History
of
Mount Holyoke Alumnae Association,
of
Worcester County, Massachusetts.
1875---1893.

The Worcester County Mount Holyoke Alumnae Association was organized in the City of Worcester, May 27th., 1875.

The Object of the Association, as declared by its Constitution, was "to promose the interests of Mount Holyoke Seminary and bring together all former pupils and teachers".

The first meeting was prophetic of its future, in the enthusiasm arising from the large number asembled and the presence of Miss Ward, the Principal of the Seminary, and of Miss Shattuck, the venerable Botanist.

Delightful social gatherings, with handsome banquets and dainty collations, have since been a prominent feature of its existence, while the old school home, with its precious life and teachings, has been the constant care and hope of its former pupils.

The large area of Worcester County, together with the northern part of Rhode Island, whose alumnae early sought admission to this Association, brought together members of diverse interests and opinions. So, form the beginning, the Association has held broad and liberal views on all subjects relating to the advancement of the College and higher education.

The members who were pupils in the time of the founder have supported these views, recognizing how far in advance of her day were Mary Lyon's educational beliefs and how they must subsequently have continued abreast, or ahead of her time.

In the change from Seminary to College this alumnae took no doubtful part and they have helped on many beneficial and necessary advances.

That the alumnae are people of deeds as well as of words is shown by their record, beginning with their third eyar, when we find them contributing to the Memorandum Society, at the Seminary, and sending a sum of money, "to be given to any needy, worthy pupil".

These early meetings must have been scenes of much enthusiasm, for in the fourth year of this Association, Mr. Edward A. Goodnow, of this city, gave the magnificent Park named after him, making the charming College grounds beautiful forever. In 1887, he gave Goodnow scholarship particularly to aid Worcester girls, and, beside other occasional gifts, has lately made an addition to the Art Gallery.

In 1883, this Assocation sent to the Seminary one hundred and sixty-six ($166.) dollars, for the purchase of microscopes, and in 1886, a Jubilee gift of one thousand ($1000.) dollars, for its fiftieth anniversary. In 1890, they contributed their quota toward refurnishing the parlors, and in the last two years have supported an annual scholarship of two hundred ($200.) dollars, known as the Worcester Alumnae Scholarship, and have assumed, for ten years, a yearly contribution of twenty ($20.) dollars, to the Mount Holyoke Scholarship at Athens.

The literary work of the Association has always been subordinate to its social life, yet in the last nine years some notable papers have been read by Holyoke Alumnae. Some of these were:--

Why Women Should Study Sanitary Science, by Dr. Adaline Williams, of Worcester: American Nervousness, by Dr. Grace Peckham Murray, of New York City: Shall Mount Holyoke become a College? by Miss Elizabeth F. Merrill, of Boston: A visit to the Sandwich Islands, by Mrs. Joseph E. Perry: Life in Cape Colony, by Miss Mary Farnham, of South Bridgton, Maine: Life of Mary Brigham, President Elect of Mount Holyoke College, by Miss Sarah Eastman, of Dana Hall, Wellsley [sic]: The Women of Spain, by Mrs. Alice Gordon Gulick, San Sebastien, Spain: Federation of Clubs and its benefit, Miss Mary P. Jefts, Worcester.

Among the guests who have made addresses upon educational topics are Mrs. Alice Freeman Palmer and Prof. Julia Morgan, of Wellsley [sic], upon Higher Education of Women: Miss Elizabeth Blanchard and Mrs. Elizabeth Storrs Mead, Presidents of the College, upon College Life at Mount Holyoke: The Inspiration received from the Holyoke Reunions, by Miss Margaret Ditto, Class of '61: Shakspearean [sic] Readings, by Mrs. Joseph H. Cutter of Worcester.

The social meetings have for several years been enlivened by guests from the neighboring Association of Boston, and frequently by husbands of the alumnae and friends of the College. These are glad seasons for our own members, who live so far from each other, and who find them great occasions for the interchange of social life and the renewal of school friendships. The Committee in charge of the banquets and collations, with their charming decorations, have received much well-deserved commendation, and some excellent speeches made on these occasions have awakened new enthusiasm in Mount Holyoke College.

