ANNUAL MEETING, NOVEMBER, 1929
THE Annual Meeting of the Society was held at the Algonquin Club, No. 217 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, on Thursday, November 21, 1929, at half-past six o’clock in the evening, the President, Samuel Eliot Morison, in the chair.
The Records of the last Stated Meeting were read and approved.
The Corresponding Secretary reported the death, on April 28, 1929, of James Benjamin Wilbur, a Corresponding Member; on June 16, 1929, of Vernon Louis Parrington, a Corresponding Member; on October 7, 1929, of John Whittemore Farwell, a Resident Member; and, on October 27, 1929, of John Henry Edmonds, an Associate Member.
The Corresponding Secretary reported that letters accepting Resident Membership had been received from Messrs. Richard Ammi Cutter, James Lincoln Huntington, Francis Parkman, and Clifford Herschel Moore; that letters accepting Corresponding Membership had been received from Messrs. Charles Thornton Libby, Hosea Ballou Morse, Vernon Louis Parrington, James Harvey Robinson, and Chauncey Brewster Tinker; and that a letter accepting Associate Membership had been received from Mr. Lawrence Counselman Wroth.
The Annual Report of the Council was read by Mr. Percival Merritt.
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL
The Colonial Society, during the past year, has proceeded on its customary course in a dignified and satisfactory manner.
The change from six yearly meetings to four, initiated by our President two years ago, has proved a marked success, resulting in an increased attendance and a more general participation by members in the proceedings.
The December meeting by invitation of President Morison was held at his house in Brimmer Street and the meeting in February by invitation of Mr. Frederic Winthrop at his home in Berkeley Street. The April meeting as usual took place in the evening and was held in Cambridge by invitation of Professor R. B. Merriman. To our hosts on these occasions we desire to express our acknowledgments.
The Editor reports that the proceedings at all meetings of the year, through April, 1929, are in type and in the proof stage. Last spring a separate, containing the records of transactions from November, 1927, through November, 1928, was distributed to the various contributors to the meetings. This relieves the Society from the stigma, sometimes attached to it in the past, that there was little inducement for members to contribute on account of the long delay in publication. The ground for this statement having been cut away it is hoped that both Society and Editor may benefit by an increasing number of important contributions in the future. Mr. Matthews, who has taken charge of the preparation of the index volume covering the first twenty-five volumes of our Publications, reports that the index cards are now all in his hands. He expects that the volume will make its appearance during the coming year.
The Boston Athenaeum has kindly given the Society permission to publish its manuscript volume of records of the Suffolk County Court covering the period from 1671 to 1680 inclusive. It will be reproduced with illustrative material about the cases mentioned drawn from the Suffolk Court files, which the present Clerk of the Court has given us permission to use. The work of copying documents from the Court files is now in progress and it is expected will be completed before another year.
During the past year sixteen new members have been added to our rolls:
Resident:
- Arthur Orlo Norton,
- George Richards Minot,
- Stewart Mitchell,
- Philip Putnam Chase,
- Robert Walcott,
- James Lincoln Huntington,
- Richard Ammi Cutter,
- Francis Parkman,
- Clifford Herschel Moore;
Corresponding:
- James Harvey Robinson,
- Charles Thornton Libby,
- Hosea Ballou Morse,
- Chauncey Brewster Tinker,
- Vernon Louis Parrington;
Associate:
- George Macaulay Trevelyan,
- Lawrence Counselman Wroth.
In the same period we have lost by death eight members:
Francis Randall Appleton, Resident, 1906: By birth a native of New York; by ancestry a son of Massachusetts, with a long family record of service in its early and Colonial history. A distinguished representative of the finest type of graduate of Harvard College, devoted to its interests. Active in its service as an Overseer from 1903 to 1909 and again from 1918 to 1924, and Chairman of the Committee on the Library for many years. To the Harvard Club of New York he gave influential aid and valuable assistance from its early days, acting as its Vice President for a number of terms and as its President from 1916 to 1919. Notable for his distinction as a speaker of great eloquence and impressive manner.
Frederick Cheever Shattuck, Resident, 1918: A valued physician in private and public service for more than fifty years. For thirty-two years instructor and professor in the Harvard Medical School. From 1912 until his death Professor Emeritus. Advisor to various Boston hospitals and medical institutions. Associate and officer of many medical societies and valuable contributor to their proceedings. In early life a member of the first class at St. Paul’s School, in later life a Trustee and President of the Board. In college days a member of the leading societies and later on an Overseer of influence. Prominent in social, literary, and historical institutions. A man keen and witty in speech, in this Society his bright extemporaneous contributions to its Proceedings will remain in the memory of all.
