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FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, SOUTHOLD, N. Y.
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1 . 45
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THE SOUTHOLD SISTERHOOD- SOCIABLES AND SERIOUS BUSINESS
The Story of the Ladies Liberal Sewing Society
The First Universalist Church of Southold , New York
1 8 4 5
Journal by Joella Vreeland
Drawings by Linda Burke
Photos and sketches by Barrie Vreeland
Copyright o 1985 by Joella Vreeland
Limited 150th Anniversary Edition
October , 1985
Printed in the United States of America
by Academy Printing Services
Southold , Long Island , New York
FORWARD
First, the , name: , Southold, because that is -where the1,events
of this Journal happened; Sisterhood, because that was
the name of my, mother' s church group. Hers was .a Methodist U
church, far removed from the East End of Long Island, New
York.But it seems to me that this Journal , -about a
particular church, really tells the story of women ' s
groups everywhere.The story of these ladies could have
been called °Dollars, , Dust Caps, and Dinners" , .or •perhap§
"Food, Fun, and Fellowship.." But I , chose to subtitle
it "Sociables and Serious Business" , because that is what
appears to be most apt to me. For it has been said that
while, in the early days, the men ran the church- it,.was
the women- who -kept it running!
This is an interpretive journal , based on the twenty-twd
hand-written volumes of minutes . and treasurer' s books of
the Ladies Society, plus other resource material of the'
First Universalist Church of Southold: -
The Ladies Liberal Sewing Society had its beginning in
May, 1845, just about ten years after the founding of
The First Universalist Church in 1835. Its founders had
come mostly from the other two churches in the community ,
moving away from the orthodoxy of the period toward what
they considered a more -liberal religion . Entirely
self-governed , the structure of the church reflected a
fierce guarding of independence , which extended to
the internal structure of the church. Every group within
the church was entirely independent, constitutionally,
from every other group. So the Ladies Society , as did
other church groups that later developed , had its own _
constitution , its own officers , and its own treasury. ,
My own efforts , in putting together this Journal , would
not have been possible without the help of all the
secretaries who kept such fine notes over such a long
period of time , and who , furthermore , safeguarded them
so that they wouldn ' t be lost , as so many of our other
church records have been . We therefore , with heartfelt
thanks and appreciation , list the secretaries of the
Ladies Society ' s first 100 years :
Ency Corwin , Miss Goldsmith , S.C . Folk , Mrs . Silas Overton ,
Mrs . Abbey Crosby-,Miss M. L. Richmond , Miss Minnie Terry ,
Mrs . Henry C. Fitz , Carrie ,Lowerre ,Miss J.W. Horton ,- ,
Mrs . Louise Overton , Mrs .', J. G. Hunting ,Mrs . Charles. Overton ,
Miss Bernice P.Mitchell ,Mrs . E.A. Bg11 , ' Miss Sarah ,
Case , R. Sturmdoff , Maude Sayre , Ency Davison , Elsie
Hilliard , Lillian Wirth , Alice Fisher , ,Peggy Terry.,
Marjorie Baker, and Miss Louise Cox .
r
The Ladies Liberal Sewing Association of Southold
i
PREAMBLE
Regarding social intercourse as closely connected with
enjoyment , and anxious, to aid charitable and liberal
objects ; willing to devote a portion of our time to such
purposes ; and aware of the importance of Union in our
enterprise ,, We , whose names are hereto annexed , form
ourselves into a Society to be entitled and governed
according to the following
CONSTITUTION
The Society shall be known as the Ladies Liberal Sewing'
Association of Southold .
It shall be constituted of such ladies as shall feel
an interest in the objectives set forth in the Preamble
and subscribe their names to this constitution .
n
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2
1845 After a public notice concerning our intentions
to meet and form an association , the ladies of the church
met at the home of Elam Horton . Our constitution has
been copied in this record book , to which twenty-one
, of us have signed our names . We feel that we are not
yet ready to elect a president , but we shall have two
vice-presidents , and Phebe Miller and Marion Goldsmith
have agreed to serve . Ency Corwin has been chosen sec-
retary , and Jane Wells , treasurer. We wish to be orderly
in our affairs and careful of our funds , so we have set
up a committee of three who will go over the accounts
each year and report to the Society. We shall meet again
in one week at the home of Dr. Corwin . We are- most
eager to begin our work , with hopes for a very successful
undertaking . (May 8,' 1845) .
1846 Our minister , Rev . Ingalls , who is also the
---�_" principal of our Southold
f-' Academy , has invited the ladies
to meet at his quarters at the
r
' Academy. It is a comfortable
place , and well -suited to our
— �' needs
1847 The ladies shall meet at
the Academy every Wednesday to
+'L``• work on Mrs . I n g a l l ' s quilt .
r_ n; • :"-"w"""'— The quilt has been finished , and
has been given to her .
For a fine shirt , we have decided that the charge will be
25¢ , and a very fine shirt , with bosoms set in , will be
56% cents . We have finished two such shirts : Simple,
flannel shirts will cost 18 and 3/4 cents each .
1848 We met and altered a shirt for William H. Wells
which we had made wrong .
3
The August meeting was cancelled because of melancholy
over the railroad accident .
We have made and quilted a comforter for the town poor ,
for which we shall be paid , by' the town , $1 : 00 s
We are sorry to hear that our minister and his wife' " ,
will
,
i wi 11 be leaving Southold at the' e`nd', of the year .
4
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1850 We have welcomed our new minister, Rev . Knapen , who
met with us briefly , and wished us well in our work .
We have made two shirts as a donation to Rev . Knapen .
The shirts are made of bleached muslin and calico , with
linen bosoms .
i
4
We set a quilt, for which the top has been made , and we
were asked to finish it . When
it is done , we shall begin a
•, quilt called "Washington ' sPath . "
We met at the home of Rev .
Miller , who lives in Southold
and supplies our pulpit when
the need arises . He has a
lively household , with 21
children- but they are well -
behaved.
1851 At our meeting of
June 26 , the ladies discussed
the propriety of having a
"fair" to benefit the church .
This will be our first !
Some of the men , who bring us
to meetings , have indicated
that they would like to join us
at least for a part of our
meetings . We have decided ,
therefore , that men may become members of the Ladies
Liberal Sewing Society by paying 25¢ each as dues .
Our Fair has been planned for October 9 , at the Southold
Academy , which has been beautifully decorated . The
profits are to be used for "fitting up" the inside
of the church .
1852 Our Southolder Rev . Miller has consented to occupy
our pulpit for awhile . This was happy news .
1853 The work goes on . We are beginning to work on
another quilt.
- 5
1854 Rev . Biddle , our new minister , and our dear Rev .
Miller have both been made honorary, members of the Society .
- ' 1855 It was resolved that dues, would be 25¢ for the
ladies and 50¢ for , the -men= but this would include' the
initiation fee . -- -------- ;
1862 We have 43 members . IF
Rev . Robert Lansing has
been, made an honorary
member . The consti -
tution has been revised
t'o read that ali monies
'I
-- .,of the Society sha l-1 be s
used for the
-benef it of the church . fit
It was also moved and 1
carried that , in j
the interests of
I equality , all members ,
men and women , shal l pay !i ix�l� 1►'�y &iNr;Rr L4/V.5/ C,
the same dues of ,25¢ .
___ The ladies are busily engaged . in doing "useful ,ind
ornamental work" for the Fair.
i
We discussed a postponement of the Fair , because of the
Ii effect of the terrible war . The followi-ng resolution
was adopted : "That in symp'athly with the many sad hearts
jj and lonely homes in our village and vicinity, (caused
by our great national calamity) 'we deem it proper to
postpone our f,-estival indefin-itely. "
The Soc i.ety is meeting, regularly , and keeping very
busy , sewing for ourselves , as= well as for others .
it
I
6
The war is coming very close to us . A big meeting was
held , and some of our Southold men have volunteered .
From the Watchman-August 21, 1862
WAR MEETING T+NIGHT
On Monday the 18th just, the largest and most forth, in his clear, forcible style the object of the
enthusiastic meeting since the breaking out of the meeting, urging upon all who love their country to
rebellion, was held in Southold. Some time before come forward and stand by the old flag. His patriotic
the meeting was called to order, the Presbyterian ti appeal was warmly responded to by the young men
church was densely crowded in every•part, many of Southold and Hermitage, twenty-three of whom
being unable to obtain seats. The meeting was duly came forward and enrolled their names as soldiers of
organized by the selection of the following officers: the United States. The next day recruiting went
briskly on, and within twenty-four hours after the
President—Barnabas H. Booth j meeting was held, no less than thirty-five names were
Vice Presidents — F. R. Terry, Beni. R. Prince, �. registered upon the roll. Mr. Woodford sacrifices a
Thomas S. Lester, Benjamin Wells, Albert Albertson, position of the highest importance to the govern-
J.H. Goldsmith, Deacon Cleveland, Henry Hunting, ; ment, and worth $4000 a year, for the purpose of
John Wickham, Charles Reeve, Israel Peck, A.H. aiding in putting down this unholy rebellion, now
Sandford,Giles Wells, Jeremiah Goldsmith. threatening to destroy this country. What young man
Secretaries—J.Wickham Case,C.D. Elmer. in old Suffolk will refuse to follow so gallant and
After a few remarks by Mr.Wiswell,Capt.Stewart patriotic a leader? Duty points the way—let us obey
L. Woodford was introduced to the audience, He set the call!
We have reconsidered our resolution not to have a festi -
val , and so the afternoon was spent in making candy
for the sale table.The taffy-pull was fun . .though messy !
Some of the ladies have been involved in the Southold
Ladies Relief Union which has produced , during the year
past : 64 sheets and cases , 62 cotton shirts , 26 flannel
shirts , 10 flannel drawers and 10 cotton drawers , and
many towels , handkerchiefs , socks , and mittens .
1863 We must plan for the July ordination of Rev .
Lansing . The church must be thoroughly cleaned and other
work done to make it a festive occasion .
Rev . Lansing has requested that we hold our meetings
at the church , which he will faithfully attend . At
our July meeting there were 23-- ladies , men , and
minister.
7
1864 There were not a large number present at our
meeting . The
financial business was
settled as far as
practicable . There was
a discussion of bills . �,� k1t
Mrs . R. Goldsmith ( ;
was elected president .
Our February 18th meet- '+
ing time was spent in
making infant wear . We
passed a resolution that t'
"all outstanding bills
will be paid . "
We have been told that our minister will be , leaving
us . We shall be without a minister for awhile , and
there will be 'no regular church services . The Ladies
Society closed this meeting without making plans for the
next one .
1878 Mrs . R. Goldsmith was re-elected president .
The - treasurer reported that we have about $400 in
our treasury . We discussed the church furnishings which
need much work- particularly the pew cushion covers and
carpeting . A medium brown was favored , but this was
rescinded in favor of maroon . We shall need to purchase
85 yards at 85¢ a yard . The cushions will be all -wool
material . We have decided to ' use some of our funds
to purchase twelve choir chairs .
At our April meeting , 14 ladies and 5 men met . .the
latter made themselves ' useful as well as ornamental ,
working on the carpet . We would like a new pulpit ,
which we think we could buy for $35 .
8
The members took home , each and all , work as they might
finish during the week . Mr.
Bauman , carriage trimmer of
Southold , took the cushions
home to be stuffed; Sewing is to be
done either by hand -or by
sewing machine . The old cushion
covers were ripped up and sold
as rags to the tin man for 40¢ .
We want to sell our melodion ,
and have an offer from someone
to purchase it. We figure
that it is worth about $10.
The new pulpit was inspected . The results are not
pleasing to anyone as the low black walnut railing
around the platform cuts off the lower part and gives it
a very awkward look. It was proposed to cut a place for
the pulpit in the center of the railing . Mr. H. G. Fitz
had made drawings to show how this would look. We are
unable to agree , and have appointed a committee to
study it further.
The piece of railing has been removed , and we are all
pleased with how it looks . The piece has been sold for 25¢ .
The work in the church required one pound of thread ,
67 yards of material for the cushions , 84 dozen buttons ,
160 pounds of curled horse-hair , 300 pounds of excelsior,
and 123 yards of tick-ing . We estimated that after all
expenses are paid, there will - be left 70¢ . We have
resolved not to go into debt !
We had tea , and played croquet .
7
We would like to purchase hymnbooks from the Universalist
Publishing house called "Church Harmonies" , but we
cannot afford to buy enough for the congregation-only
enough for the choir- and the minister is to announce
that each member is to buy their own .
Mrs . Case proposed meeting in the church instead of
- in member ' s homes , which provoked a lively discussion .
The meeting had been schedul-ed for the church- it was - a
dull day- the Peconic members arrived---only to find the
church locked , and nobody else there !
There is to be another entertainment . This time we
shall have a tableau with "wax works" , plus a reading . It
will be held in �Peconi,c' Hall , if we can make the arrange-
ments .
. ,W-e-- have received the happy news that Abram Conklin , of
the Canton Theological Seminary , has received and accept-
ed a call to be our minister , though he will not settle
here until June when he will have finished his theo-
logical course .
ii 1879 Mrs . Goldsmith wished to resign as president ,
but in unanimous response to, the wishes of the ladies',
she reconsidered . There was a discussion of participation
in the town fair.
We discussed what materials will be needed for our. ,
sewing projects : scrim, Hamburg edging for the white
aprons , silkolene for the "comfo'rtable" squares , outing
flannel , zephyr by the ounce , and ribbon for ;baby -clothes ,
honeycomb canvas for tidies , cotton batting,, and of, '
course , gi-ngham and calico . We shall purchase what we
need as we decide what our projects will be .
10
Some of the suggestions for sewing projects- finished
articles that we could sell= were aprons , caps , neckti-es ,
- handkerchiefs , infant wear , 'tidies , mats , scrap-bags ,
and mittens . Someone suggested .worsted slippers , and knit
socks .
1879- We are making plans for the ordination and
installation of Rev . Abram Conklin . There is much to do
to get ready. We expect some important participants
from the city.
We are planning to have a
special apron and cap
social . We shall each
be required to sew
a man ' s cap
of material to match an
apron .
1880 We are planning "fancy goods" for our table at the
Riverhead County Fair.
Rev . Conklin read a letter to the ladies from Rev . Pullman
of the Sixth Universalist Society of New York City. It is
the intent of their, church to present us with some
silver communion cups and plates .
We have elected the usual officers , including five
directresses . But there is some confusion with this
system, so we have decided to elect a "chi•ef directress"
as well - Mrs . R. -Goldsmith .
From October on , we will not be holding our meetings
in the church . It is too cold !
We believe
that, we
have enough
mone
y i
n
our treasury
to buy a
communion
table . We
have looked
in a catalogue
and have found the one we want , subject to the approval
of the Board of Trustees . It will cost $10 .
Dr. Chapin ' s church- the Fourth Universalist Society
, in New York city , has sent us over 100 books for the
Sunday School .
It is reported that there is a poor family in Arsh-
amomoque in need of clothing , so we spent the time
at our meeting making dresses for the two little girls .
Mrs . M. Goldsmith invited the Society to meet at her
house on Dec . 9 , and stay -to tea . But as the Society has
instituted a rule that no refreshments will be served at
meetings , it was deemed adviseable not to break the rule .
Then we reconsidered , and decided to repeal the rule -
forthwith ! Tea shall be served ! We are planning to have
an affair at Peconic Hall , for which there will be no
charge for the use of the hall except 50¢ for lighting
and we will clean -up afterwards . One member said that
she would secure th'e Society against loss at the affair
by offering to purchase all left-over goods . Rev .
Conklin will be allowed to attend without charge . Mr .
Salem Goldsmith will play gratuitously , for which he
will get a complimentary ticket .
