The Washington times., 1905-06-04
Old Unity Literary Club Merges
Interests With Unity Club. 1874
Reunion Effected After
Several Years of Sepa-
rate Existence

C. Patrick made some humorous obser-
yations: Judge George c. Ross told
what he knew about farming in his de-
Hghtfuliy humorous style, and ]. Swim
burne described the trip of q Norwe-
gian to the State Legislature of Iowa
Then J. L. McCreery gave one of his
characteristic talks, full of wisdom and
anecdote, finally challenging history.
prehistoric ancient. and modern, for q u
incident where communities common
wealths, or nations, after a separation,
had ever reunited. The Washington
Unity Club was the one solitary excep-
ton. and as he had happened TO be pres
ent at the divorce years ago, he was
now rejofced a the auspicious nuptials,
and hoped the club would Tive long
and prosper.
Dr. Henry NJ Baker detailed some
mountain experiences on the Pacific
coast-the terror of climbing Mt Shasta
and taking the cliff route. Capt. Wilt
lam Emerson, past president of the Uni
ty Club. thanked the members and par
ticutariy the ladies who had sustained
him 50 faithfully and made the club
a success
The Unity Club ives organized under
the auspices of the pastor and by MEM
bers of the Unitarian Church, for the
benefit Of the young people connected
herewith, In 1873. at the residence of
Mrs L, a. Crandell, 610 H street north
west. It's organizers were the Rev.
Frederick Hfnckley, the Misses Mack
ey; Lucy S. CrandeII and L. A Gran
dell; Its membership limited TO one
hundred. It's first president was Col.
w. L. Bramhall; its first secretary, Mrs
BramhaII; It's first treasurer Lucy s.
CrandelI. The Rev. Mr.. ssIinckley, of
the Unitarian Church. WHO had long
been a member of the famous Unity
Club of Boston. bestowed the name of
mis- beloved club upon the new organi-
zatfon.
The Unity Club speedily sprang into
great <avor; its members were chosen
from the most favored names OF the
city; its talent was of the best, and
during it's thirty-two years of unbroken
existence IT has ranked as one Of the
most popular social and literary clubs
of the Capital City. It's first large
public gathering was in the Unitarian
Church for the benefit of the Kansas
sufferers to whose relief the sum OF
$50 was generously forwarded from this
source Among other notable speakers
on this occasion was Grace Green
wood"
Men and women eminent in the realms
of music and song, of poetry and eio-
eution. have laid their gifts at its feet;
political scientific and professional men
have esteemed it an honor TO contribute
their finest and most brilliant essays
TO it's entertainment, and to be enter
tanned by It: an invitation to attend its
gatherings was deemed a distinction,
and Gen. L. s. Grant. when President
of the United States, was frequently a
visitor at the gatherings. as well as
Cabinet members and other prominent
officials.
The meetings have been a source OF not
only pleasure, but great instruction
serving to develop much hidden talent
among it's members. diffusing the high
est ethical principles. and neblest Ideals
and welding a propaganda OF hlgh
thought Of altruistic vision. ana OF
mclodic culture, throughout the wool
and web of our developing city. reflect
ing its best intellectual and musical fea-
lures as in mirror.
Such honored names appear on Its
! former rosters as Hon Horatio King