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Chapter 13: the Boston Radical Club: Dr. F. H. Hedge
The Boston Radical Club appears to me one of the social developments most worthy of remembrance in the third quarter of the nineteenth century.
From a published record of its meetings I gather that the first of them was held at the residence of
Dr. Bartol in the autumn of the year 1867.
I felt a little grieved and aggrieved at the time, in that no invitation had been sent me to be present on this occasion, but was soon consoled by a letter offering me membership in the new association, which, it may be supposed, I did not decline.
The government of the club was of the simplest.
Its meetings were held on the first Monday of every month, and most frequently at the house of
Rev. John T. Sargent, though occasionally at that of
Dr. Bartol.
The master of the house usually presided, but
Mrs. Sargent was always present and aided much in suggesting the names of the persons who should be called upon to discuss the essay of the day. The proceedings were limited to the reading and discussion of a paper, which rarely exceeded an hour