CHAPTER XVII

Social and Fraternal Organizations

BY ELMA LAWSON JOHNSTON

I. Introduction

ORGANIZED fraternal bodies have long been an important factor in the social life of Trenton. The first of them dates back to before the Revolution, when some of the city's most distinguished men united to establish the Grand Lodge of Masons in New Jersey. Informal fraternal groups apparently predominated in the early days, and the reason for this is clear. There were numerous taverns existing here during the years when Trenton was growing from just a small-sized village into a larger town, and in their public rooms the men of that day assembled for recreation and the exchange of political, financial and social news of the day. Consequently there was little need at that time for the formation of clubs or societies.

As the town grew, however, and the population increased, activities became more varied and extensive. Then men of similar tastes and interests began to draw together into regular organizations. Earliest among these of which there seems to be any record, apart from the Masonic body, were the singing societies, organized by the music-loving German citizens. Since then, Trenton has had many clubs, social, fraternal, patriotic, civic and, not least in importance, the women's cultural, social and service organizations.

II. The Masonic Order

MASONIC history, not merely in New Jersey, but in America, appears to have had its beginnings in Trenton. When, in 1730, upon the request of Masons living in the Provinces of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Grand Lodge of England granted a deputation for the first provincial grand master of Masons in America, it was upon a Trentonian, Colonel Daniel Coxe, that the honor was conferred. Again, in 1786, when the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was formed, it was one of Trenton's most distinguished citizens, Chief Justice David Brearley who was selected as grand master.  Since then through all the years to the present time, residents of New Jersey's capital have had an important part in the affairs of the order.

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, grand master of Masons in England, in 1730, in acceding to the request of the New-World Masons for a provincial grand master, had selected for this high office Daniel Coxe, son of Dr. Daniel Coxe, one of the proprietors of West Jersey, a medical man and physician to Charles II. The deputation to Coxe was given at London, June 5, 1730. According to Masonic antiquarians, this deputation, of which the original record is in England, and a copy in this country, establishes the fact that Daniel Coxe was really the first appointed provincial grand master of Masons in the New World. Henry Price, provincial grand master of Massachusetts, did not receive his deputation until three years later, it is contended, - in April 1733. Furthermore Coxe is referred to in the records of the Grand Lodge of England in 1731 as the "Provincial Grand Master of North America."

No records have been found either in England or America of any exercise of authority by Coxe, nor of anyone acting under his authority. It is believed that he simply did not make any report of the appointment of a deputy grand master or grand wardens, nor of the congregating of Masons into lodges. This was not an unusual circumstance, for it was not until 1768 that names of members of lodges abroad were sent to England.

The New Jersey Grand Lodge was established at a meeting held December 1786, in New Brunswick, and David Brearley was elected right worshipful grand master. Chosen at the same time as deputy grand master was Robert Lettis Hooper, also of Trenton, vice-president of the Legislative Council of New Jersey. Both served the ancient order in these capacities for several years, Brearley until 1790 and Hooper until 1792. Maskell Ewing, of Trenton, then clerk of the General Assembly of New Jersey, was elected deputy grand secretary.

First Masonic Temple, built 1793, South Willow Street.

TRENTON LODGE NO. 5

During the grand mastership of David Brearley, the first lodge in Trenton was formed and justice Brearley was himself a member. The early records of this lodge, known then and now as Trenton Lodge No. 5, are replete with information of interest to all students of local and Masonic history.

Grand Master Brearley, on July 4, 1787, issued a dispensation for the lodge, which was the fifth in the State. The dispensation was directed to Aaron Dickinson Woodruff. According to a minute of the lodge David Brearley, grand master, William Liddell, senior grand warden, Aaron Dickinson Woodruff and Anthony Reckless, master masons, assembled August 3, 1787, and a "Master Mason's Lodge was opened in due form." At a meeting ten days later, officers were appointed. They were: Aaron Dickinson Woodruff, worshipful master; Robert Lettis Hooper, senior warden; Thomas Bullman, junior warden; Hezekiah Stites Woodruff, Anthony Reckless and Maskell Ewing, secretary. The lodge continued under dispensation until December 20, 1787, when the Grand Lodge, meeting at New Brunswick, issued a warrant for the lodge to Aaron D. Woodruff, master, Thomas Bullman, senior warden and Anthony Reckless, junior warden.

The one hundredth anniversary of Trenton Lodge was observed December 27, 1887. The Grand Lodge members attended, and Grand Master Robert M. Moore, Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Henry R. Cannon, historian of Grand Lodge, Past Master Lewis Parker, Past Master Barton B. Hutchinson and Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden Jonathan M. Harris gave addresses. A banquet at the American House concluded the ceremonies.

On April 3, 1924, the Grand Lodge met at Trenton, for the purpose of unveiling a tablet in memory of Most Worshipful Brother David Brearley. The members proceeded to St. Michael's Episcopal Church where the Bishop-Coadjutor the Right Rev. Albion W. Knight, the Rev. Samuel Steinmetz, rector of the Church and David McGregor, of Union Lodge No. 11, gave addresses.

OTHER LODGES INSTITUTED

Application for the second lodge in Trenton was presented January 4, 1858, by Edward W. Scudder, to whom the privilege of withdrawing from Trenton .Lodge No. 5, to form the new lodge, was granted. Mr. Scudder became worshipful master of the new body, known as Mercer Lodge No. 50. Egbert H. Grandin was elected senior warden and John R. S. Barnes, junior warden. Its warrant was issued January 13, 1858.

The third lodge instituted in Trenton was Ashlar Lodge No. 76, which received its warrant January 18, 1866. The first officers were: James S. Aitkin, worshipful master; Dr. W. W. L. Phillips, senior warden; and Edward T. Green, junior warden.

The warrant of Column Lodge No. 120 is dated January 18, 1872, and its first officers were James Nicklin, worshipful master; Levi I. Bibbins, senior warden; and Lewis C. Wooley, junior warden.

Fraternal Lodge No. 139, whose warrant was granted January 21, 1875, had as its first officers: John G. Box, worshipful master; Robert Stewart, senior warden; and George W. Thomas, junior warden.

The warrant for Loyal Lodge No. 181 was issued March 23, 1905. Its first officers were: Richard C. Chamberlain, worshipful master; John E. Gill, senior warden; and John R. Summerfeldt, junior warden.

The latest lodge instituted is the True Craftsman No. 202, which received its warrant April 20, 1916. Edmund J. Levy was worshipful master; Norval H. Miller, senior warden; and Evin J. Green, junior warden.

PAST MASTERS' ASSOCIATION

The Past Masters' Association of Trenton Lodge No. 5 is composed of former presiding officers of the lodge. As soon as they have completed their terms of office, the past masters automatically become members of the Association.

This organization was formed for social purposes November 16, 1891, with twenty-five charter members. Among them were Jacob B. Hartpence, then the oldest past master of the lodge, City Commissioner J. Ridgway Fell, Judge George W. Macpherson, Counsellor W. Holt Apgar, William A. MacCrellish, John F. L. Thompson, former Senator B, B. Hutchinson, William D. Sinclair, Charles Bechtel, William H. Brace, Lewis Parker, Edward S. Ellis, Samuel Brackett, Henry C. Case, George F. Butterworth, Samuel W. Thropp, Joseph T. Ridgway, James McCann, John L. Lindsay, Edwin F. Reppart, J. E. Stevenson, John G. Box, W. W. Stelle and Andrew Dutcher.

It is the custom of the association to hold one meeting a year, which takes the form of a dinner. This is generally held on St. John's Day.

YORK RITE MASONRY

York Rite Masonry in Trenton has the following units Three Times Three Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Gebal Council No. 3, Royal and Select Masters; Palestine Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar; New Jersey Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters; and Grand Commandery, Knights Templar.

THREE TIMES THREE CHAPTER NO. 5, R.A.M.

The Three Times Three Chapter No. 5, Royal Arch Masons, had its beginning in 1858, when the Most Excellent Grand High Priest William H. Doggett granted a dispensation to James N. Van Antwerp, Charles H. Higginson and Thomas J. Corson. Work was begun on this and continued until the meeting of the Grand Chapter at Burlington, September 8, 1858. At that time a warrant was granted to Mr. Higginson, Mr. Corson and John Woolverton.

Members of the chapter at its organization were James N. Van Antwerp, most excellent high priest; Charles H. Higginson, excellent king; Thomas J. Corson, scribe; Charles L. Pearson, secretary; William R. Clapp, treasurer; John Woolverton, John F. Houdayer, John P. Nelson, William Eccles and Harper Crozer.

GEBAL COUNCIL NO. 3, R.A.M.

Records of the Grand Council of Pennsylvania, under date of March 16, 1860, show that Alfred Creigh, grand master, granted a dispensation to constitute Gebal Council No. 14, of this city. He appointed Thomas J. Corson as thrice illustrious grand master; Joseph H. Hough as deputy illustrious grand master; William R. Clapp as principal conductor of the work; Harper Crozer as treasurer; and John O. Raum as recorder.

