History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 187

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co.
Number of Pages: 1100

USA > Maine > Penobscot County > History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 187

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On April 20 we sent the petition* to the School Committee, officially signed for our society, with the added request that they would give us a hearing at an early date. We have, as yet, received no reply to either request, but we still look hopefully forward to the beginning of the school year in September.

We have this year made greater use of the printing press than ever before in our efforts for the education of the community in temperance work. Our last annual report was unable to find entrance into the columns of the daily papers which had hitherto published such reports, owing, we supposed, to the criticisms made upon the Mayor's course towards the Prohibitory Law. We, therefore, after waiting three weeks for the usual publication, decided to print it ourselves as a " Temper- ance Extra," and July 5 issued two thousand copies, eighteen hundred of which were distributed in this city, and two hundred over the coun- try. It seemed to be an attractive form of publication, and many copies were ordered from our own and other States.

The success of the attempt was a suggestion to try again. ·

During the summer it was observed that the news columns of the Whig were unusually laden with exhibits of the results of free liquors.

The idea took shape that a resume of the principal fruits of the traffic as they had happened to be brought to the attention of one newspaper man, would be instructive reading to the citizens of Bangor, who bear the burdens of all this vice and crime. The Union accordingly re- solved, in January, to issue a sort of reprint from the Whig, and before

* Prepared by the State Union for the introduction of the Temper- ance Lesson Book.

---

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

this was out some temperance work was done, in which the public manifested much interest, and of which they had in the daily press no candid or adequate report. Our second Temperance Extra, March Ist, had, therefore, a full freight of matter, and more than full. Too small though, it was, with important articles crowded out, prepared in many difficulties, paying its way with desperate exertions, and falling far short of our wishes, the little paper achieved so much of success that, at home, it pleased none of the enemies of our cause and was very gratifying to our friends, and abroad the children of intemperance cry for it, and hundreds of copies have been sent to order to every quarter of the compass, from Maine to "Kansas."

To meet the expense of our paper we depend upon the advertising, and some friends of the cause who had nothing to advertise offered do- nations of money, which were not refused.

It remains to speak of our effort in the direction of the law. The details of our action and experience in this field have been given in the Temperance Extra at greater length than they can be here, but we must attempt a concise summary of its cause and course, and relate the sequel, for the occasion is memorable.

The Secretary then gives the fact which has been al- ready alluded to here, viz: That the Mayor who was inaugurated in the last year had declined to enforce the prohibitory law,-and continues,

In less than three months from his declaration, there were one hun- dred and twenty places where liquor was openly sold, and a demoral- ized social sentiment in regard to drinking had become conspicuous, which seemed to sympathize and keep pace with the official disregard of the law. The Whig of February 4th stated that " there are more prisoners in the county jail bound over to await the action of the Grand Jury, than has been known for several years."

By autumn of last year this condition of affairs was the frequent sub- ject of comment from our own citizens and from visitors, and protest and appeal against the nullification of the prohibitory law welled up from the friends of temperance on every hand. In November the Union resolved to petition the Mayor and Aldermen to enforce the law according to the statutory commandment, and in December eight of our members, assisted by four friends, circulated petitions to that effect for signatures of citizens. Nearly thirteen hundred men and women signed this petition, a large majority of them with heartfelt expressions of sorrow, shame, or indignation at his unchecked license of the drink-traffic in defiance of the State law.

Our petition was presented to the Mayor and Aldermen in a special meeting January 23d, and arguments in its support offered by two mem- bers of the Union. No answer was given at that meeting of the Board, which was a small one, but another was appointed to consider whether the prayer should be granted or not. By invitation from the Mayor some of our members again appeared before the Board January 27th, and the principal argument was repeated. A strong body of political and official supporters of the Mayor was in attendance.

Having been warned that it would be well to have some friends there, the Union had invited a few temperance men to lend us the support of their presence. To the five who, by unimpeachable testimony, soundar- gument, keen and pertinent questioning, turned our Thermopylæ into a Bunker Hill,-annihilation impending into a presage of victory,- the cause of temperance owes a debt not small nor soon to be forgot- ten. For, though the day's triumph was unquestionably on the side of the most Greeks, yet we do not fear to trust the discussion to the scru- tiny of the world, secure that where the personal popularity, political drill, and official weight, which were so strong against us, are not felt, it will be conceded that our petition deserved success if it did not achieve it. And there is no permanent defeat to a right cause. After Bunker Hill, Yorktown.

