Worcester County, Massachusetts - Chapter 184, 1889

Societies, Associations And Clubs

To give a detailed history of the many societies, literary, social and political, which have existed in Worcester would necessitate the occupying much more space than the limits of this history will admit. In the period just before the War of the Revolution, impatience at the demands made by the British Government, and its infringement upon what men then thought were the rights of all men, caused the formation of a political society, which, though shortlived, had a marked influence upon municipal affairs which was far-reaching in its efiects.

Many years after, when these rights were fully established, societies were formed for mutual protection against the ravages of fire, and for aiding each other in bringing thieves to justice. Then came societies for the literary and educational improvement of the people by the distribution of books, and by courses of lectures upon scientific subjects illustrated by suitable apparatus.

Societies and associations for philanthropic and benevolent purposes, as well as representative orders or chapters of the numerous secret socitties of the county, are also established here. Churches and schools are represented by many societies, associations or clubs for special purposes in their line of work. Book clubs, athletic clubs and those especially for social purposes are also numerous.

With so large a number it is to be regretted that so few can be spoken of in detail, but it is the hope of the writer that the brief notices here presented may prove of some historical value.

The Ajieeican Political Society, the earliest not of a religious nature, formed in Worcester, of which any record has been handed down, was organized December, 1773, by the leading Whigs for discussion and consultation upon the civil and re- ligious affairs of the town. Its principal purpose was undoubtedly to influence and, as far as possible control the action of the loyalist party , which consisted very largely of the wealthy and influential men of the town. At a meeting held January 3, 1774, a committee, appointed at the house of Asa Ward the 27th of the previous month, reported a code of bylaws which was adopted. The committee, consisting of Nathan Baldwin, Samuel Curtis and Timothy Bigelow, in presenting the rules and regulations for the government of the society, prefaced them with the following preamble, setting forth the reasons for its formation aud the objects in view : " Whereas, at this present time, the good people of this country in general (and with respect to some particular circumstances, the town of Worcester in particular) labor under many impositions and burdens grievous to be borne, which we apprehend would never have been imposed upon us if we had united and opposed the machinations of some designing persons in this Province, who are grasping at power and the property of their neighbors ; for the prevention whereof, and the better securing our liberties and properties, and counteracting the designs of our enemies ; we, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do by these presents incorporate ourselves into a society by the name of the American Political Society, and to meet at some public-house in Worcester, at least once in every month, to advise with each other on proper methods to be pursued by us, and each of us respecting our common rights and liberties, civil and religious ; and for the regular ordering and conducting our said society in their meetings, they shall choose some one of the members of said society as a chairman," etc. The by-laws adopted indicate that it was to a certain extent a secret society, the first article reading as follows : " That no discourse or transaction in any of our meetings shall be communicated or divulged to any person or persons not belonging to our said society, by any ways or means whatever (such only excepted as are allowed to be made public by the unanimous vote of our said society), and if any person or persons shall be guilty of a breach of this article, he or they be punished with expulsion from our saidsociety." The ninth and tenth articles, which are as follows, are in the same spirit : " 9th. That every member of our said society shall have full power to dismiss himself from said society in the following manner, viz. : by informing them in any one of their meetings, in writing, that he will inviolably keep all the secrets of said society as faithfully as if he still belonged to it himself, and as they desire, but that he desires a dismission by a vote of said society, and that it may be entered on the journal of the transactions of said society that he was dismissed by his own desire. 10th. That each particular member of this our said society, reposing special trust and confidence in every other member of the society, looks upon himself as bound, and hereby binds himself by the ties of honor, virtue, truth.

sincerity and every appellation that is dear to him in this life, faithfully and truly to keep and perform for himself each and every of the articles herein mentioned and expressed to all intents and purposes."

At one of the meetings in J'ebruary, 1774, the question as to the propriety of choosing any person to any office, who was not a professed friend to constitutional liberty, was discussed. April 4th there was an interesting meeting, over thirty members being present. Among the questions discussed and acted upon was that of preparing instructions to the representatives to the General Court, to be chosen the next month. It was also voted at this meeting that " this society will each one bear and pay their equal part of the fine and charges that may be laid upon Messrs. Joshua Bigelow and Timothy Bigelow, for their refusal to be empanueled upon the Grand Jury, at our next Superior Court of Assize for the county of Worcester, if they shall be chosen into that office, and that their refusal is founded upon the principle that they cannot consistently with good conscience and order serve if Peter Oliver, Esq., is present on the bench as 'Chief Justice or Judge of said Court, before he is lawfully tried and acquitted from the high crimes and charges for which he now stands impeached by the Honorable House of Representatives, and the major part of the Grand Jurors for the whole county join them in refusing to serve for the reasons aforesaid." Matters of town and church government were often discussed. At the meeting of May 2, 1774, the matter of Rev. Mr. Maccarty's salary was debated, as to whether an additional sum of twenty pounds, which had been allowed him, should be taken off for the year. June 10th, by a unanimous vote, it was agreed " not to purchase any English goods until the port and harbor of Boston shall be opened." At a town-meeting held on the 7th of March, 1774, the fourth article of the warrant was "for the town to consider and act and vote as they may think proper, upon a petition of twenty-seven citizens of the town, that some action be taken in relation to the act of Parliament giving a privilege to the East India Company to export teas to America, subject to duty, for the purpose of raising a revenue for his Majesty." The request was referred to a committee consisting of William Young, Josiah Pierce and Timothy Bigelow (all members of the Political Society), to take it into consideration and report in two hours. The committee promptly reported a long preamble with three resolutions, the substance ol which was, " that the inhabitants refuse to buy, sell or in any way to be concerned with India teas of any kind until the act imposing a duty be repealed, and also to break off' all commercial intercourse with those persons, in this or any other place, who should act counter to these resolutions," etc., etc. This action of the town called forth a protest from the loyalists against accepting the report of the committee, which was rejected by the meeting. The protest was, however, entered upon the records by Clark Chandler, the town clerk, who was a loyalist, and this action on his part occasioned much excitement. When it became known to the members of the Political Society that the obnoxious protest had really been entered on the town records they were very indignant, and at once proceeded to show that they were, and upon a petition of Joshua Bigelow and others, a town- meeting was called the 22d of August, 1774, to consider the matter. This meeting was adjourned to the 24th of the same mouth, at which time it was voted, " That the town clerk do, in the presence of the town, obliterate, erase or otherwise deface the said recorded protest and the names thereto subscribed, so that it may become utterly illegible and unintelligible." That this vote was most thoroughly carried out, an inspection of the town records will give ample evidence, the obliteration being so complete that it is "utterly illegible and unintelligible." In 1776 it was found that the society was having too much influence in controlling the town-meetings, which occasioned an opposition to it, and it was tinally dissolved in May of that year. It had, however, been a power for good in the community, and many of its members were useful and honored officers of the town, as well as doing efficient service in the War of the Revolution.

Worcester Fire Society. - This ancient society was organized in January, 1793, and is still in existence, observing its old rules and regulations adopted at the outset although the service for which it was founded has long since been superseded by the appliances of modern inventions for the protection of property from fire. Its founders, says the preamble to the by-laws, " influenced by a sense of social duty, formed themselves into a society for the more effectual as.sistance of each other, and of their townsmen, in times of danger from fire." Among the original members were Joseph Allen, John Green, Stephen Salisbury, Sr., Daniel Waldo, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Edward Bangs and Isaiah Thomas. Neither the records nor the newspapers of the day give the reasons for its formation. Probably the immediate cause was the destruction by fire on the 4th of January, 1793, of the weaver's shop of Cornelius & Peter Stowell, situated at the corner of what is now Park and Washington Streets. The by-laws adopted are almost, word for word, like those of a " Masonick Fire Society" instituted at " Glocester (Mass.) August 18th, 1789," which were printed at the press of Isaiah Thomas & Co., at Boston, and that also may have suggested to Mr. Thomas the idea of forming a similar society in Worcester. Meetings are held quarterly at some hotel and at the annual meeting, in January, an oration and poem are usually delivered. Reminiscences of the members, from its foundation to the election of Dr. George Chandler, in 1864, have been published, which give many items of local history, and indicate the prominence of its members in town aftairs. From 1795 to 1831 the office of town treasurer was held by a member of this society, and from 1790 to 1831, one or more of the Board of Selectmen. Since then a majority of the mayors of the city have also beau members. It has also furnished three Governors of the State, United States Senators and Representatives, and an Attorney-Geueral of the United States.

The number of members is limited to thirty, thus, making it a 'somewhat exclusive society and this facl probably induced some gentlemen, who were unabk to become members, to form other societies of a likt

The Mutual Fiee Society was formed in July, 1822, but remained in existence only a short time. The 'social Fire Society, formed in 1840, was also given up after a few years. Both these societies were organized on the same plan as the older society, but they seem to have lacked the elements of success that characterized the first.

