USA > Maine > Sagadahoc County > Bath > History of Bath and environs, Sagadahoc County, Maine. 1607-1894 > Part 21
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HISTORY OF BATH.
The car factory was the only building the committee could secure that would be large enough to accommodate the immense gathering they had every reason to expect, as invitations to the number of two thousand had been sent throughout the state, over seven hundred of this number having been used in Bath. Invitations had been sent to Governor Harris M. Plaisted and to other distinguished gentlemen. The different Commanderies of the state were invited collectively. They number thirteen as follows, and delegations from nearly all were present: Maine Commandery, Gardiner; Portland Commandery, Portland; Saint Johns Commandery, Bangor; Brad- ford Commandery, Saco; Dunlap Commandery, Bath; Lewiston Commandery, Lewiston; Trinity Commandery, Augusta; Saint Alban Commandery, Portland; Claremont Commandery, Rockland; DeMolay Commandery, Skowhegan; Saint Bernard Commandery, Eastport; Saint Omer Commandery, Waterville; Blanquefort Com- mandery, Portland.
The opening march was a beautiful spectacle and was partici- pated in by two hundred and fifty couples, the Commandery and visiting Knights appearing in full Knight Templar regalia. At its close, the Commandery, leaving their ladies, gathered in the center of the hall, where a magnificent double silk banner. with a heavy border of gold bullion fringe was presented to them by some leading citizens. F. B. Torrey presented the banner with well chosen remarks. Joseph M. Hayes, Eminent Commander, accepted the gift in behalf of the Commandery.
'Through all the broad space, wherever the eye turned, it was one bewildering, dazzling maze of feminine beauty. To describe in detail each rich costume would be to paint every color in a forest of tropical birds. They were lovely and attractive.
This notable celebration was inaugurated by the Sagadahoc His- torical Society, in which its president, Mr. Albert G. Page, took the leading part, attending to all the details that ensured success to the timely undertaking, which was worthy of the great ship-building city.
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HISTORY OF BATH.
THE MYSTIC ORDERS.
MASONIC.
Solar Lodge. - On the tenth day of September, 1804, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts granted authority to William King, Andrew Greenwood, Tileston Cushing, William Ledyard, William Allen, Arthur Wales, David Stinson, Joseph Torrey, Benjamin Swanton and Samuel Adams to open a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title of Solar Lodge of Bath, to commence Dec. 10, 1804. The first meeting under the charter was held in Winship Hall, at which time the lodge was organized by electing WILLIAM KING, Worshipful Master, and the necessary corps of officers.
The first officers of the lodge were not installed until the lodge was consecrated, Sept. 26, 1805. The Lincoln Lodge of Wiscasset was invited to attend on the occasion. Besides the installing officers of the Grand Lodge, one hundred members of the order were present and marched in procession to the North meeting-house, where the Reverend Brother John Turner of Biddeford delivered an address, and the consecration and installation ceremony was per- formed, followed with an address by the Grand Master, Woodbury Storer.
On the retirement of William King as Worshipful Master at the close of his term of one year, a Worthy Past Master's jewel was presented to him by the lodge. The membership at the end of the first year was thirty-two.
In December, 1824, it was "Voted that the lodge dispense with the use of distilled spirits at all times, and wines except on festival evenings, for the year ensuing."
The Past Masters now living are: David R. Wylie, Joseph M. Hayes, Henry W. Rugg, Larkin Dunton, Horatio AA. Duncan, James B. Wescott, A. R. Cahill, Turner MeCarty, John H. Stantial, John R. Knowlton, Walter G. Webber, Oscar F. Williams, William H. Hartwell, George Ed. Litchfield, Fred W. Rideout, Bant Hanson, Albert A. Robinson, Seth T. Snipe.
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HISTORY OF BATH.
At an early day the Masonic order was about the only mystic society in this section of the country. There existed much preju- dice against Masonry and secret societies in general. Many good people thought they saw no good but possible evil in them - or "why should such secrecy be observed"? Consequently, while the Morgan excitement prevailed, Masonry became unpopular. Lodges hardly dared to meet, and the order went down to a low ebb. In the meantime Odd Fellowship came into favor and flourished. This was stimulating to Free Masons, who revived the working of the order, and gradually its meetings became well attended and its former prestige established. During all the years of the depressed state of the order there were some of the Bath brethren who held fast to their Masonic integrity. Prominently among those were William King and John Elliot. Solar Lodge now has 300 members.
