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Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 20, 1875
Greenfield items
Rev. Mr. Warfield of Greenfield, who was instrumental in getting up the protest of the Franklin County clergymen against Mr. Beecher's preaching at Lake Pleasant, and who bore the protest to Mr. Beecher at the Twin Mountain House, is man enough to publish a letter in the Greenfield Gazette, vindicating the motives of Mr.Beecher in making his engagement, and rebuking that paper for its unjust and uncharitable statement -- Springfield Union.
We deny that our statement was uncharitable to Mr.Beecher, or intentionally unjust. Mr.Warfield and every clergyman who signed the protest presented by Mr. Warfield to Mr. Beecher, and a large majority of the people of this vicinity, approved of our article and were glad to see it. It was the first thing that opened Mr. Beecher's eyes to the nature of his engagement.
The only thing stated, not strictly correct, was that Mr. Beecher was to receive compensation for his services. Whether people go back on us or not, the Gazette & Courier will not hesitate at all times to advocate an observance of the Sabbath and good morals for the community in which it circulates.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 20, 1875
The Caledonians at Lake Pleasant
There was not the anticipated crowd at the Tournament of the Springfield Caledonian Society at Lake Pleasant on Wed. Special trains were run up from the South and from the east on the Fitchburg road, but many of the cars were nearly empty. The lake has had its attractions for the season, and people are now holding on to the spare coppers for the needs of approaching winter.
But few of the Caledonians were in full costume, yet the advertised programme was carried out, and the day’s sports were by no means a fizzle. The Fitchburg Band and Russell’s orchestra furnished the music, and the following were the successful winners in the principle athletic feats:
In the three-legged race, in which the competitors race in pairs with a leg of each tied to that of his comrade, Richard Harvey of Easthampton and Paul Fitzgerald of Shelburne Falls took the first prize of $6, and Hutchins and Wilson took the second of $3.
In the Hop, Skip and Jump contest, Thomas O’Donald of Northampton proved the best man, clearing 38 feet, and took the first prize of $5; and P. Sullivan of Ftichburg, who cleared 37 1/2 ft. took the 2nd prize of $2."Putting heavy stone" was a trial of strength of throwing a 16 lb. iron ball; John Purcell of Florence threw it 41 1/2 ft.and won the 1st prize of $6; Patrick Purcell of Florence, who threw it 31 ft. 4 inches, had the 2nd prize of $3.
Dancing the Highland Fling in costume was an interesting feature,George Bothwick of Boston taking the 1st prize of $6, and W.G.Smith of Boston the 2nd of $3. Tossing the caber ( a 12 ft. stick of lumber) was won by John Purcell who threw it 30 ft. 1 inch, receiving $5, and E.R. McCormick of Florence came next, and received $3.
In vaulting with a pole, Richard Harvey cleared a perpendicular jump of 8 ft. 7 inches and took the 1st prize of $5, and P. Purcell took the 2nd of $3. In the mile foot race, P. Sullivan of Fitchburg made the best time and took the 1st prize of $10, and E. Wilson was 2nd, and took the prize of $5.
There was a hurdle race, which was quite an exciting affair; R. Harvey took the 1st money, $6, and __ Hitchcock, the 2nd, $3. There were 4 contestants in the swimming match. The course was from the gent’s bath house to the landing. F.M.Sweeney of Worcester took the 1st prize of $15, and G.H. Crocker of Fitchburg the 2nd, of $10.
The single scull race was the great event of the day. There were 4 entries, and the course was the length of the lake and back. It was a close and exciting contest. John E. Brown of Worcester won the race and the 1st money, $40; Daniel McSweeney of Fitchburg came in 2nd, for $30; Jerry Callahan of Springfield came in 3rd and received $15.
