The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-06-27
MUSICAL SOCIETY IN FALMOUTH.
The First Musical Society of Record
i'm this City
Brought to Light by the Papers of
Thomas ChlIds.

Ii Mr.. Ira Berry's admirable publication
that embraces all the musical associations
known since 1919. there is no mention made
of "The Musical Society In Falmouth of
1907. This was not the fault of MIR. Berry,
since 1t is not probable that the existence of
this society has been known to any one now
living. and has come to our knowledge only
by the fact that In the mass of papers for
warded to Mr.. Geo. G. Burgess by the grand
son of Thomas Child. the constitution, by
laws and list of members has been found.
Like all OF the late Mr.. Child's papers this
little book is model of neatness. 1t has a
cover made from Portland paper of the date
of June 9Th. 1904, and the writing is as clear
and distinct as print. 80
The society was formed September list.
1907. The constitution contains many oddly
worded particulars, some Of W hich we repro
duce. For Instance, this is the oath each
member had to take on joining the society.
You do by the inviolable laws of God prom
Use not to reveal anything you have seen In
this society. and you do solemnly swGre not
to make known to any person, except MEM
Der of the same. what we are about to dis
close to you-s0 help you God.
In regard to the president the constitution
declares "his office is honorable and import
ant and upon the due execution of it depends
in great measure the good order and deco
rum which ought to be observed In all meet
ings." The president was chosen every four
months by ballot, and required two-thirds of
the votes of members present. The consti-
tuition goes on to say that mo person shall
speak in the meetings without leave from
the president, nor when any other person is
orderly speaking, and all persons shall be
silent at the desire OF the president on PEN
atty OF twenty-five cents" II after notice
from the president, the person shall persist
in his disorderly conduct. the president may
direct him TO withdraw from the meeting.
and upon refusal or neglect to withdraw he
shall be liable to suspension or an expul-
sion, as the crime may appear under consid-
Grafton Of the society. The president shall
instruct the members in the art of singing at
private meetings or appoint some suitable
person to officiate at such.
The duties Of vice president, secretary and
treasurer. were similar to tho SO fulfilled now
a-days. There is provision for three
criticks of whom the constitution says:
There shall be three criticks who shall be
chosen by the usual sign. The criticks shall
make such observation on the manners, per-
formances and improvements of any mem
Der or members as they may judge proper.
Inc crlticks shall make their observations
Immediately after the performances.
Among the duties of the librarian she shall
estimate all DAMAGES done to the books to
the best Of his judgment not exceeding the
price of the book. and the injurer shall pay
the same"
The meetings were held the first and third
Tuesday of every month at the place, ap-
pointed by the society. The initiation fee
was seyenty-fve cents. and two unexcused
absences laid the offender open to suspen
sion. Every member was examined as to
his qualifications by two specially appointed
members before his admittance to the socie-
ty. Any absence from meeting imposed
fine of twenty-five cents. Every member
was required to purchase a medal of the
treasurer and wear it at every meeting The
meetings were held at 6 p. m. from Novem-
Der LIST to May LIST, and afterwards at such
time as was most convenient This is the
roll Of the members:
Ezra s. Bucknam Jeremiah Merrill.
Nathaniel Ilsley, Humphrey Merrill ST.,
Moses Merrill, DR., Peter MarSton,
CHARLES Knight, Samuel Richards,
Ephraim Merrill, Jr., Jacob Merrill, Jr.,
Peter Nj. knight, GILES Merrill,
Jonn Lunt, Richard COlley,
EDeneZer Merrill, EbeneZer Knight,
Thomas Child.