The Montgomery Royal Arch Chapter .- In accordance with a dispensation granted by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massa- chusetts, a meeting was convened in Bath on Dec. 27, 1819, on which occasion James McLellan, David Stinson, Peter H. Green, Robert P. Dunlap and six other "Companions " were present and were organized into a chapter, of which Robert P. Dunlap was made High Priest, James McLellan, Royal Arch Captain; and the other necessary officers chosen, forming the Montgomery Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2.
In 1845, the chapter began holding its convocations alternate years in Bath and Brunswick, and so continued until April 4, 1860, when it became permanently located in Bath. In 1863, the Brunswick members formed the St. Paul's Chapter in Brunswick and trans- ferred their membership accordingly, yet Robert P. Dunlap always retained his membership in the Bath chapter.
Those who have held the office of High Priest in Montgomery Chapter now living in Bath are: Andrew J. Fuller, John O. Shaw, Joseph M. Hayes, John W. Ballou, E. M. Fuller.
St. Bernard Royal Arch Chapter, No. 23, was constituted May 23, 1876, with John. W. Ballou, High Priest; Larkin Dunton, King; Joseph M. Hayes, Scribe. This chapter was the most prosperous
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and flourishing Masonic body in the city for three years, and having accomplished its object it consolidated with the mother chapter, May 6, 1879, under the style and name of Montgomery and St. Bernard Chapter, No. 2.
Montgomery and St. Bernard Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2, was constituted May 6, 1879, by the consolidation of Montgomery Chapter, No. 2, and St. Bernard Chapter, No. 23, with Horatio A. Duncan, High Priest. The Past High Priests are H. A. Duncan, W. Scott Shorey, David R. Wylie, John W. Ballou, Hiram Welch, Charles A. Coombs, Turner McCarty, Oscar F. Williams, Walter S. Russell, Charles W. Clifford.
Dunlap Commandery, No. 5, Knights Templars, was chartered May 3, 1864. Past Eminent Commanders are David Owen, Charles H. Mclellan, John W. Ballou, H. A. Duncan, John O. Shaw, Hiram Welch, Joseph M. Hayes, Edwin M. Fuller, William D. Mussenden, George H. Clark, William B. Palmer, George L. Thompson.
Polar Star Lodge. - This lodge was founded by those who were identified with the Bath Solar Lodge, among whom were Andrew J. Fuller, David . Owen, John H. Mclellan, and David T. Stinson, charter members, and there were ten others. The lodge was organized March 7, 1863, with A. J. Fuller, Worshipful Master, and was constituted May 8, 1863. The Masters have been Andrew J. Fuller, John W. Ballou, Charles W. Larrabee, Charles H. McLel- lan, Hiram A. Turner, Timothy B. Curtis, William C. Duncan, Edwin M. Fuller, Charles W. Arras, Walter S. Russell, William B. Palmer, William H. Swett, Augustus C. Sprague, George H. Clark. This lodge has 221 names on its roll of membership.
Other Orders. - INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, Lin- coln Lodge, chartered August 1, 1844, reorganized later; Sagadahoc Encampment; Canton King; Queen Esther Daughters of Rebecca. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS, Popham Lodge; Bath Lodge; Juvenile Lodge; Good Cheer Lodge; White Cross Lodge. KNIGHTS OF LABOR. ROYAL ARCANEUM, William King Lodge. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, Acadia Lodge, organized 1876; Patten Lodge; Bath Division, Uniform Rank. A. O. F., Sagadahoc Lodge.
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HISTORY OF BATH.
AMERICAN BROTHERHOOD OF STEAMBOAT PILOTS, Sasanoa Lodge. UNITED ORDER OF THE GOLDEN CROSS, Katahdin Commandery. IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN, organized March 26, 1889.
ASSOCIATIONS.
BATH LOAN AND BUILDING ASSOCIATION; SAGADAHOC CLUB; SAGADAHOC ASSOCIATION FOR PROTECTION OF FISH AND GAME; SEDGWICK POST OF GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC; SEDGWICK RELIEF CORPS; SAGADAHOC GUN CLUB; WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION; PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA; BATH ROWING CLUB; THE YOUNG WOMAN'S TEMPERANCE UNION, styling them- selves the Y's; YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR; MISSIONARY AND CHARITABLE SOCIETY; WILLIAM KING COUNCIL OF LAW AND ORDER LEAGUE; THE BEES, a charitable association of young women; OLYMPIAN CLUB, for debate by young men; THE KING'S DAUGHTERS; KING'S SONS.
Young Men's Christian Association. - The association was organized Jan. 4, 1889, and held its first religious service the 4th of the following February. An excellent suite of eleven rooms was opened to the young men June 17th of the same year. Galen C. Moses was its first president and W. J. Chad- bourne its first general secretary. Its board of directors includes some of the most prominent and successful business men in the city. The membership of the organization numbered, Nov. 1, 1890, 260 young men.