The administration of the Associatin has been of the simplest kind. There have been three Presidents, the first, Mrs. Ella Peckham Baldwin, serving five years, four Secretaries, and four Treasurers, in its history of eighteen years. Mrs. Sarah Tufts Dewey having held her office by unanimous desire, since 1882. The hospitality, generosity and kindness of Mrs. Dewey and her husband, the late Judge Francis Henshaw Dewey, have ever been unbounded and untiring to this Association.

The Honorary Members of the Association are Mr. Edward A. Goodnow, Mrs. Alice Freeman Palmer, Prof. Alonzo S. Kimball, of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Mr. G. Henry Whitcomb, the last two named being the resident Trustees of the College. Prof. Kimball, who is well known in this and other countries for his researches in electricity, is a lecturer at the College, and Mr. G. Henry Whitcomb, aside from his gifts, has been of great assistance to the finances of the College, by his wide and wise business experience.

If the Worcester Alumnae are proud of their Alma Mater she has reason to be proud of them. Some of the most widely known women of the county are Holyoke Alumnae.

Prominent in the work of the church, the school, and in all philanthropic and progressive work in society, they are physicians, teachers, artists, authors, editors, and in many kinds of business, and the helpful, earnest wives of honored men, of every profession and business, doing good with hand and heart, an influence and power in the community.

This Association shall be called the Worcester Mount Holyoke Alumnae Association.

The Object of this Association shall be to advance the prosperity of Mount Holyoke College; to bring together in social reunion the former students; and promote an interest in the higher education of women.

Any person having been a student at Mount Holyoke may become a member of this Association by payment of the annual fee of one dollar.

The officers of the Association shall be a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and Chairmen of a Literary Committee, of an Entertainment Committee, and of a Social Committee.

The duties of the President shall be to preside at the meetings of the Association, to act as chairman of the Executive Committee, and to give notice of the meetings of that Committee to its members.

It shall be the duty of the Vice-Presidents, or of one of their number, to be designated by them, to perform the duties of the President, in case of her absence, or inability to act.

The Secretary shall keep a record of all votes passed by the Association, and Executive Committee, and of all elections and appointment of officers and shall make such reports as shall be required at any time by the Executive Committee.

And also shall conduct the correspondence of the Association, shall notify the members of all meetings of the Association and prepare suitable notices for the press. She shall also keep a list of all members of the Association, and their addresses.

The Treasurer shall collect an annual fee of one dollar from each member, and have custody of all subscriptions and funds, disbursing the same as required by vote of the Association. She shall keep an account of all receipts and disbursements and shall make a report of the same, at the annual meetings and whenever required by the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, two Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Chairmen of the three Committees: -- Literary Committee, Entertainment Committee, and Social Committee.

The Literary Committee shall provide the literary entertainment for all meetings, and they may call purely literary meetings, not oftener than once in two months.

The Entertainment Committee shall make suitable arrangements for holding meetings of the Association, provide supper for same, if required, and fill all vacancies among its members.

The Social Committee shall look up all new comers and recent students and bring them into the Association.

Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be called by the President, at such times as she may see fit, and also whenever required by any two members of the Committee.

Three members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Eight members present at any meeting of the Association, duly notified, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of all the votes cast shall be required for electing any officer or passing any vote, except as provided in Article XII.

At the last meeting of the Association, before an annual meeting, for election of officers, a Nominating Committee, consisting of three members, shall be elected by ballot, whose duty shall be to report at the next meeting a list of officers to be voted for, for the ensuing two years.

The annual meeting of the Association shall be held in the month of May, in each year, at such particular time in that month and at such place as may be appointed by the Executive Committee.

At every alternate annual meeting there shall be elected, by ballot, all the officers mentioned in Article IV., to hold office for the ensuing two years, and until others shall have been elected in their stead.

In case the annual meeting should not be held, for any reason in the month of May, it may be called and held at any date, as the Executive Committee may appoint. There shall also be a meeting of the Association in October of each year, at such particular time and place as the Executive Committee may appoint.