Walter Austin, Resident, 1922: A graduate of Harvard College and of the Law School, and member of the Suffolk Bar. In general society a rather quiet and reserved man, he was affectionately valued and esteemed by his intimate friends. An extensive traveller in many lands with service in France during the war as a member of the Red Cross. A descendant of early settlers in Massachusetts, he came naturally into antiquarian interests and was an excellent writer along these lines.
Charles Lemuel Nichols, Resident, 1913: An exceptionally well-rounded man who displayed marked ability in all the various fields of activity which he entered. Distinguished in practice as a physician during a long professional life. As citizen, a leader in Worcester in all public work for the welfare of the community, and in its charities. A book collector along varied lines with unusual knowledge of his subject and discriminating intelligence. A writer on bibliographical and antiquarian topics, diligent, illuminating, and thorough. As a member of the Committee of Management of the John Carter Brown Library, his wide knowledge of books and of the needs of the Library rendered his association of the greatest value. Brown University bestowed on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters and elected him to its Board of Fellows. An officer of the American Antiquarian Society for many years he was eventually chosen its President, following in the footsteps of his eminent predecessor Isaiah Thomas to the increase of whose imprints in the Library he devoted his energies. To this Society and the Massachusetts Historical Society he contributed the results of his investigations into antiquarian subjects with unfailing generosity. His personal charm and affability, his wide information and freedom in imparting it, cause him to be affectionately remembered by his associates.
James Benjamin Wilbur, Corresponding, 1922: Formerly a successful banker in the Middle West. On his retirement he became well known as a philanthropist and antiquarian student devoted to the early history of his adopted state of Vermont, and of its worthies. A generous donor to the University of Vermont in memory of Ira Allen, one of its founders; to the Library of Congress to further the acquisition of source material for historical studies; and to the American Antiquarian Society for its endowment fund.
Vernon Louis Parrington, Corresponding, 1929: For a series of years an instructor and Professor of English in various universities in the West. An author of distinction and contributor to many publications. Visiting Europe in April last for the purpose of research work in the British Museum and other European libraries, his promising career was cut short by his sudden death in June.
John Whittemore Farwell, Resident, 1910: A characteristic product of New England. Modest and simple in his tastes. Genial in manner and a good companion. Primarily a business man he developed in his private life a great interest in, and wide knowledge of, historical and antiquarian subjects, and became known as a collector of rare books in early American historical literature, and of local maps, which he gladly displayed to all students with tastes similar to his. A member of all the historical societies in this community and a welcome contributor to their proceedings. While frequently lamenting the fact of a restricted early education, his brief talks on his books and maps displayed a thorough knowledge of the subject and marked him as one who had effectively educated himself.
John Henry Edmonds, Associate, 1927: Widely known as an authority on local history and genealogy. He was for many years private librarian to our former associate Frederick Lewis Gay and in charge of his extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and maps, relating to the early history of Boston, Massachusetts, and New England. After Mr. Gay’s death he received the appointment as Keeper of the State Archives, a position which he filled with marked ability. He was thoroughly familiar with the treasures of the great collection, and was himself the best index to all the material under his charge. He shared with inquiring students his knowledge on antiquarian topics, revealing in his conversation an extensive familiarity with the local history of the city and state, and with little known episodes in the lives of various citizens of past days.
His death at a comparatively early age is greatly deplored by his friends and associates.
The Treasurer submitted his Annual Report, as follows:
REPORT OF THE TREASURE
In accordance with the requirements of the By-Laws the Treasurer submits his Annual Report for the year ending November 14, 1929.