Evening educational classes, sociables, entertainments, lectures, and Bible classes have been among the attractions and privileges offered young men. The boarding-house register, correspondence desk, and the department of visitation of the sick are important factors in the work.
During the year ending May, 1892, the applications for em- ployment were 40; directed to employment, 26; destitute young men assisted, 13. Forty young men's meetings were held during
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the year with a total attendance of 2,236; average attendance, 56. Ten young men professed conversion; some of whom joined the churches. Several sick young men were called on and assisted in various ways.
The rooms are open daily and evenings as a quiet resort, where there are papers and periodicals for gratuitous use.
This association is now (1893) engaged in erecting at the south- west corner of Summer and Front streets a large building for its uses; the lower story to be rented for business purposes.
THE SAGADAHOC HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
In view of the fact that the region of country of which the Lower Kennebec is the center is rich in historical lore, it was believed by some of the citizens of Bath having a taste for historical matters that an effort should be made to gather up and preserve facts of local history, and to collect and preserve relics of the past while yet in existence. To accomplish these purposes, a meeting of persons interested in antiquarian research was held in the common council room, Oct. 5, 1877, and consisted of Edwin Reed, then mayor of the city, C. A. Packard, George Prince, Samuel F. Dike, George A. Preble, Joseph M. Hayes, Elisha Upton, John G. Richardson, Har- old M. Sewall, Levi P. Lemont, A. G. Page, R. D. Bibber, Chapin Weston, J. L. Douglas. Of this meeting Edwin Reed was chair- man and Elisha Upton, secretary. It was decided to organize a historical society, and a committee, consisting of J. G. Richardson, Elisha Upton, Edwin Reed, J. M. Hayes, and George Prince, was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws.
A second meeting was held on December 4, 1877, at which the society was organized under the title of the Sagadahoc Historical Society, with Edwin Reed, president, and Charles A. Packard, vice-president. For the year 1878, the board of officers were re-elected. At the annual meeting of 1879, the same officers were again chosen and R. D. Bibber was elected treasurer, which office he held till 1890. In 1880, C. A. Packard became president and A. G. Page, vice-president, and the other officers were re-elected
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for 1881. In 1882, Albert G. Page became president and James D. Robinson, vice-president, and were re-elected each succeeding year until 1887, when Parker M. Reed was elected president and J. D. Robinson, vice-president, who were re-elected the two succeeding years. In 1889, Parker M. Reed was again chosen president and John G. Richardson, vice-president. In 1890, R. D. Bibber was elected president, J. G. Richardson, vice-president, and W. W. Rob- inson, treasurer, all of whom were re-elected in 1891 and 1892, with the exception of George E. Newman, vice-president. For 1893 the former officers were re-elected. J. L. Douglas has been secretary since the existance of the society.
During the presidency of Mr. Page and by his efforts, a course of lectures was held one winter with success, and at various times other single historical lectures have been given by historians from neighboring towns. At the meetings of the society many papers have been read by its members, treating of local historical events and of prominent men of early times.
Since 1883 annual Field-day excursions have been taken by the society and its friends. For the first year, under the auspices of President Page, a small steamer was chartered for the day, and a select party of forty ladies and gentlemen enjoyed a day's outing at Arrowsic, the site of ancient "New Town," where the party visited the spot where stood the old Georgetown meeting-house and the ancient cemeteries, and then proceeded to Fort Popham.
On the Field-day of 1884, a crowded steamer took the historical party to Sheepscot River, making a landing at the Edgecomb block- house of 1809.
In 1885, the Maine Historical Society united with the Sagadahoc Society and went on steamer to Stage Island and Popham.
In 1886, the society with friends took a carriage ride to Cape Small Point, where members were the invited guests of M. B. Spinney at the Spinney Cottage Hotel. A paper on the history of ancient Augusta by P. M. Reed was read by his son, A. A. Reed, followed by brief addresses from A. G. Tenney and H. O. Thayer; the remains of the fort of ancient Augusta, of 1716, at the Harbor, and other historical points, were visited.
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HISTORY OF BATH.
In 1887, the steam yacht Juno, owned by Mr. Amory M. Hough- ton, was placed at the service of the society by the courtesy of Mr. John R. Houghton for a trip to the Upper Kennebec, when the old Pownalborough court-house of 1761 and site of Fort Shirley were visited, proving to be points of much historical interest.
In 1888, the excursion was to the "Pot holes" at Riggsville, Boothbay Harbor, and the Inner Heron Island, by a large party invited by a committee of ladies of the society.