This Constitution may be amended at any reguarl meeting of the Association, by a vote, in favor of such amendment, of two-thirds of the members present and voting, provided, that notice of the proposed amendment shall have been included in the notice of the meeting, or given at the preceding meeting of the Association.

Miss Abbie A. Adams, Northboro'.

        '75.         Medway.

Mrs. Ellis Albee, Uxbridge.

        '50.         Starah T. Southwick, Blackstone.

Miss Eleanor W. Aldrich, East Douglas.

        '65

Miss Carrie M. Allen, Spencer.

        '92.

Mrs. Amos Armsby, Millbury.

        '76.         Alice M. Davis, Hubbardston.

Miss Grace B. Baker, Salisbury St., cor. Park Ave., Worc.

        '90.

Miss Ella L. Balcom, Winchendon.

        '62.

Mrs. Chas C. Baldwin, 11 Cedar St., Worcester.

        '67.         Ella L. T. Peckham, Providence, R. I.

Miss S. Eliza Barrett, Leicester.

        '88.         Worcester.

Mrs. Quincy Blakeley. Winchendon.

        '56.         Gertrude Sykes, Dorset, VT.

Mrs. Geo. R. Bliss, 10 Congress St., Worcester.

        '67.         Anna E. Stoughton, Gill.

Mrs. Chas W. Bowker, 114 Elm St., Worcester.

        '65.         Susan B. Upham, Winchendon.

Miss Mary T. Bush, Shrewsbury.

        '60.         Worcester.

Miss Frances M. Childs, 38 Cedar St., Worcester.

        '87.

Mrs. H. J. Conant, 127 Becon St., Worcester.

        '67.         Ellen N. Bennett, Sturbridge.

Mrs. Henry Cook, Athol.

        '60.         Anna F. Eastman, Amherst.

Mrs. Amos H. Coolidge, Leicester.

        '53.         Harriett M. Cooley, Palmer.

Miss Emma Cowles, 61 Pleasant St., Worcester.

        '71.         Amherst.

Mrs. F. B. Davidson, Burncoat St., Worcester.

        '64.         Olive G. Davis, Princeton.

Mrs. Sarah B. Dewey, 23 Chestnut St., Worcester.

        '42.         Sarah A. B. Tufts, Dudley.

Miss Emily M. Edson, No. Brookfield.

        '65.

Miss Frances M. Emmons, Sturbridge.

        '61.

Miss S. Adele Estabrook, 86 Park Ave., Worcester.

        '71.

Miss Helen D. Fanning, 92 Woodland St., Worcester.

        '91.

Mrs. A. A. Fisher, 29 Laurel St., Worcester.

        '59.         Annie A. Kendall.

Miss Louise Forbes, Westboro'.

        '67.

Mrs. Leonard F. Fuller, 180 Congdon St., Providence, R. I.

        '55.         Mary Ide Hunt, Providence, R. I.

Miss Mary L. Gilbert, Warren.

        '67.

Mrs. L. P. Goddard, 90 Elm St., Worcester.

        '66.         Mary A. Clark, So. Hadley.

Mrs. Walter F. Gleason, Greendale.

        '76.         Martha Z. Sweetser, Worcester.

Miss Miriam Gray, 10 Oread St., Worcester.

        '92.

Miss Carrie B. Greene, Barre.

        '89.         So. Hadley.

Mrs. Edward L. Green, Walnut St., Clinton.

        '83.         Edith Parsons, Rochester, VT.

Mrs. Josiah Gregory, Princeton.

        Emily D. Skinner.

Miss Julina O. Hall, 94 Woodland St., Worcester.

        '71.          Ashfield.

Mrs. A. F. Harlowe, West Boylston.

Mrs. Gilbert H. Harrington, 1014 Main St., Worcester.

        '78.         Myrtis S. Sigourney, Oxford.

Mrs. Ellen A. Harrington, 834 Main St., Worcester.

        '54.         Ellen A. Putnam, Grafton.

Miss Eleanor A. Hartshorn, Webster.

        '72.

Mrs. H. M. Haskell, Clinton.

Mrs. Frank E. Heywood, 60 Williams St., Worcester.

        '82.         Harriet Dodd Jennings, East Orange, N.J.