The Wokcester Society of Mutual Aid ik Detecting Thieves was instituted in November, 1795, and keeps up its organization, although the objects for which it was formed are now much more effectually provided for by the city and State authorities, The first meeting was held at the tavern of Captain Daniel Heywood, November 2, 1795, Benjamin Heywood being moderator, also chairman of a committee to draw up rules and regulations. These were adopted at a meeting held November llith, with a preamble setting forth the general objects of the society, which was as follows :

WHEREA.S, the practice of Btealing has become so prevalent of latr that it has become [lecessaiy for the well-disposed to unite in the most cITectual measures for protecting their property against those hostile in vasions: We, the subscribers, do therefore associate together lor the purpose of more effectually recovering any property that may at anj time be stolen from any member of this society, and of mutually aiding each other in bringing offendera to condign punishment, hereby engaging to comply with tlic following rules and regulations.

From the records it would appear that no othei meeting was held till January, 1801, and that at a meeting in February of that year the name of the society was fixed upon as " The Society of Mutual Aid against Thieves," ' and the admission fee fixed at six shillings. At the meeting of January 10, 1803, an assessment of " one shilling was made on each member to keep hisdollar good," the sum of nineteen dollars and forty-seven cents having been expended in pursuing the thief who had stolen Captain John Pierce's horse, etc. At this meeting the first pursuing committee was chosen, who were " to hold themselves in readiness, at the shortest notice, to pursue any thief or thieves who may have stolen any property from a member of this society." The present treasurer and clerk is George M. Woodward ; there is also a board of twelve directors and a pursuing eommittee of the same number. Although the organization is still preserved, the meetings are not held with any regularity, and it seems to be of but little interest to the members, save for its antiquity.

The American Antiquarian Society, although not local in its membership, has its buildings and collections at Worcester, where it was founded in 1812. The first steps for its formation were taken at a meeting held at Sykes' tavern, in Worcester, by Isaiah Thomas, Nathaniel Paine, William Paine, Levi Lincoln, Aaron Bancroft and Edward D. Bangs. These gentlemen petitioned the State Legislature for an act of incorporation under the name of the American Antiquarian Society, with " such ijrivileges and immunities as are usually granted by acts of incorporation to other public societies established under the laws of the Commonwealth.

As one of the inducements to the granting of these privileges, "they beg leave to state that one of their number- is in possession of a valuable collection of books, obtained with great labor and expense, the value of which may be fairly estimated at about five thousand dollars, some of them more ancient than are to be found in any other part of our country, and all of which he intends to transfer to the proposed society, should their project receive the sanction and encouragement of the Legislature." The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the act of incorporation was approved by Governor Caleb Strong, October 24, 1812. The preamble to the act of incorporation was as follows : -

WllEBEAS, The collection and preservation of the anticiuilies of our country, and of curious and valuable productions in Art and Nature, have a tendency to enlarge the sphere of human knowledge, aid the progress of science, to perpetuate the history of moral and political events and to improve and interest posterity : Therefore be it enacted, etc.

The persons named in the act were gentlemen eminent for their learning and ability, who stood high in the confidence of the public ; there were, besides, the petitioners already mentioned, Levi Lincoln, Jr., Samuel M. Burnside, Francis Blake, Isaiah Thomas, Jr., of Worcester, and Harrison G. Otis, Timothy Bigelow, John T. Kirkland, Josiah Quincy, Thaddeus M. Harris and others of Boston and vicinity.

The first meeting of the corporators, called by an advertisement in the Ma.isnchuse/tt: Spy, addressed to the " American Society of Antiquaries," was held at the Exchange Coffee-house, in Boston, November 19, 1812, ten gentlemen being present. At this meeting an organization was made by the choice of Isaiah Thomas as president ; William D. Peck, vice-president; Thaddeus M. Harris and William Jenks, corresponding secretaries ; and Samuel M. Burnside, recording secretary. Another meeting was held in February, 1813, at which by-laws were adopted, and Dr. William Paine was chosen second vice-president ; Levi Lincoln, Jr., treasurer ; and Timothy Bigelow of Medford, Aaron Bancroft and Edward Bangs of Worcester, George Gibbs of Boston, William Bentley of Salem, Bedford Webster and Benjamin Russell of Boston, councilors. At this meeting the president, in accordance with a previous intimation, presented to the society his collection of books, "estimated at four thousand dollars, after making the usual deduction of twenty per cent, from the appraised value,''

The first anniversary of the founding of the society, being also the anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, took place at the Exchange Coffeehouse in Boston, October 23, 1813. On this occasion an oration was delivered at the "Stone Chapel " by Rev. Professor William Jeuks, of Bath, Maine.'

In 1817 active measures were taken to procure funds to defray the expense of erecting a building for the library and cabinet by appointing committees to solicit subscriptions. Some difficulty was experienced in the attempt to raise the necessary money to carry out the plans for building and it was not till early in 1819 that the society were relieved from their anxiety in the matter. At that time Mr. Thomas, ally at the Exchange Coffee-house, but occasionally at the Marlboro' Hotel, Tremont House and Concert Hall. At one of the early meetings it was voted " that as the capital of the commonwealth generally offers the best means of ascertaining the real character and standing of such persons as may be proposed for membership in this society, and as the society are desirous that the utmost circumspection should be used in the admission of members," etc. . . " that action on the nomination for membership should only take place at a meeting in the town of Boston." This vote was soon after repealed, and thereafter nominations were made through the ('ouncil and acted upon at any regular meeting.

In February, 1819, a committee, appointed to prepare an address to the members, setting forth the society's objects and conditions, declared the institution to be, in all its concerns, national, although it the founder and president of the society, offered to build at his own expense a suitable edifice for the reception of its valuable collections. This offer was gratefully accepted and in August of that year a committee was appointed at the request of Mr. Thomas to superintend its erection. The building was erected on Summer Street, In Worcester, was of brick, thoroughly built, and at the time, was considered well adapted to the purposes for which it was intended. An address at the dedication was made by Isaac Goodwin, August 24, 1820, in the Second Parish Church (Kev. Dr. Bancroft's). Till 1832 the annual meetings were held in Boston, usu-

1 At the fiftieth anniversary observed at Worcester in October, 1863, Dr. .Tenks, then of Boston, delivered an address on the "Duties of the American Antiquary," at which time only four of the original members of the Bociety were living.

' derived its charter and its national appellation from the Legislature of Massachusetts. They say "This local authority was resorted to from doubts having been expressed whether Congress had the power to grant a charter without the District of Columbia. Its members are selected from all parts of the Union. Its respectability is inferred from its numbers and from its comprising men of the first standing and intellij gencein the nation, and some of the first distinction [ in other countries. The objects of this institution are commensurate with the lapse of time, and its benefits will be more and more accumulating in the progression of ages. . . . The chief objects of the inquiries and researches of this society, which cannot too soon arrest its attention, will be American Antiquities - natural, artificial and literary." The building on Summer Street having been found to be too small and too damp for the proper preservation of the rapidly accumulating collections, the present hall on Main Street was built in 1853. It is favorably situated in a locality free from dampness and is believed to be substantially safe from Are, besides being much better adapted than the first to the purposes of the society, Owing, however, to the rapid increase of the library - particularly of the department devoted to newspapers - it was found insufficient in size, and more space was soon required. The Hon. Stephen Salisbury, then the president, had anticipated this need, and presented a lot of land on Highland Street, in the rear of the building, and also provided funds for the erection of the addition, which was completed in January, 1878.

affairs of the society (and which also usually treat upon some special topic of antiquarian study and research), papers from other members and discussions ot subjects of interest are always in order.

The library of the society, which now numbers over eighty thousand volumes, representing most departments of literature, being especially rich in early American publications, is fully noticed in the chapter on libraries. The collection of manuscripts is large and of great value and interest, including some of a very early date. They are conveniently arranged for reference and partially catalogued so that they can now be consulted with comparatively little trouble. It is not practicable, in the brief limits of this notice, to describe with particularity any special department.

Dr. Thomas, while president, had defrayed a large portion of the society's expenditures and begun the foundation of a permanent fund for its future support. At his death, in 1831, he bequeathed to the society the rest of his books, engravings, coins, etc., as well as money to constitute the Librarian's and the Collection and Research Funds. These funds have gradually increased and others have been founded for the support of various departments of the society's work. There are now twelve different funds, amounting in the aggregate to over one hundred thousand dollars, of which twenty thousand dollars was a bequest from Hon. Stephen Salisbury.

Regular meetings of the society are held twice a year, the annual meeting for the choice of officers being held in October, in their hall, at Worcester, and the semi-annual meeting at Boston, in April, at the rooms of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. At these meetings, besides the regular reports of the council and librarian, upon the general

Suffice it to say the society have reason to regard the manuscripts in their possession as not by any means the least valuable of their collections. There is a cabinet of Indian and archieological specimens of great interest to the antiquary, especially those from Yucatan and Central America.