12
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13
The Fourth
Universalist N `
Society has
again over- y
F
whelmed us
with their �
generousity r N,k a
yj ..S c.r "Ri`s'e:"'( 4`.' `;°6 fix_' °'• '' - ' �
ag i f t of
- three hand-
q•v..40r;Ll,
` some pulpit
vj
chairs
+' 'rte � P"'.
'd.'
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Miss Sophronia Goldsmith made , application for funds
to pay the sexton . There was also a motion that we
re-cover the foot-benches . Plans -are being made for a .
new carriage-block . It will be further to the west, , , ,
than the present one . It would cost $ 10 . But Mr. R.
Goldsmith says that he will provide ,two , at no cost ,._, if ,
in exchange , the ladies will provide some, book-rtack.s .,for
- the church .
More money problems ! , There is -a deficiency in :the
i �
pa'stor ' s salary of $150. We have notified the Trustees
that the Society has` placed $100 at their d`isposa-1 .
The duties of the Directresses are unclear. Their
election has been postponed and a committee has been
appointed to try to define their duties .
The dutiess of the Directresses have been defined, thusly :
to be in charge of Society property , to purchase mater-
ials for work projects , to decide what shall be made ,
to prepare it , distribute it , and see that it is finished .
The ladies discussed all this . We shall vote at the next
meeting .
14
We have decided- that our directresses should be replaced
by three standing committees : one for purchasing ,
one for the work , and a third for auditing .
There is to be an apron and
necktie social . As to admitting
children , they will pay, but
*� + � ; , will receive neither an apron
IL+ y +* ,♦ nor a necktie- just refresh-
` ri
ments .There was considerable
x * t discussion as to the supply
of light and dark calico .
see age We shall use up the dark
calico that we have, but shall
order no more !
It was reported that we made $44.40 on the necktie
social .
The ladies are to assist in draping the church for the
memorial service for James Garfield.
The Danbury Society has requested autographs for a
counterpane. This is also an idea we might try .
For the County� Fair in Riverhead we made a profit of,
$28, after spending $31 on materials-not too good !
We need another committee- on entertainment. Maybe we will
have a "Mother ,Goose party" . Nothing was decided.
Mrs . Overton suggested that the Society purchase a book
on parliamentary procedure . The motion was laid 'on the
table.
15
1881 The ladies are making some articles for the
Chapin home- handkerchief cases , two small saques, and
two baby shirts .
Mrs . Crosby has had a good
idea , which we will do .
-; she will. give us a ring ,
that is to be baked into •
a cake , which one of us
will volunteer to bake .
- We will then sell slices _ •
of the cake for 5¢ each .
Whoever gets the ring ,
gets an additional prize .
We must again help with the Sexton ' s salary. The money is
to be raised by asking the ladies for contributions ,
rather than taking it from our bank account .
1882 In May , the Trustees of the church asked the
ladies for $100 to meet current expenses and the pastor ' s
_ salary . Mrs . Case- had been requested by a friend to make
l the following statement : if the Trustees will , raise $100 ,
this friend will personally donate $90 .
We have had no formal reply from the Trustees since our
last meeting , but we are told that they will try to , -
raise the funds .
Our next entertainment will be a calico dress party , --with
strawberry shortcake for refreshments . It will be for
invited guests only . Each member is to bring in the ,names
of six people whom they would like to invite .- There will
be dancing after refreshments are served . We .are also
making plans for a promenade concert .
16
Rev . Conklin had received a communication from a gentle-
man who is in the home for incurables in Fordham , N . Y . ,
asking the ladies to make him a dressing gown-not an
expensive one- and a motion to
procure the material was passed ,
so that the gown may be finished
at once . The gentleman had sent
word as to what length the gown
should be , and that he did not
wish the gown to be of too dull
a color . He sent $6 for the cost .
The committee has not been able
to find the material desired ,
but hopes to have it at our
next meeting .
The lining of the gown has been
made ready for the outside . It
will be a handsome garment . We think he will be pleased .
We decided that the admission charge for the party will
be 15¢ . Motion was made and carried that the refresh-
ments will be strawberries and cream and biscuits , ice
cream, and cake . We will have to provide , by donation or
purchase , 32 quarts of berries , cream , 10 quarts of
chocolate ice cream , 15 of vanilla and lemon each , and
one dozen cakes of three kinds- plain , chocolate , and
sponge . We shall ask the men to help serve , be cashier ,
and serve as door-tenders .
We would like to have two sociables , to be held at pri -
vate houses . Mrs . Goldsmith offered to give the first one .
Mrs . Cleveland has ordered a black saque ,which must have
sleeves .
17
1883 We are planning an affair at Peconic Hall and the
ladies will arrange for a stage to travel on the evening
of the entertainment from the Southold drug store to the
Hall , asking 25¢ for a round trip , to make two trips ,
leaving the drug store at half past 6 and half past ,7 .
A cane , made from wood
cut near.- the spot
where Universalism was
first preached by John
Murray ,was presented to
the Society by Rev .
Conklin , to be
sold at our next fair .
Mrs . Terry suggested that
the cane be given to the
candidate receiving the
greatest number of votes ,
the price of a vote to
be 5¢ . The Trustees of the
church were appointed
candidates :William Terry ,
Salem Goldsmith , Silas
Overton , George Wells , and
Charles Overton .
The cane , at the next fair, was awarded to Mr. William H.
Terry , he having received the most votes .
18
In regard to our next fair , Mrs . Overton asked what
should be done in regard to having oranges . It was voted
that a box of good oranges be bought of Mr. Williams
if possible ; if not , that the Society send to New York
for them, by Mr. Jefferson .
Since we sold our melodeon , we
lot
are bereft of music , and cannot
afford a new instrument .
But Mrs . Case has kindly lent
the church a small organ ,
0000 660V0 8009 to remain until we can purchase
i
.� one .
F We are really ready for the Fair
d
with committees for pricing ,
"j fish pond , fruit and candy ,
!: !
cake and fancy goods . A cup of
!� ? coffee or tea will be 5¢ , sand-
wiches 3¢ each , cake 5¢ , and
k� milk , sugar , pickles , and
cheese will be free .
The annual membership fees have been re-stated as
25¢ for women and 50¢ for men . Men will be entitled
to all privileges except attendance at business
meetings . One of the members spoke and said that inasmuch
as the gentlemen had paid 50¢ to become members of this
society and were not to be admitted to the business
part of our meetings--- it was hardly just to admit
female persons to these meetings who were not members
at all , and she therefore moved that ladies not members
should not be admitted to our business meetings . This
motion was carried .
One of the ladies who has a large house offered it for
a fund-raising event-- if it could be arranged that
objectionable persons would not be admitted .
19
Mr. Conklin brought to the attention of the ladies
a pamphlet concerning the Woman ' s Centenary Association ,
This is a Universalist Association that was formed
after one of the Conventions . The minister expressed
the hope that the ladies of our church would take an
interest in their work .
No. 1.
WOMAN'S CENTENARY ASSOCIATION. �
A CIRCULAR LETTER.
T
Hl:women of the Universalist Church of America were
first organized for National denominational' work in
I September;1869. Previous to that date,they had earned
a brilliant record as workers, but it was individual and local. s
Every Parish, Association and State Convention had its '
women helpers—earnest, hopeful, faithful sisters—without
whose industrious hands, thoughtful heads and loyal hearts,
our cause,in their immediate neighborhoods, must have often
ILd have liied. It was due to the <
zea, attention and self-!, fice of our women, quite as
much as of our men, that niversalism accomplished so
# much in the first century of its existence in this country. '
When,in the spring and summer of 1869, the work of the J
Centenary-Year was projected, it occurred to a few thoughtful
i persons that the women of the Church should take an active
part in whatever effort was made,and that they should organ-
ize an association specially for this purpose. But, though
the question was often discussed,no definite result was attained.
When, however, at the session of the General Convention,
at Buffalo, N.Y.,in September of that year,the magnitude of
the Centenary work became apparent, it was felt that all the
forces of the denomination must be brought to bear upon the
work of the coming year;and,as a result, on the morning of
the third day of the session,a meeting was called in the vestry
of the church,and THE WOMAN'S CENTENARY AID ASSOCIA-
TION was duly organized.
The new Association being accepted as a co-worker for the
year,and the enthusiasm of the people at white heat, it was
proposed that a canvass for membership be made,which was
dq.1e, and the foundation laid of our Memorial Fund, the
amount raised Feeing $273,00,
That day marked an era in the history of our women,for
1 "m1"ny who- had never before lifted their voices in public,
spoke ably and eloquently. On that day our women for
the first time realized the power that they had been in the
1 past,that they were in the present,and might be in the future.
The officers of THE WOMAN'S CENTENARY AID ASSOCIATION
consisted of a President,Recording and Corresponding Secre-
tary,and Treasurer,who con-fituted the Executive Board,and
a Vice-President for each State and Territory. The women
elected to fill these offices were: Mrs.Caroline A.Soule,Presi-
dent; Mrs. D.C:Tomlinson, Recording Secretary; Mrs.F.J.
M.Whitcomb, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. J. G. Adams,
Ilrt,
annum, is published at sinwomwirer. '
� I
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20
We are planning a harvest festival , to be held in Mr.
Goldsmith ' s grove , if it can
be obtained . The blowing of
soap bubbles is going to be a
° feature of the entertainment ,
0
Q C and Mrs . Overton was appointed
� I to take charge of the soap
011 Q o for the bubbles . We will
Q o 0 ° buy 100 pipes .
Op QOO 0
° O4) o 00 0
00 The business meeting was adjourned
and after the business meeting
several gentlemen joined us for
the social time , and also ladies
who were not members . They were
kindly welcomed . Readings , music ,
and dancing served to make the
evening a pleasant one .
There is discussion as to whether ice cream for our
next sociable should be home-made , or bought- to come
in by train from New York .This time we shall buy it ,
20 quarts each of the flavors we have found to be
popular : lemon , vanilla , and chocolate . We will also
order bananas- a bunch- the bunch to contain 75 to 100.
The committee reported that material had been bought for
kitchen aprons and sweeping caps . We have purchased
some inexpensive dolls , and spent the afternoon sewing
dresses for them .
Mrs . Jesse Case has ordered a set of table mats and a
scrap bag . Mrs . Case left it to the taste of the Society
as to the style of the bag and of what material it should be .
Worsted was purchased for hair pin baskets .
We' have decided to have 'a concert in Belmont Hall rather
than •in the church , because it is. tdo much trouble to
_I put the church back 'in order .
Mrs . Lowerre spoke of .
the inconvenience of
the ,reading desk ,
or pulpit , not being
large enough to hold
anything but the
large Bible , and '
- suggested that we
I_ p'urc'hase a table
_ to go next to it .
The table would
hold hymbook ,
' I pitcher and
! ' water , notices ,etc .
Mrs . Crosby suggested a shelf to be built inside the,
pulpit , but we decided to look for a table.
We are planning a Big "C" supper , at which all .`food will
begin with that letter. We shall buy five bushels of
clams for clams and clam pie . - We will also offer chicken
pie , chicken salad , corned beef ,codfish' balls , cucumbers ,
corn , cornbread , cheese , cream ,cream biscuits-and for dessert
a choice of cookies , crullers , custard , coconut cake ,
17
chocolate cake , or currant cake--and coffee or "cooked
--I water" for tea . We will charge 30¢
The treasurer reported that at one of our rec.ent fairs ,
one-fourth pound of candy had, been lost , and that she had
made good the deficit which was 10¢ by placing that
amount in the treasury from her own purse . It was decided
on motion that the treasurer was not 'responsible for the
loss and that she should be reimbursed , but the treasurer
refused to be reimbursed for the money , she having had
charge of the candy.
22
1884 Mrs . George Terry, spoke of some children who had t
been in the, habit of attending the, Sabbath School , but
who were now unable to do so. on account of having no
suitable clothing to wear , and she suggested that the
Society make up some garments for them .
1885 We have a new minister, Rev . Ballou , and Mrs .
Ballou has become an active member of our Society.
We wish to do something really nice for her for Christ
-
mas , and have decided to buy her a coat , if it can be
arranged . The purchasing com-
mittee sent word to our former
minister ' s wife , Mrs . Abram
�; Conklin in Brooklyn and asked if
..r
she would purchase it for us .
She is to take a friend with her
o if she wishes , and to charge lunch
and car-fare for herself and her
` friend .
• va
The coat has been received ,
with a muff , and was placed
neatly in a box and left at Mrs .
Ballou ' s , with a letter from
the Society . The cost 'of the coat
was $22 , and the muff was sent
with it for that price . Mrs . -
Conklin refused to make any charge
for her expenses .
This is the letter sent from the Society :
"Our dear Mrs . Ballou ,
As it is the season when the heart-thoughts of
friends are outspoken in kind words , or manifested
by pleasant mementos , we , the members of the Ladies
Society of the Universalist Church of Southold , ask
your acceptance of this Christmas gift , as a token
of our appreciation of the work done by you in the
Society ; as a heart-felt expression of our esteem
23
for you , - an esteem which has increased and strengthen-
ed , day by day , since you came to be a worker with us .
That you may receive the choicest blessings which
are bestowed upon mortals by the Giver of good and
perfect gifts , is our Christmas wish . ,,
We received this letter in reply :
"Dear Mrs . Crosby , President of the Ladies Society ,
Permit me to return to you , and through you to all
the members of the Ladies Sewing Society , my most
grateful acknowledgement for the very generous
and thoughtful token of your esteem I have received
in the elegant winter coat , and kind letter accompany-
ing same , bestowed by you . So timely and desireable a
Christmas gift- enhanced by a sisterly regard , which
is above price , is quite beyond the value of any
service I have done , and must be attributed
mainly to the goodness of your generous hearts . I
thankfully accept your gift , and would gladly,
reciprocate the affection and esteem which it ,betokens ,
as well as the invocation of Heaven ' s choicest
blessings upon you all . If , to you , it shall be
more blessed to give than it is to receive , we
shall mutually enjoy a happy Christmas and in the
days to come I may prove myself worthy of so generous
a share of your regard , I shall esteem it a joyful
evidence that life is worth living , especially when
its lines fall in such pleasant places . With best
wishes for your abundant prosperity I remain
Sincerely your friend and sister
L .M. Ballou "
A dramatic entertainment is being planned . We have
ordered 300 programs , and are wondering if we should
order 100 more . The entertainment will be in Belmont Hall .
We have received from the Trustees of the church a
communication asking for $25 to pay for improvements
in heating the church . There was considerable discussion ,
as the ladies did not fully understand what improve-
ments had been made . Wishing for more information , any
motion was delayed , until such information has been re-
ceive.d .
We have decided to use some of our fund-raising profits
to hire someone to wash the dishes after these affairs !
24
1886 We were planning to have a milk-maid party, but we discussed
the advisability of giving up the idea because the monumental
society is advertising a dairy-maids convention.
We are planning a very special enter-
tainment called the feast of roses.
The decorations will be roses and each
. gentleman will be presented with a
rose for his buttonhole. We will
repeat our play called "The Loan of a
a Lover" and the glee club will sing.
We discussed whether our money should
_ be applied to charitable purposes
outside the church, but it was thought
by the majority that our money should
not be used for other purposes before
�•• �� clearing church debts and expenses.
For our Halloween party we will .order half a bushel of peanuts ,
half a bushel, of hickory nuts, two quarts of pecans, and four
pounds of almonds. We were going to call our party a "crazy party",
but some felt the name to be objectionable in many ways. So we
shall call it an "olio" party as a general medly which would allow
all the best features of the crazy party- and not the disorderly or
unattractive ones. There will be a medley quartet, a solo by Miss
Ballou, and a little comedy show. We are having some trouble with
our ice cream deliveries. ' Mr. Booth will supply the ice cream for
$1 a gallon, but it would have to be carted and re-packed in ice.
There is someone else who would deliver for 25¢ more at the Hall , so
that re-packing would not be necessary. We decided this latter costs
more, but is preferable.
Material has been ordered for fancy work- needle-books, fancy silk
for gentlemen's neckties, and silk for purses.
