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THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
ON THE ROAD
A FAMILIAR TALK
MY BROTHERS AND FRIENDS
BY
CYRUS HAMLIN KILBY
Author of " Bi7iding of the Links "
BOSTON
J. STILMAN SMITH &. COMPANY
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S91, by
CYRUS HAMLIN KILBY,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
press or
ftochtotll antr Ctjurctjill,
BOSTON.
/o+l
PREFACE.
Kind Brother and Friend: In March I
crossed the threshold of Riverside Lodge, in the
thriving village of Merrimac, Mass., the last one
of my long journey of several months. During
these months of frosts and chilly winds of winter
and autumn I have visited over three hundred
lodges of the I.O.O.F., and exchanged fraternal
greetings with many thousands of brothers of our
Order.
It is with emotions of joy that I now turn my
face homeward to mingle with family and friends
after an absence of seven months, again to enjoy
the comforts of home, — a name which charms the
soul.
At the end of such a long journey, and at the
close of so great an undertaking as I have been
engaged in, it is wise and profitable to take a
retrospective view of the ground travelled over,
and carefully note the result of the effort put
forth.
When I started, July 18, 1889, with the first
1568176
IV PREFACE.
instalment of my little book, entitled " Binding of
the Links : a Story of Forty Years in Odd Fellow-
ship," it was on a venture. But my first years
of experience in the Order had given me large
confidence in my fellow-men. I did not belong
to that class which believes that all men are
selfish. My experience had taught me that there
is a divinity in man which inspires him to lofty
purposes and honorable action. I had learned
from observation that the good have an affinity
for each other, and that such associations as the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows strengthen
this affinity. With such views I had courage to
start on my mission.
The success with which my efforts have been
crowned has begotten within me a desire to
engage in a similar work, that I may again meet
and greet many of the thousands of kind brothers
and friends with whom I had walked and held
pleasant intercourse along the way.
Some of them I shall never meet in this life.
They have joined their brothers and friends on
the other shore. There will be others, whose
faces and names are unknown to me, to take their
places. The title of the book now introduced to
your notice implies its true character, and the
PREFACE. V
narrative sets forth in a familiar way some thin
which will awaken in your memory scenes of the
past and events which transpired under your own
eye, and in distant lodges and communities where
you have kind brothers and true friends.
I am not a stranger to you, and you need not
be informed as to the object and fitness of my
visit at this time. With these few lines I invite
your attention to what appears in the subsequent
pages.
C. H. K.
Peak's Island, July, 1891.
CONTENTS.
Chapter Page
I. Preparing for the Journey i
II. Starting on the Road 4
III. Lodges Visited in Portland .... 6
IV. All on Board 8
Lewiston and Auburn — Rockland — Camden —
Belfast — Pittsfield — Bangor — Brewer.
V. On to the Aroostook 18
Oldtown — Mapleton — Fort Fairfield.
VI. Homeward Bound 30
Dexter — Newport — Waterville — Fairfield —
Oakland.
VII. Making the Circuit 38
Woodford Corner — Cumberland Mills — Sacca-
rappa — West Buxton Village — South Waterboro' —
Spring Vale — Great Falls, N.H. — Old Berwick —
South Berwick Village — North Berwick — Kennebunk
— Biddeford and Saco — Old Orchard Beach.
VIII. Among the Spindles and Farms .... 53
Lisbon Falls — Lisbon — Farmington — Livermore
Falls — North Yarmouth — Cumberland Centre.
IX. Over the Grand Trunk Road .... 59
Mechanic Falls — Canton — South Paris — Norway.
X. The Old Bay State 63
Salem — Peabody — Beverly — Lynn.
XI. "The Hub" 71
Charlestown — South Boston — East Boston —
Historic Cambridge — Cambridgeport — Roxbury —
Dorchester — Neponset — Brighton — Jamaica Plain.
Vlll
CONTENTS.
Chapter
XII. Suburban Lodges Visited
Somerville — West Somerville — East Somerville
— Newton Centre — West Newton — Newton High-
lands — Maiden — Watertown — Everett — Waltham
— Quincy — Milford — South Framingham.
XIII. Return to Maine
Bath — Brunswick — Augusta — Norridgewock —
Skowhegan — Gardiner — Ilallowell — Richmond.
XIV. Along the Rock-Bound Coast . •
Bar Harbor — Ellsworth — Winthrop.
XV. Visit to the Fatherland
Eastport — Dennysville — Pembroke — Calais —
St. Stephen's, N.B. — St. John, N.B. — Peak's
Island, Me. — Bridgeton — Harrison.
XVI. A Long Road to Travel
Dover, N.H. — Manchester — Haverhill, Mass. —
Lowell — Lawrence — Worcester — Westboio' —
Marlboro' — Leominster — Fitchburg — Clinton —
Millbury — Spencer — Warren — Palmer — Spring-
field — Chicopee — Westfield.
XVII. Little Rhody, and Homeward Bound
Providence, R.I. — Pawtucket — Taunton, Mass.
— Attleboro' — North Attleboro' — Foxboro' —
Walpole — Franklin — Canton — Hyde Park.
XVIII. Nearing the Last Milestone .
Arlington — Medford — Melrose — Reading —
Wakefield — Stoneham — Woburn — Natick —
Brockton — Stoughton — South Braintree — South
Weymouth — Whitman — Abington — Rockland —
Hanover — Bridgewater — Randolph — Wayland —
Hudson — Chftondale — Newburyport — Amesbury
— Merrimack — Georgetown — South Portland, Me.
— Willard.
Page
95
116
129
133
149
174
192
ON THE ROAD.
Chapter I.
PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY.
" Man's is a weary pilgrimage,
As through this world he wends;
In every age, from stage to stage,
Still discontent attends."
The journey of man through life may be a long
or short one, according to the number of years he
is permitted to remain on the earth.
If he should live out the "days of our years,"
threescore years and ten, the journey will be a
long one, and the traveller must witness many
changes. Many of the changes will be pleasant
and profitable, bringing joy to the soul and com-
fort to the body: others will be fraught with dis-
appointment, loss, and suffering.
To start out on a long journey in a strange
country without first consulting a chart or follow-
ing the leadings of a competent guide would de-
note a lack of good judgment.
The possession of three essentials is necessary
to insure success in life ; viz., correct judgment,
confidence, and energy.
2 ON THE ROAD.
The man who adopts Davy Crockett's motto,
" Be sure you are right, then go ahead," is the
man who will succeed in his purposes.
To the mind of some persons whom I have met
and conversed with, it is a small matter to write a
book on almost any subject, and quite as easy for
the author to dispose of thousands of copies, even
at a small cost.
No person is better qualified to judge of what
can be accomplished by personal effort than the
man who has performed the work himself; and
just here the author of " Binding of the Links"
has a few words to say concerning his experiences
as author, publisher, and salesman of the book,
which has been placed in the hands of five thou-
sand persons, mostly members of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows residing in the New England
States. Whether or not the writer evinced good
judgment in engaging in such an adventure, — for
such it seemed to be at the start, — the thousands
of brothers who have made his acquaintance and
perused his book will decide.
The author's many years of experience in life,
and a fair understanding of human nature, led him
to believe that progressive men, intelligent men,
such as largely compose the membership of our
New England lodges, would be interested in pe-
rusing the pages of a book bearing the significant
title of " Binding of the Links," coming from the
pen of one who had seen years and experienced
PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY. 3
many solemn changes. With such prospects be-
fore me, and encouraged by the hope of success,
I brought into action all the energy of mind and
body I possessed to accomplish the desires of my
soul.
The result of those months of hard physical
labor and mental fatigue will be better understood
by the reader as he follows me in my journey
along th° devious way.
4 ON THE ROAD.
Chapter II.
STARTING ON THE ROAD.
" For the treasures of precious worth
We must patiently dig and dive;
For the places we long to fill
We must push and struggle and strive ;
And always and everywhere
We'll find, in our onward course,
Thorns for the feet and. trials to meet,
And a difficult river to cross."
With the hearts and hands of brothers every-
where open to aid me, it still required much talk,
physical labor, and push to set the ball in motion.
It was journeying from city to city, from town
to town, encountering difficulties, overcoming ob-
stacles, being instant in season and out of season at
lodge meetings. Notwithstanding that I had pre-
viously travelled over a large portion of Maine,
my native State, and had many friends and ac-
quaintances, it was often like breaking the solid
ice to introduce myself and interest the brothers
in what I regarded as important and belonging to
the work of Odd Fellowship.
There were always some in every lodge and
community to speak quickly, and utter in a few
words — their acts corresponding therewith — more
real Odd Fellowship than whole hours' loud talk
STARTING ON THE ROAD. 5
by him who said, " ' I go, sir,' and went not," but
passed by on the other side.
There are hundreds of kind brothers and friends
whose genial faces I bear in memory. Some of
them seem near to me to-night while I am pen-
ning these lines. It was their encouraging words
and deeds of kindness that lightened the ponder-
ous burdens that weighed heavily upon me, and
smoothed the rough road I travelled.
In summing up the result of my varied experi-
ences in the light of pleasure derived and success
in my work as compared with the hardships en-
dured and losses sustained, the measure of the
former overbalances the latter many hundred fold,
and I am happy in the thought of again travelling
the same and other new roads, even if I must en-
counter greater difficulties along the way.
ON THE ROAD.
Chapter III.
LODGES VISITED IN PORTLAND.
" We meet to-night as brothers met
In days of long ago,
When Friendship was akin to Love,
For Truth had made it so."
It was on a bright July morning in 1889 when
I stepped on board the steamer " Greenwood " at
Peak's Island in
PORTLAND HARBOR,
and crossed the water to the city, where I was to
start on the mission which I had been preparing
to engage in months before. At the head of
Exchange street I was accosted by Brother Charles
Paine, from whose press, pages of " Binding of the
Links " had been issued during the summer months.
He informed me that the book was completed
and ready for my hands. The city papers and
many interested friends had advertised its coming,
which created a desire among the members of the
fraternity to know its contents.
The author had resided in the city eight years,
and was personally known in the surrounding
towns. The history of his experience in the
Order forty years was familiar to many of them.
The younger members expected to derive benefit
LODGES VISITED IN PORTLAND. 7
by a knowledge of what one who had seen years
before they came upon the stage of life had en-
countered.
Portland, Maine, was then and continues to be
the head centre of Odd Fellowship in the State,
and ranks foremost in the order throughout the
New England States. With a population of less
than forty thousand, it has seven lodges, with a
membership of 2,784, five encampments number-
ing 1,580 members, and two Rebekah Degree
lodges with a large and rapidly increasing mem-
bership.
What better or more inviting field for success-
ful work could be found as initiative work for
the author of a book dedicated to the cause of
Friendship, Love, and Truth, the three corner-
stones in the temple of Odd Fellowship? Brother
Henry C. Bagley, then Grand Master, stood at the
head of the Order in Maine. He exemplified
by word and deed the sum and substance of Odd
Fellowship. To Brother Bagley and many other
kind brothers and friends I am indebted for the
grand success I had in the sale of my book in that
city, amounting to many hundred copies in a few
weeks.
At the session of the Grand Lodge held in
Portland, August, 1889, there was a large attend-
ance of representatives, who greeted me with kind
words and forgot not the " Days of Auld Lang
Syne."
8 ON THE ROAD.
Chapter IV.
ALL ON BOARD.
Brother Reader: I now invite you to ac-
company me on my journey. We will leave the
"Hub City" of the Pine Tree State for a season.
Our route is over the Maine Central Railroad to
LEWISTON AND AUBURN,
two enterprising manufacturing cities, separated
by the Androscoggin river. We must board the
train at the Union Station, the finest railroad
station in New England, " so people say " and
newspaper men write.
The rain is falling; but a little water from the
clouds won't spoil our " store clothes " or give us
the grip.
Ah, see ! We have made the journey in quick
time. It is just 10.30 o'clock. Let us walk down
on Main street and enter the law office. Here is
my friend, A. E. Verrill, a young member of the
Androscoggin bar. He just donned the title, of
Past Grand in Old Androscoggin Lodge. This is
a gala day with the people of the cities. There is
an excursion to Fort Popham to celebrate the
town of Durham. We will remain in the city a
ALL ON BOARD. 9
few days, and visit the lodges on both sides of
the river: — " Abou Ben Adhem," and the old
lodge before mentioned in Auburn, " Golden
Rule," and " M. and M." on the Lewiston side.
Let us call round and say " good morning " to
Veteran Past Grand Master John Read, now secre-
tary of the "Odd Fellows Mutual Relief Associa-
tion of Maine." Here is Brother F. W. Brooks,
at the drug store on the corner. He is one of the
old stand-by secretaries in Androscoggin Lodge.
And there is Past Grand Master Geo. W. Goss
at the bank, looking for us. See ! There are one
hundred and twenty-seven brothers, members of
the lodges in both cities, waiting to shake hands
and examine the contents of my grip ; so we must
move along sprightly and answer their calls, that
we may catch the train bound for Brunswick en
route for Bath and Rockland.
" No, we don't wish to purchase the road and
all the rolling-stock." These words were spoken to
the man at the window of the ticket office of the
Knox & Lincoln Railroad at Bath.
The inter- State laws regulating the passenger
tariff have not affected the scale of rates and the
charges, which are somewhat in keeping with the
rates of toll over a certain bridge " away down
East," where the toll-gatherer offered as a reason for
the high charges that " teams seldom crossed the
bridge, and when one did, the amount of money col-
lected must suffice to pay his full month's wages."
IO ON THE ROAD.
After riding a short distance along the water-
front of the city, we cross the Pejepscot river on
a steam ferry-boat, of sufficient dimensions to ac-
commodate two passenger cars and the locomotive.
The man who secures a seat at the start is a
fortunate fellow, for the situation of the victim,
and the effect upon his nicely laundried linen, on
this hot July day, is as efficacious as thirty
minutes in a sweat-box.
Well, we have got safely over the river, and
more cars are hitched on. Away we go at a fair
rate of speed. We stop along the route at Wis-
casset, Waldoboro, Newcastle, Damariscotta, and
Thomaston. Here is the State institution for men
and women who "go crooked."
A short ride onward, and we arrive at
ROCKLAND,
where we see the smoke ascending from hundreds
of lime-kilns.
The Lindsey House, kept by mine host Hill,
will be comfortable quarters for the night. " Will"
is one of the chain-gang fellows, a member of
Knox; Lodge, where we spend the evening.
Whom have we here in the ante- room, with eyes
wide open and hands extended ? It is my brothers
and friends, Ripley, Colson, Simpson, Mason, and
a score of others, preparing to initiate three candi-
dates into the mysteries of Odd Fellowship. They
ALL ON BOARD. u
will go through their part in fine style, because
they are interested in the work and have excellent
facilities for executing it.
Brother Oliver Otis, the man who sells his
opinions — that is, the Rockland "Opinion" news-
paper for five cents a copy ! We must not pass
him by on the other side of the street. Never
mind the dust — it comes from Mother Earth.
Brother Otis has a caller. It is Past Grand
J. H. Sherman, secretary of Mt. Battie Lodge at
CAMDEN.
His team is at the door, ready for a start home-
ward. Yes, we will accept his kind invitation to
take a seat in the carriage and enjoy a pleasant
drive of six miles, that we may sit among the
brothers to-night.
It is the Ocean House where we make our
quarters. The lodge hall is up on Main street,
in a large new brick block. There is no work or
business of special importance to occupy the
time, and the Noble Grand gives up the meeting
to the desires of the brothers. The time passes
pleasantly in speech-making and exchanging
friendly greetings.
At an early hour of morning the word goes
round, "All on board the steamer 'Penobscot'
for
12 ON THE ROAD.
BELFAST ! "
vVhat brings so large a number of people on
board? They are going to Northport to the
Methodist camp-grounds. It is the biggest day
of the season at that place.
It is delightful sailing down the river — every-
body is happy, and there is music in the air.
It would do our soul and body good to go on
shore and join the multitude in the exercises of
the day, and rest under the shade of those beauti-
ful trees. But we must continue on our journey to
Belfast, and prepare for the great event connected
with dedicating the Odd Fellows' magnificent
hall. Grand Master Kimball and suite will be
present.
See ! We are nearing the landing. Listen to
the music ! Who are all those in showy uniforms
on the streets? It is "Field Day" with the
Knights of Pythias Uniformed Rank in Maine.
There are two hundred and fifty in line. They
make a fine display.
To-night Waldo Lodge holds its last meeting
in the old hall, where an exciting drama, almost
tragical, was enacted years ago ; but the conflict
ended in a glorious conquest by Waldo Lodge
over the disloyal members of Belfast Lodge.
There are forty-six members present to-night.
The third degree is being conferred on three
AI.I. ON HOARD. i 3
candidates. Grand Master R. G. Dyer is in the
van. His remarks on the history of the lodge,
building the new hall, its dedication, and the
events to take place on that day, are full of
interest.
It is Tuesday morning, September 3. The
sun shines brightly. Brother Dyer invites Grand
Master Kimball, Grand Secretary Davis, Grand
Marshal Pike, Brother Sale, editor of the " Odd Fel-
lows' Register," the reader, and myself to a scat on a
handsomely upholstered buckboard, drawn by a
span of cream-white horses, for a drive about the
city and a look over the camp-grounds at North-
port; while the members of the visiting cantons,
encampments, and lodges, numbering many
hundreds, are forming on the street for the
general parade. They make a fine exhibition in
showy uniforms and bright jewels, while keeping
step to the inspiring music of many bands.
We must make haste, or it will be impossible to
get upon the floor to witness the dedicatory
exercises of the fine large hall, for there is such a
crowd in advance of us ; but we can hear the
words spoken by the grand officers, who are
rendering the service in a very impressive manner.
It is near the close of day; the great event has
passed, and the tired and hungry boys are rush-
ing into the Coliseum building, where tables are
laid for seven hundred and fifty people. The
dinner is free — everybody is invited to partake,
14 ON THE ROAD.
The committee of entertainment say, " Go out
into the highways and hedges and compel them
to come in, that the house and the people them-
selves may be filled." After they have all been
satisfied, there are more than twelve baskctsful
remaining.
The Eastern Maine State Fair is drawing
thousands of people to Bangor to-day. There
is a jam and tumult in that city. We will keep
away until Monday. Let us go on to
PITTSFIELD,
and stop with our brother and friend, Blackden.
" Owen " will make things pleasant and comfort-
able for us Sunday.
Here is Brother Knowles, Noble Grand of
Phlentoma Lodge, Dr. E. C. Bryant, Permanent
Secretary, with Brothers J. W. Webb and J. A.
Morrison, standing on the corner of the street
ready to greet us. The town and the people are
the same as when I visited the place months
ago.
Doctor Dow, of Mapleton, in Aroostook County,
is the popular clerk at the hotel this season. He
will escort us into my old room, " No. 10."
We have enjoyed ourselves grandly, and now the
Sabbath day is drawing to a close, we will proceed
on our journey.
The " Herald " train will arrive at the station
ALL ON BOARD. I 5
in a few moments. Sec ! The cars are crowded
with people going to the Methodist camp-grounds
at Etna. There is hardly standing-room. " Camp-
grounds ! Camp-grounds ! " exclaims the con-
ductor. Every car in the long train is vacated.
You and I, dear reader, have all the seats to our-
selves. The conductor and brakemen vanish
from sight to keep company with the " paper
men " in the baggage car. It is on to
BANGOR.
Now we are jumping and thumping over'the rails
in these empty cars, stopping now and again to
" fire out " bundles of " Globes" and " Heralds."
Well, we ought to bless our stars that we have
reached the " City of the East " without broken
bones. "Hack! Carriage!" Here are four public
conveyances in waiting to give We, Us, & Co. a
second edition of jolting over the street pavements.
No, thank you ; we prefer to walk to the Hathon
House in Market square. "Lew" is the caterer,
as usual, and there will be no lack in quantity or
quality of the substantial at his table.
Bangor is an Odd Fellow city. There are three
lodges, — Penobscot, Oriental, and Bangor, — all
having a large membership, and prosperous.
It will take several days to " do the town." I
have scores of good brothers and friends here
whom I shall be pleased to introduce you to. The
16 ON THE ROAD.
first on the list is our Veteran Past Grand A. N.
Yeaton, then Past Grand Phincas Batchelder.
Bangor was formerly the home of Past Grand
Master N. II. Colton, now residing at Orono.
Let us take a walk over the Kenduskeag bridge to
the east side, and drop into the barber's shop,
" Number 3," where Brother Packard is the knight
of the razor. "John" will have a story to tell
about the " salve," and will call in the boys for a
general hand-shaking. He is science in giving a
clean shave.
There is Past Grand John E. Booth. Why
comes he here? He is not Booth the tragedian,
but the man who makes moccasins.
We are ordered to stand and deliver up the con-
tents of my grip, by a company of odd-looking
fellows. Among them I see Henry B. Thorns,
Leslie Kellen, " Cal " Jones, John Mitchell, O. D.
Maddocks, and a host of others. If the situation
becomes too hot for us, we will move out and seek
refuge in Brother A. A. Nickerson's store, down on
Exchange street. He can muster a small regi-
ment who are plotting evil against helpless travellers
on their way from J. to J. Here we are near
the ferry-landing. Let us step on board the
" Bon Ton " and cross over the river to the
maiden city of
BREWER.
Are you tired by climbing the steep hill? If so, we
ALL ON BOARD. \y
will step into the barber's shop near by, rest awhile,
and have a chat with Brother George \Y. Mackay.
George is full of Odd Fellowship, and can post us
on all matters concerning the Order in these parts.
Wildey Lodge meets to-night. We must be on
hand promptly at seven o'clock. The motto of the
members is :
" Early to bed and early to rise
Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
Russell W. Currier is Noble Grand. Exactly on the
dot his gavel calls the twenty-one members to order,
and business is dispatched with little delay. The
hall has been newly fitted up and furnished since
my last visit, three years ago. It is now a neat,
cosey home for Brothers Nickerson, Libby, Brown,
Farnham, Packard, Tufts, Banks, Burr, and others
of the working members who are constant attend-
ants at the weekly meetings. It is 8. 30 o'clock,
and the business of the lodge is finished. The
guardian has performed the last duty of his office,
and the brothers depart in peace.
I 8 ON THE ROAD.
Chapter V.
ON TO THE AROOSTOOK.
It is Friday morning. The trains are bringing
large numbers of people from the State Fair held
in Lewiston the past week. Some of the excursion-
ists are singing " Oh ! be joyful ! " and " We won't
go home till morning ! " " No, I'll be blowed if I
go home on this morning train," says a fellow over
there. " I'm bound to sell my ticket, and raise a
dollar for a good time with my friends." Now is a
chance for a small speculation. Let us see what
he has. "Look here, Mister! Let us see your
ticket. Ha! ha!" "It is for Presque Isle,
away up in the Aroostook," he says. " Reg'lar
price, seven dollars. Will sell it for one fifty ; but
you'll have to put it through by daylight to get
there before twelve o'clock Saturday night, or it's
no good."
Well, do you believe the blowed bacchanalian
has sold me his ticket for one dollar fifty, good for
a ride to Presque Isle, over ninety miles?
We must leave on the four o'clock train and stop
over at
OLDTOWN
on the Maine Central Railroad. It has been a
pleasant ride, and we are in the town before dark.
ON TO THE AROOSTOOK. 19
Ah ! There is Past Grand Master E. W. Conant
passing by. He sees us ; he comes this way ; lie
is here. " Brother Conant, can you direct us to
an inn, a place of rest and safety for the night? "
He invites ns to a scat in his carriage.
Have we come so quickly? "Here is an inn,
brothers." Surely the grounds, the trees, the hall,
are familiar to my eyes. Brother Conant is point-
ing.
He says, " The door is open : enter, my brothers.
My house is your home — enjoy its attractions and
its comforts. Mrs. Conant is a Rebekah. She will
entertain you for a while. Please excuse me."
Now that we have been refreshed by an enjoy-
able supper we will accompany our good brother to
Tarratine Lodge. It occupies a fine new hall on
the main street, built a few years ago and publicly
dedicated. It is a profitable investment of money,
and reflects great credit upon the projectors.
The hour of lodge meeting is seven o'clock the
year round, so that the aged and infirm brothers
may attend, as well as the younger members.
There is no work or business of special impor-
tance before the lodge to-night ; but the brothers
are ready to fill up the time with interesting talk
and friendly greetings.
I recall the faces of Brothers Noyes, Snow, Na-
son, Swan, Emerson, Walker, Spofford, McCars-
land, and others, whom I used to meet in the old
hall on the hill.
20 ON THE ROAD.
It is Saturday morning. The sky betokens
rain. Brother Conant is tapping gently on our
door. He says, "Breakfast is ready." Six o'clock
is not an early hour for travelling men to break-
fast, when the train starts at 6.30 on an all-day
journey.
It is not pleasant parting with kind friends in
this hurried manner ; but time and railroad con-
ductors wait for no man. On we go at a moder-
ate rate of speed. There is little of interest along
the way to attract the eye of the traveller.
We are nearing Vanceborough, the boundary-
line station between Maine and New Brunswick.
Here Her Majesty's custom officials will demand
an examination of all baggage going through her
territory.
How is this? Our baggage is not among the lot.
We hold the checks, but the careless baggage-
master at Oldtown has neglected to put the grips
on board the train. Telegraph back ! Sue the
railroad company for damages ! That will be no
use. A few books and a box of collars are of
little account. But no train will leave Oldtown
to arrive in Presque Isle before Monday noon.
How dreadful ! No changes over Sunday. Well,
there is one consolation — the custom-house offi-
cers can't inspect our baggage this trip.
Well, here we start again. Who is that portly
gentleman two seats ahead? It is Dr. Hathaway,
of Presque Isle. He is enjoying a hearty laugh.
ON TO THE AROOSTOOK. 21
I will speak a word in his ear, and see if he
catches the meaning. " Yes," he says, " I'm one of
'em, and there are others on board the train
bound by the links." We shall soon get a sight of
fine scenery along the Aroostook river, cross nu-
merous bridges, and pass " the falls."
It has been a long, tedious journey; but we are
now at the station. The doctor's offer is a most
generous one. He says if we will hold his
little daughter on our knees while he drives the
horse we may ride to the village, where com-
fortable quarters will be provided for the night,
and on Sunday morning he will convey us six
miles, to the home of my friend, Capt. S. C. F.
Smith.
It has been a pleasure to hold the child, ride in
the easy carriage, and see the sights along the
way — all new and of interest to us ; and now we
are at the doctor's house, enjoying the hospitalities
of his courteous family. We will take a walk on
the street. It is early in the evening. Perhaps we
may find some brothers of the mystic tie.
We have actually set our feet upon the " garden
spot" of Maine. The village has a citified look:
electric-lights, opera house, large wood and
brick blocks, and people everywhere interested
and active in prosecuting the vocations of their
choice.
We cannot know unless we ask for information,
so we will step into this " five and ten cent store,"
22 ON THE ROAD.
and see if there are any signs exhibited whereby
we may know a brother. Yes, there are the
three links on the proprietor's vest. It is Brother
C. P. Purrington. How quickly and cordially he
shakes our hands ! Mr. C. E. Humphries and
C. O. Perry, on the opposite side of the street,
are also members of the order. They say, "The
woods are full of 'em."
We will now retire for the night. Doctors are
expected to make professional calls on Sunday
as well as on other days, when people requi/e
their services.
Four miles on the road to
MAPLETON
to visit the sick and relieve the distressed is " a
Sabbath day's journey," to be sure. But the Good
Samaritan is commanded to perform humane deeds
at all times. With a veteran brother in charge,
who has seen years and experienced many changes,
and the brother who has accompanied him on
his journey thus far, it will not be an act of cour-
tesy on the part of the doctor to drop us both
by the roadside, — when we are so near to
Captain Smith's house, — and return to the vil-
lage, leaving us strangers to tread the rough way
alone, without a guide. We have nothing to fear
in that direction.
I can see from this hill a neat white house over
ON TO THE AROOSTOOK. 23
in the field beyond the store. " Doctor, I will
venture a guess that that is the captain's home."
" You have hit it right the first time, major.
That is where the captain lives. He is standing
in the front door." " You call me ' major ' — I'm
no military character, although I have scaled the
walls of Jericho."
Ah, Stephen, my old friend ! We meet once
more, after a separation of nearly twenty-five
years. This meeting carries our memories back
to the days when the boys in blue went march-
ing forward to the scenes of battle on Southern
soil. You were among the brave who dared to
do and suffer for your country's good. You are
my brother, not of the triple links, but almost of
kin — one of the dear friends I love so well.
There is no lodge of Odd Fellows at Maple-
ton ; but we shall meet a number of brothers who
are members of the order at Presque Isle, Houl-
ton, Fort Fairfield, Patten, Caribou, and Wash-
burn.
It will be a good plan to get the boys all to-
gether and hold a social meeting. We will elect
Brother Edwin A. Smith, President; Albert Ball,
Vice-President ; Charles Hughs, Secretary ; Oliver
P. Smith, Treasurer; Brothers Ingreham, Carr,
Twist, Dudley, and Jackson a Committee on
Good and Welfare. The place for holding the
meeting will be in Captain Smith's store, on some
rainy evening. It will be a public meeting. The
24 ON THE ROAD.
captain and his son may be present. " Rex " will
be appointed door-keeper. The question for dis-
cussion will be on growing potatoes and grain,
making starch, raising stock, horses, and neat
cattle, and shaving shingles. All these matters
have a direct bearing on the existence and main-
tenance of Odd Fellow lodges in Aroostook
County; for without them there would be no
material for making lodges.
Having accomplished our purposes in this
town, we must cover the ground that we travelled
one week ago, and return to Presque Isle and
spend the evening with the brothers of the lodge'
that bears the name of the village. The hall is
over Brother N. J. Johnson's harness-shop. There
is a good attendance to-night. Some of the
brothers have come six miles to enjoy the meet-
ing. Here is Brother Joshua K. Damon. Long
years ago he and I were schoolmates in a small
village in the eastern section of Maine ; and here
also is Brother Howard M. Dorman, a native of
Machias, Maine, in the same county, a son of the
late D. W. Dorman, for many years Registrar of
Deeds.
Brother Reader, do you see any names among
the members present that are familiar to you ? : —
W. S. Kimball, J. J. Howes, W. C. Smith, George
P. Dennett, J. A. Frazier, Alden Chandler, Will-
iam Brown. This has been a very enjoyable
meeting. We will now go with Brother N. J.
ON TO THE AROOSTOOK. 2$
Johnson and spend the night at his home. Satur-
day we will view the town and note all points of
interest. The day is waning. We have traversed
a large territory and conversed with many people.
We are now ready .to accompany Brother
Damon to his home, a little way out of the vil-
lage, to spend the night.
It is Sunday morning, bright and beautiful.
We can enjoy the out-of-door air, and be enter-
tained by the young Misses Damon with their
music and singing.
It is in keeping with the sacred day to visit the
last resting-place of those whom we have known
and been associated with on life's journey. Here
is a conspicuous white marble column within this
enclosure, bearing a quaint inscription. I will
read it. The letters were cut upon the stone
under the eye of the man whose name stands at
the head. It is characteristic of the old editor.
It reads: "Daniel Stickney. Born Nov. 25,
1804. Until 18 years of age, a farmer's boy, 25
years a mechanic and teacher of common schools,
25 years a lay preacher of the gospel as taught
by David in XXIII psalm, by Jesus Christ in his
Sermon on the Mount, by Paul upon Mars Hill
to the Athenians, and in the XII chapter of
Romans. For half a century a newspaper writer,
and for 14 years proprietor and editor of the
Prcsquc Isle Sunrise. A Republican from his
earliest recollection to the day of his death."
26 ON THE ROAD.
I read on the headstones the names of others
whom I have met at pleasant reunions of the
" Maine Editors' and Publishers' Association."
But we can tarry no longer. The chilly north
wind reminds us that the days are nearing the
season of frosts, when thick wraps and mittens will
be comfortable.
It is Monday afternoon. Brother Damon is at
the door with his fine turnout — black stallion
"Mohock" and top buggy. We are to give the
members of Aroostook Valley Lodge at Caribou
a surprise to-night. Quite a delegation from
Presque Isle Lodge will start at a later hour and
meet us at the hall. The way is pleasant, and let
us hope that our journey will be safe. We have
a twelve-mile drive over a beautiful section of the
country. Cast your eye over the extensive land-
scape. There are no waste or uncultivated lands
on either side of the highway. Green fields and
large, tidy farm-houses occupy the broad acres.
The soil is free from stones, light, and easily
worked. These are some of the homes of the
early settlers. They show what industry and
frugality have brought to the pioneers in the
wilds of northern Maine.
But see ! We are entering the village. The
hands of the clock on the church point to 4.30.
Mohock has performed the journey quickly.
Here is the Vaughn House, a place of entertain-
ment for weary travellers. Let us enter and take
ON TO THE AROOSTOOK. 27
some refreshment. Here is Hon. H. M. Heath,
of Augusta, a member of the Kennebec bar, for-
merly principal of Washington Academy at Ease
Machias. He is here on business connected with
the Water Power Company.
