Massachusetts Society News Archive

Fall Bulletin 2007

The Society got off to a good start with its “First Meeting of the New Year” on March 20, 2007—a belated celebration of Washingtons Birthday.

The luncheon was a patriotic and festive event. Daniel G. West, was warmly congratulated on becoming an associate. Governor Donald L. Thatcher presented the Membership Diploma to our Annual Member, Fred C. Chase, Jr. Sharing his special day with President Washington was one of our Councilors, Professor William K. Tinkham, whose 91st birthday was observed with card, cake, song and general merriment. Guest of honor and speaker was Carol Bundy, Scholar and Author. She gave an excellent, narrated slide presentation. Governor Donald L. Thatcher served as Luncheon Presiding Officer. Past Governor General Joseph A. Kilbourn led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Captain David J. Gray delivered a memorial tribute to Life Member John Cope Abbott, who passed away on March 18, 2007. Joining us all the way from Lake Oswego, Oregon, was Life Member Joseph R. Proctor, Jr., and his wife, Margaret.

Before the start of the “official” program a belated 90th birthday celebration, complete with cake and song, was held for Anne W. Phillips, M. D., who reached this milestone on March seventh. She is the mother of our Treasurer, Asa E. Phillips III, and wife of our late Governor, Asa E. Phillips, Jr.

A group around the cake to honor Washington’s Birthday. L-R: Secretary Thomas Mayhew Smith; Historian Clifford D. Thatcher; Governor Emeritus Charles A. Hubbard II; Captain David J. Gray, USNR (Ret.), Councillor; Governor Donald L. Thatcher, and Past Governor General Joseph A. Kilbourn.

Membership Diploma Presentation: Governor Donald L. Thatcher (at left) presents the Membership Diploma to Annual Member Fred C. Chase, Jr., elected in October.

We were pleased to recognize three members of the ROTC from Boston University and MIT. All three award recipients and their Commanding Officers joined us on this outstanding occasion. Captain Eric McKinney, USA, Assistant Professor of Military Science, Army ROTC, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was our guest of honor and speaker and received, as a token of appreciation, a book on George Washington.

Fall Bulletin 2006

The Society got off to a spectacular start with its “First Meeting of the New Year” on March 14th, 2006-a belated celebration of Washington’s Birthday-with 51 enthusiastic members and guests in attendance. Past Governor General Joseph A. Kilbourn led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Barbara Smith, immediate past National Chaplain of the Daughters of Founders and Patriots, delivered a touching memorial tribute to Phyllis S. Hubbard, who passed away on October 28th, 2005. She was the wife of Governor Emeritus Charles A. Hubbard, II, who was in attendance with several members of his family, including his sons, Life Members Steven E. Hubbard and Jonathan E. Hubbard. Voted to membership at the Business Meeting, immediately prior to luncheon - were two new associates, both of whom were in attendance - John Lawrence Proctor and John Milton Vining. Also visiting for the first time was a prospective member, Kenneth P. Doten.

Governor Emeritus Charles A. Hubbard, II (right) presents, as a memento of his visit, to Admiral George E. R. Kinnear, II USN (ret.), guest of honor and speaker, David McCullough’s book entitled “1776.” Admiral Kinnear, a longtime friend of Governor Emeritus Hubbard, spoke on “Land of Opportunity.”

An honored guest at the head table was then - Governor General Robert P. Vivian, who brought greetings from The Order and addressed us briefly. Also at the head table was Deputy Secretary General Robert B. Baxter, Chairman of the Committee on Awards and Governor of the Rhode Island Society.

It was a grand celebration for President Washington, complete with a “red, white, and blue” three-tiered birthday cake, topped by a bust of General Washington, made expressly for the Society by the Union Club’s pastry chef. The festivities, however, were not limited to General Washington. Sharing his birthday with Washington and celebrating 90 years young was one of our Councillors, Professor William K. Tinkham.

ROTC AWARD: (left to right) Governor Donald L. Thatcher; Secretary Thomas Mayhew Smith; Governor Emeritus Charles A. Hubbard, II; Midshipman First Class Fallon Marie Rossi, USN, recipient of the award, and Captain David J. Gray, USNR (Ret.) at Boston University.

Guest of honor and speaker was D. Brenton Simons, who has recently achieved the position of Executive Director of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the nation’s leading center for family and local history since 1845. In addition to telling about his plans for the “Hist Gen,” Brenton regaled the audience with a few stories from his recent book, Witches, Rakes, and Rogues: True Stories of Scam, Scandal, Murder, and Mayhem in Boston, 1630 - 1775. As a memento of appreciation, The Society made a contribution to the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Barbara Smith delivered a benediction to bring this eminently successful meeting to an uplifting close.