The collection of engraved portraits, political broadsides and caricatures is of interest and value, as is the cabinet of coins and medals. The walls of the society's halls are adorned with portraits of former officers and eminent men of the past. The society have published six volumes of transactions under the name of " Archteologia Americana," which are devoted to archaeological and historical subjects - volumes five and six being a reprint of Thomas' " History of Printing in America," from the edition of 1810, also containing a list of books printed in what is now the United States previous to 1770. Since 1849 the proceedings of the society at its annual and semi-annual meetings have been regularly printed, and include, besides the ordi- nary reports of the officers, valuable antiquarian and historical papers. The president of the society elected in October, 1888, is Stephen Salisbury, (Jr.); Vice-Presidents, George Bancroft, LL.D., George F. Hoar, LL.D.; Secretary of Foreign Correspondence, J. Hammond Trumbull, LL.D.; Secretary of Domestic Correspondence, Charles Deane, LL.D.; Recording Secretary, John D. Washburn; Treasurer, Nathaniel Paine; Librarian, Edmund M. Barton. By the provisions of the by-laws adopted in October, 1831, the number of American members of the society can at no time exceed one hundred and forty, but there is no limit to the number of foreign members.

The Washington Benevolent Society of the County of Worcester. - One of the earliest temperance organizations in the county was instituted in Worcester,March 18, 1812, William Stedmau being president, and Daniel Waldo, secretary. The certificate of membership, signed by the president and secretary was inserted in a small 12mo volume entitled, "Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States. Published for the Worcester Washington Benevolent Society. Boston. Printed by Jos. T. Buckingham, Winter Street, 1812." The volume was embellished with a portrait of Washington. This society, while of a charitable nature, was more especially interested in the cause of temperance, and in December, 1813, issued a circular signed by Nathaniel P. Denny, Joseph Goffe, Daniel Waldo, Isaac Goodwin and Bezaleel Taft. The object of the circular was to set forth the evils arising from the distillation of grain in the State, and to suggest the propriety of petitioning Congress " to levy a tax on domestic spirits, so heavy as to atford a rational prospect of diminishing the consumption."

The annual meeting of the society was held on the anniversary of the first inauguration of Washington as President of the United States, at which time an oration was delivered. Among the members who delivered orations were S. M, Burnside and John Davis. The organization was kept up till August, 1836, when it was dissolved, and a committee recommended that the funds be transferred to the " Worcester Agricultural Society ; " the record of its transactions was also presented to the same society.

The Worcester Agricultural Society was incorporated in February, 1818, and organized at a meeting held March 11th, by the choice of Levi Lincoln, Sr., president; Daniel Waldo and Thomas W. Ward, vice-presidents; Theophilus Wheeler, treasurer ; Levi Lincoln, Jr., corresponding secretary, and Abraham Lincoln, recording secretary.

The first Cattle Show and exhibition of maimfacturers was held October 7, 1819, which appears from the records of the society to have been very successful ; the secretary's estimate, however, that " about two thousand attended the services in the meetinghouse," must be taken with some grains of allowance. The pens for cattle, sheep and swine to number of sixty or more were erected on the northerly side of the Common, and the " household and the domestic manufactures were exhibited in a building kindly granted by Hon. Nathaniel Paine, and the specimens were numerous and excellent." The address (which is one of the features of the Cattle Show, retained to the present day) was delivered at the Old South Church by Levi Lincoln, Jr., who for so many years after was identified with the society. After the exercises in the church the society marched to Eager's Hotel, where a dinner was served to the members and invited guests. Another feature, which was inaugurated soon after, and which was in vogue for many years, was a grand ball in some public hall. In closing the records of the proceedings of their first exhibition, Edward D. Bangs, the secretary, says, " Thus passed a proud day for the County of Worcester. May many more such days be continued by the present and future generations." In 1852 the society purchased the land now occupied by them opposite Elm Park, and in September, 1853, held the first exibition there, when, for the first time in the history of the society, an admission fee was charged for non-members. The present building was erected and first occupied by the society for exhibitions in September, 1854. Of late years the annual fair or Cattle Shows have been often held at the society's grounds in connection with that of the New England Agricultural Society. The officers of the society for 1888 were: J. L. Ellsworth, president; Calvin L. Hartshorn and Ledyard Bill, vice-presidents ; and L. F. Herrick, secretary and treasurer.

The Fraternity of Odd-Fellows, a literary, not a secret society, was organized about the year 1820, as appears from a record of their proceedings at a meeting held in October, 1824, " it then being the fourth year of their oddity." At this meeting rules and regulations were adopted, which would seem to apply only to the use of a library. Among the members who were the most active and influential men of the town may be mentioned the names of Emory Washburn, John Davis, Thomas Kinnicutt, Isaac Davis, Isaac Goodwin, Stephen Salisbury, C. C. Baldwin, Henry and Gardiner Paine, James Green and William Lincoln. The fifth anniversary of the formation of the society was celebrated December 8, 1824, at which time an oration and poem were delivered by members of the fraternity. In 1827 the society celebrated the 4th of July with an oration by Thomas Kinnicutt and a poem by Kichard H. Vose.' The society ceased to exist many years ago ; but there is no record of the date.

The Worcester Lyceum of Natural History. - From the manuscript records of this society, now in the possession of the Worcester Natural History Society, it appears that the first session was held January 1, 182.'). William Lincoln, the early histo- rian of Worcester, and Christopher C. Baldwin, librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, piesented a form of constitution for consideration, which was adopted. The following paragraph from the preamble sets forth the objects of the society : "That scientific knowledge and human happiness are closely and intimately connected is a principle established by all experience. For the continued improvements in the arts we are indebted to the constant advances in sciences, medicine, manufactures, and the numerous processes of industry have derived their present perfection from the investigations of the laws of nature. Botany and mineralogy have furnished to the physician his most efficient arms and his most powerful antidotes to resist the attacks of disease ; they have given to the agriculturist and the artist the means of conducting their operations with success," etc.

After a page or two more of the preamble, follows the constitution itself, consisting of twelve sections and twenty-two articles. The first officers were Dr. John Green, president; Dr. B. F. Heywood, vicepresident; Frederick William Paine, treasurer; William Lincoln, recording secretary; C. C. Baldwin, corresponding secretary, and Charles Wheeler, librarian and cabinet-keeper. Among the members elected at the first meeting were .Tohn M. Earle, Clarendon Harris, George Allen and Samuel Jennisou, the first named being soon after appointed curator of botany. The society appears to have held meetings from time to time till November 28, 1829, at which time the record stops. As no mention is made of this society in the " History of Worcester" by its accomplished secretary, we are led to suppose that the organization was not long kept up.

The Worcester Lyceum. - In 1827 Mr. Josiah Holbrook (to whom the Massachusetts Spy ga.ve the credit of establishing lyceums in this country) issued a seven-page pamphlet, entitled, " American Lyceum of Science and the Arts, composed of Associations for Mutual Instruction, and Designed for the General DiflFusion of Useful and Practical Knowledge." It was printed in Worcester by Samuel H. Oolton & Co., and contained articles for the government of societies or lyceums, to be formed in different towns as branches of an American Lyceum. These lyceums were designed to diftuse knowledge in all departments of science, to " procure books, apparatus for illustrating the sciences, and collections of minerals or other articles of natural or artificial production." There were also " considerations " advanced to show the usefulness and advantages of such associations. It was probably at about this time that the Worcester County Lyceum was established, although the exact date cannot be ascertained. In October of 1829, however, a meeting of this society was convened at Worcester to hear an address from Emory Washburn upon educational matters. At this meeting, presided over by John Davis, with Ira M. Barton as secretary, discussion was had upon our common-school system, also in relation to making maps and plans of the towns in Worcester County. Mr. Holbrook was present and exhibited several maps, and stated his intention to present one to each Lyceum in the county. This meeting was attended by prominent citizens from various towns in the county, who discussed, besides the matters above referred to, the expediency of adopting measures to establish a public library for the county, and a committee was appointed to devise a plan for such a library. This committee reported at an adjourned meeting, held at Thomas Coffee-House, December 10, 1829, but it does not appear that any decided action was taken. This may have been for the reason that in November of the same year the Worcester Lyceum was duly organized, on which occasion an introductory address was delivered by Hon. John Davis, and some forty or fifty persons signed the constitution. It seems likely that the new society was made up very largely from the Worcester members of the Worcester County Branch of the American Lyceum, and it was represented in the meetings of the last named by delegates. Of the forty or fifty gentlemen who constituted the Worcester Lyceum in 1829-30, but six are now (1888) known to be living, viz., William 8. Lincoln, Henry H. Chamberlin, George M. Rice, Henry W. Miller and Joseph Pratt, of Worcester, and Dr. John S. Butler, of Hartford. The first oflacers of the Lyceum were Rev. Jonathan Going, president; Anthony Chase, secretary, and an executive committee, consisting of Frederick W. Paine, Moses L. Morse, William Lincoln, Ichabod Washburn and Thomas Chamberlin.