We will now accompany Brother Damon to Odd
Fellows Hall. Both the Noble and Vice Grands
are on the sick list, and Past Grand P. S. Goud is
master of the gavel to-night. The brother at my
right is Past Grand T. W. Willis. He was a con-
stant and interesting correspondent of the "Odd
Fellows' Register" years ago, when I published the
paper. The attendance is small, owing to the
sickness of the officers, and because there is no
business of importance to attend to.
We are invited to spend the night with Brother
Goud. His house is up the street a little way.
Brother N. L. Johnson, a twofold brother of
N. A. Johnson at Presque Isle, desires us to call
at his store in the morning, that he may " show us
the sights " about town.
The team is now in waiting at the door. We
ascend this hill, one and three-fourths miles.
Here is the stand-pipe. The water is brought
one hundred and eighty feet from the river, where
a dam is being constructed at a cost of $30,000.
The business centre of the village lies between two
high hills. The river between them is spanned
by a bridge. Along the banks of the river the
caribou herded in the days when the red man
28 ON THE ROAD.
possessed the northern forests. Now how
changed the scene ! Where once stood the tall
pines in an unbroken wilderness inhabited by
Indians and wild beasts, appears a thrifty village,
with thousands of inhabitants. Business in stores,
shops, mills, and factories is booming; school-
houses and churches are numerous ; religious and
educational institutions are ably supported ; social
and fraternal organizations contribute their part
toward elevating and blessing mankind.
The train for
FORT FAIRFIELD
leaves at 2.25. We have little time before our
walk to Brother Johnson's house for dinner.
Ah! Here I see Nicholas Fessenden, Esq.,
Clerk of the Maine House of Representatives
and Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge I.O.O.F.
He is en route for " The Fort." We will follow in
his wake.
It is the meeting night of Pioneer Lodge.
" Professor" Scates, C. E. Dinsmore, E. L.
Houghton, B. F. Durgin, F. L. McDonald, and
other active members of the order, are on the cor-
ner looking for us. They are curious to know
who the "squire" has in charge. When they
learn that it is a Past Grand who has served his
time forty years as such, they take council to-
gether, and decide that the best thing to do is to
ON TO THE AROOSTOOK. 29
conduct him to the inn, where the door is open.
The brother, no longer a stranger, is invited to
enter. They speak a word to the host, saying,
" Take care of him, and whatsoever you expend
for his comfort we will recompense you therefor."
Such, kind reader, is the story of the Good Sa-
maritan in Aroostook County, Maine.
30 ON THE ROAD.
Chapter VI.
HOMEWARD BOUND.
It is Wednesday morning, September 25.
" Up ! Up ! Breakfast is ready." It is five o'clock.
We must " hustle " to eat our breakfast and
reach the station, for the train leaves in forty
minutes. " All aboard ! " We have Mr. Carlisle,
of Somerville, Mass,, for our companion on the
road. There is a jovial party on board. We are
moving at " slow coach " speed. " Five minutes
for refreshments at Newburgh Junction." Mr.
Carlisle isn't going to " get left." He has brought
his cup of coffee, sandwich, and doughnuts along
with him from the table. " Had just time to
step on board as the train moved away from
the platform." We have had lots of fun all the
way on the long, tedious journey. We are thank-
ful that we have arrived safely in Bangor. We
will now move on to
DEXTER.
Let us stop a few moments at the station and
chat with Brother E. J. Sturtevant, " Sam " Ham-
ilton, Dexter Nason, and some of the other
" boys," before going up into the village.
HOMEWARD BOUND. 31
Plymouth Lodge meets on Tuesday evening.
We cannot remain in the town four days. We
will look up the brothers on the streets, in their
places of business, take a stroll down by the
"Stone Mill," the "Brick Mill," and among the
other manufacturing establishments. Dexter is a
stirring business town, furnishing employment to
hundreds of men and women.
Here is my old brother and friend, Past Grand
O. W. Bridges. Dr. C. H. Haynes is in his dental
rooms. He may be able to divert his attention
for a few moments from the critical work he is
engaged in. Moses, of whom we read in the
Bible, is passing this way. He is looking very meek
and good-natured. There are Brothers Roberts,
King, Harris, Farrar, and others. We must speak
a word with them before we leave town.
Brother E. M. Tibbetts, the undertaker, has
kindly offered us a seat in his carriage for a drive
about the village. Such friendly courtesies are
appreciated by me, and most gladly we accept
the proffered benefaction. Now we get a grand
view of the picturesque town — those high grounds
sloping toward the river, with beautiful shade-
trees along its banks. The long distance from
the railroad station to the business part of the
town is an "out;" but the track is to be ex-
tended next season farther up into the village.
Then a branch road leading to Dover and Fox-
croft will be completed.
32 ON THE ROAD.
We have enjoyed the pleasant drive and " taken
in " all the beauties of the town. We will now
say good-by to our brothers and friends, and
return over the road we came this morning and
stop awhile at
NEWPORT.
Well do I remember the events connected with
instituting "Old Hickory" Lodge, Number 104,
on the afternoon and late into the night of De-
cember 7, 1883, in Masonic Hall.
We have to wait here for the arrival of the
train from Bangor going west. We cannot oc-
cupy the time more pleasantly than by calling
round and interviewing Brothers Young, Judkins,
Wardwell, Marsh, Mitchell, and Bennett. Most
of them are employees of the Maine Central Rail-
road.
It is nearing the hour of nine o'clock. The
full, bright moon eclipses the colored lights about
the station, and is " a lamp unto our feet and a light
unto our path."
Hear the whistle ! " Newport ! Newport !
All aboard ! " We are on the way to
WATERVILLE.
Everything about the not-many-years-ago busy
town, now a booming city, appears natural to my
eye. I am on old, familiar ground, among
HOMEWARD BOUND. 33
brothers and friends with whom I have passed
many enjoyable hours. We must not quit the
place for a number of days, there are so many
hands to grasp, so much to see. Let us walk
down on Elm street and enter the harness-shop.
Here is Brother Robbins. " Fred " is at his old
business with needles and tools, executing fine
work on leather and upholstery, stopping occa-
sionally to sound a note on his " Ai " cornet.
It is at Mrs. Spencer's house, a little way from
Brother Robbins's shop, we find pleasant boarding
accommodations. It has been my stopping-place
during sundry visits to the city in years past. I
" never go back on old friends."
Our best plan is to board the horse-cars and go
two miles to
FAIRFIELD
village this afternoon, that we may spend a little
time with brothers and friends before the hour of
Fairfield Lodge meeting to-night. Here is our
genial friend and Veteran Past Grand, John R.
Foss, with Past Grand Ruckliff in the carpenter's
shop near by. "You still live" are the words of
their greeting.
It is evening. We will ascend these stairs near
the entrance of the post-office in Odd Fellows
Block. It is the same hall which I assisted in
dedicating fifteen years ago, and where I have
spent many an enjoyable evening since that
34 ON THE ROAD.
memorable event. Here we meet once more
Brothers Bradbury, Kendall, Blackwell, Knowlton,
Merrill, — good old Simeon, — Perkins, and scores
of others, who are always at their post of duty,
ready and willing to bear aloft the banner of
Friendship, Love, and Truth. This evening's
proceedings carry my mind back to the early
days of my acquaintance with the brothers of
Fairfield Lodge. We must now' separate from
our kind brothers and return to Waterville on the
last car. Brother H. C. Hight and Ed. P. Mayo,
editor of the " Journal," we will call upon " some
other day."
What is going on in Odd Fellows Block, Water-
ville, to-night? It is Wednesday evening. Samar-
itan Lodge meets. Here are many of the same
old company I have frequently met upon similar
occasions: Brothers S. S. Vose, Chamberlain,
Gilpatrick, "Billy" Smith, Stewart, W. 1. and
J. L. Towne, William True, Henry Williams,
Davis, and Charley Dyrample. They are here to
exemplify the teachings of the Bible as set forth
in the Gospel of St. Luke, loth chapter, 30th
verse : " A certain man went down from Jerusa-
lem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who
stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him,
and departed, leaving him half dead." Samaritan
is the name of this lodge, and most assuredly the
brothers are, or should be, Good Samaritans
indeed ! They hear and heed the cry, —
HOMEWARD BOUND. 35
" O friends and brothers, gliding down the years,
Humanity is calling each and all,
In tender accents born of grief and tears :
I pray you listen to the tender call !
You cannot in j'our seliish pride
Pass guiltless by upon the other side."
Our next objective point is
OAKLAND,
for many years West Waterville, eight miles from
this city, on the line of the Maine Central Railroad.
Mr. Crosby Shorey, the veteran livery-stable
keeper, has kindly offered us the use of a fine
turnout — his family horse " Yankee " — for a drive
over to Oakland village. Forty-five years ago
Mr. Shorey was a contractor for carrying the
United States mails, by four-horse post-coach,
from Machias to Eastport and Calais, in Washing-
ton County, Maine, passing daily through Dennys-
ville, my native village. He has always regarded
me with kindly feelings, and, in token of his con-
tinued friendship, has conferred this generous
favor upon us.
We will drive out of the city by " Crommett's
Mills," and make our first stopping-place at
Benjamin & Allen's shop. Here is Brother
E. C. Blackwell, the first Noble Grand of Anion
Lodge, instituted Nov. 2, 1882. Brother Black-
well has been in the employ of Messrs. Allen &
Co. nearly twenty years. He was one of the
36 ON THE RCKD.
earnest workers in establishing the lodge in
this village, and has always been one of its firm
supporters.
At the first starting the lodge rented a small
hall over a dwelling-house on the main street.
The rapid increase in membership made necessary
larger and better quarters, which were secured by
reconstructing the old Masonic Hall in the brick
block nearly opposite the Maine Central Railroad
depot. The hall is fitted up in fine style and
neatly furnished, each order sharing equally the
expense. We will accompany Brother Blackvvell,
and take a survey of the interior of the hall. It
is complete in all its appointments. There are a
number of axe and scythe factories, foundries,
mills, and manufactories, utilizing the excellent
water-power on the river, and furnishing em-
ployment to hundreds of industrious and in-
telligent men who compose the membership of
Amon lodge. We shall be pleased to make the
acquaintance of some of them to-day. Brother
S. C. Sawtelle is at leisure, and offers to drive us
over the village and introduce us to any we may
chance to meet by the way. Here are Brothers
Stevens, Frost, Pride, Dustin, McClure, Fossett,
Kellcy, Lord, Parker, and a number of others.
We will dine and rest at Brother Sawtelle's house,
and then return to the city. We are just in time
to get on board " Jewett's train," and reach my
home in Portland at 3.30 o'clock.
\
HOMEWARD BOUND. 37
Brother Reader, you have kept close watch of
me all the way on my long journey. You will
now permit me to rest a few clays at home. Then
we will take a new start. Exit Reader — the door
closes.
38 ON THE ROAD.
Chapter VII.
MAKING THE CIRCUIT.
OCTOBER 7, 1889. I have enjoyed a few days
of rest among my friends, and am now ready for
our other pilgrimage. I invite your company,
Brother Reader. We will step on board the horse-
car at the head of Preble street, Portland, go one
mile to Deering, and stop at
WOODFORD CORNER,
where we meet Brothers Parkman, Sawyer, Hill,
Lowell, Mitchell, Adams, Benson, and others,
who are working this evening in Fraternity Lodge,
instituted March 26, 1886. It is one of the
active, prosperous lodges in the State, gaining rap-
idly in membership. There are a large number of
brothers belonging to the order residing in Deer-
ing, members of the different lodges in Portland,
who assist the new lodge in many ways. The
important duties of innkeeper were performed at
various times during the first months of the lodge's
existence by a veteran Past Grand of forty years.
The brothers frequently speak of " his way of
entertaining weary and suffering travellers." „
We must board the Portland and Rochester
Making the circuit. 39
train at the Woodford station. Brother Parkman
will put us on the right track, and Superintendent
Peter's pass on the road is exempt from Con-
ductor Clcaves's puncher, so we are all right.
See ! We have come five miles to
CUMBERLAND MILLS.
Here are S. D. Warren & Co.'s paper-mills — " the
largest in the world." The buildings occupy over
seven acres of ground. The company employ
some eight hundred men and women ; the monthly
pay-roll is upwards of $30,000; between forty
and fifty tons of finished paper are shipped daily.
Mr. J. E. Warren is superintendent of the mills.
Ammoncogin Lodge was -instituted in this vil-
lage Feb. 5, 1 88 1. Among its active members are
Brothers C. W. Mace, E. W. Ayer, A. C. Chute,
'Dud" T. Swan, C. H. Leighton, C. E. Holt,
W. H. Hammond, C. W. Troy, and Edgar A.
Durell. There is much of interest connected
with the village and lodge ; but we have no time
now to devote* to it, but must proceed on one mile
to
SACCARAPPA,
a stirring village, now the city of Westbrook.
We can take the train now ready to start.
We are hardly seated before " Saccarapp' ! " is
announced by the conductor. In its early days
40 ON THE ROAD.
it was a lumber manufacturing place. There are
cotton, woollen, and silk mills here, iron foundries,
shoe factories, and numerous industries, furnish-
ing employment for men and women. The people
belong to that class called " jinners," for almost
every namable secret and social organization
exists in the village. Among them is Saccarappa
Lodge I.O.O.F., instituted May 24, 1844. It is
the fourth in the State, having held its charter
forty-five consecutive years. It has a unique
record. The lodge meeting is Friday evening.
We cannot stop over, but must proceed on to
GORHA.M.
It will compensate in some degree for the disap-
pointment and loss in not gathering with the
brothers in the lodge-room to meet them on the
street, where I have exchanged pleasant greetings
daily for more than two years, on my rounds in
newspaper work. Gorham is a classic town. The
Gorham Normal School is established here, ably
conducted by Professor Corthell. It is also the
home of Hon. ex-Governor Robie, widely known
among the " Patrons of Husbandry." He has
held the highest executive office in the State.
Gorham Lodge was instituted Jan. 15, 1883, and
now numbers over one hundred and forty mem-
bers. The names of Lowell, Hayes, Harding,
Shackford, Coburn, Bolton, Summerside, and
MAKING THE CIRCUIT. 41
McLellan are familiar to Odd Fellows who have
spent a little time in looking up members of the
order in that village. A cordial reception is given
to all visiting brothers at the lodge.
We shall have a change at our next stopping-
place, " Saco River " station — take the mail
stage for a four- mile drive to
WEST BUXTON VILLAGE.
Before we undertake the tedious journey through
the mud, we will walk down in this part of the
town called
" BAR MILLS,"
and call upon Brothers Meserve, Locke, S. J. and
C. H. Towle, and Palmer, at the post-office,
Flint and Harmon at the furniture mills — all
worthy members of Saco Valley Lodge. They
reside so far from the place of meeting that they
seldom have the privilege of participating in the
work of the lodge, but they are ever ready to
assist in advancing its " good and welfare."
Here we are on our way, closely packed between
two women, our legs pinioned by the staring
man on the middle seat. He answers to the
name of gentleman. Perhaps the ladies judge
him otherwise. The way is anything but pleasant,
and there are fears that the journey may not be
safe ; but we will hope for the best. It is Wedhes-
42 ON THE ROAD.
day. This is the evening of the lodge meeting.
There is Brother Charles Hobson, standing in the
doorway of his store. He beckons us that way.
Brother James H. Towle, Noble Grand, invites us
to walk over the bridge. What a droll name for
a village — " Moderation " ! It does not imply that
the people " let their moderation be known unto
all men, " but it is the sluggish moving of the
waters onward through the Saco valley that gives
it its name.
Manufacturing and shipping lumber is the
principal business of the place. Buxton and
Hollis are connected by the bridge we are cross-
ing.
There are visitors present from Highland Lodge,
Limerick, this evening. The boys are to have a
pleasant entertainment. We shall make the ac-
quaintance of a number of them. Let us break
" the ring " that has been formed, and clasp hands
with those that are extended towards us. Here
are Brothers Bradbury, " Ed " Hobson, Barnes,
Bason, Sawyer, Judkins, Partridge, Sands, Cobb,
Smith, Goldthwait, Tarbox, and others. It is
nearly six years since I met them all. It has
been a good and pleasant thing to sit among the
brothers to-night. We have enjoyed a hearty
laugh, and helped to put away a portion of the
delicious ice-cream and cake. Now come the
good-night partings, and we hear the pleasant
words, " Come again."
MAKING THE CIRCUIT. 43
The coach is at the door right on time — six
o'clock. We have hardly finished breakfast.
Here we are jogging along over the same old
road to Saco River station. Our next stop is
SOUTH WATERBORO',
a small village. Smith's Steam Saw- mills, coat
and pants shops, and farming are the resources of
the people.
Enterprise Lodge was instituted November 5,
1880. It numbers one hundred and seventeen
members to-day. The attendance at the weekly
meetings is generally small. Many of the brothers
reside miles distant from the hall. Should we be
in the village some Monday, we should be likely
to meet Brothers Thynge, Emery, Carll, Will. C.
Thynge, A. H. Ricker, Guptill, Harding, J. Allen
Smith, F. W. Littlefield, and F. E. Libby at their
posts, conducting the business of the lodge. It
is now the busy season. It will be difficult to
find many of the brothers. We will go to the
station ; the train will soon arrive.
" All aboard for
SPRING vale!"
Here we are — free coach to the hotel. Kept
by Brother W. A. Lowe, — good quarters. We will
walk about the village and see what is going on,
44 ON THE ROAD.
The shoe business must be booming. Three
large buildings are going up. There are woollen
mills on the river in operation.
My good brother and friend, " Ben," is not in
his harness-shop. A gentleman on the street
says, " Hamilton is sick — confined to his house."
We will go immediately and see him. Glad to
find him improving, with good prospects of speedy
recovery. There are a number of brothers on the
street — old acquaintances. I will introduce you to
Brother Lord at the dry-goods store ; Wentworth,
the undertaker; A. J. Smith, merchant, many
years Treasurer of Friendship Lodge ; Chenery
at the coat-shops; Frank Lowe, D.D.G.M. ; Mer-
rill, Butler, Dexter, Ellis, and " Charley" Hamil-
ton. There are few brothers present at the lodge
this evening. Too many attractions outside.
It is good to retire early after a day of hard
tramping. We will improve this opportunity to
make up for the late hours in the past, and more
that are to follow.
Our journey is onward. Wo shall shortly cross
the boundary line between Maine and New Hamp-
shire. Rochester station is the junction. We
will change cars and take passage over the Boston
& Maine line to
GREAT FALLS, N.H.,
half an hour's ride. There is nothing of interest
along the route.
MAKING THE CIRCUIT. 45
Here is the city. Large brick and stone blocks.
Manufacturing establishments appear at all points.
We will defer our survey of the town at present.
Cross the bridge here, and we get into
" OLD BERWICK."
It is twelve o'clock. Now is the time to see lots
of " the boys " at the shoe factory up the street.
Yes, here are Guptill, Toothaker, Foy, Dow, Mc-
Donald, Hodsdon, Wakefield, Hutchinson, Den-
nett, Ford, and Huntress, — all preparing to take
their noonday meal and enjoy a social smoke.
This meeting reminds me of other days, when I
used to drop in among the brothers ; always find-
ing them with open hands, speaking words of
good-will and encouragement.
We will now call upon a brother and true friend
who possesses a large heart. His deeds of benevo-
lence and charity are many. It is Past Grand
James L. Stone. Had I time I would recount to
you the comfort and happiness I experienced in
days gone by, while I was a recipient of hospital-
ities at his home. Brother Stone and his estimable
w'fe have always been my steadfast friends. Their
doors have been open to me, and the kind word
" Welcome " has saluted my ears at every meet-
ing. He is employed in the shoe-shop over the
river at Great Falls. We will accompany him
this afternoon. He has obtained permission of
4© ON THE ROAD.
the "boss" for us to enter the shop and speak a
word with Brothers Clark, Winneford, Eaton,
Merrill, and other members of Washington Lodge,
The time of our permit is up. We will retire.
Many thanks to the management for the courtesies
extended. A few steps over the bridge bring
us back into Maine. There are a number of
brothers we can see before the meeting of Echo
Lodge this evening. We will take Main street up
from the post-office. Brother " Will " Rich is out
of the office, busy on G. A. R. matters He is a
wounded man. " Uncle Sam " has given him at-
tention. " P.M. " stands at the end of his name.
Here are Skillings, Cooper, Wilson, and Spencer.
"Come in! Have a seat on the head of this
barrel ! ' This is very kind in you, Brother
Skillings, to give us the best chair your store
affords.
The lamps are lighted in the hall. Brothers O.
W. and F. M. Guptill, Bragden, "Tom" Knox,
Wentworth, Eastman, Clement, and Robinson are
here, wide awake and full of fun, as usual. It has
been one of my old-time meetings to-night. Is it
any wonder why the boys grow fat? Some of
them show that they enjoy the good things of life
as much as Jay Gould or the Vanderbilts.
We are told that " there is no rest," and such is
our daily experience. We must go on, and still
on, to complete the circuit of this journey.
It is at Salmon Falls, N.H., station we are
MAKING THE CIRCUIT. 47
stopping. We have sufficient time to cross the
river to
SOUTH BERWICK VILLAGE,,
on the other side, and interview Brother H. A. Farn-
ham, Permanent Secretary of Olive Branch Lodge.
Perhaps he may spare the time to show us through
the shop, where there are a number of brothers
employed. Brother Farnham has examined my
credentials, and kindly offers to show " the boys "
the content of m, grip. Many of them have
known the Veteran Past Grand for years, and they
give us a hearty shake of the hand. Brother Farn-
ham says, " Follow me." Here we see Brothers
Hubbard, Dudley, Hassey, Gillis, Edwin Farnham,
Bredeen, Hemcnway, and Ridley. These com-
prise the full number of brothers employed in the
shops. They represent the material of which the
lodge is composed — ready and willing to engage
in any work that tends to advance the interests of
Odd Fellowship.
This evening we shall have Brother William C.
Butler for an escort. He will introduce us to
Brothers Bailey at the bookbindery, D. E. and
John A. Mclntire at the hardware store. It is
raining, and disagreeable walking about the streets ;
but we cannot meet our friends every day. Let
us make our way through the crowd gathered to
listen to the music of the band. " There is a show
to-night." Brothers Joy and Murphy are here.
48
ON THE ROAD.
See ! Brother Bodge has taken the last copy and
labelled my grip, " Empty is the cradle." There
will be a new supply at our next stopping-place,
NORTH BERWICK.
Here we are surrounded by a band of brothers
good and true. Captain "Will" H. Austin, of
Canton Columbian, P. M., and Grand Patriarch of
the Grand Encampment of Maine, is at the head
of the column, calling the boys into line on their
march to Odd Fellows Hall, where they are to
hold a reunion with the Veteran Past Grand.
You, kind Reader, are invited to be one of the
number. I will lean on your right arm while we
are travelling the rough road.
Here are the rank and file. They step to the
music of the band. " Fall in, boys ! ':
David Austin,
Fremont Allen,
Charles Evans,
J. Fred Neal,
George W. Perkins,
Walter Small,
John Tufts,
Charles Tobie,
A.J Allen, 2d,
John A. Sevey,
George H. Cole,
W. B. Littlefield,
" Ed " Collins,
L. H. Estes,
Fred. A. Estes,
Charles Goodwin,
C. W. Albee,
Dr. McCorison,
James Austin,
David Nutter,
E. W. Adams,
J. M. Estes,
Otis Littlefield,
Edwin H. Grant,
MAKING THE CIRCUIT. 49
and a host of others. Listen to the words of their
song, floating out on the clear air : —
" Though o'er life's desert dreary
Like pilgrims still we stray,
We'll aid our brother weary,
And cheer him on his way;
Then if he fall beside us,
When kindness fails to save,
The evergreen of friendship
We'll strew upon his grave.
"Our mission's one of mercy,
Our purposes are high ;
We heed the moan of sorrow,
And th' needy when they cry ;
We help the lonely widow,
And orphans in their youth,
And they shall bless the order
Of Friendship, Love, and Truth.'"
This is a joyful occasion for the members of
Eagle Lodge, Number 47, instituted January 20,
1875. To-day it is strong and prosperous, and
the brothers bear proudly aloft their banner in-
scribed With " FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND TRUTH."
" KENNEBUNK NEXT,"
says the polite brakeman. We will hie over the
hills as quickly as possible, before the clock in the
tower strikes twelve — the signal for the doors of
the mills and factories to close, and for the work-
men to go to their homes. Brother George
5<D ON THE ROAD.
P. Lowell's bakery will be our starting-point.
Moving down the street to Brother Andrews's
office, there are tedious, long flights of stairs.
It is not always safe working our way among
rapid-moving machinery, among buzz-saws, through
foundries and places where men are at work every
moment of the day "earning bread by the sweat
of their brow." None of them pass us by on the
other side. They all recognize the man who has
seen years. "We should be pleased to take you
by the hand," say they, " but can't stop. Call
round later."
It is evening. A small company of the brothers
stop a moment to exchange friendly greetings.
They answer to their names — Gooding, Simonds,
Garfield, Bridges, Hill, Gilpatrick, Meades, Rich-
ardson, Littlefield, Perkins, George R. Smith.
We are one day too late for lodge meeting.
Must say good-by to " the boys." Have passed a
quiet night at Mr. Hall's house. This morning we
will board the train for
BIDDEFORD AND SACO,
manufacturing cities. Granite and Liconia Lodges
are on the Biddeford side of the river. Saco Lodge,
Number 2, exhibits, with laudable pride, the
charter granted Aug. 31, 1843. Past Grand Mas-
ters Edward P. Burnham and Gorham N. Wey-
mouth are two worthy representatives of the Order
MAKING THE CIRCUIT. 51
in these cities. There are few earnest, active
workers who enter into the true spirit of Odd
Fellowship. To-day there is not exhibited much
interest in lodge work, and the attendance at the
weekly meetings is small. Upon the brothers
here named comes the burden of lodge work in
Saco : C. H. Towle, L. L. Peck, Hon. Wm. T.
Emmons, \V. L. Hasty, C. L. and R. E. Gilpatrick,
George F. Owen, C. L. Berry, Charles Hersey, S.
D. Ross, A. T. Lord.
The lodges in Biddeford partake somewhat of
the nature of scores of other lodges throughout
the jurisdiction. They make a good showing in
their term reports, in number of members, and in
invested funds, but are slim in lodge attendance.
The sick are cared for by a few brothers who feel
their responsibility to put into practice what they
have promised to perform. Here are the names
of a few such worthy brothers: C. H. Brackett,
J. Etchell, W. F. Little, John C. Haley, Clarence
Watson, C. E. Pillsbury.
Were it a few weeks earlier in the season we
might enjoy stopping at the next station,
OLD ORCHARD BEACH,
and breast old ocean's surges upon the beach;
but the thought of cold salt water sends a chill
through my body. One hour's tarry at the noted
summer resort will suffice. Any longer stay will
52 ON THE ROAD.
not turn back the season, or fill up the hotels with
guests. There is no longer a demand for bathing-
suits, and we look in vain to see the happy chil-
dren engaged in these out-of-door sports.
Atlantic Lodge, instituted March 17, 1880, is
located in this village, which was originally one of
the wards in the city of Saco. The lodge has a
small membership, and makes but slow progress.
Brothers John Milliken, George T. Fogg, F. L.
Cleaves, and Charles Gorham are the only mem-
bers we can see to-day.
The many vacant seats in the cars remind us
that the thousands who travelled over the road
during the " vacation season " have returned to
their homes, and we shall shortly reach the end of
"the circuit" at the Union Station in Portland.
I will stop here and rest a few days before start-
ing on a new route.
AMONG THE SPINDLES AND FARMS. 53
Chapter VIII.
AMONG THE SPINDLES AND FARMS.
OUR journey will be a short but pleasant one.
We go over the Maine Central Railroad to Bruns-
wick Junction, then change and make a quick run
to
LISBON FALLS,
a thriving manufacturing village, with cotton, wool-
len, and lumber mills. Business of all kinds is
active, giving employment available to all classes,
bringing comfort and happiness to the homes
of hundreds of industrious citizens. Worumbo
Lodge, instituted June 25, 1884, located here,
holds its weekly meeting to-night.
We will call at the mill and speak a word with
Past Grand Thorn, editor of the "Village Ob-
server." He can post us on all matters pertaining
to the lodge and the Order in this locality.
" Ben " is a host in pushing forward all good en-
terprises. His prophecies- have been confirmed
this evening. We see a larger number of brothers
present at the meeting than he was confident there
would be. We see before us many whose faces
are familiar to me, but I am unable to recall
their names. Many of them were readers of the
54 ON THE ROAD.
" Odd Fellows' Register " when I conducted that
journal.
It will be impracticable to record the names of
all the good brothers who have placed their auto-
graphs in my note-book. I will copy after the
style of petitioners to the General Court praying
for the adoption of some important measure, and
head our list with the names of A. T. Bibber,
George Beals, and forty others. They will all be
remembered by us on our journey through life.
The lodge is composed of the best men in the
community. We will look about the village this
morning. We have a fine view of the town and
the surrounding country from this high hill.
" Making up the train ! " We will soon go on
board. It is three miles to
LISBON,
the first edition of "The Falls" in its business
relations and the character of its citizens. S.ab-
battis River Lodge existed fifteen years ago.
The lodge at the " Falls " is an offshoot from
it. The gentlemanly "super" at the office
has given us permission to go through the mills
and interview any person we desire.
Brothers Elmer T. Smith, Noble Grand, and
John Willard are rendering us valuable assistance
in our work. The train does not leave until three
o'clock. We have ample time to " do the town,"
AMONG THE SPINDLES AND FARMS. 55
for " the boys " are interested. They are asking,
"What have we here?" They are coming from
the east, west, north, and south — Brothers Dixon,
Scvey, Slater, Shaw, Spear, Webber, Ross, Pat-
terson, and scores of others, to see and read for
themselves. " Harry " Jordan and Frank Proctor
are at the station, waiting to give us a " send-off"
on our journey to
FARMINGTON.
It has been a pleasant two hours' ride. Here we
are in the picturesque village — the old farming
town of Maine. Many and great changes have
been wrought by the fire-fiend in late years.
To-day fine large brick blocks take the places of
small wooden buildings. Inspired by hope and
fortified by courage, the sufferers from the devas-
tating flames have diligently labored and strug-
gled to accomplish what our eyes now behold.
The resources of the people are largely from
the products of the soil. The village has special
natural attractions which bring many visitors from
abroad, in the season of bright flowers and open-
air recreation, to its enchanted grounds. Hotel
Willows, kept by landlord Brother Will H.
McDonald, is an arbor among the thrifty shade-
trees on the hill overlooking the village. The
" Chronicle," conducted by Past Grand J. M. S.
Hunter, is the people's paper, and aims to pro-
55 ON THE ROAD.
mote the interests of town and country. The
birthday of Franklin Lodge dates back to Feb-
ruary 27, 1849. Brothers Gerry, Voter, Titcomb,
and a small number of other brothers in the village,
attend the weekly meetings, and perform their
duties as faithful Odd Fellows. The membership
is scattered over miles of territory. We have
been royally entertained at Hotel Willows this
beautiful October day. I recall my second visit
to the village, April 15, 1888. It was on the
day of my fortieth anniversary of initiation into
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. I received
a pleasant greeting from the members of Franklin
Lodge, also from landlord McDonald and the
guests of his house. We will take the first morn-
ing train, and return over the route we have trav-
elled as far as
LIVERMORE FALLS.
This is a busy manufacturing village. Every
description of small wooden boxes, " knick-
knacks," and divers articles are turned out and
wrought by skilled workmen. The excellent
water-power on both sides of the river is utilized.
The first brother we meet is Past Grand David
Cargill. As usual, he has the "State Year Book,"
insurance, and other important business to attend
to. But he stops to recall the events of other
days, and places us in the charge of Past Grand
AMONG THE SPINDLES AND FARMS. 57
J. W. Dunham, who is ready to conduct us about
the village. There are a number of brothers at
work in the mills. We can interview them during
the working hours; but we must rely upon an
experienced guide to conduct us over the laby-
rinthine path, through the mills, over the narrow
bridge, and up the winding stairs. Livermorc
Falls Lodge meets this evening. The inclement
weather has prevented some of the brothers
residing out of the village from being present.
The exercises of the meeting have been entertain-
ing, made so by the words spoken by Brothers
Thompson, Richards, Randall, Hutchins, and
others. The railroad station is only a few steps
from the hotel. We have time for breakfast
before the first train leaves. Here is Brother J.
C. Burbank, of Charlestown, Mass. He is Trus-
tee of Bunker Hill Lodge in that city. We are
to have his company on the train. Conductor
Anderson has presented us with one of his
" Chinese puzzles," which is good for a stop-off at
NORTH YARMOUTH
station, where we can spend the day with family
relatives. The harvesting season is past. The
products of the farm and orchard have not been
abundant, but the large bins in the cellar are
filled with choice apples. " Sam " and the boys
spend no idle time from spring to fall. Whatso-
58 ON THE ROAD.
ever their hands find to do they do with all their
might.
It will be a pleasant drive over to
CUMBERLAND CENTRE
with Henry, to spend an hour with Brothers True,
Blanchard, Livcrmore, and Adams. We are
nearing the end of our journey, having travelled
aearly one hundred miles, and exchanged pleas-
ant greetings with scores of brothers. Now we
are " home again."
