Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 18: Clubs and Societies, 1924

For reasons of civic and social betterment, moral progress, patriotic instruction, musical development, humanitarian endeavor, legitimate sports - groups and combinations have existed in Taunton since the opening of the eighteenth century, each finding place and opportunity for the expression of activities and gifts of individuals, and all on great occasions sharing those activities and gifts for the common good. These are the most prominent of such organizations here:

Taunton Woman's Club. - The Taunton Woman's Club at the age of thirteen years has a membership of five hundred, its membership limit, and a waiting list of about thirty. This club is perhaps the best example in the city of a truly democratic organization, wrote Miss Flora L. Mason in 1923, for its membership includes women of all social, political, racial and religious affiliations; a majority vote of the executive board elects to membership, and the officers and working committees are chosen with the one consideration of fitness for the accomplishing of the work in hand. The club, as such, takes no part in politics, and its by-laws rule out action with reference to legislative measures, except by unanimous consent; but the members individually take a lively interest in public matters, and the meetings may be open for information or discussion concerning legislative questions.

Although not primarily a charitable organization, the club has contributed liberally to many local charities and to some of those of wider scope. Through its public health committee the club has secured the appointment of a school nurse and paid her salary for the first year or two, until the value of her services was made so clear that a nurse was made a part of the regular school staff. The same committee later provided, and continues to support, a school dietitian. It was through the initiative of the club, and under its direction at first, that school lunches were established at the high school. School gardens were also helped on by the club, with equipment and prizes. The Near East Relief campaigns have been made under the auspices of the Woman's Club, and its committees served in practically all the important "drives" of the past decade.

During the war, the clubhouse, which had just been acquired, was given over almost wholly to the use of the Red Cross and other war work committees. Through the Woman's Club the people of Taunton have had the opportunity of hearing many persons of distinction on the lecture or concert platform. Among the most notable have been William Howard Taft, Judge Ben B. Lindsey, Dr. Charles R. Brown, Margaret Deland, Robert Lincoln O'Brien, Helen Keller, John Kendrick Bangs, Mary Boyle O'Reilly, Edgar Guest, Madame Ponafidine, the Kneisel Quartette. So much a part of the community life has the club become, that one can hardly realize how short a time it has been in existence. It was on the afternoon of January 22, 1910, that a group of twenty-four women, who became the charter members of the club, responded to the invitation of Mrs. Harold W. Goward to meet at her house to consider the formation of a Woman's Club. Upon that occasion the question whether the city needed such a club or not was seriously debated. At length the ayes had it, and the following board of officers was elected: President, Miss Flora L. Mason; vice-presidents: Mrs. Lincoln B. Goodrich and Mrs. Harold W. Goward; recording secretary, Mrs. Frederick E. Goff; corresponding secretary, Miss Jane Burbank; treasurer, Mrs. Percival C. Lincoln; directors: Mrs. Charles H. Blaine, Miss Mary Hamer, Mrs. Charles T. Hubbard, Mrs. William R. Mitchell, Mrs. Franklin D. Williams. At the spring meeting of the Massachusetts State Federation of Women's Clubs, in the same year, the new club was received into membership, and the following October its fully organized club life began. The members who have since served as president are the following: Miss Flora L. Mason, 1911-12; Mrs. Harold W. Goward, 1913; Mrs. Joseph B. Sayles, 1914; Miss Flora L. Mason, 1915-16; Mrs. Henry A. Dickerman, 1917-18; Mrs. William C. Baker, 1919- 20; Miss Flora L. Mason, 1921-22; Mrs. Ion E. Dwyer, 1923 - .

Almost from the beginning, the club had a building fund committee, working to accumulate a fund for the purchase of a home for the organization. This committee, although nominally appointed each year, has been under no rule of rotation, since continuity of interest and experience has seemed of greatest importance, and the enthusiastic leadership of Mrs. Alfred B. Williams, who has served as chairman from the first appointment, has been a large factor in the success which has crowned the work of the committee. In 1917 a fine piece of property, admirably suited to present and future needs, came upon the market, and after becoming incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts, the club purchased the house and land at 27 Summer street, and set up its own home. The house, which is a fine example of so-called colonial architecture, was built near the end of the eighteenth century. It is located where the business section and a particularly attractive residence section meet. It is therefore most conveniently situated for committee activities or for social uses, and its hospitality is extended freely for the meetings of managing committees of such public welfare organizations as have no headquarters of their own. A large lot of land at the rear of the house provides room for an auditorium, which is to be built to connect with the house, so that the club may have all its meetings under its own roof and may have accommodations suited to its varied needs, and available for wide use in community service. '

The Taunton Young Men's Christian Association had its beginning May 10, 1893, when a group of young men met at the Baptist church and signed what they termed "The Compact of the Young Men's Association for Holding Religious Services in Taunton." Previous to this organization meeting, there had been several conferences with the Young Men's Guild, an active society, but without definite religious features. Following the execution of the "Compact," the following named were elected officers: President, Wiiliam D. Richardson; vice-president, Charles A. Lawrence; treasurer, Everett K. Dean; clerk, Walter M. Dunbar. Sunday meetings for men were held in various halls in the city, with occasional business meetings in private homes and stores of the members.