The principal object of the Lyceum was to provide a course of lectures each year ; a circulating library for the use of purchasers of season tickets to the lectures was also established. During the earlier years of the Lyceum from eighteen to twenty lectures were given in each course, which extended from October to April ; later, six or eight only. The original price of tickets for the course was one dollar for persons over twenty-one years of age, seventy-five cents for those between eighteen and twenty-one years, and fifty cents for those between the ages of twelve and eighteen. In the course for 1839-40 there were twenty-two lectures given, of which fourteen were by citizens of Worcester, it being understood that the latter gentlemen were to receive no compensation for their services. A debating society was also formed, classes organized for study in various branches, and chemical apparatus purchased. In 185.5 the Lyceum transferred their library to the Young Men's Library Association, but still continued its course of lectures till, by an act of the Legislature, approved March 15, 1856, it was fully merged into that association.

Worcester County Historical Society. - This society was incorporated February 19, 1831, John Davis, Samuel Jennison, Isaac Goodwin, William Lincoln and Joseph Allen being the peraons named in the act. In a circular issued by the society, the purpose of its formation was stated to be " collecting and preserving materials for a complete and minute history of the County of Worcester, ... to ascertain those facts that will tend to develop the origin, advancement and present state of our public institutions and social relations, the geographical limits and appearance of our territory," etc.

This circular was sent to residents in the county, and called for such facts as might be in their possesiiou relative to the subjects of inquiry. John Davis was the first president and held the office for many years. In October, 1831, the centennial anniversary of the establishment of Worcester County was celebrated by the Historical Society, an address being delivered by John Davis. The society ceased to exist many years ago, but the exact date of its dissolution cannot now be ascertained.

The Worcester County ATHENiEUM was established as a stock company in 1830, the shares being twenty-five dollars each; and rules and regulations for its government were adopted December 16th ol that year. The first board of officers consisted of Rev. George Allen, president ; Rev. John Nelson, vice-president ; Fred. W. Paine, treasurer, and William Lincoln, secretary. The object of the society, as indicated by a subscription paper prepared for signature by those who were to become members, was to form a public library in the town of Worcester, to consist principally of such rare works in science and literature as were not usually found in private libraries. The Athenjeum had a room in the second story of Dr. John Green's block on Main Street, opposite Central Street. In March, 1830, the library of the Worcester County Lyceum of Natural History was transferred to the Athenseum, and the same month the society was incorporated, and in April elected officers under the charter. After a few years the Athenjeum deposited its library in the hall of the American Antiquarian Society, and ceased to be an active corporation.'

Phrenological Society.-' - Founded in May, 1834. Dr. S. B. Woodward, of the State Lunatic Asylum, was elected president; Stephen Salisbury vice-president ; Isaiah Thomas, secretary ; Dr. Wm. Paine, treasurer; and Dr. John Green, Dr. O. H. Blood and Christopher C. Baldwin, directors. Meetings were to be held monthly, and the object of the society was to investigate the science of phrenologj' and ascertain its nature and the foundation there may be for it in truth. One of the directors, in writing of the society, says of the first meeting for organization : " Like all new converts, we are full of fury and enthusiasm, and we may think ourselves fortunate if we escape being rank lunatics." The society probably existed but a short time, and but lit-

1 For notice of the library of tlie Atlienajum see chapter on libraries. -The information in regard to this society was obtained from the MS. diary of C. 0. Baldwin, tie can be found of its history. The immediate cause of its formation was probably the arrival in the United States of Spurzheim, the eminent Prussian phrenologist, whose lectures in Boston and other cities attracted the attention of educated men to the science he so ably presented.

The Worcester County Horticultural Society. - The first steps taken for its formation were in the fall of 1840, and on the 19th of September of the same year it was organized by the choice of Dr. John Green as president; Dr. S. B. Woodward and Stephen Salisbury, vice-presidents ; Benjamin Heywood, L. Lincoln Newton and J. C. B. Davis, recording secretaries; and William Lincoln and Dr. Joseph Sargent, corresponding secretaries. In May, 1841, a constitution and by-laws, reported by William Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury and William N. Green, were adopted, and in March, 1842, the society was incorporated, and became one of the permanent institutions of Worcester. In 1850 the society purchased the lot of land on Front Street now occupied by them, and began the erection of their hall, which was completed in time to hold an exhibition there in the fall of 1851. The first exhibition of fruits, flowers and vegetables was in 1840, at the time of the annual Cattle Show, and was in the hall of the Society of Friends, on Main Street, opposite the Waldo mansion. The exhibition was considered a great success, and for many years after was given at the same time as that of the Agricultural Society. Of late years exhibitions have been given weekly, except during the winter months.

The present officers of the society are : President, Henry L. Parker ; Vice-Presidents, Stephen Salisbury, George E. Francis and H. F. A. Lange ; Secretary, Edward Winslow Lincoln; Treasurer and Librarian, Charles E. Brooks. There is a good library of some two thousand volumes, a notice of which will be found elsewhere.

Worcester County Mechanics' Association. - The first meeting to consider the question of forming a society in the interests of the mechanics of Worcester was held at the town hall November 27, 1841. This meeting was presided over by Ichabod Washburn (who afterwards became the benefactor of the association), and Albert Tolman was the secretary. The objects of the association were stated to be "the moral, intellectual and social improvement of its members, the perfection of the Mechanic Arts and the pecuniary assistance of the needy." A committee of fifteen, of which Anthony Chase was chairman, was appointed to prepare and report a plan for organization, and they reported at a subsequent meeting, but were not fully agreed as to the qualifications of members. A constitution was, however, adopted, which limited active membership to those engaged in some mechanical pursuits. An organization was effected February 5, 1842, by the election of William A. Wheeler, president; Ichabod

Washburn, vice-president; Albert Tolman, secretary ; and E. G. Partridge, treasurer. The formation of a library for the use of members was early begun, and courses of lectures established ; for an account of the success of the first-named, reference is made to the chapter on libraries. The first lecture was given in February, 1842, by Elihu Burritt "the learned blacksmith," and in the same year a course of lectures on geology, by Dr. Charles T. Jackson, oi Boston. Courses of lectures have since been given during the winter months with few exceptions, and for the last few years, owing to the great increase in the membership of the association, two courses are given each winter. In 1848 the first exhibition oi fair was held, and there have been others held from time to time since. The association was incorporated in 1850, and authorized to hold ^75,000 of real estate (afterwards increased to $200,000), and personal estate to the value of $25,000, since increased to

The need of a building for the use of the association early became manifest, and in May, 1854, the offer of Ichabod Washburn to give $10,000 towards the purchase of land and the erection of a suitable building made it possible. By the aid of other subscriptions the association were enabled to purchase the lot of land on Main Street, formerly owned by Daniel Waldo, and to begin the erection of a building, which was completed and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies in March, 1857. There are tw; halls in the building - the smaller one being called Washburn Hall, in honor of the first benefactor.

Mechanics' Hall, then and now the largest in the city, has a seating capacity of about 2000 and has 'proved to be none too large for the puDiic demands. In 1864 over 200 liberal-minded citizens subscribed about $9000 for the purchase of an organ, to be placed in Mechanics' Hall, and in the fall of that year the fine instrument now in the hall, made by Messrs. Hook, of Boston, was completed and appropriately dedicated. It has proved a most valuable addition, and has been largely instrumental in making successful the Musical Conventions yearly held in Worcester.

In 1864 an Apprentices' Drawing School was formed, for instruction in mechanical and architectural drawing, which is said to be the first school of a like nature established in the country.

A summer school for boys, under the auspices of the association, was opened at the Polytechnic Institute, July 12, 1887, and has fully proved its usefulness. A similar school had been conducted in the association building for some years previous. The officers for 1888-89 are Pvol>ert H. Chamberlain, president; EUery B. Crane, vice-president; William A. Smith, clerk and treasurer.

as president, and incorporated in 1863, for the purpose of promoting the cause of temperance in Worcester. The immediate cause of its formation was the visit of Father Mathew to Worcester in October, 1849, on invitation of the mayor and other prominent citizens. The officers of the society in 1888 were : Richard O'Flynn, president; William Brown, vicel.resident ; Timothy Murphy, treasurer; and John A. Garvey, secretary.

Other temperance organizations are the St. John's Catholic Young Men's Temperance Guild, organized in 1883 ; Worcester Reform Club, organized in 1876; Woman's Christian Temperance Union (two societies), organized 1874-78 ; Worcester Temperance Club, organized in 1878 ; Sons of Temperance (two divisions), organized 1865-82 ; Worcester Temple of Honor ; Slow But Sure Lodge of Good Templars ; Helping- Hand Lodge ; Worcester District Temple, No. 3, organized in 1885 ; Stjernan Lodge, No. 21, 0. of T., organized in 1884; Klippan Lodge, No. 43,0. of T., organized in 1885; Worcester Central Temperance League, organized in 1887 ; Daughters of the North, organized in 1886 ; and Sons and Daughters of Temperance Mutual Relief Association of Worcester County, organized in 1887.