OVER THE GRAND TRUNK ROAD. 59
Chapter IX.
OVER THE GRAND TRUNK ROAD.
The station is at the foot of India street. Our
prospective journey is over a circuitous route,
passing Danville and Levviston Juncti6ns, Oxford,
Empire Road, on to
MECHANIC FALLS.
Here are paper, woollen, and cotton mills, shoe-
shops, large and small manufactories of various
kinds. It is a busy village in the town of Minot.
Monami Lodge is located here. I have not
many acquaintances in the village. There are
some brothers on the street I used to meet when
the hall was over the store, down town, years ago.
I have not visited the lodge since '83. There is
Brother E. E. Morton, standing on the corner.
He can answer our questions. He says he will
show us round the town after dinner. Here is
an inn. We can attend to that important and
pleasant duty of taking refreshment. Now we
are ready to start out on our pilgrimage. It is
our good-fortune to fall in with so agreeable an
escort as Brother Morton. He is familiar with
the faces and names of all the brothers of the
mystic tie: Moulton, Devinal, Perkins, Barnard,
Perry, Denning, and Lane. Here is my old
6o ON Tin-: ROAD.
brother, I. A. Denison, who has had many years'
experience manufacturing paper at the mills
across the street. Brother Saunders and a num-
ber of " the hands " are returning from dinner. We
can chat with them awhile before the whistles
blow. Here arc Brothers Noyes, Lane, Buckman,
Farrer, Grant, and Briggs. We have just time to
board the train on the Rumford Falls & Buck-
field Road for
CANTON.
We are privileged to ride over the Rumford
Falls & Buck-field Branch on this pass kindly
furnished us by Superintendent L. L. Lincoln, the
veteran railroad conductor in Maine. There are
a number of small stations along the route, giving
interest to the journey. Canton is a small manu-
facturing village. Well do I remember the events
of the day and night when Canton Encampment
was instituted some five years ago by Grand Patri-
arch Edwin A. Gray and suite. Anasagunticook
Lodge is prosperous. A few years ago a new
hall was fitted up and neatly furnished, in the
brick block on the main street. Brothers Nathan
Reynolds, Abner Shaw, A. B. Allen, Hiram Ellis,
H. T. Small, and James Montgomery are among
the leading members in lodge and encampment
work.
We must not fail to take the early morning train
to connect at Mechanic Falls with the train (or
OVER THE GRAND TRUNK ROAD. 6l
SOUTH PARIS,
the country of the " Oxford Bears."
It will not be comfortable or conducive to
health to travel these streets in a cold rain-storm.
Perhaps we may see some of the members of
Mount Mica Lodge passing this way. Yes, here
are Brothers Fuller, Ripley, King, and Starbird.
We should be pleased to spend the evening with
them at the lodge ; but will have to postpone the
meeting until a more convenient season.
It is one mile over the branch road to
NORWAY.
We can see the church-spire and tall chimneys
through the trees as we near the village. Every-
thing about the town comes familiarly before my
eyes.
Yes, we will ride to the Elm House. " The
Captain," Whitmarsh, stands outside. He says,
" I low are ye? The door is open : enter, brothers."
Thousands of hands are busy to-day in the shoe-
shops, foundries, tanneries, furniture manufactories,
lumber-mills, and various' other industries which
are bringing wealth and prosperity to the people.
We will make our first call upon Past Grand A.
L. F. Pike, Secretary of the " Odd Fellows' Graded
Relief Association." We shall find him at the Nor-
62 ON THE ROAD.
way Medicine Company's office, dispensing the
panacea for all the ills that man is heir to, — ■
" Brown's Instant Relief for Pain." He will gladly
furnish us with a letter of introduction to Keene
Brothers, proprietors of the shoe- factories on Lynn
street, where there are many brothers and friends.
Before starting on our walk we will call upon
Brother " Ed " Ames, the veteran Treasurer of
Norway Lodge, which has a notable history in
Maine Odd Fellowship in degree work. We have
had a lively tramp through the rooms in the shops,
under the lead of Brother J. W. Crommett. He
has called the attention of Brothers Nixer, Libby,
Burnell, Sullivan, Bonncy, and twenty-five others,
to the links that bind us together in Friendship,
Love, and Truth.
Here we will climb these steep stairs to the tan-
nery and currying shops. There are a number of
kind brothers at work here. The premises are not
so tidy and attractive as some stores and work-
shops Ave have visited, but the money earned by
the men employed is equal in value with the dollars
belonging to the " bloated bond-holder." Broth-
ers Crockett, Boynton, McCrillis, Cleaves, Leavitt,
Green, and Devine can instruct us in the modus
operandi of converting the hide of "the cattle on
a thousand hills " into material for making men's
foot-wear. Our journeying in Maine is at an
end for a while. We will cross the State boundary
and pass through a portion of New Hampshire.
THE OLD BAY STATE. 63
Chapter X.
THE OLD BAY STATE.
It is November 5, 1889, a beautiful, bright day.
The journey over the Eastern Division of the Bos-
ton & Maine Railroad has been an enjoyable one.
We have had the company of old acquaintances
on the way. The train is now entering the tunnel
under the street. We shall soon be at the station.
It is
SALEM,
a historic town long years ago in the ancient
" days of witchcraft." We have some hours of
daylight before us to look about the city. We
will drop into City Hall, and see some of the
brothers, my old acquaintances in former days.
Here are Hon. John M. Raymond, mayor of the
city, J. Archer Hill, H. J. Loud, and W. S. Nevens,
city representative of the Boston " Herald." If
we can find out the whereabouts of my good
brother " Moses," we shall be all right. He is
known by everybody in Salem. Visitors to Essex
Lodge and Naumkeag Encampment will find the
veteran Past Grand Sibly interested and busy in all
matters pertaining to the good and welfare of the
64 ON TFIE ROAD.
Order. He has held for many years the office
of Deputy Grand Sentinel of the Grand Encamp-
ment of Massachusetts.
The old saying, " He is always near whom you
arc talking about," is true in this instance, for
here comes Brother Sibly up the street. He is
a professional nurse for sick brothers of the
lodges. I will introduce you to him. " Brother
Sibly, this is Brother Reader — one of the five
thousand readers of ' Binding of the Links.' He
has a few words to speak. Listen attentively to
what he may say."
Our good brother has kindly offered to show
us about the city and introduce us to members of
the Order.
Essex and Fraternity Lodges are located here.
The former numbers three hundred and ninety-
two members, the latter three hundred and thirty-
six. Union Lodge Daughters of Rebekah has a
large membership and is prosperous.
We shall find Past Grand N. A. Verry at the
bank ; Brothers Dennis, J. B. Gifford, Perry,
Collier, and George H. Stickney at their places
of business on the street. Hundreds of others
Brother Sibly will direct us to, if we have the
time and ability to look them up.
It is election day throughout the State. We
shall have an opportunity to witness the Australian
form of voting.
Salem is an Odd Fellow city. It will require a
THE OLD BAY STATE. 6$
number of days to canvass it. Brothers Dennis
and "Henry" (deaf-mute) have kindly invited us
to make their office our headquarters.
There will be a large attendance at Essex
Lodge to-night. Past Grand Representative R.
R. Gifford is to entertain the members with an
account of his journey to Denver, the meeting of
the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and give a vivid
description of the sights about Johnstown, Pa.,
in the region of the Conemaugh disaster. His
visit to the Odd Fellows' Home in Philadelphia
will awaken a lively interest in the minds of the
audience.
There is easy and frequent communication with
all parts of the city and adjoining towns. We
can divide up the time profitably and " be in dif-
ferent places at the same time," as Artemus Ward
put it. The Naumkeag Street Railway extends
through
PEABODV.
It will be a pleasant drive this afternoon. We
can stop at Past Grand Wm. F. Sawyer's store and
chat awhile with him, then proceed on to the
home of Brother and Sister Buxton. We have
been kindly entertained by my old friends : now
let us go to Warren Hall. Here are Brothers of
Houlton Lodge: McDonald, Bancroft, Forest,
Newhall, Saunders, and a host of the boys I used
66 ON THE ROAD.
to be acquainted with. There is no work before
the lodge to-night. We will return to Salem at
an early hour, and come again " some other day"
to spend more time with the people. There are
scores of brothers on the street whose names
were familiar to me years ago, when I addressed
copies of the "Odd Fellows' Register" to them.
I know they will not object to placing their auto-
graph in my book among the thousands which I
have obtained in my travels.
Before leaving the town we must call at the
Peabody Institute and speak a word with Brother
John McKeene. He will take pleasure in show-
ing us through the building, the public library,
and interest us with the beautiful and valuable
gifts presented by the great philanthropist,
George Peabody, for whom the town was named.
It will be a pleasant walk through Harmony Grove
to view the resting-place of the remains of Mr.
Peabody. There are a number of beautiful burial
lots of the old families of Salem. Brothers Floyd
and Teague have charge of the grounds. They
are very courteous to visitors.
It is Wednesday. Fraternity Lodge at Salem
meets this evening. Here are Brothers Edwards,
Winpage, Dayton, Fowler, Clough, Newell, and
Symonds. Brother Winpage has been guardian
of the outer door many years. He is a faithful
officer and a worthy member of the Order.
There will be no better time to visit
THE OLD BAY STATE. 67
BEVERLY
than now.
Bass River Lodge meets on Saturday evening
— not a convenient night for visitors. We shall
see quite a number of the brothers at the shops
between working-hours. The first one to look up
is Brother Daniel S. Ingersoll. We must make
our calls social, as we shall not meet the brothers
at lodge. I will introduce you to each brother
personally : Brother Stevens at the bank,
Harmers and Ober at the Town House, Ezra
Stanly, the veteran Secretary of Bass River
Lodge, in the shoe-shops, with Brothers Wood-
bury, Eldridge, Arrington, Griffin, Grant,
Clement, Clayton, and a number of others.
We are glad to meet these brothers and old
acquaintances, and hope at some favorable time
to enjoy an evening with them in the lodge-
room, where I spent a pleasant hour some six
years ago. We will now say good-by to " the
boys," take the next car for Salem, and go on to
LYNN.
The shoe and other business in the city is dull.
" Taking stock " is the order of the day. The
employees will have but little steady work until
after the holidays. I will inquire and find out the
whereabouts of my old brother and friend, Eben
68 ON THE ROAD.
K. Storcr. "They say" if we call at 130 Market
street we shall find him. ""They say" is right
this time, for here he is at the cutting-board, look-
ing just as natural as life; and here also is Brother
Charles W. Fogg, Secretary of Richard W.
Droun Lodge for many years.
To-morrow we will have a look about the city
among the " men of soles." Step on board of
this stPeet-car with me, and ride to Oakwood
avenue. It is quite a long way out of the city,
but it will be a pleasant ride this beautiful morn-
ing. Here we are at the entrance of the avenue.
A few steps farther on is W. D. Sprague &
Company's shoe-factory. I will inquire at the
office for the person I am looking for. Here is
the man himself, Past Grand James L. Bryant, of
Richard W. Droun Lodge. This is our first
meeting after an absence of five years. To
Brother Bryant I am largely indebted for my
success in obtaining upwards of three hundred
subscribers to the "Odd Fellows' Register " when I
visited this city in 1882. Brother Bryant will re-
member me, I know ; but he acts strangely when
I address him and speak my name. " I read,"
he says, "a notice of your death in the papers
some years ago; but I am glad it was an error."
Well, let that pass, my good brother. I am Kilby,
just the same, and it is he that speaketh to
you.
"James, please make my companion here ac-
Till-: OLD BAY STATE. 69
quainted with your fellow-workmen." " Here are
Brothers Clough, Phinney, McCann, Gorham, Put-
nam, Pratt, and several others. There arc not many
at work to-day."
I have many kind brothers and friends among
the large membership of Odd Fellows in Chelsea,
with whom I have taken pleasant counsel in years
gone by. I should greatly enjoy visiting the city,
and mingling once more with the brothers in
their lodge meetings.
We will start on the way to-day. It is December
2 — cold and disagreeable weather; but we shall
not be exposed in the warm cars. We go by
rail over the Eastern Division of the Boston &
Maine Railroad to Boston, and take the street-cars.
They pass directly by Past Grand C. J. Tinkam's
office, 180 Broadway. We have made the journey
quickly and comfortably. Brother Tinkam is not
in his office; we will wait awhile. I see him on
the opposite side of the square. He comes this
way. He is here. He says : "Give me the grip
of your hand, brothers ! "
" Hail, brother Odd Fellow! I welcome the man
Who has three links as a sign,
And greet you in friendship as one of a band
In brotherly covenant joined."
I have enjoyed an agreeable acquaintance with
Brother Tinkam over seven years : First, through
the columns of the " Odd Fellows' Retjister," and
JO ON THE ROAD.
later in seasons of social intercourse in the room
we are now occupying. He has ever been a kind
and considerate brother and true friend. He
desires to place his autograph in my book. See !
He hands me a card with the names of some of the
brothers on the street whom we may call upon :
Past Grands Otis Merriam, Jr., Thomas Addison,
E. H. Warren, D. S. Turner, George W. Perkins,
J. W. Carr, Watkins, Howard, and Past Grand
Master John U. Perkins.
At the meetings of Winnisimmet and Mystic
Lodges we shall meet a large number of the
brothers. The cold rain will interfere with our
plans for the remainder of the day. The adage
"A poor beginning makes a good ending" may
be true in our experiences among the Odd Fel-
lows of this city.
We will thank our good brothers for their many
favors, and depart.
"THE HUB." /I
Chaffer XI.
"THE HUB."
"' I love the road to Boston, the Boston road I know,'
And murmuring ' Boston, Boston,' to Boston he did go;
Hail, holy Boston, Boston dome, and Boston all things
prime,
'Tis Boston, Boston, first and last, and Boston all the time."
y. B. Wiggin.
We shall find scores of courteous brothers and
kind friends at the metropolis. Odd Fellowship
and kindred fraternal organizations are numerous.
They existed long years ago, when man asked his
fellow-man, " Who is my neighbor? "
HEADQUARTERS IN THE CITY.
Before we start on our travels about the city,
we should secure a home, comfortable quarters
where we can rest when the day's work is
ended. Let us move on from the Eastern depot
up Staniford street into Cambridge, and take the
first right. Here we are at No. 13 Bowdoin
street. The name on the door-plate reads " L. M.
Boise." The lady who answers the bell is Miss
Laura M., daughter of our brother, Past Grand
Lewis D. Boise, a veteran member of Warban
Lodge, Newton. He has not only seen years and
72
ON THE ROAD.
witnessed many solemn changes, but his afflictions
in his old age have been many and grievous.
His eye brightens and he is all animation when he
recalls the bygone days of health, prosperity, and
social enjoyment.
We cannot do better than to abide under the
same roof with one who has trod the highway of
life for more than threescore years and ten. \\ e
will settle the matter now, and make Brother
Boise's house our home and headquarters while
we remain1 in the city. Here our friends will
find us.
ODD FELLOWS HALLS.
The grand objective point of Odd Fellows
lodge and encampment meetings is the beauti-
ful white marble building, No. 515 Tremont,
corner of Berkeley street. There are three lodge-
halls fitted up and furnished in fine style for the
accommodation of the lodges.
Covenant Hall is occupied by Massachusetts,
Unity, Tremont, Siloam, and Franklin Lodges;
Friendship Hall is occupied by Washington,
Oriental, and Herman Lodges; Oasis Hall is
occupied by Montezuma, Boston, Commercial,
and Commonwealth Lodges.
The meetings of the Rebckah lodges are held
in these halls.
The encampments and grand lodges occupy
halls on the fourth floor of the building. Ameri-
"the nun." 73
can Hall, No. 724 Washington street, accom-
modates Covenant, America, and Shawmut Lodges.
Ancient Landmark Lodge occupies its own hall,
No. 3 Boylston place. Suffolk Lodge meets in
Elks Hall, at No. 24 Hayward place. Bethcsda
Lodge, South Boston, owns a beautiful large
block on Broadway, corner of F street. Hobah
Lodge, in that part of the city, occupies a small
hall on the corner of Dorchester and National
streets. Eastern Star Lodge, East Boston, meets
in its hall on the square, in the large brick block.
Warren Lodge, Roxbury, occupies a hall at No.
10 Warren street. Putnam Lodge is at Putnam
Hall, in Paine's Block, 1 165 Tremont, corner of
Ruggles street. Nonantum Lodge, Allston, has a
fine large hall in the National Bank Building, near
the railroad station. Norfolk Lodge Hall, Dor-
chester, is on Bowdoin street. Dorchester Lodge
meets at Lower Mills; Mount Pleasant Lodge at
Upham's Corner. Neponset Lodge Hall is in the
brick block near the railroad station, Neponset
village. Quinobcquin Lodge, Jamaica Plain, oc-
cupies the hall in the brick block opposite the
railroad station. Daniel Hersey Lodge, in the
same village, meets in Royal Arcanum Hall, on
Main street. Bunker Hill, Howard, and Olive
Branch Lodges, Charlestown, occupy Odd Fellows
Hall in the Bank Building, No. 25 Main street.
All the halls we have entered are within the
city of Boston limits. It has cost us many miles
74 ON THE ROAD.
of travel and tedious climbing up long flights of
stairs ; but the great object of our mission will not
be accomplished until we have occupied seats
among the members of the lodges who assemble
from week to week, and exchanged friendly greet-
ings with the brethren. With such a compre-
hensive work before us, it will be necessary to
map out our weekly routes.
PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE ORDER.
To be set right at the start, let us ask counsel of
men of wisdom and experience in matters per-
taining to the Order in Boston and vicinity. First
among these is the venerable Grand Secretary,
Brother Charles D. Cole, who has a full and cor-
rect knowledge of the rise and progress of nearly
every lodge in the State. He is a cyclopaedia of
Massachusetts Odd Fellowship. Besides Brother
Cole, we will interview other high officials of the
Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment doing busi-
ness in the city. We may have further opportu-
nity to consult them at the meetings of their re-
spective lodges. I will introduce you, my brother,
to those with whom I have had a personal ac-
quaintance in years past.
Here are Brothers James M. Price, Grand In-
structor; William Marble, P. G. M.; Thomas C.
Porter, P. G. M. ; Horace W. Stickncy, P. G. M.,
at Lawrence, Wilde, & Company's store, Cornhill;
"THE HUB." 75
Wm. E. Ford, P. G. M., at the Public Library
building; Corliss Wadleigh, P. G. M. ; Charles
Hayden, Grand Treasurer; John U. Perkins, P.
G. M. ; Francis E. Merriman, P. G. R. ; Freeman
O. Emerson, Grand Sentinel of the Grand Encamp-
ment; John P. Loring, John H. Locke, and our
highly respected veteran, Brother Horace Dodd,
now past his eighty-sixth birthday. We will rest
here beside him, at No. 130 Milk street, for a
while, and converse with our aged brother. Listen
to the words of wisdom he utters. His form is
bent, and his brow wrinkled. You, my brother,
have heard the words which are falling from his
lips many a time. He desires to place his auto-
graph in my book. Here it, is in a plain, bold
hand: " Horace Dodd, — Nov. 21, '89. 86 years,
6 Months."
We have received much valuable information
from these brothers, and are now prepared to
make our way through the city.
It will be well to devote a portion of the time to
day work, making the acquaintance of brothers
at their places of business, where it will not be
violating the rules of the establishment. I have
found in my travels some proprietors who are
members of the Order, kindly disposed towards one
like myself, bound by the links, so I have adopted
the adage, " Nothing venture, nothing have."
We will venture to ask permission to " speak to
that young man."
j6 ON THE ROAD.
IN THE MARKET-PLACES.
It is drawing near the holiday season. The men
attired in long white frocks and aprons in the
market-stalls are rushing business. It may be in-
teresting to walk through Faneuil Hall and Ouincy
Markets, and see what is going on. Everything
looks neat and clean. Here are beef, pork, lamb,
mutton, veal, poultry, butter, lard, cheese, vege-
tables, fruit, etc., etc. The hands of the big clock
point to 10.30. This is the busy hour for caterers
and customers. Men and boys are moving in
every direction. Cut, saw, weigh, pack, and
deliver. See the long line of people, with baskets
in hand, entering at one door, pressing and crowd-
ing their way through the building, with eyes
turned to the right and to the left, to see and get
a share of the choice eatables. Those fancy-cut
roasts and sirloins would tempt the most delicate
appetite. Boston markets are ample, and meet
the demands of its " good livers." See ! That man
in stall Number JJ is holding out a card. He de-
sires you to take it. What are the words written
upon it? Please read them to me.
" Whatever jour name and where'er you are found,
North, south, east, or west in our nation,
We offer to you an Odd Fellow's hand,
And an Odd Fellow's congratulation."
This means for us to call round for a little chat
with Brothers Dillaway, Hall, Huntress, Richard-
"THE HUB." J?
son, Heme, Lawrence, and Rollins when they are
off duty at noon hour. It is pleasant to make the
acquaintance of such genial brothers as these,
when among strangers in a crowded city. It was
the three links cut from the golden chain that
attracted the brother's attention and bade him
extend to us this friendly greeting.
The names and words of good-cheer uttered by
those true brothers and friends shall have a place
on the pages of my book, to be remembered so
long as my life lasts.
There is a striking contrast between the real
character of such men, who sometimes show a
rough, unseemly exterior while they possess a
good, true heart within, and those who carry
smiles and sunshine on their faces, but at heart
are lacking in manly principle. The homes of the
two maybe closely joined on the same lot; but
an ugly barbed fence prevents crossing the line.
There are hundreds of genial souls in this big
city whose pleasant smiles and friendly acts would
smooth miles of life's rough highway. Such per-
sons would most gladly " lend a hand " to aid us in
our work.
There is a way to find them out. We will in-
quire of Brother Eugene H. Newhall,* at the
American Express Company's office on Franklin
street. He can give us a start. Here he is at
his desk, busy as usual, but lays his pen aside to
ask: " What can I do for you, my brothers? " "We
78 ON THE ROAD.
want to be put on the track of earnest, interested
Odd Fellows." " I am," he says, "one of them —
a member of Harmony Lodge, Medford.
"THE WOODS ARE FULL OF 'EM."
We will spend a little more time looking about
the city before we " flee to the woods."
Brother Newhall has furnished me with a list
of the names of " the boys " whom he knows to
be all right " on the links." We will start out on
the look-up. The first name on the list is Nahum
Chapin. Then come Edwin Rollins Cobb, W. F.
Curtis, F. H. Mudge, grandson of the late Alfred
Mudge, Grand Secretary, C. L. Frizzell, J. E.
Davis, Kilburn Bills, Newton A. Hoak, C. H.
Murch, at No. 119 Atlantic avenue, — he is near
akin to me by marriage, — H. E. Gilmore, O. A.
Bridgham, formerly of Canton, Me., D. W. Web-
ber and C. W. Patten, both formerly of Skow-
hegan, Me., J. W. Noble, formerly of Houlton,
Me., James Folsom, Samuel L. Hodges, C. G.
Kellogg, Wm. A. McCrillis, Calvin W. Sawyer,
and E. P. Dunham. Brother Newhall says he
could write the names of hundreds of members
of lodges in Boston and vicinity; but it will be
much less trouble, and expedite our work better,
for us to attend the lodge-meetings, where we can
see the brothers at their leisure. They will be
pleased to make our acquaintance, and will inter-
"THE HUB." 79
est themselves more readily in the " Binding of the
Links " than if they are interviewed at their places
of business. We will act upon the wise sugges-
tion of our good brother, and look after
VISITING LODGES.
Three lodges meet on Monday night, five on
Tuesday night, two on Wednesday, three on
Thursday, and three on Friday. To " take in "
all these meetings will consume four weeks, every
night out excepting Saturday.
We might sample the lodge-meetings at " Odd
Fellows Temple," go the rounds of lodges in ses-
sion each evening, drop in between acts, and get
a general idea of the manner of conducting
business, note the proficiency of the officers in
ritualistic work, "get a point" on the parapher-
nalia and dramatic rendering.
As a rule, you will find, my brother, strangers
from abroad do not get so much enjoyment out
of visiting lodges in large cities as in towns and
villages. There appears to be a lack of sociability
among city members in most organizations. The
chief corner-stone upon which our Order has
securely reposed for over seventy-two years
embodies acts of courtesy and hospitality. In
many instances the accumulation of wealth, mag-
nificent halls, and showy paraphernalia constitutes
the grand object of lodges and encampments.
8o ON THE ROAD.
Having entered the circle of all the city lodges,
we may be allowed to judge of the genius that
composes their membership. To most rules there
are exceptions. With slight exceptions we are
happy in the thought that but few " black sheep"
have been admitted into the fold, among nearly
four thousand members.
We will return thanks to the hundreds of
brothers of the different lodges for their kind
words and friendly acts. Their autographs will
be a pleasing reminder of the happy hours we
have passed among them.
There is one lodge I wish to call your attention
to, my brother. That is Hermann, Number 133.
Did you notice that our German brothers gave us
special attention? How interestedly the officers
engaged in the initiatory work ! We could not
understand the language ; but the work was as
plain as A, B, C. Quite laughable — wasn't it? —
to be asked for " a speech " for the entertainment
of Henry Mias, William Sonntag, Welkem Bros-
gell, Michland Gilplis, Alfred Boll, Conrad Myers,
George C. Harp, H. Flister, William Heplig, C. R.
Reinhardt, Frank J. Wagner, and others, whose
dialect was babel to us ! They gave us an atten-
tive ear, and demonstrated their appreciation of
our utterances.
There are many pleasing incidents connected
with our visits to the Boston lodges which we
might manufactuie into ante-room and social-
"THE HUB." 8 1
circle narratives to entertain our brothers and
friends on an " off night." But we must go on.
There are yet numbers of lodges in the near
vicinity of Boston. We want to " take in " the
LAST RIDE ON THE OLD COACHES.
"Variety," they say, "is the spice of life."
The various modes of conveyance in Boston allow
visitors who "pay their money" to "take their
choice " of nicely upholstered coupe, hackney-
coach, herdic, horse-cars, steam-cars, and lastly
the " 'bus." The tariff of prices is graded accord-
ing to the number of wheels and style of vehicle
employed. This is the last day of the 'bus line
between Boston and
CHARLESTOWN.
There is to be a grand exhibition of dramatic
work in Olive Branch Lodge, assisted by the
members of Howard and Bunker Hill Lodges
"degree team," this evening. Eight candidates
are to be instructed in the mysteries of the second
degree. We have a kind invitation from Brother
XV. W. Rich, Secretary of Olive Branch, to be
present. This is a fine large hall. The parapher-
nalia is magnificent. It is owned in common by
the three lodges. There are a large number
of visitors present — representatives of city and
82 ON THE ROAD.
country lodges. The work has been rendered
in a manner highly creditable to the proficient .
" degree team."
Yes, we will come round and see how " the
boys " of Howard and Bunker Hill perform, some
of these fine evenings. We came to the Monu-
ment City in the " 'bus " — four-cent fare. With
the setting sun of Dec. 16, 1889, ended the faithful
services of weary men and worn-out horses on the
old line. They are gone ! gone ! to return no
more.
SOUTH BOSTON
is easy of access, by horse or steam cars. The
latter will accommodate us best. We will call at
Lawrence, Wilde, & Company's furnishing-storc,
Cornhill, and Brother Horace W. Stickney, P.G.M.,
will post us on the route. Here comes Brother
Stickney down the stairs. He is busy with cus-
tomers, but will come this way very soon. I shall
be happy to introduce you to this most estimable
member of our great fraternity. I made his ac-
quaintance in Bethesda Lodge some nine years
ago, when I was engaged in editing and publish-
ing the " Odd Fellows' Register." I found a true
brother and kind friend. He has always proved
himself such to me. He is a strong pillar in the
temple of Odd Fellowship. "Brother Stickney,
permit me to introduce to your acquaintance
Brother Reader, one of the five thousand who
li
THE HUB." 83
have journeyed with me by day and by night in
the valley of Jehoshaphat. We arc here to get
direction as to the exact location of Bcthcsda
Lodge place of meeting." "Write on this card,''
Brother Stickney says. "Take a South Boston
Broadway car, foot of Cornhill on Washington
street, and ride on Broadway as far as F street.
The large brick building half a square from the
right-hand corner is Odd Fellows Block — one of
the finest halls in the State. Ascend the stairs,
enter the spacious waiting-room, and you will be
welcomed by Brothers Pride, White, Reed, Rob-
bins, White, Jones, Lincoln, Guthrie, York,
Hughs, Coll, Hobbs, Kimball, Rice, and a score
of others. Give the boys my compliments, and
tell them I sent you among them."
We have followed our good brother's directions,
and found it just as he said. Long live old
Bethesda ! " So say we all of us."
Hobah Lodge meets in a hall over a grocery
store on the corner of Dorchester and National
streets. The members are waking up on the
matter of a new hall ; their accommodations are
poor. The attendance at the weekly meetings is
small. Brothers James Kemp, Paul Foss, F. D.
Horr, and a few others sustain the lodge and
care for the sick members.
Here we are, near the ferry-landing. It will
be a favorable time to cross over to
84 ON THE ROAD.
EAST BOSTON.
I will consult the memorandum given me by
Brother C. E. Durgin, of Eastern Star Lodge.
Yes, the lodge meets on Wednesday evening;
we are all right. It is in the brick block, Maver-
ick square. We have plenty of leisure to call at
the hardware store of Wescott Brothers, and chat
a while with my old friend " Jud " on old times
at Peak's Island, Maine. He is not an Odd
Fellow; but "the boys on the rail" remember
him as a jolly good fellow when he manipulated
the steam-gauges over the " P. & R." Brother
C. M. Wescott, brother of my old friend, is at
the door waiting to show us round town. He
says, " You will find a number of brothers at the
stores and shops as you walk towards the hall."
Here are Henry Smith, Francis Murphy, William
H. Rumsey, and William L. Kingsbury. This is
an unusual occurrence, to have every brother
place his autograph in my book. I will start on
a new page. Thirty names. They shall be en-
grossed and neatly framed.
We will make our next visit among the brothers
of lodges in
HISTORIC CAMBRIDGE.
The first will be New England Lodge, at East
Cambridge. The hall is on the line of the horse
"THE HUB." 85
railroad. It is only seven o'clock, and the door
is open. Here are Brothers Guyer, Cormach,
Ryder, Burton, Davis, Moor, preparing for Degree
work. They invite us upstairs to examine their
wardrobe. Ah ! here comes Past Grand A. H.
Toward, of Carrabasset Lodge, of Skowhegan,
Me. He is employed in a drug-store in town.
I have not met him for more than ten years. We
shall have an enjoyable evening among the
brothers.
' A short distance down the street is the hall of
Friendship Lodge, in the large brick block, in that
part of the city known as
CAMBRIDGEPORT.
This fine building is the headquarters of most of
the beneficial and fraternal organizations in this
section of Cambridge. We are pleased to make
the acquaintance of Brothers Follintine, Hazle-
wood, Day, Hawday, Mcintosh, Fish, Weir, Rob-
bins, and Corbett, this cold night.
There is nothing special in the line of business
or work, and the meeting closes at an early hour.
To-morrow evening we will visit Cambridge
Lodge, and speak a word with Brothers Stewart,
Coyle, Chapin, Bancroft, and Kellen.
Mount Sinai Lodge meets at
NORTH CAMBRIDGE.
It is a cold, stormy night ; there are but few
86 ON THE ROAD.
brothers present. In this case it does not depend
upon large numbers to make an interesting meet-
ing, when we have N. W. Bunker, N.G. ; Charles
H. Cutler, Secretary; Henry S. Davis, P.G. ; and
Brothers Phelps, Bowers, Cofran, Powers, Muz-
zey, Macdonald, and Marshall to conduct the
" good and welfare." There is one lodge close
by which we can visit with very little inconven-
ience. It is Warren, No. 18. Communication
with that part of the city is ample for the accom-
modation of thousands.
ROXBURY.
Brother Dana B. Hamlin gave me a cordial in-
vitation to visit Warren Lodge. I think we had
better " take it in " this evening. Tuesday is
the night of meeting. Take a Warren-street car,
and we ride very near the hall. Brother Hamlin
is in the banquet hall, assisting the caterer. It is
the installation of officers. District Deputy Grand
Master C. F. Brown and suite are present, with
Brothers J. J. Galvin, C. A. Forbush, George C.
Valentine, H. H. Hersey, and W. J. Bishop, of
American Lodge. The brothers are " laying out "
for a errand time. We will ask to be excused, and
come around to see the brothers when they are
by themselves. Good-night, brothers !
Our next objective point is
THE hub." 87
DORCHESTER.
We can board the train for a few minutes' ride,
and stop at Lower Mills station. It is but a short
walk to Dorchester Lodge hall. We have to
ascend this steep hill. The condition of the road
reminds us of the country, — ice, snow, and mud.
What is the cause for so much hilarity in the
lower hall? I guess the boys are having a bit of
fun. Brother Joseph Wild heads the crowd.
There will hardly be standing room for all.
Brother A. A. Page, M. D. Williams, George A.
Anderson, Thomas Clark, Thomas Robertson,
George A. Parker, and nineteen others are here.