On February 21, 1894, at a regular meeting of the Young Men's Association held in Manheim's Hall, it was unanimously voted to become a Young Men's Christian Association and to affiliate with the movement gaining such large favor with young men throughout the country. The officers of the "preparatory organization," as they called it, were elected to serve temporarily until the first meeting of the new board of directors. This was held on February 27, 1894, and resulted as follows: President, William D. Richardson; vice-president, Frank LL. Fish; treasurer, Walter M. Dunbar; clerk, Charles A. Lawrence. As Mr. Manheim objected to the use of his hall as a gymnasium, the second floor of Skinner's Block was leased and the first paid secretaries were secured - George E. Lombard, general secretary; E. H. McCurdy, of Clinton, assistant secretary; and W. B. Merrill, of Providence, physical director. Early in 1896 a branch was established at Weir Village, the Young Men's Christian Association taking over the work of the Weir Reading Room Committee.

site of the present building, was acquired in 1898 and dedicated December 11, 1899, and the association was thus enabled to extend their work materially. This building burned on the morning of November 21, 1900. In 1901, under the leadership of William R. Park, Jr., who was then president, an appeal was made to the citizens of Taunton for a Young Men's Christian Association building, and the response was generous and enthusiastic, for the association had made itself a vital factor in the community life. A modern Young Men's Christian Association building and equipment were provided, including reading rooms, game rooms, gymnasium, shower baths, bowling alleys, locker rooms, ten rooms as a dormitory for young men without homes, a kitchen, and a large assembly hall. This building was erected by Lewis M. Witherell, and the building committee of the Young Men's Christian Association was made up as follows: Plans and construction: Charles L. Lovering, Seth L. Cushman and J..S. Tidd; furnishing: C. H. Lincoln, W. D. Richardson, W. N. Parker and J. E. Sanford; dedication and cornerstone: F. L. Fish, Orville A. Barker, Cyrus H. Lothrop and William R. Park, Jr.; finance: C. M. Morse, Frank L. Tinkham and E. E. Richards. The new building gave new impetus to the entire program projected by the association, and under the leadership of Arthur C. Cotton as general secretary its influence among the young men and boys of the city widened. |

Ten years later, in 1911, extensive alterations and additions were made, including the installation of a modern and spacious swimming tank, 20 feet by 40 feet, with a filtration plant through which water constantly passes for purification. Ten dormitory rooms were also added, so that the capacity for caring for young men in this way was doubled. During these years there was a constantly increasing use of the building until it reached a peak in the early days of the World War, when thousands of soldiers and sailors were helped by varied forms of service through use of the building equipment and friendliness of the secretaries.

At the date of this publication, the Young Men's Christian Association has widened its field of activities and service until it is reaching hundreds of boys and young men in addition to its program at the building. During the year 1922, 1040 young men and boys were served through membership privileges; 190 men used the dormitory rooms; 315 boys, not members, were enrolled in learn-to-swim campaigns; 5338 was the total attendance at gymnasium classes alone, while more than 12,000 used other physical department privileges. 'Twelve athletic meets were held; sixteen game leagues were promoted, with 278 matched games played. The attendance at educational clubs and religious meetings, Bible classes, was 1998, and 3147 enjoyed social events of varied character. The broadened scope of the association work in recent years, and its recognition of responsibility to the youth outside of its membership, have brought splendid support from Taunton citizens who recognize that the association is serving the city in a virile, constructive manner, under trained and consecrated leadership.

The officers in 1923: President, William H. Davison; vice-president, Edgar W. Sturgis; clerk, Winthrop L. Tidd; treasurer, Henry A. Dickerman; general secretary, Raymond H. Pierce; assistant secretary, Charles F. Gortner, Jr.; physical director, Leon F. Crane; boys' work secretary, Charles A. Leach.

Taunton Boys' Club. - This club was started in Taunton in the year 1902, writes Homer W. Noyes, supervisor, and was incorporated under the statutes of the State of Massachusetts, February 9, 1906, by seven citizens - William E. Walker, William H. Reed, William S. Woods, George W. Barrows, John J. Barker, William E. Dunbar and Edwin A. Tetlow - the purpose of the corporation being the matter of improving the moral, physical, intellectual and social nature of the boys by establishing and maintaining a place for meetings. This organization carried on its work for a number of years in the rooms over stables on Court street, and then, in 1913, purchased a site at 31 Court street and erected a permanent clubhouse, and carried on an extensive work with boys since that time. The type of boys who avail themselves of this club are the street boys and boys of the underprivileged kind, more than the boys of the higher class.

Since 1921 the work has been carried on on a very extensive scale, when the vocational program was introduced and the boys trained along these lines. The club is composed of boys of some seventeen nationalities, and the program is so arranged that the different natures of about five hundred and sixty boys are coped with in a most constructive way. Employment is found for such boys as are obliged to help in the support of the family, but boys generally are advised to remain in school as long as possible. Vocational classes have been established in carpentry, printing, chair-caning, cobbling and cardboard construction. The boy has a choice of these classes that he may try out and find, if possible, where he may fit in the great program of life, and he is encouraged along any line where he is found to be interested. Thrift is taught the boys through the method of large, illustrated placards. A penny savings bank has been placed at their disposal, where they may save their pennies and small change at any time when they happen to have it. If the bank is open at periods, the pennies have usually been spent. The plan of the work is on the group plan of individual clubs, where gangs may meet in their own room under the proper environment and with good leadership. This appeals to the boys, as their gangs are not broken, and there is a greater tendency for them to stick together. The clubs organized are: The Junior Board of Trade, which is an occupational group; the Agricultural Club, who are learning something about the farm, gardening, poultry, fruit, etc.; the Campfire Club is interested in camp life and the great outdoors, with nature study led by a very efficient leader.

Boys go to the Boys' Club primarily for recreation. It is a place where they have an opportunity to work off their surplus energies. They get something more than that - they learn to work, and are constructively interested in things for their future. These are thrown in their way in such a way that they grasp them, and while it gets away from the schoolroom study, it accomplishes the same thing and is of great interest to the boy. A fine library has been organized with a librarian in charge, and about five hundred volumes are to be found there on as many subjects - good, wholesome reading for the boys. The 1923 directors of the club: William G. Boyd, J. Frederick Barden, Col. Peter H. Corr, William E. Dunbar, Charles F. Foster, Thomas B. Gaffney, William E. Kelly, Frank L. Locklin, Frank B. Mason, Bion C. Pierce, John W. Robertson, Herbert H. Shumway, A. Loring Swasey, Edwin A. Tetlow, James P. Whitters,

Taunton Girls' Club. - The habit of forming clubs, declares Miss Rachel Morse, one of the board of directors of the Taunton Girls' Club, is very American. The value of combination is nowhere more apparent than when working girls get together in a self-governing club, resulting in that intangible thing called "club spirit,' and more concrete things, like busy classes in dressmaking, cooking and millinery, as well as parties and formal business meetings. Money cannot buy club spirit, but material things are paid for by the club dues. This is the type of self-governing girls' club which is in Taunton.