CASH ACCOUNT
receipts
Balance, November 14, 1928, Principal Cash |
$2,456.64 |
||
Income Cash |
10,950.60 |
$13,407.24 |
|
Receipts of Principal: |
|||
George Nixon Black, bequest under his will |
$10,000.00 |
||
Pennsylvania Railroad 6’s, due 1935, $5,000 called |
5,150.00 |
||
Mortgage of T. and F. Vesce, No. 557, paid in full |
4,000.00 |
||
Mortgage of Harriet G. Ring, No. 1613, paid in full |
2,500.00 |
||
Mortgage of Thomas B. McKeagney, No. 3559, paid in full |
1,000.00 |
||
Horace Everett Ware Fund: Income transferred to Principal |
286.44 |
||
Henry Herbert Edes Memorial Fund: Income transferred to Principal |
213.79 |
||
American Telephone & Telegraph Co.: Proceeds of sale of 30 rights |
111.00 |
||
Interest on Warren Institution for Savings Account |
109.05 |
||
Interest on Provident Institution for Savings Account |
1.50 |
||
Total Receipts of Principal |
23,371.78 |
||
Receipts of Income: |
|||
Interest |
$6,557.24 |
||
Dividends |
1,407.50 |
||
Annual Assessments |
640.00 |
||
Sales of the Society’s Publications |
208.00 |
||
Admission Fees |
90.00 |
||
Contributions |
5.00 |
||
General Expense Refunded. |
2.50 |
||
Total Receipts of Income |
8,910.24 |
32,282.02 |
|
Total |
$45,689.26 |
Disbursements of Principal: |
||
Electric Bond and Share Co., 100 shares |
||
Cumulative $6 Preferred |
$10,600.00 |
|
American Telephone and Telegraph |
||
Company, 30 shares Common. |
6,436.50 |
|
Parti-Mortgage Receipts: |
||
No. 20,920, Brown, et al |
4,000.00 |
|
No. 20,758, Sprague |
2,500.00 |
|
No. 20,858, De Stefano |
1,000.00 |
|
Interest on Warren Institution for |
||
Savings account, added to Principal |
109.05 |
|
Interest on Provident Institution for |
||
Savings account, added to Principal |
1.50 |
|
Total Disbursements of Principal |
$24,647.05 |
|
Disbursements of Income: |
||
Editor’s salary |
$1,000.00 |
|
University Press |
942.03 |
|
Annual Dinner |
415.60 |
|
Mary A. Tenney, Consolidated Index |
301.00 |
|
Interest on Horace E. Ware Fund, added to Principal |
286.44 |
|
Stewart, Watts and Bollong, accounting services |
250.00 |
|
Interest on Henry Herbert Edes Memorial Fund, added to Principal |
213.79 |
|
Dividend accrued on stock purchased |
105.00 |
|
Clerk hire |
100.00 |
|
Bibliography of American Historical Writings: J. Franklin Jameson |
50.00 |
|
Postage and clerical expense |
48.27 |
|
A. W. Elson and Company |
45.00 |
|
New England Quarterly, advertising |
39.00 |
|
Interest accrued on Parti-Mortgage, Receipts purchased |
38.66 |
|
Thomas S. Longridge, insurance |
24.00 |
|
Union Safe Deposit Vaults |
20.00 |
|
Patterson, Wylde and Windeler, insurance |
17.90 |
|
Miscellaneous |
11.40 |
|
Total Disbursements of Income |
3,908.09 |
|
Balance, November 14, 1929, Principal cash |
$1,181.37 |
|
Income cash |
15,952.75 |
17,134.12 |
Total |
$45,689.26 |
The funds of the Society are invested as follows:
$15,500.00 |
in first mortgages on improved property in Greater Boston |
125,687.50 |
in bonds and stocks elsewhere described in this report |
34.84 |
on deposit in the Provident Institution for Savings in the Town of Boston |
2,378.49 |
on deposit in the Warren Institution for Savings |
$143,600.83 |
The Investments of the Society yield an average annual income of approximately 5.66% on book value.
A Trial Balance of the accounts as of November 14, 1929 is hereto annexed and made a part of this report.