In 1862, Gebal Council began to hold meetings in rooms of Trenton Lodge No. 5, F. and A.M. Later, in 1866, meetings were held in rooms of the Three Times Three Chapter.

Interest lagged for several years. In 1877, a resolution was presented before the Grand Council of New Jersey to consider the question of disbanding this body as a distinct Masonic organization. A motion was also made to have Gebal Council surrender its charter, but through the opposition of a few members, this was indefinitely postponed.

In 1881 and 1882 drastic steps were taken to revive Gebal Council, and this movement resulted in new applications for membership and later in a revision of the by-laws.

In July 1885, Gebal Council moved to the then new Masonic Temple, and conducted its meetings in the rooms of the Three Times Three Chapter and Palestine Commandery, K.T. From 1891 to 1900, the council declined once more, but from then until now the organization has recovered itself and has steadily prospered.

Increasing membership brought up questions of enlarged quarters, and in 1911 a committee was appointed to confer with committees of other Masonic bodies on the matter of a new temple for the sole use of the Masonic organizations in Trenton. Out of this movement and similar action on the part of other Masonic groups resulted the present temple at Willow and Front Streets.

THE PALESTINE COMMANDERY NO. 4

The Palestine Commandery No. 4 was organized under dispensation January 6, 1862, and instituted September 11, 1862. Joseph H. Hough was eminent commander; William R. Clapp, generalissimo; John Woolverton, captain general.

NEW JERSEY GRAND COUNCIL, ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS

Cryptic Masonry in New Jersey seems to have begun with the establishment of three subordinate Councils, Kane No. 11, of Newark, New Brunswick No. 12, of New Brunswick, and Gebal No. 14, of Trenton. These, chartered by the jurisdictions of New York and Pennsylvania, united to form the Grand Council of New Jersey.

Trentonians who have been among the grand masters of the Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters of New Jersey, are:

Thomas J. Corson, 1861; John P. Nelson, 1864; Charles Bechtel, 1866; Joseph W. Pressy, 1874; Gilbert B. Slack, 1888; Linsley Rowe, 1890; Joseph Ashton, Jr., 1892; Isaac Lowenstein, 1895; David H. Lukens, 1899; Richard C. Chamberlain, 1906; Oscar F. Niedt, 1911; Harry Ames Putnam, 1914; John G. Brian, 1915 and William B. Thines, 1921.

Grand recorders from Trenton were: Joseph H. Hough, 1860-62; Thomas J. Corson, 1863-79; Charles Bechtel, 1880-1902; and Harry A. Putnam, 1915 to the present time. Trentonians who served as grand treasurers were:  William R. Clapp 1860-62; Charles Bechtel, 1874; John Woolverton, 1875-87; Gilbert B. Slack, 1888-1913; R. C. Chamberlain, 1914 to the present time. Of the correspondents, those who served from Trenton were: Joseph H. Hough, 1860-62; Thomas J. Corson, 1863-79; Charles Bechtel, 1880-83 and 1897-99; and Harry A. Putnam, 1917-22.

THE GRAND COMMANDERY

Since its organization five Trentonians have been head of the Grand Commandery, which was formed February 14, 1860, at Burlington, N.J. William H. Doggett was the first grand commander, and the Trentonians who have succeeded to this post are: T. J. Corson, 1861; Dr. John Woolverton, 1868; James McCain, 1895; William P. Hayes, 1915; and William M. Muschert, 1923.

Residents of Trenton who have been chosen to the post of grand recorders of the Commandery are: C. G. Milnor, who served 1860-62; T. J. Corson, 1862-78; G. B. Edwards, 1879; Charles Bechtel, 1880-1903; T. H. R. Redway, 1904-08; and John M. Wright, 1908 and still serving.

ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE

The Scottish Rite branch of the Masonic order in Trenton consists of Mercer Grand Lodge of Perfection; Mercer Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Trenton Chapter of Rose Croix; and the Trenton Consistory.

Mercer Grand Lodge of Perfection was formed April 21, 1863, with Joseph H. Hough as thrice potent master. Other officers were: Mr. Clapp, deputy illustrious master; William T. Nicholson, senior warden; David Naar, Jr., junior warden; John F. Houdayer, treasurer; and M. Robert Hough, secretary.

William R. Clapp was the first sovereign prince of the Mercer Council, Princes of Jerusalem, organized May 19, 1864. The other original officers were: David Naar, deputy master; William T. Nicholson, senior warden; John F. Houdayer, junior warden; and Joseph H. Hough, secretary.

Trenton Chapter of Rose Croix was formed April 17, 1868, with Charles Bechtel as most wise master. Those who served with him were: William T. Nicholson, senior warden; William R. Clapp, junior warden; Thomas J. Corson, orator; John O. Raum, treasurer; and Joseph H. Hough, secretary.

The Trenton Consistory came into being September 20, 1906, when the Supreme Council meeting in Boston granted a charter for the local consistory. David H. Lukens was chosen commander-in-chief; Dr. Elmer Barwis, first lieutenant; Howard N. Richards, second lieutenant commander; John M. Wright, secretary; Richard C. Chamberlain, treasurer; Dr. E. H. Ginnelley, orator; Thomas W. Obert, chancellor; A. K. Leuckel, master of ceremonies; George A. Katzenbach, hospitaller ; Ira C. Leedom, engineer and seneschal; Harry F. Smith, standard bearer; Peter McGill, guard; and Lawrence J. Ayres, sentinel.

ANCIENT ARABIC ORDER, NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE

The idea of the formation of Crescent Temple originated with an enthusiastic group of Shriners, mostly members of Lu Lu Temple, of Philadelphia, who had formed a Shrine Club in this city before there was a temple in New Jersey.

CRESCENT TEMPLE

In 1902 Salaam Temple was formed at Newark and given jurisdiction over the entire State. All candidates were required to go there for initiation. In December 1903 a meeting of the Trenton Shrine Club was called by Dr. Charles P. Britton, the president, for the purpose of making application for a charter for a temple to be located at Trenton, to be known as Crescent Temple. A petition was presented to the Imperial Council meeting held in Atlantic City July 14, 1904, at which time a dispensation was granted for the formation of the temple. Dr. Edwin H. Ginnelley was designated as the first illustrious potentate. On November 14, a meeting was held to select officers for the institution of the temple which resulted in the following elections:

Illustrious potentate, Edwin H. Ginnelley; chief rabban, Charles G. Cook; assistant rabban, Paul L. Cort ; high priest and prophet, John W. Jones; oriental guide, George A. Katzenbach; treasurer, J. Allen Southwick; recorder, Linford D. Closson.

The temple was instituted  under dispensation November 17, 1904, by George W. Weidenmayer, of Salaam Temple and the first class of candidates, seventy-eight in number, was initiated.

On June 23, 1905, the dispensation was surrendered and a regular charter granted. The following September 14, the temple was fully constituted, Potentate George Weidenmayer again acting as special deputy for the imperial potentate. At this time there were 332 charter members. Meetings were held in the Masonic Temple at State and Warren Streets until June 24, 1916, when the present Crescent Temple Mosque was completed and dedicated. At this time there were 1405 members and the building was considered large enough for all time to come.

The growth of the organization has been remarkable and for several years the officers have realized that a larger mosque must be provided. As a result a new mosque is now in the course of construction, which will be one of the largest for strictly .Shrine purposes in North America, with a seating capacity for approximately four thousand persons, a banquet hall which will seat two thousand six hundred at one time, a stage 60 x 75 feet and other facilities in proportion. There are at the present time about seven thousand five hundred members on the roster.

The potentates of Crescent Temple, with their terms of office are: Dr. Ginnelley, 1904-10; Harry E. Evans, 1911-12; Peter A. Caughell, 1913-14; J. Blair Cuthbert, 1915-16; Newton A. K. Bugbee, 1917-18; Alfred K. Leuckel, 1919-20; Howard J. Dudley, 1921-22; Barton T. Fell, 1923-24; Frederick P. Rees, 1925-26. Earl E. Jeffries, the present potentate, is now serving his second year. Linford D. Closson, who assumed office as recorder during the formation of the temple in 1904, has served in that capacity ever since.

TALL CEDARS OF LEBANON

From an old custom of Masons of New Jersey, who were members of the Grand Lodge, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon originated.

David H. Lukens was the founder of the order in Trenton, having suggested that a Trenton Forest be established here, after he had been given the degree elsewhere. The Supreme Forest of Tall Cedars was incorporated March 18, 1902, and the first session was held in this city, February 6, 1903.

The Tall Cedars is composed exclusively of Blue Lodge Masons.

MASONIC TEMPLES

Trenton has had three Masonic Temples. The latest one dedicated March 1, 1927, stands on the site of the first temple, erected in 1793 at Front and Willow Streets, by Trenton Lodge No. 5. Much of the history of the Masonic temples in Trenton is inseparably linked up with this lodge.

THE FIRST TEMPLE

Minutes of the old lodge reveal that for some time after organization meetings apparently were held at the homes of the various members, but in 1789 it was felt that the lodge was growing to such a size that suitable quarters should be obtained for it.