About a week after this "hearing" an official reply was made to the petition through the columns of the Whig, which, of course, was a denial of the request. It is pleasant to state that this reply was accompanied by a minority report of two Aldermen recommending that the petition be granted.

If any one in future years should be called upon to continue this hasty story of the Bangor Union, for some other good book, God grant that the Secretary's prophecy

may shine over the page as a triumphal announcement- "after Bunker Hill, Yorktown!"

The Union's labors since the closing of its fourth year in June, 1880, must be concisely told, not only because our space is nearly exhausted, but because, though work has been carried on with diligence and fortitude not ex- ceeded in any previous years, yet much of it has been of such character as yields few finished and concrete re- sults for the reporter's pen.

July Ist Temperance Extra No. 3 was published, con- taining the annual report :

Of public meetings, the first was the anniversary, observed in City Hall, on June 15th; the others were an interesting lecture from Miss Lucia E. F. Kimball, of Chicago, in Hammond Street Congregational church, September 26th, on "The Necessity of a National Quarantine Against the Liquor Traffic ; " a temperance Bible reading at Union Street Methodist Episcopal church, November 21st; another at Essex Street Free-will Baptist church, November 28th; and a third at Brewer Methodist Episcopal church, held by invitation from its pastor, Decem- ber 19th. A parlor conference was also held with Miss Kimball, Sep- tember 27th, at which she organized the Young Women's Christian Temperance Union, which has held a few meetings for scientific read- ing, and given two successful entertainments for the public.

In September we were cheered by the announcement that the Super- intending School Committee had voted the introduction of Richard- son's Temperance Lesson Book into the High-school. For this re- ward of our two years' perseverance, we gave thanks; and were encouraged, upon the publication of Miss Colman's "Alcohol and Hygiene," in November, to ask for its introduction into the Grammar schools as a text-book. This request has not yet been complied with.

But the work of this year which has most fully absorbed the hearts and energies of the Union, was a temperance coffee-house, which was opened early in January. There is opportunity enough for the saving mission of one of these beneficent institutions, though such an oppor- tunity as could only exist in our prohibitory State through the misgov- ernment of our rulers.

We have room but for a flying glance at this work, with no details of its interesting and valuable experiences. A fund of $150 was given by friends of the cause for its starting, and the experiment was sus- tained for eight months with brave patience and an ever-growing con- viction of the blessed usefulness of such a work, and then closed Oc- tober Ist, with the announcement to the public that it would not be re- opened in the same place, which was unfavorable, both for location and for rent.

A recent letter from the Secretary sums it up as fol- lows :

Although this period was too short to develop financial success out of our inexperience, and against many adverse influences, yet it was long enough to demonstrate the value and benefit to the cause of hav- ing a headquarters or bureau, known as a place where temperance in- fluences were always to be found; and long enough to make a good be- ginning of the development of that essential idea that the respectable part of the community can effectually cripple, and eventually conquer, the liquor traffic, by withdrawing all business patronage from the trade, and that until such withdrawal is heartily entered upon, religious, legal, and educational suasions will still lack an ally necessary to suc- cess. We found a class of patrons, appreciably large and capable of exerting great influence, who were forbidden, either by taste or princi- ple, to patronize the rum shops while a temperance restaurant was within reach, and we found in the coffee-house an opportunity for the development and extension of this class. But though this work will continue to be needed for a long time, yet it is one that requires for its continuance a financial strength, or a business experience, which the Union could not furnish.

But, in spite of this indefinite delay of cherished hopes, we think those who have thoughtfully read this sketch will believe with us that "the fire within which had never burned low" in 1877, will, in 1881, still warm and light these women of the Temperance Union; if to vic- tory, for the quickening of their hopes and endeavors, and the good of humanity; if to defeat, for the kindling

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

of the new fervor and courage which defeat also inspires in the God-born soul of man, and the good to their fellow beings which disappointment and temporary de- feat only make more sure and glorious.

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE CRUSADE .*

When the women of the West lifted their voices in prayer and supplication to Almighty God for strength to go out and battle against the liquor traffic, the echoes of the conflict reached our own good State, stirring the hearts of many, and an earnest desire was felt to join forces against a demon who was filling our land with so much sin, misery, and shame.

True, our own good State of Maine had a prohibition wall around it. Yet we knew the enemy had scaled the wall, battered down its gates, bringing in his emissaries, establishing them in dark places behind curtains ; day and night his work goes on, sending to a premature grave the most gifted, the brightest intellects of our land.

