The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-01-19
The H. and R Climb

no hhse yesterday gave an account OF the
annual dinner given at the Preble House
Thursday night by the F. and e. Club. Sim
gularly enough, although Thursday marked
the twenty fifth anniversary OF the club, no
account has ever been given of the circum-
stances which led to its formation, nor any
list of its members.
January 18th, 1852 nine lads about fifteen
or sixteen years of age, who bad been constant
friends and playmates on "Christian Shore
about the vicinity of Cumberland. Paris, and
Mechanic streets-determined to form club
which should meet annually thereafter on
January 18th until the last member was re-
moved by death. 1t was also voted to have
supper on the anniversary, appoint officers, and
keep set of records. The nine boys we're
John i. Alexander, painter, now of Cape Eliz-
abeth edward A. Jordan, ex-Counciiman and
painter; Benjamin L. Tucker, builder; JOSEF b
x. Brett, foreman for A. D. Smith; II. s.
Trickey, of the custom house; G. e. Randall,
chief engineer East Boston Ferry Company:
Charles Rich, broker; James S. Roberts, lieu
tenant Seventeenth Maine Volunteers, and @.
b. Merrill, same regiment, the two latter
killed in the Battle of the Wilderness.
The first meeting of these lads was held in
the upper story of wooden house. situated in
the rear of Henry S. Trickey's house on Paris
street. and the records have been carefully
kept up to the present time. Not meeting
has been omitted, not supper passed, and
what is exceedingly remarkable ia all these
years, not al unpleasant word has passed be-
tween any of the members, not dollar has
been the sufisct of dissatisfaction the bills
are all paid at every anniversary-and only two
have died, the two mentioned above At the
dinner chairs are always set for the entire
Line, and must be even when but one survives
AT the dinner and meeting on Thursday all
were present except Mr.. Randall, sick at
home, and the following officers were elected
President Benjamin s. Hickey.
Secretary AID Treasurer A. Jordan.
Hisiorian-H. 3. TIickey.
Orator-Char es Rich.
Toastmastsr-J. X. Brett.
Surgeon--J. T Alexander
Chaplain-C. E Randall.
Every member has filed an office at some
time during the life of the club.
The following were the first officers:
Presijent-H S. Tricky.
Secretary and Treasurer-E. A. Jordan
Historian-J. x. Brett.
Oratur-C. II. Merrill.
Toastmaster-J.T Alexander
Surgeon Rich.
Chaplain-C. E. Randall.
Every year the club lays a floral memorial
bearing the letters of the organization, On the
graves of its two deceased members in Ever
green Cemetery. Ia 1862 and 10 1867 two ele-
CANT parties were given by the organization
which were fully attended by their lady
friends. Annually also the wives of the mem
bers entertain the club.
In the historical sketch, given Thursday
evening; many "reminiscences of schoolboy
days we're mentioned. How the bows used to
swear by the different hand engines of the
old department-lhe Casco, Atlantic, Tiger,
Ocean, Portland, Davidson, Dirigo and Mag
ara What fun they used to have with
Trip ; how they used to patronize 'Tappy
lob" who Kept junk store where the boys
sold enough stuff to give them their Fourth of
July money; how they MIXED Mugfords cows
which he used to Keep harnessed; how they
plagued old John Morgan and piggy Hus-
tom; what fights they had on tar-bucket
night; and their experiences at the Casco street
primary with Mrs. Small, Misses Harris and
Putney, at Park street with Mrs. Bailey, at
the Center street intermediate with Lyford
and Staples, and at the boys high on Spring
street. with "Aunty Mason and Gen. a. G..
Thomas Misses Fitzpatrick and Pennell; all
these and much more aroused most vivid rec
elections. In closing, the historian spoke as
follows:
To al our friends at our last grand party in
that memorable 18th of January in 81, we TO-
night, with one accord, send greeting. May
they all pass down the ways OF life with hap.
ness AMI contentment. And TO us, seven OF
nine, let us live on and on until We have
PLAYED out orr respective hant S, lost all our
"slieys" and "commons,' and as the last
man" OF us all "knuckles down tight" on that
eventful 17th of January yet to come, may he,
as he stands alone with the eight vacant
chairs about, say, ia the words of Tiny Tim
God bless US every one"