On the Field-day of 1889, the Pejepscot Historical Society of Brunswick came over by the cars and joined the Sagadahoc Society in a visit to Pemaquid, as was the case in 1893.
Parlor Meetings. - In the winter of 1888, a series of meetings were held at residences of members of the society, termed parlor meetings, under the auspices of the president, and papers on local historical subjects were read. These meetings were kept up the following winter with success.
Ladies were admitted to membership by a constitutional amend- ment in 1888, and many joined the society.
The Society's New Room. - The meetings of the society had been held in the common council room in the City Hall up to 1891; the papers and relics belonging to the society having been kept in a chest in the basement of the custom-house for safety. Members had long believed it important to have a suitable room of their own. Accordingly, when plans were drawn for a Public Library Building, a successful effort was made by the president of the society - Parker M. Reed -to secure a room in the building for the society's occupancy, by the courtesy of Mr. Galen C. Moses, the donor and builder of the library edifice. A room in the second story of ample capacity was assigned to this purpose, which the generosity of Mr. Moses completed with fittings of elegance and utility equal to those of the library apartments, providing likewise equal free advantages of heating and lighting. The society was at the expense only of necessary furniture, and is very handsomely and commo- diously accommodated. The society took possession of its new room in January, 1891.
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HISTORY OF BATH.
BOARD OF TRADE.
On May 26, 1863, at a meeting of business men held in the common council room, a Board of Trade was organized, and George A. Preble was elected president. One thousand dollars were esti- mated to be necessary for the expenses in fitting up a room, for telegraph despatches, newspapers, clerk hire, fuel, a bulletin board, and books. A list of 125 subscribers was obtained, whose annual dues were fixed at five dollars; $200 were raised by voluntary sub- scription, which with the annual dues were appropriated for current expenses. The organization was named the Merchants' Exchange Association of Bath. A reading room was procured and fitted up. July 6, 1864. This is the last record of a meeting of the association.
Nov. 20, 1871, an association of citizens met in the custom-house building and organized themselves as the Bath Board of Trade, and elected A. J. Fuller, President, Thomas S. Lang, Vice-President, and William D. Haley, Secretary. In January, 1872, the Board ordered the publication of five hundred circulars for public distri- bution. Feb. 5, 1872, President A. J. Fuller read his first annual address. March 11, 1872, the act granted by the legislature for incorporating the Bath Board of Trade was accepted. In 1881, the Board caused to be prepared and printed in book form "The Annual Report of the Bath Board of Trade," which was prepared and published by Jarvis Patten for that year and 1882, 1883, 1884, and by Albert A. Reed for 1886, 1887, and 1889, and largely circu- lated throughout the maritime sections of the country.
There have been earnest and repeated discussions at the meetings of the Board relative to the matter of encouraging the introduction of manufactures into the city, and committees appointed to take active measures to induce manufacturers who might be looking for a favorable point to establish business to locate in Bath.
The " SPANISH TREATY " of 1885 received extended criticism, in which a large number of prominent business men took part, ending in passing resolutions against the ratification of the treaty.
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HISTORY OF BATH.
Commencing during June, 1886, the subject of introducing water into the city by a system of water works was freely and repeatedly discussed, and favorable recommendation adopted, asking the city government to proceed to perfect the scheme, which was accom- plished in 1887.
The matter of establishing IRON SHIP-BUILDING in Bath received protracted debate for several years, commencing in November, 1887, ending at the establishment of a plant for that purpose, and the contract to construct two gun-boats in 1890, and in 1891 a contract for the Ammen Ram was obtained by the Bath Iron Works.
Much attention has been given by the Board to the securing CONGRESSIONAL AID by subsidy to deep sea-going ships in carrying freight and mails, in order to enable American ships to compete with those of foreign build that enjoy subsidies by the governments under whose flags they sail. To forward this purpose, in 1886, the Board invited the members of the Maine delegation in Congress to visit Bath and examine its facilities for building ships both for the merchant marine and government navy, tendering them a banquet on the occasion. Senator W. P. Frye and Representatives Dingley and Boutelle responded by attendance. Tables were spread at the Sagadahoc House and seats were occupied to their utmost capacity. Addresses were made by Messrs. Frye, Dingley, and Boutelle, and by President Fuller, J. M. Hayes, president of the Board of Alder- men, representing the Mayor in his absence, Thomas W. Hyde, Galen C. Moses, and William Rogers.
The BOARD made an earnest effort in 1887 to bring about making of the ferry and bridges leading into Bath free. The scheme was balloted upon by the towns interested and defeated by five votes.