25
One of the lad,i,es re,p_oxted, that, u.po;n, exa,m,ination, of the
church cusfifons', she found them 'to be bad,l,y infested, w,i,th
moths , and after due ' co,nsideration of the matter , it was
voted- that Wednesday will
'be set 'aside for a' thorough
cleaning of the church . The
carpets will be taken up ► ''
_ and shaken , floors washed ,
and the cushions beaten .
If a member is unable to
come , she should send a
substitute-- in a person , or
in money ! ' We ' shall assemble
i at 8 o ' clock in the morning . ` +
Each lady will bring what I
cleaning supplies that
she can . '
We are doing some sewing for a friend who has the
materials , but no time to put them in shape . A goodly
number met at the time appointed . Two dresses and three
I ,
aprons were made , two coats re-fitted , and some calico
pieces put into a form suitable for use in making
l_ comfortables . We finished the comfortables- two of them-
and prepared , knotted , and bound them .
We are planning our usual valentine party , which we all enjoy .
Our, next meeting will be a Yankee Lunch , with ,chicken , ham ,
-I turkey , beans , donuts , pies , brown bread , and Indian pudding .
There will be ice cream as well . The last time we
- ordered, pineapple ice cream for variety , but it wa,s not
pleasing , so we will order the usual lemon .
26
1887 We have decided to change our name. We have been
told that some of the gentlemen are not at all happy about
being members of a "sewing society" ( liberal or otherwise )
so , by vote of the members , we are the Ladies Liberal Sewing
Association no longer. Though Association is the name in
the Constitution we have seldom used it , preferring
Society--so the name is henceforth : THE :LADIES SOCIETY OF
THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF SOUTHOLD.
Our first project of the year is
the ,making of rag rugs- for our-
selves and to sell . It is not
y easy work , but the results are
Q�Pc' so pleasing .
=_ �=---- We are trying to think of new
entertainments . One member report-
ed that she had gone to a party
where articles were hung on a
Christmas tree . Then they were shot at with bows and
arrows , and the one hit belonged to the shooter.We did
not think that this was a good idea . If one missed , the
arrow might go elsewhere , and if one "hit" it might destroy
the prize. . But the articles on -the tree is a good idea ,
but some other way should be determined upon to select
the items .
We are going to have an entertainment called "Carnival of
the Months . " We shall have one sale booth for each month
of the year .
We must meet with the Trustees in regard to shingling of
the church roof . Only temporary repairs will be made now.
The belfry will also be straightened and new supports
put in .
27
Our entertainment for our meeting was called - "Housekeepers
Rejoicing" , with appropriate exercises . The words of the
chorus expressed joy that the housecleaning is done , having
been composed by one of the members - and- set -to the
music of an old song .We wanted to print the song which ,
--� she called "'Housekeepers Jubilee" , but the ' author demurred ,
asking that it not be copied in the minutes , as it was
written hastily to supply the need of that special _
- , occasion , and not meant for preservation .
Rev . Ballou, joined. us for
a review of our ob-
jectives . The primary
objective of our
Society is to aid in
; i deferring the expenses of
the church . The second is
to promote the social
interests of its members
and friends . We shall li
engage in other work
(not directly for the
church ) as time and our
` - finances will permit .
We are converting an old bed quilt into a comfortable .
We have decided that at our next affair the price of
admission will - cover the food , but desserts will cost extra .
--; 1890 Our Constitution and Bylaws shall be read at the
last meeting in the year before enrollment of members ,
and' the members will sign the constitution , signifying
!_! their membership for the new year .
A ' member described 'a party called a '"Chocolatier"- but
no one was interested .
Mr . John 'Billard has offered to play the violin at any
Society entertainment for dancing , and without remuneration .
28
One of our members has donated a "mite box" , which
shall attend all our meetings ,
to receive any small donations .
One- suggestion -concerning the
mite box was for each member to
put into it a birthday gift of
= as many pennies as she or he
is ' years old .
Forty-five people came to our meeting and had supper ,
some becoming members of the Society before the close
of the, evening .
1891 A- play is being planned , called "The Goose Children" ,
and there will be a shadow pantomime as well .
Rev . Horton , our minister ,
joined us for our meeting .
Mr. Conklin will come from New
York to give a lecture
in Southold with a stereopticon .
A lantern operator from the City
will accompany him.
Mrs. Horton reported that she
x'c.
thought she could arrange
•.mow:
a three short pantomimes for our
next program : "Benjamin and Mary
Jane" , "Nameless Narrative" , and
perhaps "Drinking"'- a temper-
ance performance .
Mr. Glover is our sexto'n , who will be paid by the
ladies a salary of $50 a year. We talked about a conundrum
banquet which someone read about in a magazine , and we
think it might be a good idea . Many of our members are sick
with the Grippe- including the whole entertainment committee .
We were planning a "poverty social " but some members
thought this inadvi.seable- and we gave up the idea-.
29
�_- Two lists have been made , to guide us in our planning
for suppers- one , "just enough" , and one , "plenty" . This
is our list "just enough" for 100 people : 5 cakes ,
200 sandwiches , and 5 quarts of milk .
i
1895 Mrs . Lowerre brought to the Society the poor con-
dition of the church
lamps , saying that some-
thing should be done to
improve the lighting J
of the sanctuary. i
-
We had a continuing re-
port on the lamps . We tested Q
one from Mr. Williams , but
did not think it would do ,as
instead of a wick- in one
piece , it was four wicks ,
turned up with a screw.
We did not think it would
wear well , and would be considerable trouble to the sexton ,
the wick being in four parts . Another member said that she
had corresponded with someone in New York who made a
specialty of church lighting- and , she had gone there and
inspected some . They would furnish us with central draft
lamps , to fit in our brackets , with chimneys , for ,
$1 .50 each- or broad flat wick burners , with • chimneys ,
for 850 each . To fit out our 18 wall brackets with the
f
better lamps would cost $27 . But we decided that those are
the ones we shall buy : "the best is always cheaper in the
end" , and we shall have good , durable lamps that will give
sufficient light .
i We have had a novel suggestion for our next party- a
" library party" , each person wearing something to denote
the name of a book . One person will be appointed the
I
30
librarian . It was voted that the old lamps be given as
souvenirs , if anyone should wish one . We are considering
a new carpet , and if there is anything left of the old
carpet , after it is beaten clean , we shall try to weave
it into a mat to lay at the door .
Rev . Latham and Mrs .
Latham were our
special guests ,
as they will
soon be "
leaving our
church . X
The-,ladies
spent the
entire _day
cutting and
sewing
carpet
and finished
all except for the side aisles . It was a very busy day ,
but we 'all had a pleasant time . The oldest pieces of old
carpet were given to Mr. George Terry to use to cover ice .
1896 Rev . Leonard is our pastor. He and his parents were
unanimously elected' honorary members .
Some of our sociables will be by invitation only . The
invitation list is divided into three sections : ( 1 ) Southold
down town list which includes members and others with some
association with the Society , ( 2 ) Middle Southold , and
(3 ) Peconic .
Weare planning to make a yarn carpet for Rev . Leonard .
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31
Our February Auction Sale was most successful , and great
fun . We "auctioned off"
the large number of
gentlemen present . Each
' t was concealed under a
- large sheet , while his
saleable qualities were
described by the
y auctioneer. He was then lk
sold to the highest
bidder. This was a nice '
leap year party. After
the "auction" , leap year
� I valentines were given out .
The -young people attended
our meeting , and helped
us •sew on our projects =
for the Fair that
is coming soon . The last
time ice cream and crackers
were served , but crackers were not popular, and we would
be wise to serve cake instead .
i The bad weather made it very hard to save the ice cream.
-T Mr. Overtonof ice and
g packed it to keep one night , then
l- took it to Mrs . Prince ' s who put it in her ice cream
_- refrigerator , and re-packed it for the party . Her bill was
60¢ for the ice used , and 40¢ for extra ice cream which
we bought of her. The play was called Quixotic Quakers-
really an operetta- quite short and slight as to plot ,
but it was added to , and characters dev-eloped , to. make a
sufficient program.
A picture of the church has been framed and sent to Rev .
Leonard as a Christmas present .
32
We had a very large attendance at the social at Peconic
Hall , with about 100 present . Mrs . Overton reported that
there had been a large outcry against. the 15¢ admission
and all the actors had struck and refused to do anything
at such a price which had the effect of depreciating the
value of the entertainment in the eyes of the public , and
so--the admission will be hereafter raised to 20¢ !
1898 We have had another successful entertainment , ',at
which our minister , Rev . Boivin , sang .
We forgot at the last meeting to
select a present for the pastor
from the sale table goods ,i as
is our custom. The committee
selected two desireable articles
and gave the minister his choice .
He selected the embroidered '
picture frame , and gave his hearty
thanks to the ladies .
Attention of the Society was called to the sticky condition
of the varnish on the backs of the pews , and it was pro-
posed that we go there, and wash them , and find out what
can be done , as it appears that the varnish comes off on
clothing . Quite an animated discussion followed .
After examination , it was voted to buy nice brown cotton
goods to cover the backs of the sticky pewsmThe pews ,were
counted and there are 39 , besides those on both sides
of the front platform . Wednesday afternoon the meeting was
held at the church from 1 : 30 to 5 : 30 to put the brown� cloth
on the pew backs . Forteen people came , armed with shears
and tack hammers . The cloth was found to be just wide ;
enough to split into three strips , which would cover
the backs except the portion hidden by the cushions .
l
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i
l- 33
Accordingly this was done and it was very nice work , for
there was not a thread to spare . As the - calculati'on's had
been made , expecting the -width to be enough to cover
only two backs , we had 19 yards of material left ' when all
was done . Everyone worked with might' and main, �and the
last two backs were finished just as the light failed
and more work would have been impossible .
It was voted to buy sufficient material to match the left-
over yardage , to enable us to cover all the cushions in
J the church .
All of our old tin spoons
are going to be
replaced with silver
1 spoons , s-o that we
will have six dozen
nice ones for our
socials .
Members and friends at tea time had a chatty good time .
Merriment increased and the whole company was so very lively
that the fact- sometimes asserted- seemed, to be true , that
the kindly social spirit and the real gaity of this
Society prevents the encroachment of old age , and keeps
i the members in perennial youth .
Several of our members expressed a desire to have this
Society give something toward' the fund to purchase the
lot adjoining the church lot on the -east , which the Trustees
i � have agreed to buy for $285 . The treasurer was asked how
our bank account stands , and reported that we have $310 ,
so that after we have paid the $100 pledged for the minister ' s
salary , and $12 . 50 due the sexton , we sha.11 have enough left
to give- $100 towards the purchase of the lot.
We have received a letter from the Rac1ne Feet company
t
I
34
chiding the Society for not sending more orders . Mrs .
Hunting moved that we reply to them that there are many
complaints that the feet are coarse and losely woven and
we can make no more efforts than we have , and are not likely
to have larger sales .
. . .Timer �.rM� o
pey-
"Don't Waste Time
r
Mending ®id Socks and
r '
Stockings---w
Buy our. . . .
` j
lZadorne Feet " .. .
All Sizes -w Black or White ,
loc. per pair .
,50c. . per.. ®rye-bait-doz,:,pais&..
Order from
r1RS. J. G. HUNTTING, Southold
r1R. P. D. SMITH, Peconic
]IRS. W. A. FLEET, Cutchogue
Ladies' Society of the Universalist Church
Agents for Southold Town
35
1899
H 111atter of serious talk was the proposal to purchase
f � two large coffee pots
of ,granite enamelware-
that would be for the
exclusive use of the
_i Society . If we purchase
{ them immediately , they
will be on hand for the
reception of our new
minister., Rev .
William H. Murray , on
November 9 .
I '.
The ver reception went nicely ,p y y , with about 90 people
�} I present , including the Presbyterian and Methodist
-� ministers of Southold . We have decided that our house-
keeping outfit- the new. coffee pots and the silverware-may
be borrowed for weddings , if th-e wedding is by a Universalist
minister . At present we also have some dishes.
1
1900 Four committees have been appointed for church
ji work : ( 1 ) to welcome strangers , (2) to trim the church
each week , that is , to see that it is in proper condition ,
(3) to visit the sick and afflicted , and (4 ) good cheer
committee . We are always , it seems , trying to discover
-I new ideas , and' finally someone suggested an entirely
,
IJ' novel idea- that our eight young people anticipating
matrimony be so obliging' as to furnish entertainment ,
' i
by being married on stage during the two evenings of the
Fair--two couples each evening--and we would offer'
every possible inducement .
The couples were approached , and the tempting offer was
not appreciated — and not accepted .
It was moved that we donate $25 toward the debt on the sheds .
36
Some of the men have agreed to be "hustlers", who will clear the chairs
after a performance.
Mrs . Wells has sent for seven
pairs of children ' s drawers to
o be made , so we all worked dili -
gently , and all were completed ,
including 42 button-holes , by supper
time , and the usual social time
was enjoyed .
The president reported that some time ago she had found
both Mr. Leonard and his mother sick in bed with no one
to do anything for them and as neither she nor Mrs .
Cleveland were able to go there and care for them as they
often had , and they knew none of the society who could
do it , they felt obliged to hire someone , and engaged Mrs .
Green to go at night , and stay , doing for them again in
the morning , and waiting on them . She did this for
12 nights and at the expiration of that time was hired
by Mrs . Leonard , his mother , to stay with them day
and night . Mrs . Lowerre said that she felt responsible
for Mrs . Green for her pay for those nights as she
found that Mrs . Leonard had not paid her for them . She
thought that the Society should assume this debt in the
cause of humanity , as the general belief was that they
had very limited means . Mrs . Green charged 75¢ per night ,
and her bill was $9 , which the Society agreed to pay .
The valentine party was -impossible , as all roads were
blocked by a snow storm.
We are planning a tableau , with elegant costumes , draperies ,
properties , and music in between . Mrs . Overton was to
engage J . C. Case to play the piano-for love , or money , or both .
37
We have voted to have a reception for Rev. Murray
and his bride , on October 26.
It will be at the home of
Louise Overton, and we shall
plan for ,100 people. There was
some talk of a wedding
present , which might be a -
— gift of a sum of
money from ' the congre-- - .- '
gation . The, best -way' to
manage it would be for
the ladies - society to
appoint a committee to
see the - people - interested,
L' and to take charge of
—' the matter. This was
acceptable to everyone {
except -the president,.-
She
res i dent": ='r
y She said that the n
�-_ young people had already'' g"�iven them
something" ' a desk ; and ,she felt that an: elastic book-
case would be very desirable with the handsome desk . One
member then said , "Money would be the most -elastic ''possible
form for a gift , conferring upon the recipient the power
to gratify a special taste or desire .-" ,But all others ' ' ,
liked the idea of a bookcase .
Friday evening a group of 90 people , our congregation and
fri'ends and neighbors of -the pastor, met at th"e Overton
home to greet Mr. Murray and be presented to his bride .
Thehouse was decorated w 'i'th flowers and ferns . The
receiving party ' stood in the library . -The clergy'"of Southold had
been invited to attend . A program of fine recitations
and several musical selections were given. 'A 'very pleasant
social time was enjoyed by al`1 of us .
38
On November 15 , the church was beautifully decorated with
chrysanthemums and greenery for the ceremony of the
induction of the young pastor Mr. Murray , into the fellow-
ship of the church .Mr. Crowe gave a strong and eloquent
sermon . Rev . Adams gave the charge to the people , and
Rev . Tomlinson of Huntington gave the charge to the pastor.
The service was inspiring and impressive .
The executive committee, hearing
that Mrs . Murray had inquired if
is 4Q a
we had any aprons to sell , sent
t e i�®9e � her two white ones and two gingham
ones , and a nice gingham dusting
e a �Q cap , that were left from the last
Fair.
