patten Block where they continued to meet each Thursday night.
Officers elected at this time were: Chancellor Commander, Charles M. Curtis; Vice Chancellor, Walter J. Sargent; Prelate, Charles H. Small; Master of Work, Lester A. Penney; Secretary, William M. Maling; Financial Secretary, Howard N. Floyd, Treasurer, Daniel J. Dooey; Master-at-Arms, Arthur M. Aiken; Inner Guard, Maurice H. French; and Outer Guard, John C. Getchell.
During its years of existence Colonel Brewer Lodge has always contributed generously to all local and national charities and has sponsored several projects which show the interest which it has held in the young people of the community. They sponsored the "Princes of Syracuse", a junior lodge for boys.
Currently the lodge is sponsoring a public speaking contest for the high school students of this area. Through a process of eliminating contests a college scholarship is awarded the win- ning speaker.
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Meetings are still held every Thursday night, the meeting place at the present time being a two story brick building on Center Street which is owned by the lodge.
BOY SCOUTS
Troop 1, Brewer of the Boy Scouts of America, seems to be entitled to be called "Troop #1, United States of America". The official Boy Scout organization was instituted in 1910 in this country, while in Brewer the "Brewer Congregational Scouts" were organized on October 25, 1909.
The man most responsible for the forming of this group was Mr. F. C. Oliver, an English student at the Bangor Theological Seminary. Scouts had already been established in England under the leadership of Lord Baden-Powell, and it was after this pattern that Mr. Oliver planned to make the group in Brewer. The boys were divided into two groups, junior and senior Boy Scouts.
At the organizational meeting, October 25, 1909, the follow- ing charter members were reported: Ernest Turner, Stanley Currier, Elmer Stymiest, Earl Rider, Roland Libhart, Audrey Wallace, Harlan Clapp, Earle Bunker, Leon Thomas, Ralph Gordon, Vance Libby, and Frederick Prescott. Chosen also at this meeting were the officers: Rev. Warren Morse, pastor of the church, president; F. C. Oliver, Commandant; Ralph Fraser, Treasurer; and Victor Vereault, captain; Merrill Sproul, Lieuten- ant; Arthur French, Secretary; and R. F. Bunker, assistant secre- tary.
The Constitution and By-Laws were adopted at this first meet- ing and the meeting place was given the name of "Scouts' Hall". It is said to have been a room below the vestry of the First Congregational Church. As we recall the room which has been used as the meeting place for Troop 1 for a great many years, it is on the second floor of that building and is always referred to as the "Scout Room." This is still the home of Troop #1, B. S. A.
On Memorial Day, 1911, the scouts of Troop #1 were given a citation by Governor Plaisted, in recognition of their services on guard duty during the Bangor Fire which occurred that year.
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Scouting has flourished over the years in Brewer and not only Troop #1, but several other troops of Boy Scouts and dens of Cub Scouts have contributed to the moral and physical develop- ment of the boys of our city.
ARCADIA TEMPLE #93 PYTHIAN SISTERS
The Pythian Sisters is the women's branch of the Knights of Pythias, which is one of the oldest benevolent, fraternal organiza- tions in the country, having been founded in 1864. Joseph Addi- son Hill was the founder of the Pythian Sisters.
Arcadia Temple #93 was instituted February 16, 1912, by Mrs. Jennie Dockham, Belfast Maine, with fourteen charter mem- bers. The officers elected at this time were: Past Chief, Nettie M. Royal; Most Excellent Chief, Agnes G. More; Excellent Senior, Gertrude B. Aiken; Excellent Junior, Ethel M. Carlisle; Manager, Amy E. Howard; Mistress of Records and Correspond- ence, Annie B. Dooey; Mistress of Finance, Lois E. Sargent; Protector, Grace E. French; Guard, Alice C. Yeaton; Pianist, Nellie M. Fraser; and Trustees, Hattie L. More, Alice T. Cole, and Laura E. Fogg.
The charter members were: Agnes G. More, Lois E. Sargent, Nettie M. Royal, Alice T. Cole, Grace E. French, Alice C. Yeaton, Amy E. Howard, Hattie L. More, Harriet A. Power, Nellie M. Fraser, Stella H. Hayward, Gertrude B. Aiken, Laura E. Fogg, Annie B. Dooey, Deborah A. Farrington, and G. Homer Fraser.
The Pythian Sisters is made up of a state Temple, known as the Grand Temple, and a Supreme Temple. There are at the present time 59 subordinate temples in Maine. Each of these is entitled to a representative to the Grand Temple Session which is usually held in Portland in April. The Grand Temple, in turn, has a representative to the Supreme Temple.