They have each bought a copy of " Binding of
the Links," and placed their autographs on my
book. Six of the brothers are Past Grands. This
is a good record for Dorchester Lodge. Its official
report to the Grand Lodge for the term ending
June 30, 1890, is a good showing: 224 members;
36 Past Grands ; paid for the relief of sick mem-
bers, $673.65 ; receipts for the year, $1,665.78.
There are two " strange men" Thomas and James,
among the membership, but they do not interfere
with the harmony of the brothers. One is keeper
of the records, and the other is keeper of the
treasury. This has been a particularly interesting
and enjoyable meeting to me. I wish every lodge
in the jurisdiction had the "make-up" of such
88 ON THE ROAD.
wide-awake, kindly-disposed members as we have
met here to-night. The lodge can but prosper
and take high rank among the lodges in the old
Bay State.
Yes, Ave are on our way to
UPIIAM'S CORNER,
to visit Mount Pleasant Lodge. It is dreadful fo
be crowded, jammed, actually squeezed between
men of two hundred and sixty pounds avoirdu-
pois, to say nothing of lighter or heavier weight.
" Bless me, isn't this pleasant, a-riding on the
rail?" We shall get there some time, if the car
don't shatter. Thank our stars ! we have reached
the long-desired destination. This is Dorchester
Heights, where Washington erected his batteries,
which so frightened the British one hundred and
fifteen years ago. It is appropriately named.
Cast your eye over the highlands and the bay. It
is a grand sight. Odd Fellows Hall is over this
store. Brother H. G. Allbright can give us what
information we desire. The hall is open. We
will find more comfortable quarters in the ante-
room than in the streets among strangers. This
is not a place of business. Almost all the " men
folks " go down town by early morning convey-
ance. This is a place of rest for weary man when
his day's work is done. It has been a long, tedi-
ous hour of waiting; but now the janitor comes
" THE HUB." 89
to shed light and give the surroundings a cheerful
look. Brothers Titus, Harlow, Small, Miller, Cox,
and many more have taken their seats, and the
Noble Grand proceeds to business. Our return
to the city will not be as full of adventure as the
coming.
You remember, Brother Reader, our meeting
Past Grand George \V. Richardson at Covenant
Lodge not long ago? He is District Deputy in
Number 34, and resides at
NEPONSET.
He kindly invited us to visit Neponset Lodge.
The first brother we meet is E. W. Chandler,
formerly a resident of Farmington, Me. This is
pleasant to find friends from the old " Pine Tree
State." The' hands of the clock point to 9.23.
We have only seven minutes to get on board the
last train for the city; let us be going.
The hall of Nonantum Lodge years ago was
located in ^
BRIGHTON.
During the past year a fine new hall has been
fitted up in the National Bank building, near
Allston. My attention was first called to matters
connected with the order at this place by a cor-
respondent of the "Odd Fellows' Register," who
furnished items of interest. Brother E. T. Miller
90 ON THE ROAD.
at different times sent lists of subscribers and ren-
dered the editor of that journal valuable services.
I would be pleased to visit the lodge and make
the personal acquaintance of the good brothers.
Here comes a car through Bowdoin square
marked " Allston and Brighton." It will be a
comfortable ride. Here we are. See ! the hall is
only a step from the store on the corner. It is
fitted up and furnished in fine style. By using the
sliding doors the lodge hall can be enlarged and
made a spacious audience-room. The brothers
are preparing for a large gathering to-night. It is
installation of officers. After the installation ser-
vices a banquet, speeches, and " a good time all
round." It will be a late hour before the festivi-
ties come to an end. As we are depending upon
steam or horse power to convey us to our resting-
place for the night, it will not be worth the little
enjoyment we might get out of it to remain only
to see the curtain rise ; we had better bid Brothers
Budgell, Sargent, Hibbard, and Whidden good-
night, and depart with the hope to meet them all
again " in friendship's circles bright."
It seems to have been the study of the origina-
tors of names for Odd Fellows' lodges to select the
longest and most difficult spoken Indian names
possible. Here is Quinobequin, located at
JAMAICA PLAIN.
There is no kick of conveyance or times and sea-
"THE HUB."
sons for reaching Jamaica Plain by the Old Colony-
Railroad, Providence Division, or by horse-cars
starting from the Tremont House. Not knowing
just where the hall is located, we will take the
surest route, — by horse-cars. The conductor is
well posted. It is seldom that passengers " get
left," or are carried far by the point they desire
to be " dropped " at. It will be quite a long ride,
but not a very cold one.
We are nearing our journey's end, and will
make our exit on the corner, near the electric light.
The lady attendant at the store informs us that
Odd Fellows Hall is down the street, by the rail-
road station. It is raining, and we shall have a
disagreeable walk of nearly half a mile. We have
ample time. The hall is just opposite the station.
Here are stores, a market- house, a neat restaurant,
and near by is the post-office. Quite a business-
like place this. We will rest a while in the rail-
road station, and keep an eye out for the first ray
of light from the transparency over the entrance
to the hall. The door is open ; Past Grand James
A. Dixon extends his friendly hand and introduces
us to Brothers Samuel S. Marrison and James A.
Grant. They ask, "What have you here?" when
their eyes fall upon the likeness which embellishes
the fly-leaf of " Binding of the Links." They say,
" We have seen such as you before," and heartily
welcome the veteran of forty years in Odd Fellow-
ship. Joseph Sargent, Noble Grand, is introducing
92 ON THE ROAD.
us to the brothers as they enter the anteroom :
Thomas E. Hill, John P. Johnson, Thomas Henclsy,
Thomas Huelatt, Howard Trumbull, Samuel Gist,
R. D. Barrett, David Keezer, Thomas B. Connell,
Charles J. Tupper, Isaiah H. Smith, VV. F. Pea-
body, and Alex. Miles. We find them kind, warm-
hearted brothers. The much-mooted question of
new furnishing the hall and infusing fresh life into
the lodge meetings occupies a portion of the time;
but matters that can be attended to " at any future
meeting" are set aside to give an opportunity for
advancing the good of the order. We will choose
a more comfortable and rapid mode of convey-
ance on our homeward journey. A dozen steps
from the sidewalk is the train, ready for Boston.
" All aboard ! " is the word. Have we come so
quickly? Now for the horse-cars to Scollay
square, and we are " home again."
It is Tuesday night. We will take the horse-cars
this time and make " a sure thing " of it, and ride
to the point where we left the track last evening.
It is to visit Daniel Hersey Lodge, in Arcanum
Hall, on Centre street. WTe have passed the point
where we stopped before. Let us enter this build-
ing; perhaps we may " strike " some one who can
answer our challenges. Yes ; these are Brother
Frank Collett's furniture and upholstery rooms.
Brother Collett extends a friendly hand of greet-
ing, and bids us be seated. A good oyster stew,
for refreshment this cold night, will be very accept-
"the urn." 93
able. We will cross here, and see what is going
on in the hall over the store. The janitor has a
big job on his hands to move all these heavy plat-
forms, desks, settees, etc., and put the lodge-
room in order in season for business. He says
.there was eating, drinking, and toasting in the hall
last night, and his part of the fun is to clear up
and set things to rights. The hall is occupied by
numerous fraternal organizations.
The special business of the meeting to-night is
election of officers. There is a full attendance,
and sufficient interest taken in the choice of
brothers who are to administer the affairs of the
lodge, to make things lively. Some of the
brothers here in the anteroom are eying me
closely, propounding questions. One asks, "Who
are you? Where did you come from? What is
the character of ' Binding of the Links ' " ? My re-
ply is, " I am a State of Maine man ; was born in
Washington County, in a small village of less than
six hundred inhabitants, sixteen miles from the
'jumping-off place.' Have seen years, and expe-
rienced many solemn changes." Brother C. K.
Bullock is speaker for the company. My answers
seem to be satisfactory. The book and pencil
pass from hand to hand, for autographs. Here
they are : John F. Wise, H. M. Shaw, F. L. Hitch-
cock, John A. Williams, L. H. Smith, W. A. Den-
nis,— all in a plain, business hand. The speaker
says, "A brother of this lodge is from 'away
94 ON THE ROAD.
down East.' Perhaps you may know each other.
There he is, just entering the room." — "Which
one? " — " That ministerial-looking gentleman, the
chaplain of the lodge." — "I will address him.
Good-evening, brother ; they say you are from
'away down East'?" He says, "That is cor-
rect." Hear ! He speaks the name of the county,
the town, the particular locality, describes the
house where he was born. Now we will turn aside
from the gaze of the astonished and somewhat
interested spectators, and compare notes more
closely. Yes, we were boys and playmates forty
years ago. This is a moment of joyful reunion,
after long years of separation. He is J. Stilman
Smith. His name appears on the title-page of
this book. Dear Reader, I am pleased to intro-
duce to your favor my friend of early years. He
is one with us in the work of benevolence and
charity. Our little episode has awakened a lively
interest among the members of the lodge, and
more of the brothers desire to place their auto
graphs in my book, and read the story of the
veteran Odd Fellow from ' away down in Maine.'
We will appropriate this page to the chirography
of the brothers: J. Wesley Farmer, H. C. Hamil-
ton, J. G. Sherman, W. E. Brigham, C. L. Gilmah,
C. F. Sturtevant, George E. Brigham, George B.
Dillingham, W. F. Thacher, J. P. Trott, Charles
Windhorn, and Frank P. Walker, secretary of the
lodge. The Noble Grand says, "As time and
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. 95
horse-cars wait for no man, it will be in order for
visiting brothers to fill up the time between the re-
ports of the tellers on balloting, that the members
may hear a few words concerning Odd Fellowship
in the early days of its history." DanielHersey
Lodge bears the name of the first Grand Master of
Massachusetts, from the years 1825 to 1832. He
served his second term from 1841 to 1843.
Chapter XII.
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED.
We will now make a little change in our pro-
gramme, and visit among the brothers in " the
suburbs," as the people at the " Hub " speak of
large and small places outside of Boston. There
are three lodges in
somerville.
The first one on our list is Oasis. The hall is
on the line of the horse railroad. I remember the
locality quite distinctly, as I visited the lodge,
March 16, 1883. It is Thursday. The lodge
g6 ON THE ROAD.
meets this evening;. The conductor is pointing to
the brick block on the opposite side of the street.
Yes, the hall is in that building. We will stand a
little inside the doorway, out of the rain. It is
nearly 7.30, and the janitor has not put in an ap-
pearance. We are accosted by three young men
who are passing. They ask, " Is this Odd Fellows
Hall?" Here comes the janitor. We will follow
him up the stairs. It is a long winding flight ; but
we are on sure footing when we reach the top
landing. The premises are familiar to me. Here
is the same table I sat at when I registered my
name eight years ago. Brothers Goss, Ludwig,
Ralph, and Lowell are the first to welcome us.
The degree staff is busy preparing for work.
Past Grand Master Edward P. Banks, a veteran
member of Ligonia Lodge, Portland, Me., is
reported sick under charge of the lodge. A cold
rain-storm has set in. We will make our visit
short, and return to the city.
WEST SOMERVILLE.
Caleb Rand Lodge is a new-comer among
the lodges in the State, as its number, 197,
signifies. The hall is nearly opposite the post-
office. Take a Davis-square car at the waiting-
room at the head of Green street. We can ride
directly to the hall. I have relatives residing in
that part of the city. Here is a note from a lady.
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. 97
It reads : " The company of yourself and friend is
requested to tea with us Tuesday evening." We
will improve this favorable opportunity for a two-
fold entertainment to mingle with old friends, and
make the acquaintance of the members of Caleb
Rand Lodge. Here comes our car. We are
passing over the same route we travelled a few
evenings ago, going a few miles farther out into
the skirts of the town. The ride has been an
enjoyable one, and we are now at the home of my
relatives, uncle and aunt, their son, his wife, and
three grandchildren, — down East folks. Loring
is not a member of the Triple Links; but he is a
"fine young man," with scores of friends, many of
them members of Caleb Rand Lodge. He will
accompany us to the hall at an early hour, and
introduce us to Franklin Hobart and the other
boys. He says he is "afraid of the goat; " but
will go to the outer door and leave us with those
"who understand the sign." His friend Hobart is
not present; but Brother Campbell has us by the
hand. There is nothing like being surrounded by
genial spirits to make one feel at home and happy.
If outsiders were to hear the sound of the merry
voices, they might suspect that some old and
much-respected member of the Order had come
into the circle after months of absence. But the
truth of the case is that strangers who might have
met in the whirl of busy life, meet here for the first
time to-night about the altar of Friendship, Love,
98 ON THE ROAD.
and Truth ; and each in the other finds a brother
and true friend.
Who is that brother with my grip in his hand?
He says he is " a Boston runner," and sells goods
by sample. " Every sample will count one for
game in our veteran brother's pocket." Step up,
boys, sign your name, and take one. Fall in !
Brothers Damery, Bowlby, Pipe, Clement, Carlson,
Walker, Stockwell, Darling, Marsh, McGrath,
True, Mitcher, Keary, Cutter, and Libby. Caleb
Rand Lodge takes two copies of " Binding of the
Links," to start a library. It has been a good
and pleasant thing for the brothers to dwell to-
gether in unity to-night. Each one has had hi^
part of the entertainment, no one more than the
" Globe " man. We will bid you all a pleasant
good-night, and ccme again some other day.
Paul Revere Lodge meets in a fine hall at
EAST SOMERVILLE.
One half-hour among the small number of mem-
bers here to-night does not give a fair showing of
the true character of the lodge, or the " make-
up " of the brothers. Lodges are composed of
individual men, and the character of the body
depends upon the character of those who control
it. If such brothers as Towle, Sanborn, Webber,
Dana, and Chase are fair representatives of Caleb
Rand Lodge, the afflicted brother who may appeal
si BURBAN LQDGES VISITED. 99
to it for aid and sympathy will not be left to die
by the wayside.
THE NEWTONS.
Brother Boise asks why we do not visit his old
lodge and others on the line of the Boston &
Albany Railroad. It will be well for us to do so.
Let us see on what evening Warban Lodge meets.
Thursday. It is a pleasant journey through an
interesting section of the State. The hall is across
the railroad track in the block. Newton township
is very extensive, covering miles of territory.
The names of a dozen or more post-offices, and
the designation of neighborhood localities, are
legion. This part of the city is
NEWTON.
The rain does not improve the condition of the
sidewalks to those who are unacquainted with the
crossings when frequent trains are passing. The
hall will not be open for forty minutes. We will
step into this drug-store and make the acquaint-
ance of the proprietor. It is Brother Arthur
Hudson. He is a member of Newton Lodge.
His bright coal-fire is very comfortable. I see a
light in the hall. Here is a lad lighting up the
rooms. I will speak a word to " draw him out."
"Are you an Odd Fellow, my son?" — " No, I am
IOO ON THE ROAD
a boy; my father is one of urn." Here comes
the secretary, with the big book under his
arm. Pie gives us a hearty welcome, and
says, " You will find a live, wide-awake set of
Odd Fellows here to-night. Come in and make
yourselves at home. I will introduce you to every
brother as he enters the hall. Lay your books
on my desk. You shall have their autographs."
Here they are : Wellington Howes, N.G. ; G. P.
Rice, James R. Bobllee, F. T. Macdonald, IV. S.
Ring, George H. Brown, Madison Bunker, L. F.
Ashley, M. C. Rich, A. H. Rees, F. H. Parsons,
George Manley, and H. G. Crocker, formerly of
Machias, Me. The time has been occupied in
practising degree work, social talk, and exchang-
ing fraternal greetings. We have just time to
board the train. We will remember the brothers'
kind invitation to come and see them, February
5, when they will " kill the fatted calf and make
merry."
It is a short ride to
WEST NEWTON.
We descend the hill, walk down the street a few
rods past the church, to get into the business part
of the village. It is cold standing on the corner.
We will see who keeps this market. An off-hand
way for a stranger to introduce himself to one
whom he suspects to be an Odd Fellow is to
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. IOI
inquire in what part of the town the lodge hall
is situated. Let us see how it will work in this
case. The name of the proprietor of the market
is C. E. Scamman. He says the hall is in the
wooden block on Main street. He is a mem-
ber of Newton Lodge. He has relatives in Port-
land, Me. We have learned so much by inquiry.
There is a church entertainment this evening,
and many of the members of the lodge are absent.
Those present are earnest workers. The hour has
passed pleasantly. The ladies of the village have
established a rule not to make dates for local or
society entertainments on the nights of lodge meet-
ings, when work or important business requires
the presence of the members. Such kind con-
sideration on the part of " the gentler sex " is
worthy of special mention, as such instances are
rare. It will be a source of gratification in years
to come to show our grandchildren the auto-
graphs of some of the great and good men of old
Newton. I will ask Brother Frank H. Humphrey
to solicit names while we retire to the smoking-
room. You enjoy the cigar, Brother Reader, but
I don't indulge in the weed ; but can stand the
smoke until it gets so thick that I can cut it with
a knife.
See what a display of names appear on my
book! Ober S..W. Bailey, Elijah A. Wood, C.
Willard Carter, Fred. Lancaster, F. H. Humphrey,
H. C. Hood, W. B. Callagan, F. II. Dutch, Lo-
102 ON THE ROAD.
renzo Gibbs, C. M. Potter, E. T. Wiswall, F. H.
Callagan, and F. H. Parker, of the Boston &
Albany Railroad. The good brothers have our
thanks for the evening's entertainment. We will
join them in singing the closing ode, and receive
their parting good-night. One week later we visit
NEWTON HIGHLANDS.
It is queer that all the lodges in the Newtons hold
their meetings on the same night of the week, —
Thursday. By so doing there can be but little
fraternal visiting among the members without in-
terference with lodge work.
We take the Boston & Albany car. A short
ride brings us to one of the many beautiful high-
lands that surround Boston and the cities adjoin-
ing, with their sightly hills amidst pure, refreshing
air. The hall of Home Lodge is over Brother F.
S. Kempton's shoe-store. The membership is
small and considerably scattered. Some of the
brothers reside at Upper Falls, two miles farther
on. Owing to outside attractions, there arc but
few members present to-night. Brother Amos L.
Hall, one of the old stand-bys, has put in his ap-
pearance. 1 le says there are others from the
Falls coming to " take a hand" in any work there
may be on the docket. The last train for Boston
leaves at nine o'clock. As there are no hotels or
lodging-houses in the place, we must cut our visit
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. IO3
short. Brothers Chaffin, Wild, Blair, and Gates
are waiting to accompany us to the station.
Have you relatives or friends residing in any
of the cosey little villages on the line of the Saugus
Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad? I re-
member some years ago stopping off at Maple-
wood station, and visiting an old friend, — a
brother, — not of the mystic tie, but by law. We
had passed much time together in the city of Hal-
ifax, Nova Scotia. Among other pleasant events
to be remembered during my stay at his old home
in that part of the town, now the busy city of
MALDEN,
is the following : I accompanied him one Sun-
day morning to attend service at the Unitarian
church. The worshippers occupied the hall of
Middlesex Lodge, I.O.O.F. That was before I
had any personal acquaintance with members of
the Order in the town. I am sure we can greatly
enjoy visiting the city and meeting with the broth-
erhood. I propose that we take passage on the
10.30 train and " make a day of it." This is our
train standing on the outside track. Our first stop
is at " Know Nothing ; ' then Somerville, West
Street, West Everett, Bell Rock. Here we are at
Maiden. I think we can make a cut-off by going
across the High-school lot. Yes, here is City
Hall. Don't go in that door. That is the en-
104 ON TIIE RO.vn.
trance to the police station. Chief Richards
might take us for tramps. I am not sure that we
shall fare any better in the opinion of some folks
if we are seen entering the office of the Overseers
of the Poor. The man we are looking for is one
of the " City Fathers." We will enter. Here is
my old friend, Hartshorn. Brother H., allow me
to introduce to you Mr. Reader, a brother and
companion who has journeyed from Dan to Beer-
sheba.
"These gentlemen," Mr. Hartshorn says, "at
my right are Messrs. Beals and Stiles, Associate
Members of the Board." We are pleased with the
manner of conducting the business of the depart-
ments of the government. Your system is a grand
improvement over that in vogue when we were
boys. A well-managed fire department is a very
important palladium in city or town organizations.
We will cross the street and interview Mr. S. B.
Wilkinson, at the engine-house. He may have
something new to show and tell us ; about the
modus operandi of the boys who " run with the
macJiinc''' Ah ! I see you are casting wistful eyes
at the " Hamlin " in Robinson's store window.
We will step in and learn what "Jim" has to say
for himself. Here is a full line of smokers'
articles. Select one of the best. Brother Robin-
son says if our business is to obtain the auto-
graphs of the members of Middlesex Lodge, we
will need to order a book of three hundred lines.
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. 105
I shall be quite well satisfied to receive one-third
that number. The lodge meets to-night. We will
appear among the brothers and make known our
desires. It is the same hall I sat in that Sunday.
The preacher then occupied the platform where
Brother Fred S. Langley, Noble Grand, now stands.
I have succeeded in obtaining these signatures :
F. P. Cox, A. L. Thompson, C. F. Brooks, H. J.
Kidder, J. H. Hadly, C. A. Davis, F. E. Hub-
bard, John M. Keen, C. A. Randall, Edwin T.
Newhall, P. V. Wing, C. E. Fuller, and Fred M.
Noyes. There will be many more to follow when
the long-talked-of event takes place; namely, the
institution of Maiden Lodge, No. 201. We are
here on that day with brothers from various parts
of the State. It is the biggest snow-storm of the
season. Grand Master Edward H. Kavanagh
officiates. He is assisted by Jay B. Crawford,
G. Warden ; John F. Morgan, G. Marshal ; Julius
L. Clarke, G. Treasurer ; Wm. Parkman, G. Chap-
lain ; Charles D. Cole, G. Secretary ; Rufus B.
Gifford, P. G. Representative; Wm. A. McCrillis,
D.D.G.M. ; Calvin W. Sawyer, J. Lawrence Martin,
A. G. Brooks, and Frank P. Sawyer, Past Grands.
These are the charter members : Florence D.
Tobin, Winslow B. Southworth, Geo. E. Hanscom,
Wm. F. Dusseault, Solomon A. Howe, Jr., Mar-
cellus Coggan, Walter S. Hopkins, Geo. W. Haz-
ard, Wm. T. Hill, Chas. F. Pinney, John Howland,
Geo. F. Erskine, Edwin M. Shepherd, Chas. P.
106 ON THE ROAD.
Lyford, Bcnj. Hill, Edward M. Storr, Robt. Mc-
Donald, William R. West, Moses E. Chandler,
George W. Lewis, Albert L. Decatur, William C.
Demain.
The following officers are installed : Geo. E.
Hanscom, N.G.; Wm. T. Hill, V.G. ; John How-
land, Secretary; Geo. W. Lewis, P. Secretary;
Chas. F. Pinney, Treasurer.
The lodge is in District No. 37, Wm. A. Mc-
Crillis, D. D. G. Master.
The storm is becoming more furious. We had
better take the first train for Boston, and get into
comfortable quarters before night overtakes us.
We take the car in Bowdoin square for
WATERTOWN.
L. C. Creamer, formerly of Portland, Me., is
conductor. He has the links on his necktie. We
are in good hands. He will make the journey
pleasant and safe. We can have our choice, — to
go by steam or horse cars. The latter route passes
through an interesting section of the State, and
will afford us a greater variety of scenery. We
cross the railroad track at the foot of the hill, and
then we are in the village. D. A. S. Barker is
Secretary of Lafayette Lodge. We will look him
up and " get some points " on the village. Here
are S. Albert Gregg and C. H. Rollins. They tell
us to call on H. E. Dadmun, superintendent at the
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. \OJ
stove foundry. He can direct us, and hosts of
the boys in that establishment. "Take this card,
brother," Dadmun says; "go in that door, and in-
quire for John Ripley, W. N. Newcomb, Warren
Taylor, G. B. Moore, and Getchell Maston. They
are all members of the Order." It has been done
as he bid us, and still there is room for more. We
will wait until the -brothers assemble at the lodge.
Yes, it is tiresome walking about town. We will
rest a while in the variety store with Brother A. C.
Fletcher. He is very pleasant and social.
The lodge hall is open. We will enter. Here
are three brothers in the anteroom enjoying a
smoke. They are curious to know the contents of
my grip. Brother Newcomb is telling the boys a
little story about his experience, years ago, in a
small village away down in the eastern part of
Maine, where he worked for a man of the same
name as the author; and Brother McPherson
makes known the place of his birth to be eighteen
miles up " the Schoodic," in the picturesque village
of Robbinston. Well, well, this is funny! three
down-easters have accidentally met here to-night
in this circle of brothers. To make the record
complete, we will ask H. A. Powall, Noble Grand,
Charles A. Gregg, and John A. Evans, Past
Grands, to place their names on the list.
It is raining hard. We have to hurry to get the
car. There are not very many passengers. We
shall make a quick run into Boston.
IOS ON THE ROAD.
If the weather clears up we will go to
EVERETT
this evening. We take a through-line car to the
square, near the hall of Everett Lodge. It is
degree work, supper, toasting ; and it is kept up
until midnight. Brothers Schofield, Baker, and
Virgin give us a kind invitation to come and see
them again.
Who says the members of Prospect Lodge are
not a wide-awake set of fellows ? The Lodge is in
the city of
WALTHAM,
where people are closely watched. We board the
train at the Fitchburg depot. It is only a short
ride. The business part of the city is on both
sides of the river. We will inquire of the man on
the corner with the badge on his breast where to
find the hall of Prospect Lodge. We have hit him
just right. His name is Charles E. Cater. He
says he is "one of the boys," and will take us in
charge — not to the station — and conduct us to
an inn. Some one with a black eye is calling to
our escort. He leaves us — not alone — for here
we have Brother D. M. Spaulding. He directs us
to the place of rest and refreshment kept by
Brother George K. Field, around the corner, in the
basement of this building. It is just as Brother
SUBURBAN LpDGES VISITKh. 109
Field represented, — a full attendance; live lodge,
full of business, and growing rapidly. I have the
autographs of thirty brothers on a parchment roll
piesented by the committee of entertainment. It
is a long list, and I will not occupy your time by
reading all the names, — Robert Robinson, F. A.,
Perry, Jr., Everett Skinner, F. E. McLellan, W. T.
Robinson, T. W. Temple. The train leaves at ten
o'clock. We must leave this pleasant company to
reach the station in five minutes. As we will have
no better time to visit Governor Gore Lodge than
now while we are in the city, let us do the " Rip
Van Winkle " act, and rest in the arms of Morpheus
until December 1 1, 1S90, to find ourselves ascend-
ing the long flight of stairs in the block, on the
opposite side of the river from where we parted
with the brothers of Prospect Lodge ten months
ago. Here are a goodly number of the Governor
Gore boys assembled in the anteroom. The hall
is of large dimensions, handsomely fitted up, and
furnished in fine style. The lodge is young, com-
posed of members fired with zeal for the promotion
of brotherly love and charity. Visitors are cordially
welcome. I met in my travels Brother J. Fred.
Vinal, a member of the lodge, some months ago.
If he is a specimen of the make-up of the lodge, I
am sure we shall pass an enjoyable evening in the
company of such jovial fellows. C. C. Symons is
Noble Grand. There are twenty-five members
present, a good number when there is nothing
I IO ON THE ROM i.
special to call the brothers out in such cold, un-
comfortable weather. It is proposed that every
member in the lodge have a word to say. The
question is: Who shall begin? Let us commence
at the right of the Noble Grand with Charles N.
Rice; then come H. J. Beattie, J. Lincoln Moody,
E. D. Clarke, Herbert L. Foster, Samuel Bowers,
Cyril E. Brown, Jr., G. L. Baker, G. W. Rogers,
W. W. Frazer, M. E. Davis, F. P. McClary, G. A.
Costello, N. D. Johnson, F. O. Hicks, Frank B.
Davis. It has been a meeting for the good and
welfare of the lodge. The speeches were all short
and interesting. The brothers were not afraid to
use their vocal powers. Many of the remarks
teemed with wit and humor. "A little nonsense
now and then is relished by the best of men."
We are invited to accompany Brother Herbert L.
Foster to his home to spend the night. With his
and your assistance, Brother Reader, over the icy
sidewalk, I think we can make our way without
difficulty. " Good-night, brothers ! "
One evening, while seated in the library-room
in Odd Fellows Hall, 515 Tremont street, Boston,
I made the acquaintance of Brother John Malcom,
formerly a resident of Fairfield, Me. Of late
years he has made his home in West Ouincy.
He is a member of Mount Wollaston Lodge,
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. Ill
QUINCY.
He gave me a pressing invitation to visit the lodge
at my earliest convenience. Suppose we make it
our place for this evening. It is a few stations
out on the Old Colony road. It is quite a little
walk from the station up into the business part of
the city. Here is a large new block, erected since
the time of my visit. Odd Fellows Hall is in this
building with the large oval windows. The post-
office used to be in the corner store in the block,
near the drug-store. It is now on the other side
of the street, kept by W. W. Adams, a relative of
the late ex- President, J. Q. Adams. We will go
down on the back street and interview Brother A.
W. Stetson at his store, and find out in what part
of the town Brother Malcom resides. This rain is
disagreeable. We have to take a car and ride to
West Quincy. Brother Malcom's house is No. 3
Hill street. It is a new street lately cut through
the woods. Horrid muddy walking. I think that
is Mrs. Malcom standing at the open door. John
has probably informed her that we might possibly
call to-day. He is at work in the quarries. Our
surmises are correct. We are pleased to make
the acquaintance of the lady, and enjoy a social
chat with our brother from Maine. He proposes
that we take an early supper and go to the city.
The next car will arrive at the hall before eight
112 ON THE ROAD.
o'clock. Here are Brothers Souther, Brewer,
Worcester, Burke, and Campbell in the ante-
room. We are pleased to make their acquaint-
ance ; also that of Charles L. Orno, Noble Grand.
This is a fine new hall. The question of placing
a conspicuous sign across the front of the hall,
between the large windows, bearing the name, num-
ber, and. appropriate emblems of the order, is dis-
cussed by Brothers McKay, Elliott, Hobart, Miller,
and others. Secretary Fred. F. Green has little to
say, but keeps on jotting down the business trans-
actions of the meeting. Yes, Brother Mai com, it
is such an unpropitious evening that we most
gladly accept your kind invitation to return to
your comfortable home and rest for the night.
The bell calls for breakfast. Brother Reader, can
you tell me what it is the sign of to find money
under your plate at breakfast ? Brother Reader is
very funny in his answer. He says, " It is a sign
you have got the coin, isn't it?" I will venture
to guess that it is a sign that our kind hostess has
been out among the neighbors, whose husbands
are Odd Fellows, and sold three copies of " Bind-
ing of the Links " before we had left our comfort-
able beds. God bless the women ! The world
would be barren of joy without them.
As this is a life of activity and unrest, we shall
not reach the end of these days' and nights' jour-
neyings until the entire State is traversed. Here
is the name of the town we visit to-morrow, —
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. I I 3
MILFORD.
It is on a branch of the Boston & Albany road.
This is agreeable to me, as I have relatives and
friends residing there. There are lodges in three
places on the route we shall travel. We can " take
them all in " very conveniently. It is nearly
twenty years since I last visited the town of Mil-
ford. The late Thomas C. Eastman, a prominent
and highly esteemed citizen of the place, was a
native of the village the opposite side of the
river to my boyhood's home, in Maine. He
was engaged in the manufacture of paper boxes
and employed a large number of hands and
extensive machinery. After his decease, some
four years ago, his brother, S. Alden Eastman,
continued the business in conipany with Edward
Hobart, a relative from the same little village in
Maine. I should like to go there and look over
the old grounds. Here we are at the station. I
am a little confused and hardly know in which
direction to go. We will inquire of- the station
agent. Yes, that is so, we do go down the street.
There is the mill. The sign over the door reads,
" Eastman & Hobart." Alden is smiling blandly.
He is not a member of our Order, but has reached
a high round in the ladder of Free and Accepted
Masonry. Most Eminent Commander, K.T. Is
that the title? Business of importance demands
our attention, and we have but little time to give
114 0N THE ROAD.
to it, so let us be " up and doing." We will enter
the mill and speak a word with W. H. Carpenter
and Joseph Bassett. They are " our kind." They
invite us to attend the lodge meeting this evening.
Its name is another of the jaw-breaking kind,
" Tisquantum." J. M. French is Noble Grand;
William Malcom, Vice-Grand; George H. Manly,
Secretary. It speaks well for the character of the
lodge to see so many Past Grands present among
so few members to-night. The music and dancing
are enticing to the young men and maidens. We
will return over the same route we came yesterday,
and stop at the grand railroad centre,
SOUTH FRAMINGHAM.
I have no personal acquaintance with members of
the Order in this town. Years ago I frequently
received communications from a member of
Framingham Lodge, when I was engaged in
publishing the " Odd Fellows' Register." It was
Brother William Murphy, an employee of the Old
Colony Railroad. I will inquire of the station
agent about him. Yes. He is up in the yard at
work on the " shifter." This is " all fools' day."
We shall have to keep our eyes open so that, we
do not " get sold."