The committee to attend to the
wedding present for the Murrays
received such liberal contri-
butions that they were able to
get- a bookcase with four units ,
and also to give them almost $50.
This arrangement was perfectly satisfactory to all the donors .
1901 We are discussing seriously building a parsonage ,
and have started a parsonage fund , to pay the balance due
on the Wickham lot.
Some time •,ago the Society passed a motion never to give
thanks to its members . Mrs . Louise Overton wished to discuss
the motion , and spok,e • th,usly,"Mrs . President and sisters ,
I believe this motion was a mistake , although at the time
we all, acknowledged the force of the argument , in its
favor, which were : first , that we all work for the
interests of this Society as, we can , acc,ordi,ng •to our
time , strength , and talents , as , indeed , there is great
diversity , and all cannot do the same things , and it
- 39
� I
is making a distinction between members to thank any
individuals . Second , the Society would have to spend 6 -
great deal of time at its meetings ; simply thanking various
members . But I have often' heard the remark that people soften
as they grow older , like good fruit as it mellows , I suppose .
As I grow older and look about me ; on all the phases of
everyday life , I notice how much more usual among us=unde-
monstrative descendents of the most repressed and un-
demonstrative people- is the use of all verbal expression
of thanks , cordiality ; appreciation , and love ; and I call
this change one of the mellowing effects of age , That
family would be a ,noticeable exception , now, which did
not freely use all sorts of expressions of love and
,-J appreciation . This society is like a family ; and those
graces that belong to family life and make it gracious
and pleasant seem to me just as properly in place here :
We are all liable to make Mistakes , and I believe ; now ,
C� this motion is a mistake. " A motion was then made= to
reconsider and rescind the motion never to thank members-
and it passed without a dissenting vote , Then= an immediate
motion was made to unanimously give thanks to Mrs.
Carrie Lowerre for her "faithful , disinterested , and
efficient services as president for the past three years ,
and that we take this opportunity to express our appfeciation.'
It has been voted that we
have an offici-al Swcioty
color , and wear a brow of
that color on all of the \
Society occas an's,We
discas,sed various colors
and the, winner, was YELLOW--
a nice corn-calor shade.
We voted to have only femonade &n}d, c_ ratkers; at our next
meet i ng.
40
The lemonade and crackers only at our last meeting
gave much dissatisfaction ! Mrs . Murray has become a
very active member of our Society . Mrs . Smith moved ,
after some discussion , that a
bill be sent to the Catholic
Society , for the use of our
coffee boiler , as they gave it
0
very hard use for the ten days
of their fair.
We had a nice party that was
very successful in every way — except
fiancially ! We had made sun-
bonnets for all the ladies and
all the girls .
The parsonage fund was discussed . The YPCU wishes to head
the list . The Society will come second on the list , with
$50 . One member offered to solicit money from Southold
summer visitors for said fund . The Society has an
arrangement whereby any articles donated to a sale ,
that are not sold , the donor can buy them back , for the
cost of the material , and if she declines , any member
can buy them for the cost of the material . Complications
have ensued from this- members criticising prices as
marked too low or too high , so the following motion was
passed : that the work committee have sole authority , and
that the price marked on articles be the first , last , and
all time sale price .
The next meeting will be at Mrs . Appleby ' s house , and
Mr. Appleby will meet the train with the team . Mrs .
Lowerre stated that Mr . Lowerre , who has acted as our
cashier so often , has complained of our tickets being
old and thin , and she moved that they be burned , and new
ones ordered .
4.1
Mr. Smith and Mr. Sanford will be door-keepers , to
watch in the vestibule if necessary , to prevent people
coming in late , just to dance , without paying the 20¢ .
The parsonage fund is growing . After the legacy just
received by the Trustees from the Billard estate , the ladies
will clear the debt on the lot.
One of the members spoke of a lady whose children
belong to our Sunday School , who wa.s trying to support
them by dressmaking . She is in great need of a sewing
machine , as hers is old and worn out and she is hiring one
for $1 .50 a week which is a heavy expense to her. A motion
! � was made and passed for the Society to buy a sewing machine
for her.
We are planning a cap party , with caps for everyone .
- There will be a grand march at 8 : 30 , and during that march
the caps will be distributed , opened , and put on , and the
cap partners chosen for a march to follow at once. So each
member is to provide one pair of caps .
It was a jolly party , and well -attended , and the caps
made much merriment- they were so various in style and
so becoming . Everything was a success except for the
refreshments . Nearly everyone got the sort of pie or
crullers he did not like at all .
We have made the following decision regarding the borrowing
of kitchenware : as we own them in common , and have all
workedto earn the money for them, we shall freely lend
all our dishes , teaspoons , trays , coffee boilers , etc . to
any of our church members who may want them for their parties .
We have expressed thanks to our flower committee , who have
kept flowers and greenery in the church- except when none
could be had . Everyone has been kind and helpful .
42
Plans for our parsonage have been chosen from a picture ,
plans have been ordered , and the parsonage is being built .
-p-
QR
WIN ON
There is no place in the sanctuary for the brooms ,
brushes , dusters , vases , and jardiniers , etc . They are
all left in the back of the church , and look very dis-
orderly . A special committee was appointed to provide
some sort of receptacle for unsightly articles . They re-
ported that they have invented , and ordered made , a
moveable box with casters , to be the height and exact
length and width of the pew seats , and extra matching
cushions , that we already have , can be put on them ,
over the hinged tops , and they will be kept at the
back of the sanctuary .
1902 The Murrays are living at the Booth house until
the parsonage is finished .
43
We had a lovely June party , with 30 -people . A very enjoy-
able time was had , and all were sorry when the big wagon
came to pick up the Southold contingent .
We are trying to furnish
the parsonage , and voted
to obtain , by donation
or loan or purchase , all
that is actually needed
to make the parsonage
- comfortable , except for
bed clothes , linens , and
silver . Mrs . Overton
suggested that we consider
one room at a time , and
begin with the parlor.
Mrs . Cleveland said that
Mrs . Evans will give a ,
piano . Dining room
furniture has been given , `
a new and handsome bedroom
suite has been promised ,
black walnut chairs for
the dining room , drapes ,
two chairs , a hal-1 rug ,
the loan of a bedstead ,
and the purchase of a
sewing machine , and a handsome large rocking chair for
Rev . Murray . With all the donations , the entire cost of
furnishing the parsonage was $102.83 .
We voted to buy dark green shades for all parsonage win-
dows , on good rollers . The Trustees of the church would
like the ladies to look over the parsonage and make any
suggestions about the outside paint , floor finish , or any
thing we notice that needs attention . All then adjourned
44
to the parsonage and inspected it thoroughly outside and
inside , from cellar to attic , and we are greatly pleased
with how it is . Many colors for the outside were suggested .
We think a railing should be outside at the cellar .
1903 The Trustees of the church had borrowed $900 from
three church members , to pay for the parsonage . They are
to receive the money back on their notes , and the ladies
have pledged , through our fund-raising projects , to help
pay off these 'notes .
The president ' s face had not its usual happy expression
as she picked up the list of those selected for the work
committee , and her introductory remarks showed grave
forebodings . Finally , she ventured to name Mrs . Wheeler
as chairman of that committee . She promptly declined ,
saying that she had reached "the age limit." Mrs . Emma
Conklin was next timidly suggested- she "was too old:' Both
"old ladies " insisted that it required brains to be
eligible for that position . Mrs . Appleby said that she
had promised her husband she would not serve this year ,
and she wanted to return home , able to look him squarely
in the face . Others were named . . no use . Then the president ,
in despair , turned appealingly to Mrs . Charles Overton .
Everyone rushed to the president ' s aid , and clamoured for
Mrs . Overton ' s acceptance . She could not- must not- be urged .
She felt cross . . . but she proved herself most good-natured
by accepting the arduous position !
Mrs . Murray has invited the Society to meet at the parsonage .
It will be an afternoon meeting , and supper to which the
gentlemen are invited .
We had an April Social in Peconic Hall , after which the
young folks danced to their heart ' s content--and some of
the old folks until they were all tuckered out !
45
The church had a fine program for the anniversary of' the
re-dedication of the church . Rev . E. L . Conklin gave the
invocation and responsive reading , Rev . Murray the scripture
readings , and Rev . Abram Conklin gave the historical
It sermon . Greetings from the New York State Universalist
Organization were given by President Foster Backus .Mrs .
Smith and Mrs . Case played organ and piano , and Miss Kathryn
Mitchel sang at both morning and evening services . -Rev .
Murray gave the evening address .
TWENTY - FIFTH
ANNIVERSARY
OF
REDEDICATION
FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH ,
OF
SOUTHOLD f
I
JULY TWENTY - SIXTH
1 0 3
-- WILLIAM HECTOR MURRAY, - - MIRISISR
46
Rev . Murray has had some pictures taken of the church and
the parsonage , which we will sell , if we can have them
printed . The ladies met at the parsonage , and sat at the
dining room table , which had to
be propped up for the occasion .
Just before we adjourned , Mrs .
Hunting moved that this table be
disposed of immediately , and
' - another one procured ! We
arranged to meet again at the
parsonage .
A good bit of work was done at our meeting , while the
tongues made an almost unusual din . The supper committee
must be quite puffed up with pride , for what a supper they
served--such delicious chicken salad , such scalloped
potatoes and baked beans , such bread , such cake , such
fruit- oh , such everything ! One gentleman said that it was
well worth 50¢ . It does respond , if we can fully satisfy
a man ' s stomach ! We had one stranger at the table , who
was not a stranger to us , because he was a Universalist-
Mr . Wheeler of the West , now of New Suffolk . We gave him
hearty greetings . Three cheers for our comfortable little
parsonage ! While we are devotedly thankful for the great
good cheer and merriment manifested by our members , it is
suggested by the secretary that the president procure an
extra gavel --perhaps by using two at once , she might
prevent the overflow of happy spirit- during the business
meeting .
The children gave their June Children ' s Day program to
the church full of people and it was really fine singing ,
but they always sing well and they recited both to interest
and to please . It is really wonderful how so many of our
little ones can make people laugh .
- CONCENT +
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
SOUTHOLD
Thursday evening, September 10, 1903
MR. EDSON R. MILES. Baritone
OP NEW Y URIC
ASSISTED BY
ORIS GALT. - - - Soprano
OF WO TREAL, CANADA
AND .
MRS. MTNNIE TERRY SMITH 1 -
MISS ANNA HOBART TERRY Ir Readers
.moo. .
MRS. J. C. CASE, - - Accompanist
I DU]ET, Piano and Organ—"Phantasic from Tannhausera.ffner
MRS. CASI+ AND MRS. SMITH
2 ]BARITONE, SOLA—"In May Time" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buck
MR. MIr,BS
3 SOPRANO SOLA—"ror all ]Eternity" . . . . . . . . . . .lVascheroni
Miss GAIT
d IBARITONI's SOLO—"Sweet Clover" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jones
111 R. Mlrr•.s
5 RIEADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selected
MRS. SMITIr
6 BARITONE SOLO—"My Redeemer and My Lord" . Briek
MR. MILES
y SOPRANO SOLA—"Asthore" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TI'ot.CTC
MISS GAIT
3 GUITAR SONGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MR. MIr.Is
c) RIEAI)ING—"To-morrow at Ten" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ferry
MISS TFRRV
to 1BARITONI; SOLO—"The Ilandolero" . . . . . . . . . . . . Stuart
MR. Tlu,rs
+ Programme begins at S;15 +
If stormy, the concert Hiil be given the next fair evening
48
i .
The entertainment for our meeting consisted of readings ,
music on Mr. Bell ' s phonograph , and mandolin playing . The
younger members danced until midnight.
One hundred people assembled for the annual church and
Sunday School picnic .
The ladies appointed a committee to inspect the church
to decide on repairs and to see that the work is done .
The windows and blinds need washing , new glass in needed
in some of the windows , and there is a leak that most
, urgently needs to be repaired .
The secretary has announced that she intends to include
some clippings from the local newspapers , and some mention
of church activities other than those of the ladies in
our record book .
In November the YPCU , the young people' s group , had a
social in Peconic Hall at which over, a , hundred were serveq ,with
readings , and such , and a pretty storiette given by little
Gladys Williams , who is, nine years old . Gladys brought
down the house . It delighted everyone . - Baby Jean Murray
was a "visitor."
The Sunday school had a "winter picnic " , to which the whole
congregation was invited . It was held in Belmont Hall from
4 o ' clock to 9 . Such a jolly , noisy time ! Games , -dancing ,
a bounteous supper with over 100 at the tables-- and a
right nice Christmas gift for eve-ry child- 52 in all - besides an
orange for each , candy , and popcorn . And to baby Jean Murray ,
our pastor ' s child , a bank book deposit of $30 .25 ,
donated by members of the congregation . The day had been
sleety and the roads were bad , unless horses -were shod ,
or there would have been an even larger attendance .
49
1904 We have asked Dr. Hunting to direct another
minstrel show, and he has declined . So the Society has
- ' prepared a petition , addressed to Dr. J. G. Hunting :
i
"We , the undersigned , your humble petitioners ;members of
the Ladies Society of Southold , seeing bankruptcy
staring us in the face , and having considered every
plan for re-filling our treasury , without finding one -
that is sure to succeed
l i are forced to the conclusion
_This ie the season of a4arah.iair�;�and
that nothing but a lget of all will come that of the uaivei-
-ealistson'Taesday.aad Wodusift even.
ladies ' minstrel entertain- jugs, Aug 18 and 141, with the ohildrea's
matinee on the atter000d of Wednesday.
- m e n t will bring out the The ladies are expecting to 'make this
year's fair the very best yet. and have
desired crowd . Emboldened been particularly happy in nadiug and
b y the great success o f appropriating an qne and -pleasing
features.
last year and the u n- For the evening'd entertainment, there
will be the LOW btinstrels, under the
bounded praise of the 41reation of Dr. Haattiog, notice of
wiuch in given alse,rhere in these col-
public , we do earnestly
entreat you t 0 finally n a 11 There may not be any twins, but in
Y Y "Aunt 0hioe's Surprise Party," there
will be something original and taking.
consent to manage such an In hot, the whole scheme of the enter-
e n t e r t a i n m e n t f o r 0 U r tainment is the Dootor's own, and that
is sufficient to insure its success. • -
�- affair of 1904, thus f Of course there will be the usual—or
unusual—diepliy
of useful and fanoy
saving our. 1 i v e s,, our credit ,- particles for gale,and ice oresm, oaks and
4onieotionery to suit the taste of all.
and our treasury. "
= At the Wednesday afternoon matinee,
will be given a bright little play, "The
The petition W d S received Child is Mightier than the Club;"
b D r. ,H u n t i n "Hobby 8halto," and "0inderells," in
Y g ,
rolled and pantomime; tableaux; a violin solo by
tied, with a yellow ribbon , :biles Faith Woodward, of,Washington;
-
the Society ' s color. H e aom�,good piano playing and singin _
i. A jood time is promised to old'and
'Joao
g._
felt that there was no -X:speolal feature for the little folks i
;vW be a poet offioe, where all aorta of
alternative but to consent , ao_eligbifal percale will be delivered.
If stormy on either day the perform-
a n d the ladies r,e c e i v e d anokwill be postponed to,the 201h or
the go,od word with much t,
Admission.26 cents°tor 'the-eveninit,
satisfaction . program to begin at 8:16, 16 cents,for
The matinees,program at 2:46.
The minstrel show packed
the house , with the largest
audience ever gathered in
Belmont Hall .
50
We have asked the secretary to write a thank-you note
to Dr. Hunting , with instructions to "say a lot of nice
things . "
The Sunday School had a jolly straw ride in Greenport .
�r �o
r
.01
There were, twb big loads , carrying 43 in all . It was
windy and cold , , but nevertheless all had a right good time .
They shouted lustily : "Who are we? Who are we?
