Temperance was also a big issue. June 14, 1845 (Practical Christian) writes of meetings in Uxbridge and Upton The same issue- "Don't forget the social Temperance meeting at the Bear-Hill School-House in Milford to-morrow evening (Sunday) at 5:00PM. Let not the fresh encroachment of Alcohol dishearten us. Our watchword must be onward till the monster is put to flight. The meeting in this district last Sunday evening, is said to have been a free and spirited one. A number signed the pledge."
July 12, 1845- "Temperance Pic-Nic at Millville. The editor spent the 4th very pleasantly at Millville. All sects and parties united in a Temperance Pic-Nic, which was held in a pleasant Grove, liberally furnished with refreshments, delightful music and sensible, extemporaneous addresses on the subjects of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors, slavery, and other prevailing evils. From 6 to 800 persons, young and old, were in attendance."
A Temperance Festival in Milford was reported by Daniel Whitney on May 30, 1846. "All things seemed to conspire in giving life and interest to the occasion. The beautiful day, the goodly company collected...variety and power of the speakers, the music- vocal and instrumental..all bore a part...Spirited hymns by Abby Hills Price were finely performed."
Fairs were popular. In September 1845) there was an article by Daniel Whitney. He had been to a fair in Upton. Apparently, he was bored...he felt fairs should not be held as a separate activity, but as "An accompaniment"of conventions..during recesses...A refreshment room and fair under the management of anti-slavery women and girls is a very attractive plan...they work well together.."
Oct. 3, 1857. An article related, "'The ladies of Hopedale propose to hold a fair in the village of Milford, about the first of Nov., in aid of the Practical Christian. Contributions of needlework, goods and money, fruit and other refreshments respectfully solicited. Also, letters for the Post Office, written in a chaste and elevated style...there will be a variety of speakers and music."
Music was obviously very important. S. R. September, 1861. "Hopedale Musical Society held a pic-nic at the Pine Grove, August 20. According to the announcement all entertained themselves. There was good music with various plays, promenades, a social supper and general agreeability."
Slavery was an evil that Hopedale residents abhorred. To that end, Hopedale was active in the anti-slavery movement. Aug 6, 1842. "Anti-Slavery Meeting at Hopedale. In a humble manner a few names gathered beneath a rude bower in His temple who fills all space, to commemorate the glorious first of August. An address was delivered by Rev. Ballou which was happily suited to the day.."
Jul 26, 1845. Celebration of the Anniversary of West India Emancipation. "The members and friends of the Mass Anti-Slavery Society, and the public generally, in Worcester County N Div, will hold a PIC-NIC Festival the 26th of Aug in Westminster. Articles of refreshment...solicited, from those who may be disposed to contribute."
June 13, 1846. "Impressions of Anniversary Week. Twenty of the members of Hopedale started for Boston on the 26th of May, for the purpose of participating in the pleasures of Anniversary Week...We went in an omnibus driven by 4 faithful companions. We went to Boston not to see Boston itself, for we cared little for that. (Meetings we attended) 1. NE Anti-Slavery Convention- held at Faneuil Hall, with the exception of 1 day when it was held in the Melodeon....large crowds...dense crowds at night....motto is, "We will speak out, we will be heard, Though all earth's systems crack. 2. Unitarians. Next to Anti-slavery meetings, we found the most interest and life among the Unitarians."
June 27, 1846. Anti-Slavery meeting in Milford. "On Wed, the 17th, the Worcester County South Division Anti-slavery Society met according to notice in Milford. ...weather was very fine and all things seemed to conspire to make it..interesting and profitable. Soon after 10 AM, people began to assemble at the commodious hall in the new temperance house...Ballou, Fish, Stacy...of our county [in attendance]...I cannot but hope that this meeting will be productive of good..." Daniel Whitney
Oct 3, 1846. "Anti-slavery Meeting at North Purchase. This meeting took place according to notice on the 23rd. The day was fine and quite a number left their farms and shops to speak and hear of the claims of the slave...GW Stacy...called to the chair..held 3 sessions of considerable length and great interest."
June 12, 1847. "We have once again enjoyed the privilege of spending Anniversary Wk in Boston, and of witnessing the signs of the times..in the religious Reform Movements of the day. 1. NE Anti-slavery Conv. 'Seemed a most important gathering. It was not indeed, most important to us, so far as our own intellectual and spiritual wants are concerned. 2. League of Universal Brotherhood. Calculated to inspire every good man with hope for his race. Not numerously attended, for the people of Boston are not far enough advanced yet, to be interested in the gospel of Peace and love. 3. Unitarian. Sympathize with them..as a body, they are by far too conservative...perfectly conformed to the world."
Oct 30, 1847. "Rhode Island Anti-slavery Society. Mechanics Hall in Providence. ..had the pleasure of participating in the exercises of the program."
Feb. 5, 1848. " Mass Anti-slavery Society- Boston (Wed & Thurs) Ev. Sessions at Faneuil Hall. One at which we were present was worthy of special notice...left for home on the afternoon of Thurs...Cherish the conviction that this pioneer society is absolutely essential to the Anti-slavery health of this country."