At first the meetings were held in the Odd Fellows Hall in the Carter Block on Main Street, on the first and third Fridays of each month. Meetings are still held on these days, but in a building on Center Street, owned by the Knights of Pythias.
The group contributed to all worthy community projects and organizations, with special attention to Child Welfare and to the Heart Fund. There is an active Sewing Club which sponsors a fair and a supper each year, the proceeds going to the upkeep of the Temple rooms. Mrs. Mellie Jacobs was the first president
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of the Sewing Club. This group meets on the opposite weeks to the Temple meetings on Wednesday nights.
DANIEL E. GEAGAN POST #98, AMERICAN LEGION
The Brewer Legion Post was organized on March 12, 1920, and named in honor of Daniel E. Geagan who was killed in action in France on July 22, 1918, at the age of twenty.
William J. Dunn, first commander of the Post, resigned after a few months to candidate for political office. He was succeeded by John F. Long.
The charter members of the Post were: Jason W. Ash, Robert H. Barbour, Harvey F. Basford, William B. Bell, William A. Brennan, Sewall C. Brown, William S. Brown, Richard O. Burrill, Frank E. Caine, Lester F. Carlisle, Charles W. Carr, Francis B. Carter, Rolf H. Cahoon, Leon J. Collins, Everett A. Cook, Harry W. Cook, Francis F. Daily, Joseph B. Davies, Walter E. Day, John L. Dearborn, William Devoe, Irving T. Doyle, John J. Dunn, William J. Dunn, George P. Dyer, Arthur L. Edgecomb, Clarence L. Emerson, Donald L. Fraser, Ralph A. Fraser, Arthur H. French, John H. Geagan, Ralph N. Gordon, Raymond A. Gordon, Robert E. Grant, Preston W. Gray, Crosby B. Grover, Everett M. Harriman, George J. Hart, Bernard P. Hartery, Leo J. Hartery, William Hartery, Carleton S. Herrick, William J. Hodgins, Amasa Jackson, Charles A. Johnson, N. Edward Johnson, Charles P. Kavanagh, Howard W. Kealiher, Alfred L. Kelley, Carl U. Kelley, Joseph G. Kelley, Harry L. Kenney, William G Kenney Jr., William A. L. King, William J . LeClair, George A. Libby, Elmer F. Little, Theodore Littlefield, John F. Long, J. Charles MacDonald, Ray D. Mackinnon, Sanford Mac- Kinnon, Harold J. Mclaughlin, Charles I. Merrill Jr., Harold H. Muldoon, Herrick J. Murray, H. Carl Mutty, James Mutty, Arno W. Nickerson, Earl W. Parker, Kenneth W. Perry, Stanley P. Peters, Harold D. Phillips, William P. Pooler, Charles B. Prim, Ernest Puffer, Charles W. Richards, Earl C. Rider, Hartley E. Rider, Duncan Robertson, Alton G. Rowe, Walter E. Scott, Roger E. Small, Wesley Smith, Phillip L. Sprague, Roy W. Sprague, Earl L. Swett, William F. Swett, Calvin M. Thomas, Leon J. Thomas, Frank A. Trundy, James G. Tyrrell, Kenneth E. Vaughan, George V. Vereault, Aloysius J. Verow, Peter M. Viricel, Charles C. Washburn, Peter N. Wedge, Merl P. Weymouth, Pearley J. Wilbur, Aldis H. Williams, Ralph
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J. Winslow, John P. Wray, Phillip J. Wray, and William R. Wray.
On the first Memorial Day after its institution the Post turned out in uniform and paid tribute to the war dead. On each succeeding Memorial Day members of the Legion have attended the services at both the North Brewer and Oak Hill Cemeteries.
On November 11, 1920, Mayor Hutchings presented the Post with colors given by Lewis A. Savage in memory of Harold L. Savage, who was killed while flying in the Canadian Air Service.
Some of the projects which have been sponsored by the Legion over the years have been: Salvation Army drive with $1,300 raised; service and rehabilitation for the sick and disabled veterans and their families; child welfare work; an annual school children's picnic held for many years at Eddington Pond; Grammar School play days for several years; two free skating rinks - Ice Revues formed part of this program; and representatives to Dirigo Boys' State from the Junior Class at the High School.
In 1936, the Post sent the Brewer High School Baseball Team to Fenway Park to attend the games there. They trained a twirling corps of girls and also a girls' Drum and Bugle Corps. Their own Drum and Bugle Corps, with Earl "Barney" Parker as first Drum Major, became quite famous.
On May 14, 1934, a squadron of the Sons of the American Legion was formed. They met at the Central Fire Station as did the Post and Auxiliary until Jan. 9, 1949 when they moved into new quarters at the Auditorium.