Well , I guess , we' re the UniVerSalests ! Yes , Yes , Yes . "
We now , have in, the bank over $500 , so we ,can pay - the total
balance due on the 'parsonage .
A parish meeting was held to elect Mr. Murray as minister
for another year- He is having great difficulty managing
here,Ji'n,ancially, so he is given the privilege of candi -
dating ,in , s4a-rch of something better for himself.
We have had a letter from a Unive'rsali-st church in
Minneapolis , asking for a contribution for its building
fund fair. We will send a knitted 'shawl , an apron,
51
and two sweeping caps . The same articles at our fair
would sell for over $4 .
The little people of the Universalist church gave a
delightful Children ' s Matinee at Belmont Hall . It
was a varied program of music and recitations , which
included the story of The Three Little Kittens in
tableau , and Miss Gladys Williams and Mr . Bedell repeated
Queen Esther ' s Petition . "
Picture from Brooks-
The Artistic �� II
Achievement of a
Rural Community/ �\
u
ol
r-- ,
�s PG.�_.` nunuaCer,l IIIi141!114A„Ia'eve�,l.'drrn'+ot•c�j u r
_Y+' Yl y1,c� I it �ylm4{r1;,a!V4'i I I 'l j��r�`� `n11F),`�1p��lqFpai I ._ (o �l1"�4,•
.+. li^�.�1✓b�I•_':!i;j�l ��7�717�1�i�IFitl olxj�llll��I1i1117�'I�II 1,� �. (il ���III�„
FO POfl
FO RD
BELMONT HALL
52
We had a letter from Mrs . Frank Mitchell , which was
read , and re-read , and the Society grew jubilant , it
being an invitation from Mr. Mitchell to a banquet
in Belmont Hall . His offer is to hire the hall , a
caterer , and someone to wash dishes--and to provide
oysters , milk , butter , crackers , pickles , coffee ,
and sugar . The Society is asked to arrange the affair-
and to take the gross receipts ! This banquet affair quite
demoralized the meeting , and made a rapping for order
necessary .
A Pleasant Social ];vent Where It Is taught o "put your creed Before the-guests could rise from;
There is usually one:event,of the Into your deed.'+ the table, Mrs. Lowerre proposed-a .
REV.WIt.H. MURRAT toast to the host and hostess, to be•fe-
season that,is rememTiered. as a little 11;E• LADIMI SEWING SOCIETY sponded to by Mrs. J.•N. Hallock. A
pleasanter than any other. We think I You hear those girls laughing, response wasalso given by Mrs. Wm.
_
this event took place last Friday even- You think they're all fun;
tilt the angels laugh,too, H. Murray, who, in'closigg,- Ooposea
ing in Belmont Hall, when Mr. and At the gbod they have done."
Mrs. Frank R. Mitchell entertained the " Ds.-J.G.HUNTTINQ, I, , that the guests rise and give three
hearty cheers for Mra and Mrs,
Ladies' Sewing Society of the Univer- OUR TOWN 'i, Mitchell.
dist Church. It was an evening long through the f ehntce earth
eon® out °everyy • Just before Dr. Huntt° •
g
td be remembered because of the socia- town.,, mresponded
bili and ant ogood cheer an
f d chd sin- It can be Bala of Southold as of Plymouth, to his toast;Mr. Mitchell took occasion
spirit g "God had sifted three kingdoms to find the
edrd good friendship that seemed to seed for this sowing." to address a#`ew words to the Doctor
prevail.
CAPT.C.L.SANFORD(necessarily absent) and his wife in behalf of the society
.At s6ven o'clock an oyster slipperWOMAN and friends, expressing the high appre-
wae served, all of the guests being- '.o Woman I lovely Woman I N a t u r e ciation in which they and their services' .
made thee, were held.
seated at one time at tables arranged To temper man. We had been bAtes with-
out you. Dr. Marshall favored the company
around three sides of a square. The Angela are painted fair,to look like you. with several solos '
There's in you all that we believe of w , which were greatly,
menu consisted of oysters served in heaven— - enjoyed. Dancing and a good time }•
three different styles with the usual Eerlgogadpurity, nAmazing brightness, generally followed. A atYEST q
relishes and accompanyink dishes, sev- Mit. F$ANx R. MITCHELL 9
eral kinds of cake, fruit and coffee. MAN
The supper was delicious, thanks,to Then gently scan your brother man."
the caterer, Geo. C. Wells, and all who Mae.SILAS F. O'ftRToN
-gave efficient aid, but the toasts fol- OUR SUMMER RESIDENTS
lowing were the treat of the evening. Like birds—they come—they light—and
To say that Mr. Frank R. Mitchell ny away. DR.J.H. MARSHALL
acted as toast-master and the follow-
ing toasts were proposed, gives no
idea of the wit, wisdom, and eloquence'
that were packed into the evening's
program. •It is safe to say that Mr.
Mitchell has few equals as a toast=
'master, and that one could wish to
hear no brighter responses than the
ones that were given. The most'we
can do, however, is to give the pro-
gram
53
We have received a letter from an old-time Southold
resident , and an oft-time visitor , with a donation of $5
for membership in the Society for ten years . She said
in her letter how pleasant , and how good the Universalist
church was to all her family , of which she is the last
representative , and how closely the old associations
cling to her heart .
The YPCU young people had a lively happy party on December
29th , breaking up at midnight . On December 31st we had our
Sunday School party . When the children left , each went with
an orange , donated by Mr. Terry from his orange grove
in Florida . At the party , Rev . and Mrs . Murray were
handed an envelope containing $50 "and the good wishes of
the members of the parish . " He has decided to stay in
Southold and not seek another church ,which pleases us .
1905 A very pleasant and old-timey social was held .
The gentlemen entertained , and did all the honors , in
fine shape . All present voted it an unusually jolly and
good time , and expressed the sentiment , " it ' s well to
try the gentlemen often . "
Universalist Fair' r
The Ladies' Society of the Univef-,
We have had our usual salist church will hold their annual fair
ladies fair , w i,t ho o d in Belmont Hall, Tuesday and Wednes-
g ;day, Aug. S and 9. Q large stock of
success , a S c a n be seen fancy and domestic articles will be on
sale. A very pleasing Matinee is be-
f r o m the article which ing prepared for Wednesday afternoon.
The following talent has been secured
appeared in the local for the evening entertainments: Miss
Florence Hastings Bailey,of Patchogue,
newspaper , which is put and Miss Jessie Prince, Soprano Solo-'
ists; Dr. J. H. Marshall and Mr. E. D.
into our record book . Cahoon in their inimitable comicalities;
MiGs Bessie Wells, of New England
Our June Children ' s Conservatory of Music, Violinist; Miss
Sunday found the church Marion Thayer (the Lou, of Aunt
f
aloe's Surprise Party), topical song;
prettily decorated , and Mrs. H. D. Horton, Mrs. F. D. Smith,
Miss Anna Hobart Terry and Miss Fan-;
M r . Murray preached a ny Case, of Dean Academy, Readers.
Change of program Wednesday evening
very appropriate sermon to -•---
54
the little ones , which both young and old enjoyed .
The children did the singing . The collection goes to the
Sunday School . The Sunday School and church picnic was held ,
by invitation of Mr. and Mrs . Smith , at the red cabin
on the harbor bluff . Boats were on hand for rowing , and it
was a lovely day for bathing . The weather was very nice
for out-of-doors sports , and such a lovely , airy , and
commodious cabin- and so much to eat- and ,oh , such a
good time ! Nearly a hundred souls were there , and all
voted it the very best Sunday school picnic we have ever had !
4 T t It seems that we barely finish
one fair , and we are ready for
the next one .
sQaistoi,wawa psopsset6
It is nice to get praise for our
SOL�'rFIOLD, N. Y. =Nor- work in the local newspaper .
PRIDAY, AVOUST 18, 1905
a � Our last meeting was attended
ali
Universalist Fair
Despite'th?'weather, good audiences by one man . He proved himself
assembled to listen'to the three.pr`o-
grams in connection with the Bale in so entertaining during the,
Belmont Hall last Tuesday and Wednes- evening , we were curious to know-
asy. Never w9re so many'articles die-,
played and the prices on everything if one man could make things
were right—value given for money re-
ceived., A certain food-product is ,.pcl- so lively for u s , what sort of
vertised with the fetching legend;. "it
is to eat." "It is to entertain vp de_'f racket a whole 1 o t of in e n
scribes these programs accurately, and,
the go and animation with which they' could create- s o w e have invite d
were received from start to finish left'
the performers in no uncertainty howl a number of gentlemen to join us
their conspirafy,of amusement was at our next lunch-supper meeting .
succeeding. I
The young people had a large , merry , well-dressed
gathering . So many young people are in white these
days . They make such a - pretty picture .
The ladies held a committee supper meeting with Mrs .
Murray at the parsonage . We are talking about building
55
a church parlor. A large majority raised their hands in
favor of such a venture , and expressed a willingness
to work to cancel any indebtedness that might become
involved . Then the meeting adjourned to the church ,
to talk over with the gentlemen the possibility of building
a church parlor . It wa,s a lively and interesting meeting .
1906 The lamps - are bad . We are investigating what it
would cost to put gas in the church . Mrs . Murray , from
what inquiries she was able to make , thought to- pu't' gas
in the church fixtures , and all complete , would cost
about $75 . One idea. was to connect the pipes from the
parsonage main instead of from the street- that it would
be better and cheaper . The general sentiment of the meeting
seemed to be in favor of two chandeliers of six burners
each , for the center of the church , with a double bracket
at the choir . Mrs . Lowerre reported that Mr. Glover had
made an offer to double his subscription to the minister ' s
salary , if we put gas in the church . We have made our
decision to do so .
The gas fixtures are installed in the church and we
have received our first gas bill -exhorbitant ! all of 27 ¢ .
The two chandeliers have eight burners each , and we added
two fixtures on either side of the entrance . It has proved
to be very satisfactory in all ways . The cost of installation
exceeded our estimate , with a total cost of $83 , because
the difficulty of running the pipes under the church made
the work go slowly .
We tried something new with a buffet supper , which
was well -attended . Everybody would go to the counter
and get a little wooden plate and then make purchases
from the eatables spread before them - Being a novelty ,
the scheme was enjoyed , although some liked the old way
better- with a regular supper . After supper there was
a program of whistling done by Mr . Westbrook .
56
Valentine Party
........]IN........
Belmont Fall, Southold
Thursday Evg., Feb. 14
By the Society of the Universalist Church
VOCAL and INSTRUMFNTAL MUSIC
RFLADINGS and RECITATIONS
And a little Play
"
The .-Two Valentines "
by MISS WHEELER
MR. FITZ
MASTER `MYRON GLOVER
Valentines for Sale
Admi'ss €' n, 25 cents
If stormy, then Wednesday evening
57
For our latest fair the weather was good , the people
came , and ,the goods went ! The show was never better , the
audience never hardier ,, and the receipts never larger. All
hands had a good time and the ladies were as tired as
usual . We now have. $612 in the bank . Our attention was
called to the need of shelves in the parsonage cellar for
canned fruit , which we will have done , according to
Mrs . Murray ' s dictation . ti
i
Universalist Sheds Burned
O n October 21st , the Church
E On Sunday,evening,''- out 9 o:clock,
suffered a near disaster ; ° the Universalist horse sheds, in the
_ rear of the parsonage and church, were
when the horse sheds at d1961reied to be on fire. -,The alarm
was given aid the Fire Debartmeni and
the back of the church people quickly responded. The fire
-was confined to the sheds, and the
caught on fire and adjoining property was not damaged.
burned . The alarm The furniture was taken out of the
parsonage. Had the fire have broken
given was by the o 1 d i out later in the ninht and had we not
r have had a heavy rain,both the parson-
Universalist b ell that ; age and church.would.have been in
great danger. . The sheds are a total
was loaned to the lose and there was no insurance an
them. The origin of the fire is .un-
firemen in 1889 for use known.
as a town alarm. -
. i
At our next meeting the a
ladies talked about the ,
fire in detail and about
the prompt work of the
firemen . In appreciation
of their prompt and91,
K
j efficient work , a motionz'
was made to give them
$10.
R
1907 We have received
a donation of $10 from
the Southold firemen-
towards the re-building of the Universalist horse sheds !
f
58
This will be Mr. Murray ' s eighth year as our pastor .
At five in the afternoon of next Sunday , he plans
to hold a service of worship on the beach in - front of the
Horton ' s Point light house . All ' to whom these surroundings
might appeal are invited to attend . On the subject of
Mr. Murray , Mrs . Mitchell is anxious to learn if we
couldn 't arrange matters so that it would obviate
the necessity of our pastor having to officiate 'at
the organ for many of our services , especially those
in the ev'enings . SHE felt that 'it was ,taxing or compli-
cating conditions ' for.-hi-m, and it ought to be rectified ,
in justice to him and to the parishioner.s .The ' problem is
that our ''standing volunteer accompanist is not in a
position to-,be ' able to attend all the services regularly .
Mrs . Mitchell thought perhaps we might hire a substitute
to h-old themselves in readiness to be present , in time
of need,. She .would be one to subscribe toward paying the
same .
A new motion was made to have
home-made jam, jellies , pickles ,
`l �1 or preserves for sale at our
fairs . There were some dis-
senting votes , but all willing -
are asked to bring two jars of
••• `••• �••• `-�' ``•''• •f" something to each fair for this
special table . We are talking
about having a new kind of
fair , with just sale tables , and
no entertainment .
Lightning , in our last bad storm, struck the parsonage ,
and the ladies went over to examine the freaks of the
lightning bolt that left marks on the moldings in the parlor.
There will be a special entertainment with a pianist-harpist .
For two evenings of performance , we will have to pay -
$50 , carfare , and transportation for the harp as well .
59
The eighth anniversary of , the pastor ,was observed
in the church . A large
congregation was present ,
every P o n g person s lad to d o ' Eighth Anniversary
The eighth anniversary of 11hi pastor-
honor O n this O C C d S 10 n - ate of Rev. Williant H. Murray was;
observed at the Universalist church last
Sunday. A large congregation w
Mrs . Murray asked the present—every person glad to do hon
Society ' s opinion of on this occa.inn to Air. Murray's eight
years of faithful work for his ebur
the church decoration and town. At the request of the pa•
rishioners a sermon appropriate to the
arranged back of- the day was given: In a manner charae
!teristic of the man, the pastor frankly
pulpit- and and clearly reviewed the first eight
years of his work as a minister—the
if desired= permanent . call, the circumstances of his coming
Would there b e any O b- and his aims and methods that he out-
Would lined to follow at the beginning. Those
j e C t i 0 n t 0 tacking who have followed Mr. Murray in hie
work cannot question the sincerity of
the letters on those aims or the wisdom of his meth-
i ods. If he adheres in the future, as he
the wall , done has done in the past, to the difficult
lines laid down for himself as a pastor,.
by Mrs . B 1 i s s .W e all there can come only great results in his
reed that i t was life and work.
agreed The instrumental music and severif.
very effective , and pieces by the choir were beautifully
rendered, also a duet by Missed Arlien
Mrs . Bliss should ' Appleby and Rose Case.
have our thanks , for
the kindness and the effort .
Talk of a church parlor was again earnestly pursued ,
' ! but nothing can be done by us until. the bill for
church repairs can be fulfilled .
w '
The treasurer reported that the church repair bill of
$293 had to be paid , and the Trustees wanted to know
if the ladies would "hire them the money" to pay it .
There is also still a note held by Goldsmith due on
the new horse sheds . The opinion of those present was
that we should pay both debts .
1908 There is again ,talk about building a church
parlor , and we decided to ask the Trust-ees . to call a
parish ,meeting and see what could be, done about 'it .
60
A very unfortunate loss has been reported to the Society .