In 1792 a committee composed of Aaron D. Woodruff, Richard Howell, Isaac DeCou and Bernard Hanlon was appointed to report on the expediency of building a hall or lodge room for use of the organization, together with an estimate of its cost. The committee reported favorably April 2, and another committee was appointed to devise means of raising funds to pay for the new building.

In 1793, Mark Thompson, of Harmony Lodge No. 8, Newton, Sussex County, gave to Trenton Lodge No. 5 a plot of ground in Barrack Street, now known as Willow Street. Mr. Thompson was father-in-law of Mr. Woodruff, first master of Trenton Lodge. In view of this gift, plans were prepared for the proposed building, and Mr. Woodruff, with Messrs. Richard Howell, Stockton, Ewing and DeKlyn, was named as a committee for this purpose. The committee reported plans for a building costing~approximately £376, 15s, 10d, or about $1,900.

The lodge was, it seems, financially able to appropriate £100 toward the building, and the Grand Lodge appropriated £75. Subscriptions had been pledged amounting to £185 15s., making a total of £364 15s. It was decided that with this amount available, the work on the building should proceed.

On August 19, 1793, the committee announced that everything was in readiness for the laying of the cornerstone which occurred at "high twelve," August 26.

Nineteen years later, Trenton Lodge felt the need for larger quarters, and inquiry was made as to the feasibility of enlarging the hall, but nothing apparently was done at that time.

In January 1827 the matter of the lodge building was once more before the organization, and consideration was given to the purchase of a lot on which to erect a Masonic Temple, but nothing definite was done until many years had elapsed.

In 1842 a tract of land in the rear of the hall was bought for $207.90, presumably for an addition, but no progress was made evidently because of financial difficulties.

At its April meeting 1860, Trenton Lodge No. 5 unanimously resolved that the worshipful master, on behalf of the trustees of the lodge, should subscribe $2,000 to the Masonic Hall Association for one hundred shares of stock, for the construction of a new building. The only result, however, was the building of a brick addition on the side of the old building.

At the meeting May 6, 1867, a committee was again named to seek more suitable quarters, and John Taylor, a member, offered a long lease for the third floor of Taylor Hall, later known as Taylor Opera House. The lease was taken for five years, and the new rooms were dedicated December 9, 1867, by Most Worshipful Grand Master Silas Whitehead.

The committee reported January 6, 1868, that the old lodge property had been sold. The ancient building passed into friendly hands, and one of the best-known free schools was established there. Thomas J. Macpherson, father of judge George W. Macpherson, was master of the school, which he conducted in this building for five years.

THE SECOND TEMPLE

Some years after Trenton Lodge had located in the Taylor Opera House, a committee, composed of William D. Sinclair and Charles Bechtel, was appointed to investigate the possibility of erecting a new temple. The cornerstone of this second temple, at State and Warren Streets, was laid July 15, 1884, with the Grand .Lodge, Trenton lodges, and various other Masonic organizations in this section of the country in attendance. The building was finished in 1885, when the local lodges took possession of it.

When the second temple was built, a stock company had been organized and shares were sold to members. This proved to be a fatal mistake, for through this very arrangement the fraternity was practically turned out of its home. It was not realized when the stock in the building was sold originally that, as the holders died, the stocks which did not pay any dividends might be sold and.thus the control of the property would pass from the hands of the Masonic organizations. This is exactly what happened, for the Trenton Banking Company had been quietly buying up these shares until it had a controlling interest. The purpose teas of course to acquire the property as the site for the new home of the banking company.

THE NEW TEMPLE

When the temple thus passed from the Masons, City Commissioner J. Ridgway Fell led the movement for a new building. He obtained options on the Willow and Front Street site and, with these options, one on the old First Masonic Hall, then being used as an upholstering shop. The original temple was bought in 1915 by a group of Masons, led by General W. F. Sadler, Jr., and presented to Grand Lodge.

In 1916 S. E. Kaufman, J. Henry Fell and Edgar D. Coleman were named as a committee to call all the Trenton Masonic bodies together for a discussion of a new building. The committee met with representatives of all the Masonic groups, and from these sessions a Trenton Masonic Temple Association was formed. The Association was incorporated April 25, 1917, and the incorporators were: Alfred K. Leuckel, Trenton No. 5; Charles H. Crozier, Mercer No. 50; Thomas E. Raub, Ashlar No. 76; W. J. B. Stokes, Column No. 120;  S. E. Kaufman, Fraternal No. 139; Absalom E. Clark, Loyal No. 181 ; and Samuel Freeman, True Craftsman No. 202.

Each of the incorporators held one share of Founders' Preferred Stock for $2,000 in perpetuity for his lodge, so that the new temple will never pass from the lodges represented without dissolution of the Association and without the consent of these organizations.

Present Masonic Temple, Built 1928, South Willow Street.

Subscriptions were being successfully obtained for the new temple when the World War intervened, and nothing more was done until June 4, 1921, when at a meeting of all the representatives of the Masonic groups it was decided to resume activities. In successive campaigns the sum of $800,000 was raised to meet the cost of the temple. The cornerstone was laid October 9, 1926. Governor A. Harry Moore, of New Jersey, gave the main address. The building was finished and formally opened February 28, 1928.

THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

The Order of the Eastern Star is composed of women whose male relatives are members of the Masonic order, and there are five chapters in Trenton.

The oldest of these is the Morning Star Chapter No. 22, organized July 19, 1898. Its first officers were: George W. Thomas, Sr., worthy patron; Mrs. Eva A. Wyckoff, worthy matron; Miss Virginia W. Houghtaling, assistant matron; Miss Kate Houghtaling, secretary.

Fidelity Chapter No. 89 was instituted June 12, 1917. Its first officers were: Albert Rogowski, worthy patron; Miriam Eckstein, worthy matron; Fannie F. Freeman, associate matron; Rose Millner, secretary; Dorothy Goldman, treasurer.

Victory Chapter No. 96 was instituted May 31, 1918, with Charles C. Brooks, worthy patron; Mrs. Kate E. Bozarth, worthy matron; Mrs. Stella S. Applegate, associate matron; Mrs. Ethel L. Brook, treasurer; Mrs. Stella E. Homan, secretary.

There is also an Ashlar and a Trenton Chapter.

III. Other Fraternal Organizations

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS

THE Independent Order of Odd Fellows was formed in this country in 1819, under the leadership of Thomas Wildey, the first lodge being self-instituted by five men who held membership in the parent body in England. On April 26, 1819, they formed Washington Lodge No. 1, at Baltimore, Md., and this lodge is still flourishing. The order is not an insurance society; it is not primarily a beneficial society. Its primary object is and always has been of a fraternal nature, with particular attention paid to the care of its sick and distressed members and their families.

Application being made to open a Grand Lodge in this State and there being some rivalry between lodges, at the suggestion of Thomas Wildey, Trenton Lodge No. 3 was formed August 3, 1833, the same day the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was instituted in this city.

Only a year after the institution of Trenton Lodge No. 3, Concordia Lodge No. 4 was organized in Trenton September 29, 1834, and it continued up to a few years ago when it was merged with one of the other lodges.

At the present time there are six lodges in Trenton, with a membership of 1,847 and with invested funds of more than $130,000. These lodges are: Trenton No. 3; Mercer No. 34; Garibaldi No.102; Fred D. Stuart No. 154; Home No. 211; and Meni Lodge No. 217.

Trentonians who have been grand master of the order in New Jersey are: William C. Branin, 1836-37; Sylvester van Syckel, 1838; John McCully, 1839; Samuel B. Scattergood, 1840; Henry C. Boswell, 1841; Marshall C. Holmes, 1842; Edward D. Weld, 1843; Joseph Wood, 1851; Robert W. Mull, 1867; James S. Kiger, 1877 ; George W. Hammell, Jr., 1885 ; Harry E. Jones, 1906; William T. Robbins, 1910.

The Rebekah Branch of the Order, being composed mainly of the female relatives of members, and single women, was established in 1850.

Concordia Rebekah Lodge No. 4 was organized at Trenton in 1868. It, however, shortly became defunct and the Rebekah Degree in Trenton is now represented by Ruth Rebekah Lodge No. 9, which was instituted January 7, 1890, and is an active working lodge.

No recital of Odd Fellowship would be complete without special reference to its provision for the care of its aged members, their wives, widows and orphans.

In Trenton there is a Home for the Aged, established in 1885, in which seventy old folks are being sheltered and looked after.

JUNIOR ORDER OF UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS

The Junior Order of United American Mechanics, a patriotic, fraternal and beneficial organization was introduced into New Jersey by the institution of Lincoln Council No. 1, at Camden, January 1866. The State Council of New Jersey was organized at Camden, July 12, 1869, with nine councils, the total number at that time in New Jersey. Among them was Enterprise No. 6 of Trenton, which was instituted in October 1868. The first annual session of the State Council was held October 21, 1869, in the rooms of Enterprise Council in this city.