The club was launched under the auspices of the Massachusetts League of Women Workers in March, 1911, at the initiative of the sewing guild of the Broadway Congregational Church, when Miss Ethel Hobart, then secretary of the league, came here and presided at a mass meeting that was held for the purpose at High School Hall. There were more than three hundred girls present to sanction the beginnings of the institution, and it was decided to form one in Taunton, first meetings being held at High School Hall and Historical Hall. For eight years afterwards, the gatherings were held at the Boys' Club building, the second story of which was planned for their accommodation. In 1923 the club was meeting at 40 Taunton Green, through the courtesy of the Taunton Gas Company, while the various classes met at different places. Miss Nellie Leary was chosen first president of the club, which office she held up to 1914. Her successors in the office were Misses Mae Dreghorn, Eva Sears, Hazel Eickhern, Emma McCarthy, Tilly Lunny, Alice Tierney. During the World War, the club shared with all other organizations in the drives for funds. On the club service flag are the names of Miss Helen Kilcline, an active member, who took a course in nursing and went to France; Miss Grace Sullivan, who took a nurse's course and went to Camp Devens; and Miss Mary Fagan, also a nurse, who went to Camp Devens. The directors who had charge of the affairs of the club since its organization were the following-named: Misses Josephine Carr, Eleanor Upton, Sybil Williams, Mary E. Gibbs, Miss Rachel Morse. The objects of this club are to form a center for friendship and educational improvement, and to have and to share all benefits. It has placed its interests in the current of those of the practical charities of Taunton. During the World War over six thousand surgical dressings were made by the club members, as well as a large number of sweaters, helmets, wristlets and mufflers.

Knights of King Arthur. - In writing a history of the boys' order of the Knights of King Arthur in Taunton, says Merle T. Barker, head of this work in Taunton, it is necessary to briefly outline the story of the order as internationally organized, to summarize its purpose, and to explain the general plan of a modern Castle of the Knights. The idea originated with William Byron Forbush, a noted worker with and for boys, in 1880. From a tiny beginning the order is now international, with castles in every State of the Union, in England, Canada and Australia. We quote:

It is a fraternity, private but not secret, self-governing and under the control of the local church. It is based upon the oldest English Christian legend, that of the Round Table. It is a revival of the nobler side of medieval chivalry. The thought is to fulfil the prophecy of King Arthur that he would return to re-establish a kingdom of righteousness, honor and service. The boys collectively are a Castle. Each boy takes the name of some ancient knight or some hero, ancient or modern, and tries to represent his knightly traits. He starts as Page, and undergoes a humorous, harmless but instructive initiation. The keynote in this stage of the boys' fraternity experience is Obedience. It is intended to take some of the conceit out of him and to give the adult leader an opportunity to watch him for his possibilities, while he, in turn, is learning to see how he will like his new relationships. After a season, when he has manifested evidences of the possession of the right spirit, he may be advanced to the rank of Esquire. The keynote of this stage is Habit. The Esquires constitute usually the working body in the Castle. It is they who are learning to live nobly and fraternally together. In order to become an Esquire, each boy must have had suitable instruction regarding the discipline of his body and concerning his personal ideals. He must also be able to give a short biography of his chosen hero. Still later he may be elevated to the rank of Knight, usually after he has become a member of the church. The keynote of this stage is Service. Each boy is expected to begin his life in this degree by a "quest" for others. All of these ranks are open to every member who fulfils the required conditions of entrance. In the Castle Hall there is a "Siege Perilous,' which may be occupied only by such as have performed some worthy deed, recognized as such by the -boys, and who thereafter are honored with the title of Baronet. Other higher ranks are open to all members who conform to the requirements. The boys themselves fill the various Castle offices, from Sentinel to King. The adult leader represents King Arthur's hoary counsellor, Merlin.

The first castle in Taunton was organized by Rev. Joel Metcalf, at the Unitarian Church. Soon afterward Miss Georgia Harlow became the adult leader of Camelot Castle, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Miss Harlow was especially fitted for the work by temperament and vision. Camelot became a model castle, and was the real inspiration for the rest of us. In January, 1911, Winthrop Castle was formed at the Winthrop Street Bap-. tist Church, with the writer as Merlin, J. Fred Barden, Jr., as assistant, Harry N. Smith, dubric, and Louis T. Wood and A. Milton French, adult chancellors. Camelot installed us with pomp and ceremony, and helped us to get our first ideals of what the order meant.

From the first, Winthrop Castle prospered, and has become one of the best known and strongest castles in the order. Its growth through the years has been due almost wholly to the high type of boys that joined. After Winthrop's inception, castles began to spring up rapidly in the various churches in the city. Broadway Castle at the Broadway Congregational Church, with Frank P. Smerdon as Merlin; Lovering Castle at the Union Congregational Church, Rev. George A. Merrill, Merlin; Miles Castle at St. John's Episcopal Church, Rev. Walter Tourtellot, Merlin; Central Castle at the Central M. E. Church, Rev. Elmer Mossman, Merlin; Winslow Castle at the Winslow Congregational Church; Walker Castle at the First M. E. Church with George Ogg, Merlin; Livingstone Castle at the Grace M. E. Church, Rev. Samuel A. Livingstone, Merlin, followed in fairly fast succession. During the years, courts of the Queens of Avalon (the sister society for girls) were also being started. Winthrop at the Baptist Church, with Mrs. William R. Park, Jr., lady of the lake; Bethany, at Broadway, with Miss Lucy Bliss as lady of the lake; Monsalvot, at the Unitarian, with Mrs. Ruel Harvey as lady of the lake; Walker, at

First M. E., with Mrs. George Ogg as lady of the lake; Avalon, at Grace M. E., with Miss Hazel F. Mader as lady of the lake; Camelot, at Union Congregational, with Mrs. George A. Merrill, as lady of the lake.