Woecestee Natueal Histoey Society. - In August, 1852, a call was published in the Worcester .S^py for " the young men connected with Unitarian, Second Advent, Universalist, Friends' and Free Churches and all interested, to meet at Waldo Hall, to consider the propriety of organizing a Young Men's Christian Association worthy of the name." This meeting was called to order by Rev. Edward E. Hale, then pastor of the Church of the Unity, and organized by the choice of George F. Hoar as chairman and William Mecorney as secretary. It was resolved at this meeting that the secretary take the names of those persons present who were favorably disposed to the formation of an organization for the benefit of the young men of Worcester, in which all the members should have equal rights and privileges. About fifty names were handed in to the secretary in response to this resolution. A committee was also appointed to confer with the Young Men's Christian Association, previously formed in the city, to a.scertain if any change could be made to render possible a union of the associations. This committee afterwards reported, that in their opinion a union could be formed between the two associations upon some liberal principles, but that the committee of the Christian Association had not power to act in the matter, and they recommended that no further action^ be taken in regard to a union, but that a meeting of citizens generally be called to take measures to form a society. Pursuant to such a call, a meeting was held at Waldo Hall ; William R. Hooper presiding and Henry Chapin acting as secretary, at which time a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The first clause of the constitution was as follows : " The name of the association shall be the Young Men's Library Association, and its object the improvement of the young men of the city of Worcester, by affording them intellectual and social advantages, by the maintenance of a library, reading-room and such courses of lectures and classes as may conduce to that end." An arrangement was made by which the new association assumed the lease and took the rooms, which had been handsomely fitted up and occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association. In December, 18.52, the first election of ofiicers toolt place, and Francis H. Dewey was chosen president; George W. Bently, vice-president ; George F. Hoar, corresponding secretary ; Nathaniel Paine, recording secretary ; and Henry Woodw.ard, treasurer. Fourteen directors were also elected.

At a meeting held the 1st day of January, 1853, action was taken, which resulted in obtaining an act of incorporation from the Legislature then in session, which was accepted by tiie association April 10, 18.53. Another election of ofiicers was held, resulting in the choice of the same gentlemen elected in December previous, and William Cross, Esq., as second vicepresident. A subscription was started during the following year for the purpose of obtaining means to found a library ; subscriptions being received both in cash and books. Over thirteen hundred dollars in cash was contributed and eight hundred and sixtyseven volumes given by public-spirited citizens.

The library was opened to the public June 18, 18.53, upon the payment of one dollar per year. A readingroom was early established in connection with the library, and although quite poorly supplied with newspapers and periodicals when compared with the one now open to our citizens, was quite respectable, and freely consulted by the members. In 185.5 .an agreement was made with the Young Men's -Rhetorical Society, by which that society was merged into this; their library was placed in the rooms and they had the use of the hall for rhetorical exercises. By the conditions of this union either society could discontinue the arrangement, and the Rhetorical Society withdraw their books, provided it was done before January, 1856. In 1858, by mutual consent, the rhetorical department of the association was discontinued, and the members thereof formed a new society. In 185G, by a special act of the Legislature, the Worcester Lyceum, established in 1820, was united to the library association, and by the same act the name was changed to

The WoRfESTER Lyceum and Library Association. - In 18.54-55 a Natural History Department was formed for the study of the natural sciences, which has now become the main work of the association. This was done at the annual meeting of the association, in April, 1854, at which a committee was appointed, who were authorized to make' the necessary arrangements for the organization of such a department. Prof Louis Agassiz was invited by the committee to visit Worcester, and consult with them as to the best plan of operations, which invitation was accepted, and the 28th of April, 1854, he, with the committee, inspected the collection of specimens formerly owned by the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History. This collection was in the possession of the American Antiquarian Society, and they kindly gave it to the new department as the nucleus of a cabinet.

The organization of the department was effected by the election of Rev. E. E. Hale as chairman, W. E. Starr secretary, and James B. Blake treasurer. Mr. Blake held the ofiice but a few weeks, when Henry A. Marsh was elected in his stead ; eight curators of departments were also elected. In the early part of the year 1856 another important and interesting event in the history of the association occurred : that of the generous proposition of Dr. John Green (then one of our oldest and most esteemed physicians) to place his valuable miscellaneous library in the charge of the association.

Hon. George F. Hoar, then president of the association, says in his annual report, " A contract has been entered into between Dr. Green and the association, by the terms of which, the books he has placed here, with such additions as he may see fit to make, are to remain in the Library, open to the free use of members, for at least five years, and longer if the arrangement shall be desired by both parties."

In November, 1859. the sudden death of Mr. Gray, the librarian of the association, caused the calling a meeting of the directors to make arrangements to fill the vacancy. Dr. Green's large interest in the question was acknowledged and appreciated, and a committee was appointed to consult with him as to the best course to pursue. At a meeting held the 26th of November the committee of consultation, consisting of Dr. George Chandler, Albert Tolman and T. W. Higginson, reported that Dr. Green had expressed a desire to present his library to the city of Worcester as a foundation of a free public library, and they recommended that the library of the association be also transferred to the city, provided suitable appropriations and .arrangements were made for its reception.

The gifts of Dr. Green and the association were accepted by the City Council in December, 1859, thus establishing an institution which has proved so advantageous to our citizens. This final disposition of the library had long been hoped for by the more active members of the association, and its consummation was the cause of great satisfaction.' The Natural History Dep.artraent and the winter course of lectures were now all that w.as left for the attention of members. The latter, however, was given up after a few years.

again changed to the Worcester Lyceum and Natural History Association ; since which time the principal object of the association has been the study of natural history and the collection of specimens for its cabinet. In 1880 the plan of giving instruction by means of free classes for the study of natural history was inaugurated, and has been continued since with great success. During the winter seascm classes are formed, free to members of the association, in such branches of natural science as seem, from time to time, most important and attractive, meeting weekly as a rule, and instructed by thoroughly competent teachers. The courses include from ten to twenty lessons each, and are designed to exemplify the best methods of modern scientific study. In 1S81 the plan of a three years' subscription for the " purpose of continuing and rendering more useful the work of the society, to provide a competent Custodian, to furnish lectures and gratuitous instruction for classes in Natural Science, and to promote the study of Nat- j ural History," was carried into effect, and still continues in successful operation, most of the original subscribers renewing and increasing their subscriptions when they have expired.

Since 1882 the museum has been open daily, from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., free to all, - books, specimens and the help of the custodian are at the service of all inquirers and students. A system of loans has been devised, by which the specimens can be loaned to teachers and schools and special students, in much the same way in which books are given out at the Public Library. By an act of the Legislature, approved March 6, 1884, the name was changed to the present one, " The Worcester Natural History Society."

In the same year a tract of land of between thirty and forty acres was secured on the west shore of Lake Quinsigamond, and was called Natural History Park. In the summer of 188.5 the first ;' Summer Camp for Boys " was established there. The object of the Natural History Society in establishing this camp is to afford a pleasant and profitable place for boys to spend a part or the whole of their summer vacation. January 22, 1887, Mr. Thomas H. Dodge gave one thousand dollars for the purchase of tents and the building of a permanent structure, known as the "Dodge Pavilion," at the Park. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge afterwards added some five hundred dollars more toward the building and painting of the pavilion.

In 1888 Mr. Joseph H. Walker gave five thousand dollars to enable the society to secure a perfect title to the land. In the same year, through the efforts of Mr. H. H. Bigelow, a workshop, well stocked with tools, was built. The lumber and tools were contributed by the lumber dealers and the hardware merchants of the city. The summer school has proved a success, and may now be considered one of the established institutions of our city. Dr. W. H.

Raymenton has been the eflicient president of the society since 1880, and to his untiring and enthusiastic eftbrls is largely due its recent rapid development and present flourishing condition.