I dare ask the yard-master where we can find
Brother Murphy. "That is," he says, "the man
you are looking for, standing by the flag station."
SUBURBAN LODGES VISITED. I I 5
Right he is. I recognize the autograph. I have
seen it so many times on letters bearing messages
of kind regard and postal-notes for the payment
of subscriptions of patrons of the " Odd Fellows'
Register." Brother Murphy is in the service of
the railroad company, and cannot vacate his post
of duty. He tells us where we can find Wright
Summers, Noble Grand, and Brother Collins, in the
freight depot. They in turn direct us to Harding's
straw manufactory, where we shall find Brothers
J. A. Gleason, L. H. Billings, S. M. Pooler, and
others. -Ah ! this is Brother Pooler, my old brother
and friend, whom I used to know years ago in
Skowhegan, Me.
Brother Reader, I am pleased to introduce you
to this good brother. We shall enjoy an hour of
social chatting on old-time events. The lodge
hall is on Hollis street. We will follow the
brothers as they ascend the stairs. Who is
that brother closely wrapped in an ulster coat,
supported by a staff? Yes, he is Past Grand
Master Thomas C. Porter, whom I met in Boston
a short time ago. He has been "under the
weather" of late. This is the first time he has
met with the brothers in lodge meeting for a
number of weeks. My good brother, I thank you
for the kind words you have spoken in our behalf.
I wish you might remain to enjoy the meeting.
But if you must go, may joy and peace go witfo
you. Good-night !
I 1 6 ON THE ROAD,
Here arc a lively lot of boys : Towne, Chapman,
Adams, Waterman, Tibbetts, Johnson, Cutting,
Merriam, Fales, Bartcau, Douglass, Rose, Stone,
Lang, Bruce, Lyons, Herbert, Whitman, Kalcr,
Clapp, Adams, and Bagicr, of West Concord, Vt.
Brother Pooler has invited us to follow him to a
place of rest under the shadow of his roof.
The time spent in company with Brother Pooler
and his estimable wife lias been full of pleasure. .
It brought freshly to memory the events of more
than sixteen years ago, "when the editor sat in his
sanctum."
Chapter XIII.
RETURN TO MAINE.
" I love her rocks and rills,
Her woods and templed hills."
We must heed the call of friends at home, and
cross again the boundary line of States to meet
those who have claims upon our time and atten-
tion. We can spend all day in Boston, and take
the steamer atseven o'clock. It will be pleasant on
the water to-night. It is the steamer "Tremont."
She will make a quick run. How delightful to be
" recked in the cradle of the deep,'' quietly sleep-
ing, while every moment drawing nearer and
RETURN TO MAINE. I I 7
nearer " home, sweet home." Here we are, safely-
moored at the pier. It is 3.30 o'clock. We can-
not yet discern anything through the gray of the
morning.
Brother Reader, I have greatly enjoyed your
company along our journey. You will permit me
to enter my home to pass a season with family
and friends. When I start again on my travels,
I shall be pleased to have you accompany me.
I AM ALL READY.
It is six days since I parted from you, Brother
Reader. I am rested and prepared to start on
another tour. If you are so minded you can pack
your grip and we will board the train at the Union
station for a passage to the ship-building city of
BATH.
You no doubt recall the stations we are passing
as the same which we passed when we were jour-
neying to Rockland and the towns along the
coast. If you are interested in the construction
of large ships, steam-boats, and small sea-going
crafts, you will find plenty to occupy your atten-
tion up and down the banks of this river. A
launching is no novel sight to the dwellers here
about. It will be a difficult matter to climb these
high stagings to the deck of the ship, so we will
I IS ON THE ROAD.
have to be content with conversing with the work-
men at noon hour. We will walk clown Main
street and call on Brother V. P. Emery, Secretary
of Lincoln Lodge. He can direct us to the busi-
ness portion of the city. We have a fine view of
the ship-yards from this high embankment.
Brother Emery is at the grocery store and market
down the street. lie has just driven up to the
door. He says " the boys " in the foundry are
" all right." We will go through this passageway
by the back entrance of the foundry. Here they
are, pouring the red-hot metal into the moulds.
They recognize the one who has met them in the
same place in years gone by. Here they come,
Brothers Humphries, Flinelling, Barton, Hall, and
Dunham. We will meet scores of them at the
lodge to-night.
What is all this conversation about? Brother
Harraman and Charles McFarland ask if we
have seen a copy of the Boston " Daily Globe " con-
taining a likeness of the man who claims to be the
author of " Binding of the Links ; a Story of Forty
Years in Odd Fellowship," with a column notice
of the book. They are trying to come some of
their " funny business," and say they " are going
to read the exposure published in the paper in
open lodge." This is what they are driving at.
This paragraph in the " Globe" published to-day:
" For nearly ten years the people of Portland have
been familiar with the personal appearance of an
RETURN To MAINE. I 1 9
old, badly-crippled man, seen everywhere, always
at work, never despondent, and strangely enough,
quick and active in all his motions, a man who
bears many burdens with surprising brightness of
spirit, and who has done a good deal of hard
work.
" Every Odd Fellow in this State, and many
through New England, know Cyrus Hamlin
Kilby, P.G. and P.C.P., and in his way, and,
for that matter, in many ways, a noted man. Few
have been more devoted to Odd Fellowship than
he, and no man ever fought the battle of life
better.
" Mr. Kilby has been reporter, editor, corre-
spondent, and publisher, always a worker, and is
now selling his latest book, 'Binding of the
Links ; a Story of Forty Years in Odd Fellow-
ship.' "
That came from the pen of the Portland corre-
spondent of the Boston " Globe." We are glad if we
have in any way contributed to the interest of the
meeting, and, more than all, we are pleased to
learn that old Lincoln Lodge is prosperous and
doing a work for humanity. After receiving such a
cordial welcome from the brothers, and being
favored with forty-six of their autographs, we feel
well satisfied with our visit, and depart with their
gracious benediction. Our next stopping-place
will be
120 ON THE ROAD.
BRUNSWICK,
the college home of many distinguished men of
learning and high repute in the nation. It is a
city with large natural endowments. Pejepscot
Lodge was instituted June 13, 1844, in less than
ten months after the Order was introduced into
Maine. It numbers nearly two hundred members,
and is financially and socially sound. Let us take
the noon train and spend a part of the day among
brothers. In a direct line from the station, across
the park, we can find Brother O. A. Corey, Noble
Grand, at the coal-office. He has received us
cordially; his business calls him away, but he
kindly directs us to Brothers Graves, Knight,
Given, Snow Brothers, Jordan, Townsden, Rob-
erts, Hall, Read, Strout, Shackford, Purinton, and
others. We have time to walk up on the college
grounds before taking the train for the capital
city. Forty-six years ago I visited this place
on a Commencement day. I will point you out
the initials of my deceased brother's name, a grad-
uate of '42, cut, among others, about the window-
casings. Here are the letters, "J. D. K." We
will now return to the station and proceed on to
AUGUSTA.
We have an opportunity here to note the changes
and public improvements about the city. This
RETURN TO MAINE. 12 1
elegant granite structure, the U.S. Post-Office build-
ing, is an ornament to the city. The enlargement
and grand improvement of the State Capitol build-
ings is a matter of public interest and pride. The
legislators of Maine have shown themselves wise
and far-sighted to decree that henceforth Augusta
shall be the seat of government. The legislative
halls and senate chambers have been fitted up in
style in keeping with the dignity of the men who
are to occupy them in the years to come.
Here is the publishing office of the " Maine
Farmer." Let us look in and say good-morning
to my friend and old newspaper brother, Howard
Owen. He is associate editor of this valuable
agricultural journal. He was one of the large
party, members of the Maine Press Association,
who made an enjoyable excursion to Quebec in
1878. Since that time I have passed many pleas-
ant hours in Mr. Owen's society.
This evening Asylum Lodge holds its regular
meeting in the new hall on Winthrop street. It is
six years since I met with the brothers. We shall
find them an earnest, wide-awake lot of Odd Fel-
lows. This is a magnificent hall, fully up to the
description given of it in the " City Journal " and
State papers. Here is Past Grand Master R. B.
Capin, a brother of my old acquaintance. We are
to have an opportunity to witness the work of the
second degree by a proficient team. How am I
to manage to obtain the autographs of the forty-
122 ON THE ROAD.
eight brothers? Their names will cover four pages
of my book. I will invite them to spread out large
in double columns on this sheet of foolscap fur-
nished by the secretary. Brother Blackwell heads
the list, followed by Small, Hunt, McCausland,
Weeks, Beals, Pond, Turner, Bourne, Libby, Smith,
Merrill, Masoite, Meald, Howard, Griffith, Ridout,
and many others.
Believing that a comfortable night's rest at the
home of our hospitable friends, Mr. and Mrs.
Brown, on Winthrop street, will be beneficial to
weary man, I feel a strong desire to avail myself
of such a blessing. We will ask the good brothers
to allow us to depart in peace.
The next day is Sunday. We have to spend the
day away from our homes, anyway. The question
is, Where we can pass its hours the most satisfac-
torily? It shall be at the Lancy House, in Pitts-
field, with Brother Owen Blackden. To reach that
place, it will make the journey to our next objec-
tive point the longest way round ; but it will be
the surest road, and our desired home. The Sab-
bath day is passed. Its hours of quiet and rest
have fitted us for the duties and burdens of another
week. We will now start on the first train that
will connect us with the Somerset Railroad, at
Oakland, in season to spend the da)' at
NORRIDGEWOCK.
Time has worked many changes in this ancient
RETURN TO MAINE. I 23
town ill Somerset County. The upper story of
the large wooden building on Depot street is
owned by Ouinnebassett Lodge. A large hall, with
banquet and anterooms, is fitted up and furnished
in a neat and comfortable manner. The lodge is
young, but rapidly increasing in membership,
and is prosperous. Owing to the inclement
weather there are but few members present to-
night. We have passed an enjoyable hour with
Brothers Murphy, Tuttle, Knowlton, Huntoon,
Whiting, Holt, Moore, Hobbs, Frederick, Russell,
Wheeler, Hilton, Lindsey, Hale, Bates, Carr, and
Crosby.
We must take the " slow coach " this morning,
and jog along through the mud. Our road is
after the kind described in Bunyan's " Pilgrim's
Progress," through the " Slough of Despond." It
is a " spike team," with two horses abreast and a
leader. We would gladly exchange the mode of
conveyance for a balloon or flying-machine ; but
having started on the journey, we shall try to
hold out to the end. We are fortunate enough to
complete our six miles' journey without accident.
I get a sight of church spires, and some of the old
familiar buildings, ahead, from this high hill. A
short ride farther and we will reach the village,
my old home for more than seven years. Here
we are at the door of the
124 ON THE ROAD.
SKOWIIEGAX MOUSE.
Everything about the premises has the same ap-
pearance as when I left the town five years ago.
The first person we meet is Postmaster Col. W.
R. G. Estes. At every point on the street I meet
people whose names and faces I recall. I can
hardly realize that I am walking the same streets
I trod years ago in the days of health and pros-
perity. Surely, my eyes do not deceive me, for
here are the stores and offices, and many of the
people I used to meet in their places of business.
Here is the "Somerset Reporter" newspaper and
job printing office, where I have spent days and
weeks in the editor's sanctum, now occupied by
Messrs. Smith & McNeelic, who are laboring hard
to supply the patrons of the long established
county paper with useful and entertaining reading.
Let us take a stroll about the town. See what
changes and improvements have been wrought !
This new depot is a grand improvement over the
old dilapidated building. Here is Brother Sumner
C. Ward. I am glad to see you, brother, engaged
in your old duties, in such a finely fitted up bag-
gage-room. We will find lots of the boys down
on Madison street. Yes, here is Brother George
S. Webb at his store. On the corner are Brothers
Hawes & Arnold. They are apt to give people
" fits " when they enter this store. John A. Dealy,
RETURN TO MAINE. 125
farther down the street, cuts and trims to suit his
customers. Well, well ! here is Doctor Conant.
" Sam " they used to call him ; but he has honor-
ably earned the M.D. by the wonderful cures
wrought by " Anidroses, Conant's Vapor Baths,"
known and acknowledged throughout the globe as
the best and surest cure for the many diseases
which frail man is heir to. We must not pass my
old brother, George W. Gray, by, at the stove-
store. He is the pure gold in manly character.
His friendship is worth having in the days of ad-
versity as well as in the sunshine of prosperity.
We will call on some brothers who may not be
present at lodge meeting to-night : S. B. Steward
and W. F. Bacon on the island ; Past Grand
Sam. Nash and John B. Young at the oil-cloth
factory. They were dear friends of mine in the
early days of my connection with Carrabasset
Lodge. Brother Young stood firm as a rock when
the disheartened members faltered and were ready
to faint by the wayside.
It is evening. The brothers are gathering as
aforetime at the main entrance of Coburn Hall,
ready to ascend the long flight of stairs to Odd
Fellows Hall. There have been radical changes
in the upper story of the building since I last
visited the lodge. A spacious reception-room has
been added by taking in the small banquet hall
formerly occupied by the Masonic bodies. With
the handsome paraphernalia and other things in
126 ON THE ROAD.
keeping therewith, there are few lodges in the
State possessing a better outfit or doing better
work than this lodge. Here they come with
hands extended to welcome the veterans of forty
years: Brothers F. B. and M. B. Heselton,
French, " Sim " Sawyer, Hurley, Strickland,
Knight, Morrill, Lumsdcn, Vigue. Tantish, Thinge,
Forbes, Howe, Leland, Smith, Dunham, Foster,
and Goodwin. Some of them are strangers to me,
as they have come here " since I've been gone."
Ten years absence from one's own lodge brings
many changes. Those who were boys then are
men now. It seems strange to be privileged to
raise my hand when the vote is called on lodge
matters, after sitting in hundreds of lodges as a
visitor and spectator. It is more than strange to
speak upon questions under discussion without
permission of the Noble Grand. But it all comes
to me now. I am at home in old Carrabassctt
Lodge, occupying the warden's chair. I feel like
reversing the language of the wise men : " Once
I was young, but now I am old." Brothers, one
and all, I desire to introduce to your favor my
brother, Mr. Reader, who has accompanied me on
all my journeyings. Before we depart on this
morning's train I desire to speak with these old
friends on the corner at the post-office : B. F.
Eaton, Samuel D. Arnold. Barnett Wharf, Frederick
Hoyt, Oliver Walker, Colonel Isaac Dyer, Colonel
A. W. Wildes, General R. B. Shepard, George and
RETURN TO MAINE. I 27
Ed. Page. The train is hauling up to the station.
We must say good-by to all our friends. We are
crossing the high bridge over the Kennebec.
" Going ! Gone ! " We change cars at Water-
ville, and take the lower road for
GARDINER.
This is a city of lumber mills. Heavy losses
have come to the business men at various times
by devastating fires. I have very few acquaint-
ances here. Gardiner Lodge, No. 9, was instituted
in 1874. It has a devoted membership.
There have been heavy drafts upon its member-
ship by the formation of new lodges. The old
hall remains the same as it was six years ago ; a
few of the pillars of the lodge are present to-night:
Brothers White, Partridge, Robinson, Tarbox,
Hooper, Goodrich, Spearing, Goodwin, Hayes, and
Parnell. We spend a pleasant hour with them.
We have only a short ride to
HALLOWELL,
where we will see Brothers Thomas S. Burnham
and Charles F. Kilbrith, at the oil-cloth factory,
and George F. White, E. E. Lehi, Arch. Camp-
bell, and Daniel Hanscom on the street.
Sanborn Lodge meets Thursday evening. We
are one day too late. I recall the night of Oct.
128 ON THE ROAD.
5, 1882, when the lodge was instituted by Grand
Master Silas W. Cook, of Lewiston, assisted by
the Grand Officers and a large delegation of mem-
bers of Asylum, Gardiner, Pejepscot, Richmond,
and other lodges from the surrounding cities and
towns. At the meeting of the next week follow-
ing I was present and invited to deliver the Past
Grand's charge to fifteen initiates. We will board
" Jewitt's train," and go on to
RICHMOND.
This is a shoe manufacturing town. Quite a
number of my friends who resided here years ago
now make there home in California and the far
West. Here we are at the furniture and upholstry
store where Brother J. Clarke Flagg is employed.
He is standing in the door conversing with Brother
S. Reed Allen. He is beckoning to us to come
that way. He says, " There are very few mem-
bers of Richmond Lodge on the street in places
of business." Most of them are employed in the
shoe-shops. It is doubtful if we are admitted at
working hours. We will attend the lodge meet-
ing to-night and hear what "the boys" have to
say about it. This is my first visit to the lodge
in this beautiful hall. I remember well when it
was completed and dedicated with interesting
services. Brother Z. S. Spaulding was one of the
leading actors on that occasion. We have a
ALONG THE ROCK-BOGND COAST. 1 29
pleasant little company of brothers here to-night.
It would add greatly to the interest of the meet-
ing if all these richly upholstered seats were oc-
cupied by the one hundred and thirty brothers
who hold membership in the lodge. We are glad
to find ourselves surrounded by such a good band
of brothers as R. E. Wood, F. J. Buker, W. A.
Bibber, E. Marco, E. B. Webber, C. H. H. French,
M. G. Buker, A. A. Williams, John W. Jordan,
George O. Small, and C. F. Reed. Brother
Jordan tells us to call at the shoe-shop down on
the street in the morning. He will introduce us
to Wm. PL Harlow, proprietor of the establish-
ment, who is a brother of the Order. We have
been kindly treated and highly favored in both
shops, for which we thank the manager.
Having accomplished our purposes in this part
of the State, we will make a direct journey home,
and rest a few days.
Chapter XIV.
ALONG THE ROCK-BOUND COAST.
" We left behind the painted buoy
That tosses at the harbor mouth,
And madly danced our hearts with joy,
As fast wejietted to the south."
WERE you, Brother Reader, ever away down in
that part of Maine so much talked of and
I30 Otf THE ROAD.
written about, the Eden that inspires the poet
with song, the mid-summer home of men and
women of high rank and wealth, the enchanted
grounds around
BAR HARBOR?
The steamer leaves Railroad Wharf to-night
at eleven o'clock. We have comfortable quarters
for sleeping. The hours of the night will quickly
pass while we are in the land of dreams. Hark !
I hear the call : " Passengers for Rockland turn
out!" Is it possible? Five o'clock so soon ! I
hardly realized that the boat had been moving.
It will soon be daylight. Let us go on deck and
look out on the blue ocean. We have come twelve
miles. This landing is Islesboro, a new stopping-
place on the route. See that large hotel, it was
erected last season. Our next stopping-place is
the historic town of Castine. Up on the high
grounds is the Arcanian, a handsome summer
hotel. The United States revenue cutter " Wood-
bury" is lying off in the harbor with flying colors.
That little village just in sight is Deer Isle. Here
we arc coming to Sedgwick. The landing is off at
the right. A bold sand bar makes out, obstruct-
ing a close entrance to the town. Just ahead, as
we are moving, you can see South West Harbor,
and off at the right, North West Harbor, two
thriving villages with large summer hotels. These
are our last landing-places. The steamer is enter-
ALONG THE ROCK-BOUND COAST. I 3 [
ing deep water. We are to have the company of
the steamer " Mt. Desert." The passengers of
both steamers are exchanging friendly greetings.
There is to be a pleasant little contest to see which
boat will make the landing first. It has been
quite exciting. There go the lines of the "City of
Richmond " ! They are received on the wharf.
The "Mt. Desert" hauls along side. We are
safely landed,
" Where the stately sh'ps go in
To the haven under the hill."
During the months of July and August it is teem-
ing with life and gayety. Nature has bestowed
her best efforts in producing a perfect picture,
upon which the eye of man never tires to gaze.
We will enter the office of the Mt. Desert " Herald "
and grasp the hand of my good brother, Joseph
Wood, the editor. He can post us on all matters
of interest concerning the place. We are too
early in the season to see it as it will appear a
month hence. Island Lodge numbers 120 mem-
bers, and holds its meetings in Wood's block. We
are one day past the night of meeting. The chief
of police has volunteered to " drum up " the boys
for a social chat at the hall. Brother Wood is
leading the way to introduce them as they enter:
Brothers Carr, Campbell, Clark, Graves, Benson,
Harmon, Campbell, Jordan, Benner, Hodgkins,
Milliken, Kurson, Green, Hodgkins, Herring, and
132 ON THE ROAD.
Jones. We have taken sweet council together in an
old-fashioned conference meeting. It would do
the mind and body of " the laboring class " good
to remain in this fair land during the coming weeks
of warm weather ; but we must be moving down
the street to take passage on board the ferry to
cross the bay and take the train and proceed on to
ELLSWORTH.
We shall remain in the city to-day and meet the
brothers of Lejock Lodge this evening. We will
follow the brothers up into the hall. I will take
the seat by the secretary's desk. It is the same
one which I occupied six years ago. Here is
Brother J. C. Bartlett, Noble Grand; also Brothers
Packard, Holmes, Mullan, Gould, Allen, Furber,
and thirty others. The degree staff will show us
fine work to-night. The boys are coming in large
numbers to help them.
It is Saturday morning; the rain-clouds have
rolled away ; the sun sends forth its cheering rays.
We will take the first train for Bangor. A short
run brings us to
WINTIIROP.
We will step off here and call upon some of my
old friends at Bailey's oil-cloth factories. Brothers
W. H. French, Dudley, Dillingham, Towle, and H.
A. French are at the village. Brothers C. A. Briggs,
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND. 1 33
Stowe, Titus, and Foster are at Baileyville factories.
The four o'clock train will take us direct to Port-
land, where we shall spend the night and arrange
for the future.
Chapter XV.
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND.
It is more than four years since I visited my
old home in Washington County. I have arranged
a nice little programme for a two weeks' cruise
down in that section of the State. I am well sat-
isfied, Brother Reader, that you are not unpleas-
antly affected by a sea-voyage. Through the
courtesy of E. A. Waldron, Esq., General Agent
of the International Steamship Company, Boston,
and W. H. Kilby, agent at Eastport, we are
equipped for a passage on board the fine steamer
" State of Maine," Captain Hjlyard. The steamer
will leave her wharf at six o'clock P.M. Clerk
LeBarron Thompson recognizes us among the
crowd gathering about the ticket-office to secure
rooms and berths for the night. He says, " This
key will admit you to state-room No. 28, where
you can make yourselves comfortable for the
night." Thanks, Brother Thompson. The
steamer is swinging out from the wharf. We are
134 ON THE ROAD.
passing Portland Light, — now rounding Cushing's
Island. Moving farther and farther out to sea,
wc can now just get a glimpse of the upper end
of Peak's Island. The sun has gone down out of
siedit. We will retire to the saloon. The hours
of night have passed quickly while the hundreds
of men and women on board have been sleeping
peacefully. Let us go on deck and witness the
glorious sunrise. The call of the breakfast gong
is a welcome sound to the average traveller. Mr.
J. G. Bond, the steward, is admirably fitted for the
position he occupies so acceptably to all who en-
joy the indispensables set forth by his head
waiter, Mr. Charles Devereux, and his attentive
corps of assistants.
We are passing Lubec Narrows, and fast near-
mg
EASTPORT.
" Often I think of the beautiful village
Situated on Quoddy Bay;
Often in thought I go up and down
The pleasant streets of the dear old town,
And my youth comes back to me."
The toot of the whistle is a signal for casting
the gang-plank. The passengers arc crowding
their way up the wharf. Here is our friend, W.
H. Kilby, at his desk in the office. Let us move
" up town." How changed is everything before
my eyes, made so by the ravages of the great fire
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND. I 35
a few years ago ! The many fine brick and wooden
structures now occupying the sites of the old
familiar stores and small buildings along Water
street speak volumes for the courage and enter-
prize of the citizens of the town. This store is
occupied by Mr. Henry J. Reynolds. The upper
story is the " Sentinel " newspaper and job printing
office. The old paper was established in the year
1 81 8. To pass it by would be like turning my
back on an old friend who had been at my side
from the first moment of my existence until the
present day. Here is Editor Nutt and his typos
busily at work " making up " this week's issue.
"What is the significance of the initials I.O.O.F.
on the sign on the hall? Brother Mildon , will
you please explain? " — " It is," he says, " the hall
of Border Lodge, which was instituted June 14,
1 88 1. Come and see us to-night, and you will
learn all about it." There is an interesting history
to Odd Fellowship in this town, and, in fact,
throughout the county. We have time for taking
a full survey of the town. I will introduce you,
Brother Reader, to scores of my old friends here.
Their names are like household words to me.
Walk up the street. Here are the Bradfords,
Sheads, Corthell, and Gardner, Kilby Brothers,
Pike & Kilby, Martin Bradish, a worthy ancient
Odd Fellow.
It is near the hour for lodge meeting. We will
follow the multitude, — not to do evil, but for a
136 ON THE ROAD.
noble cause. This is a neat, coscy hall. Every-
thing is in keeping with the life and spirit of a
lively lodge. It is work in the second degree.
Past Grand Mildon is master of ceremonies.
Here is a delegation from a new lodge lately insti-
tuted up the river. We will keep shady about
them until we have an opportunity to fire a shot
at " short range."
We will now look the lodge roster over and see
what sort of material it is composed of. Here are
some of the names : Brothers Wallace, Lowe,
Brooks, Palmer, Martin, Magee, Brewster, Shoppie,
Cleveland, Moses, McDonald, Mabee, Buckman,
and McMastcrs. There is no good reason why
the lodge should not grow and prosper with such
a lot of earnest, active members as these and
eighty others.
A SAIL UP DENNY'S RIVER.
This is a delightful morning, with a full-sail,
north-west breeze. Here are Messrs. York and
Motz, skippers of the good schooners "Julia"
and " Gertie." They are ready to invite us for a
sail up over Cobscook Falls. It is more than
twenty years since I last sailed on these waters. I
note but few changes since that time. It is " slack
tide," and the "two-hour rock" comes fully to
view. It is the same rock which was mistaken for
the back of a large whale, many years ago, by two
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND. 1 37
voyagers on the turbulent waters in the night-time,
with only the pale light of the moon to discern
surrounding objects. The adventurers had been
imbibing freely of gin, and were looking through
glasses darkly. When the water receded from the
surface of the rock, one of the men took his posi-
tion in the stern of the boat, and with a sharp axe
dealt heavy blows on the back of the whale (?)
and uttered encouraging words to his companions.
" By Jove," cried he, " we'll get our winter's ile ! "
We have now passed the whirlpools and hidden
rocks, upon which the frail barks of numbers of
men and women have been dashed. We are en-
tering the Narrows, and now rounding the " Point."
Here I get a sight of the church spire on the hill-
top. There is the old " dock-bridge " down by
the marsh. This is
DENNYSVILLE,
Brother Reader. It is only half-flood. We should
do better to climb the rocky shore and walk to
the village than to remain on board until eight
o'clock.
Brother Reader, you are now in the village
where I was born and reared, and where I passed
my school-boy days in full view of this beautiful
river. Here I spent forty-six years of my life.
Do you wonder that I am pleased to look upon
these trees, these fields, and listen to the gurgling
138 ON THE ROAD.
brooks? Here is the old meeting-house. The
foundation-stones of the old school-house on the
hill are there; but the house itself, with the mas-
ter's desk and the scholars' benches, are gone, and
nearly all the boys and girls of those days are also
gone, some never to return.
We will walk slowly along the road. Here is
the old shoe-maker's shop, and the little chapel,
with the parsonage near by it. Across the field
is the old homestead. Father, mother, sister, and
brother are not there.
We are invited to a seat in the carriage with the
pastor of the village, for a few hours' drive.
Brother Reader, did you ever visit your old home
after many years of absence? The title that had
been affixed to your name in manhood's years by
strangers in distant towns and cities, now dropped,
and you were greeted by cousins and old school-
mates with the plain Christian name given you by
your loving mother?
The first one of my old friends to meet is Mr.
Theophilus W. Allan, past fourscore years of age.
He is the oldest inhabitant of the town. His eye
is very little dimmed, and his natural force is not
seemingly abated. Here is Benjamin Lincoln,
Esq., great-grandson of General Lincoln, of Rev-
olutionary fame. We are invited to make our rest-
ing-place at the home of Peter E. Vose, Esq., the
next man in ave to Mr. Allan. This has been a
day of pleasing events long to be remembered.
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND. I 39
There is no lodge of our Order in the village, and
none of the citizens hold membership in any lodge.
The Masonic fraternity is quite largely represented
here. Rev. Mr. Whittier has been appointed
chaplain in several of the Grand Bodies. Two
happy weeks have passed, and we must now bid
our friends and townsmen adieu, and prepare to
depart. Here is Mr. Lyman K. Gardner and Mrs.
Gardner with a two-seated carriage in waiting to
convey us to
PEMBROKE.
It is a five-miles drive over a rough, hilly road.
We are at the store of E. Wilder & Son, at the
West Village. Mr. Bela Wilder recognizes his old
friend, and leads the way to the house. How
familiar that female voice sounds ! It is the aged
mother of two sons, whose strong arms support
her in her declining years. She leads the way to
the sitting-room. Here I look upon the old wall
decorations. Our mission to this town is to make
the acquaintance of members of George Wash-
ington Lodge, No. 123, which was instituted
March 26, 1890, by Grand Master Hon. A. S.
Kimball, assisted by Grand Marshal A. L. F.
Pike, Lee, and Oliver, of Calais, Mildon and
Wood, of Eastport, with twenty-two members of
other lodges. We are to meet with the brothers
in the hall to-night and aid them in conferring the
initiatory degree on twelve candidates. The lodge
140 ON THE ROAD.
has made a splendid beginning, and will make a
strong pillar in the temple of Odd Fellowship in
Washington County. I will be greatly pleased to
have the autographs of every brother present. It
will be interesting to me and other brothers of the
Order to read the names of the pioneers of the
first lodge organized in Pembroke. Brothers, I
invite you to write your names in my book.
Here they are: J. A. Gilpatrick, J. W. Holland,
Ed. E. Wilder, J. W. Hilton, E. W. Farley,
Horace Hersey, Fred Laughton, A. G. Levey,
Frank J. Wilder, John R. Thompson, Wm. H.
Welch, Edward P. Wilder, Luther Lakin, Jr.,
Howard Anthony, Sullivan B. Clark, Elmer H.
Knowlton, C. H. Phinney, D. C. Spofford, WTilliam
A. Blackwood, and George H. Stevens. We will
now leave the brothers to progress with their
business.
It is Saturday morning. The mail stage left
the village at an early hour. There is no public
conveyance to Eastport during the day. Our
plan was to spend Sunday with friends on " the
Island." Brother Reader, you don't seem to
understand what I mean by that expression. The
town of Eastport is built on an island, the water
surrounding "it is Passamaquoddy Bay. We will
either procure a team and drive down ourselves,
or engage passage with " Cal " Gardner, the livery-
stable man. He is at the other village. Yes,
" Cal " will find a stowaway place for us in his
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND. 141
single-seated buggy, if we can be folded up like
an umbrella. Here we are, tucked in as " snug as
a bug in a rug." The fast-stepping horse has
made the miles seem shorter than in the days of
slow jogging along with the old farm horse.
Here we are back again at the Bucknam House,
to enjoy hours of rest for to-morrow's labors.
The steamer " Charles Houghton " is at the wharf.
It will be a pleasant excursion up the St. Croix
River to-day, touching at St. Andrews, N.B., and
Robbinston.
The steamer has made a quick run. The tide is
favorable for going above the Ledge, and we
shall soon reach the upper landing. This is
CALAIS, THE BORDER CITY.
Many changes have been wrought since my last
visit. Our first business will be to find Brother
W. H. Nichols, treasurer of the St. Croix Cotton
Mills Corporation. He was superintendent of
the Maine Central Railroad Repair Shops, at
Waterville, sixteen years ago. He has been one
of my warmest friends all these years past. We
will follow Brother Nichols' advice about finding
the members of Fellowship Lodge. The hall is
in this block, up two flights. The room is small
and affords poor accommodations for the lodge
and encampment. I am pleased to meet Brother
Nichols among the members to-night. There are
142 ON THE ROAD.
thirty- four brethren present to assist in conferring
second degree upon four candidates. When the
new hall, now in progress, is completed, there
will be ample room for rendering the work in a
more satisfactory manner. The following brothers
have answered to their names at roll-call :
J. W. McAllister, W. H. Nichols, R. H. Saunders,
Charles L. Harris, E. C. Jackson, Thomas Mc-
Cullough, George R. Gardner, Rev. A. W. C. An-
derson, F. P. Dunning. We will cross the toll
bridge over the St. Croix River and spend an hour
with our brothers " on the other side," as they say
here. This is
ST. STEPHEN, N.B.
There is no lodge in this place; but a number of
brothers are members of Fellowship Lodge. We
will enter this candy manufactory and speak with
Brothers L. M. Robinson and George A. Mc-
Andrews.
It is time to return to Calais and board the
steamer for a passage to
ST. JOHN, N.B.,
where the Grand Lodge of the Lower Provinces of
B.N. A. will convene in annual session to-morrow.