In 1915 the writer conceived the idea of the Taunton County Palatine, which should bind together all the various castles and courts of the city. The Palatine has become noteworthy as an example of what can be accomplished with the enthusiasm of numbers and a unity of purpose. It has undoubtedly been a source of inspiration to the hundreds of boys and girls within its memberships, and has been a means of promoting fellowship among the different churches. The adult head of the Palatine is ranked as viscount, and the following have served in this capacity: Merle T. Barker, Rev. F. R. Sturtevant, Frank P. Smerdon, Rev. G. A. Merrill, Rev. W. R. Tourtellot, John E. Clare, Allan M. Walker. The county scribes have been: Clayton Lincoln, Winthrop; Edwin E. Pierce, Monsalvot; Donald G. Merrill, Winthrop; G. Donald Guthrie, Broadway; Curtis G. Leavitt, Winthrop; Miss Hannah Christenson, Court Bethany; Miss Doris B. Dean, Court Winthrop. The county treasurers have been: Miss Helen Hodges, Court Winthrop; Frederic S. Mann, Walker; Miss Katherine Davol, Court Monsalvot; Miss Edith Gibson, Court Bethany; William Mason, Monsalvot.

Of the castles and courts mentioned, Camelot Castle, Broadway Castle, Central Castle, Winslow Castle, Walker Castle, and Court Walker have ceased to function. The others are active, and in addition we have two commanderies - Winthrop and Broadway. The commandery is a "big brother" organization taking in older boys of a castle who have outgrown their boyhood activities, but who desire to retain the fellowship of their King Arthur friends, to perpetuate the ideals of the order, and to assist the younger boys in their castle. The commanderies are of vital help to the adult leaders, an example of the eternal spirit of knighthood to the boys, and a striking proof of the appeal of the Order to all ages. In some cases, new Merlins and ladies of the lake have succeeded the original leaders. At the Unitarian church, Rev F. R. Sturtevant succeeded Mr. Metcalf, and has been one of our staunchest friends and most loyal workers. The court at the same church is now in the hands of Miss Alice Emery. At the Grace M. E. Church, Earl Mader, the first king of the castle, has succeeded Mr. Livingstone as Merlin. At Court Bethany at the Broadway, Mrs. Marcus A. Rhodes has taken Miss Bliss' place, and is now county lady of the lake. Once each year at the spring conclave of the Palatine, the high degree of earl or countess is bestowed upon the boy or girl who, in the opinion of all the adult leaders, has been the most knightly or queenly in life and conduct. These have been thus honored: Donald G. Merrill, Winthrop; Mason Noyes, Monsalvot; Charles M. Kingsbury, Winthrop; Miss Edith Gibson, Bethany; Edward Court, Miles; Miss Hannah Christenson, Bethany; John E. Clare, Winthrop. 'This is the special honor roll to which other names will be added each spring, as the ancient high standards of chivalry are again exemplified in the lives of these modern knights and queens. As Walter J. Clemson, our county troubadour, has so beautifully put it,

Musical Organizations. - The story of music appreciation in Taunton had its initial chapters in the year 1821, when the Beethoven Society was first formed, the same year that the first newspaper was published here, and the year of the beginning of the Bristol County Agricultural Society. Colonel Samuel Fobes came over from Bridgewater to direct the society mentioned, Jotham Colburn was the instrumental leader, and James Sproat was the first secretary. The first public concert of the society was given in February, 1822, and Samuel Presbrey gave an address on "Music." One of the really great musical events of the decade was that of June, 1823, when an oratorio was given, and Qliver Shaw and other prominent composers came here to participate. Jotham Colburn was then president of the society, and Ellis Hall secretary. Among the members of the society were: Zephaniah Hodges, Nathan Fisher, Abiezer Dean, Benjamin Seaver, James and William A. F. Sproat, Deacon Jezaniah Sumner, Thomas C. Brown, Elias C. Fisher, General Cromwell Washburn, John W. Seabury, William R. Crandell, A. Richmond Dean, Colonel Adoniram Crane, Ellis Hall, Otis and Caleb Strong, Julia Dean, Nancy Sproat, Abby Ingell, Eliza, Mary, Fanny and Sarah Seabury, Lavinia, Relief and Mary Smith, Eleanor Dean, Mary Shaw, Nancy Hull, Polly Hood.

The Mozart Society revived the failing spirit of the Beethoven Society in 1836, its promoters being S. O. Dunbar, H. M. Barney, George S. Pierce, William A. Crocker, Samuel L. Crocker, Samuel C. West, James C. Brown, Samuel Crocker, Charles Richmond, Caleb Duxbury. Again, in 1847, however, the Beethoven Society came to the fore, with many of the former members sharing its activities. Its officers in the nineties were: President, Charles L. Lovering; vice-president, Frank L. Fish; secretary and treasurer, William M. Dunbar; librarian, E. E. Richards; leader, Leander Soule.