The Young Men's Christian Association was originally organized March 9, 1852, the first steps for its formation being taken at a meeting held at the Old South Church, February 20th of the same year. Thomas Tucker (landlord of the American Temperance House) was the first president, with Nelson Wheeler (principal of the High School), P. L. Moen and S. A. Daniels, vice-presidents ; A. G. Ward, secretary, and C. M. Miles, treasurer. The association occupied a finely-furnished room in the Worcester Bank Block on Foster Street, where a reading-room was established. The formation of the Young Men's Library Association the same year, with similar objects in view, seems to have been the cause of the Christian Association giving up their active organization soon after, and their room was taken by the library Association. In June, 18(54, the Christian Association was revived, or a new association formed, at a meeting held at the Lincoln House, and it was duly organized July 12th of the same year. The first president of this new association was Fred. A. Clapp. All the officers were selected from the evangelical churches of the city, and It has since continued one of the most active institutions of Worcester. In June, 18()8, the association was incorporated by a special act of the Legislature, and soon after steps were taken looking to the erection of a building. It was not till nearly twenty years after, however, that much was accomplished in this direction. In October^ 1885, a determined effort was made to raise the necessary funds for the purchase of land and erection of a building, which resulted in obtaining subscriptions from citizens of all the Protestant denominations to the amount of over ninety thousand dollars, making, with a fund previously given, about ninety-six thousand dollars. Early in 1886 a building committee, of which Albert Curtis was chairman, purchased a lot of land, between Elm and Pearl Streets, and the erection of the building was begun. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies August 27, 1886, the principal address on that occasion being given by D. L. Moody. The building was completed in 1887, and dedicated in October of that year, the dedicatory address being given by the Rev. A. J. Gordon, of Boston. The cost of the land, building, furniture and equipment has been about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

The object of the association is the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical welfare of young men, to be accomplished by religious meetings, classes in German, book-keeping and other branches of education, lectures, and the use of a finely-equipped gymnasium, and rooms lor social gatherings.

century of active work has proved itself one of the most valuable and successful institutions of our city. The present officers are : W. A. Denholm, president ; C. F. Rugg and William Woodward, vice-presidents ; George F. Brooks, recording secretary, and Arthur E. Dennis, treasurer.

Worcester Society op Antiquity. - The preliminary meeting for the formation of this society was held at the residence of Samuel E. Staples in January, 1875. A constitution was adopted and the society organized February 13th, at a meeting held at the printing office of Tyler & Seagrave. The first board of officers, elected at the meeting, were Samuel E. Staples, president; Henry D. Barber, vice-president; Daniel Seagrave, secretary; Henry F. Stedman, treasurer ; and John G. Smith, librarian. The object of the society, as stated in its constitution, was " to foster in its members a love and admiration for antiquarian research and archwological science, and to rescue from oblivion such historical matter as would otherwise be lost." Meetings are held monthly, except in the month of August, at which valuable and interesting historical or antiquarian papers are presented. The society was incorporated in February, 1877, and has become one of the prominent institutions of the city. It has a valuable miscellaneous library, which is spoken of elsewhere. Since its formation seven volumes of proceedings have been published, containing many valuable historical papers. Among the publications of special local interest contained in these volumes may be mentioned : "The Records of the Proprietors, 1667-1778;" " Town records from 1722 to 1783;" and the "Records of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, 1731 to 1737," copied from the original manuscripts, for the preservation of which, in printed form, the society is deserving of high commendation. The officers of the society, elected in December, 1888, were: For President, E. B. Crane; Vice-Presidents, Albert Tolman and George Sumner ; Secretary, W. F. Abbot; Treasurer, H. F. Stedman ; Librarian, Thomas A. Dickinson.

The Worcester Art Society, - The first steps in the formation of this .society were taken at a public meeting held at the Board of Trade rooms, April 16,1877. The meeting was called " to consider the expediency of forming an association to promote the study of art in Worcester," and a committee, consisting of Stephen C. Earle, Burton W. Potter, Henry Woodward, Nathaniel Paine and Edward L. Davis, were appointed to consider the subject, and report a plan of organization. This committee rel)orted in October of the same year, at a meeting presided over by Lucius J. Knowles, that it was expedient to form such an association. They also presented a draft for a constitution and by-laws, which were adopted November 27, 1877, at which time the first board of officers was chosen as follows : President, George F. Hoar; Vice-Presidents, L. J.

Knowles, Edward H. Hall and C. M. Lamson ; Secretary, Rebecca Jones ; Treasurer, Joseph E. Davis ; Directors, Charles O. Thomson, Stephen C. Earle, B. W. Potter, Mrs. P. L. Moen and Mrs. Joseph H. Walker. It was early determined that one of the best methods of effecting the objects desired was to have an exhibition of paintings, and in March, 1878, the first exhibition was opened at the Board of Trade rooms, in Taylor's Block, opposite the Common. Over seventy oil and water-color paintings were loaned by members and others interested in art, which proved to be very successful, and several other exhibitions of a similar nature have since been given including, besides paintings, etchings, photographs and bric-a-brac. Later, lectures were given by specialists in different branches of the fine arts and by members of the society. Lectures have been given since, during the winter months, most of which have been illustrated by stereopticou views, and have proved of value to those who were present. Advantage has also been taken from time to time of the valuable collections of photographs and other art illustrations at the Free Public Library, and interesting meetings have been held there. In December, 1887, the society was incorporated under the general law of the State and elected the following board of officers: President, Nathaniel Paine; Vice-Presidents, Samuel S. Green and Charles A. Chase; Treasurer, Edward B. Hamilton; Clerk, John G. Heywood; Directors, Philip L. Moen, Jonas G. Clark, Henry A. Marsh, Burton W. Potter and William T. Harlow; Advisory Committee, Austin S. Garver, Charles S. Hale, Alexander H. Vinton, Edward B. Glasgow, Mrs. Helen B. Merriman, Mrs. Charlotte E. W. Buffington, Miss Emily W. Sargent and Miss Mary N. Perley.'

The Art Student's Club was organized in 1880, incorporated in 1887 and is composed of artists and art students of Worcester and vicinity, its object being "the encouragement, promotion and practice of Art," and no one is eligible as an active member who is not a student in some branch of art. Two public exhibitions are held each year of the works of members, which have proved to be very attractive to the citizens of Worcester and a credit to the club. The improvement in the work of members is very marked from year to year, as shown by these public exhibitions. Monthly meetings are also held, at which active members are expected to furnish for inspection at least one original drawing or design. George E, Gladwin is president, Abbie J. Trask, clerk, and Frank E. Higgins, treasurer.

1 At the annual meeting in November, 1888, the same board of offlcera were chosen, with tlie exception that Edward B. Glasgow was elected as clerk in place of John G. Heywood, who was made one of the advisory committee, and William E. Bice was elected a director lu place of H. A. Marsh, resigned.

found, was the Worcester Harmonic Society. The exact date of its formation cannot now be ascertained, but it was in existence as early as 1825, at which time Emory Perry was president and Henry W. Miller, secretary ; aud in October, 182(5, the society gave an oratorio at the Old South Church. This society also furnished the music at the Fourth of .July celebration in the last-named year, on which occasion Hon. Charles Allen delivered an oration. The society continued in existence for several years, occasionally giving concerts, and oft*n furnishing the music on public occasions.'

In 1845 the Worcester Sacred Musical Society was formed, with Rufus D. Dunbar as president, and the next year gave a miscellaneous concert in Brinley (now Grand Army) Hall, and mention is made in the newspapers of a concert given in the spring of the following year. It is probable that this society was in existence only two or three years.

In September, 1850, the Worcester Mozart Society, the first regularly-organized association for musical culture, was formed, with Putnam W. Taft as president and Albert L. Benchley, vice-president. This society continued in active existence till November, 1866, when it was united with the Beethoven Society, formed in 1864, with Austin L. Rogers, president. The name after the union was the Worcester Mozart and Beethoven Choral Union, the first pre.sident being Edward Hamilton, William Sumner, vice-president, and Carl Zerrahn, conductor. The society was incorporated in 1872, by a special act of the Legislature, as the Worcester Choral Union, and I. N. Metcalf was chosen president, J. A. Titus, vice-president, and B. D. Allen, conductor.

The present Worcester County Musical Association was organized at a meeting held in Mechanics' Hall^ October 2, 1863, with Samuel E. Staples, president, and a board of directors selected from various towns in the county. The object of the association is stated in its by-laws, "the improvement of choirs in the performance of church music; the formation of an elevated musical taste, through the study of music in its highest departments ; and a social, genial, harmonious reunion of all lovers of music." The name under which it was originally known was the Worcester County Musical Convention,- and this name was retained till the adoption of the present one in 1871, at which time it was also voted to call the annual gatherings Musical Festivals. Since 1865 annual sessions of the Association have been held, at which oratorios of Handel, Haydn and Mendelssohn, also the best productions of Rossini, Gounod, Verdi

1 In 1815 there was a mviBical society iu the county called the Old Hundred Musical Society, which gave a concert at Hopkiuton, Ma^s., that year, and it is qnite probable that some of the Worcester musicians and singers were members of it.