Some boys caused no little sport in the tub race, where they were frequently capsized. The games were continued until the departure of the trains at night.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 13, 1875
Mr. Beecher and Lake Pleasant
Mr. Beecher and Lake Pleasant - Your correspondent, induced by feelings of regret at Mr. Beecher’s announced visit to Lake Pleasant, called upon him during the week, at his summer home, the Twin Mountain House, and by a personal interview learned that your article of last week did him great injustice. Having a letter signed by all the clergy of this immediate vicinity, I found ready access to Mr. Beecher, though he must be often annoyed by visitors who, from their position, have more claim upon his attention than I. Further, the letter expressing, as it did, the Christian sentiment of this vicinity, found a quick response in Mr. Beecher’s heart, and a long conference revealed the following facts which are quite in antagonism to those published by you last week.
First - that Mr. Beecher was led to feel, that by a visit to Lake Pleasant, he would confer a favor upon his numerous friends in all this region - that there were many to whom it would be a lifelong pleasure to have once listened to him, so he should declare the Gospel unto them. Among the recent gatherings at Lake Pleasant, and their gala day character he knew nothing. When he learned that these gatherings in the past, had predjudiced [i.e. prejudiced] the Christian mind against a similar meeting there under similar conditions, though it should be in the interests of the Gospel, Mr. Beecher with true nobility of soul replied "In all matters where my own conscience will not be violated I defer most heartily and readily to the convictions of my ministerial brethren, and shall do in this".
Second - that as far as Mr. Beecher was concerned, there was no "stroke of business" at all to the arrangement. The inference in your article, that it was the compensation offered that had led him to accept the invitation to speak at Lake Pleasant, needs correction and emphatic denial.
In the course of the arrangements when compensation was spoken of, Mr. Beecher replied that "he had never taken a penny for outside work, save for his lectures, never a penny for charity addresses, never a penny for sermons preached during his vacation, never a penny for campaigning in support of political doctrines, as he did in 1856 when he made 3 addresses a week, sometimes of 3 hours each in the open air, during which campaign he even insisted upon paying his own expenses, that he might be above all criticism"; and then in substance added, I shall not accept anything for this service more than careful provision for my personal comfort.
Later, an excursion to the Tunnel having been proposed in connection with his stay here, he declined even this, in part because it would have the appearance of being a return for services rendered. It would seem therefore that the only parties interested in this as a worldly matter of dollars and cents are the railroads; and it is certain it was not from love to any of these, nor from a desire to fill their purses that led Mr. Beecher into this arrangement, but other motives, pure and noble, influenced him.
As to Mr. Beecher’s views concerning the sanctity of the Sabbath and the way in which it should be observed, I need say nothing, as last Sabbath in the course of a reply to certain criticisms upon his course that had appeared in the Vermont Chronicle, he announced that he should soon engage in the discussion of the Sabbath question.
I believe however, that he differs not so much from many of us in relation to Sabbath observance in our rural districts. He affirms that he is not settled about excursion trains in general, but when the possibility of his speaking in Greenfield on the 19th was referred to, his answering question was "How can you stop the trains?"
Whatever his view may be, it is certain that he is unwilling to violate the consciences of his brethren, if he can yield to them without violating his humor. Withal, I am convinced that Mr. Beecher in the matter referred to in your article last week, is deserving of no censure from the Christian public, but rather is worthy of imitation by them in the frankness in which he considered and recognized the judgment of those whom he felt to be better qualified than himself to judge, because of their better knowledge of fact involved; and also worthy of imitation in the promptness with which he acted in the matter.
The criticisms that have been so freely passed by many of us upon Mr. Beecher’s connection with the affair, have been criticisms of a misinformed man and hence Christian courtesy demands that we recall them. But while we draw the arrows let us apply as well the balm to heal. F.A. Warfield.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 13, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Greenfield - Rev. Henry Ward Beecher will not stop in Greenfield next Sat. and preach at Lake Pleasant on Sun. as has been announced. When Mr. Beecher was informed of the exact character of the gathering that would be assembled on that day, that the people who came to hear him would travel on railroad trains from a long distance, making the trip a holiday excursion, he immediately canceled the engagement.