The Councils which have been instituted in Trenton are: Enterprise No. 6, instituted in 1868 by Ogden Lanning, G. Kafer, J. Letterer and J. Van Horn. These men were identified with the creation of the order, and Mr. Lanning was the first duly elected secretary of the State Council; Liberty Council No. 18, instituted September 1870; Alert No. 45, instituted January 20, 1874; Mercer No. 50, March 25, 1890; Commodore Perry No. 8o, November 24, 1890; Nathan Hale No. 89, February 25, 1891; Trenton No. 90, March 5, 1891; Century No. 100, May 29, 1891; and Rutherford B. Hayes No. 143, February 3, 1893.

ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the outstanding organization in this country whose members are Roman Catholics of Irish birth or descent, had its origin in Ireland in the sixteenth century. It was first established in the United States in 1836, and in Trenton in 1871 when a few Irishmen gathered at the home of Christopher McCann in South Trenton. The prime movers were William Reilly and James Sharkey, who had come to Trenton from the coal mining region. An organization was effected with the election of William Reilly as president, James Sharkey as vice-president, Edward McKeever as secretary and Christopher McCann as treasurer.

Division No.1, the Mother Division, was formally organized March 22, 1872. This division eventually located in .St. Mary's Cathedral parish, and Division No. 2 was organized in South Trenton, January 23, 1882, with William F. Grenan as president, John Waldron as vice-president, John J. Mullen as recording secretary, John Landerkin as financial secretary and John Haggerty as treasurer.

Division No. 3 was organized in the Chambersburg section in October 1888, with John P. Casey as president, Peter Doyle as vice-president, Michael Callery as recording secretary and William Cantwell as treasurer. Division No. 4 of St. Joseph's parish was organized in 1890 with James E. Clinton as president, Hugh Kennedy as vice-president, Andrew McDonough as recording secretary, Michael M. McDonough as financial secretary and Henry Brown as treasurer. Division No. 5, embracing largely the Swamp Angel section, was organized in 1893 with Thomas P. Burns as president, Patrick Martin as vice-president, Joseph Higgins as recording secretary, Joseph McDonough as financial secretary and Roger Henry as treasurer. Division No. 6, which was a reorganization of Division No. 3, came into existence in 1898 and later on Divisions 7, 8 and 9 were organized.

The officers of the different divisions constitute the County Board, through which the present A:O.H. building on .North Warren Street was acquired as headquarters for the entire order of the city, and since then a movement has been on foot for the consolidation of all the divisions with Division No. r having within its ranks the larger part of the nearly one thousand members of the order in this city. The only remaining separate divisions of the order at this time are Division No. 2 and Division No. 7.

The A.O.H. in this city has paid out many thousands of dollars in sick and death benefits, and has taken an active part in all Catholic movements as well as in Irish movements.

ST. PATRICK'S ALLIANCE OF AMERICA

Men of Irish birth and descent, living in the United States, formed the St. Patrick's Alliance of America, as a non-sectarian organization to promote better feeling among the sects. Membership is open to any one who believes in freedom for Ireland and is of Irish blood.

There are two units in Trenton, Branch No. 1, organized September 1887, and Branch No. 4, organized September 6, 1891, with District No. 7, established March 27, 1889.

TRENTON LODGE NO. 105, B.P.O.E.

Under a dispensation granted by Hamilton E. Leach, grand exalted ruler, Trenton Lodge No. 105, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, was formed October 24, 1888. It had about fifty members, among them some of the best-known men of the city. General Richard A. Donnelly, father of Mayor Frederick W. Donnelly, was the lodge's first exalted ruler.

The first meeting of the new lodge was held November 22, 1888, in Temperance Hall at South Broad and Front Streets, where the Goldberg department store is now located. The December meeting was held in the Odd Fellows' Hall, North Broad and Hanover Streets, and it was not until April 1, 1889, that the lodge moved into its own quarters at 23 and 25 North Warren Street.

The lodge was very prosperous at this time, and had in its membership men who were outstanding in many walks of life.

In the spring of 1894 the lodge again moved, going this time to 38 West State Street. The entire dwelling was used by the order and fitted up as an Elks' home, but in October 1895, for some reason, the organization went back to its location at 23-25 North Warren .Street, this time occupying the second floor.

From 1895 to 1900 Trenton Lodge No. 105 was inactive, but from the beginning of the century until 1909 it had rapid growth, It was then proposed that the lodge should have its own home. This suggestion proved a popular one, and soon $35,000 was guaranteed for the project. The committee appointed selected the present site, 120-122 North Warren Street, and under proper authority issued twenty-year bonds of $25 denomination, which were purchased by the members. The new building was begun in 1910, completed the following year and formally opened January 1, 1912.

The new home was dedicated May 21, 1913, with District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Alexander W. Mack, of Somerville Lodge No. 1068, as master of ceremonies.

The lodge now has a membership of about 1,600.

In 1922 a movement was started under the leadership of Past Exalted Ruler Joseph G. Buch to aid crippled children, which soon spread all over New Jersey and the nation.

Trenton Lodge was so fortunate in its activities after 1913, that in 1925 it paid off the twenty-year bonds which were not due until 1930. The organization is now entirely clear of debt.

PATRIOTIC ORDER, SONS OF AMERICA

The Patriotic Order, Sons of America, has seven camps in Trenton and the Mercer Commandery. The oldest camp, No. 7, was the first one instituted in New Jersey.

The Trenton Camp No. 7 was sponsored by Camp No. 7 of Philadelphia and was organized in 1888. After two rather difficult years, it relinquished its charter. On January 8, 1891, it was reorganized, and now has grown to be one of the strongest in the State. The old records have been lost, but it is known that A. L. Updyke was the first president.

Camp No. 14 was organized February 17, 1892, and its first officers were W. Penn Walters, president; John Robbins, recording secretary; John Caldwell, financial secretary; and T. D. Terhune, treasurer.

Camp No. 17 was instituted March 1892 by Past State President Samuel L. Davis. It had twenty-six charter members. Fred Wildrick was the first president; Thomas W. Cubberly, vice-president; and William Hutchinson, treasurer. This camp owns its own home on North Montgomery Street.

Camp No. 20 was instituted in Broad Street Park, May 7, 1903, with William R. Galbraith as president.

Camp No. 192, organized January 3, 1916, with twenty-five members, and Robert Scott as president. There is also a Camp No. 6.

The Mercer Commandery No. 25 was organized November 11, 1904, with William H. Tilton as commander.

PATRIOTIC ORDER OF AMERICANS

The Patriotic Order of Americans has three units in Trenton, Camp No. 37, Camp No. 7 and Camp No. 6.

LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE

The purpose of the organization is to provide sick and death benefits along the regular lodge plan, and also to promote social activity and friendly intercourse among its members.

Trenton Lodge No. 164, Loyal Order of Moose, was organized October 21, 1909, by James J. Davis, now United States Secretary of Labor. He was assisted in the preliminary work by William J. Bennett and John H. Nichols. In June 1910 the members purchased the building at 121 East Hanover Street. After spending considerable money to renovate it, the organization, during a dispensation of open charter, increased its membership to two thousand seven hundred members. With the increase of members it was finally decided that the quarters were too small and a committee was appointed to select a desirable location on which to build. After three months' time the committee recommended the purchase of the old Woolverton estate at East State and Canal Streets for $30,000.

Building operations were begun in May 1914 and the home was turned over to the lodge October 16, 1915. It was designed exclusively for social and club quarters and contains lodge rooms and a spacious auditorium which may be rented for public occasions.

WOODMEN OF THE WORLD

The Woodmen of the World is represented in Trenton by several very successful camps and groves. They are:

Trenton Camp No. 33, organized May 1904, which now has 2,475 members.

Wilbur Camp No. 45, organized May 1907, which now has 1,867 members.

Kent Camp No. 49, organized January 1908, which has a present membership of 127.

Expraxion Grove No. 12, formed April 1911, and now having 1,432 members.

Laurel Grove No. 21, formed April 1915, and now having 765 members.

All these were organized under the supervision of present District Manager Peter B. Tilton who has served in that capacity since 1906. District Manager Edna V. Tilton supervises the Groves, the women's organization.

NATIONAL UNION

Trenton now has four councils of the National Union. The first one, Trenton No. 346, was organized by B. F. Morrell, July 23, 1889. The others are:

Monument Council No. 550, organized April 1, 1892, by Harry E. Evans; Mercer Council No. 404, organized by C. F. Fenn, November 15, 1894; Vigilant No. 1039, formed February 18, 1904, by Harry E. Evans.

ORDER OF ST. GEORGE

The American Order, Sons of St. George, has three lodges and two auxiliaries in Trenton.

The lodges are Sir Charles Napier No. 33, organized March 5, 1878; Royal Oak No. 36, organized September 5, 1878; and Chatham No. 136, formed November 28, 1883.

The Auxiliary of Royal Oak Lodge was formed February 8, 1917, and that of Chatham was formed in 1927.

Trenton Lodge No. 270, Order of Daughters of St. George, was instituted April 8, 1926. There were sixty-nine charter members.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS

The Knights of Pythias Order is represented in Trenton by Spartacus Lodge No. 10, organized April 9, 1868; Trenton Lodge No. 60; Pythias No. 61 ; Hamilton No. 91; and a women's branch, Sicilian Temple No. 17, Pythian Sisters, organized November 29, 1909.

KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE

Two camps and one temple constitute the units of the Knights of the Golden Eagle in Trenton. They are Mercer Castle No. 23, Capital Castle No. 28, and Laurel Temple No. 3.

ORDER OF THE WHITE SHRINE OF JERUSALEM

Bethlehem Shrine No. 6, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, was organized in this city, April 22, 1922.

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF LIBERTY

Sons and Daughters of Liberty Order has the following units in Trenton: Pride of Trenton Council No. 4; Capital City No. 20; Mizpah No. 26; Betsy Ross No. 101 ; and the District Council No. 1.

UNITED AMERICANS

George Washington Temple No. 1  and Liberty Bell Temple No. 3 constitute the United Americans organizations in Trenton.

SHEPHERDS OF BETHLEHEM

The Order of the Shepherds of Bethlehem have the following Trenton units: Star of the East Lodge No. 4; Evening Star Lodge No. 7 ; and Star of Trenton Lodge No. 22.

IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN

Tribes of the Improved Order of Red Men in this city are: Moax Tribe No. 5 ; Assunpink No. 86; Iroquois No. 93 ; Uncas No. 102 ; Iska Council No. 33 ; and Mercer County Tribe.

IV. War Veterans' Organizations

VETERANS' organizations have been organized in Trenton by men who fought in the Civil, Spanish-American and World Wars. The first of these goes back to two years after the close of the Civil War, and the latest was organized in 1920. Several of them have their women's auxiliaries, which assist in their social and patriotic activities.

G.A.R. POSTS

Bayard Post No. 8, of the Grand Army of the Republic, is the oldest veterans' organization in Trenton. It was chartered November 5, 1867, and named for George D. Bayard of Princeton, a General in the Union Army, who was killed in action December 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Va.

Aaron Wilkes Post No. 23, named for Adjutant Aaron Wilkes, a Trenton youth killed in action May 5, 1862, at Williamsburg, Va., and buried in Riverview Cemetery, this city, was chartered July 1, 1879.

The third post, Thomas Hamilton Post No. 56, is composed of Negro soldiers of the Union Army. It received its charter August 18, 1881.

Both the Bayard Post and the Aaron Wilkes Posts have their women's auxiliaries.

There is also a unit of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, which was chartered November 18, 1887.

SONS OF VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR

The sons of Union Army veterans formed a society in 1881 for the purpose of perpetuating the memory, sacrifices and services of the veterans in preserving the Union. Other purposes were to inculcate patriotism, honor the dead through historical exercises and the proper observances of Memorial Day, and to assist the Grand Army men and extend aid to their widows and orphans.

The General James A. Garfield Camp No. 4, Sons of Veterans of the Civil War of Trenton, was organized January 9, 1896, and incorporated March 20, 1902. Its first captain was Herbert D. Williams.

The second unit of the Sons of Veterans is the Ferd V. Dayton Camp No. 5, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. It was organized May 10, 1883.

The William J. Sewell Camp No. 22 is the Negro camp of the Sons of Veterans, and was organized May 28, 1895. The first commander was Robert J. Kinney and the present one is Samuel C. Harmon.

The James A. Garfield Camp has a woman's auxiliary No. 18, for which a charter was issued November 1, 1910.

SPANISH WAR VETERANS

Trenton Camp No. 42 of the National United Spanish War Veterans was not organized until May 11, 1926, when it received its charter. Fred C. Ruhlman was the first commander and Harry W. Brand is the present one.

On July 27, 1927, the Trenton Auxiliary No. 24 of the Spanish War Veterans was organized. Marie K. Ruhlman was the auxiliary's first president and was succeeded by Mrs. Ella M. Clow.

ELKINS OLIPHANT POST, AMERICAN LEGION

Almost immediately after the close of the World War and the demobilization of the troops, two posts of the American Legion were formed in Trenton, one the Blue and Gray Post No. 10 and the other Trenton Post No. 104. For the purpose of honoring Elkins Oliphant, son of an old and distinguished Trenton family, who was the first Trenton officer killed during the War, the two organizations combined in 1921 and became known as Elkins Oliphant Post No. 93.

The Blue and Gray Post, the first formed in Trenton, was established August 29, 1919, and took its name of Blue and Gray from the fact that it included in its membership not only the sons of men who fought in the Union Army during the Civil War, but also the sons of those who fought for the Confederacy.

Trenton Post was chartered September 6, 1919.

The amalgamation of the two posts was effected at a meeting of the memberships December 21, 1921. At the session January 4, 1922, the organi­zation was completed, and an election of officers held. Samuel Scott, who had been junior vice‑commander of Trenton Post and chairman of its hospitalization committee, was elected commander.

The amalgamated post was incorporated February 1922, for the purpose of promoting patriotism and the mutual interest of the membership.

Since the post was organized, its commanders have been: Samuel P. Scott, George F. Fleming, Lester G. Block, the Rev. Gill Robb Wilson, S. Leslie Tattersall, Francis W. Hunter and Dr. Martin W. Reddan.

Lieutenant Oliphant, in whose memory the post was named, was the son of Alexander C. Oliphant, for a number of years adjutant‑general of New Jersey. He was the grandson of General S. Duncan Oliphant, who served with distinction in the Civil War, and of the United States Senator Stephen B. Elkins of West Virginia. Lieutenant Oliphant was killed October 18, 1918, at Ribeauville, France, while taking part in the great offensive against the Hindenburg line.

THE POST AUXILIARIES

At the request of the men of Trenton Post, Mrs. Florence Schoch formed an auxiliary to that organization. There were fifty who joined at the Roll Call.

The first meeting of the auxiliary was held Hallowe'en Eve, 1920, when the following officers were elected: Mrs. Schoch, president; Mrs. Alexander C. Oliphant, vice-president; Mrs. Robert Gulliver, secretary; and Mrs. Alfred Reading, treasurer.

Since 1921 the auxiliary, with the assistance of the post, has held a Poppy Day sale annually, the proceeds of which go toward the post's work for disabled veterans and to the Convalescent Home at Toms River.

The Blue and Gray Post Auxiliary was the result of a meeting October 10, 1920, when five women, wives of members of the Blue and Gray Post No. 10, assembled in the home of the post at 72 North Clinton Avenue, at the call of Commander Black. The officers first elected were: Mrs. John H. McCullough, president; Mrs. O. D. Oliphant, first vice‑president; Mrs. W. Scott Taylor, second vice‑president; Mrs. C. Frank Burr, third vice­president; Mrs. Frank Harris, corresponding secretary; Mrs. J. E. VanHorne, recording secretary; and Mrs. R. S. Seibert, treasurer. These officers served until the amalgamation.

After the amalgamation of the posts and their auxiliaries, the newly organized auxiliary of the Elkins Oliphant Post honored the young offi­cer's mother, Mrs. Alexander C. Oliphant, by electing her as the first president. Those who served with her were: Mrs. Belle Spaulding, vice­president; Miss Mary Schroth, secretary; and Mrs. Bess Morrison, treasurer. The meetings were then held in the post rooms, 30 East Front Street.

The same officers served during 1922 and 1923. The presidents after that date have been: Miss Gertrude Miller, Mrs. A. C. Oliphant (reelection), Mrs. O. D. Oliphant and Mrs. W. N. Morrison.

Financial assistance has been given by the auxiliary to local organiza­tions and institutions equipped to render medical and surgical care to former soldiers and their dependents.

40 AND 8 SOCIETY

In March 1920 the first effort was made to organize a play feature for the American Legion. Many legionnaires believed there should be some such unit, and Joseph W. Breen, a veteran of two wars, conceived the idea of the 40 and 8 Society. The title is taken from the legend on the French "side‑door Pullmans," so familiar to the travelling doughboy. Its members are known as "Voyageurs Militaires" and the candidates as "Prisonniers de Guerre." The initiation ceremony is called a "Wreck" and is staged by a "Wrecking Crew." All officers of the organization are designated by terms used about the railroad stations of France.

On May 3, 1922, Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer George Dobson came to Trenton with the wrecking crew of Voiture No. 127 of Middlesex County and instituted the Trenton branch of the organization.

Immediately following the initiation an election was held and Richard Stockton, Jr., was elected the first Chef de Gare de Voiture No. 235, of Trenton, to serve for one year. Since then the following veterans have held this post: James E. Mitchell, Samuel P. Scott, Harry Evans, C. E. Edmonds, William Wharton, Charles W. Blakesley.

Of the many activities which the society has fostered perhaps the most important is the child welfare fund which it inaugurated. This fund is raised through payment of a percentage of each voyageur's dues to the child welfare committee of the American Legion.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

Since the World War there has been only one unit in Trenton of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and very little is known of any former organi­zations. The unit established since the World War is known as the Bloor­Volk Post No. 491. It is named for Spencer Bloor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bloor, and Robert B. Volk, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Volk. The post was organized in January 1927.