In 1866, there was a bill before Congress to authorize ships built in foreign countries to be admitted to free registry in the United States. The Board took active and decisive measures to aid in defeating the measure, and after full discussion in regular session, a public meeting was held by the Board in the City Hall and delegates chosen to proceed at once to Washington. For that purpose, a committee of tlie Board raised by subscription ample funds to
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pay the expenses of the delegates, whose services did much to pre- vent the passage of the bill.
In the February of 1888 a BANQUET was held by the Board at the Sagadahoc House, at which there was a large attendance, and brief speeches were made by a large number of members of the Board and its guests.
Officers. - Presidents, George A. Preble, 1863; Andrew J. Fuller from 1871 to 1892; William Rogers, 1892-1893; Vice-Presidents, Thomas S. Lang, Jarvis Patten, Albert G. Page, Parker M. Whit- more from 1885; Secretaries, Henry W. Fuller, William D. Haley, John O. Shaw, Frank W. Weeks from 1879 to 1889 (also treas- urer), Eugene Greenleaf, E. C. Plummer from 1892. In January, 1892, A. J. Fuller declined to be a candidate for president, on account of his age and long service, and William Rogers was elected.
Young Men's Business Club. - In 1886, a Young Men's Business Club was formed with John O. Patten, president, which held spirited meetings. In 1890, the club was reorganized and E. M. Fuller became president, Mr. Patten having moved out of the city; later it was merged into the Board of Trade.
KNOW NOTHING PARTY.
In 1853, a political party suddenly came up and was called the American party. In towns and cities secret orders were formed, composed of adherents to the views that none but native Americans should have a voice in ruling America. They held secret meetings, and when questioned concerning their movements simply said noth- ing or that they "did not know anything." Thus they were given the name of " Know Nothings." Haranguers traveled through the country to stir up the people and the idea took wonderfully. A taking point with them was an onslaught against Catholics. The party carried some states in 1854, among which was Massachusetts. The career of this party ended with one year's triumph. This new movement greatly agitated Bath and led to mob violence.
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HISTORY OF BATH.
On Thursday evening, July 6, 1854, there was witnessed in this city the destruction by a mob of the property of citizens. A street preacher held forth to those who chose to listen to him against Popery. He harangued Wednesday and Thursday evenings. On the first night there was no disturbance attending the gathering, although there was a large crowd in attendance, and many sympathized strongly with the sentiments of the speaker. Thursday night the crowd was still larger and was composed of many of the most respectable citizens, among them large numbers of master me- chanics, tradesmen, and professional men. There was also enough inflammable material-as the sequel shows-to do violence, despite the law and order sentiments that prevailed with the greater portion of the company.
The lecturer had nearly finished his harangue without disturbance when a hack was driven through the crowd towards the depot. Nothing was thought of this by the crowd, which opened to the right and left to give it an opportunity to pass. It immediately re- turned, however, and the crowd then acted on the supposition that the driver and passengers were designing to break up the meeting, and refused to let it go through, but stopped the horses and turned them about. This event appeared to be the starting point of excite- ment. Much feeling was expressed, and cheers and groans were given in rapid succession, ending by raising a shout, "To the old South church!" From the custom-house, the scene of the excite- ment, the crowd rapidly dispersed, the majority of them going to the old South church, which was being used for a place of worship by the Catholics. The crowd broke in doors and windows, entered the building, rang the bell, waved the American ensign from the belfry, and lastly set fire to it. The flames spread with great rapidity and in a few minutes the building was in ruins. The firemen were early at the fire, but nothing could be done towards staying it. The building was owned principally or wholly by William M. Rogers, John Patten, and Jeremiah Robinson. There was no insurance. The city lest a clock, which was in the steeple. The mob com- menced their riotous proceedings about quarter past eight o'clock in the evening, and continued to have entire and unmolested control of the city the whole night.
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THE OLD SOUTH. 1805. BURNT, 1854.
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HISTORY OF BATH.
Soon after this, the mob endeavored to force an entrance into the Sagadahoc House, but by the interposition of the mayor and from other causes they at length desisted from that purpose. They then marched through the streets, threatening with violence the per- sons they supposed had attempted to disturb the native American and anti-Catholic speaker. The mob obtained a cannon during the night which they discharged several times. They visited a house occupied by several Irish families, notified them to leave town in two days or they would destroy the building. About midnight they surrounded the house of a good but Catholic citizen, uttering cries of " Fire the house," " Pull it down." When he inquired what was the cause of the disturbance, he was told that they had burned his church and also that any other place of Catholic worship would be destroyed the same way. They told him he must drink a toast of " Death to the Pope," which he refused to do.
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