It is due to the revival of the Beethoven Society that the Southeastern Musical Festival was given its earliest impetus in November, 1879, the first call for a meeting to perfect a permanent organization being made by Leander Soule; A. B. Winch, first teacher of music in the public schools; James Henry Sproat, William H. Bent and Frank L. Fish. Hon. John L. Hawes was elected the first president. The first festival lasted two days. Later the festival was continued three days, with a grand chorus of more than two hundred voices, and orchestra of more than three hundred members. The evidences of the influence of this association still exist in the work of the training of the high school orchestra by Walter J. Clemson, and in the series of addresses on "Appreciation of Music" that have been given at Historical Hall by John B. Archer, A. M. Mr. Clemson, director of music in the public schools, and originator and director of the high school orchestra, has devoted his talents to the advancement of the musical interests of Taunton schools. He is an official and has long been a promoter of the interests of the Southeastern Musical Association. Taunton owes much to the application of his musicianly gifts to her musical history.

The Taunton Choral Union, organized in 1904, with Allston Estes Williams as its president and William R. Park, Jr., and Charles W. Eddy among its leaders, was a successful exponent of best effort in music here for some years.

their confidence by playing in the presence of some one outside their own families. These meetings were informal gatherings, but in 1889 it was suggested that an organized society be formed, and the following-named officers were chosen: President, Mrs. Annie B. Woodward; vice-president, Mrs. A. C. Rhodes; secretary and treasurer, Miss Susan A. Bassett. Miss Woodward held her office until compelled to resign on account of protracted illness; and she was succeeded in 1896 by Mrs. A. C. Rhodes, but after Mrs. Rhodes removed from Taunton, she was succeeded in 1910 by Mrs. Grace Bonner Williams, now in office. The vice-presidents have been: Mrs. A. C. Rhodes, Mrs. S. A. Burt, Mrs. John A. Abbott, Mrs. Charles 'IT. Hubbard, Mrs. Willis K. Hodgman, Mrs. Charles W. Davol. Secretary and treasurer: Miss Susan A. Bassett, 1889-1900; Miss Annie Andros, 1900-02; Miss Jane Burbank, 1902 - . At the present time (1923) the membership number is limited to thirty-five, and meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, and at the homes of members, from October to May. A plan of work is prepared for each season by a programme committee appointed by the directors, with a committee of four or five to prepare a programme on a subject assigned. Besides the abovenamed officers, there are now three directors each year, one retiring and one appointed, the directors at present being Mrs. Charles P. Whitters, Miss Dorothy Park, Mrs. Charles S. McNulty; and the club has a librarian. Occasional concerts are given for the benefit of some local charity.

The instrumental organization of recent years that has created even more than city-wide interest, is the Taunton Orchestral Club, whose annual concert is a musical event to which the city has been accustomed to look forward to for years. The club was originated by William R. Park, jr., a talented leader, and a citizen foremost in all good works, and one appreciative of the musical training needs of the community. The initial concert was given at High School Hall, June 10, 1919, and all concerts have been held there since that time. The organization began its work with thirtysix pieces, and in 1923 there were thirty-eight, the rehearsals having been held at Historical Hall throughout the winter and spring.

Historical and Patriotic Societies - Founded in 1853, the first within the limits of the Old Colony for the purpose of preserving the story and traditions of this section of the country, and of interesting each succeeding generation in the records, relics and research of an ancient settlement, the Old Colony Historical Society has maintained the aims of the founders, and annually increased the historical interest both of the descendants of founders and of the new-comers, as well. The 1923 activities of the society are such as these: The progress that is being made with increase in membership of more than seven hundred; a series of at least eight meetings throughout the year, with speakers, and a varied programme; historical trips in spring and fall to villages about the city; a contention for the democracy of history, and a constant setting forth of the wholesome claim that the present is sequel of the book of the past, and that both are one in our unbiased survey of history.

Preliminary meetings for the establishment of the present society were held in the autumn of 1852, and the society was formally organized February 23, 1854, the date of the incorporation having been May 4, 1853. The first officers were: President, Nathaniel Morton; vice-presi- dents: Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery and Hon John Daggett; recording secretary and librarian, Edgar H. Reed; corresponding secretary, John Ordronaux, esq; treasurer, Hodges Reed; board of directors: Rev. Mortimer Blake, of Taunton; Ellis Ames, esq., of Canton; Henry B. Wheelwright, esq., of Taunton; William E. Deane, esq., of Boston; Caleb Swan, M. D., of Easton. :

Plans were set in motion to acquire the old Taunton Bank building at the corner of Cedar and Main streets for a home for the society; but these plans being unfulfilled, it transpired that the society should be without a settled place of meeting from 1854 to 1885. At the meeting of July 20, 1885, Rev. Samuel H. Emery offered a resolution for the providing of a suitable place for a permanent home for the society, and as a result, on September 25 of the next year, through a deed of conveyance of Joseph Dean, the institution came into possession of the Cedar Street Chapel that was built by Mr. Dean for the Taunton Union Mission in 1867 at a cost of ten thousand dollars. There were eighty-four contributors to the purchase of the building for the Old Colony Historical Society, Mr. Dean being the leading and largest. From that time to the present, the society has held its meetings there, and there also have originated many other societies and organizations of Taunton. Here is one of the most attractive halls of paintings and portraits in New England, and here has been gathered a library, dedicated November 18, 1904, of more than twenty-five hundred books and manuscripts, as well as many mementoes and relics of earlier generations. From 1860 to 1885, it appears that no records were kept, and that with the exception of a few meetings the society was in a dormant condition. President Nathaniel Morton died in 1856, when Hon. John Daggett of Attleboro was chosen to that position, so continuing for thirty years, or until 1886. Upon Mr. Daggett's death, Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery was made president, and continued in office until his own death in 1902. The society reached a high plane of excellence at this time, and its future was assured. Capt. John W. D. Hall, secretary for many years, and an editor of pronounced abilities, was also an historian and genealogist of recognized worth. His successor, James Edward Seaver, had no peer in the genealogical world.