H. S. Van Camp was the first commander and was assisted by the fol­lowing officers: William Ostermier, senior vice-commander; Elgin R. Mayer, junior vice-commander; Howard Heck, quartermaster; William Gabriel, adjutant; James Tarangioli, chaplain; Thomas McAllister, officer of the day; and Mr. Van Camp, Mr. Charles F. Burr and Mr. John Clymer, trustees.

John J. Boscarell is the present commander of the post, which has an active membership of two hundred and an increasing number of applicants.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

The national organization of the Disabled American Veterans of the World War was founded in March 1920, by a group of wounded, injured and disabled men at Cincinnati, who felt the need for some unit that would have only the interests of the wounded and disabled at heart. The first Trenton chapter was organized in 1920 under the name of the Rehab Chapter. The name was later changed to the Theodore Roosevelt Chapter No. 2. The main object of the organization is to assist ex-service men and their families. The chapter has since adhered to this purpose and assisted every needy veteran's family that has come to its attention. This work was long done under the personal supervision of Frank Muccioli, who is a former service man and clerk of the City District Court.

The chapter was founded by Joseph M. Yakubisin.

Past commanders of the chapter are: Walter A. Neely, Frank Muccioli, James Argust, Clarence Keating, Thomas Miller, William B. Schrieber, Fred J. Paone, Clarence Branson, John J. Boscarell and Andrew J. Lake.

Frank Muccioli was elected first state commander of New Jersey, and Fred J. Paone was for three consecutive terms treasurer of the state organi­zation, while Lewis Coney and Fred E. Pierce both served one term as state treasurer also.

V. Patriotic Societies

THE last decade of the nineteenth century brought a revival of interest throughout America in the stirring events of Colonial and Revolutionary history in the United States, and from 1890 to 1900 numerous societies intended to preserve the memory of the early Americans and their heroic achievements, were organized.

NEW JERSEY SOCIETY, SONS OF THE REVOLUTION

First among the societies of this character to be formed in Trenton was apparently the New Jersey Society, Sons of the Revolution. Although this is a State society of a national organization, it was formed by Trenton men, descendants of Revolutionary ancestors. From that time to this Trentonians have been conspicuous in the New Jersey Society of the Sons, many of them holding high office in that organization.

Judge Garret D. W. Vroom, a distinguished jurist of this city, always greatly interested in America's early history, Colonel S. Meredith Dickin­son, descendant of one of the most gallant officers of the Revolution, and former Secretary of the Navy George M. Robeson were three of those who signed the call for the meeting January 6, 1891, at which the New Jersey Society was formed.

It was at a meeting March 3, 1891, that the formal organization took place, and Colonel Dickinson was elected to the presidency. Clement H. Sinnickson, of Salem, was elected as vice-president; John A. Campbell, secretary; General Thomas S. Chambers, treasurer; Foster C. Griffith, registrar; Morris H. Stratton, of Salem, historian; and General George M. Robeson, Judge Vroom, General S. Duncan Oliphant, H. H. Hamill and Dr. William Elmer, all of this city, Bayard Stockton, of Princeton, C. A. Bergen, Peter L. Voorhees and William John Potts of Camden, members of the board of managers.

Some of Trenton's most influential citizens have served since that time in various offices of the society, which was incorporated January 13, 1923. Those who have been president are: Colonel Dickinson, Judge Vroom, Chancellor Walker, General Chambers, Colonel William Libbey, State Senator Jonathan H. Blackwell, Robert Chambers Belville, State Comp­troller N. A. K. Bugbee and Attorney-General Edward L. Katzenbach, who is president now.

Trentonians who have held the office of vice-president are: Colonel William Libbey, Senator Jonathan H. Blackwell, Robert C. Belville and State Comptroller N. A. K. Bugbee.

Shortly after the formation of the society, the members participated in the exercises attendant upon the laying of the cornerstone of the Trenton Battle Monument, and this was the first of many historic and patriotic enterprises in which the society has been interested.

Members of the society later conceived the idea of fittingly marking the route followed by Washington on his march to Princeton. This was done, and at their annual meeting May 20, 1914, the members travelled by automobile over the route to unveil the twelve obelisks and tablets which they had erected along the way.

NEW JERSEY SOCIETY, COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA

Trenton women, members of some of the city's oldest and most distinguished families, were responsible for the organization of the New Jersey Society, Colonial Dames of America. As in the case of the Sons of the Revolution, the Trenton members have ever since been closely and actively associated with the organization.

The New Jersey Society of the Dames was formed at a meeting held March 9, 1892, at the home of Miss Elizabeth Alford Smith, 178 West State Street. The first officers were Trenton women. Mrs. S. Meredith Dickinson, whose husband had been made president of the State Society of the Sons of the Revolution in 1891, was elected to the presidency of the Dames. Mrs. S. Duncan Oliphant was the first vice‑president; Mrs. Henry M. Barbour, second vice-president; Miss Smith, recording secretary; Miss Caroline E. Nixon, corresponding secretary; Miss Mary Dickinson, treasurer; Mrs. Frederick C. Lewis, registrar; Miss Annie deB. McIlvaine, historian; and Miss Justina Livingston Atterbury, assistant historian. Mrs. W. W. L. Phillips, Mrs. Cleaveland Hilson, Mrs. Hugh H. Hamill, Mrs. Alexander F. Jamieson, Mrs. Hughes Oliphant and Miss Helen Griswold Green were the six Trenton women elected as the first managers.

Since the formation of the State Society of the Dames, several Trenton women have held the office of president. They include Mrs. S. Meredith Dickinson, Mrs. Alexander F. Jamieson, Mrs. Francis C. Lowthorp and Mrs. William Libbey. Mrs. Dickinson is now an honorary president and Miss Smith an honorary vice-president.

It is the aim of the society to preserve all buildings, relics and mementos of early American life, and to stimulate a healthful interest in Colonial affairs, and a spirit of true patriotism and love of country.

SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS IN NEW JERSEY

On May 1, 1894, the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of New Jersey was formed, and the first meeting to receive the charter and elect officers was held May 10, 1894, at the home of General Edward Burd Grubb, at Edgewater Park, N.J.

General William S. Stryker and United States Senator F. O. Briggs both have held the office of deputy governor in the society, while Colonel William Libbey was one time governor. General Wilbur F. Sadler, Jr., served the society in 1915-16 as treasurer, Senator Briggs was registrar and a gentle­man of the council, and General Sadler and General Thomas S. Chambers were also gentlemen of the council.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Trenton has six chapters of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the first one organized in 1894 and the last in 1910.

The oldest Trenton chapter is the Broad Seal, which takes its name from the great seal of New Jersey, and which was organized December 13, 1894, at a meeting at the home of Mrs. Richard T. Stevens, of South Orange, N.J. The Broad Seal was the sixth chapter to be established in New Jersey, and its twelve charter members had all been members of the Nova Caesarea Chapter, of Newark. Mrs. Stevens was the Broad Seal's first regent.

Following Mrs. Stevens as regent were: Mrs. William S. Stryker, Mrs. James Buchanan Breese, Mrs. Cornelius Hook, Mrs. Cleaveland Hilson and Mrs. Paul L. Cort.

Trent Chapter came into existence January 24, 1895, upon invitation of Mrs. William S. Stryker, then state regent of New Jersey, and was the seventh to be formed in the State. The organizing regent was Mrs. Alexander F. Jamieson of Lawrenceville and the organization meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Henry P. Perrine, on Greenwood Avenue, when officers were elected as follows: Mrs. Alexander F. Jamieson, regent; Mrs. James S. Stephens, vice-regent; Mrs. William J. George, of Lawrenceville, registrar; Miss Kate A. Mott, of Bordentown, treasurer; Mrs. Chauncey H. Beasley, recording secretary; Mrs. Edward L. Gulick, of Lawrenceville, correspond­ing secretary; and Mrs. Mary A. Bell, historian.

The name selected by the chapter honors the memory of William Trent, first chief justice of New Jersey, for whom Trenton was named.

Mrs. Jamieson was regent of Trent Chapter until 1922, when she re­signed, and Mrs. Francis C. Lowthorp was elected. When the latter resigned, she was succeeded in 1926 by Mrs. Henry W. Green. Mrs. Jamieson and Mrs. Lowthorp are honorary life regents of the chapter.

Mrs. John Moses, for many years a leader in both D.A.R. and Colonial Dames activities in Trenton, organized the General David Forman Chapter January 15, 1896. It began with nineteen charter members, and its first officers were: Mrs. Moses, regent; Mrs. Daniel R. Foster, vice-regent; Miss Julia Blackfan, registrar; Miss Laura Wilson, treasurer; Mrs. Robert Oliphant, secretary; and Mrs. Isaac Weatherby, historian.

Mrs. Moses served as regent from the organization of the Chapter until December 31, 1924, when she was succeeded by Mrs. Jennie Scudder Murray. The chapter is named for an ancestor of the first regent, General David Forman, who was a distinguished officer in the American Revolutionary War.

Mrs. Murray organized in 1926 the Jinnie Jackson Society of the Children of the American Revolution and was its first regent. Its aim is to interest the youth of the country in patriotic and historic matters, and to train members for the adult patriotic societies.

