Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1915-12-15

FORTY YEARS AGO.
,.,.cences Of social Activities in
the Unitarian Society.
---
..ner by Mrs. Clara osgood Hopkins.
L. me fortieth anniversary Of the dedI-
re-. Of the Unitarian vestry, Ellsworth,
nee. s. iaiS.l
.,s NOTES.-The following paper
Epii ',rsnared with any idea OF publica
vas no hs,ne written in lighter vein a
tion' intimate family AFFAIR, with per-
sor ., touches here and there that might
SUM sum out OF place whsn paradeo IN pubic.
seem esiae from being of interest to,
Bu. na present members OF the Uni-'
gas. soc;ety, it will be OF interest also to
mia" nreaent and former residents OF
may orth outside me society. Its real
Eiis .s hovever. lies in it's historical IN r.
var showing o ne circle in the social and
es,,,,S;ons life OF Ellsworth OF forty years
rns bich has made lasting impress upon
r. Community, and for this reason de-
tns .ing Of preservation, through the press,
y. tu,ure generations.
asycu ak know, this paper was pre-
.,sd a few weeks ago. Even then it was
ri, difficult to write in lighter vein,
:. the memories crowding thick and fast
ssnrbt such sad reflections. But before
,ss date fixed upon to read 1t NOV. II,
,o,s1 arrived, death had again struck this
,;,,,e society an overwhelming blow; and
..,,ovsd tower of strength, man upon
those calm judgment, unfsiling interest,
unswerving integrity, we had learned to
depend- Mr.. Frank 8. Lord.
n have written half humorously, !
t,ust YOU will not consider it too
frivolous. 1t Was not because have not
tslt deeply, but it seemed wiser than to
indulge il, memories that might leave us
depressed and sorrowful. One great
leader, Edward Everett Hale, told us to
.loos up. not down, forward, not back,
and lend a hand".
Ger. ainly was appalled, when THE
AMERICAN heralded this as an historical
address. 1t is unworthy such dignified
title. simply called it "some Reminis-
censes OF Forty Years Ago..
On August 3, 1876, q petition was sent to
justice Of the peace OF Hancock county.
expressing the desire Of the applicants to
become legally incorporated as a social
and benevolent society, in accordance
with and by virtue OF chapter IS OF the re-
yised statutes OF Maine. This petition
was signed by twelve women OF the Uni
tartan society OF Ellsworth. OF the
twelve two are still with us-our dear
Miss Eliza beth Jeiiison and myself.
The justice OF the peace to whom the re-
quest to issue the warrant was made vac
Mr.. James &. Chiicott. Let US PAUSE
moment ia grateful tribute 10 the memory
OF the man, whose name is synonymous
with integrity, fidelity, honor. He wrote
poem for the Unitarian reading club en-
titled Fidelity, which is typical OF the
man. He had been describing 1.-THE dread
typhoon that wrought reientiessiy its
work OF WRATH All the stately ships
from every coast were wrecked save one
that
II ship OF war, adorned with ensign fair.
Americas proud flag, her cables massive
links
Alone deied the wild tornado's power.
VIII wrought hose links the tempest could
not Tendy
Who the artihcer unknown, nnpraised,
In whom fidelity was wrought in flesh.
And dseit uncrowned his fell Jw-men
among?"
He closes with these words:
AN knightiy rank or badge that royalty conld
confer
Would meagre lArgess prove. compared with
that
Bestowed by conscience's weil-approving
SMILE"
The warrant was issued in due form,
the petitition granted. And where did
the ambitious women meet to organize
the society that IN the future was 70 accom-
plish much practical philanthropy and
aid in the spiritual uplift OF the commu-
nity7 Why where should they meet but
al Mrs. Ann F. Greely's storey
This store was supposedly foE the dis
play OF the latest Paris millinery and the
finest dress goods and trimmings ever
brought to town. As q matter OF fact. 1t
was the rendezvous, for more than a
generation, for Affairs social, political and
religious-verily, an emporium OF wit and
WISDOM.
That Incompatible paper, prepared and
read by Miss Greedy on the occasion OF
the celebration OF the fiftieth anniversary
oil our church, Was worthy line uustinted
praise it received. To my mind there
could be but one criticism. Miss Greedy
passed lightly over her mothers unspar-
ing Efforts; modesty forbade dwelling on
The work of one 80 near.
suffer not that handicap, and it gives
me rare pleasure to speak OF some OF the
things deep in my heart. l came under
Mrs Greely's beneficent influence as
very young child, for she WAS our nearest
neighbor. Ali my life has been more or
less closely associated with her, and APP
probation has grown, as the years have
passed, OF her fine, strong personality.
she was one OF the three women who sent
The letter to DR.. Charles Carroll Everett
asking fhot Hattie in infer hit