The officers for 1901 were: President, Rev. Samuel H. Emery; secretary, Lieut. James Edward Seaver; treasurer, Capt. George A. King; historiographer, Prof. Joshua E. Crane; corresponding secretary, Thomas J. Lothrop; vice-presidents: Hon. John J. Brayton, Henry M. Lovering, James M. Cushman, esq., William S$. Davenport, Hon. William W. Crapo, William E. Fuller. President Emery died October 3, 1901, and was succeeded in 1902 by Hon. John Summerfield Brayton, of Fall River. Edmund W. Porter was chosen vice-president that year. Henry M. Lovering followed as president in 1905, and Walter C. Baylies was elected a vice-president. In 1906, Dr. William W. Waterman was elected a vicepresident, and Hon. Silas Dean Reed was made corresponding secretary. Frank Luscombe Tinkham, esq., was elected a vice-president of the society in 1912; Ralph Davol was made a vice-president in 1917, and that year, after the death of James Edward Seaver, Edward Hastings Temple was chosen secretary. Frank Luscombe Tinkham, esq., was elected president of the society in 1919, Allston Estes Williams was chosen treasurer, and

Frank A. Hubbard, M.D., a vice-president. Miss Edith M. Hodgman and Mrs. Cora H. D. Robinson were made secretaries pro tem up to June 1, 1920, when Frank Walcott Hutt was elected to that position. In 1922 Marcus A. Rhodes was elected a vice-president.

The society has raised the tablet to be placed on Taunton Green, October 15, 1897, to mark the spot where Taunton townsmen raised a Union flag in October, 1774, and where, October 24, 1786, the Shays insurgency was quieted here by militia in command of General David Cobb. The Robert Treat Paine statue, dedicated November 15, 1904, was a result of the society's effort. The Dighton "Writing Rock," at Berkley, that had been purchased in 1857 of Thomas F. Dean by Niels F. Arnzen, and presented to the Royal Society of Northern Antiquarians of Copenhagen, Denmark, came into possession of the society by deed of quit-claim from the Denmark Society, January 30, 1899, together with land in every direction fifty feet from the rock. The historical trips that have been taken every spring and fall since May, 1901, with the itinerary in charge of Captain George A. King; the papers that have been read before the society by leading educators throughout the country; the meetings of family associations and the ancestral researches that continue; the social hour of the regular meetings under the direction of the Jean Gordon Jackson Guild - all add to and strengthen the ties between the past and the present.

Lydia Cobb Chapter, D. A. R., is an organization with both an interesting past and a progressive present service to the patriotic and social elements of the community. Lydia Cobb Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, has been an influential factor in the life of Taunton for nearly thirty years. Its story as told by Mrs. Sarah J. C. Gibbs, its founder, is as follows:

Lydia Cobb Chapter, D. A. R., was organized November 23, 1896, and became a member of the National Society, February 10, 1897. The name of the chapter was thus chosen because of the fact that Lydia Cobb, of Revolutionary parentage, was of a family that was connected with the early military history of Taunton. She was the mother of General David Cobb, who performed good service throughout the War of the Revolution, three years of which time he was an aide on the staff of General George Washington. Her husband, Captain Thomas Cobb, commanded a Taunton company in the French and Indian War of 1754; her brother, Captain James Cobb, was the muster-master for Taunton in the War of the Revolution; her son-in-law, Robert Treat Paine, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The charter list of the chapter contained forty-eight names, and in 1923 there were 162 names on the membership list. The chapter has had eleven regents, namely: Mrs. Sarah J. C. Gibbs, founder and first regent; Mrs. Emily Franklin Hack, Miss Maria Williams Baylies, Mrs. Augusta M. West, Mrs. Mary Louise Paige, Mrs. Edith L. Lincoln, Mrs. M. Winnifred Briggs, Mrs. Edith G. Crowell, Mrs. Lucy A. French, Mrs. Cora H. Robinson, Mrs. Ida C. Godfrey, Miss Susan A. Bosworth. Four "Real Daughters" of the American Revolution have been members of the chapter, namely: Miss Damaris Raymond, Mrs. Eliza R. Beane, Mrs. Hannah D. Carpenter, Mrs. Elizabeth N. Munroe. Miss M. Emma Burt has been the secretary of the chapter more than twenty years. '

During the World War, the cause of patriotism was furthered in many ways by the chapter, particularly in the various branches of relief work, and the generous assistance that has been accorded in restoration in France. Always interested in educational work, too, the society has been of continuous help to schools in different sections of the country, particularly those giving attention to Americanization effort.

Robert Treat Paine Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, was organized September 11, 1897, and the following-named officers were elected: President, James Edward Seaver; vice-presidents, William W. Waterman and Frank A. Hubbard, M.D. Secretary, Dudley M. Holman; treasurer, Dr. Onias M. Paige; registrar, Leonard C. Couch; chaplain, Rev. S. Hopkins Emery; board of managers: James Edward Seaver, James Martyn Cushman, Walter L. Mahoney, Joshua Eddy Crane, Dudley M. Holman, David Howe, William M. Dean, Alex W. Shaw, F. Arthur Walker, A. Cleveland Bent.

The Bristol County Academy of Sciences was incorporated May 7, 1909, for the purpose of promoting knowledge and public interest in the natural sciences, and the liberal and useful arts, and the conservation of natural resources, and to establish and maintain a museum, library and laboratory for such purposes. 'The Academy had for its first membership the following-named: A. Cleveland Bent, William C. Davenport, William Reed, Walter C. Baylies, Henry F. Bassett, Arthur R. Sharp, John C. Sharp, jr.. H. W. Harrub, Rev. Malcolm Taylor, Nathan Newbury, Fred T. Hersom, Frederick H. Carpenter, Joshua E. Crane, Dr. Arthur V. Goss, Julius Rockwell, Henry P. Copeland, L. M. Witherell, Bradford A. Scudder, Charles A. Hathaway, jr.. Dr. Frank A. Hubbard, Edgar L. Crossman, Edwin A. Tetlow, Charles L. Phillips, Morton L. Church, Rev. Joel H. Metcalf. The society has promoted the work of divisions of photography, its herbarium and its ornithological. department. The officers in 1923: President, A. Cleveland Bent; vice-presidents: Henry F. Bassett, Joshua E. Crane; secretary, Miss Flora L. Mason; treasurer, Miss Lucy B. Bliss; curator, F. Seymour Hersey; directors: the above-named and William C. Davenport, Dr. Arthur V. Goss, Mrs. Franklin D. Williams.