The sight of the city, as we are sailing up the
harbor, brings fresh to my memory the time when
I, in company with hundreds of others, came here
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND. 1 43
by steamer from Eastport to witness the appear-
ing of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. Since
that time I have frequently visited the city. Let
us walk up Prince William street, and rest awhile
in Kings square. There is no lack of hotel
accommodations. Some of the names are quite
American, — Bangor House, Central House.
We will examine the register of Queen Hotel.
Here is the name, " Henry A. Taylor, Halifax,
N.S." He is Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge
in this jurisdiction. I must seek him out. It was
over forty years ago when I was initiated into
Acadia Lodge, No. 26, at Halifax, N.S., and this
same Taylor was conductor. I think he will recall
the events of that night. Here is the gentleman.
I will make the first advances, and see if he
answers to the name of Henry A. Taylor. Brother
Reader, he is the man I have been looking for.
We meet for the first time after forty years' sep-
aration. Two old friends and veteran brother
Odd Fallows. What a happy meeting ! The
advance of time, the burdens and cares of life,
and the weight of many years are upon us. We
have indeed seen years, and many, many solemn
changes have come to us. But he is, as he styles
himself, " the same old Taylor," as mirth-pro-
voking, joke- cracking a fellow as in the days of
yore. Nothing suits him better, and none can do
it with less effort than he. Well, this has been
one of the pleasantest and happiest meetings of
144 ON THE ROAD.
ni}- life. Now we arc ready to accompany our
brother, — whom we thought to be dead, and is
alive again; " he was lost and is found," — to see
the sights about the ancient city.
Our visiting cards will admit us to seats in the
Grand Lodge. Brother Taylor covets the privi-
lege to wait upon us in the anteroom and intro-
duce us to Grand Master Wilson and the lafgfe
body of representatives. We are pleased to make
the acquaintance of Brothers Theo. L. Chappell,
J. P. Edmunds, Hon. C. H. Skinner, J. C. P.
Frazer, and hundreds of others, who extend their
cordial greeting. We will remain in the city one
week to attend the meetings of Pioneer, Beacon,
Peerless, Siloam, and Golden Rule lodges, all of
which are enjoying a good de'gree of prosperity.
At the different lodges we have met a large num-
ber of earnest, fraternal brothers : Damery, J. A.
Paul, W. C. Cristie, M.D., Andre Cushing, R. B.
Barnes, Joseph A. Murdock, and one hundred
and fifty- six others, who have kindly placed their
autographs in my book. Our time is up, we must
return to Portland, Me., and thence to
teak's island.
We are now justly entitled to a week of rest and
recreation after our long journcyings. There is no
pleasanter place to pass the time than on Peak's
Island. We arc just in time to step on board
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND. 145
the steamer " Greenwood," with Captain Dean.
Clerk Webber has placed seats for us near the
pilot-house that we may have an unobstructed
view of points along the route. We are now
passing the " breakwater," extending far out into
bold water. It is a master-piece of masonry
work. Here we see Forts Preble and Gorges.
Fort Scammel is on this small island, known as
House Island. The work of building the strong
battery was commenced in 1808 and closed in
1875, for lack of appropriations by Government.
We are now in full view of Jones' Landing.
That large oval-roofed building is Forest City
Rink, where roller-skating, in its day, was en-
joyed by old and young in large measure. The
building is now occupied by Gordon's toboggan
chute, and other fascinating pastimes, in which
large numbers of people participate. We are at
the landing. Let us walk up the street. Here is
the Peak's Island House, kept by Landlord Saw-
yer. We shall be well accommodated and satis-
fied with the fare he furnishes. We turn off here
and keep the plank-walk. The high grounds give
a grand view of the harbor, white with sails. In
the channel are the war-ships of the North Ameri-
can squadron. We shall hear the booning of
their guns at morning and night. This long build-
ing, extending far down the embankment, is Forest
City Pavilion, where theatrical entertainments are
given afternoon and evening. This is the en-
1 4-6 ON Till'. ROAD.
trance to Greenwood Garden. We have a pass
from Manager Knowlton. We will enter the gar-
den and visit the menagerie. The grounds are
beautifully laid out with walks and flower-gardens.
The steamer of the Casco Bay Line, in addition to
the Greenwood Garden Line, make frequent trips
daily, furnishing cheap and ample communication
between the city and island until a late hour of
the night.
We will now continue our walk up the hill.
Here we are at the top. Now cast your eyes
about. Look to the right. There is White Head
at the upper end of Cushing's Island. You can
see the Ottawa House, kept by Landlord Gibson.
At the left is Great and Little Diamond islands.
Both are covered with neat cottages owned by
members of the Diamond Island Association."
They are beautiful summer resorts. Now turn
around and get a sight of the many cottages on
this plot of green. They are occupied by fami-
lies from Portland and visitors from cities and
towns throughout New England. Here are the
Rickers, the Trues, Colesworthy, Dow, Phinney,
Stevens, Nelson, Foss, Crabtrcc, Litchfield, and
members of the colony. Down by the shore,
opposite White Head, are two large buildings, the
headquarters of the 5th and 8th Maine Regi-
ments, where comrades and their families spend
a portion of the season in rest and recrea-
tion. In the woods are the campers' grounds,
VISIT TO THE FATHERLAND. 1 47
Camp Preble, Camp Outing, Camp Casco, Camp
O. M.'s and O. B.'s. They are in living order.
There is music in the air among them " oft in the
stilly night."
Casco Bay abounds in islands, large and small.
Over the stone wall is land owned by the Brack-
ets and Stirlings, decendants of the original set-
tlers of that part of the island. Here are a num-
ber of cosey little cottages owned by parties in
Natick, Mass. We will now walk up Island
avenue and get a view along the water front.
Here are a number of large cottages. Some of
them are constructed for comfortable winter dwell-
ings. Here are the stores : Brackett Brothers and
the post-office, Littlefield & Co., Melville Morse,
J. Brewster & Co., Skillings & Brewer. Here
is the little church on the hill. This unique cot-
tage with a long flight of stairs in front is owned
by Mrs. Sarah Frye, of Portland. Here is the
high school brick building. A little beyond is
Golden Cross Hall.
We shall make Peak's our headquarters until
about the middle of August, with an outing now
and again in Cumberland County. Our first trip
is over the mountain branch of the Maine Central
Railroad, passing Sebago Lake, Cornish, and
towns along the line to where we change to the
narrow gauge road for
I48 ON THE ROAD.
BRIDGETON.
Here are woollen and cotton mills. We find here
industrious, thrifty farmers. I have many pleas-
ant acquaintances among the members of old
Cumberland Lodge : Brothers Gleason, Stailey,
Chamberlan, Wight, Libby, Gibbs, and Douglass.
A short ride will carry us to the North Village,
where Brother Bryon Kimball, P.G.M., has a large
furniture manufactory; P.G. W. D. Hatch, of Li-
gonia Lodge, Portland, is employed in the paint-
ing department.
Here is a conveyance to take us three miles
through the woods to the pretty little village of
HARRISON.
We will accept the invitation of Brother Libby to
ride with him. It is the same old road I travelled
years before. Here are a number of the brothers
of Harrison Lodge, which was instituted March
14, 1889. Brothers, will you please stand up and
be counted? Stewart, Emery, Tarbox, Hinds,
Pitts, Jordan, Rose, Twitchell, Thomas, Kneeland,
and John Walker. Brother Isaac F. Berry, you
are from Denmark, they say? We have just time
to shake hands with the boys all round and regain
our seats in the wagon to return to Bridgeton,
where we will attend the lodge and spend the night.
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. I 49
The first train leaves at an early hour; we must
cut our stories short or " get left." The seats in
this car are like the individual salts at the family-
table, each person has one to himself. We are at
the Union station ; horse-cars to the steam-boat
landing.
Chapter XVI.
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL.
" Over and over again
My duties wait for me;
It is travel and labor and tire,
'Till life's journey ceases to be."
CAN it be possible that our vacation season is
over? Here is the programme: Start on
journey to-morrow morning; stop in fifty-six cities
and towns ; visit one hundred and thirty-six
lodges. It will be a ten-months' job.
We must lose no time in taking the 9.30 train
over the Boston & Maine road to
DOVER, N.II.
This is a city of mills and business stir. It is not
the season of the year for a large attendance at
lodge meetings; but there is much to interest
150 "ON THE ROAI>.
visitors in such a thriving city. We shall stop at
the Dover House, near the railroad station. I have
the names of some of the members of Mount
Pleasant Lodge whom we will call upon. The
lodge hall is down the street, opposite the post-
office, in the Library building. It is a large and
handsomely fitted-up hall, owned in common by
Mount Pleasant and Wecohamit lodges. Here
are Brothers E. L. Currier, Charles Gray, Willis
W. Hoyt, Reuben Nason, F. W. Stevens, Frank H.
Cummings, and Wright B. Bunker. They have
given us cordial greetings. If we visit the city
again on the night of lodge meeting, we will spend
the hour with them.
Our next stopping-place will be
MANCHESTER, N.H.
Here we are at New Market Junction. The season
is far in advance of central or eastern Maine. We
are entering the city. The Manchester House,
under the management of my old friend, A. M.
Winchester, a native of Eastport, Me., formerly
proprietor of the Maine Centrr.l Railroad dining
hall at Portland, will be our home. We are in one
of the finest manufacturing cities in New England.
It has a population of more than 40,000, runs
11,000 spindles, employs many thousand opera-
tives. There arc 266 streets and avenues laid out at
right angles, four public parks, and thirty public
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. 151
halls. The Odd Fellow fraternity stands promi-
nently among the fraternal organizations. There
are three lodges, Hillsborough, Mechanics, and
Wilday, numbering 1,033 members. We have
passed pleasant hours among the brothers at all
the lodges.
Our watchword is " Go on ! " The train is ready
to take us through towns and villages on to
HAVERHILL, MASS.,
where the poet Whittier tells his story of the
" Barefoot Boy": —
" On Haverhill's pleasant hills there played
Some seventy years ago,
In turned- up trousers, battered hat,
Patches, and freckles, and all that,
The barefoot boy we know."
This is the city of " soles." Making shoes is the
chief occupation of all classes.
In years gone by I had the opportunity to test
the friendship of scores of men who earned their
daily bread by the sweat of their brow. I always
found them with hands extended, ready to perform
kind offices. Mutual Relief and Mizpah lodges
number 854 members. They occupy a beautiful
hall. The membership comprises the leading
influential business men of the city. But I must
have some of the brothers' names for a future
reminder of the pleasant associations during our
five days' visit among them. Here are Brothers
152 ON THE ROAD.
E. H. Nichols, the printer ; Walter Aycr, the hatter ;
Fred S. Howard, Frank B. Emery, E. Frank
Dollof, Timothy Hues, Edgar A. Russell, Charles
W. Webster, C. K. Russell, M. D. Malbon, B.
Frank Holbrook, and sixty- five others, who have
promised to purchase a neat pocket album and
place their autographs upon its pages and forward
it to me by mail. At some future time I may
exhibit such a highly prized token of fraternal
regard. To " go over the ground clean," as the
haymakers say to the boy who rakes after the
load, we should circle around and compass Ames-
bury, Merrimac, Newburyport, Georgetown,
Topsfield, and other places on the line of the
Eastern Division of the Boston & Maine Railroad ;
but we will leave them until the closing up of the
happy days of our long journey. In Bible times
the best wine was kept until the last day of the
feast.
As this life is made up of joy and sorrow, so is
our daily experience. Meeting and parting, and
must it ever be? We hope not. It is no use to
hang our harp upon the willow and refuse to
sing, or be unhappy, because we are on board
the train moving out of the station with our
baggage checked for
LOWELL,
the city of spindles, the home of General Butler
and other men of public note. Here Odd Fellow-
A LONG ROAD TO [RAVEL. 1 53
ship flourishes. There are seven lodges, with a
total membership of 2,151 and two lodges of
Daughters of Rebekah. Past Grand Master Hon.
Francis Jewett is an active member in Oberlin
Lodge. We are pleased to meet so many brothers
who formerly resided in Maine. Brother W. H.
Dane, of Lincoln Lodge, has shown us much at-
tention. We have enjoyed his company this
evening at Highland Lodge. We shall ever re-
member the courtesies shown us by Brothers
Pressey, Haskell, Doyle, Bennett, Jones, Jensen,
Robey, and Batterson. Brother Henry Wood, the
ever faithful janitor of Odd Fellows Hall, shall have
a place in our kind remembrances. The one hun-
dred and forty-five names of the brothers with
whom we have exchanged friendly greetings
would fill the pages of a very large book if their
autographs were after the John Hancock style of
chirography. I will not occupy your time, Brother
Reader, with looking over the list, as we have only
ten minutes to get on board the train for
LAWRENCE,
where are cotton mills and various manufacturing
establishments. There are two lodges, Lawrence
and Monadnock. We meet but few brothers at
the meeting of Lawrence Lodge. The member-
ship is largely men of foreign birth. Monadnock
is composed of young men, fired with zeal. We
154 ON THE ROAD.
have greatly enjoyed meeting with them to-night
This is a fine block. It is the property of the
lodge, occupied by lodges, encampment, and a
Rebekah degree lodge. On the second floor is
a large reading-room and library. Brother Tom
Watts, the janitor of the building, is the first to
place his autograph in my book. He is followed
by Brothers Eastman, Cole, Hooper, Henderson,
Bonney, Warren, Fattershall, Chaney, Anderson,
and a dozen others.
The time is drawing near for the great event in the
history of Massachusetts Odd Fellowship, laying
the corner-stone of the Odd Fellows Home at
WORCESTER, MASS.,
a booming city of 85,000 souls. It is the heart
of the Commonwealth. The census reports show
there are 1,500 or more Maine people residing
within its limits, occupying positions of trust and
responsibility among the successful business men
and mechanics. There are five lodges, Quinsiga-
mond, Worcester, Central, Ridgely, and Anchoria,
having a total membership of 1,661. Mt. Vernon
and Wachusett encampments have 700 members ;
Worcester, Canton, Patriarch, Militant has 125
chevaliers. Queen Esther and Noami lodges,
Daughters of Rebekah, have 800 members. The
lodges and encampments occupy halls on Pearl,
Pleasant, and Front street, with excellent accom-
modations.
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. 1 55
One of the pleasant and best appointed institu-
tions connected with Worcester Odd Fellowship
are the rooms of the Shaffner Society on Main
street, a suite of three or more commodious upper
rooms, in this large block, fitted up and furnished
in fine style with library and reading-room, billiard
hall and smoking-room. Everything connected
with it is for the convenience and comfort of the
members of the society, — Odd Fellows only, —
who are entitled to the privileges by the payment
of a regularly established entrance fee and yearly
assessment. In these rooms the members of the
different lodges mingle and exchange the greet-
ings of the fraternity.
The location of the Home in Worcester, and
the grand demonstration connected with the laying
of the corner-stone, has awakened a lively interest
in the resident members and put new life into all
branches of the order, and has induced large num-
bers of worthy men to enter the circle of the great
and honorable brotherhood.
We will make the city our headquarters for a
number of weeks. I have secured nice rooms at
146 Main street. To-night we will attend the
meeting of Quinsigamond Lodge. The initiatory
first and second degrees are to be conferred upon
His Honor Francis A. Harrington, mayor of the
city. There are 230 members present. Every
inch of space in the large hall is occupied. The
work has been finely performed by a thoroughly
156 ON THE ROAD.
drilled degree staff, fully up to the mark of per-
fection, in point of accuracy.
The memorable day, October 8th, has dawned
upon us. Thousands of people from all parts of
the State are crowding into the city to take in or
witness the magnificent pageant. The sky be-
tokens rain, and now, just as the unbroken column
of chevaliers, patriarchs, lodge members, Daughters
of Rebekah, and high officials in carriages, are
moving down Main street, displaying showy uni-
forms and regalias with banners spread, and the
music of many bands floating on the air, the
clouds part, and the fast falling rain reverses the
programme. This is a vivid picture of human life.
In the words of the Scottish bard, " The best laid
plans of mice and men gang aft agley."
The corner-stone of the Home has been fittingly
laid, and the visitors are fast leaving the city.
You and I, Brother Reader, are ready to return to
our beds. On the morrow we will lay out a route,
and, first of all, we will take in
WESTBORO'.
Here we are in a busy manufacturing town.
The lodge hall is near by the railroad station.
The boys say this is " the day after," not the
Concord fight ; but the long march up there
and back. Not very much can we expect of them
after such a hard day's experience. Notwithstand-
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. I 57
ing the weary limbs and the drooping eyelids, we
meet a goodly number at the lodge, with Brother
George L. Smith, Noble Grand, to despatch the
business. The evening has passed pleasantly.
Hockomock Lodge exhibited a noticeable charac-
ter among its members on the day of the grand
parade in Worcester. It was the " Big Injun," a
fine representation of the red-skin tribe, in savage
war paint and feathers. Some of the uninitiated
thought him to be a native of the wilds of Maine,
for sure, when he was following the trail of the
pale face brothers, watching the progress of
civilization, and feeling the benign influences of
friendship and love. The brothers here to-night
have " let the cat out of the bag." We are sur-
prised to learn that the bright young brother who
occupies the venerable warden's chair was the
self-same " Injun." We have had a jolly time
among the brothers, and will not detain them with
any long stories, as they are ready to close the
lodge and go to their homes to make up for
lost time, in the land of pleasant dreams.
Brother A. D. White, janitor of the hall, desires
us to call upon him early in the morning. He
will escort us about the town. We shall spend
the night at the Whitney House, with Landlord
W. J. Taft, a worthy brother.
We are prompt on the hour, Brother White,
ready for a walk with you. We desire to join
hands with every brother we may meet in our
I 5<S ON THE ROAD.
travels. Here is George L. Smith, Noble Grand;
and now we meet Brothers Achorn, Edwards,
Easton, Freeman, Hasty, Turner, Leighton, Ayer,
Cutting, Jordan, Tufts, Powers, Ainsworth, Bridgh,
Browne, Martin, and forty others. We shall be at
Lincoln square to take the 1.36 train for
MARLBORO'.
It will be quite a long journey. We have to
change at Clinton Junction. The time has passed
quickly. Yes, this is the hotel we were advised to
stop at. It is only a step from the depot. We
will register and secure comfortable quarters for
the night. The hall of Marlboro' Lodge is a little
way up the street. It is near the hour of meet-
ing. Here are Brothers Hastings, Bill, Charlton,
and Brigham enjoying a social game in the ante-
room. They " throw up their hands " to take
ours, and say, " Welcome, brothers !" This is a
magnificent hall, one of the best we have entered
in the State. The boys say there is no work or
special business to attend to. It is decided to fill
up the time with familiar talk, Brother Cook to
start the ball in motion ; Brothers Berry, Ed.
Bryham, Andrews, Clifford, Woods, Hart, Jones,
and George F. Nelson to follow.
Brother George H. Bill has consented to show
us about town to-morrow, " if the rain holds off.'
It is a good and pleasant thing to behold the sun
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. I 59
this morning. We leave town to-day on the 10.30
train and go directly on to
LEOMINSTER, MASS.
Perhaps it will be well to step into the meat
market and inquire of the man attired in white
where we can obtain a good " square meal." It
is Brother J. W. Stewart, a member of Iuka Lodge,
No. 311, Kansas. He says, "Any one who
knows you to be strangers will take you in." Yes,
my good brother, there is many a poor fellow in
this world who has been taken in among strangers.
Brother Stewart makes known another fact, that
"the woods are full of them." He would have us
understand that there are over two hundred and
thirty Odd Fellows, members of Leominster
Lodge. Having supplied the wants of the inner
man, we will call on Brother F. S. Farnsworth,
Noble Grand, L. M. Blood, and H. E. Burrage.
We will be at the hall early and speak a word
with Brother W. F. Watkins, the Secretary. What
has called out so many brothers to-night? Con-
ferring degrees ; official visit of the District Deputy
Grand Master and suite ; and the report of the
committee on ways and means for fitting and
furnishing the new hall now in progress of build-
ing. The hands of the clock point to twelve, and
still the talk goes on, Brothers Blood, Turnbull,
Haywood, Garland, and twenty-five others, express
their opinions on the debatable questions.
l6o ON THE ROAD.
A few miles farther on the line of the railroad
we have travelled over is the city of
FITCHBURG,
a great railroad centre with many attractions. We
can "take in" Mount Roulstone Lodge to-night by
cutting short our stay in this place. This is my
first visit to the city. Have you spent any time
here, Brother Reader? It is quite a smart city,
and has 22,000 population. This is a steep hill
from the station. Odd Fellows Hall is in this
brick block. See the " I. O. O. F." over the en-
trance. Here is Brother N. C. Upham's name on
this sign. We will ascend the stairs and introduce
ourselves to him. Very courteous and communi-
cative, wasn't he? Brother F. L. Drury is in the
grocery store on the opposite corner. He directs
us to continue down the street, take the first street on
the left, and call at Dr. E. Luscomb's residence.
The doctor is Noble Grand this term. He answers
the bell. He suspects we are in want of professional
services. He will be surprised when we make known
the real object of our visit. I will show him my
visiting-card with the long array of lodges and
signatures of secretaries indorsed on it. He will
soon understand that it is not pills or physic we
are wanting, but something more palatable to the
taste and less troublesome to retain on the stomach.
He assures us, with his open right hand, that there
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. l6l
will be no difficulty in gaining admission within the
walls of Mount Roulstone Lodge to-night. We
will now call at the machine-shop and see Brother
F. E. Brown, secretary of the lodge, and Brother
F. D. Tuttle, permanent secretary, at the railroad
freight-office.
There is a large attendance of brothers at the
lodge ; over eighty have taken seats in the hall
before the lodge is open. There is a lively interest
in conferring the third degree. Past Grand G. C.
F. Gillis is master of ceremonies, assisted by
brothers of the degree staff. The work has been
rendered in a manner not excelled by any lodge in
the State which we have visited. There were a
number of new features introduced in dramatic
work which I have never witnessed before ; and
the occasion has been one of rare enjoyment to
me. Does it strike you that way, Brother Reader?
Brothers Osgood, French, Strout, and forty others
of you, please place your names in my book.
We have only a step across the street to the
Drury House. We must be up "betimes" in the
morning to take the first train for
CLINTON.
This must be a local-option town or city, if I am
able to interpret the meaning of the word
" lager." Everything about the town exhibits
signs of business activity and thrift. To start
1 62 ON THE ROAD.
right we must " get advices " from a brother Odd
Fellow. I remember now the name of one men-
tioned by a brother of Ridgely Lodge. Here it
is on the sign, in front of this jewelry store —
"Joseph F. Bartlett." We will enter and try him.
He answers the challenge with hand and voice.
We have found a brother and a friend. There is
"a ring" in almost all lodges, so it is said. It
would be a strange thing if we did not find a ring
in a jewelry store. Here seems to be one made
up of Brothers Bartlett, James, A. C. Adams,
E. P. Sawtell, S. W. Tyler, Warren Goodale, and
S. Rolla Carter. It is best to go on the street,
invite more brothers, and make the ring
larger. Here arc Brothers F. A. Sawyer and A.
E. Jewett, knights of the razor. This is a very
respectable ring. It is studded with the precious
stones of
"F. L. T."
There are two lodges in the city, Lancaster and
Clinton, each doing work in advancing the cause
of the Order, growing in membership, and pros-
perous. We shall remain in town a few days,
and make a business of interviewing the brothers.
While I am taking a stroll about town, you,
Brother Reader, can make yourself comfort-
able in the hair-dressing rooms over the post-
office, and place yourself in the hands of the
scientific tonsorial artist, Brother Jewett. Brother
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. 1 63
Sawyer, the proprietor, sends you his compliments.
He says : —
"Draw near, my friend, and listen to it,
The wonders of ' Al.' E. Jewett;
He shaves so clean and cuts so nice,
Will brush you down in just a trice,
With water hot and razors keen;
Walk in, my friend, he'll shave you clean."
Well, Brother Reader, we have been separated for
some little time. I am curious to know how you
fared at the hands of the knight of the razor.
Shaved you clean, didn't he?
" So clean he'll shave, that you will find
Not even the skin he'll leave behind."
I have " struck a bonanza." See ! here are
one hundred and thirty-seven names of brothers
who have purchased copies of "Binding of the
Links."
You are at liberty to look the list over at any
time ; but we must bid adieu to the good brothers
and return to Worcester, again to leave a pleasant
home and part with kind friends, to make a con-
tinuous journey into the western section of the
State, stopping first at
MILLBURY, MASS.,
six miles out, on the line of the Boston & Albany
road. The icy streets remind us that " the wicked
164 ON THE ROAD.
stand on slippery places." I will engage a pas-
sage with the mail-carrier. He says we will find
"a Hood feller" in the laundry, around in Post-
Office square. I will rap on the door. Hark ! a
voice within calls, "Who comes there?" — "We
are pilgrims and strangers, in search of food and a
comfortable shelter for the night." It is Brother
Stone, Noble Grand. He is leading the way to
an inn. Do you see that bright light, Brother
Reader, on the opposite side of the street, shining
through the transparency, bearing the words,
" Morning Star Lodge, I.O.O.F. Welcome Vis-
itors"? Here are a few of the faithful gathered
in the audience-room at this early hour. They
little expected to have visitors come into their
circle to-night. Small attendance; no work or
special business to occupy the time. Albeit there
are seeming discouragements, the meeting has
been one of interest to all present. It has been
what a family should be, — harmonious, and every
member active in promoting brotherly love and
the welfare of his fellow-man. Let us have your
hands, Brothers Maxwell, Powers, Edgar S. Stone,
Scarles, Dean, Cudworth, Bolster, Barron, Van
Ostrand, Goss, Coffin, and a dozen others, before
we separate for the night.
While stopping at Worcester, I met a stranger
standing on the corner of Main and Front streets,
one pleasant September day. On his vestment
were the modest three golden links. I had no
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. 1 65
difficulty in ascertaining his name, his place of
residence, and his occupation. It was Brother
J. M. Newton, a worthy Odd Fellow. He was
greatly interested in the grand event then soon to
take place, — laying the corner-stone, in which,
he said, " The members of Good Will Lodge will
take an active part." He invited me to visit the
stirring town of
SPENCER.
It is on the direct line of the railroad, a few
miles from Millbury. Will you accompany me,
Brother Reader? I remember Brother Newton's
saying that he occupied the office over the post-
office, with A. W. Curtis, Esq. This is a " pointer "
for us. We have only to find out in what direction
the post-office is from the railroad station, and we
will come out all right. Here are the names on the
door, "A. W. Curtis, Attorney-at-Law ; J. M. New-
ton, Deputy Sheriff." We are in a way to obtain
legal advice, and be taken care of , should we go
wrong. I will break the ice and address the gen-
tleman seated at the desk. " Is this Mr. Curtis ? " —
"That is my name. What do you desire?" — " We
are members of the ' chain gang,' and desire
to find the headquarters of Good Will Lodge."
Ah ! this is not only Lawyer Curtis, but a brother
and a friend. He directs us to the house of Mrs.
Slayton, a Daughter of Rebekah, where we may
be accommodated with agreeable entertainment.
1 66 ON THE ROAD.
Now we arc well fixed, and free to look about the
town. Here is "the largest shoe manufacturing
establishment in the world," so they say. It is
near the hour for lodge meeting. Here are fifty
or more brothers in the hall, and more to follow.
Here is District Deputy Grand Master C. E. Olney
and suite. They have come to inspect the work.
The staff are preparing to confer the second degree.
It is past eleven o'clock, and the business of the
lodge is not finished. Brother Reader, you and I
had better retire ; we may be locked out for the
night. Yes, the door is bolted. I will ring the
bell. There is no response. Ring again. I hear
footsteps. It is the voice of a female speaking.
She asks, "Who are you? Where do you come
from at this late hour of night? " I will give her
a token. It is all right. " The door is open," she
says ; " enter, patriarchs." The rising-bell has not
a welcome sound this morning, when one is so
tired and weary with the toils of life.
" What though we're tired, my heart and I?
It matters not, there's more to come;
We must live on, we cannot die,
Must rise and gird our armor on."
I have left my book containing the autographs
of Brothers Curtis, Knowlton, White, Bacon, Wat-
son, J. M. Newton, and twenty-five others, in the
hall. I must hasten and get it before we go to
the station to take the train for
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. 1 67
WARREN.
It has been a short and pleasant ride. Here we
are in the heart of the village. The direction in
my note-book reads : " Call at Tarbell Brothers,
clothing, on Main street." Here is the place.
This young man must be Mr. George E. Tarbell.
He answers to the name. He introduces us to
Brothers D. E. Grand, E. L. Fosket, and H. S.
Howe. This must be the headquarters for the
brothers. I have a constant reminder — a corn —
that "Jordan is a hard road to travel." So we
will be content to rest until the shades of night
appear and the lights burn brightly in the lodge
hall. It is a neat, cosey room, fitted up in the third
story of the town hall. There is- no work to-night,
and but few members present. We are pleased
to meet such warm-hearted brothers as Holly,
Price, Nash, Adams, Graham, Pendergrast, Sime,
Sweetzer, Moore, Nichols, Drake, and Smith.
It is morning. We are told to " Make haste !
speed ! stay not! " for the train is moving out of
the station. It is the train that will take us to
PALMER,
The adage, " a miss is as good as a mile," may be
consoling when one has had a hairbreadth escape
from being killed ; but this getting on board the
train " by the skin of the teeth " is not at all a
1 68 ON THE ROAD.
pleasant or a safe thing to do ; but, thanks to a
kind Providence, we are here all right, and are
rushing along at full speed. The journey has
been pleasant and safe. It is dangerous crossing
this net-work of rails and sleepers while puffing
locomotives are moving about in every direction.
There is a safe way by the overhead bridge, a few
steps below the station. Let us inquire at this
store for Brother C. A. Royes. He recommends
us to Brother Harraman's house for comfortable
lodgings. Brother H. is a member of Hampden
Lodge, Springfield. We will find excellent fare
at Brother George F. Hill's restaurant down the
street, near the railroad crossing. Brother W. B.
Ham will show us about the town. The first store
we enter is Ed. Goodie's, the man of soles ; a
whole-souled Odd Fellow he is, too. Here are
Brothers McQuid, Patrell, and Harrison. We will
continue down the street, call at all the stores and
shops, and speak a word with Brothers Clark,
Marcy, Millard, Robinson, Conant, Richardson,
and a host more of them. It is now time to
return for dinner. Here is Brother and Mrs.
Bennett, the guests of Brother Hill, from
Kcene, N.H. Our work in this town is about
finished. We will look inside the lodge hall,
and take in its length and breadth.
We have had fifteen miles' ride this beautiful
morning. Soon we shall arrive at the emporium
of Western Massachusetts,
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. 1 69
SPRINGFIELD.
Odd Fellows block is in the upper part of the
city. We can readily find C. W. Mutell & Co.'s
headquarters. It is in the Odd Fellows build-
ing. Here is the new post-office building. I
see Brother Mutell's office from this corner.
We will walk over. Good-morning, Brother Mu-
tell ; glad to meet you. Allow me to introduce
you to my brother and friend, Mr. Reader. We
are here for the purpose of taking in all we can
that is good in your booming city. Our first
business is to secure a comfortable home. Brother
Mutell recommends the Vendome. That name
is high-sounding to us ; but we will accompany
the brother who kindly offers to escort us to the
house and introduce us to Mrs. Blackman, the
landlady. We are assigned pleasant rooms.
I have business at the Western Union Tele-
graph office. Here is Grand Master Henry
Denver. He recognizes me as the veteran Odd
Fellow who was introduced to the Grand Lodge in
this jurisdiction, February 13, 1890, by Grand
Instructor Price. There are four flourishing
lodges in the city : Hampden, Amity, Morning
Star, and De Soto. We shall remain here a week,
or longer, and visit them all. Hampden, Amity,
and Morning Star lodges occupy the hall in Odd
Fellows building. De Soto has a hall farther
down the street. This is my first visit to lodges
I/O ON THE ROAD.
in this city. I have been greatly interested in the
work of conferring the second degree this even-
ing. There were one or more of the members
of the original degree staff of De Soto Lodge on
the floor.
I ask a favor of the brothers to place their
names in my book. Grand Master Henry Den-
ver is the first. Here follows A. L. Pease, Noble
Grand ; S. W. White, Secretary ; John Lobsitz,
Treasurer; F. A. Barbour, V L. Owen, M.D.,
Frank L. Leonard, Fred H. Colton, Past Grands;
and a number of others. If we had the time we
could gather sufficient statistics to fill a volume
equal in size to Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.
I had in mind the name of Rev. Marion Crosley,
formerly pastor of the Church of the Messiah,
Portland, Me., now settled over the Universalist
church in this city. We will visit him at his
home before leaving this morning.
We can pass an enjoyable evening with the
members of Tokoa Lodge,
WEST SPRINGFIELD.
It is a short ride on the street-cars to that town.
Here are a goodly number of the brothers. They
have come from the labors of the day : engi-
neers, firemen, mechanics, workmen in machine-
shops, foundries, and various places of industry.
They are men possessing honest hearts. Brother
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. I 7 1
Seymour is the first to head the list. He is followed
by A. A. Lewis, E. F. Brann (formerly of Gardiner,
Me.), C. A. Palmer, E. A. Adams, N. A. Tink-
ham, and Robert G. Peterson. We are greatly
obliged to the brothers for their kind attention.