Miss Esther A. Howland, 68 Summer St., Worcester.

        '47.

Miss Mary P. Jefts, 6 Williams St., Worcester.

        '68.         Drewsville, N.H.

Miss Abbie R. Jennison, Greendale.

        '74.         East Templeton.

Miss Alice G. Johnson, Putnam, Conn.

        '69.

Miss Hannah N. Johnson, Upton.

        '75.

Miss Olive M. Johnson, Upton.

        '81.

Mrs. Addison Keyes, Berlin.

        '56.         Mary Jane Smith, Assabet.

Mrs. Alonzo S. Kimball, 28 Boynton St., Worcester.

        '69.         Eleanor M. Everett, Sturbridge.

Mrs. Herbert B. Knight, Shaffner St., Worcester.

        '79.         Lizzie L. Johnson, Cambridge.

Mrs. John E. Lancaster, 845 main St., Worcester.

        '82.         Agnes M. Fanning, Worcester.

Mrs. Samuel M. Lane, Southbridge.

        '48.         Beulah M. Belknap, Sturbridge.

Mrs. Harriette M. Lathrop, 17 Angell St., Providence, R.I.

Miss Anna R. Leonard, 13 Elm St., Southbridge.

        '69.

Mrs. F. R. Lewis, 11 King St., Worcester.

        '69.         Hattie E. Smith, West Haven, Conn.

Mrs. William E. Lincoln, Warren.

        '66.         Caroline E. Dickinson, Granby.

Mrs. John S. Lindsey, Putnam, Conn.

        '82, or 83.         M. Agnes Witter.

Miss Katharine M. Marvin, Lancaster.

        '83.

Miss Imogene W. Mascroft, Uxbridge.

        '66.         Rockdale.

Mrs. Orlando Mason, Winchendon.

        '57.         Calista A. Streeter, Fitzwilliam, N.H.

Mrs. Chas M. McFarland, 5 Congress St., Worcester.

        '68.         Mary E. Thompson, Peru.

Miss Lizzie McFarland, 117 Thomas St., Worcester.

        '75.

Mrs. C. H. Metcalf, 81 Elm St., Worcester.

        '43.         Caroline Henshaw, Leicester.

Miss Edith R. Miller, No. Brookfield.

        '90

Miss Harriett E. Miller, 29 Elizabeth St., Worcester.

        '68

Miss Laura M. Miller, No. Brookfield.         '85.

Mrs. Alpha Morton, Paxton.

        '61.         Laura E. Field, Pascoag Vil., Burrilville, R.I.

Mrs. Simeon Newton, 10 State St., Worcester.

        '48.         Clara S. Packard, Spencer.

Mrs. G. M. Nichols, Worcester.

        '52.         Hannah C. Paine, West Boylston.

Miss Ellen E. Osgood, Ashburnham.

        '73.         Abington, Conn.

Mrs. J. L. Perkins, Fitchburg.

        '52.         Flora H. Perry, Royalton, Vt.

Mrs. Selina P. Perrin, 34 John St., Worcester.

        '65.         Selina P. Rice, Auburn.

Mrs. J. S. Perry, 16 Vernon St., Worcester.

        '55.         Lucy A. Day, Ludlow.

Miss Martha A. Perry, Holden.

        '61.

Miss Mary S. Perry, 124 Vernon St., Worcester.

        '54.

Miss Nancy Perry, Holden.

        '60.

Mrs. Chas H. Pierce, Millbury.

        '55.         Elizabeth W. Goffe.

Mrs. Leonard L. Pierce, 84 Elm St., Worcester.

        '61.         Jane L. Smead, Shelburne.

Miss Lucy G. Pond, Westboro'.

        '57         Mrs. Anne S. Rice, Shrewsbury.

        '49         Anne S. Wingate, East Weare, N.H.

Miss Ellen E. Roper, 2 Congress St., Worcester.

        '61.         Templeton.

Miss M. Theodosia Ruggles, Hardwick.

        '73.

Mrs. Fred W. Russell, Winchendon.

        '67.         Caroline E. Marvin.

Mrs. Chas E. Searles, Millbury.

