Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 24.

Our Autobiography.

THE Medford Historical Society has for twenty-five years been engaged in the preservation and dissemination of the history of Medford. It has seemed advisable to devote some space in this issue of its Register to its own history, and call public attention thereto.

On April 16, 1896, a printed circular bearing the names of seventeen Medford citizens was sent out, inviting people to a gathering in the old Simpson tavern on April 22. In response fifty-four attended, and the desirability of organizing a historical society was discussed.

Another meeting was held on May 8, and steps taken to incorporate. On May 22 its charter was issued by the secretary of the commonwealth, and on May 23 the first stated meeting was held in the Unitarian vestry.

The next meeting (of record) was on November 8, and was held in the old Francis house, numbered two Ashland street.

That the new Society began with enthusiasm is evidenced by the fact that during the week of October 14 to 20 a ‘Historic Festival’ or pageant, called ‘On the Banks of the Mystic,’ was held in the Opera House. The idea was a novel one and was favorably received by the public, as shown by its liberal patronage and large attendance. The committee in charge, though for a time startled by its temerity in its production because of the great expense involved, was happy at its close, and at that November meeting turned into the Society's treasury the net proceeds of $1,018.21.

The Society hired the Francis house, which had a little historic interest, having been the home of Convers [p. 46] Francis, the originator of the Medford cracker, and also the birthplace of his talented daughter and authoress, Lydia Maria Child. It also made some repair and refitted it for Society use, and furnished the same.

In 1902 the property was placed in the market for sale and was then purchased by the Society for $4,000.00. Of this amount $1,000 was paid in cash, and the remainder provided for by a mortgage and the favorable interest rate of four per cent.

But prior to this purchase the various expenses had absorbed the proceeds of the historic festival already alluded to, and several efforts of lesser magnitude had been unremunerative.

The cash payment was the result, mostly, of donations for that specific purpose, secured mainly through the efforts of President David Henry Brown.

The meetings of the Society have been on the third Monday in the months from October to May inclusive, and for several years a Saturday evening course of addresses was added to the regular meetings. At nearly all meetings, other than the annual, addresses have been given and papers read relating to Medford, its history, institutions and people. Many of these have been reproduced in the Society's quarterly publication, the Historical Register. Its issue was begun in 1897 for that express purpose, and its twenty-four volumes represent a labor of love on the part of its editors and contributors, and contain information of Medford found nowhere else. By its exchange list with other societies it is constantly adding their publications to the Society's library, thus making available sources of information.

The existence of the Society started the effort for the preservation of the Royall house, and also Medford's two hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary celebration, so successfully observed. At that time former President Hooper prepared a brief history of Medford, which was published by the city's committee (composed of members of the Society), together with a full report of the exercises of the week. [p. 47]

The questions may be asked, ‘How is the Society's work appreciated by the community it serves, and how is it sustained, either financially or otherwise?’

We reply, its only revenue is its annual dues of $1.00 from each member. It reached its high-tide of membership in 1902, about two hundred and fifty, and now numbers one hundred and fifty-one. It has no endowment whatever, and in all its twenty-five years has never had any bequest of funds, and contrary to a prevailing notion, has never had a penny of municipal assistance. Thus it will be seen that its efforts have been heroic and ‘a labor of love.’ Its current and publication expenses for several years exceeded the annual income, and the deficit was covered by donations of interested members. In 1914 the latter were insufficient, and a new administration found itself with a debt of over one hundred dollars and the problem of much-needed repairs on the building. The latter seeming impractical, the property was sold and temporary quarters secured.

The enterprise of securing a new and permanent home was begun in the summer of 1916, and is so recent as to require little mention in detail. Land was purchased of the city of Medford (at the assessors' valuation, which was $629.00), and paid for out of the net amount received from the sale of the old property, the balance, $371.00 (with accrued interest) being turned into the building fund. Thus was conserved the amount originally invested in its former home.

None too soon was this enterprise begun, as circumstances proved. It would be a pleasure to record that the people of Medford responded liberally and extended a helping hand, but the fact remains that scarcely more than a dozen people outside the Society's membership responded to its appeal. Then came the war time, and during the numerous ‘drives’ for funds the Society had no chance. At the earliest possible moment, without waiting for the building's completion, the Society moved in, ceasing its outlay for rent and reducing its expenses [p. 48] to a minimum. To the casual observer it appears complete, but in the stress of war time and over-topping prices there remain some essential fixtures yet to be secured. It has been suggested several times to get a mortgage to do these things, but the Directors have wisely refrained therefrom, remembering that interest payments come with inconvenient frequency.

The new home on Governors avenue never has had such ornament (?) and whatever problems of administration the Society may have, arise not from any debt upon its home, but rather from the lack of public interest in its important work.

To the meetings of the Society every member is entitled to bring friends, with the thought that such may become interested and become members. A few have thus in the past. Like other similar societies, many of its members rarely attend the meetings, but are prompt in remitting their annual dues to the Treasurer. This is, of course, a help, but the burden of sustaining the interest in the stated meetings and the management of affairs falls upon the few. To secure a larger membership and interested working force is an ever-pressing need to enable it to better prosecute its work.

One of our number on reading the foregoing pages remarked, ‘It is not an appeal to save a sinking ship, but for a working crew.’

Given a larger membership means better support, added interest and better service in coming years.

Medford has changed much in the recent years. Remembering Abraham Lincoln's famous remark, we are confident the good sense of its people will, in time, assert itself. History is in the making. Will the Medford people, especially those to whom this Register specially comes, join us in our effort?