This is an off night for lodge meetings in the
city. We had better follow the suggestion of
Grand Master Denver, and go to
CHICOPEE FALLS.
The weather is not propitious for a large attend-
ance at Chicopee Lodge ; but this seems to be the
only opportunity for visiting the brothers in that
village. We go by train. The lodge hall is up
the street, near where the light is shining. Here
comes the janitor with a lantern and keys. He
will open the door. He asks our names and
where we come from. Brother Markman gives us
a cordial welcome, says he is afraid there will not
be many of the brothers out to-night; there is no
work. He has despatched a messenger to go out
into the " highways and hedges " to invite the
brothers to come in that we may have a happy
meeting. See ! Before the hour for opening the
lodge, there are many more brothers present than
often " show up " in lodges with fourfold larger
membership than it, unless it be at a banquet.
The brothers, one and all, have done their part
toward filling to the brim our cup of joy. Such
172 ON THE ROAD.
acts of good-will as these brothers have per-
formed go far toward smoothing the rough places
along life's highway. In order that we may not
get them mixed with the hundreds of others, I
will ask " the boys " to give me their autographs.
R. D. Earle, T. E. Bigelow, W. H. Hamilton, L.
I. Gibbs, Thos. J. Schofield, James H. Loomis,
J. Cowperthwa'te, L. R. Wright, Thomas Ed-
wards, and Geo. D. Bartlett.
We are now about to make our last visit to
lodges in this part of the State. It is a cold,
rainy day, November 17. We would gladly
remain in our comfortable quarters in the city;
but every day brings its labors and responsibil-
ities. We feel obliged to journey on to
WESTFIELD,
a town of wide-spread reputation among Odd
Fellows in the New England States. Here is the
home office of the Odd Fellows' Fraternal Ac-
cident Association of America. Brother H. N.
Kingsbury is secretary and treasurer of the asso-
ciation. He is also Noble Grand of Woronaco
Lodge. We will call at his office. The lady at
the desk says, " Brother Kingsbury started for
Springfield a short time ago, by private team, in
company with a friend, to hear Professor Stanley
speak this evening." It would be pleasant to find
comfortable quarters where we could rest until the
A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL. I 73
hour of lodge meeting. Here is an Odd Fellow;
we will make our wishes known to him. He says,
" If you do not care to put up at the Metropolitan,
home-like accommodations can be had for the
night at number 27 Main street, Mrs. Smith's
boarding-house. We will inquire. Yes, Mrs.
Smith and her daughter will furnish us with the
best their house affords. Who could do more?
What is more enjoyable for a man who has seen
years and experienced many changes, away from
his home and family, than a seat in the large rock-
ing-chair facing the bright open fire, with interest-
ing literature at hand?
There is a small attendance at the lodge. Vice-
Grand James L. Smith conducts the business of
the meeting. It will be pleasant to read the
names of the brothers who have received us so
cordially. I will detain them a few moments at
the close of the meeting and request them to use
the pen. Here, Brother Henry Randall, please
start the ball. Next come Dr. Caswell, Wm. Al-
stram, Wm. McGiven, H. B. Norton, L. H. Dicky,
H. S. Pierce, F. P. Coase, F. W. Bosworth, and
James L. Smith. Westfield Lodge meets on Fri-
day night; but we cannot visit the brothers at this
time, as we must return to Springfield this morn-
ing, after calling upon Brother Kingsbury. Mrs.
George Smith, our landlady, desires to place her
name in my book. We are pleased to have its
pages graced by the name of the hospitable
" mother in Israel."
174 ON TIIE Road.
Chapter XVII.
LITTLE RIIODY, AND HOMEWARD
BOUND.
We will purchase tickets at this station for a
through passage to
PROVIDENCE, R. I.
Our route is over the same ground as we travelled
all the way from Worcester. It is the fast express.
We shall make but few stops on the way. This is
Woonsocket. A short time will bring us to our
objective point. Here we are, entering the station.
We will cross the square and walk up Exchange
street. It is near the hour for supper. Let
us go into this dining-room. Here is my good
brother, Lindsay Anderson, looking as he did
years ago. He has changed his quarters. I
think the present location is better than the other
up on the street. Here is Brother Peter Trumpler,
Deputy Grand Master of the jurisdiction.
We will find excellent fare at Brother Anderson's
tables. We have secured comfortable rooms up
town. Now everything is all right for business.
There are nineteen lodges in the city and suburbs,
with over 2,600 members. Two lodges meet on
Monday night, seven on Tuesday, four on Wednes-
LITTLE RHODY, AND HOMEWARD BOUND. I 75
day, three on Thursday, and three on Friday. Six
of the lodges meet in Odd Fellows Hall, 97 Wey-
bosset street. There are other halls: one at 192
and one at 146 Westminster street, in the Conrad
building, in Lyceum building, at 373 High street,
at 18 Chalkston avenue, in Unity Hall, South
Providence, in Academy avenue, in Elks Hall, and
in North Main street. We will need a guide to
find them all.
This is Wednesday evening. Roger Williams
Lodge meets at 97 Weybosset street. We will go
there. Perhaps I may see some of my brothers
of former days. Yes, here is Brother W. H. T.
Mosley, treasurer of the lodge. He still holds
the offices of Grand Secretary and Grand Scribe
in the Grand bodies. Past Grand Master Lindsey
Anderson is always present, and just as interested
in the affairs of the lodge to-day as when I met
here years ago. We are pleased to make the ac-
quaintance of George T. Kilner, Noble Grand.
Let us look over the names of the lodges we
have visited : Roger Williams, Eagle, Olive
Branch, Canonicus, Hope, James Wood, Swarts,
Pilgrim, North Star, Friendly Union, Westminster,
Manufacturers', and Mayflower. I have two hun-
dred and sixty-three autographs of the brothers.
Here are some of them : Wm. R. Dutemple,
P.G.M.; Eugene H. Lincoln, P. G.M. ; Lester S.
Hill, P.G.M.; Hollis M. Coombs, P.G.M. ; Edwin
A. Beasley, P.G.P. ; Fred A. Gay, F. C. Balcom.
IjG ON THE ROAD.
We cannot soon forget the enjoyable hour we
passed in Pilgrim, Swarts, James Wood, and
Westminster lodges. The boys of Pilgrim
Lodge, on the hill, made our visit one of pleasure.
They were " glad to have us come." Although
but few in numbers, they possessed hearts throb-
bing with kind emotions. Please examine the list
of names of the brothers present that evening:
Hoffers, Cook, Gore, Robinson, Addy, Martin,
Tyler, Fenner, Homer, Cox, and Lewis.
I was glad to meet so many of the brothers of
Swarts Lodge who remembered me so kindly at
the time of my visit among them three years be-
fore : Giddings, Wilson, Devon, Griswold, John-
son, Wood, and others. Do you remember the
jubilee " the boys " of Westminster Lodge had the
night we met them in Conrad building? They
took the business into their own hands. There
were thirty-five present. Brother W. A. Viall sat
me down near the secretary's desk, and took pos-
session of the contents of my grip. He declared
he would not leave a copy of " Binding of the
Links" unsold. He was as good as his word,
for before the Noble Grand called the lodge to
order every book was disposed of, and he had
orders for more copies to be filled the next day.
When such brothers as Johnson, Gardner, Holt,
Cranston, Potter, Creswcll, and thirty others get
started on a raid, it requires something more than
an average stripling to stop them. It was on the
LITTLE RHODY, AND HOMEWARD BOUND. I 77
evening of December 2d when James Wood
Lodge had the brothers of Swarts and Park Hill
lodges for its guests, in the beautiful Academy
Hall. The spread furnished by James Wood was
befitting an embassy of dukes and lords. Brothers
Colvin, McCarthy, Doten, James, and Past Grand
Master Coombs entertained the jovial company
with pleasing talk. We have nearly finished up
our work in this city. It is best for us to visit
that other younger blooming city of
PAWTUCKET.
The horse-cars will take us near the hall of Good
Samaritan Lodge. I remember meeting with the
brothers in 1882. Yes, here is the same room I
was in eight years ago. Here is the big stove,
and the seats along the wall where the boys sat
and enjoyed their smoke. Here are the stairs
leading up to the hall above. Everything comes
fresh to my memory. I wonder if any of these
brothers standing by the stove will remember me.
I will introduce myself to them. Here are Broth-
ers Fisk, Washburn, Barney, Stoddard, Daven-
port, Eastman, Peterson, and fifteen others.
Some of the younger ones have come in since I
was here. It is election of officers. Brother
Charles Barnes is Noble Grand. There does not
appear to be very much fighting for the offices.
The warden has about all that there is to do in
178 I >\ THE ROAD.
casting the ballot of the lodge. The business of
the meeting has been quickly despatched, and we
are just in time to take the car back to Provi-
dence.
\\ e have made our last visit to lodges in this
city. We will go to Pawtucket to-night and meet
with the brothers of Enterprise Lodge. The
streets will be in better condition for pedestrians
than when we travelled them one week ago. The
hall of Enterprise Lodge is down the street in
that tall brick block with the clock on the tower.
We are a little early, but the door is not locked.
Here is a dim light. It will be nice and comfort-
able by the hot coal fire. We have a good view
of this part of the city by gaslight. The post-
office building is being remodelled and greatly
improved. Listen ! I hear footsteps on the stairs.
The door opens. It is Brother P. A. Moon, also
Azariah Fiske, G. M. Woodward, L. F. Butler,
Noble Grand, and a dozen others. It is election
of officers. Quite an interesting and animated
time. We should be pleased to remain with you,
brothers, but circumstances make it necessary for
us to retire before the lodge is regularly closed.
This is our last night in Rhode Island. We are
sorry to leave the State and the many kind broth-
ers whom we have met. We hope to meet you
and hundreds of others again before many winters
have passed. Good-night, brothers ! We will re-
turn to our headquarters, take account of stock,
LITTLE RHODY, AND HOMEWARD BOUND. I 79
speak the parting words with whatever brothers
we may chance to meet, and take the early train
for
TAUNTON, MASS.
This is a city of 25,448 population, with numerous
furnaces and many manufacturing establishments.
We find but few loafers about the street-corners
here. All who have a disposition to work can
find employment. The people are of the stirring
kind. "Progress" is their watchword. I have
no personal acquaintances in the city. The only
name that would sound familiar, if I should hear
it spoken, is Leander Gifford, permanent secretary
of King Philip Lodge. In 1882 I sent out sample
copies of the "Odd Fellows' Register" to the
secretaries of lodges throughout the New England
States. In response to my request for brothers of
lodges to interest themselves in increasing the
circulation of the " Register," I received a letter
from Brother Gifford, of this city, enclosing a list
of subscribers and a money-order for the payment
of the yearly subscription. This created a friendly
correspondence, and frequent letters passed be-
tween us. The " Register " was favored from time
to time with interesting communications on matters
connected with Odd Fellowship in its different
branches.
I do not know where to find the brother; but
I do not apprehend there will be any great diffi-
ISO ON TIFF. ROAD.
culty in the matter. Here is a grocery store.
The names on the sign are " Gilford & Horton."
We may be able to learn the whereabouts of the
Gifford we are in pursuit of. Jnst so ! The
young man says, " Leander is my father." He is
a machinist, employed by a large manufacturing
company. His house is on Cohannet street. I
really believe I shall know the brother at sight.
That is the gentleman advancing towards us. "Is
this Brother Gifford I address?" — " Yes, sir, that
is my name." — "Well, to go farther, do you re-
member the name of the editor of the ' O. F.
Register,' when that journal was published in
Portland, Me.?" — "Oh, yes. It was Brother
Kilby." — " You now have him by the hand." We
follow him to the house near by. This is the
home of a kind brother and his wife, a Daughter
of Rebekah. He says we are to make it our
home while we remain in the city. A quiet rest
on the sofa before the fire will conduce more to
the comfort and enjoyment of a weary traveller
suffering from a torturing headache than wander-
ing about the streets of a strange city. Good
Samaritan Lodge meets this evening. We have
Brother Gifford to show us the way and introduce
us. Here are a wide-awake lot of " boys." Brother
W. F. Jennsine is round among them. He is
preaching a short sermon to Brothers Vinecombe,
Winslow, Porter, Whitters, Elliott, and others.
There is work in conferring the second and third
LITTLE RIIODY, AND HOMEWARD BOUND. l8l
decrees on a number of candidates. We will not
remain late. " Brother Jennsine, you will please
convey our kind regards to the brothers in open
lodge, and invite as many of them as can make
it convenient to attend King Philip Lodge, Thurs-
day evening." We agree to give them a pleasing
entertainment. "Brother Gifford, we are prepared
to retire with you to find rest under the patri-
arch's tent." This is a disagreeable, rainy morning.
Our plans for " doing the town " are frustrated.
Perhaps we may dodge out between showers and
see some of the brothers. Here is Frank P.
Elliott, A. W. Hall, J. C. Barstow, L. S. Walker,
C. E. Jones, and S. H. Soule. I have the names
of forty-seven in my book.
Glad to see the clouds rolling by; we shall have
a fine evening for our meeting. Brother Gifford
proposes that we take a street-car and ride directly
to the hall. This large number of brothers have
come in to hear what you, Brother Reader, and I
have to say to them. We will try to interest them.
We have passed our time pleasantly in the city,
have been hospitably entertained by Brother Gif-
ford and his estimable wife and the members of
their household. We must now proceed to
ATTLEBORO'.
The principal business of the town is manu-
facturing jewelry. The storm will greatly interfere
with our taking a walk. We will make ourselves
1 82 ON THE ROAD.
comfortable at the Bates Mouse until evening.
Orient Lodge Hall is on Main street, in that hand-
some new block near the post-office. We will go
over to the hall. Perhaps it may be open. No
light yet. We will be just as comfortable seated on
the stairs as in any other place. The door opens.
I behold the face of a man under the gaslight.
He is moving slowly up, up the second flight.
Perhaps he is an Odd Fellow. Yes, it is Brother
W. J. Newman. This is a beautiful, large hall,
with first-class appointments. But there is a lack
of interest among the members. The cause, they
say, for it all is that there are so many secret and
beneficial organizations in the town that people
cannot attend them all. The burden of taxation
is destroying the energy and life of those who are
trying to carry the load ; consequently the seats in
the spacious hall are many of them vacant on
lodge nights.
We are pleased to pass the evening with Brothers
Edward Burtonwood, John Slater, S. E. Amesbury,
and M. F. Ashley. We hope to visit them again
when the sun of prosperity shines more brightly,
to cheer them in their work.
We take the first train this morning and go to
NORTH ATTLEBORO'.
This is a branch road for the accommodation of
the two villages. They are also connected by the
electric road. It has been a quick run. Here
LITTLE RHODY, AND HOMEWARD BOUND. I 83
are hotels on each side of the street. This is Odd
Fellows block. There seem to be changes going
on ; carpenters and masons are at work. I will
inquire of the man on the staging inside. He
says the building is being enlarged to make room
for a public hall and municipal offices. We are
at liberty to look over the premises. The lodge
hall is up two flights. It will not be easy climb-
ing over the debris up the temporary stairs. I
think we can gain further information in some of
the law or doctors' offices. What name is this?
" Dr. Kilby's office." As sure as I live, Brother
Reader, this is Cousin Henry S. Kilby, a native of
Eastport, Me. I remember, now, he is a prac-
tising physician in this village.
It is drawing near to twelve o'clock. There are
a number of familiar faces among those wall
decorations. We have our choice of reading
from the large supply of interesting literature.
Listen ! I hear heavy footsteps in the passage-
way. We meet. He is the same boy whom I
used to see in his childhood's home, away down
East, years ago. Brother Reader, allow me to
introduce you to the doctor, the elder son of
Mr. William H. Kilby, well known in Boston as
agent of the International Steamship Line. You
have frequently read " Quoddy's " writings in the
" Eastport Sentinel." We are very fortunate to
secure such comfortable accommodations at the
Jackson House, only a few steps from the hall.
I 84 ON THE ROAD.
Brother John S. Jackson is a member of Excelsior
Lodge, Foxboro'.
The lodge-room is in a state of chaos ; prepara-
tions are being made for reconstruction and grand
improvements. The condition of things docs not
put the boys out in the least. They have three
candidates for the first degree, and the work will
be performed, even if the floor is minus a carpet;
and the general appearance of things shows that
it is the spring house-cleaning time. Here are
Brothers Hamilton, Cummins, Shaw, Thompson,
White, Derry, and others, earnest in the work of
getting things ready for business. The Vice-
Grand of Orient Lodge is present. He has in-
vited the degree staff of Aurora Lodge to occupy
the hall of his lodge next week when conferring
the second degree on the candidates. The lodge
has voted to accept the invitation. It is a late
hour of the night. The landlord of the Jackson
House is awaiting our return.
We have time this morning to enjoy a short
drive about the village with the doctor. We will
take the noon train for Mansfield Junction, where
we change cars for
't>
FOXBORO',
a busy manufacturing village, six or eight miles
away. Here are shoe and straw shops. It is also
quite a farming district. In sight of the railroad
LITTLE RIIODY. AND HOMEWARD BOUND. I 85
station is a neat, home-like boarding-house, kept
by Brother Smith, a Maine man. He is a mem-
ber of Livermore Falls Lodge. We have again
fallen into the hands of a kind friend.
As there are few attractions in the street, we
will remain indoors and rest until evening. The
hall is some distance up the street, not far from
the church on the hill. Excelsior Lodge has a
small and scattered membership. The work of
sustaining the organization falls upon a few
earnest brothers. This is a neat, cosey hall, fitted
up in good taste.
It was expected that the second degree would be
conferred on one candidate to-night, but he has
failed to put in an appearance. The time will not
run to waste, as there are a number of good
talkers present. They are known, and their names
will be announced by the secretary as fast as they
enter the hall. Here they come : J. W. Richard-
son, George Foster, F. S. Lane, C. V. Stiff, J. H.
Dow, A. Smith, W. C. Goodwin, J. M. McLeod,
H. Dadkin, G. F. Jolbert, N. S. Small, G. B.
Nickerson, C. A. Smith, and C. G. Hodges. It
has been one of the lively meetings of the season.
We are ready to go with Brother Smith, and be
laid away for sleep and pleasant dreams until the
breaking of another day. Now we hear the call
for breakfast. Again we clasp the hand of a
brother and friend. The good-bys are spoken.
The train moves on.
1 86 ON THE ROAD.
Our next point is
\\ M.I'OLE,
a busy manufacturing town. We have to take a
carriage to the hotel, as it is quite a distance from
the station. It has been a pleasant ride, and we
are happy in the assurance of a safe arrival at the
inn.
The village is half a mile up the street, so the
landlord informs me. We will rest awhile before
taking the walk through the mud.
What is that I hear you speaking of, landlord?
" There is to be a big gathering of Odd Fellows
at the house to-night ; visitors from Norwood,
members of Tiot and neighboring lodges. The
degree staff is coming to work for Reliance Lodge.
They will have supper here after lodge work."
This will be a grand opportunity for us. If you,
Brother Reader, will give me the support of your
right arm, I will try to walk up the street to the
village and see whom we can find that will answer
to the name of an Odd Fellow. We will inquire at
this clothing store. The young man, Hartshorn,
says Mr. Arthur W. Cram is the proprietor. He
is engaged at the selectmen's room in the Town
House, on the opposite side of the street. I will
go over and enter the council of the " Town
Fathers." Mr. Cram will be with us shortly. " I
am pleased to make your acquaintance. This is
LITTLE RHODY, AND HOMEWARD BOUND. I 87
the programme for the evening. We shall be
happy to have you a:;d your associate come in
with us and enjoy the courtesies we extend to
our brothers from the neighboring lodges to-
night."
The hall is in the post-office building. It is
near the hour for meeting. We have quite a long
walk, and it is raining. We had better be moving
along. Here is quite a gathering of brothers at
this early hour. They are filing into the hall in
double column. It is a pleasing sight, such a large
number of Odd Fellows, one hundred and fifty
brothers seated around the hall. The work has
been admirably performed. It is nearing the hour
of eleven o'clock. Now we take up our line of
march to the hotel. Landlord Rector stands at
the open door to show his guests the way into the
dining-hall. The dicjiu brings an approving smile
from the company of stalwarts. All have freely
discussed the subject laid before them, and the
long-felt want has been fully satisfied. The visit-
ing brothers are preparing to depart. They will
be experiencing a disagreeable ride over bad roads
in the rain, while you and I, my brother, are
peacefully sleeping in the comfortable beds pro-
vided by our kind host and brother, Rector. We
will heed the call of the breakfast bell. The
carriage is in waiting at the door to convey us to
the station. We have half an hour or more to
wait before the train leaves for
I 88 ON THE ROAD.
FRANKLIN.
I will thank you to purchase the tickets, while I
arrange the names of the brothers who kindly
placed their autographs in my book in the ban-
quet hall last night. There was so much con-
fusion I had not time to attend to it. I will get
them in alphabetical order, as near as possible.
First is A. E. Arnold, then Eugene Bonney, E. S.
Babb, Arthur W. Cram, Frank C. Coburn, Geo.
Coburn, Edward Everett, Charles H. Evans, C. W.
Faulkner, Elmer Fisher, Frank A. Gay, Robert B.
Graves, W. H. Healy, C. H. Huff, Charles O.
Hall, P. H. Joyce.
The train is coming. We have less than one
hour's ride. Here is the station. I will inquire
of the baggage-master where we can find a hotel
in the village near Odd Fellows Hall. He says,
"The Darling House is handy; just up on the
street, and is a tip-top house." The name sounds
inviting; I think we had better look it up. The
small boy says, " Til show you the place, mister,
for a nickel." Here, my boy, take this grip and
move along. We have only turned the corner,
and there, is the sign — Darling House. "Mr.
Landlord, we desire supper, lodging, and break-
fast."— "Please register, gentlemen." There is
the Odd Fellows Hall on the opposite side of
the street. I am going to make a few inquiries
LITTLE RIIODY, AND HOMEWARD .BOUND. I 89
of the landlord, as I*see the mysterious link on his
vestments. Yes, he is our brother, a Past Grand
in King David Lodge, which meets to-night. The
janitor of the hall boards at the house; we can
accompany him to the hall. There is no work,
and but few brothers present. Among those who
are so earnestly discussing matters connected
with the future event are E. A. Mason, A. M. Wil-
lard, S. E. Sargent, C. P. Johnson, J. O. Sanborn,
E. B. Way, Geo. M. Whipple, and P. A. Briggs.
This has been a short session. We return to our
pleasant quarters at a much earlier hour than
usual when attending lodge meetings. This is a
beautiful, sunny morning. We must bid our
hospitable Brother Darling and other kind friends
adieu, and board the train for
CANTON.
We change cars at Canton Junction, and make a
short run to the village. There are no hotels in
the place, and only one boarding-house. The
best accommodation offered is at the boarding-
house, a short distance from the railroad station.
The hall of Blue Hill Lodge is in the large
block on Main street. This is a manufacturing
town. It is here Mr. Morse makes his celebrated
" Rising Sun Stove Polish." It is a stirring busi-
ness place.
There are men standing in front of the entrance
I QO I »N THE ROAD.
to Odd Fellows Hall. Let us walk over and find
them out. Here are the customary stairs to
climb. This is the anteroom. Open this door
and you will see a neat, cosey hall, where the
brothers enjoy themselves in social greetings.
Let us see if they will enlarge " the ring" to take
us in, that we may become better acquainted with
the jovial fellows: Ed. Fuller, Fred. P. Drake,
C. F. Coleman, John Tate, F. H. Messer, O. D.
Capin, Thomas L. Ray, Henry C. Davis, and
others. There seems to be no objection, as they
take us by the hand and join in singing, " Brothers
of our friendly order, Honor here asserts her
sway." We have passed an enjoyable evening
among the brothers, and received their gracious
benediction. I gladly accept the proffered sup-
port of the strong arm of this good brother to
assist me over the rough road.
There are services at the chapel. We have a
full view from this window of the immense crowd
that is moving along the street. Some are in car-
riages, some in two-wheel vehicles, and hundreds
on foot. They are on their way to sacredly cele-
brate the memory of the holy saint.
We have the day before us. I think the atmos-
phere will be more genial in Boston, where the
force of the wind is broken by high walls of brick
and mortar, than out here in the country. It is
now past ten o'clock. We have waited until the
appointed hour, and we shall now go to the station
LITTLE RIIODY, AND HOMEWARD BOUND. 191
and continue on to Boston, and pass the day with
Brother Boise on Bovvdoin street.
The day is past and gone. The shades of even-
ing are coming apace. We will walk up by the
State House, cross the Common, and make a short
cut to the Providence depot, and go to
HYDE PARK,
a smart, fast-growing manufacturing city with
10,193 population. The hall of Forest Lodge is
up town on Main street. We will cross the street
here and enter. Here are Brothers J. H. Tucker-
man, Jr., and J. C. Hanscom. They have a look of
surprise while they are examining the list of lodges
and secretaries' indorsements on our visiting-card,
but are earnest in their words and handshakings of
welcome.
Forest Lodge numbers nearly 200 mem-
bers. It has done a large amount of work the
past term. There is no special business to be
attended to this evening, but the brothers are all
interested in the great mission of the Order. We
have been well entertained by the remarks of
Brothers Munroe, Titcomb, Fellows, Bartlett,
Wetherbee, Tibbitts, the Doctor, Stevens, and
others. It is near the hour for the last train for
Boston. There is always a place for an Odd Fel-
low to lay his weary head when he has " got left"
by too close attention to lodge meetings. So we
192 ON THE ROAD.
will follow the lead of Brother George M. Gardner
and find comfortable lodgings for the night. To-
day we will return to the Hub and spend a few
hours among old friends before settling in our
headquarters at Maiden. Hotel Maiden, under the
excellent management of Mrs. Mary E. Smith,
will be our home while we remain in Massachu-
setts.
Chapter XVIII.
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE.
BROTHER READER, we have passed a very en-
joyable week among our friends in this city of stir
and pleasing attractions. Our visits to Middlesex
and Maiden lodges have been pleasant events. It
will be well for us to lay out our route for the com-
ing week and take a fair start Monday morning.
Here is my programme. You can look it over and
suggest such changes as you think proper.
ARLINGTON
will be our first stopping-place. We have to go
to Boston and take the Boston & Lowell road.
We are here in season to take the 6.15 train. The
cars are loaded. Many people are leaving the city
for the night.
The Town Hall is a few rods up the street. Odd
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 1 93
Fellows Hall is at the other end of the village.
Our polite escort wishes us to understand that he
is not a member of the Order, but he " boards
with a man who is one," Mr. McLeod. It is early
in the evening. We shall find it more comfortable
waiting in a brother's house than wandering about
the streets. Let us walk along with the gentle-
man. He is very kind, and offers me his arm to
assist me over the rough road. We have reached
the house in safety and are invited to a seat in the
comfortable arm-chair. A lady and gentleman are
entering the room. Our friend introduces them :
" Mr. McLeod and his daughter, Miss Mary."
" Supper is ready, gentlemen," Mr. McLeod
says. " Walk out and partake with us."
Thanks ! But it would be violating the laws of
hygiene to eat two suppers in the same evening.
Please allow us to entertain ourselves with these
books while you and the family are engaged in the
other room.
Now we are ready to accompany you to the hall.
The first brothers to greet us are Arthur L. Bacon,
Charles A. Hardy, N. E. Whittier Theodore
Schwamb, George A. Sawyer, Henry T. Gregory,
and Albert T. Tilden. There is important business
to be transacted. It is past the hour for opening
the lodge. We shall have only a short time to re-
main before the last train leaves for Boston. We
thank the brothers for their courtesies and hasten
to the station. Brother McLeod will go with us.
194 ON THE ROAD.
It is 10.50. We shall remain in the city to-night
and return to Maiden by the early morning train.
In the early days of my life I used to hear
people who daily and openly indulged in the use
of the ardent tell about the " good old Jamaica
and the pure Medford." I never had seen a dis-
tillery in Maine, and was quite surprised when
shown one in Massachusetts. While riding
through the towns adjoining the city, Maiden,
then a town, my friend pointed out to me an old
stone building called the Distillery. We will take
the horse-cars this afternoon and ride over to the
town of
MEDFORD.
The hall of Harmony Lodge is a few steps from
the Town House, on the corner, in the square. It
is a handsome new building, owned by the lodge.
I have a strong desire to meet with the brothers
after hearing such flattering. accounts of the lodge
from one of the members in Boston last winter.
The city of Maiden and town of Medford are
closely united. Here is the square. It is the
converging point of the street-railway lines on the
Maiden and Medford circuit, with a branch from
this point to West Medford. Here is the entrance
to the hall ; we ascend three flights of stairs. The
janitor will admit us to the beautiful hall. It is
occupied by a number of fraternal organizations.
Here comes Brother Walter F. Cushing. I met
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 195
him in Boston last winter. Brother Cashing, we
are glad to meet you. Please introduce us to the
brothers gathered in the anteroom. Here you
have them : S. XV. Keene, John E. Barrows, John
Clark, Warren Dowe, Wm. H. Smith, R. M. Gow,
Fitch A. Taylor, Richard Booth, N. Taylor,
Thomas Getchell, J. XV. Copeland, Joseph E.
Clark, M.D. We must bid the kind brothers
adieu, and make it a point to call again when there
are more present.
To-day we board the Boston & Maine train at
Maiden station and ride to
MELROSE.
It is a stormy day. We shall not remain in the
village to-night to attend lodge. Perhaps we may
meet some of the brothers on the street. Here is
John Larrabee, John Grundy, F. A. Pratt, and H.
B. Orcutt. Melrose Lodge has a membership of
130; but few of the brothers reside in the village.
I will check the name of this lodge for our second
visit.
READING
is our next stopping-place. Security Lodge,
No. 208, was instituted here two weeks ago, by
Grand Master Denver and suite. The place of
meeting is in Red Men's Hall. It is very bad
travelling, the streets are so icy. The anteroom
196 ON THE ROAD.
is filling up with brothers, earnest in the work to
be accomplished this evening: conferring degrees
until midnight, then comes the banquet. " We
must be excused, brothers; can't afford to indulge
But you will greatly oblige us with your names.
Please write them on this sheet." Jas. P. Clement,
C. L. Walker, E. M. Knight, J. A. Ellison, E. F.
Brooks, J. I. Glcason, George E. Gill, O. L.
Martinp, W. S. Bickford, L. S. Williams, C. L.
Richardson, A. E. Batcheldcr. Thanks, brothers,
for your kind favors. We wish you and the lodge
long life and abundant prosperity. We must
hasten to the station and return home at an early
hour.
We will continue on the main line to-day and
stop at
WAKEFIELD.
I well remember the first time I visited this town
and spent a few days with my old friend, J. Wash-
ington Hartshorn, in 1873. Six years after, the
name of the town had been changed from South
Reading to its present name. It is a thriving
business town. Soughegan Lodge meets in the
hall across the street. We will make inquiry in
this shoe-store and ascertain who on the street are
members of the lodge. The proprietor of the
store is Richard Britton. He is a member. Here
are the names of a number of others: W. A. Cot-
ter, J. F. Emerson, C. A. Chanerry, W. F. Spaniel-
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 197
ing, S. F. Littlefield, G. H. Hathaway, and A. P.
Linncll. The degree staff and a large delegation
from New England Lodge, Cambridge, are present
to confer the degrees. There is hardly standing
room in the hall. We may be able to get a seat,
but it will be after the hour for the last train into
Boston when the lodge closes. It is best that we
enjoy a little social chat with " the boys," and
leave before the door is closed. I will ask
the brothers to write their names while there is an
opportunity: Frank Parker, C. F. Cushman, A. G.
Andrews, G. E. Donald, Fred O. Clark, A. D.
Call, Ernest Hayward, Peter . That brother
has dropped his pencil and " skipped " inside.
Good-night, brothers, we have just twelve minutes
to catch the next train. All aboard ! We can
reach the next places on our programme by horse-
cars or train. It will avoid changes and consider-
able inconvenience if we take the horse-cars of
the Middlesex Street Railway at the waiting-room.
The car is marked " Through Line." We get a
sight of the villages of Melrose, Wyoming, Melrose
Highlands ; and now we come to
STONEHAM.
Here we will rest for a while. I remember my
first visit to the village in 1883. At that time I
made the pleasant acquaintance of a number of
brothers of Columbia Lodge. I now recall the
198 <>\ THE ROAD.
name of W. Ward Child, secretary of the lodge.
I find his name in the Grand Lodge reports of
1890. He is one of the veteran officials in the
service. The lodge hall is on the opposite side
of the street. How familiar everything in the ante-
room looks ! Here is the same large table in the
centre of the room between the square pillars.
What is going on? I see the brothers are to have a
social sit-down after the business is finished. This
brother seems to recognize me. He says he re-
members the night I visited the lodge seven years
ago. I recall his name, O. F. Huntoon, and this
other brother, W. H. Jones. I should like to see
the secretary. He is coming down the* stair.
He writes his name, W. Ward Child. I would
know that signature if I should see it in France.
Here are the examining committee. They say,
" It must be all right with a fellow who has such
a batch of indorsements on his card," as we have.
