Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1908-08-29
A MEMORIAL
FOR POET KEY
The Maryland Women's Auxili.
ary To The Francis Scott Key
Memorial Association.

The officers of the Francis Scott Key
Memorial Association, are Hon. Henry
B. +. Mcfarland, President of the
Board of Commissioners of the District
of Columbia, President Admiral George
Dewey. first Vice. President Rear-Ad
miral Winfield Scott Schley. second
Vice-President ; F. S. Key Smith. Sec
retary; William d. Hoover, Treasurer
Charles II. Weisgerber, Manager.
The object of the association is to
purchase the home of Francis Scott
Key, which has long been in alien hands
and restore it, and thus preserve to the
nation historic spot where the lover
OF things patriotic may always turn his
footsteps.
The house is well built colonial
structure, and will last hundred years
or longer, when it is properly cared for.
The author of the National anthem,
THE Star Spangled Banner" first saw
the light Of day on Maryland soil. Here
he grew up, and when lad went to her
schools, finishing at old st. Johns in
Annapolis. After he had mastered the
study of law. which he adopted as his
life-calling, he went to Washington, D..
c., and was made attorney for the
District of Columbia. He purchased
the house. which this association now
seeks to restore lived in it for several
years. and was living in it when he
undertook the mission, which made him
prisoner of the British ships during
the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
He loved the old flag, and all night
walked the deck of his vessel. while its
folds hung in the balance. not knowing
whether the British had conquered it
or not, until his eyes were gladdened
by the sight of it, "by the dawns early
light.
Then he received the inspiration,
which gave to the nation the immortal
poem.
He was of religious turn. and has
given to the world number of hymns
which are often sung in Sunday services.
One OF them being. Lord With Glow
ing Heart I'd Praise Thee"
Francis Scott Key, when his work
was done. was laid to rest with his
relatives in the old cemetery in Fred
erick, Maryland.
All Marylanders should delight to
honor such a worthy citizen, and it is
fitting that the first auxiliary to the
Memorial Association should be formed
in Maryland.
1t is called the Maryland Woman s
Auxiliary Committee, with Mrs. Mary
NJ. North, of Snow Hill, as State
Director.
The whole state will be called upon
to help in the work, for the women
know that they must have the coop
Grafton of the men, and even Of the
children. if they are to succeed in this
undertaking.
As fast as practicable there will be
directors appointed for the counties.
II will be the duty of the county
directors to appoint members of the
committee in each town and village,
who shall try to create an interest in
the movement. in the schools, in clubs
and other organizations. and among in
dividuals.
Anyone may become member by
the payment of the small sum of ten
cents, and a beautiful certificate is
given each member
Anyone sending in list of thirty
names. is entitled to a large picture
called "The Inspiration. which rep
resents Francis Scott Key. standing on
the deck of the vessel. looking towards
the foot. to see if "the flag was still
there.
This picture makes an admirable
present for schoolroom or association
hall. The one receiving it may keep it
or give il away.
Other states are going to have these
committees. but the mother" state
should make a record of work for her
self speedily.
Membership fees and clubs. should
be sent to the Manager, Mr.. Charles H.
Weisgerber, at the National Office.
Washington. ID. c.. but any questions
regarding organization or matter per-
tanning 10 the State. will be gladly
answered by the State Director, Mrs
Mary NJ. North.
| Libby Prison Diarrhsea Relieved.