USA > Vermont > Chittenden County > Jericho > The history of Jericho, Vermont > Part 26
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The Corps invested sixty dollars in the book for Personal Sketches of Post Members. The Corps which at first was made up entirely of soldiers' relatives, admitted to its membership later, loyal women who desired to aid in our work, and we acknowledge hereby our great indebtedness to them.
When the older members have grown weary, they have taken much of the burden and responsibility and greatly aided in the work accomplished. On December 12th, 1908, the Post observed its 25th anniversary at the hall. An excellent program consisting of readings, recitations and music was prepared and carried out by the Corps who got up the entertainment, and a fine silk flag was presented by Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer. Commander Humphrey accepted the flag for the Post and expressed their appreciation of the many kind deeds of their auxiliary, which had given them so many happy days and memories. A fine dinner was served to Post, Corps and invited guests. Of the charter members, seven are living, five of the number being still members of the Corps, only three of these are in the active work of the Corps. They are Mrs. Maria C. Laselle, Mrs. Helen S. Humphrey, Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer. Following are the members who have served one or more terms as president : Mrs. Susie A. Terrill, Maria C. Laselle,
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Adelia A. Whipple, Helen S. Humphrey, Mary C. Burdick, Hattie L. Palmer, Ella E. Tillison, Mary C. Hale, Medora Schweig, Ruth Sinclair, and Mrs. Dora A. Knight who is the present in- cumbent. In the Autumn of 1914 a meeting of Post and Corps was held, and it was proposed to place the hall property in the hands of the Corps. By advice of their attorney, articles of association were drawn up for this purpose: "To acquire, hold, manage and dispose of property for the benefit of L. H. Bostwick Corps, No. 19. By-laws, rules and regulations for the governing of said association were also drawn up and we were duly incor- porated under the laws of the State. The property was deeded to the Corps November 24th, 1914." A complimentary reception and dinner was given the Post January 1st, which was largely attended. Exercises suitable for the occasion were well carried out including a testimonial of thanks to the Grand Army for their confidence in the Corps in giving to their care the Grand Army Hall.
Number of members in good standing, forty-eight.
STATE OFFICERS.
Hattie L. Palmer served as senior vice-president one year. Was elected State President and served one term; Mrs. Dora A. Knight served as State Secretary ; Mrs. Edith C. Colgrove served as State Treasurer.
OFFICERS OF THE CORPS, 1915.
Mrs. Dora A. Knight, President; Mrs. Medora Schweig, Senior Vice; Mrs. Sarah Ellsworth, Junior Vice; Mrs. Elnor Clark, Secretary; Mrs. Edith Colgrove, Treasurer ; Mrs. Rennie Chase, Conductor ; Mrs. Lois Rogers, Assistant Conductor ; Mrs. M. C. Hale, Press Correspondent; Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer, Patriotic Instructor ; Mrs. Helen S. Humphrey, Chaplain ; Mrs. Clara Bartlett, Guard; Mrs. Annie Gallup, Assistant ; Mrs. Clara Bennett, Mrs. Ella E. Tillison, Mrs. Lena Gaines, Mrs. Ursula Scribner, Color Bearers.
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
CHAPTER IV.
FRATERNITIES.
Among the fraternal organizations of our town possibly that of the Masons is the oldest.
I am personally indebted to Dr. W. S. Nay for the follow- ing sketch of Masonry and of McDonough Lodge, No. 26.
FREEMASONRY IN JERICHO.
Many of the old-time residents of Jericho and those now liv- ing in town have identified themselves with the Masonic fra- ternity.
Formerly their membership was divided among lodges most convenient of access. Those from Jericho Center and vicinity, being nearer the Richmond line, became members of North Star. Lodge, No. 12 of Richmond, while those at the Corners and nearer Underhill sought membership with McDonough Lodge, No. 26, located at Essex Center. Among those belonging to North Star Lodge were Lyman Stimson, Nehemiah Prouty, Rol- lin Lincoln, and Wareham Pierce, who were loyal to their lodge and the fraternity.