A wig , borrowed for use in a
matinee last year , was not
returned immediately , and
in passing from one to another
to get it back before the owner ' s
departure for the city , it
disappeared .A thorough search for
the wig has been carried out ,
J
but with no success . The wig is
i valued at $40 . A motion was made
to appoint a committee to
interview the owner , and pay her
for the lost wig .
Mrs . R. said that inasmuch as she had been offered $15
by someone for the -wig , - she would accept that amount and
call 6u-r indebtedness cancelled . The Society ,felt that she
was very lenient with us .
At our June meeting Mrs . Murray started the talk about
church parlors , and the minister who had attended the
meeting , joined in with animation . His idea followed
a movement in New York City , t-hat the church ,should
be social and community oriented , and his proposal was
to set up something similar t,o the YMCA. There is con-
siderable difference of opinion about this .- The ladies
want mainly a church parlor where we can have our
dinners and entertainments .
Mrs . Appleby had some interesting news about the wig ,
borrowed well over a year ago . She learned that Mr.. Appleby
had a wig in his possession that he had found , about th.e
time of the loss on the road in front of Mr. Overton ' s
house . Upon investigation , this proved to be the long-
lost wig , considerably the worse for wear ! The Society
61
wrote to the owner , who replied that the wig was now
the property of the Society , to use whenever an appro-
priate occasion might arise .
Another idea ' for a church parlor : Huntinghurst , across
the street from the church , is for sale , and the ladies
have inquired if the Trustees would -deem it adviseable
to purchase it . It would have great meaning to the church ,
to do so , since "Huntinghurst" was formerly the Cochran . Inn ,
where the first meeting to organize this, church was held
in 1835 .
•,r"yR � Ifd� i .II d
list
r a ,
a � a •
� s
'e„a, "� '' L�.yf 'A•.'�, .3.b. ��.r "'EY` "``w',�'i�h'
-
d' k,�9n tP ,yf`r`_,fi'„�,',`r'Y' `•,�,
Kz,
�a +r"� �� �A•. 't`^f '.,��`; ..�$"e�"�L�•Ec x `
I i
i
In regard to Huntinghurst , we are told that the present
occupants have the first opportunity to buy it , and
have decided to take a vacation 'before deciding on the '
matter . (There is talk that there is a plan to-. move 'th.e
building to another site , on Tuckers Lane just south
of the railroad . ) "
There is now talk of the possibility of building a
Parish House that' would be- attached to the church . The
Society will pay an architect to draw up plans if they
62
decide that this is feasible.
z : The president placed before the
° f -3- Society for its consideration
the._ desireabi 1 ity of having ° a
window-seat- or three window seats
~` adjoining actually, put into the
bay window of the parsonage, and
the Society voted to do this.
It will be left to Mrs. Murray
to get an estimate for the work
= and if it is reasonable, to
- - proceed with putting in the
Bay window seats_
A letter was read from Mr.
Mitchell regarding a ,Universalist
affi.rmation� stamp, which has a brief -message- printed on
the siamp',, with the purpose of spreading Universalism. We
will purchase 1 ,000 and- tiy to sell them.
The church parlor- or Parish house, is really underway,
with fund-raising subscriptions being solicited_ A- Parish
Rally is scheduled for November second.
1910 Mrs. Murray has been re-elected president: Rev.
Murray has proposed his plan for the use of the Parish
House -with games and other equipment, for use as a
community center. ,This i-s controversial among the
members of, the congregation. The ladies have sent a
communication to the Trustees that we would be will-
ing for the- basement of the new. Parish House -to be used,
for Mr. ,hurray' s purposes of public, service to the
community. ' But we feel that we must reserve the main floor
for our own uses.Thirty-three votes were cast on the
motion ' to send this letter, with 22 for, and 11 against.
63
Such excitement ! the. Parish house is finished , and ready
to be furnished . It was reported that Mr . Terry could
provide us with chairs at $9 per dozen , and we have
decided to purchase- 7 dozen . Lighting the parish house :
Mr. and Mrs . Lowerre were appointed as a committee to
investigate . Tables : ,we voted to have the carpenters
build us one 16 foot table and two 8 foot tables , .
, i like those of the Southold engine company . Dishes : what
is needed? There was discussion' of a stove . One
decision that we did make was to take advantage immediately ,
of Mr . Addison Goldsmith ' s offer of a Queen- quality
sewing machine for the parish house , for $15 . It will_ `
be so pleasant to have the sewing machine right in the
parish house !
j QVk
t
t 0
i t• e
64
On April 21 , 1910, we held our first meeting in the parlor
of the new parish house . Such excitement ! Such pleasure
in our accomplishments ! The beautiful large room with its
shining windows , its polished floors , and a cheery fire
blazing on the hearth presented a delightful appearance .
It presents a pleasing appearance from the outside , with
the church on one side and the parsonage on the other .
t./
- _ _
"11p_w` T` 3,��L•�. -_ ♦fit �a- �•' `•t {,
�'�'� _ n. - .. - - ... - •_tom` —�...� "_
PARSONAGE PARISH HALL CHI THCH
The_ president •said that we were unable to get Mrs .
Franklin to clean , so• we had the cleaning done by a new
firm that had donated their services . Everyone was
enthusiastic over the thorough job the new firm had
done for us-then we discovered that the "firm" was our
own Mrs . Booth and Mrs . Murray !
65
We changed our minds on the tables , and have four , built
by Mr . Sayre that are all 8 feet long , with folding legs .
One has already been delivered , which we used as a cutting
table , and our new sewing machine is already in use .
Mrs . Appleby reported that we can purchase a good range
for $38 . We voted to buy it and have it set up . Kitchen
items needed were enumerated , different members volunteer-
ing to provide them , until all that we most need have been
provided . Now we must consider what sort of affair to have
for the formal opening of the parish house .
C. C
I
I
i
rV
t I �
+ Itv UJ i G C o[e 4'f C O C ( 6 T+
y i r
I
i• 1 I Ii
fait
II C r 6 C C C i1 r
'I�, ,
LI
66
Mrs . Lowerre read a letter -which had come "to her,from
a gentleman in Greenport. The substance of the letter
was that he desired to have returned to him a .sewing
machine which he- had given to the Society after his
wife '-s death in 1902 . But the minutes of our Society for
that year gave a full history of the transaction , showing
that the machine had been given ,not loaned , to us , and
that a vote of thanks was duly given to the gentleman
for his kindness . Mrs . Lowerre had another letter from
a friend of the gentleman , calculated to disabuse his mind
of the idea that he still had any claim to the machine .
In the ensuing discussion , it transpired that the machine
in question had long since outlived its usefulness , and
had been cast , as rubbish , to the void . It was decided to
send a note , giving this information to the gentleman .
We have held our first fair and entertainment in our
parish house , and it was a great success . A miniature
stage had been erected for the occasion , for the children ' s
matinee , which is described in a news clipping which we
have placed in our minutes book.
>d :Flora Bliss and Mrs. Peaoey ; Ind rsed were a series of tab-
had ehatge of the matinee, which was •lean,taken from the magazine "ad"
au.npgaalified success. They had been
at mah pains and'time to make it so. Mise-amms Booth impersonated a
Franklyn Flanders did- a piano solo fimWi, Baker's Cocoa illustration;
aDei as Beat and true as a boy of his Mazy %ne and Josephine Hobson, the
age i t qo.W Herbert Wells hos al-• Gold Dust Twine; Gordon Taylor, Sun-
iea�y
c.6 ll
!>te aplomb of an orator and was; By_Jim; Clement Booth, Cream of
: Mies Ruth Breen made s Wheat;-Frieda Williams,Dutch Cleans-
daintp'picture,.costumed to the part, or,•-Lyman Blies, the Uneeda Biscuit
.i4-th6 song, "Goin' to Meetin', and boy-lu•oilere. In addition, Alfred and
'httiy tendered gracefully a fancy dance. Hollis Booth, John Blies, Gordon Tay-
Mashy. Moore, accompanied by Miss lotE Jean Murray and Frieda Williams
Hasel-Hooper,handled the violin with �&;!Mgbsrt Low Stevenson's "Foreign
real-skill. He should improve his un- Chi*MN!''set to music. These tab-
'daniafile'talent. Mise Edna Cahoon 1eadk ►ere unique, and the children
caBrred. things up as President of a who-t6ok the parts did so well that in-
youngstet's club, which had met to =mention would be ,wifair,• ex-
hold.d "MoWer'e Meeting." lerwyn ' �V case of little Don`eld Booth;
Backiey'e face shone lice the eon he 'tba-Zear!s Soap,xb%V,-of the
was 'telling about, and Mies Glabye ��;� ����_„'-.'{,�-•,
William,was a subject for an artist as
.Maud Muller.
i
67
The president said that storage space for food being- so
limited in the parish house kitchen , she had taken it upon
- i herself to have some shelves put up'. The carpenter ' s bill ,
including work and lumber, was $6. 15 . We are also going
' ! to have locks put' on the lockers in the parish house that
contain our valuables .
For our next sociable we
shall' be serving in the
Parish house, and instead
of buying ice cream , ,we
shall make our own . The
recipe for 30 quarts
requires : 100 eggs , 22
quarts of milk mixed with
,- cream , .and 12 pounds of
sugar. The mix will be —
prepared , and all who = -
have ice cream freezers
are asked to bring them
to the parish house for
the making , of the
ice cream. This will in-
crease our profits con-
siderably .
The subject of heating the parish house was raised .
An offer' of $20 toward a furnace 'Vas 'made by the Sunday
--� School . But the general feeling was that we should wait
and see how we make out with the kitchen range and the
fireplace . We, have_ -set up a "committee on necessaries"
for the Parish house .
1911 We moved to authorize the- treasurer to pay off the
remaining debt on the parish house . ,
68
We have sent invitations to all the ladies of the
congregation for a special breakfast , which we think
will be a nice occasion .
The Trustees have asked for a
for the loan of $100. It was suggested
�a� �rea�fast laaies
that we might better just give
UNIVERSALIST PARISH HOUSE them that amount instead of
Wednesday, May 24, 1911 loaning i t.
12 chlock The church carpet is in bad
condition . We looked at some
carpet samples ,- but there is trouble , for one i,s the
desired pattern , and another the desired color.
We have learned that Sloan ' s will weave us a carpet ,
in the desired color and pattern , should we order it.
Mrs . Murray reported that she had interviewed Mr. Bell
about the possibility of relieving the monotony of the wall
behind the pulpit , and he has promised to submit a scheme .
A meeting worthy of note in our minutes book was that -at
which the Society entertained at lunch Rev . and Mrs .
Ballou- Mr. Ballou having been our pastor here 25 years
ago .
The condition of the carriage block was once again
brought to the attention of the ladies- but our attention
wandered , and no decision was made . We voted to have a
gas jet put on the porch of the parish house to light the
entrance.
1912 Nine men are members of our Society . We ar.e planning
to hold an auction in the parish. house . Mr. Young has made
an offer to sell the piano we have been renting , and we
shall buy it on his reasonable terms .
The Murrays. will be leaving Southold . , 0ur minister has
accepted a position with a book company in New York , and
will be leaving the ministry .
69
1913 At our first meeting , the officers were somewhat
hastily elected , as there was general haste on' the part
of the Peconic contingent to catch the train .
Mr. Scudder has accepted the call to be our. minister ,
, and our February meeting was spent in discussion of what
we must do to ready the parsonage . The walls will be done
over with kalsomine all in some neutral tone similar to
the present color only lighter . Woodwork and floor'$ are
to be cleaned and treated according to the best knowledge l
of the painter to be hired for the job . Some of the
furnishings will not be required of the Scudders . Some
chairs were carried into the church , sideboard and table
put into the parish house , and other things stored or
advertised for sale . A reception for the Scudders is
planned for April 14, in the Parish House .
A large and congenial company attended the reception , to
extend greetings and best wishes to the new minister and
his wife . The program featured a solo on the piano
played with the left hand , by Miss Rosalind Case . After
Mr. Scudder was greeted by Trustee Wm. H. Terry , the new
pastor of the Methodist church Rev . Marsland was then
introduced and responded with words of warm fellowship ,
and expressing the wish that the coming year might be the
best in the history of all the churches of the village .
The program closed with greetings by Rev . Lloyd of the
Presbyterian church , who expressed words of good cheer .
The society has been informed that the insurance premium
on a three-year policy covering all three church buildings
was now due , being $52 , and as the parish had not funds
to pay it , the Trustees thought that perhaps the ladies
would come to the rescue--which of course we did .
Would it not be productive of more happiness if the
Society sent flowers to members in times of sickness ,
instead of sending them to funerals as is our custom?
70
1914 Thei president said that the telephone man had
been to see Iyer about having a phone. B,ut all agreed
that they Society could not afford to do that . Mrs .
Lowerre reminded us that we are
in debt to the water -works and
that our horse sheds need a cover-
ing . ' It was moved that we pay our
debts before undertaking anything
a
* new.
We have a new scheme for making
some money- -a clipping party.
Articles are to be donated , tied
up in packages , and hung on a
heavy ribbon or string , to be
•'� clipped off at 10¢ a clip .
Each member is to bring two
packages , one serious and one a
joke . The admission--for dancing
and one free clipping , with, a
charge for additional clippings .
Ice cream will be sold separately .
We have decided to buy some
additional dishes , which may be
borrowed , by members , with the understanding that any
broken will be replaced . We shall have to build new
closets for them.
We had a �cold collation for lunch . It is so hot !.
1915 Weare making plans for a new kind of parish
dinner, . Instead of cooking and serving a whole meal , each
person attending will be asked to bring a dish , and
then we will all share what 'has been brought . This
seems to ,be a fine idea , and if successful , we shall
try it, a'g`ain .
71
Our mite box is, empty , and a member had an idea for
a small money-raiser : each person would wear or carry
something to our next meeting that she no longer wanted.
-� to keep , and as she paraded around , we would bid on the
items she was wearing or carrying . We decided that this
would be more amusing than practical , and rejected the
idea . However , we decided
to 'have a general sale ,
open to the public , of
clothing and miscellaneous
items that would be collected
by rummaging through our
closets for items that we
might donate to such a
sale . All agreed to
cooperate , and a date
was chosen for the sale .
1916 The stairs are not
considered safe , one of
our ladies having slipped
and injured herself ,
and her pretty white dress
even more seriously . It �
was voted to work on the
stoop , the stairs , and
the railings .
r
1919 Our last record book with three year ' s notes in it
having been lost or mislaid , we shall start a new one for
the current year. It was voted that on Lincoln ' s birthday
we hold a salamagundy party , which turned out to be a great
success . We made $24. Rev . Conklin , who was our minister
in 1882 , has returned to us , after Rev . Newton left for
the war and decided after the war not to return to
Southold .
s
1
ll
1
0.
72
A dinner is planned for February , for which we have invited
Rev . Newton , and to which al the boys who have- been in
their country ' s service , who are at home , will be our
special ' guests . We shall present Rev . Newton with a gift
of $25.
We are very excited at the church over the news of the
formation of a men ' s club. They have given us a copy, of a
picture taken at one of their first meetings , showing
George .Baker, Emmet Young , Myron Glover, Ray, Young ,
Clem° Booth., Harold Goldsmith , Jay Glover , and Harry Fitz .
Al .. .
s'
3 :r
"s
<h
x
a9`' x•
We are planning an oriental lunch'eon', with the room
tastefully decorated in oriental colors . The chairman'
"fairly outdid herself" , which few words express volumes .
The Society gave a lunchbox rag sewing party , with
ten • ladies present . We sewed ten pounds of rags °and
devoured an excellent lunch . Mrs . Goldsmith conjured° up
what she called a' prize box which , after- several of the
ladies had pulled the string without any results , she
brought to the secretary- putting the strin,g in her hand
and telling her to pull- which the unsuspecting secretary
did . Mrs . G. at once clapped her hands and, exclaimed ,
"she ' s drawn the prize" which to the utter amazement _i
73
ii
of the - secretary was $3 . What the prize was for , the
li secretary cannot imagine .