His position, and the motives that have influenced him, are fully set forth in another column by a communication from a gentleman who last week visited him at the Twin Mountain House. We regret that the criticism in our last issue, with reference to this matter, does Mr. Beecher injustice.
Our statements were based on such information as we could gather, but we are glad that he is able to stand in a better light, and now hasten to make amends for the wrong our article may have done him. A large class in our community, who would have been pained and saddened by the proposed Sun. exhibition, will be pleased at the result, and esteem Mr. Beecher as they could not if the plan had been carried out.
Greenfield - The tournament of the Springfield Caledonian Society will be the great attraction at Lake Pleasant this week. It comes off on Wed., and excursion trains are to be run over the various roads. $250 are to be distributed in prizes. There are to be foot races, hurdle races and other athletic sports, and a single scull race, in which Harrington, the Springfield champion, and Brown, the champion of Worcester will participate. It will be the first boat race on the Lake. The Scottish societies will be in costume, and the "Highland fling" will be one of the features of the occasion.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 6, 1875
Orange
Orange - The venerable mother of Minot Phinney, aged 76 years old, took her first ride in a steam car on Sun., Aug. 29, and visited Lake Pleasant for the first time.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 6, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
(Greenfield) The Beecher party, consisting of 5 persons, en route from the White Mountains, will stop in Greenfield on Sat. the 18th, having engaged rooms at the Mansion House. They remain over Sun., on which day Mr. Beecher is to preach at Lake Pleasant.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 6, 1875
Mr. Beecher at Lake Pleasant
Mr. Beecher at Lake Pleasant - We have been assured on reliable authority that Henry Ward Beecher has been engaged by the railroad companies interested to preach at Lake Pleasant on Sun. the 19th; that excursion trains will be run from all parts of the state, and arrangements made for one of the largest gatherings ever held there. It may be urged by Mr. Beecher’s apologists, that he can preach at Lake Pleasant with the same propriety as in his own Plymouth pulpit, that his mission is to preach the Gospel to every creature.
But we cannot take this view of the matter at all. The meeting is not arranged in the cause of Christianity, nor for the purpose of obtaining any good. It is a worldly matter, a matter of dollars and cents. The railroad companies, knowing the curiosity among the people to see the man about whom there has been so much talk (and this curiosity far exceeds any desire to hear him preach), have made him a proposition to exhibit himself on the Sabbath at a place where thousands will be glad to make an excursion, simply for pleasure.
Of course Mr. Beecher has been offered compensation, and it is this compensation that has lead him to accept. The needless desecration of the Sabbath, this stroke of business under the cover of religion, will debase Mr. Beecher in the minds of people hereabouts far more than did the prolonged scandal trial through which he has passed. There are many people who yet have faith in, and respect for the New England observance of the Christian Sabbath.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 6, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
(Greenfield) The light of a fire, which was seen east of this village Tues. eve., was from the burning over of a wood lot on Montague Plains, which had been cleared up to sow rye upon.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 30, 1875
Lake Pleasant
The Springfield Caledonian Club propose to hold a picnic at Lake Pleasant Sept. 15. The sports of the day - games, dancing, etc. - will be a novelty in this section. A boat race is also on the programme.
[Caledonian Clubs are composed of those of Scottish descent, and all others interested in Scotland].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 30, 1875
D.L. Moody
The Franklin County Association of Congregational ministers has for some time entertained the project of holding a kind of picnic reception at Lake Pleasant in honor of Mr. Moody's return to America after his triumphant career in Europe. Correspondence in reference to the matter was commenced before Mr. Moody came home. He now positively declines to participate in any such demonstration to the regret of our local clergy.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 30, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
The four o'clock train from Boston Sat. knocked an Irishman named William Shehan (one of the Bardwell's Ferry railroad laborers) from the track, on which he was sitting in a drunken condition this side of Lake Pleasant. The cow catcher hit him in the thigh and threw him about 30 feet. He was not dangerously injured, and was picked up and brought to Greenfield where he was attended by Dr. C.L. Fisk Jr.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 30, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Mrs. Blair, the medium who has attracted so much notice by her wonderful skill or "power" in drawing and painting at Lake Pleasant, is to hold a seance at Franklin Hall tomorrow eve.