Charles Hilton, Addison Ford, Cyrus Spaulding, L. B. Howe, James Hutchinson, Dr. A. F. Burdick, L. F. Wilbur, Esq., C. S. Palmer, Esq., Martin Packard, John Pratt, M. V. Willard, A. C. Spaulding, John Percival, and some others were members of Mc- Donough Lodge. Of those mentioned, Charles Hilton and C. S. Palmer have been Worshipful Masters of their lodge and all of these have proved their interest by attendance at lodge meetings and adherence to the principles of the craft. A large percentage of the membership of McDonough Lodge were residents of Jeri- cho and Underhill, and in 1880 and 1881 the idea of removing the lodge from Essex to Jericho was conceived and finally prevailed. For a time subsequently, it was felt by many members that it was not a wise act, although the membership of the Lodge rapidly increased and so did the expenses attending its maintenance proportionally. At Essex, a hall was owned by the Lodge while at Jericho we were obliged to pay large rental. However, a good
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interest was evidenced among its members, who were mostly resi- dents of the towns mentioned, as nearly all of the Essex residents severed their affiliations after the removal and became members of other lodges more convenient of access. Among the resident members who held the Worshipful Master's chair were Dr. W. Scott Nay, Thomas W. Thorp, Frank A. Castle, Lucian H. Cha- pin, Dennis E. Rood, Fred A. Percival, and George Clerkin. In - the building burned in which the Lodge hall was located and for a time a dispensation was obtained allowing meetings to be held in a convenient hall in the village of Underhill Flats. In 1906, fire again deprived them of a meeting place but for a short time only.
A hall was provided by Dr. Nay in the building erected by him the same year, in which the Lodge is now pleasantly and comfortably located.
The writer notes a sad but interesting fact, that since the removal from Essex the local personnel of the Lodge has almost wholly changed.
More than fifty of its members are deceased and a few have affiliated with organizations nearer their present homes. It is gratifying that some who are now non-residents still retain their membership with their home Lodge. Among such are the brothers John and Edwin Oakes and recently Bro. C. S. Palmer, who demitted to join elsewhere, has re-affiliated. The present flourish- ing condition of the Lodge is due to the earnest, painstaking ef- forts of its younger membership, which comprises some of the most respected and estimable men of the towns of Jericho, Under- hill, and Bolton. Among such to whom its success is attributed are Past Master William T. Mead, the faithful and efficient Secretary, Dennis E. Rood, the devoted Chaplain, Fred A. Percival, and the present capable W. M., Chauncey H. Hayden.
It is felt that this institution has been a power for good in the community and town. The tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth are faithfully taught and the adherence to the principles of Masonry are conducive to better manhood, better citizenship, and better moulding of Christian character.
The editor wishes to add that McDonough has the dis- tinguished honor of having had three Grand Masters, Bro. N. P. Bowman in 1874-1875, Dr. L. C. Butler in 1881-1882, and Dr. W.
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S. Nay in 1899-1900. To the latter Dr. Nay, being also a citizen of Jericho, has thus come an honor highly appreciated by mem- bers of McDonough Lodge. The present membership is 83 and its officers are : C. H. Hayden, W. M .; C. E. Nay, S. W .; G. H. Hutchinson, J. W .; John Schillhammer, Treasurer ; D. E. Rood, Secretary ; H. L. Murdock, S. D .; G. R. Gile, J. D .; F. P. Tilli- son, S. S .; L. C. Rogers, J. S .; F. A. Percival, Chaplain ; D. A. Gallup, Marshal; A. B. Joy, Tyler.
MARY C. BURDICK CHAPTER.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR.
Was organized in 1913, and has a membership of 46.
Its officers are : Worthy Matron, Mrs. Ella Tillison ; Worthy Patron, G. Herbert Hutchinson; Assistant Matron, Mrs. Martha Nay ; Conductress, Mrs. Medora Schweig; Assistant Conductress, Mrs. Clara Nay ; Secretary, Mrs. Carrie Percival ; Treasurer, Mrs. Edith Colegrove ; Chaplain, Mrs. Ursula Scribner ; Marshal, Mrs. Edith Lee; Organist, Mrs. Mamie Percival; Adah, Mrs. M. Alice Hayden; Ruth, Mrs. Rennie Chase; Esther, Mrs. Alma Scribner ; Martha, Mrs. Fanny Gomo; Electa, Mrs. Lottie Hutchinson ; Warder, Mrs. Alice Tatro; Sentinel, P. S. Scribner.
MINERVA LODGE NUMBER 21.
KNIGHTS PYTHIAS.
Was organized in 1898, has held meetings in Jericho much of the time since its organization, but for the future will be perma- nently located in Underhill, having recently built a new hall there. The membership is quite largely of Jericho, however. At the present time the Lodge numbers 62, and its officers are : Chancellor Commander, Harley F. Ross; Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Frank B. Hunt; Prelate, C. H. Hayden; Master of Work, P. S. Coleman ; Keeper of Records & Seal, R. H. Metcalf ; Master of Finance, David A. Gallup; Master of Exchequer, E. J. Corse ; Master of Arms, Howard M. Haylette; Inside Guard, Guy I. Bicknell;
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Outside Guard, F. A. Thompson ; Trustees, John A. McKeefe, E. W. Henry and F. S. Jackson.