Aug 19, 1848. Anti-slavery Convention- Uxbridge. "Taft's Hall...meeting opened with a prayer by Daniel Whitney of Hopedale. Committee on finance appointed..included E.D. Draper. Meeting addressed by Lucy Stone. Daniel Whitney among others gave short speeches." Same issue. Upton Anti-slavery Convention. Held on the 12th. Daniel Whitney read passages of scripture. He was named vice president; Abby Hills Price, secretary. Lucy Stone addressed in PM.
March 31, 1849. Anti-slavery Meeting. Quarterly meeting of Worcester County South Division Anti-slavery Society at Brinley Hall. William Craft told of his and his wife's escape. "We have seldom attended a better meeting."
June 27,1857. Anti-Slavery Convention of Independence Day. "The anniversary of American Independence will be celebrated as usual..direction of the Managers of the Massachusetts Anti-slavery Society..mass meeting of the friends of Universal Emancipation. At Framingham. To be effective in the furtherance of the Anti-slavery movement..barbarities of Southern slavery...encouraging hearts and strengthening the hands of all who are laboring to break every yoke...to set every captive free..that this Dec of In...be the boast and heritage of all on American soil...possession of equal and impartial liberty." Special trains, for the Grove..leave Boston, Milford, and Northboro at 9 (AM..Millbury at half past 8, stopping at way stations. Fares from Boston, Worcester, and Mill to Grove and back: ad $.60;chil $.30. Mil and No. To the Grove and back, $.50, ad; $.25, chil. Leave Grove bet 5 and 6. House at Grove open for refreshments. Waverly Hall, near RR Sta. In case of inclement weather."
Progressive Age, Aug, 1862. "28th anniv. of the abolition of Slavery in the British West Indies will be celebrated in Hopedale, on Fri, Aug 1...two sessions in the meeting house, the first commencing at 10AM...spontaneous pic-nic for attendees..between sessions in Social hall. Horses will be made comfortable. AB and WH to deliver prepared speeches...volunteer speeches expected. Good music will enliven the exercises. All who feel they can enjoy a celebration of that grand Emancipation. Without the spice of war-power...invited to attend. Anna Thwing Draper, Directress of Arrangements."
The Practical Christians of Hopedale were, first and foremost, pacifists. June 27, 1846. Peace Convention in Concord, NH. Adin Ballou attended and offered 11 resolutions.
Oct 17, 1846. Peace meeting at Uxbridge. Ultra in principles..two speakers from Hopedale...W. H. Fish, and William.W Cook.
Jan 9, 1847. Peace Meetings. "Calling for meetings- "Hopedale friends are ready to cooperate with others in any neighboring towns where Sabbath Day or evening meetings may be called. Shall we hear from Milford, Mendon, Upton, Holliston, Bellingham, and other places?"
May 16, 1847. Quarterly Nonresistance Meeting. "By invitation of our worthy Br. Abner Belcher, a quarterly meeting of the NENR Society will be held in the vicinity of W. Wrentham, commencing on Wed, 16th of June at 10Am, and closing the afternoon of the next day. Members, friends, and inquirers are affectionately invited to attend."
June 26, 1847. "NR Quarterly meeting was held...an omnibus of about 20 went to it from Hopedale. ..On arriving at Advent Chapel?our hearts sank...so few...but people of the neighborhood...collected together.. Before noon the House was filled. Meeting called to order by Pres. Adin Ballou.. William Fish named Secretary. Mary J. Colburn wrote two hymns." I will read the first stanza of each:
Joy! Joy to the world, for oppression and slaughter,
All the feuds of mankind forever shall cease!
Then throughout all nations each son and each daughter,
Shall repose 'neath their vine in quiet and peace.
The shout of the victor, the shriek of the flying,
The groan of the wounded all reeking in gore;
The wail of the widow, the moan of the dying-
These horrors of War shall be known never more.
The second:
Peace! Peace thou raging sea!
Be still, the Savior said.
And quick the stormy wave
In quietness was laid,
Speak, speak that word again!
Peace to this world of strife-
Where more tempests reign,
Where angry deeds are rife.
Oct 2, 1847 "Peace Hymns written by brothers and sisters for the NR meeting at Pawtacky - Aspirations for Peace- Abby Hills Price; Welcome to H.C. Wright-COR; Day of Peace Dawning-MJC; Rebuke of War-Daniel Whitney."
Oct 16, 1847. "Reg. The above. Sat and Sun, the 2nd and 3rd. About 20 from Hopedale attended."
Dec 9, 1848. Westminster. Quarterly meeting of the Practical Christian Communion...last Sunday...Adin Ballou delivered a discourse in the forenoon. William S. Heywood delivered a speech in the evening at the town hall ("where our valevictory meeting was held") on social reforms as demanded by Practical Christian. Twelve from Hopedale attended. These peace meetings could be so relevant in today's world. These loving people had the right idea.
It has been an honor to speak before you. At first I was so afraid I wouldn't have enough material. It turned out the same as every project with which I've been involved. The dilemma comes with what to eliminate.
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