A daffodil luncheon
' i proved to be a big
success , there
being excellent
food , served
daintily ,
quietly , and •
efficiently ,
with cheerful l
decorations of
yellow daffo-
`- dils , and yellow
fringed paper, and last but not least , $58.42 taken in !
We have found that the Parish House is very well -suited
for card parties , which we are scheduling regularly for_
our enjoyment .
1920 It is not all work for us , with no relaxation . We had
a fine party at the bungalow , a lunch-box social enjoyed
by all .The blazing fire on the hearth added much to the
-I homey hospitality. After the rags were all sewed into
rugs , some of us strayed out into the woods , and picked
up sticks for the fire. Others wandered down to the shore.
One impolitely buried her face in a late magazine , and
all had a first-class good time .
The ladies have received an invitation from the men ' s Club.
! , They are inviting us to a special "Dinner for the Ladies . "
1921 Word has been received from the pastor , Abram Conklin ,
asking if the Society would pledge $500 toward a pipe organ
fund , its pledged note- to -be redeemed when possible .
The Society is most desirous of having the organ .
74
1922 Electricity has come to Southold , and the church has
been electrified ! Also our new pipe organ has arrived ,
which gives us all great pride .
The Men ' s Club has pledged to keep the lawns of the church
and the Parish House mowed and in good condition . Their
members will take turns doing this .
1923 The Men ' s Club have voted to meet every other
Thursday , on the evenings of the days that the Ladies
Society meets . -
Our dues have been raised to $1 per year .
We have voted to pay one third of the church ' s electric
bill each year , and we will pay it on a monthly basis . We
have paid the plumber ' s bill for the pipes that froze in
March .
Invitations have gone out to the congregation for an
April surprise party for Mr . Conklin ' s birthday .
About 75 people enjoyed the surprise party , at which Mr.
Conklin entertained with an after-dinner speech in
which he expressed his pleasure .
We have voted to join the Murray Grove Association and
have paid $1 in dues . We have sent some clothing to our
special mission in Suffolk , Virginia .
Mrs . Lowerre has retired as treasurer of the Society ,
after fifteen years of service .
1924 We hosted a nice supper for the Men ' s Club .
It was voted that each member furnish one apron a month
for the next six months , so that we will build up a good
supply for sales .
We have received a letter from the Women ' s Aid Association
which we have passed a motion to join . We have also decided
to contribute to the Universalist Minister ' s Pension Fund .
75
! � The ladies sent a letter of, thanks to the Men ' s Club ,
for a gift of money from the proceeds of their card
party .
1925 There is go i ng to L I if'
be something unique at the A New Old-Fashloned Treat
Universalist Parish House . The Kitchen,Band of the Universalist
Ladies' Suciety made its debut in the
"Professor F l y s w a t t e r , Pariah House on February 18 under the
able leadership of Mrs. Harriaon Gold-
to defray expenses , will smith. -
charge d Small fee for . one of the interesting features of
the occasion, with first place to Mrs.
an evening of fun , with pavison, accompanist, was the advance
display of epting.millinery worn'by all
a snappy variety show . " performers. Jlie entertainment was
varied by delightful readings from Mrs.
This is how we announced smith and Mrs. Goldsmith, a cberming
- song by Mrx Sayre, to say nothing of
jour kitchen band enter- :Dross-word puzzles and truly remark-
able posters, but the main feature of
t a i n m e n t , which was the'el►dbint was 1 toid. �-
„ „ If'you have never heard's duet-pan jo,
d howling success . a gratopbone, a raekordion and a dozen
1- We have attached the oe so more kitchinstruments, all play-
ing in perfect harmony, you really
account of i t , which don't know what music is. 'No words
can describe the effect,nr the thrill of
appeared in the the listeners.
Th'e one disappointment of the even-
1 o c a l paper. ing—Professor Flyawater's absence—
was relieved by his unexpected arrival
The Men ' s Club did a very at the last minute. _(Could Mrs. Rich-
mond Conklin have been be?) The
nice thing for Mother ' s Day , Professor and his chorgan and hie
monkey and his tin 'cup, were all
buying carnations for the irresistible and the close of the per-
formance left the spectators- both
church , and special
poorer and richer than before. The
flowers for Mrs . Conklin . entertainment was followed by games
and iefreehments and fun lasting till.
We also have word that eleven or so—a regular old-time ■ocis 1,
enjoyed equally by 01 ages.
M r. Davison , expecting a The audience, aa!Vvell as many who
consignment o f maple l e s r u were unsble.hbe'present; are eager;y
P syrup antieipatingpot$er performance.
%:.ftX 0?THE Anntr",-r•
from Vermont , has offered
to furnish some for a
pancake breakfast , to which
we are all invited .-
Willard Howell of the Men ' s- Club has promised to get screens
and to see that they are put on . They have also contributed
money to paint the parsonage .
76
We have continued to include in our minutes book any
news clippings that are of
Reception interest . Mr. Conklin is so
The Ladies' Society of the 17niver- greatly loved , and this w d S such
salist Church had a redeption on Mon-
day night last'.at their Parish House, d fine affair for d l l O f U S
ni
to which the members of the Sunday
School, the Young Men's Club, and all Mrs . Hilliard and M r. Conklin
conueetrd with the chur.:h, were invit-
ed, and nearly a hundred people were were delegates to the 100th '
there. The supper was served at 7 Annual New York State Convention
I o'clock and the guests were waited
upon most promptly and efficiently by held at Little Falls , and the y
members of the Sunday School. The
tables were most tastefully arranged, gave us a nice report .
and the decorations were bowls of
lovely pansies, contributed by the kind
thotfulness and,liberality of Louis A. We have voted to get a "Sanitary
Tuthill. At the close of the meal,Mrs.
Harrison Goldsmith, the society's pres- toilet" to try out .
ident,-announced that she bad a our-
prise. She had captured a rare bird, W e are planning another o f o u r
which could do a number of things, and '
she then presented to view. . - What famous "C" suppers , with every
was it? Its color was yellow, its
wings white, and its shoe button-eyes food starting with that letter--
looked
etter--
looked very, very wise. Than came
the surprise.' It,bore a note in its including CALORIES.
beak, which showed 'twas a freak,-and
when read it was found that Mr. We have decided not to lend o u t
Conklin had been 'round for three-
score and seven years, 'tbo' he never our very best dishes and the good
appears to have any age. Further
revelationsshowed that this was—yea, S 1 l v e r .
it proved to be a aort'of goose,because
it bad -hatched out a cake, from a Now that there is electricity
golden egg, probably, and also a golcsen
eegle.- Well, Mr. Conklin wag almost
4'flabbergasted," but he recovered in the Parish House , we are go i n g
oufficiently to respond in a most telling t o sell our good old coffee boilers
and appreciative rt-ply to this evidence
of the kindly regard which all have
for him. He told how harmoniously and buy a new electric coffee
matters go on in the society, where all
help eo willingly and effectively. Mr. maker.
Con-fin stated that this Universalist
Church was the only so-called Liberal We have appointed one person t 0
Church on-Long Island outside of the
Greater City, limits, had been estab• attend t o the toilet and see that
lisped for more than four-sc-re years,
and was now Mn a- more prosperous
condition then ever before. A talented it and its surroundings a r e
friend from N. Y. City, Raymond
Macdonald, played selections on the kept clean a n j sanitary , a n d
organ. and Mrs. Williams sang with
Mr. IDavison. All gang Old Lang Syne
and left early. A CLUB MEMBER also a kitchen committee , in
+'— full charge of keeping it
clean and in order and to hire
help when needed .
• 1 / 1 1
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78
1927 The question of enlarging the Parish House for use
of the Sunday School was discussed in regard to our
helping out financially with this work . The members
expressed a willingness to give money ,. and also to help
out as much as possible when the committee is ready to
go ahead . Gladys Howell has agreed to serve as chairman
of the next luncheon . We had a nice gathering at Mrs .
Salmon ' s at Indian Neck . We have 48 members , of which
14 are gentlemen .
1928 The kitchen has been enlarged , with many new
improvements , extra closet room , linoleum for the floor ,
and windows opening into the parish room . Space for the
Sunday School has been added , which greatly relieves the
Sunday congestion .
1929 Mrs . Sanford was nominated for president , but before
accepting she raised many questions : l . Does the Society
have a voice in the control of the parish house?
2 . Does it have the right to set dates and change dates?
3 . Will there be cooperation in planning and serving
dinners? 4 . Does she have the right to resign if we
fail to assist her? The members promised to faithfully
stand by her , whereupon she accepted . One of the members
was appointed to appear before the Board of Trustees and
discuss the condition of the parish house and the way it
is being used . We would like the Men ' s Club to meet
with us . We drafted this petition to be presented to
the congregation :
"We , the members of the Ladies Society , beg to present
the, following suggestion- that a Board of Directors
be appointed to have charge of the Parish House and that
the Ladies be allowed to appoint one member , and the
Sunday School one , and the Men ' s Club one . That this Board
have power to budget the expense , and raise money to
maintain the Parish House . At present there is lack of
79
cooperation . Privileges and responsibilities are not
balanced . To eliminate this , representation on the board
is necessary . Taxation without representation is tyranny. "
This petition was adopted by the congregation , and Mrs .
Sanford will represent the Ladies Society on the new
Board of Directors . Olive Ency Davison , the youngest
guest at one of our summer' meetings , has expressed a wish
to -join the Society.
Our members have received the- following invitation :
of the
�tui�rssscaliat �l�usrl�
ssgszes�s qs v1eaowe of vev= Vreomet at a
�o be oven at 1�e
l�usaaa , (®dobss 31, 1920-
at i ec6 k
An original operetta was conducted by Mrs . Goldsmith ,
called "Three Maids From Peconic" , which was a great
success .
1930 It was suggested that we serve an especially
festive luncheon in May because it is right to let the
world know that we are alive and doing !
It was voted that each member earn $1 during the year ,
for the mite box . , A motion was made that we donate $,5 for
the publication of Brook ' s book , Artistic Achievement of
a Rural Community , which is about Southold .
80
1931 Our dear pastor , Abram Conklin , who has served
the church ,for two terms , ,for a total of 17 years , has
resigned . We are going to have a birthday party for. him
to be served at his home .
A letter was read from Alice Louise Conklin Miller ,
thanking the Society for the flowers , sent when the girl
arrived . The Society sent a vote of thanks to Mr. Booth
for a deed of land given to the church property.
--- - Our new minister, Rev . Harry
Kenney has moved into the
parsonage . We are planning a
parish rally , with lots of
W
v cake and ice cream.
1932 The work committee has
asked for suggestions to keep
our fingers busy while our
R tongues .work not so hard .
A suggestion has been made for
- .a wedding dress exhibit .
� The north side - of the Parish
House needs some re-shingling .
REV. HARRY GRADY KENNEYy T h e ladies will pay , i f t h e m e n
will do the work .
1933 We are talking about having a hot water heater
installed .
1934 The note concerning the church deficit , which was
read at the church meeting , was discussed by the
ladies . We shall- try ; through our fundraising , to
arrange - to cancel the debt.
Inez Vail has agreed to serve as our president .
We are planning a new venture which we hope will
be very successful - a chicken pie supper.
1935 The entire congregation is busy planning for
our centennial celebration . A motion was made that for
our 100th birthday , a collection of -our -favorite recipes
be made into cookbooks .
Our young minister ,
- , Richard Bird , who has
been with us
since 1932 , has worked
so hard on the plans
for the celebration .
The Ladies Society y
played a big part
in this important
celebration . The
celebration opened with y
a reception , whose
success was due largely M y
to this branch of the
church organization . Rev . Bird and Mrs . B-ird
Mrs . Goldsmith ' s deft
fingers and ingenious
mind brought forth Southold Churches
an anniversary cake FIRST UNIVERSALIST, CHURCH
Rev. Richard H. Bird, Jr., Minister
of great magnificence . ''' Sunday, August 25 1935
It was in the form of a (Daylight +3aving Time)
four- leaf clover , io A-. M................church-School
I
11 `A. M.............Morhing Worship
encircled with 100 • The Rev. Thomas Shunders of Hou-
candles . W e also ston, Texas, will occi.,,y the pulpit•as
guest minister. Mrs. Alice Louise Mil-
p a r t i c i p a t e d in the ler will be the guest soloist.
The regular meeting of the Men's
pageant , one theme of Club will be held at the Parish House ,
tonight (Thursday) at S o'clock, with
which was the Ladies the usual program. 9
The choir will rehearse this week on
Society. Friday at 7:30 Cclock in the church.
Pictures of the Centennial Pageant i
are on display in a window of the.
H. L. Jewell Market. Orders for prints
will be taken at the close of the ser-
vice un Sunday morning.
82
Southold Univ-
ersalist Church to..Mark
Centennial. Anniversary in August
Reception to F o r do e r SOUTHOaLD PASTOR Pastors 'Have Played Im-
Pastors, Pageant, Picnic �a;•' portant Part in Village
and Founders' Day an '" Affairs Founded' in
Program. k wok x 1835.
Preparations are already under
we for the-observance of the 100th
anniversary of the historic Pyre
Universalist Church of Southold
next summer. The Rev. Richard X
H. Bird, Jr., pastor since 1932, is
in charge of the arrangements foralr
the celebration, the- program for
which was'announced last night.
On Wednesday night, Aug. 16, a ¢ p�
reception will be given in honor of
the living 'former-pastors all of 1
whom will .be', invited to attend.
They are 't6�Rev. H. E. Latham;
• minister In 1394 and 1896, now of • >- :•,�-��'s f
Springfield; Va.; the Rev. F. G.
Leonard, 1696-6, now of Morris, :` =
N. y.; the Rev. W. H. Murray,
1899-1912,now of Noroton Heights; `• _: ':
the Rev. George W. Scudder]1913- _
16, now of Brunswick,- Me.; the jar, RIpHA$D S. PUM, JIL 1
Rev. C, D. Newton,-1916-1917, now,
of Stafford, Conn., and the Rev.
H. G. Kenny, 1817-1932.
Two nights latex --Friday, A-ug. The Centennial Program
17—a historical pageant•will be
presented. on'the committee in Thursday , August 15- reception and
charge are Mrs. Minute Terry
Smith, Mrs. Louise Pitts Howell recognition of former ministers.
and Pastor Bird.
A picnic is scheduled for Satur-
day, the isth, to, continue during Friday , August 16- an historical pageant
the afternoon and evening.
Sunday, Aug. 18, has been desig- which re-enacts scenes from our past .
nated as Pounders' Day, and de-
scendants-of the rounders of the Saturday , August 17- an old-fashioned
church will be guests at a special
morning service. Russell Davison, picnic at the beach .
Southold Town Clerk and editor of
the Southold-Traveler, will be in
charge of the music. Sunday-August 18- the regular morning
service with former ministers speaking,
Sunday evening- a community fellowship
service , with village ministers assisting II
83
C11hiP
Mori A'urk fqarbingr
VOL III AUGUST 11. 1935 No. 1
The First Universalist Church of Southold. L. L
Richard B. Bird, Jr., Minister
Manse Telephone: Southold 407-J
Special Centennial Number
ANNOUNCING PROGRAM
OF THE
One Hundredth Anniversary Celebration
OF THE
First Universalist Church of Southold
August 15 - 18, 1935
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88
1936 We held an informal meeting of the Society to
welcome our minister-, Rev . Ayres , and his wife .
Mrs . Ayres -gave a lecture- on
Japan , where the Ayres served
s-
;: as missionaries The Universalists
have an active missionary
-program in Japan , and it was
most interesting to- hear
about that country .
Mrs . Ayres has graciously
consented to be president of
of the Society.
We voted to send $5 for the
Red Cross flood relief .
Mrs . Ayres usually begins our
meetings witha reading - -
of some sort , which we all
enjoy .