The basic principles of this Fraternity are Friendship, Char- ity, and Benevolence as exemplified in the Ancient Grecian Episode of Damon and Pythias. An example of friendship as refreshing as it, was strange and unheard of in those cruel times.
MIZPAH TEMPLE NUMBER 14.
PYTHIAN SISTERS.
Was organized in 1907 and has a membership of 55, includ- ing honorary members, and its officers are : Most Excellent Chief, Mrs. Emma McKeefe; Most Excellent Senior, Mrs. Emma Dick- inson; Most Excellent Junior, Mrs. Anna Gallup; Mistress of Records and Correspondence, Mrs. Lillian M. Cross ; Mistress of Finance, Mrs. Clara Bartlett; Manager, Irene Bruce; Protector, Mrs. Carrie Bruce ; Guard, Mrs. Mae Moulton ; Past Chief, Mrs. Martha Irish; Trustees, Mrs. Lou Ayer, Mrs. Leora Kirby, and Mrs. Laura Rockwood.
THE GRANGE.
Mr. Frank G. Pease has furnished the following information respecting Mt. Mansfield Grange, Number 441, Patrons of Husbandry, located at Jericho Center. This Grange was organ- ized Nov. 13, 1909, and has at present a membership of 55 in good standing. The good work of this Grange is very manifest. In 1912 they conducted a lecture course given by the professors of the Agricultural College. Later an Agricultural School was conducted by the college extension, which was of special interest to the student farmer. The present officers are: Master, Charles Moran; Overseer, Fred Bliss; Lecturer, Mrs. Kate B. Isham; Steward, W. V. N. Ring; Assistant Steward, Earl Kinney ; Lady Assistant Steward, Barbara Stiles ; Chaplain, Rev. S. H. Barnum; Treasurer, A. P. Byington; Secretary, Mrs. Fred Bliss; Gate Keeper, Max Stiles ; Ceres, Mae Eldridge; Pomona, Mrs. Sadie Packard; Flora, Bernice Bullock.
Past Masters, Dr. H. D. Hopkins, Frank G. Pease, W. J. Nichols.
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Mr. Oliver J. Lowrey, now deceased, was very prominently connected with the early grange movements and was Grand Lecturer of the State Grange for many years. Other granges have at different times been located in town.
FOREST CAMP NUMBER 9068.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
Was organized January 9, 1901 with 21 Charter members.
The Camp has always been an excellent one and has at present 43 members. The officers are : Consul, George Costello; Adviser, T. H. Bruce; Banker, John Schillhammer ; Clerk, Jed T. Varney; Escort, E. H. Gomo; Watchman, Fred Foster ; Sentry, E. G. Nealy; Managers, C. F. Reavy, E. G. Irish, H. W. Sinclair. The first Consul was G. L. Clerkin. This Camp hold their meetings at Jericho Corners.
THE JERICHO CORNET BAND.
From the early days at various times the citizens of Jericho have had a band at the Corners or at the Center. These bands have always been well led, and have been composed of excellent musicians. One of the early leaders was George Sherman, whose reputation became statewide later as the leader of Burlington's famous cornet band. Willie Buxton was a capable leader for several years. Mr. P. S. Thompson was at another and earlier period a prominent member, as was also Mr. Rollin M. Clapp and many others. Lucius Howe was for years a member of this band who had marked ability as a musician. Few organizations have contributed more to the pleasure of our people than these Cornet Bands, and much more doubtless ought to be written in this con- nection only for the lack of opportunity to get the facts.
TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS.
Among the Temperance Organizations, the first probably was that of the Sons of Temperance. The older people readily recall the interest that this organization awakened in temperance
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matters. "Reform Men's Clubs," later were organized in town, which also aroused great interest.
Lodges of the Independent Order of Good Templars existed in each of the villages at different times for many years. There were especially large and influential Lodges at Jericho Center and at Jericho Corners. In those days everybody seemed to be en- gaged in temperance work, with the general result that the use of intoxicants for purpose of beverage was at a mininum. No organization of a temperance nature has left a deeper impress upon the character of our people than the Good Templars, and, while it is a matter of regret that that order is decreasing with us, it is a source of inspiration to know that the order is increas- ing mightily in other countries, and that this order is world wide in its activity and influence.
Pledge taking, and pledge keeping is the unique work of this magnificent order.
Mr. Chauncey H. Hayden served as Grand Chief Templar of the State Grand Lodge for 20 years.