At length a call was made to the women of Bangor to come forward and join hands in the work. From this movement a society, known as the Women's Christian Temperance Crusade, was formed, being the first of the kind in the State.

The call was made in February. A permanent organ- ization was not effected until March 26, consisting of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, with a Vice-President from each church. Then commenced the work in ear- nest.

A club of young men was formed during the summer, called the Crusade Club, to help the ladies in their work. This was of short duration, and rendered but little serv- ice.

In the meantime the Women's Crusade were visiting the police station, carrying hot coffee and the pledge, try- ing earnestly to induce these unfortunates, made so by the use of strong drink, to seek a higher and better life by signing the pledge.

Their efforts in this direction met with good success, and many date their reform from that place of confine- ment.

All places where liquors were sold were visited, and urgent appeals made for the discontinuance of the same.

The city was thoroughly canvassed for signatures to the total abstinence pledge.

Appeals to the churches for united effort met a favor- able response. Mass meetings were held in the largest halls, and they were filled to overflowing, hundreds sign- ing the pledge. For a time victory over the liquor traffic seemed an easy thing. Soon came a reaction. The zeal and enthusiasm seemed to give place to an indifference. It was not all sunshine for this band of women workers. They had much to encounter, many hard places to climb. Public speakers for their meetings were obtained with much difficulty, though the clergymen of some of the churches stood nobly by them through all.

After mature deliberation they decided to take the platform themselves, and no more earnest or eloquent speakers could they find than were found in their own

ranks, because their hearts were in the work. Meetings were held in the jail, books and papers freely distributed, and good results have followed this branch of the work. Families that were suffering through intemperance were visited, children clothed and made ready for the public and Sabbath-schools; nothing was omitted or left out where Crusade work could be done.

September following the Bangor Reform Club was or- ganized, which is so well known throughout our State as being the first of the kind ever formed. Dating their re- form to the Crusade work, they became an able ally to it.

After the formation of the club the Crusade conceived the idea of a reading room for the benefit of the club, believing a room of this kind, furnished with good books and papers, and otherwise made attractive by pictures and little decorations to give a home-like appearance, would be a safeguard in the hour of temptation, besides placing in their hands good reading matter not otherwise obtained. With woman's energy this was accomplished, and December 25th, same year, they presented to the Reform Club the free and exclusive use of two rooms for one year, as a Christmas gift, paying for the services of a janitor to take care of the rooms.

Since the expiration of the first year the running ex- penses of these rooms have been equally borne by the Reform Club and the Crusade, always employing a jan- itor to take the care of the rooms. Five years ago a public prayer meeting was established in these rooms for every Sabbath evening, and is kept up at the present time with an increased interest, the rooms filled to their utmost capacity; and in no other meeting will you find more thoughtful, earnest Christian reliance on the Arm that is mighty to save than in the Sunday evening prayer meetings held in the Reform Club Reading-rooms.

Thus the work goes on. The same spirit is manifested by the Crusade in rescuing the "fallen" as at the com- mencement of the work. Public meetings are held at the City Hall weekly, also prayer and business meetings at the Reform Club Reading-rooms. But to estimate the work on the good results that follow, and have fol- lowed, one must visit the homes of those that have been rescued-saved from intemperance by this movement, and listen to the story from their own lips, witness the joy and happiness of families now living in comfort and peace, where once all was want, darkness, and misery.

Work on, nor think of rest, Though dark and drear the way may be, This is God's holy mission work, And He will comfort thee.

Reach down, though filth and rags are there, Art better than God's Holy Son, Who touched the leper's unclean robe And victory won?

THE BANGOR REFORM CLUB.

This is another of the temperance societies growing out of the great movement of 1874, during which (Sep- tember 10) it was organized. It was incorporated De- cember 28th of that year. It had a membership of 246 at the close of its sixth year, and 84 members were added during the next twelve months. Receipts during the financial year 1879.80 $848.18, expenditures, $751 .-

* By the favor of Mrs. S. J. Pickard, of the society.

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

79. In 1880.81, $461.76 and $525.36. Mr. Christo- pher A. Page, of the County Treasurer's office, is President of this meeting ; Samuel L. Stevens, Secretary and Treas- urer.