Miscellaneous. - The Taunton Winthrop Club was formed by an association of Taunton men who held a meeting for that purpose at 16 Main street, August 12, 1892, the meeting being called by Col. Frederick Mason. A constitution and by-laws were adopted at that time. At a meeting held October 18, 1892, the following-named officers were elected: President, Col. Frederick Mason; vice-president, James C. Sproat; clerk and treasurer, James R. Tallman; executive committee: Henry J. Fuller, John S. Bassett, A. E. Swasey, Edward Lovering, George W. Colby. At the meeting of June, 1894, Frederick H. Bent was elected secretary and treasurer, and Col. Mason, Mr. Sproat and Mr. Bent were reélected in 1895. Hon. Edgar L. Crossman was elected secretary in 1896; and in 1897 Dr. Thomas J. Robinson was elected vice-president. The same officials held office in 1897 and 1898. In 1899 James C. Sproat was chosen secretary and treasurer. There was no change in office in 1900, 1901, 1902 and 1903. Albert Fuller was elected vice-president in 1904. In 1906, Albert Fuller was president, Frederick Ludlam vice-president, James C.

Sproat secretary and treasurer. The offices remained unchanged until 1912, when Henry F. Bassett was chosen president, Hon. Silas Dean Reed, vice-president, Frank P. Canedy secretary and treasurer. In 1915, William O. Kingman was appointed secretary and treasurer, and in 1916, William Hughes was president; in 1917, Amos L. Richards, vice-president. W. Frank Sampson was elected secretary and treasurer in 1918. In 1920 Richard Wastcoat was vice-president. The present clubhouse was opened Monday evening, January 1, 1894. On September 14, 1900, a reception was given His Honor, Mayor Wrenn of Taunton, England. The officers in 1923: President, H. H. Shumway; vice-president, Richard Wastcoat; secretary and treasurer, W. Frank Sampson.

The Segreganset Country Club, with the most desirable and attractive location and grounds in this part of the county, was instituted in 1899, the first officers being: President, A. Cleveland Bent; secretary and treasurer, George T. Hartshorn. The Gulliver estate at Wade's Corners, with its buildings, was purchased in 1908, and the golf course of three thousand yards and nine holes was laid out. Nathan Newbury succeeded A. Cleveland Bent as president of the club; James Greenwood succeeded Mr. Hartshorn as the secretary, and Merle T. Barker was treasurer and secretary in 1923. The board of' governors that year consisted of Merle T. Barker, R. Frank Brooks, jr., Mrs. R. Frank Brooks, jr., Mrs. Harry Carlow, Charles W. Davol, William Hughes, Nathan Newbury, Ira L. Newcomb, William H. Reed. The membership in 1923 was approximately three hundred.

The Taunton Shooting Club and the Nimrod Club were two sports and gunning organizations that existed -here in the early seventies. They combined on May 8, 1874, for the formation of the Sportsman Club, with the following-named as officers: President, Silas Dean Presbrey, M.D.; vice-president, Henry D. Atwood; secretary, Jason W. Hayward, M.D.; treasurer, James Cushman, esq.; executive committee: William H. Burt, J. L. Merigold, J. Sampson. The Sportsman Club was reorganized April 1, 1886, as the Bristol Club, with the following-named officers: President, Henry D. Atwood; vice-president, Jason W. Hayward, M.D.; secretary, Henry G. Brownell; treasurer, EK. M. Walker; executive committee: Hon. William H. Fox, A. B. Hodges, N. S. Williams. Meetings have been held at the Fayette building, from the first. The club in 1923 had ninety-eight resident members and six non-resident members, and the officers were as follows: President, W. S. Pepler; vice-president, Fred Dary; treasurer, Herbert E. Pierce; secretary, Harold S. Hall; executive committee: A. R. Taylor, C. F. Baylies, Ernest K. Vanderwarker.

The Taunton Rotary Club was given its start in Taunton, March 22, 1921, when prominent rotarians from Brockton, Providence, Pawtucket and New Bedford came to Taunton, to the number of seventy, to assist the local club at its institution and the presentation of its charter. District Governor Forrest Perkins presented the charter, and President James P. Whitters of the Taunton club took charge of it, the local, charter being No. 833, and the club starting with twenty-one members. Mr. Perkins placed before the members of the new club the high principles of rotary - the doctrine of service in a non-political, non-sectarian and friendly way; and Hon. Leo H. Coughlin, the mayor, extended a welcome to the city.

The first officers consisted of: President, James P. Whitters; vice-president, Hon. Leo H. Coughlin; secretary, Raymond H. Pierce; treasurer, Bion C. Pierce. The officers for 1923 were: President, William R. Park, jr.; secretary, Raymond H. Pierce; treasurer, Bion C. Pierce; directors: James P. Whitters, H. H. Shumway, Arthur R. Crandell, M. D.

The Taunton Automobile Club was organized in 1911 as a social and protective club of all persons interested in the use, manufacture or sale of motor vehicles. Its objects are the protection of such persons from unjust legislation or unreasonable enforcement of laws and ordinances, and the enactment of rational legislation affecting the use of such vehicles. There were sixty charter members. The general management and control of the affairs of the club is vested in a board of seven members known as the board of governors, consisting of the president, vice-president, the secretary and treasurer, and four governors. The club, which is affiliated with the Massachusetts State Automobile Association and the American Automobile Association, had for its officers in 1923: President, Arthur R. Crandell, M.D.; vice-president, William H. Reed; secretary and _ treasurer, A. C. Lewis.