2 A successful conveutiou under the direction of Edward Hamilton and B. F. Baker, in 1868, was held under the name of the Musical Institute.

and others, have been given. The annual festivals of the Association have been constantly growing more popular, and it now has a prestige and a prosperity not equaled by any similar one in the country. The number in attendance increases yearly, and its patrons are not only from Worcester County and the State of Massachusetts, but lovers of music from both the New England and Middle States. Soloists from all parts of Europe, as well as of our own country, are procured, with the best available orchestral accompaniment, and a local chorus which has won well-deserved commendation from the best musical critics. The Board of Government for 1888 was Edward L. Davis, president; William Sumner, vice-president ; A. C. Monroe, secretary ; J. E. Benchley, treasurer ; and eight directors - B. D. Allen, C. M. Bent, Charles I. Rice, J. Q. Adams, Daniel Downey, L. M. Lovell, C. C. Stearns, of Worcester, and B. L. M. Smith, of Whitinsville.

If space would permit, it would be of interest to speak in detail of other musical societies that have existed in AVorcester, but mention can be made only of the Hamilton Club, named in honor of Edward Hamilton, for many years the leading singer of Worcester; the Schumann Club, organized in 1877; the singing society Frohsinn, organized in 1858, with G. A. Patz, musical director, and Benjamin Zaeder, secretary, - William Lichtenfels is now the president and Heinrich Bayerle, secretary ; the Gounod Club, organized in 1886 ; the president is Henry F. Harris ; Secretary, Josiah A. Rice ; and Musical Director, E. N. Anderson.

High School Societies. - The High School Association was established in May, 1886, its object beine "to renew and maintain school friendships, and to contribute in all practicable ways to the good of the school." A meeting of about thirty old members of the school had been held the previous month, at which a committee, with A. S. Roe, the principal of the school, as chairman, was appointed to prepare a plan of organization, and they reported May 24, 1886, a code of by-laws, which was adopted. Samuel S. Green was chosen the first president, and the first meeting of the association after its organization took place at the High Sdiool building, the occasion being the grat^uation exercises of the Senior class for that year. The members consist of the pupils and teachers in the school previous to September, 1865, and all graduates and teachers since that date. The privilege was also extended to all pupils and teachers of the Boys' Latin School and the Girls' High Schooltwo schools merged into the present High School. The association now numbers nearly eight hundred members; the president is Edward L. Davis; A. S. Roe, secretary, and J. S. Brown, treasurer.

Other High School societies, which are literary in their character, are the Eucleia Debating Society, founded in 1858, and composed of young gentlemen ; the Aletheia Club, founded in 1881, and composed of young ladies ; the Sumner Club, founded in 1883, and the Assembly, founded in 1885, the two last named having male members only. There is also an Athletic Association, made up of members of the school who are interested in athletic games and amusements.

The Congregational Club was organized in January, 1875, its purpose being "to encourage among the members of the Congregational Churches and societies of Worcester County a more intimate acquaintance ; to more concert of action, and to promote the general interests of Congregationalism." Meetings are held six times a year, at which papers are read upon some special topic and discussions follow. Occasionally the meetings are of a distinctive social nature, and are participated in by both ladies and gentlemen. Rev. A. H. Coolidge, of Leicester, is president.

The Brigade Cluh, originally composed of the officers of Third Brigade (Mass.) Volunteer Militia, and officers who had served in the army or militia, was organized in December, 1879. Gen. Josiah Pickett was chosen president, and still holds that office. Gen. R. M. Chamberlain was chosen vice-president, and Capt. Charles S. Chapin secretary and treasurer. The membership of the club has changed somewhat in the past few years and is not confined to military men.

The Commonwealth Club, organized in 1880. and incorporated in 1881, comprises many of the active business and professional men of tlie city, and is social in its objects. The club have commodious and pleasant rooms on Foster Street, with a readingroom, billiard-room and other conveniences for the use of members, and it has proved successful in providing a pleasant place of resort for many of our citizens. William J. Hogg is president, H. A. Currier secretary, and L. Delavau Thayer treasurer.

The Worcester Club, incorporated in 1888, is strictly a social club, with a membership limited to one hundred and fifty. It has purchased and fitted up in an elegant manner a fine house on Elm Street, formerly the residence of the late Hon. Isaac Davis, and ofters many attractions to its njembers. Excellent meals, well-served, are furnished to membera and friends ; there is also a dining-room for ladies which has proved very popular. A reading-room, library, billiard and pool-room, and other conveniences, are provided for its members, who consist of prominent professional and mercantile gentlemen of Worcester and vicinity. Hon. George F. Hoar is the president; Charles F. Aldrich, secretary ; and James P. Hamilton, treasurer.

The first regularly-organized boat club in Worcester of which any record has been found is the Atalanta Club, established in 1859, and commenced boating at Curtis' Pond, near Webster Square, soon after moving to Lake Quinsigamond, where they were the pioneers of systematic boating. The members of the club also had an active part in the arrangements for the first college regatta at the lake, in the summer of 1859. This club gave up active boating in 1865, but kept up their organization for several years after. The present Quinsigamond Boat Club was organized as the Phantom Club in 1860, but soon after adopted their present name. It is still an active organization, having fine grounds on the west side of the lake, where they have erected a handsome clubhouse and a commodious boat-house, in which they have a number of racing and pleasure boats.

There are other organizations for athletic sports, connected with the Worcester Academy, the Polytechnic Institute, and College of the Holy Cross. Brief mention may be made of the Book Clubs now so numerous in the city.

These clubs are formed for the circulation of books and periodicals among their members, and usually consist of from twenty to thirty ladies and gentlemen. The first organization of this kind in Worcester, and the third in the State, is the Worcester Book Club, established in 1839, and still flourishing. The next was the Review Club, formed in 1847, followed soon after by the Worcester Reading Club, and later by several others, among which are Book Club No. 4, Waverly, Rialto and Webster Sk>UARE Clubs.

Masonic Societies. - The institution of Free Masonry was established in Worcester in the year 1793, the first lodge chartered being " The Morning Star." In the spring of that year Isaiah Thomas (" The Patriot Printer of the Revolution "), Nathaniel Paine, Nathaniel Chandler, John Stanton, Ephraim Mower, Clark Chandler, Samuel Chandler, Charles Chandler, Benjamin Andrews, Joseph Torrey, John ^Vhite, Samuel Brazer, John Stowers and Samuel Flagg petitioned the Grand Lodge for a charter, which was granted under the above name April 19, 1793, and the first board of officers was installed in June of the same year. They were: Isaiah Thomas, W. M. ; Nathanial Paine, S. W. ; and Samuel Chandler, J. W. On the occasion of the installation Rev. Aaron Bancroft, pastor of the Second Parish (Unitarian) in Worcester, delivered an oration, which was printed by Isaiah Thomas. The year before Thomas had printed "The Constitution of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, &c. To which are added. The history of Masonry in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, &c. . . . Together with a large collection of songs, epilogues, &c." The volume is dedicated " To our illustrious Brother, George Washington, the friend of Masonry, of his country, and of man." It is a well-printed volume of two hundred and eighty-eight pages quarto, with a copper-plate frontispiece. The early meetings of the lodge were held at Mower's Tavern, which was at the corner of Main and Mechanic Streets, afterwards the site of the United States Hotel, and now that of the Walker Building. Later the meetings were held at the United States Arms (where the Exchange Hotel now is), the landlord being Colonel Reuben Sikes. Meetings of the Morning Star Lodge were held with regularity, and it was in a flourishing condition till the time of the anti-Masonic excitement in 1829-30. when it became dormant for several years, as did tht Masonic organizations generally. It was reorganized [ in March, 1842, with the following officers: Horace Chenery, W. M.; Henry Earl, S. W. ; Asa Walker, J. M. ; and Pliny Holbrook, secretary. Meetings were then held in a small hall in the upper story ol Dr. John Green's block, on Main Street, now owned by the Merchants' and Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The lodge, which is now in a prosperous condition and numbering over three hundred members, has its meetings in Masonic Hall on Pearl Street.

Moniacide Lodge was chartered June 9, 1859, itsmembers coming largely from the older lodge. It^ first Master was William A. Smith, followed in 1860 by George W. Bently. Among the early members ol the Montacute Lodge were Henry Goddard, Seth P. Miller, Lyman Brooks, John Firth, H. M. Witter and .lohn A. Dana. It now has a membershi)) of three hundred and sixty-six, with Joseph H. Dunkerton as Master.

Athelestan Lodge was chartered June 13, 1866, it^ members being taken from the other two lodges. The first Past Master was Henry Goddard ; the jiresent Master is F. A. Harrington. This lodge has a membership of about three hundred. Among the original charter members were Samuel T. Bigelow, James- L. Burbank, David Scott, A. Y. Thompson, E. P. Woodward, L. B. Nichols, John D. Washburn and Geo. W. Bently.

Worcester Chapter, Eoi/af Arch Mfxsom, oiganized in June and chartered in October, 1823, had among its original members Isaiah Thomas, James Wilson, Jonathan Going, Otis Corbett, Ephraim Mower and Benjamin Chapin, the last-named being the first High Priest, serving four years. During the anti- Masonic excitement this chapter, like other organizations of the order, remained in a quiescent state, but in 1846 became again active and is now in a prosperous condition, having a membership of two hundred and thirty-four. The present presiding officer is James H. Harrison.