Several times have the Woman's Christian Temperance Union organized in the various villages, always with good results, but this most excellent organization likewise seems to be on the wane. Mrs. M. J. Wilbur, and Mrs. Ella Lee Parker were among those who were especially active and prominent in W. C. T. U. work in town and in the State.
NOTE-I am indebted to Rev. S. H. Barnum for the follow- ing including the Female Cent Society.
The Jericho Temperance Society was organized Oct. 13, 1829, and its articles required total abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, wine and ale, except for sacred and medicinal purposes. Simeon Bicknell was the first president and Thomas Rood secretary. One hundred and sixty-six signers to the con- stitution are named in the records. Frequent meetings were held, addresses given and temperance in various bearings dis- cussed. It appears that a youth's society was also in existence and the propriety of uniting the two was considered. Whether this was done or not, in 1836 a new constitution was adopted. Among its provisions was one for a committee of vigilance to notice and report transgressions of the pledges of which there
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
were two. One was against the use of ardent spirits or furnish- ing it to laborers or friends, except in good faith as a medicine. For this 117 signers were secured. The other pledge was of total abstinence and meant abstaining from all intoxicating drinks in any form, wine or ale not excepted unless for sacred or medicinal purposes. This received 158 signatures. Rev. E. W. Kellogg became president and Lucius L. Lane secretary. At one meeting a resolution was adopted asking all the churches in town to require a verbal pledge of total abstinence from all who de- sired admission. The last record of its meetings bears date of Jan. 7, 1840.
Temperance was still a live subject, for in 1842 the Jericho Center Temperance Society was formed with a total abstinence pledge and a purpose of helping those who wished to reform. Abram Jackson, A. Warner and John Benham were successive presidents. A systematic canvass for signatures resulted in se- curing 348. How long the society continued is not certain, but the last meeting recorded was in Jan., 1849.
JUVENILE LIBRARY SOCIETY.
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This was a society formed July 18, 1809, for the establish- ment and circulation among its members of a library. Each original member paid one dollar and became possessor of a right which could be sold. The records run to 1817, and the names of 66 members are on the book ..
BIBLE SOCIETY.
The first Union Bible Society of Jericho, having collectors for each district, was in existence from Jan. 18, 1828, to Oct. 20, 1832, when officers were elected, but nothing further is set down.
TRACT SOCIETY.
An auxiliary Tract Society was formed Oct. 23, 1831, and a canvass for donations secured $31.49.
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
THE FEMALE CENT SOCIETY.
This has been the most permanent institution in town, ex- cept the church. In the summer of 1805, tradition says, a few women met in Jericho to devise some plan to do good. They hardly knew what to do. "Not a Female Society was known in all this northern region." They continued their meetings for some months, and were at length regularly formed into a Society under the guidance of Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury, their pastor. His wife and six others were the first members. Their earliest written document bears the date July 31st, 1806; its title is "Arti- cles of the Female Religious Society in Jericho." There is also a pledge signed by the first members, four of them promising to give fifty cents yearly for missions, and three twenty-five. They met and prayed and talked and gave their money for years.
In 1812 Rev. John Denison, their pastor, assisted in forming a Young Ladies Society, with twelve members; in four years the number increased to forty-one.
In 1816 the two societies were united, and called "The Fe- male Cent Society of Jericho." About seventy members united, each was to pay fifty cents yearly into the treasury.
In 1877, under the lead of Mrs. Hazen, it became auxiliary to the Woman's Board of Missions. The whole number of mem- bers from the beginning is some two hundred and seventy, and the whole amount of money given seventeen hundred dollars: it has been given to Home and Foreign Missions, the Bible Society, American Tract Society, American Education Society, American Missionary Association.
In 1832 the Ecclesiastical Society being unable to raise the salary of Rev. H. Smith, the Cent Society gave nineteen dollars towards it. Again in 1835 the Society renewed their request for aid and received it as a loan, because "some objection was made to giving the money thus all at home," but it does not appear that the loan was ever repaid.
None can tell us all the good the money given in these more than four score years has done in this and other lands; none can estimate what the prayers and labors of the givers have done for this town and the world. The great day will disclose it.
The life and soul of the Society for many years was Mrs.
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John Lyman, long Secretary, Treasurer and leader. One mem- ber of this Society, Andelucia Lee, went as a missionary-first a teacher of the Indians in New York. In 1836 she married Rev. Daniel T. Conde, and went to the Hawaiian Islands ; after twenty years of labor she died there. Thus not only by its prayers and gifts of money, but by one of its own members, this Society had a part in transforming those pagan islanders into a christian Commonwealth.