The Daniel E. Geagan Post was instrumental in founding the Athletic Field, which was named after Irving Doyle, Past Com- mander of the Post.
The Legion sponsored one of the first Junior Legion Baseball teams in the state. The team started in 1929 with William "Chick" Baker as coach and Irving Doyle as manager. In 1941 the team won the State Championship and went on to New Hampshire to compete for the New England Championship, where they won their first game before being eliminated.
History medals are awarded each year to the boy at Brewer High School for excellence in the study and exemplification of the principles of American History. This program has recently
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been expanded and medals are also presented to outstanding history students at the Brewer Junior High School and St. Teresa's Grammar School.
The Post has participated in the "Back to God" movement since its origin in 1951. This a program designed to preserve our freedom through a spiritual awakening of the people of our Country.
Daniel E. Lambert of Orrington, brought honor to the Post when he was awarded the George Washington Gold Honor Medal for two years in succession, 1960-61. The awards which were given by the Freedoms' Foundation at Valley Forge, were for Mr. Lambert's outstanding public addresses on Americanism. Long active in the ranks of the American Legion, Mr. Lambert served two terms as Penobscot County Commander, followed by two terms as Fifth District Commander of the Maine American Legion.
Many men have given of their time and talents to support the programs of the Daniel E. Geagan Post. Serving as Post Com- manders have been: William Dunn, John F. Long, Harry L. Kenney, Hartley E. Rider, Joseph Kelley, Howard Kealiher, Win- throp L. McBride, Sewall C. Brown, Leon J. Thomas, Charles Kavanaugh, Eugene E. Jameson, William G. Kenney, Roland E. Barter, Ralph J. Winslow, Irving Doyle, Howard Salisbury, Wesley Richardson, Richard Pooler, Earl W. Parker, Aloysius Verow, Carleton Herrick, Leo Hartery, Harold Springer, Guy Penley, Hugh Tracey, Theodore Littlefield, Duncan McEachern, Henry Law, Gay Bradbury, Elmore Richardson, William Tardiff, E. T. Law, Frank Jewell, Henry King, Jr., Robert Grant, Ralph C. Ham, J. Elmer Hay, Elias Ferris (Honorary Past Commander ), Charles C. Campbell, Robert Reed, Carl Estabrook, Herbert H. Helseth and at present the acting Commander Daniel E. Lam- bert.
Past Penobscot County Commanders from Brewer include Jasper B. Cousens, Sewall C. Brown, J. William Rogers, Aloysius J. Verow, Hugh T. Tracey, Daniel E. Lambert, and J. Elmer Hay, Hugh Tracey and Daniel Lambert are also Past Fifth District Commanders.
The late Rev. Basil C. Gleason, a well-loved minister in the Brewer area, at one time served as Department Chaplain.
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Charles C. Campbell is Post Historian. The material con- tributed for this history was concluded with the following appro- priate paragraph:
"This history is dedicated to the memory of the men and women of the city of Brewer and surrounding communities, who went forth from the homeland they love so well to fight in defense of our Nation in World War I and II and the Korean War and especially to those gallant Sons and Daughters of America who made the Supreme Sacrifice. Theirs was the light that did not fail, and their courage, an example that will live forever."
DANIEL E. GEAGAN UNIT #98, AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
November 1919 marked the beginning of one of the largest and most influential organizations of women in world history. The Brewer unit, numbering among the early ones to be estab- lished, consisted of the following charter members: Minnie L. Rider, Bessie L. Fraser, Mae B. Rowe, Charlotte A. Dunn, Martha Basford, Gertrude E. Hinkley, Effie W. Brown, Ada D. Wray, Lillian D. Kenney, Alice L. Vayo, Minnie L. Young, Muriel E. Grant, Helena Swett, Mae Kelley Long, Susan Geagan, Flor- ence Aiken, Honora A. Kelley, M. Josephine Kelley, Josephine H. Andrews Powers, Ada M. Washburn, Evelyn Vayo, Sarah E. Thomas, Mabel A. Perry, Anne M. Hodgins, Ethel M. Dunn, Winnie B. Swett, and Hattie Burns.
The rules, by-laws, and programs followed those of the depart- ment and national organizations, consisting of Americanism, Child Welfare, Community Service, Rehabilitation, and help to the Legion Programs. At the first national convention the name of this group was changed from the "Women's Auxiliary" to the American Legion Auxiliary. At this time the poppy was adopted as the memorial flower. The Brewer group buys at least 3,000 of these each year. The flowers are made by veterans at Togus hospital and the sale enables the hospitalized veterans to earn something besides contributing to a fund to carry on the work of the Auxiliary. This program is carried on in the month of May.
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