1937 Plants are underway to shingle the Parish House . A
cupboard is needed . We shall ask the Trustees ' where it
should go .
1938 We have been in- need of more chairs , so the Society
has purchased 4 dozen _for- $72 .
A motion has been made for the Society' to present a silver
spoon as a gift on the arrival of a baby to a member
of the church . We are planning a rummage - sale , and after
that , a covered dish supper. We have been requested to
plan on having a chicken pot pie supper at least once a
year , it having been such a success .
A decision has been made to place a plaque -in the Parish
House as -a memorial to Rev . William H. Murray , since it
,was built when he was minister ; and he worked so hard
for it . The Ladies will make a contribution- for it .
89
In September , Southold , together with surrounding areas ,
was visited by a hurricane. It will always' be' remembered
by those living here . Most of our lovely elms and other
beautiful trees- many planted by our church founder Israel
Peck , - and over 100 years old , were uprooted . Our church
family lost one of its members , Emmett Young , and our love
and sympathy goes out to his family .
The treasurer, Inez Vail , announced that we have purchased
and paid for, as planned , 100 plates , and 100 cups and
saucers . For 'our next sale , a member brought in a doll
pattern , and we are making both the dolls and their
clothing.
In November we had a nice get-together. Presents were
presented , both to Dr. and Mrs . Ayres , as it was their
40th anniversary.
1939 We have devised a new plan . Each member is to be
chairman of money-making activities during the month
drawn , and also refreshments for the meetings for that month .
Gladys Howell had suggested that we have a saurkraut
supper, which we did , making $30.97.
The annual parish supper
was held in the Parish
House. As it was Mrs .
Ayres ' birthday,
and their anniversary , •
they were given a pantry
shower.Mrs . Goldsmith fly
presented the shower
of goodies , and then
Marjorie Baker gave
them a small turkey ,
made by one of the boys ,
with a note that on —
Thanksgiving they —
would find a real turkey on their doorstep .
90
1940 We like our set of dishes so much , that we are
a !
ordering platters , sauce dishes , and vegetable dishes
, to match . They are a lovely cream color with gold trim.
Our thanks go to Mr. Young for unpacking , washing , and
putting away all the new dishes .
Mrs . Ayres distributed papers from the new National
Organization of Universalist Women , called "Women ' s
Missionary Bulletin . "
We - are planning a really big
dinner , which will require lots
of volunteers to help . We are
going to serve ice cream and
apple pie-s , of which we will
require 18 ,in all , to be
baked and donated by our fine
pie-baking experts :
The secretary was asked to write a letter to the Board of
Trustees , and tell them that the ladies are considering
building 'on to the Parish House ' kitchen ,, and ask if they
are willing to help us financially , and if so , to ' what
extent.
The kitchen-- its be,i°ng. enlarged , and the work goe's well .
Someone h,a,s ,bee,n engaged to do the plumbing and install
the si-'nks .'
Our Oc_tobe`r meeting was held in the new kitchen . All
exp,r.essed -great satisfaction and appreciation of the
commi'ttee!' t'hat was 'in charge of the alterations .
Mrs . Ayres ''gave . a ',report of the Convention , which was
very interesting, and inspiring and made us realize more i
fully what" tasks .are confronting our denomination today
and how well the challenges are being met by many of our
leaders ., She said that this was the 50th anniversary
' I
91
of the founding of the Japanese Mission , and she reported
that she and Dr. Ayres had helped present a pageant cele-
brating the event .
It was decided to cover the ceiling of the parish house
kitchen , and also to purchase a punch bowl and cups .
1941 A motion was made to paint the upstairs walls of
of the parsonage , with spring being suggested as the best
{ time to do so .
Peggy Terry was the
recipient of a small
replica of her new house ,
the removeable roof of
which proved to conceal ,
a co,l lection of useful
gadgets for the kitchen .
After being delightfully
refreshed with dainty
sandwiches , cookies , and
punch , the members
took their departure n
with another happy memory —to add to an already long
list in connection with
the Ladies Society.
There was discussion of the best way to redecorate the
walls and ceilings of, the lower floor of the parsonage.
It was reported that someone would put up sheetrock
overhead for $45. The papering job will cost more. The
Trustees say that there are no funds for this in the
church treasury , and a parish party was suggested to
raise money . The ladies voted to assume the financial
responsibility , so that the work may start immediately .
92
1942 We are planning a special luncheon which should
prove to be interesting , though
the preparation will take
some time . It will be called a
---� "Raggedy Ann Luncheon " , and
each plate will have a
"face" of chicken salad ,
®® with raisins for eyes , nose ,
and mouth , and carrot strips
for Raggedy Ann hair . We hope
that it will be fun , and
profitable , as well .
The war comes close to us . We voted to send $2 to each
of the- men from our church who are now in the armed
forces , including Gilbert Ayres , the son of the pastor and
Mrs . Ayres .
In October Mrs . Cox presented to us , for the church , a
silver communion cup which had belonged to her father , Dr.
Kent . It was passed around and examined with much interest
and Mrs . Cox received the thanks of the Society , on
behalf of the church .
1943 -Inez Vail is Society president , with Louise Cox as
secretary .
The Universalist women have been asked to take charge of
the Service Center for a week . Mrs . Vail appointed Louise
Cox to represent the Society at a meeting to select
a suitable honor roll for our boys in the service .
Some interesting selections were read at our meeting ,
especially one on "victory gardens . "
We have prepared a report to be read at the church
annual meeting , which says that on account of war conditions ,
luncheon bridge parties have taken the place of bridge
suppers , and have been successful socially as well as
93
financially . In the community we have helped to purchase
the honor roll , helped with the war bond drive , and have
acted as hostesses at the Service Center.
Mrs . Ayres read a communication from the New York State
Board of Universalist Women , asking for fu-nds toward the
Chinese Project , and in support for St . Lawrence University
in its program for the training of young men preparing
for the Universalist ministry.
� I
There will be a food sale , though rationing is causing
some difficulties . Those wishing sugar for their baking
I ' will find some available at the Parish House .
On April 27 we held a luncheon meeting , on the day of the
passing of Mildred Prince Williams- the day she,' herself
had planned for the meeting- and a memorial service was
held . Following a prayer by Dr. Ayres , Mrs . Owen ,-White ,
our president , spoke with some deep feeling of the beauty
of character �of the loved one now gone , adding that it
seemed most fitting that the meeting be held . Mrs . Ayres
then read a few words of comfort and courage especially
appropriate.
i 1944 Mrs . Ayres gave a reading on ways to attain happiness ,
- ' which seemed most appropriate at this time of year when
- all nature will be soon upward-striving .
I �
- The Society was given a summary report as to the work we
are contributing to : missionary work in North Carolina ,
The National association for. Universalist women , the China
- project , St Lawrence theological school , and a contribution
to the General Convention . A special project that is
very important to us is the Clara Barton fund , which
supports a camp for diabetic girls .
We will be attending a Missionary Tea for the Women ' s
Society of the Methodist Church .
94
"Clara Barton';
' o
0
0
4
i
i
r "
(picture of Clara Barton cloth doll , sold by Hallmark- 1979 )
95
We wish to include a newspaper story concerning the
dedication of our new pulpit , which took place on
August 1 , 1943. In addition to the pulpit , a brass
vase has been presented as part of the memorial ,
with the wish that there shall always be some flowers
for the Sunday sere i-ces .
New Pulpit Dedicated At The Universalist
Church In Memory Of Frank Davis Smith - New. Pulpit Dedicated
At Southold Church
On last Sunday morning in the Howell and'Mr. Terry gave tributes (Continued from Page 1)
Southold Universalist Church there which_ have. been engraven on the service would-have pleased him. The
occurred a service of memorable memories of all who listened; for in new pulpit with its chaste, artistic
beauty. It was a service which deeply a very perfect way they were formed design would have brought him real!
touched the congregation of friends from hearts who loved and admired joy. This was a new furnishing
of the late Frank D. Smith who had Frank Smith. "He was my friend",- which he himself had wished to see
long been a member and devoted were the moving, opening words in the church, beautiful and appro-
worker in the "corner church." This spoken by Mr. Terry in his speech. priate to the church architecture.
service was in memory of Frank Dr. Samuel G. Ayres, pastor of The service throughout was full of
Smith; and as final part of it a new the church, conducted the service his spirit. Dr. Ayres had made care-
pulpit was dedicated in his honor. and gave the dedication address in ful selection of Bible reading,
Frank U. Smith passed away about the Presentation of the new pulpit. Mathew 25: 31=46, indicative of his
one year ago at the age of eighty His able address, recalling historic interests. The music was thought-
years. An unstinting measure of ap- Pulpits of the world and,the truths fully planned, and rendered by
proximately sixty years of his life voiced from them by, great religious Herbert Martin at the organ and by
leaders interpreted the symbolic sift- a ' choir of familiar voices. One
had been given to active work in nificance of• the pulpit as part, of
the upbuilding of his church.,It was could imagine Frank, in his ac-
stated during the service that there' the church, its representation of the customed pew, nodding his head in
f love oman.
had been several beautiful memorials love of God and the enjoyment when Olive Ency Davison
given in the churclf but this had been Dr. Ayres stated that Frank Davis rose to sing a duet with her father,
! I the first for a lay member who had, Smith had manifested in his life the Russell Davison; imagine him taking
true greatness of the love of God ride in that youthful voice as the
-- over such length of years, served P
so faithfully, with such unflagging toward his fellow man, for within tones, in sweet quality came forth
spirit and enthusiasm and with such his character lay that true greatness against the deeper rich notes of the
selflessness, the church he so deeply of spirit, his simplicity and his kind- mature voice. The music, too, was
loved. lmess. friendly, and sung for Frank. i
Life-long friends and coworkers The words of dedication were And as the friends met and talked
spoken by pastor and congregation: together after the service, it seemed
with Frank Smith gave, with great "In loving rbemory of Frank Davis
feeling their personal tributes. Mrs. though a quick step, a cordial
j ' hand, a heart-warming smile with
Smith, long-time member and work- h
Louise Fitz Howell and Renssalaer er in this church andarish
G. Terry spoke, and each address p we a little chuckle and word of happi-
told an individual way of the love, dedicate this pulpit. From it may ness at seeing so many friends, were
deep gratitude truth be proclaimed. May those who i there—everywhere at once.
the esteem and the d
for one who had lived ee near to all use it speak words of strength, com- Ann Hallock Currie-Bell
and had expressed a life-time's fort and peace. May it ever stand
for the message of Jesus Christ, and
generosity of active deeds for the
for the interpretation of the larger
church and community. The to-
Faith in God, destiny,
and in the victory timate, personal recollections of each t man,
of good over
speaker brought past events and
traditional occasions in Peconic and evil:'
Southold vividly ,to mind. "Frank" It was as,though the man in whose
honor the entire service was held
was chief, moving spirit in them all.
Louise Fitz Howell said that, with must surely present.It would have
pleased Frank—the fact that friends
him present, all minds could be at
rest, for everything would be sure had wished is do this for him. Yes,
to go smoothly, everyone would be the friendliness of it.,and the friend-
to
th
made happy and comfortable. Mrs. liness and the simple beauty of the
(Continued on Page 3)
96
We were given a report on finances , with some of the
bills accompanied by clever bits of poetry , which
added much to the fun of the 'afternoon , though ` the
news of an approaching- hurricane caused some tension
and apprehension .
It was suggested that the Society take up some study
during the winter months : as this did not meet with the j
approval of the members , the matter was •dropped•. Mrs. Cox
spoke of the upcoming• an,nual, Christmas sale . Because
of the scarcity and poor quality of material , the sale can
' n,o_t be on a large ,sc-ale , but baby things will be stressed .
We ar'eplanning a- parish supper . Marjorie Baker will be
in charge , with Helen and- Ra,y Young as assistants .
I-n -December Gladys Howel 1, led a •discussion with regard to -
the possibility of an organization for the younger
women of the church . G'lady.s `and Louise Cox were appointed
to ,explore the matter. .With over $800 in our treasury ,
the Society has reason to be proud of the year' s accom-
plishments . One outstanding job- the kitchen linoleum
has been treated - to a coat of varnish , thanks to the
efforts and generosity of Mrs . Cox .
1945 Mrs . Cox was elected president , with Gladys Howell
and Inez Vail as ,vice presidents . Mrs . Ayres read a poem
that was especially fitting for starting out the new
year with right attitudes .
Plans a-re under way for the organization of the younger
women . Invitations have been sent to twenty-one potential
members , who will meet at Gladys ' house,.
The younger group is .off to a' fine start , and have
chosen the name "Junior League . " Marjorie Baker
will be their chairman , and , Louise Cox , secretary . .
97
We have received word that the Junior League is off
to a fine start , with a series of projects planned . They
have cut out- patches for a quilt , have set up a food sale
committee , and have made plans for a cafeteria supper .
The Ladies Society assisted the Junior League with the
very successful supper , and they have shared their
profits with us . We hope to have many such joint
ventures .
At our December meeting ,
small white socks were
handed out , to be
f i l led ,with a thank
offering , and then hung
on the Christmas tree.
There are- so nrany things-- � •''
that we are thankful for.
We are planning our
committees for the new
year, and are looking
forward to busy , happy ,
profitable times in
the year ahead.
With the Sunday School , the Men ' s Club , the YPCU, the
Junior League , and the Ladies Society all working together,
our church family is bound to prosper.
98
A F T E R W A R D
A hundred years of stitching and other good works ! The
year 1945- though it marks the end of this journal- did
not mark the end of the sewing , the baking , the fund-
raising . Minutes of later meetings may not have been
as detailed , but from them we continue to learn much of
the life of the congregation , as seen' and recorded through
the women of the church . We learn with sadness of the death
of members , we rejoice at news of births , birthdays ,
wedding receptions , anniversaries , special outings ,
special celebrations , special happenings .
Men have their story to tell , but it is the voices of
women that we have harkened to in this Journal . It is
the voices of . such women that have woven a pattern , akin
to the patchwork of their very own quilts , that provide
us with these pictures of how it was to have been
a churchwoman in the 1800 ' s and early 19001s . If churches
and congregations were successful-, -if parish communities
were able to maintain themselves with vitality- this was
in large measure due to the support network and the
social activities of the women ' s groups .
In the Forward to this Journal we listed the names of the
secretaries of the first hundred years of the Ladies
Society , and have thanked them for their notes . Surely
we owe special recognition as well to the leadership of the
Society through those first 100 years , and so we list the
presidents . Unfortunately for the record , we do not
know who assumed this role in the first years , since the
early part of volume I is primarily lists of meetings and
projects . We begin , then , with the first president named ,
Mrs . Hannah Albertson , 1850 , followed by Mrs . R. Gold-
smith , Mrs . William King , Mrs . Carrie Lowerre , Mrs . Charles
Overton ,Miss Agnes Goldsmith , Mrs . Silas Overton ,
Mrs . Elizabeth Anderson , Mrs . Katherine Williams Case ,
99
Mrs . Ellsworth Appleby , Mrs . Gertrude Murray , Miss Ida
Wells , Mrs . Harrison Golden , Mrs . Louise Goldsmith ,
Elsie Hilliard , Mrs . R. G. Terry , Mrs . Florence Sanford ,
Mrs . Inez Vail , Mrs . Wilkinson , Ency Davison , Mrs . Ayres ,
Peggy Terry , Mrs . A. Thompson , Alice Fisher , Edith Stacy ,
Mrs . White , and Mrs . Mary Cox .
Rev . Scudder , in a 1915 sermon ,perhaps summed it up
best when , in speaking of the Ladies Society of the
First, Universalist Church of Southold , he quoted
Shakespeare :
"The ladies , bless them , what should we do without them ! "
We end this Journal, with a deep sense of appreciation
that so many women over so many years recorded their
happenings ; their handwritten entries , faded , often barely
legible , in journals that are falling apart with age ,
have given us a rare experience of sharing .
J . V. October , 1985