        '71.         Harriett E. Forbes.

Mrs. Joseph A. Shaw, Highland Mil. Academy, Worcester

        '63.         E. Antoinette Thhompson, New Salem.

Mrs. Edward P. Smith, 34 Boynton St., Worcester.

        '66.         Julia M. Church, Middlefield.

Miss Ida V. Smith, Winchendon.

        '83.

Mrs. Lewis N. Smith, 16 Melville St., Worcester.

        '63.         Elizabeth W. Wood.

Mrs. Sumner T. Smith, Athol.

        '69.         Martha E. Lovell, Alstead, N.H.

Mrs. M. A. Sprague, Winchendon.

        '69.         Mira A. Jefts, Drewsville, N.H.

Mrs. Sarah D. Stowe, Hubbardston.

        '59.         Sarah D. Locke, New Ipswich, N.H.

Mrs. Roscoe Swan, 41 Pleasant St., Worcester.

        '82.         Lizzie H. Prentice.

Miss Abbie S. Sweetser, Greendale.

        '74.         Worcester.

Mrs. Cornelia A. Taft, 772 Main St., Worcester.

        '43.         Cornelia A. Brigham, Grafton.

Mrs. Leonard E. Taylor, 157 Main St., Woonsocket, R.I.

        '76.         Mary E. Metcalf, Medway.

Miss Abbie M. Tenney, 724 Main St., Worcester.

        '87.

Miss Delia Torrey, Millbury.

        '46.

Miss Abbie J. Trask, 40 Woodland St., Worcester.

        '67.

Miss Leila F. Upton, 12 Catherine St., Worcester.

        '69.         So. Dedham.

Mrs. William H. Walcott, Dudley.

Miss Adelaide S. Warner, Westminster.

        '86.

Miss Mary A. Warner, Westminster.

        '83.

Mrs. Eugene Wetherell, Oxford.

        '73.         Sarah E. Burdon.

Mrs. Eugene A. Wheelock, Putnam, Conn.

        '66.         Sarah S. Taft, Uxbridge.

Miss Mary E. Whipple, 6 Oread St., Worcester.

        '75.

Miss Clara S. Whitney, Winchendon.

        '76.

Mrs. John G. Wight, 35 Cedar St., Worcester.

        '62.         Flora A. Stiles, Gorham, N.H.

Mrs. H. W. Wilkinson, 92 Bowen St., Providence, R.I.

Miss Edith B. Woods, Barre.

        '92.

Mrs. Harding Woods, Barre.

        '59.         Caroline W. Clark, So. Hadley.

It is with great difficulty, that we, who are enjoying the privileges of these latter days, of the nineteenth century, can comprehend the fact, that at the close of the Revolution, there were ladies of high standing who could not read.

Although Harvard College was established only thirty years after the landing of the Pilgrims, it was two hundred years before a school for the higher education of young women was granted a charter in Massachusetts.

It is with great interest that we note, step by step, the advancements of the education of women. There is almost a touch of barbarism in the old law providing for the education of "all children". Girls are not mentioned and they did not attend school generally.

A pathetic picture certainly is that of "the little girl sitting on the door-step of a school house, to hear the boys recite their lessons, as no girl could cross the threshold of a scholar".

A foot-hold was at last established, for girls were allowed to attend during the summer, when there was not enough boys to fill the schoo.

The idea of educating young women, on the same broad and thorough principles as young men, was carried out by the Rev. Joseph Emerson, who founded a school with a ghree years course. Among his many pupils were teachers from different parts of Massachusetts, as Normal Schools did not then exist.

The prevailing doubt of woman's ability to acquire an education was slowly disappearing and the dawn of a better day was at hand. As the demand for schools and teachers was steadily increasing throughout our growing country, eyes were opened to this need.

During this period of unrest and slow progress arose a leader with a strong purpose and a brave heart, full of inventive genius, tact and enthusiasm. Thinking, long and deeply, upon the injustice done her sisters, in depriving them of their birthright, she took upon her slender shoulders the burden of overcoming all obstacles and prejudices, and placing upon a sure footing the higher education of young women.