The Taunton College Club was organized January 18, 1902, with twelve members, the officers at that time being: President, Miss Blanche C. Grant; vice-president, Mrs. Frank A. Hubbard; secretary, Miss Bertha J. Southwick; treasurer, Miss Pearl B. Grant. Women who had been enrolled as students at colleges, and who were approved by the membership committee, were eligible for membership, and monthly meetings were held. The club was disbanded in 1912. The club was reorganized in 1921, and since that time held four meetings a year. Only members who are college graduates are eligible for office. The club, with its membership of fifty-two in 1923, had the following officers: President, Mrs. Chester S. Godfrey; vice-president, Mrs. Samuel V. Cole; secretary, Miss Madeline Handy; treasurer, Mrs. Julius Rockwell.

The Taunton Harvard Club was organized November 16, 1914, with thirty-five charter members, the officers at that time being: President, Frank A. Hubbard, M.D.; vice-president, Judge Frederick S. Hall; secretary and treasurer, Arthur R. Crandell, M.D. Meetings are held once or twice a year. There were in 1923 fifty-one members. Judge Frederick S. Hall was the second president of the club; Joseph K. Milliken, third; and the officers in 1923 were: President, Arthur R. Crandell, M. D.; vice-president, William H. Reed; secretary, Joseph L. Murphy, M.D.; treasurer, Herbert Baldwin.

Taunton Alumni of Massachusetts Institute of Technology held their first meeting at the Young Men's Christian, Association, April 12, 1923, when permanent officers were elected and a constitution adopted. John L. Barry, treasurer of the Whittenton Hosiery Corporation, was elected president; R. Loring Hayward, vice-president; Edward F. Brennan, secretary-treasurer; A. Loring Swasey, member of the board of governors.

Holy Cross College Club in Taunton has twenty-five members. The club is affiliated with the Bristol County Alumni Association of Holy Cross College, that was organized in 1900.

The Taunton Lions Club was organized in 1923 for civic betterment and philanthropic purposes. The officers were: President, Russell Park; secretary and treasurer, Louis T. Wood. The membership was twenty-two.

The Taunton Rod and Gun Club was the live sportsman organization of 1923, it having originated in 1921 as the Taunton Trap-shooting Club, their first shoot being held on Thanksgiving Day of that year. Arthur A. Scudder and a number of other men of Taunton and nearby places gave an impetus to the movement, and the officers elected at the first business meeting consisted of: President, A. Cleveland Bent, one of the leading ethnologists in the country; secretary, A. H. Shumway; treasurer, Walter N. Smith. An organization known as the Taunton Gun Club was started in 1888, and members were such well known local sportsmen as J. G. Smith, G. L. Smith, Charles Snow, George Davis, Jacob Davis, Enoch Bowen, J. Tyler Hall. In 1900 a Taunton Rod and Gun Club was originated by Arthur A. Scudder, and continued an annual interest for nine years. Among those who made the club a success were the following-named: Sheriff Edwin H. Evans, Charles W. Davol, William H. Cushman, Maurice Lott, Henry Allen, Charles Allen, George Thorndike, Albert Atwood, Fred Scudder, Frederick Hill, A. Cleveland Bent.

The Taunton Boat Club corporation had its beginning in 1892, when William T. Donnelly, a marine engineer and a man much interested in boating, called a number of men together to subscribe to an agreement to constitute a corporation to be known as the Taunton Boat Club Corporation. Thirty-eight men were present, a constitution was drawn up and officers elected. The thirty-eight subscribers were as follows: Alfred C. Place, Charles H. Buffington, William T. Donnelly, Albert Fuller, Frederick M. Atwood, E. H. Waldron, Charles G. Trefethen, Edward L. Sargent, George D. Chace, Frederick H. Bent, William O. Kingman, Frederick S. Hall, Clinton V. Sanders, George W. Tew, Charles H. Worthen, Randall Dean, Frederick E. White, Chester E. Walker, Orville A. Barker, Gilbert H. Padelford, Allen P. Hoard, Edward Lovering, Charles M. Mason, Alfred B. Sproat, James E. Lewis, W. T. Emery, Joseph B. Murphy, Charles T. Hubbard, H. H. Townsend, Charles L. Macomber, William H. Carpenter, H. P. Copeland, Silas D. Presbrey, D. Frank Wright, H. P. Guillo, B. H. Strout, S. G. Beers and J. L. Guthrie. The first president was Alfred S. Place, who served from 1893 to 1901; Albert Fuller, from 1901 to 1907; Arthur R. Crandell, 1907 to 1916; Ralph E. Barker, 1916 to 1919; William O. Kingman, 1919 - . During this time there have been two clerks, the first, George D. Chace, until 1895, and Alfred B. Sproat, from 1895 to the present time. The first treasurer was H. H. Townsend, until 1896; Frank P. Canedy, 1896 to 1908; Louis E. Brownell, 1908 to 1912; Louis T. Wood, 1912 to 1916; Frank F. Baker, 1916 to 1920; Esther Kingman, 1920 - . Land on Dean street was purchased from Timothy Gordon, and a clubhouse erected to be held and managed for the use of the Taunton Boat Club. Forty boats are owned by individual members, and four by the club as an organization.

The Taunton Yacht Club was not in active operation as a club in 1923, though it still possessed its charter. It was one of the wide-awake yacht clubs at the beginning of the present century. The club was organized July 1, 1895, and the incorporators were the following-named: George Ek. Wilbur, Everett H. Waldron, Clinton V. Sanders, John H. Eldridge, Harry S. Williams, Edwin N. Clark, Luther Dean, William S. Palmer, Charles S.