It is election of officers. The business has been
quickly despatched, and the brothers are allowed
a few moments for social chatting. brothers
Batchelder, Weston, Head, Jones, White, Hill,
Hobesh, Brown, Pryor, Tupper, Allen, and others
sien their names. A cordial invitation for us to •
remain and enjoy the festivities is extended to us.
Brother Reader, we will go to
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 1 99
WOBURN,
a manufacturing city of 13,500 population, the
"Hub" of trade and the market centre for sur-
rounding towns.
The hall of Crystal Fount Lodge is in the large
brick block down the street. I have no acquaint-
ances here. The name of " Henry L. Andrews,
job printer," is on this sign. He is permanent
secretary of the lodge. We will interview him.
He says, " It is near the holiday season ; people
are very busy ; the attendance at the lodge will be
small ; we shall find a comfortable waiting-place
at the drug-store near the hall." We shall have
time to exchange greetings with the brothers
before the lodge opens.
Election of officers, conferring degrees, and
reports of committees will leave little time for new
business. We will accept Brother Andrews' arm,
and allow him to introduce us to Brothers B. J.
Goodrich, Noble Grand ; Cyrus Lambert, H. D.
Blanchard, B. F. Morgan, and L. G. Pike, Past
Grands ; and Brothers Tibbetts, Sheldon, Dow, and
Carney. We will take the train over the Boston &
Main and reach home at 11.15.
Dear Reader, there is a city of considerable note
among the shoe manufacturing places we passed
by after leaving South Framingham. I remember.
It is
200 ON THE ROAD.
NATICK.
It was on our list of places to visit that week, but
the storm, and premonitions of a blinding head-
ache, induced me to return to Boston. We will
make a special of that city to-day.
It is a twenty-five-mile ride over the Boston &
Albany Railroad. Takawambait Lodge is among
the small numbers, but has 230 members, and
occupies a fine hall. Shoe manufacturing is the
principal business of the people. We are glad to
find a resting-place within the walls of the lodge.
Brothers, we have come to see you. Our names
arc on this card. Please read the names and
examine the card. We are weary, and have but
few words to say. We thank you for your cordial
greeting, your pleasant words, and what our eyes
behold. You will confer a favor by placing your
names in this book. Brother J. W. Clem, please
set the ball in motion. Walter H. Wordell will
follow, then N. P. Young, Edgar Hayes, Milton E.
Smith, J. Mahard, Edward H. Sweetland, F. E.
Cummings, and D. J. Washburn. This has been
a lively meeting. The boys arc making arrange-
ments to go to Holliston to assist in instituting a
new lodge at that place. We hope to hear a good
report from them. I shall hope to sec some of
them at Peak's Island, Me., among the Natick
people on Massachusetts avenue.
NEAR1NG THE LAST MILESTONE. 201
We will get advice this morning in regard to the
most direct route to our next objective point. It
seems to have been a long way round, but we are
at
BROCKTON,
all the same, a city of 27,294 souls, and a thou-
sand times more than that number of soles. Mr.
Policeman, will you please direct us to the Hol-
brook House? " Go up this street, take the first
right on Main street, and continue on four blocks.
You will see the sign." Correct. Here is the
house. This young man at the desk is Mr. Charles
Coleman, the proprietor. We shall find pleasant
quarters here. Everything is in city style, and all
looks gay under electric lights. The express
company has been prompt in filling our orders.
This package has come in time. Electric Lodge,
recently instituted, meets to-night in Red Men's
Hall, down the street, below the post-office. The
hall is open. The first brother we meet is H. A.
Bumpus, of Pioneer Lodge, Bridgewater. All the
brothers have a kind word for us, — Bartlett, Pool,
Hayes, Leonard, Hall, Barker, and others. We
must go into the reception-room to pass a rigid
examination by the committee. This is a grand
sight, one hundred and fifty brothers, active young
men, full of enthusiasm, engaged in lodge work,
making new members, perfecting plans for build-
ing up a large, flourishing organization. We say,
202 ON THE ROAD.
God-speed to you, brothers. We will not occupy
your valuable time to-night, but will come among
you again. We will call on Brother A. F. Crush-
ing this morning at the hardware store, and get
posted on the ways about the town. This is
a nicely laid out city, with many fine, large
blocks. To-night Massasoit Lodge meets in Odd
Fellows Hall, on the opposite side of the street
from where we were last night. There are long,
hard flights of stairs to climb, and plenty of ante-
room space, and a large, airy hall. It is after the
old style, — fine oil wall and ceiling decorations.
Here is Brother John H. Holbrook. We met him
at Electric Lodge last night. Wendell S. Holmes,
Noble Grand, is the first brother to greet us.
Thomas, Truman, Wilbur, Park, Snow, Steel,
Baker, Holt, Shaw, Soule, Andrews, and many
others are joining in the conversation. There are
three candidates for the initiatory degree. Im-
portant business creates lengthy discussions. It
it past eleven o'clock. The Noble Grand has not
called for new business. We must retire. To-
day we will go to
STOUGHTON.
This is a busy little village. It contains quite a
number of shoe-shops. We have time to call on
JohnN. Drake, R. B. Ward, W. F. Fuller, Gor-
don Southworth, John Soule, and C. H. Peffers
HEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 203
before evening. The hall is around the corner
from the hotel. We are early, but I hear foot-
steps on the floor in the room above. Yes, the
hall is open. There are some of the Stoughton
boys we heard spoken of in our travels. It is just
as Will said, they are " as full of fun as a nut is
full of meat." This is a splendid hall. The degree
team is busy in the paraphernalia-room. It will
be very late when the lodge closes. We had
better retire. I will speak with Brothers Graham,
Burnham, Holman, Curtis, Rolfe, Henry Burn-
ham, Hussey, Standish, and Cornish, while they
are at leisure. Good-night, brothers ! We shall
long remember this pleasant meeting.
SOUTH BRAINTREE
comes next on our list. Brother W. A. Kane,
whom we met at King Philip Lodge, Taunton,
resides in this village. We will inquire of the gate-
tender at the crossing where we can find him.
" He has a store on Main street." We will dine
at the hotel before our walk. Here is the hall of
Puritan Lodge, just a step from the hotel. Now
we will go to the store and look up Brother Kane.
The man in the rear of the store breaking ice
says, " He is upstairs." He hears my voice and
comes down. Brother Kane, we meet again. Is
that a rhyme? I will introduce you to my
travelling companion, Brother Reader. He has
204 ON THE ROAD.
become pretty well acquainted with my familiar
talk with " the boys," as he calls them. We don't
allow a good opportunity to pass when we can
spend ah evening pleasantly with brothers in the
lodge-room. We have accepted your kind invita-
tion to visit Puritan Lodge to-night. If there arc
any brothers on the street we can sec this after-
noon, please direct us to where they can be found.
We wait your reply. That is all right; we will
wait until evening. Here are the committee come
to test our proofs of membership in the order:
Brothers Boyer, Tupper, Leonard, Stevens, Hath-
away, Kane, Monk, and Morrill. Are you satisfied,
brothers? They say they are perfectly satisfied.
They are conferring the first degree on the young
lawyer. He has stood the fiery ordeal man-
full)'. No doubt but he will make a good Odd
Fellow, for he has got the grit, as was said of
initiates forty years ago. Brother Kane advises
us to take in
SOUTH WEYMOUTH
next, as it is on the direct line of the railroad from
this place. We will take this carriage and ride to
the Custing House. Here we are at the Custing
House. This is a good place for rest and reflec-
tion. Landlord, please order the 'bus to con-
vey us to Odd Fellows Hall, at 6.30. Wilday
Lodge meets to-night. Here are Brothers A. F.
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. .205
Buttock, Noble Grand; M. E. Gardner, E. W.
Shaw, A. L. Blanchard, Frank Burbank, and
Josiah Pratt, of Hingham. It is work in the
second degree. The hands of the clock are point-
ing to eleven. The question that interests us most
is how we are to get back to the hotel ; no 'bus
at this hour of night; raining, muddy roads, with
no light or guide. It will be like taking a leap in
the dark. Brother George M. Sawyer has put an
end to all anxiety. He has a two-seated carriage at
the door, with a safe horse and experienced driver.
How changed the prospect ! The friendly chat-
ting along the road has been pleasant and the
journey safe. We will retire for a few hours' sleep.
We will carry out our original plan this morning,
and go on to
WHITMAN.
Everything here is strange to us. I hardly know
which way to go. The village must be in this
direction. We will inquire at this barber-shop, kept
by James Jordan, colored. " My friend, can you in-
form us in which direction to find a public house?"
" Come in, gentlemen, out of the rain. The village
is up the street a quarter of a mile." We desire
to find a comfortable place to stop as near Odd
Fellows Hall as possible. "Are you folks Odd
Fellows ? " — " We are." — "I s'pose I am a brother
member of the parent organization, Manchester
Unity Odd Fellows. The color line, you know,
206. ON THE ROAD.
makes a difference, you know, with some folks.
You hold on a minute, I'll speak to a member of
Webster Lodge. He keeps the bakery round
the corner in this building." — "We are pleased to
make your acquaintance, Brother Higgins." — " My
man will be here soon with the team and take
you up town to a hotel." — " Thank you, brother."
The hall is on Main street, a few blocks from the
corner, over Peterson's periodical store. There is
a G. A. R. entertainment to-night ; quite a number
of the brothers of the lodge will attend it. Here
are Brothers Fogg, Pickett, Dudley, Clapp, Ford,
Harding, Kenncy, and my good brother from
Belfast, Me., Ivory O. Estes. With all those wide-
awake brothers, we can carry on the business
and make an interesting meeting. The G.A.R.
members, no doubt, have strong inclinations to-
ward the other hall, where their comrades and
lady friends are enjoying the festivities. They
are excused from attending to duty here, and
may joy fill their hearts while they kindle the
camp fires over there ! Brother Ford, it will give
us great pleasure to accompany you to your
home, and talk over the events of other days.
Late hours at lodge meetings often keep the
faithful wife anxiously waiting to hear the familiar
footsteps at the door. But if she be a Daughter
of Rebekah, as is Brother Ford's companion,
then there is no need of excuses for keeping late
hours at lodge, for they " know how it is them-
NEARtNG THE LAST MILESTONE. 207
selves." Brother Ford has to go on with his work
this morning. He has kindly invited us to ride
in the carriage with him to the station. Here we
must part with our brother and friend. We hope
soon to meet again.
ABINGTON
is the next station. We will take the 'bus to
the Central House. This was called an old town
more than a century ago. There is much of
historic interest concerning it. There is something
significant in the name " Pilgrim Lodge." The
hall is on the second street, a little way from the
Central House. It is the old school building re-
constructed, affording a spacious banquet hall on
the first floor, with a beautiful lodge hall and ante-
rooms on the second floor. The lodge member-
ship is 70. The brothers are Odd Fellows,
good and true. Where have we attended a lodge
in a country village where there was nothing
especial to call the brothers out, and had the
pleasure of taking over one-third of the entire
membership by the hand? Brothers Lewis, Nash,
Wilbur, Hunt, David, Churchill, Cheesman, Blake,
Moore, and Barber, we wish you health, wealth,
and prosperity ! May the charter of Webster
Lodge be handed down through successive gener-
ations of members bearing your own names ! We
bid you good-night ; we will leave on the early
morning train for
20S ON THE ROAD.
NORTH ABINGTON.
The Culver House is opposite the station. This
can rightly be called the rainy season. There lias
been no let up to light and heavy rain for nearly
two weeks. Winthrop Lodge meets to-night. The
hall is up the street, near the stores. It is only
6.30 o'clock, and the hall is open. The "boys"
seem to be having a gala time. Hear their shouts
of laughter! Let us go up and see what it is all
about. Yes, they are making preparations to go
away. A team has been engaged to take Brothers
Hanson, Loud, Pearsons, Young, Judkins, and
Smith to East Weymouth, to assist in degree work.
It is time for them to start. It gives us pleasure
to meet these brothers ; but we are greatly dis-
appointed not to have the privilege of sitting with
them in open lodge. There is only one way to
make it satisfactory, — we will come again Feb-
ruary 26, and spend the evening with them.
Brothers E. W. Cushing, Geo. P. Hattie, I. P.
Nash, and L. H. Hunt have been chosen a com-
mittee to make arrangements for a good time.
Brother Nash invites us to be his guest at that
time. We will not say good-by to the brothers,
as we expect to meet them again very soon.
There is another part of Abington, that was
formerly called the East Village. We take the
train over the branch road this morning and ride
one mile to the stirring village of
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 209
ROCKLAND.
We sec not many rocks here, but well laid out
streets, large, handsome brick and wooden blocks.
Business of various kinds is engaged in by men
and women of enterprise and capital. Everything
about the village is new and attractive. Standish
Lodge occupies a prominent place among the
social and fraternal organizations. We will walk
about town and make the acquaintance of some of
the brothers. L. W. Easton is in the drug-store.
Here are Brothers Barry, Gifford, Beals, Maries,
and Wade. Let us return to Hotel Jackson and
rest until evening. Here is Brother Fred S.
Childs, of Natick. He gives us a good account
of the lodge at that place. This is a fine hall.
The banquet hall looks as if the boys had been
earnestly discussing the good things of life, and no
one had been in since their departure, in the " wee,
sma' ' hours of night. Brothers Damon and
Cooper can give us a full account of the affair, if
we desire to hear their story. Brothers Brooks,
Home, and Hunt tell them to "go on." It is time
to open the lodge. The boys are expressing
pleasure because there is no work or business to
make a long session. It is early to bed with them
to-night.
We will continue on the branch road this morn-
ing and make
2IO ON THE ROAD.
HANOVER,
generally called the " Four Corners." We are
pretty well out in the country now. The gentle-
manly conductor is doing us a kind favor by show-
ing us the way to the public house. Our landlord
is Brother J. G. Knight, a veteran member ot
Tremont Lodge, Boston. We will try to make
our way to that large building. Brother Charles
D. Barnard has a harness-shop upstairs. He has
experienced some of the physical misfortunes
which come to man as well as those who have
seen more years than he. We were told by the
brothers of Winthrop Lodge that the members
of North River Lodge are noted for their punctual
attendance at the weekly meetings. No matter
what the condition of the weather, they come from
the east, west, north, and south, and sit down to-
gether, a band of united brothers. This is not
much of a night for excursion parties on foot or
by team ; but there are thirty-five brothers present.
Some of them have come three and four miles to
exchange pleasant greetings. It is not special
business or degree work that has called them out.
This is a nice, coscy hall, with ample room for a
social sit-down. North River Lodge has one
hundred and forty-eight members, and is finan-
cially strong and prosperous. I shall deem it a
great favor to have the brothers place their auto-
NEARINC THE LAST MILESTONE. 211
graphs in my book. Brothers E. P. Littlefield,
Noble Grand, please place your name on this
line. John G. Knight, George H. Bates, W.
A. Josselyn, W. A. Howard, E. E„ Turner, J.
T. Bates, E. C. Waterman, Thomas Bastow, L.
T. Harmond, T. A. Lawrence, A. L. Powers. I
thank you, brothers, for your signatures. The
sight of these will afford me pleasure in years to
come. We shall long remember our meeting
with the brothers of North Star Lodge. Here are
three members of the Order, guests at the hotel :
C. F. Drew, Charlestown ; C. R. Alger, Coopers-
town, N.Y. ; A. D. Jaquith, Boston. We will take
the train this morning and journey on to
BRIDGEWATER.
I have business which calls me into this section of
the State to-day. We will remain in the village
overnight and attend the meeting of Pioneer
Lodge. F. Dean Swift is the gentleman I wish to
call upon. He is employed in the grocery store
on the lower street. I was not aware that he was
a brother Odd Fellow. As he has done us one
good turn, I will ask him to direct us to other
brothers. Here are the names on the card he
handed you : A. J. Chamberlain, G. W. Pratt, W.
M. Carroll, Charles Lee, L. B. Chamberlain. The
hall is near the post-office. The lodge is increas-
ing in membership. The hall accommodations
212 ON THE ROAD.
are poor. TI12 question of larger and better
quarters has been earnestly discussed by Brothers
Moulton, Turner, and Wilbur.
" Just closing up the house, gentlemen ; past
eleven o'clock." That was the night clerk speak-
in";. It would be hard on us to be shut into the
street all night. We need rest to fit us for our
journey to-morrow, when wc go to
RANDOLPH.
This is quite a busy village. The shoe manu-
facturing business is dull, so " the boys " say. We
will spend the evening with them. Perhaps we
may meet some old friend. The hall is down
street. The entrance is through this narrow pas-
sage, one flight up. It is Rising Star Lodge ;
George L. Pierce is Noble Grand. The brothers
are considering the matter of celebrating the
seventy-second anniversary of the introduction of
Odd Fellowship into America, April 26th.
Brothers Willard, Stetson, Jones, Houghton,
and others have expressed their opinions freely
regarding it. We will take the train this morning
for Boston, attend to business an hour, and then
rest for a season.
How quickly the days have passed ! We are
again making preparations for another tour. This
time it is to spend a quiet Sunday with an old
friend, one who in my boyhood days walked the
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 213
path of life with me. I invite you, Brother
Reader, to accompany me on this trip to a town
where there is no Odd Fellows' lodge and not, to
my knowledge, any members of the Order residing.
We take the train over the Massachusetts Central
road from the Boston & Lowell station and ride
sixteen miles to the town of
WAYLAND, MASS.
You have heard of different kinds of smiths :
black, white, gold, and silver smiths. The Smith I
am about to bring to your notice came from away
down in the eastern part of Maine, not many miles
from where I first beheld the light of day. He
is William L. Smith. He can give us valuable in-
formation on practical farming. From early boy-
hood he has tilled the soil. We are nearing the
station. Here is the Mr. Smith I have been
speaking about. He invites us to a seat in his
fine carriage. We have a two-mile drive. Here
is the large farm-house. Mrs. Smith has a lunch
ready for us in the dining-room. We are now
going with our friend and his dog "Sam" for a
walk. We will keep our eyes and ears open while
Mr. Smith spreads before us the picturesque land-
scape. Here is a farm of four hundred acres:
grass, tillage, wood, and pasture lands. It was
once owned by the late Mr. dishing, of Boston.
Later it became the property of Mr. George W.
214 ON THE ROAD.
Perkins, of Brookline, Mass. It is now owned by
the ladies who are Mr. Perkins' heirs. On the
summit of that hill is the mansion where the ladies
and their invited guests spend the summer months.
Mr. George Hancock, the man at work in the field,
has superintended the farm forty-three years. Mr.
Perkins generously remembered him in his will.
He is the owner of that large farm adjoining this.
Our friend Smith is successor to Mr. Hancock in
superintending the farm and looking after the
interests of the proprietors of the estate.
We must now part with our friend and away
to the station. Mr. Smith says the team will be
ready very soon. It will be very pleasant to have
his company to the depot. Our next stopping-
place is
HUDSON.
The business part of this village is a short distance
from the station. The hotel, post-office, and Odd
Fellows Hall are within a stone's throw of each
other. There are no familiar faces on the street.
The hall of Hudson Lodge will be open in fifteen
minutes. We have time to walk down the street
and return on the opposite side. There is a light
in the window. Here are three brothers: E. S.
Locke, I. H. Moore, and Fred W. Millay. You
have a fine hall here, brothers. How large is the
lodge membership? "About one hundred and
'fifty." Here is the Noble Grand, Fred \V. Ware,
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 21 5
and Secretary E. F. Welch. We have the lost
Charlie Ross with us and his brother Ernest.
Brother F. P. Glazier is the noted dog-fancier.
He and George H. Harlow go on some big hunt-
ing expeditions. They always send a special
invitation to Brothers Powers, Chase, Coolidge,
Kinney, Colburn and Holden to accompany them,
and are very liberal in their distribution of the
game.
There are only five more towns on our list to be
visited, and then our journeyings will come to an
end.
How pleasing the thought, nearing home. This
morning we will go to Boston. Then we can take
the 5.30 P.M. train on the Saugus branch at the
Eastern station for
CLIFTONDALE.
This is a village in the town of Saugus, a quiet
resting-place for people doing business in Boston.
There are a few stores and small manufactories.
The Odd Fellows Hall of Cliftondale is in the
large building up the street. We are just in time
to go up the stairs with Brother S. L. Powell.
Here is a fine hall with large anterooms, where
the brothers can pass their evenings enjoyably.
The degree staff is preparing to show us some
good work to-night. Here is Brother L. L.
DeLaite, secretary. If he has a spare moment he
2l6 ON THE RCAD.
may favor us with an introduction to Brothers
Rowell, A. H. Hayden, D. B. Hatch, A. F. Hill,
H. O. Patch, F. W. Feakins, C. F. Fife, and D.
II. Carter. We have time to see the work.
There are a number of brothers going on the last
train.
This is the morning we hail with gladness.
To-day we gather up our personal effects and set
our faces homeward. We have a few more
places to visit along the route. The first is
NEWBURYPORT.
It has been a long, tedious ride. We are in the
busy part of the city. The shoe-shops are all
running with a large force of employees. " Qua-
scacunquen" Lodge numbers upward of three
hundred members. The hall is on the upper
street. We will find our way up the long
flight of winding stairs. The first brothers to
salute us with friendly greetings are S. Warren
Frost, Noble Grand, and W. H. Welch. There
arc a large number of brothers present. The
question of better hall accommodations has brought
them out. The grand entertainment given the
brothers by the members of Mutual Relief Lodge,
Haverhill, has fanned the flame of fraternal devo-
tion and created a desire to reciprocate the cour-
tesies shown them. The only hinderance in the
way to give the Haverhill brothers a royal recep-
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 2\J
tion is the poor accommodation afforded by their
hall. The adage, " Where there's a will, there's
a way," has removed every stumbling-block, and
the committee will see that the wishes of the
large majority are carried out. It will be a hard
matter for a few brothers to run counter to the
plans of such workers as Brothers Morrison, Lord,
Littlefield, Cooper, Hollis, Hopkins, Reed, and
dozens of equally cool-headed, resolute men.
We take those cars this afternoon and ride to
AMESBURY,
the great carriage manufacturing town. I am not
at a loss where to find an old brother and friend
in this place. We will walk down the street to
the large store opposite the railroad station and
inquire for John M. Garland. He was head clerk
in that store eight years ago. I think he will
remember me. The young man at the desk says,
" Mr. Garland is upstairs in the packing-room."
He smiles as we approach him. What does he
say? " It is the Veteran Past Grand, editor of
the ' Odd Fellows' Register.' " — "You are right in
part, my brother, I am the ex-editor. Brother
Garland, where can we find comfortable quarters
for the night? We are here to visit Pow-Wow
River Lodge." — "You will find excellent accom-
modations at Mrs. Carswell's house on the oppo-
site side of the street." Mrs. Carswell is an
2l8 ON THE ROAD.
estimable lady. Mr. Carswcll, the doctor, is an
aged gentleman, the subject of disease. He is an
ancient Odd Fellow. We are really fortunate in
getting into such a home-like place. The lodge
hall is in the building near the mills. It is the
same as when I visited the lodge years ago.
Here are Brothers Randall, Curtis, Gibson, and
Webb. Brother Garland will officiate as Degree
Master. We will return and call upon some of
the brothers about town in the morning. Per-
haps we may obtain permission to look into some
of the large carriage-shops. Here is Brother S.
H. Wiggin's hair- dressing rooms. He will give
us a list of names of brothers to call upon: G.
H. Pcttengill, C. W. Allen, C. F. Camp, W. N.
Park, C. L. Kelley, N. O. Sawyer, G. W. Crou-
ther, Henry Oaks. We will now go to the elec-
tric-car station and start for
MERRIMAC.
It is quite a long ride, but we are travelling nearly
as fast as by steam. There are but few stations
along the route. We will call at this harness-shop
and inquire for D. W. Gould. The man at
the cutting-bench answers to that name. Glad
we have found a brother and friend. He
desires us to go to the large carriage manufactory
shops and inquire for the Pease Brothers. There
are three of them, all members of Riverside Lodge.
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 219
Brother Gould will go and introduce us to the
proprietors of the establishment of James, Frank,
and John T. Pease. One of the brothers volun-
teers to show us through the shop and allow
us to interview the workmen. Many of them
are members of the Order. Here are Brothers
Cunningham, Sawyer, Smith, Crouse, Davis,
George Crouse, Burke, and Follansbee. We will
go to the restaurant and have supper. It is over
one hour before the lodge opens. Mr. Hill is at
work in the harness shop. I used to be acquainted
with him years ago in Skowhegan, Me. We will
have a social chat. The lodge hall is in the large
block on the street below the post-office. There
are quite a number of brothers present. Many of
them we have not met in the shops. Here are the
Pease Brothers. We are glad to meet you again ;
also Brothers McDonald, Wells, Stevens, Tucker-
well, Cummings, and Williams. We have passed
a pleasant evening among you. Hope to come
and see you again. Brother W. W. Chose invited
us to go home with him and spend the night.
Good-night, brothers !
To-day we reach the end of our long journey,
after we have spent one more evening among the
brothers at
GEORGETOWN.
Here we are in a smart shoe manufacturing
town, among wide-awake Odd Fellows. I well
220 ON THE ROAD.
remember my first visit to this place, in 1882.
The hall of Protection Lodge is the same as when
I met with the brothers at that time. We had
better rest at the hotel until the hall is open.
Here arc Brothers Perlcy, Smith, Howe, Prescott,
Tilton, Mctcalf, Hall, and Bailey. This is one of
the finest halls in the State. Do you notice the
beautiful wall decorations and oil paintings?
Here all the lessons of the ritual are vividly por-
trayed. We would be pleased to meet with the
brothers when there are a large number present,
and will make it a point to do so at some future
time. We will make some calls at the shoe-shops
this morning and speak with Brother J. E. Bailey,
proprietor. He is very kind in permitting us to
converse with Brothers Daniels and Charles J.
Bailey. He says, " There are a number of broth-
ers in the shop on the opposite side of the street.
Inquire for J. L. Huntington." He will show us
Brothers Fairbrother, Wiley, Peaks, Scates, Cor-
wins, Palmer, White, and Batchelder.
The expected moment has arrived. We will
hasten on board the train, and in the words of the
poet say, " Fly swift around, ye wheel of time, and
bring the welcome clay ! " How rapidly we are
passing the stations along the route ! We are at
the Scarboro' crossing. Now the Maine General
Hospital and the high grounds of Bramhall come
fully to view. We are entering the Union station.
Horse-cars to the city. Down Congress, Middle,
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 221
Pearl, and Commercial street, and we are on
board the steamer upon the smooth waters in
Portland harbor.
Brother Reader, I invite you to take a stroll
with me to-day. We will go to the city. I will
introduce you to some of my newspaper acquaint-
ances. First we will call at the office of the
" Portland Daily Press." In years past I have
been pleasantly connected with the paper as re-
porter and correspondent. Allow me to introduce
you to Messrs. Cobb, Wade, Hinds, and Fassett,
of the editorial staff; Mr. Nutter and Mr. Morton,
business managers and book-keepers ; and Mr.
George H. Lefavor, foreman of the composing-
room. You will find them all gentlemanly,
obliging newspaper-makers. In this office are
Messrs. Osgood, Barrows, and Melvin, of the
"Argus'' editorial staff. On Market street is the
" Sunday Times " office. This is Mr. Giles O.
Bailey, the editor. This gentleman at the desk is
Mr. Robert Rexdale, Portland's gifted poet, local
editor of the " Times."
At the post-office I will introduce you to Hon.
Herbert G. Briggs, postmaster, and Leroy S. San-
born, Esq., chief clerk. Down on Exchange
street is the office of the " Odd Fellows' Register."
We will ascend the stairs and speak with Mr. T.
D. Sale, the editor and proprietor.
You will enjoy a sail this beautiful day in the
harbor on the steam-ferry " Cornelia H." The
222 ON THE ROAD.
boat is ready to start. The landing on the oppo-
site side of the harbor is
SOUTH PORTLAND.
A short walk up the street, and we will find a
comfortable resting-place at the office of the
" Cape Elizabeth Sentinel," edited and published
by Harford Brothers. Here is my old friend
John Henry. He is busy reading proof and
making up the form. Brother Harford, allow me
to introduce you to Brother Reader, my old trav-
elling companion. He desires to look about your
village, to enter Castle Hall, and sec where the
K.P. and I.O.O.F. boys hold their weekly assem-
blies. We have some time to remain here before
returning to the city. I will introduce you to some
of the brothers of Elizabeth City Lodge. There
are a number of them doing business on the street.
Here are Brothers Knight, Hoes, Spear, Turrell,
J. O. Smith, Cole, March, Kemp, and Willard.
Let us walk up the road, over the hill, and visit
that part of the town called
WILLARD.
Here we will meet men who may exhibit a
rough, unseemly exterior, but possess a good, true
heart within. They go down to the sea in small
boats, and not infrequently get in return for days
NEARING THE LAST MILESTONE. 223
and nights of hard labor the fishermen's luck.
Here are some of them just landing at the shore.
Let us see how many little and big fishes they
have caught. Here are Henry, Jcdediah, Samuel,
Elijah, and George Loviett, and Allen Cole. This
is the Loviett District. Mr. Simonton keeps the
store and post-office. We will keep the shore
road down to the ferry-landing, and return to the
city.
This is a fine morning. I will procure a team,
that we may enjoy a drive to Knightville, Turner's
Island, Ligonia, and the Rolling Mills. We have
a grand view from Bramhall and Munjoy.
END OF THE JOURNEY.
Here, Brother Reader, I cannot better express
my feelings than in the words of the poet when I
clasp your friendly hand : —
" When a man ain't got a cent, and he's feelin' kind o' blue,
An' the clouds hang dark an' heavj', an' won't let the sun-
shine through,
It's a great thing, oh, my brethren, for a feller just to lay
His hand upon your shoulder in a friendly sort o' way.
" It makes a man feel curious; it makes the teardrops start,
And you sort o' feel a nutter in the region of the heart. •
You can't look up an' meet his eyes; you don't know what to
say,
When his hand is on your shoulder in a friendly sort o' way.
224 0-^T THE ROAD.
" Oh, the world's a curious compound, with its honey and its
gall,
With its cares and bitter cross; but a good world after all.
And a good Got! must have made it — leastways that's what I
say,
When a hand rests on my shoulder in a friendly sort o' wav."
WORKS OF EDWARD E. HALE.
CHRISTMAS IN NARRAGANSETT.
This collection brings together all the more prominent characters
in Mr. Hale's stories, and, tor the season, disposes of them all.
Cloth, $1.00.
FORTUNES OF RACHEL.
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mance most characteristic of American life, — its sudden changes
and sharp contrasts." Cloth, $1.00.
OUR CHRISTMAS IN A PALACE.
"The stories are among the best that Mr. Hale has written. . . .
No American writer of ficiion is more highly appreciated than
Edward Everett Hale." Cloth, $1.00.
IN HIS NAME.
A story of the Waldenses seven hundred years ago. Paper, 25
cents; cloth, $1.00.
TEN TIMES ONE IS TEN.
The story of the Wadsworth Club. Paper, 25 cents ; cloth, $1.00.
TEN-TIMES-ONE CIRCULARS.
Used for forming clubs. Board covers. 6o.cents.
EASTER.
A collection, consisting of twelve Sermons and twelve Easter
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RED AND WHITE.
The Christmas Gift of 1888. 42 pp. Paper, 20 cents ; cloth,
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DAILY BREAD.
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WHAT IS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE?
An Address delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa of Brown
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HOW THEY LIVED IN HAMPTON.
A Story of Practical Christianity. Applied in the Manu-
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By Edward Evekett Hale. i2mo. $1.00; pap., $0.30.
In the present volume is pictured an ideal manufacturing town in
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intercourse. It is a new solution of the problem of cooperation, as
worked out by a manufacturer of large experience.
MY FRIEND THE BOSS.
A Story of To-Day.
By Edward Everett Hale. 121110. $1.00.
A story of possible government of American cities, and a practical
study of our social and political order. " My Friend the Boss," as he
says himself, likes good government, is willing to give his time to se-
cure it, and with his time, his money.
THE MAN WITHOUT ArCOUNTRY.
•
By Edward Everett Hale. $0.50; school edition, board covers,
$0.25; pap., $0.20.
This ingeniously wrought story, now well known, first appeared
during the Civil War, and at a time most opportune. Its purpose is to
illustrate how important to a man is the land of his birth and the great
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to he banished, but placed so that Jujfcinnot even hear from or about his
country the rest of his life.
Ssk
^L
TOM TORREY'S TARIFF TALKS;
Or, The American System.
By Edwakd Everett Hale. $0.50; pap., $0.20.
These are statements of eight important points in the discussion of
the American System of Tariff. They show that it is meant not for a
few manufacturers, but for the American people.
LIFE OF COLONEL JACK.
By Daniel De Foe. Edited by Edward E. Hale.
This story is often spoken of as the second Robinson Crusoe. The
first edition was published in London, 1722. The book has perhaps
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J. STILMAN SMITH & CO., Publishers, Boston.
A NEW SCHOOL READER.
Edward Everett Hale's Patriotic Story,
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This little book, written during the war, and intended
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Its pure English and vivid descriptions, added to
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We make a liberal discount to schools.
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3 Hamilton Place, Boston, Mass.
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