There are about seven other temperance societies in Bangor, including those attached to the Catholic churches and the reform orders. The following notes are kindly supplied by Deacon Duren:

Bangor Temperance Society, organized in 1828 ; Ban- gor Division of the Sons of Temperance, No. 14, insti- tuted December 26, 1857; Independent Order of Good Templars, Union Lodge No. 3, instituted 1861; Floral Lodge No. 19, August 22, 1862; Pharos Temple of Honor, instituted June 28, 1866; Templars of Honor and Temperance, Honora Council, No. 3, instituted June 5, 1867; Crystal Social Temple, No. I, instituted February 7, 1879.

B. H. BEALE POST, NO. 12, GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

This society, now one of the strongest, wealthiest, and most flourishing in the State, was chartered January 6, 1868, early in the history of the Order in this State. Its original members were John F. Appleton, A. B. Farn- ham, Charles Hamlin, C. L. and S. H. Downes, E. E. Small, W. H. S. Lawrence, M. H. Andrews, W. H. H. Wilson, J. A. Fairbanks, G. A. Bolton, John H. Neal, A. L. Chick, M. P. Nickerson, A. L. Spencer, John D. Cowley, S. W. Thaxter, Jasper Hutchings, George Web- ster, Daniel White, George Fuller, D. C. Morrill, Eugene Sanger, W. H. Pritchard, George Varney-twenty-five.

The first corps of officers mustered as follows :

General Daniel White, Post Commander ; General Charles Hamlin, Senior Vice-Commander ; Colonel Au- gustus C. Hamlin, Junior Vice-Commander ; Lieutenant Horace M. Wing, Adjutant ; Sergeant Melville P. Nicker- son, Quartermaster; Colonel E. F. Sanger, Surgeon; Ser- geant W. H. S. Lawrence, Officer of the Day ; George E. Stewart, Officer of the Guard ; Otis Gilmore, Chap- lain ; W. H. H. Wilson, Quartermaster Sergeant.

The following-named constitute the roll of Post Com- manders from the beginning :

Daniel White, 1868 ; George Varney 1868-9 ; B. H. Beale, 1869; D. C. Morrill, 1869-70 ; Edward E. Small, 1870, Jasper Hutchings, 1870 ; Charles Hamlin, 1871; Edward E. Small, 1872; J. F. Godfrey, 1872 ; Herman Bartlett, 1873; Rufus P. Peakes, 1874; John W. Torrens, 1875; Augustus C. Hamlin, 1875-9; A. B. Farn- ham, 1880; Christopher V. Crossman, 1881.

The Post had its first hall in the third story of the Ex- change Block. It then moved into the upper floors of Strickland's building, and finally into the third story of Dow's Block, where its elegantly appointed rooms are now situated. It has about 276 members. Memorial Day (April 30) has been regularly observed by it every year since its organization; and also the Fourth of July, whenever the city has a celebration. It made a conspic- uous figure in the demonstration upon the visit of President Grant to the city, at the opening of the Euro- pean & North American Railway.

December 6, 1881, a notable fair was opened at Nor- 1

ombega Hall for the benefit of the Post. It continued several days, and was a great success, netting a handsome sum to the treasury.

BANGOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

This society was incorporated in 1864. On May 3, 1864, it was organized. Hon. Elijah L. Hamlin was elected its first President; Rev. Charles Carroll Everett, now Professor in Harvard College, Vice-President; Rev. Samuel Harris, late President of Bowdoin College, now Professor in Yale College, Corresponding Secretary; E. F. Duren, Recording Secretary; Isaiah Stetson, ex-Mayor of Bangor, Treasurer. The society has some collections in its cabinet. It has not been very active since Presi- dent Hamlin's decease. It has had two meetings the past year, at one of which several papers of interest were read. It promises more activity in the future. The offi- cers now are: John E. Godfrey, President; E. F. Duren, Recording Secretary; Rev. Professor John S. Sewall, Corresponding Secretary; Dr. Thomas U. Coe, Treasu- rer; Hon. Edward B. Nealley, Oliver H. Ingalls, Esq., Henry Gale, Esq., Frank H. Clergue, Esq., Captain H. N. Fairbanks, Executive Committee.