Mrs. Beulah A. Oliphant, who instituted the movement to have the original portions of the Old Barracks acquired and maintained as an historical landmark, was the organizing regent of the Captain James Oliphant Chapter. This chapter, formed May 12, 1896, with fifteen charter members, is a family one, whose members are either Oliphants by ancestry or Oliphants by marriage. Mrs. Oliphant was not only its founder, but served as its regent for twenty years. Mrs. S. D. Oliphant, Jr., succeeded her, and is the present regent. The membership now is twenty-four.

Rescue of the Old Barracks from destruction is the most outstanding achievement of the chapter. The idea of saving the building was conceived by the first regent, and at a chapter meeting in 1899 a resolution was passed "to endeavor to interest all patriotic societies to assist in the pur­chase of 'The Old Colonial and Revolutionary Barracks' for a home for Patriotic Societies."

The chapter was a charter member of the George Washington Memorial Association, Rocky Hill Headquarters Association, and the Mount Vernon Association. It also assisted in furnishing the dining-room of the Wallace House in Somerville, and other similar projects.

The chapter which bears the name of General Hugh Mercer was organized June 5, 1900, at the home of Mrs. Howell C. Stull, 369 West State Street.

The first officers and other charter members were: Mrs. Stull, regent; Mrs. Thomas Winans, vice-regent; Mrs. Edward W. Dunham, recording secretary; Mrs. George Foster, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Spencer Alpaugh, treasurer; Mrs. J. Murray Forst, registrar; Miss Mary Conover, historian; Mrs. William O. Burgelin, Mrs. Maxwell G. Rockhill, Mrs. Margaret Sickel, Miss Louise B. Struble and Mrs. John W. Ward.

Upon the removal of Mrs. Stull to Albuquerque, N.M., Miss Bertha M. Barwis was elected regent of the chapter.

The General Washington Chapter was organized May 1910, by Mrs. William Libbey, then state regent, at the home of Mrs. George B. Yard, of Greenwood Avenue. Mrs. Libbey appointed Mrs. Yard regent, a post which she held for many years. Other officers elected at the first meeting were: Mrs. James M. Green, vice-regent; Miss Lucile Green, secretary; Mrs. Arthur D. Forst, treasurer; Mrs. William J. J. Bowman, registrar; and Mrs. Lory Prentiss, historian.

Mrs. Yard was followed as regent by Mrs. Robert C. Maxwell, Mrs. Robert K. Bowman and Miss Elma Lawson Johnston.

TRENTON BATTLE MONUMENT ASSOCIATION

The movement which culminated in the formation of the Trenton Battle Monument Association, and the erection of the shaft at "Five Points" to commemorate the Battle of Trenton, began as long ago as July 4, 1843. General Garret D. Wall sent that day from Burlington a message to the New Jersey Society of the Cincinnati, then meeting in the Court House at Trenton, urging appointment of a committee to erect "a monument to commemorate the victory gained by the Revolutionary Army under command of General Washington, at Trenton, December 26, 1776." The society complied with the suggestion and named General Wall chairman of the committee, which held its first meeting January 16, 1844, at Snowden's Hotel, Trenton.

On September 6, 1843, a public meeting of Trentonians had been held at the State House to consider the same project. This was called by Henry W. Green, Stacy G. Potts, and Samuel R. Gummere. The result of these two meetings was the obtaining of a charter March 8, 1844, for the "Trenton Monument Association." The incorporators included some of the most distinguished men of the State.

Little further was done until 1858-59, when Charles Chauncey Haven, of Trenton, through personal efforts interested many prominent citizens of the State in the project. On March 5, 1859, the Legislature passed a supple­mental Act, changing the name to "New Jersey Monument Association," and adding two men from each County except Mercer, as incorporators. From Mercer thirteen additional men were added.

Commodore Stockton was elected president under this Act; Mr. Haven, vice‑president and general agent; Thomas S. Allison, secretary; and Thomas J. Stryker, treasurer.

Subscriptions were sought and citizens of New Jersey contributed more than $11,000. Further efforts to carry the project tb completion ceased until May 7, 1884, when a charter was obtained for the "Trenton Battle Monument Association."

On December 28, 1886, the association directed that the property at the junction of Pennington, Princeton and Brunswick Avenues, and Greene (now Broad) and Warren Streets be bought. The following April 14, 1887, the Legislature appropriated $15,000 and on March 3, 1891, Congress ap­propriated $30,000. By July 3, 1891, citizens of New Jersey had contributed more than $15,000, thereby rendering these appropriations available. Work was begun October 22, 1891.

On the 115th anniversary of the Battle of Trenton, December 26, 1891, the cornerstone of the monument was laid with elaborate ceremonies. Gen­eral Thomas S. Chambers, Hugh H. Hamill and William H. Skirm were members of the committee on arrangements. The monument was dedicated October 19, 1893, on the 112th anniversary of the surrender of Yorktown. The ceremonies were brilliant and were attended by governors of eight of the original thirteen States, Hilary A. Herbert, Secretary of the Navy, who represented the President of the United .States, and several distinguished military units.

OLD BARRACKS ASSOCIATION

No patriotic society in Trenton has a more notable accomplishment to its credit than the Old Barracks Association. This organization of women raised public funds for the purchase of the original portions of the Old Barracks property, and thus made possible its preservation and restoration. The Old Barracks today is one of the places of greatest historic interest, not only in Trenton but in the entire State. It is used as a meeting place for numerous patriotic societies and as a Colonial landmark it is visited annually by thousands of persons from all points of the United States.

General William S. Stryker, when adjutant general of New Jersey, in the pursuance of his historic researches brought to public attention the fact that the Old Barracks was the only remaining building of this kind in New Jersey and recommended that the State buy the property.

In 1899, Mrs. S. D. Oliphant, Sr., who had previously been interested in the preservation of the Old Barracks, sought to collect funds to buy the old building. She associated with her in the endeavor Mrs. Stryker, wife of General Stryker, Mrs. Cornelius Hook, Miss Sarah N. Doughty of Absecon and Mrs. Henry L. Jenkinson of Newark. Miss Doughty with­drew in 1902, and Mrs. Washington A. Roebling served in her stead. Mrs. Jenkinson had withdrawn in 1901 and was succeeded by Mrs. James Buchanan Breese.

This self-appointed committee immediately appealed for contributions, and even resorted to a house-to-house solicitation. It was their intention to have the building saved and held by a Board of Trustees as "a place of interest for all residents of the State and other visitors, as a receptacle for old Colonial furniture, pictures and curios." In all, $6,314.20 was raised and paid over to the Widows' and Single Women's Home Society, which owned the building and used it as a home for aged women.

The Board of Trustees of the Old Barracks was organized in 1902 and plans were tentatively formulated for the preservation and necessary im­provements to the building. Mrs. Oliphant was elected president; Mrs. Stryker, vice-president; Miss Mary M. Moore, treasurer; and Mrs. Stull, secretary.

Shortly after the association was organized, patriotic societies began to apply for meeting rooms in the building. The Colonial Dames rented a room on the first floor with the privilege of using the auditorium for their meetings. Various D.A.R. chapters also were assigned rooms for meetings and to be used as repositories for their archives.

In 1911 the movement was begun to have the Old Barracks restored to its original lines, a project in which the Old Barracks Association heartily cooperated by deeding to the State the southern wing on condition that it be given perpetual management and control of the entire Barracks, when it was restored. The State accepted the deed and in 1917 the Legislature passed an Act appropriating $2,500 annually toward the administration and maintenance of the building, under direction of the association.

The Old Barracks is the only remaining one of five military establish­ments which the Colonial Assembly authorized to be built at the time of the French and Indian Wars. The Trenton barracks was authorized in 1758, and was completed in March 1759. Others were erected at Burlington, Brunswick, Amboy and Elizabethtown.

The original groundfloor plan of the barracks, found not many years ago in the State House, made it possible for the building to be accurately restored. The credit for actually starting the restoration belongs to Chancellor Edwin Robert Walker. At a meeting of the Old Barracks Association held February 6, 1911, he presented to the association a drawing of the barracks as it was when first erected, and suggested that the structure be restored on the original lines.

A committee of the Society, Sons of the Revolution, largely through the initiative of General Wilbur F. Sadler, Jr., was able to bring the project to completion. Acts were passed by the Legislature, appropriating money for the acquisition of land and buildings, and finally for the restoration itself. In accordance with its agreement with the State, the Old Barracks Association has now full control of the building.

Many prominent Trenton women have served as president of the Old Barracks Association. These included: Mrs. Cornelius Hook, 1902‑06; Mrs. James Monroe Green, 1906-07; and Mrs. J. Murray Forst, 1907-12. Mrs. Hook was again chosen 1912-14, followed by Mrs. William S. Stryker, 1914-15. The presidents since then have been Mrs. Breese, Mrs. Thomas S. Chambers (now Mrs. C. Edward Murray), Mrs. John A. Montgomery, Mrs. Huston Dixon and Mrs. Robert K. Bowman. On May 25, 1927, Mrs. Stryker was made honorary president.

TRENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Although Trenton is an old and important New Jersey city, in addition to being the capital of the State, until 1919 it had no society devoted exclusively to collecting the facts of its history, preserving its historic buildings and marking its notable sites. From time to time various organizations had taken cognizance of such events as the Crossing of the Delaware and the two Battles of Trenton, but none had functioned as a regularly organized historical society.

One of the organizations interested in historic matters was the Princes of Caliphs. This was a society founded in May 1902 among members of the Knights of Malta, and was intended originally as a social branch of this order. Later a more serious purpose was assumed, and the members gave special attention to the proper and fitting observance of days of historic import in the history of America. Such occasions as Washington's Birthday, Fourth of July and the anniversary of the Crossing of the Delaware and the Battles of Trenton were usually celebrated by the Caliphs with a banquet, an appropriate program following. Many well-known men in fraternal and civic life belonged to it, and at one time there were twelve hundred members.

At a banquet of the organization January 25, 1919, in observance of the Second Battle of Trenton, steps were taken to form a Trenton Historical Society. The suggestion came from Counsellor William J. Backes, who was serving as chairman of the banquet committee. His suggestion found instant favor, and the Rev. Charles H. Elder urged that a committee of ten be appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. Counsellor Backes named as members of this body Chancellor Walker, chairman; Mayor Frederick W. Donnelly, Judge Erwin E. Marshall, Judge Frederick W. Gnichtel, General Thomas S. Chambers, Dr. Carlos E. Godfrey, John J. Cleary, William Williams, Jr., F. C. Griffith and Clayton L. Traver.

A constitution and by-laws were adopted and officers elected at a meet­ing held March 20, 1919. The first officers were: Chancellor Walker, president; Judge Gnichtel and F. C. Griffith, vice-presidents; William J. Backes, secretary; Dr. Godfrey, corresponding secretary; General Chambers, treasurer ; and Mr. Traver, Mayor Donnelly, J. J. Cleary, Charles S. Aitkin, Edmund C. Hill and Librarian Howard L. Hughes, members of the execu­tive committee.

Chancellor Walker served the society for three years as president. He was succeeded in that office by Judge F. W. Gnichtel, Dr. Carlos E. Godfrey, William J, Backes and John J. Cleary, the present incumbent.

Not long after its organization, the Trenton Historical .Society was instrumental in having the name of former Mayor Frank A. Magowan restored to the bronze tablet bearing the names of the original Battle Monument Association, which stood within the entrance to the monument. Frank A. Magowan, Trenton's brilliant and once much-honored mayor, was a member of the Battle Monument Association and his name with others appeared originally on the bronze tablet in the shaft. Some time after he had retired, discredited, from public life, his name was effaced from the tablet by unknown persons and that of William S. Hancock was substituted. Mr. Hancock had been elected to the association when Mayor Magowan resigned. General Thomas S. Chambers was the last surviving member of the association and at his death, custody and control of the monument passed to the State House Commission. In order that the tablet might be accurate and also to right an injustice to Mr. Magowan, the Historical Association appealed to the State House Commission to have the tablet corrected and the commission ordered the change made.

The Historical Society supported the movement to save the old house once occupied by Alexander Douglass, an officer on General Washington's staff during the Revolution. It was in this house on January 2, 1777, that Washington held a council of war after the Second Battle of Trenton. Here was planned the masterly retreat to Princeton. The historic dwelling had submitted to numerous movings and was rapidly falling into decay, when sentiment was aroused to buy it and have it moved to a permanent location in Stacy Park. Largely through the efforts of the Catholic Club, upon the suggestion of General Wilbur F. Sadler, this plan materialized.

It was at the instance of the Historical Society, also, that Trenton celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Battles of Trenton. The event is described in detail in another chapter, "Trenton in the Twentieth Century," in this volume.

With the publication of this History of Trenton the society has successfully concluded another undertaking designed to preserve old records and recall significant events in the city's life.

MAHLON STACY DIVISION, SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE PILGRIMS

To perpetuate the memory of the Pilgrim Fathers, to foster their prin­ciples and virtues, and to encourage the study of their qualities, acts and principles of government, the Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims has recently been established. The Mahlon Stacy Division of Trenton was formed October 12, 1923. Members of the society must have a direct ancestor who settled within the Colonies prior to 1700. Organization of the local division, named for the first settler of Trenton, who was himself in this country long before 1700, took place at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Satterthwaite. Officers elected were: William P. Ivins, lieutenant-governor; Daniel Willets, second lieutenant-governor; State Senator A. Crozer Reeves, elder; Mrs. William Morrell, secretary; Miss Elma Lawson Johnston, chairman of program; Dr. Joseph H. Satterthwaite, historian; Mrs. Satterthwaite, registrar; Mrs. William V. Coleman, treasurer; and Mrs. Frank Bamford, Mrs. John Raymond, Mrs. A. C. Reeves and William Sampson, commissioners.

The Mahlon Stacy Division now has a membership of 125 members.

VI. Social Clubs

TRENTON has had numerous social clubs for the men of the city, and popular as most of these have been, none has achieved the distinction of either the old Lotus or Lochiel Clubs, which came into existence in the decade beginning 1870. These two organizations had as members many prominent men of the city during the nearly half a century that they lasted.

THE LOTUS CLUB

Although formed within a few years of one another and having to a large extent the same membership, the Lotus and Lochiel Clubs had markedly differing characteristics. The Lotus had a membership limited to sixty, and was easily the most exclusive of its day. On its roll were the city's social and professional leaders. The Lochiel Club had a much larger membership, and although the social requirements were not so much a factor, the men who composed the club were likewise of a high type and position. The Lochiel was much less conservative than the Lotus, and its members more frequently indulged in frolics and gaiety. Its kitchen and sideboard were also notable features of the Lochiel.

The first minute book of the Lotus Club, given recently to the Trentoniana collection of the Trenton Public Library by Foster C. Griffith, for many years secretary of the club, reveals the fact that this club was formed originally for the purpose of promoting literature, science and social inter­course. The first and third Tuesdays in each months were especially set aside for their consideration.

Perusal of the minutes shows, however, that the original object was not long adhered to, the members apparently preferring the delights of informal conversation or a friendly game of cards.

The Lotus Club was organized January 7, 1873, when Dr. James B. Coleman was elected president; Moses D. Naar, vice-president; Charles C. Abbott, the noted naturalist, secretary; and Lewis Parker, Jr., treasurer. Judge Alfred Reed, Edward T. Green and Judge John H. Stewart were elected directors. Mr. Abbott served only a short time and in August 1873 Joseph L. Naar, the newspaper editor, was appointed secretary in his place.

The club had quarters from November 1873 over Applegate's Sporting Goods Store, on South Broad Street. Mr. Roebling offered the club the use of the second and third floors of this property for a rental of $400 a year. Favorite hours at the club rooms were late afternoon before dinner and before and after the theater and on .Sundays.

The Lotus Club for many years enjoyed its annual dinners, and these events became celebrated functions. The menus were chosen with the utmost care and prepared to please the most fastidious taste. An entertainment by the members followed the dinner.

Among the presidents of the Club were Alfred S. Livingston, Judge G. D. W. Vroom, Charles C. Scott, Jr., Evarts Clancy, Judge J. H. Stewart, F. W. Roebling, Sr., and Senator Jonathan H. Blackwell, who served from 1893 to 1919. W. H. Gandy, elected in 1920, was the last president of the club.

Death of many of the active members and changing conditions caused the Lotus Club to go out of existence. The last entry in the minute book tells the story:

"A special meeting of the Lotus Club was held in the club rooms October 18, 1920. The report of the financial condition of the club was presented by R. V. Kuser, treasurer, showing it would be necessary to increase the dues of the club to at least $100 a year in order for the club to be self-supporting. The committee of M. R. Margerum, R. V. Kuser and F. C. Griffith was directed to confer with the members on the advisability of discontinuing or continuing. They are to report Wednesday, November 24."

So passed the Lotus Club, after a career of some forty-seven years.

THE LOCHIEL CLUB

Comradeship, fine dinners and choice liquors were the notable features of the Lochiel Club, with its membership of two hundred fifty. The Lochiel was formed May 12, 1877, and began in a modest way. It first had quarters at 144 East State Street, and later at 28 East State Street, near Warren. It moved again in 1886 to the mansion of Frederick R. Wilkinson, at 219 East State Street. Then began the golden age of the club.

Spencer M. Alpaugh was the Lochiel's first president, and he was suc­ceeded by Joseph Burroughs, William Brearley, Frank A. Magowan, J. Gardner Forman, Augustus F. Stoll, Harvey B. Hutchinson, John Guild Muirheid, Charles H. Cook and Joseph R. Gilkyson.

Unlike the Lotus Club, which never held a public function, the Lochiel members frequently entertained. A notable function was the reception given to James G. Blaine at the height of one of his political campaigns. John Hart Brewer, widely known Trenton pottery manufacturer and congress­man, was Mr. Blaine's host. So great was the crush to meet the distinguished guest that Mr. Blaine could not get near a door