William C. Endicott
Treasurer
Boston, November 14, 1929
TRIAL BALANCE
debits
Cash, Principal |
$1,181.37 |
||
Income |
15,952.75 |
$17,134.12 |
|
Provident Institution for Savings |
34.84 |
||
Warren Institution for Savings |
2,378.49 |
||
Mortgages |
15,500.00 |
||
Bonds: |
|||
$5,000 Cedars Rapids Manufacturing and Power |
|||
Company, First Mortgage Sinking Fund |
|||
Gold 5’s, due 1953 |
$4,450.00 |
||
5,000 Central Manufacturing District, Inc., First Mortgage 6½’s, Series C, due 1944 |
5,100.00 |
||
5,000 Chicago Junction Railways and Union Stock Yards Company, Mortgage and Collateral Trust Refunding Gold 5’s, due 1940 |
3,762.50 |
||
4,000 Cleveland Union Terminal Company, First Mortgage Sinking Fund Gold 5½’s, Series A, due 1972 |
3,930.00 |
||
5,000 Detroit Edison Company, First and Refunding Mortgage Gold 5’s, Series A, due 1940 |
4,397.50 |
||
5,000 Detroit Edison Company, First Mortgage Refunding 6’s, Series B, due 1940 |
4,400.00 |
||
5,000 England, Walton and Company, Inc., First Mortgage Sinking Fund Gold 6’s, due 1942 |
4,932.50 |
||
2,000 Kingdom of Belgium, First 6’s, Sinking Fund |
|||
Extension Loan, due 1955 |
1,750.00 |
||
Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie, First Mortgage Refunding 6’s, Series A, due 1946 |
|||
$5,000.00 |
|||
5,000 |
New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, First Mortgage Gold 5’s, Series A, due 1952 |
4,875.00 |
|
12,000 |
New River Company, First Mortgage and Collateral Trust 5’s, due 1934 |
11,130.00 |
|
5,000 |
New York Edison Company, First Lien and Refunding Mortgage Gold 6½’s, Series A, due 1941 |
5,000.00 |
|
5,000 |
Oregon-Washington Railroad and Navigation Company, First and Refunding Mortgage 4’s, Series A, due 1961 |
4,105.00 |
|
5,000 |
Union Pacific Railroad, Series A, Equipment Trust 7’s, due 1932 |
||
5,000.00 |
|||
4,000 |
United States Cold Storage Company, First Mortgage Real Estate, Chicago, Illinois, Gold 6’s, due 1945 |
4,000.00 |
|
2,500 |
United States Cold Storage Company, First Mortgage 6% Sinking Fund Bonds, due 1946 |
2,500.00 |
|
20,000 |
Western Telephone and Telegraph Company, Collateral Trust Gold 5’s, due 1932 |
16,960.00 |
|
5,000 |
Wickwire-Spencer Steel Company, First Mortgage Sinking Fund Prior Lien Collateral and Refunding Gold 7’s, due 1935 |
5,000.00 |
|
$104,500 |
$96,292.50 |
||
Stocks; |
|||
30 Shares American Telephone and Telegraph Company, comman |
$6,325.50 |
||
100 Shares Electric Bond and Share Company, Cumulative $6 Preferred |
10,600.00 |
||
60 Shares General Electric Company, Common |
5,719.50 |
||
50 Shares United States Cold Storage, 7% Preferred A 50 Shares United States Cold Storage, Common |
6,750.00 |
29,395.00 |
|
Total |
$160,734.95 |
credits
REPORT OF THE AUDITING COMMITTEE
The undersigned, a Committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Treasurer for the year which ended November 14, 1929, have attended to their duty by employing Messrs. Stewart, Watts and Bollong, Public Accountants and Auditors, who have made an audit of the accounts and examined the securities on deposit in Box 1052-E in the Union Safe Deposit Vaults.
We herewith submit their report, which has been examined and accepted by the Committee.
Nathaniel T. Kidder
Allan Forbes
Auditing Committee
Boston, November 21, 1929
The several reports were accepted and referred to the Committee of Publication.
On behalf of the Committee appointed to nominate officers for the ensuing year, the following list was presented; and, a ballot having been taken, these gentlemen were unanimously elected:
PRESIDENT
- SAMUEL ELIOT MORISON
VICE-PRESIDENTS
- ARTHUR PRENTICE RUGG JAMES HARDY ROPES
RECORDING SECRETARY
- ARTHUR STANWOOD PIER
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
- PERCIVAL MERRITT
TREASURER
- WILLIAM CROWNINSHIELD ENDICOTT
REGISTRAR
- ROBERT DICKSON WESTON
MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR THREE YEARS
- ALFRED MARSTON TOZZER
After the meeting was dissolved, dinner was served. The guests Mr. Frederic Ives Carpenter, Mr. Sherwin Lawrence Cook, Mr. John Templeman Coolidge, Professor Ephraim Emerton, Mr. Richard Holworthy, Dr. Francis Otto Matthiessen, Mr. Stephen Caldwell Millett, Mr. Henry Watmough Montague, Mr. Arthur Darby Nock, and General William Andrews Pew.