Mary Lyon, in early life, lived very near to nature's heart, surrounded by the beautiful hills, from which she drew her strength, loving with an ardent love hill and dale, bird and flower, communing with all nature, and in the quiet life thinking great thoughts and thirsting for more knowledge: learning, in the humble home, the lessons of self-reliance, which stood her in good stead in after life.

Her school advantages were limited; but while alternately studying and teaching, her desire for an education grew apace. She early developed a fondness for the natural sciences, and so made her impress upon the Seminary she afterward founded, that the study of science has ever been a marked feature of that school.

Naturally she gravitated to the school at Byfield, where she became an earnest pupil of Mr. Emerson, who years afterward said, that for mental power he considered Mary Lyon superior to all the pupils he ever had under his instruction. Here, Mary Lyon was inspired with new motives and new views of education.

Ten years she taught with Miss Grant, but at last, so fixed in her mind was her great idea, that she left her associate and her pleasant work and toiled three years upon the problem given her to solve.

Her idea of a Seminary for young women founded upon a broad basis at length took definite shape: buildings were to be erected and furnished by voluntary gifts: teachers to receive comparatively low salaries: household service to be rendered by the pupils: all these features to greatly reduce the cost of education.

In this brief sketch there is not time to relate the trials and successes of these anxious years. Miss Lyon's plan was so unique that it invited ridicule in some directions, but nothing daunted she worked on: strong friends sympathized with her and helped on the work.

South Hadley, Massachusetts, was selected as the location of the Seminary, and in 1836, the corner stone of the building was laid. In the autumn of 1837, the school opened with eighty pupils.

From a circular issued in 1835, we take this extract:-

"After much deliberation the friends of Christ have determined to establish a school for the daughters of the church, whose object shall be to fit them for the highest usefulness. The Seminary is to be placed upon such a pecuniary basis that all its advantages may be within the reach of those in the common walks of life, though we expect to offer advantages, which even the wealthy cannot now command. We intend it to be like our collages, [sic] so valuable that the rich will be glad to attend it". These words are a prophecy which, slowly and surely, have been fulfilled.

Miss Lyon gave her school the name, Seminary, then used to designate the highest opportunities open to women - the name college would not then have been tolerated - but with all her energy she sought to make it as much of a college, as was possible in her day.

New impulse was given to its growth in the change in public opinion that created colleges for women.

Miss Lyon's successors, true to their trust, used every effort to raise the standard of work and for many years a steady advance was made, until college work was done: and the alumnae, finding themselves placed at a disadvantage, through lack of a college degree, earnestly desired a just recognition of what they had done: therefore they urged the trustees to adopt the name of college.

The Legislature was finally petitioned for a college charter and the privilege of granting degrees. On March 8th., 1888, the bill was approved, making Mount Holyoke College a fact. So that now the mother of all schools, for the higher education of women, is honored by the dignified title of college.

The original building has, from time to time, received additions and been beautified. Around it cluster many needed buildings - - - a library, which is filled with a large and valuable collection of books: a fine gymnasium: an observatory, with a large telescope: two cottages: and the Lyman Williston Hall devoted to the natural scienes and which also contains an Art Gallery, where the eye is charmed with picture and cast. A commodius building, to be devoted wholly to Chemistry and Physics, is now in progress of construction. More cottages must soon follow to accommodate the students.

According to the custom of the time in average New England homes, when Mary Lyon founded the school, the young ladies performed the work of the household: now, as times have changes, servants do the heavier work and only the lighter duties fall upon the students.

The family spirit prevails in a more marked degree than would be thought possible, in so large a home. From the inception of the idea of the school to the present day prayer has so hovered over its life, that few leave its portals without feeling ever after its sweet influence. Many thousands have enjoyed its privileges and are scattered over the broad world, leading lives of usefulness and blessing.

The future of Mount Holyoke College is truly bright and encouraging; with its cultured president, Mrs. Elizabeth Storrs Mead; with an earnest band of educators and a progressive board of trustees, its advancement is assured, and the work, so bravely begun by Mary Lyon, will not perish, but will ever stand, as a noble monument, of what one woman, with a steadfast purpose, was able to accomplish.