Eureka Chapter, Roijal Arch Masons, was instituted in 1870 and has a membership of over three hundred. The first High Priest was Rev. T. E. St. John ; the present one is Forest E. Barker.

Hiram Council, B. & S. M., was chartered in Sutton December 13, 1826, and it was removed to Worcester in 1858. The first presiding officer after the removal to Worcester was Geo. W. Bentley ; the present presiding officer is S. L. Shafi'er. This council, the largest subordinate one in the United States, has now a membership of over five hundred.

Worcester Countij Commandery of Knights Templar was organized in Holdeu, Mass., and chartered in June, 1825. The first Commander was James Estabrook, the present one being George B. Buckingham. In the year 1845 the headquarters of the commandery were removed to Worcester, where it has since remained and is now one of the most prosperous of its grade in the jurisdiction of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, numbering over tour hundred members.

Ancient and Acceptable Scottish Rilc. - 'i:iie following grades of this rite are established in Worcester under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council 83° Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States, and are in a prosperous condition.

Worcester Lodge of Perfection, A. and A., Scottish Bite 4° to the 14°, was instituted September 30, 1863, and has a membership of two hundred and fifty. Its presiding officer at the present time is Geo. F. Hewitt.

Goddard Council, Princes of Jerusalem, A. and A., Scottish Mite, 15° and 16°, was instituted June 17, 1870, and has a membership of one hundred and seventy. Its presiding officer at the present time is Geo. M. Rice, 2d.

Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix, A. and A., Scottish Rite, 17° to the 18°, was instituted June 17, 1870, and has a membership of one hundred and seventy. Its presiding officers have been. Rev. Thomas E. St. John, Henry C. Wilson, Francis Brick, M.D., and George B. Buckingham, now in office.

The Masonic Board of Directors was organized in January, 1867 ; has in charge the lease of Masonic Hall, and the custody of its appointments and property.

The Masonic Mutual Relief Association of Central Massachusetts was organized in 1873. It has a membership of more than twenty-three hundred. Josiah Picket is president and Wra. A. Smith, secretary. Its membership is confined to the Masonic fraternity, and are mostly residents of the New England States. Stella Chapter, No. 3, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized in 1871. Its members, numbering about three hundred, are composed of Masons and their' wives, mothers, sisters and daughters.

Tlie Grand Chapter of the Order, organized in 1876, has twenty subordinates in its jurisdiction. N. W. Farrer, Easthampton, is Grand Patron ; Mrs. J. A. Crane, Millbury, Grand Matron ; and Daniel Seagrave, Worcester, Grand Secretary. For the facts in this notice of the Masonic societies, the writer acknowledges his indebtedness to Daniel Seagrave, of Worcester.

Okder of Odd Fellows.' - In the early part of the year 1844, Joseph W. Coburn, of Boston, who was the contractor for building the stone courthouse in Worcester, had among his employes four men who were " Odd Fellows,'' and finding no lodge in the town, they took steps toward the formation of one. Samuel S. Leonard and George C. Taft, of Worcester, became members of Siloam Lodge, No. 2, of Boston, and they, with the four men before spoken of, petitioned the Grand Ijodge of Massachusetts for a charter, and May 1, 1844, Quinsigamond Lodge, No. 43, was instituted, and held its first meetings in the old Masonic Hall, over what is now the Five Cent Savings Bank. The elective officers of Quinsigamond Lodge for its first term were, James Murray, Noble Grand ; John F. Locke, Vice-Grand ; George C. Taft, Secretary ; Samuel S. Leonard, Treasurer. Freeman H. Pellon is the present Noble Grand and Herbert Wesley, Vice-Grand. Present number of members, five hundred and seventy.

Worcester Lodge, No. 5(5, was instituted December 20, 1844. The elective officers for its first term were, Samuel S. Leonard, Noble Grand ; George H. Goodnow, Vice-Grand ; Geo. C. Taft, Secretary ; William Greeuleaf, Treasurer; Geo. Hamilton, Per. Secretary. James H. Richardson is now the Noble Grand and Wm. B. Louney, Vice-Grand. Whole number ol members, four hundred and twenty-five.

Central Lodge, No. 168, was instituted September 17, 1874. Its first presiding officer was, Nathan Taylor, Noble Grand. Its present Noble Grand is John E, Lloyd. Present number of members, three hundred and ten.

Midgely Lodge, No. 112, was instituted September 19, 1882. Its first presiding officer was L. A. Williams ; the present one is F. A, Quimby, and it has a membership of two hundred and twelve.

Anchoria Lodge, No. 142, was instituted March 31, 1887. Its first Noble Grand was Charles A. McFarland. Its present presiding officer is John F. Brierly, and it has a membership of eighty.

Naomi Lodge, No. 18, Daughters of Eebekah, was instituted June 27, 1872, Officers for the first term, Horace A. Richardson, Noble Grand; Hannah S. Rice, Vice-Grand ; Sarah F. Church, Rec. Secretary ; Julia A. Taylor, Per. Secretary, and Cynthia A. Hadley, Treasurer. Present Noble Grand, Flmma C. Marden. Present number of members, four hundred and forty-five.

Queen Esther Lodge, No. 33, Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted March 24, 1881. Its first presidiuf; ' officer was Lewis C. Stone. Augusta J. Hubbard is the present Noble Grand, and it has two hundred and ten members,

Wachuset Encampment, No. 10, was instituted May ; 16, 1845, with Albert Case as Chief Patriarch ; B. H, Davis, High Priest; Samuel S. Leonard, Senior War-

I dered its charter January 23, 1851, and was re-instituted October 20, 1869. Theo. H. Day is now Chief I Patriarch and C. H. Hutchinson, High Priest. It has a membership of two hundred and ninety-five.

Mount Vernon Encampment, No. 53, instituted September 27, 1877, with Asa L. Burbank, Chief Patriarch. Daniel A. Harrington is now Chief Patriarch, and the number of members is two hundred and fortyfive.

Odd Fellows' Mutual Benefit Association of Worcester (hunfy was organized October 13, 1871 ; incorporated October 15, 1877. S. V. Stone was the first president, and Nathan Taylor now holds the office. Present number of members, thirteen hundred, with a fund of fourteen thousand dollars. Other secret societies are :

Catholic Order of Foresters (various divisions), 1871-76. Sons of St. George, 1872. Patrons of Husbandry, 1873. Knights of Honor (two lodges), 1885. Royal Arcanum (two councils), 1877. Knights of Labor, 1878. Knights of Father Matthew, 1879. Improved Order of Red Men, 1880. United Order of the Golden Cross, 1880. Independent Order of Mystic Brothers, 1881. Order of United Friends, 1881. Daughters of St. George, 1882. United Order of Independent Daughters of Samaria, 1887.

Ancient Order of United Workmen, 1885. Iron Hall, Branch No. 396, 1886, Iron Hall Sisterhood, No. 601, 1887. Ancient Order of Foresters. Bay State Lodge, Knights of Honor. U. O. of Independent Odd Ladies (three lodges), 1886. Independent Order of Good Templars. Supreme Council of Knights of the American Eagle. Daughters of Pocahontas, Minnehaha Council. Order of United Friends, 1881. American Legion of Honor, Hope C^juncil. Order ot Pythian Sisterhood, Order of the Star and Crescent.

There are many other societies and associations which undoubtedly deserve special mention, whose names do not appear in the foregoing account, and the writer regrets the necessity that comi)els their omission.

The following list of societies not before mentioned (including several that have ceased to exist), with the dates of their organization, so far as they could be ascertained, is given as being of historical interest.

Names marked with a * indicate that the society has ceased to exist as an active organization. Allen Associates, organized 1874. Ancient Order of Foresters (two courts). Ancient Order of Hibernians (three divisions), 1867-76.

British American Society of Worcester, 1883. Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, 1886. Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, 1868. Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, 1877. *Business Men's Exchange, 1874. Carrollton Associates. Catholic Order of Foresters. Catholic Young Men's Lyceum, 1885. Central Massachusetts Poultry Club, 1882. Chamberlain District Farmers' Club, 1873. Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (three circles). Children's Friend Society, 1848. Eagle Associates.

»Philomathic Society, 1849. Physiological .Society, 1839. Progressive Co-operative Association. *People's Club, 1871. Sacred Heart Benevolent Sociefly, 1881. St. Andrew's Benevolent Society. St. John's Mutual Relief Society, 1848. Shaffner Literary Society. Society of Architects. Society of Mechanic Arts, 1884. Society for Pathological Study, 1888. Societe St. Jean Baptiste, 1868. Society of Stationary Engineers, 1882. Socialer Turn Verein, 1859. Sons and Daughters of New Hampshire, 1880. Sons and Daughters of Vermont, 1878. Sons of Scotia. Sons of Veterans, 1883.