]Read more about Lucie Marie Curtis Blair, who was able to paint flowers while blindfolded, in Google Books "Radical Spirits: Spiritualism and women's rights in nineteenth century America" by Ann Braude].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 23, 1875
Lake Pleasant
The Spiritualist campmeeting, though on the whole orderly and conducted with decorum, has witnessed one or two little episodes the past week that were for the time unpleasant. One of the sisterhood took occasion to publicly charge upon a man and woman unbecoming conduct. The parties accused demanded satisfaction upon the spot; officers were called, and there was talk of legal proceedings, but the disturbance was finally quelled and balm applied to the wounded. On the eve. of the moonlight excursion to the lake, a fellow insulted a lady in the pavilion, and her husband who was by gave him a severe chastisement. The police, however, have made few arrests, and these were of outsiders who tried to create disturbance.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 23, 1875
Montague
The camp meeting cannot be without some slight effect upon us. Whether it is the great amount of travel, or for the sake of showing people that "competition is the life of business", that has developed two lines of coaches between here and the camp ground, we do not know. R.N. Clapp runs a branch store there, and we hope he may do well. Postmaster Chenery spends most of his time on the grounds, being among the number of police; and for the accommodation of the campers, has obtained leave from Washington, to deliver mails from his branch office, and receive them off the cars at the lake. We express a hope too, that our landlord, Wildes, may have a busy time during campmeeting. He has already received several summer boarders.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 23, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
A great crowd was in attendance at the Spiritualist campmeeting yesterday. The whistling of locomotives and the noise of moving trains were heard throughout the day.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 23, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
We thank Dr. Joseph Beals for the puff [exaggerated praise] he gave the Gazette & Courier one day last week at the Spiritualist campmeeting. He could not have done better. We have given the Doctor and his business a great many gratuitous puffs during his residence in Greenfield, and are glad to see that he is so ready to reciprocate our kindness towards him.
[See Google Books "The Dental Cosmos" by J.D. White et al., p. 445 - 446, 1896].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 23, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Quite a crowd of young people went out to the Lake Pleasant moonlight dance Thurs. eve. A special train was also run from Athol, and the Pavilion was packed full of dancers. 200 couples or more sweltered through the measures of the merry dance, and notwithstanding the wilting state of paper collars, laces, etc., flattered themselves that they were happy and having a "boss" time.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 16, 1875
Camp meeting
The Lake Pleasant Camp Meeting Association will run an excursion train to the Lake on Thurs. eve. for the benefit of the dancing community, leaving Greenfield at 7 p.m. and returning after the dance. There will also be dancing every aft. and eve. (Sundays excepted) until the 29th.
George S. Eddy of Greenfield has been appointed special police at camp meeting at Lake Pleasant.
A post office has been established at Lake Pleasant during camp meeting and Postmaster Chenery has charge of it, in connection with his office at Montague Center.
The Police Department is in charge of I. Chenery and W.W. Thayer of Montague, with power to appoint a force sufficiently strong to preserve order.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 9, 1875
The spiritualist campmeeting
The Spiritualists had a rather wet time at their opening last Wed., but didn't let the rain interfere materially with their arrangements. Although services do not commence until this week, 100 tents were pitched and occupied last Fri., and the little village was fairly in running order. We have been requested to state that police regulations have been perfected and a very efficient and competent force of officers have been secured.
- Wed, Feb 10, 2010