It may be added that in 1906 the centennial of this society was celebrated in an afternoon and evening gathering which was fully attended by its members and by representatives of neigh- boring societies. It was then stated that the society had given to missionary causes during one hundred years about $2,500. For the first few years, but four or five dollars were contributed an- nually. This amount gradually increased till from 1817 to 1843 the yearly gifts were from $20 to $30. From 1843 to 1865 the range was from $10 to $20. Then for a number of years the amount was larger, but in the 80's it dwindled till it had fallen to $7. Then an improvement began till in the early years of this century it reached from $42 to $58. It has been touchingly said : "In not a few cases husbands, whose wives were members while living have after their death considered their love and interest in the society a sacred trust, and have continued to give their weekly mite long after the hand that first directed it into the Lord's treasury has struck the harp above." The earliest records were carefully written out by Mrs. Marcia Gibbs and are of great value. The original constitution with the names of its earliest signers is also preserved. Since the centennial meeting the work has continued to prosper.
(From Centennial Celebration 1st Church).
THE MATERNAL ASSOCIATION OF JERICHO.
This chapter will be brought to a close with a short account of the Maternal Association of Jericho, the facts of which have been handed me by a friend.
The editor ventures the assertion that very few in town of the present generation knew of the existence of such an organ- ization and its wonderful interest.
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
In 1833 some of the good mothers of the town formed a society with the above name for the purpose of praying and labor- ing together for the conversion of their children. They met at private houses the last Wednesday in each month, and at the quarterly meetings in January, April, July and October, the exer- cises were adapted to the children from the age of four to twelve or, in the case of girls, to fourteen. A small library of the most suitable books of the time was obtained and their counsel dis- cussed. Records for two years in the possession of R. B. Field, show that during that time 28 mothers and 81 children were mem- bers. Marked devotion and earnestness were manifest. Mrs. Almira R. Field was secretary.
CHAPTER V.
SNOW BEAUTIES.
It is with much satisfaction that we devote one chapter to the discussion of snow crystals. As townsmen we take just pride in the fact that one of our citizens, Prof. Wilson A. Bentley, has attained the top-most round in the ladder of fame among the scientists of the world, as a specialist in the study of the snowflake. He has made a study of these snow beauties for more than thirty years, commencing at the early age of 17, aided in the beginning by his mother, from whom he derived much encouragement. His chief inspiration, however, seems to have been in the exquisite beauty and infinite variety of formation. He has secured 2,240 photo-micrographs of snow and thousands of photos of other water forms, frost, ice, dew, clouds, hail, etc. An article from his pen appeared in Popular Science Monthly in 1898 which attracted much favorable comment. For a list of his articles, see Bentley Genealogy. His services are much sought as a lecturer on these and kindred topics. We quote in full from . his article "Marvel of the Snow Gems," printed by the Technical World.
"What magic is there in the rule of six that compels the snowflake to conform so rigidly to its laws? Here is a gem-
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bestrewn realm of nature possessing the charm of mystery, of the unknown, sure richly to reward the investigator.
"For something over a quarter of a century I have been studying it and the work has proved to be wonderfully fascinat- ing, for each favorable snowfall, during all these years has brought things that were new and beautiful to my hand. I have never yet found a time when I could entertain an idea of re- linquishing it. During the time that I have carried on the work, I have secured sixteen hundred photo-micrographs of snow crystals alone, and no two are alike. Is there room for enthusi- asm here? Doubtless these pictures serve to represent with some fairness almost every type and variety of snow that occurs in nature, but they show scarcely an infinitesimal fraction of the in- dividual variation of form and interior design among the count- less myriads of crystals comprising each type.
"The clouds, and the tiny liquid particles-water dust-of which they consist, play no part in true snow crystal formation. They coalesce only to form the amorphous-granular-varieties of the snow, or to coat true, mature crystals with granular ma- terial. The true crystals, forming the bulk of the snowfall, are formed directly from the almost infinitely small and invisible molecules of water in solution within the air, and floating between the vastly larger cloud particles.
"Most of the crystals are, of course, imperfect, made so especially during thick and heavy snowfalls, largely as a result of crowding and bunching during development, or to fracturing due to violent winds. In general, the western quadrants of wide- spread storms furnish the majority of the more perfect tabular shapes. As a rule low clouds, if relatively warm, tend to produce the more rapidly growing open branching forms, and the inter- mediate and upper clouds, if relatively much colder, the more solid, close columnar and tabular forms. Sometimes, however, crystals differing but slightly or not at all from those falling from storm clouds, drop out of apparently cloud-free skies.
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