THE BANGOR BOARD OF TRADE

and Manufactures was organized at a meeting of citizens of Bangor and Brewer, held in the former place April 1, 1872, of which Mayor Wheelwright was Chairman. Its objects are in general similar to those of Boards of Trade in other cities. The Board was chartered in 1878. Its first officers were: Moses Giddings, President; B. F. Tefft, Secretary; S. C. Hatch, Treasurer; Reuben S. Prescott, Charles Hayward, Thomas N. Egery, E. R. Stockwell, J. C. White, J. S. Wheelwright, Andrew Wig- gin, John Holyoke, Vice-Presidents; G. W. Merrill, Franklin Muzzy, M. Schwartz, C. W. Roberts, H. B. Williams, C. B. Brown, J. S. Jenness, I. M. Bragg, and David Bugbee, Executive Committee. The Bangor Board of Trade and Manufactures was merged in the Bangor Board of Trade, re-organized January 13, 1879; R. S. Prescott, President; J. D. Warren, Secretary. It has met with tolerable regularity, and in 1879 published a volume of statistics and other information, which still possesses considerable value.

THE BANGOR BOARD OF UNDERWRITERS

was organized November 18, 1867; D. M. Howard, President. Re-organized as the Bangor Board of Fire Underwriters, May 7, 1872; J. S. Chadwick, President; Charles P. Wiggin, Secretary of both Boards to the pres- ent time. The Bangor Board of Marine Underwriters, organized in 1872.

THE BANGOR FUEL SOCIETY

was organized for the purpose of furnishing relief to the suffering poor, December, 1835. Eighty-seven citizens subscribed a fund for that winter of almost $400. It has since continued its work by annual contribution, and has distributed fuel to the value of about $26,000 to October, 1881.

THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS was organized April, 1869, with 150 members, and has

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

done a good work with other associations, in correcting all abuses coming within the statute, and is still at work.

SUNDRY ASSOCIATIONS AND SECRET ORDERS .*

The Bangor Female Charitable Society was organized in 1820; the Corban Society, in 1825; Bangor Band, 1859; St. John's Band, 1877; Bangor Horticultural So- ciety, 1868; Bangor Art Association, 1875.

Masonic .- Rising Virtue Lodge, No. 10, organized in Hampden, September 16, 1802; Elisha Skinner, first Master. In 1808 it was removed to Bangor. Mount Moriah Chapter, R. A. M., No. 7, was chartered January 18, 1827. Bangor Council of Royal and Select Masons, No. 5, chartered June 28, 1848. St. John's Comman- dery, Knights Templars, chartered September 17, 1850. St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 83, chartered February 6, 1856. DeBouillon Conclave, No. 2, Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, instituted May 5, 1875.

I. O. O. F .- Katahdın Encampment, No. 4, chartered September, 1844; Penobscot Lodge, No. 7, organized February 15, 1844. Oriental Lodge, No. 60, organized 1851.

Knights of Pythias .- Norombega Lodge, No. 5, or- ganized April 24, 1872.

Royal Arcanum .- Bangor Council, No. 123, instituted July 18, 1878.

Knights of Honor .- Bayard Lodge, No. 294, instituted May 31, 1876.

The Hibernian Mutual Benevolent Association was organized February 24, 1867.

* From the notes of Mr. E. F. Duren.

CHAPTER XXXV.

THE WATER WORKS .*

Legislative Authority-Act Accepted by the People-The First Board of Water Commissioners-Report of the Engineer-Report of the Board-Estimates-Contract with the Holly Manufacturing Com- pany-Location at Treat's Falls-The Work Begun-Progress to January 18, 1876-To January 1, 1877-Completion of the Works- Operations of 1877-78-Of 1879-80-Of 1880-81.

The act of Legislature, for supplying the city of Ban- gor with water, was approved by Governor Dingley Feb- ruary 22, 1875. Its first section provides that "the city of Bangor is hereby authorized to take, hold, and convey into, about, and through the city of Bangor, from any point in Penobscot River that may be deemed expedient, between the foot of Treat's Falls, in Bangor, and the head of McMahon's Falls, in Veazie, water sufficient for the use of said city and the inhabitants thereof, for the ex- tinguishment of fires, domestic uses, and creating steam ; and may flow, take, and hold, by purchase or otherwise,

any lands or real estate for laying and maintaining aque- ducts or pipes for conducting, discharging, disposing of, and distributing water, and for constructing and maintain- ing reservoirs, dams, and such other works as may be deemed necessary or proper for raising, forcing, retain- ing, distributing, discharging, or disposing of said water, and for the erection of any works for said purposes, and for sinking wells or making excavations for the filtration of water."

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History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 187

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co. Number of Pages: 1100

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co.
Number of Pages: 1100