Spring Bulletin 2006

The “First Meeting of the New Fall Season” got off to a great start on October 5th, 2005. with 40 on hand and a good representation from The Order with Past Governor General Granville W. Wehland and Deputy Secretary General Robert B. Baxter in attendance.

Congratulations were extended to Clifford D. Thatcher, elected Historian, completing the unexpired term of the late Jerome Lyon Spurr. Introduced from the audience was prospective member. Jonathan C. Stubbs, as well as two members elected at the earlier Business Meeting, Jacob M. Atwood and Frederick W. Bacon, Jr. Barbara Smith. immediate past National Chaplain of the Daughters of Founders and Patriots. paid tribute to three deceased associates: Lieutenant Colonel Jerome Lyon Spurr, USA (Ret.); the Reverend Dr. Robert W. Golledge and Randolph Scott Dewey Lockwood. Although he is no longer with us, Burdette A. Johnson was saluted on what would have been his 100th birthday on October 6th, 2005.

Left to Right: Guest of Honor and Speaker, Joe McKendry; and Donald L. Thatcher.

Guest of honor and speaker was Joe McKendry, illustrator and painter, who vividly described his first book. BENEATH THE STREETS OF BOSTON: Building America’s First Subway. As a memento of his visit. the speaker was presented with a book entitled BOSTON, All One Family.

The Gala Christmas Luncheon. held December 1st, 2005. was a great success with 50 members and guests present. Past Governor General Joseph A. Kilbourn led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Unable to attend but sending best holiday wishes were Governor General Robert P. Vivian and Deputy Secretary General Robert B. Baxter. The Order of Lafayette once again participated and was represented by its President General, Lieutenant Colonel Bruce A. Laue, of New York Citv. Barbara Smith paid tribute to an old friend who passed away. Evelyn M. Sawin, widow of former Councillor General Henry A. Sawin.

Left to Right: Dr. Scott A. Fisher, Deputy Treasurer; Deputy Governor Richard C. Wright, and Dr. Fisher’s son-in-law, Jonathan Bartsch.

The forthcoming 60th birthday of Secretary Thomas Mayhew Smith on December 11th was observed with cake, song and general merriment. Guest of honor and speaker was the Consul General of France, the Honorable Francois Gauthier, who was accompanied by his wife, Francois. The Consul General’s talk was entitled “The French Presence in New England, a Legacy and a Partnership.” As a token of appreciation the Consul General was given a book entitled GREAT CITIES OF THE WORLD, which included several where Consul General Gauthier has served during his distinguished career.

Fall Bulletin 2005

[L-R] Secretary Donald L. Thatcher; Thomas Mayhew Smith; Gen. Gen.Stephen P. Shaw; Society Attn. Benjamin T. Wright; Arch/Lib. John R. Sherman; guest of honor and speaker, The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Golledge; and Past Gov. Gen., Joseph A. Kilbourn.

The Society started 2005 off to a great beginning with its “First Luncheon of the New Year” - a belated celebration of Washington’s Birthday on March 16th, 2005. Past Governor General Joseph A. Kilbourn, of New York City and Connecticut, graced the head table and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Including our own Chaplain, we were honored to have not one, not two, but three General Officers in attendance. Also seated at the head table and given a warm welcome was first-time visitor, Stephen P. Shaw, of Connecticut, Genealogist General of The Order and BULLETIN Editor.

The Chaplain General, who led us in prayer, the Reverend Dr. Robert W. Golledge, also delivered memorial tributes to longtime Life Member and Councillor Burdette A. Johnson, who passed away on January 2nd, 2005, and to Mary Louise Wright, who passed away on December 15th, 2004. Mary Louise was the wife of Society Attorney Benjamin T. Wright, who was an honored guest at the head table.

It was a grand celebration for President Washington, complete with a “red, white, and blue” three-tier birthday cake, topped by a bust of General Washington, made expressly for the Society by the Union Club’s pastry chef. The festivities, however, were not limited to General Washington. Sharing his birthday with Washington and celebrating 89 years young was Professor William K. Tinkham, who was elected new Councillor filling the unexpired term of Burdette A. Johnson.

Guest of honor and speaker was John R. Sherman, who gave an exceptionally well researched and delivered presentation. Dr. Golledge delivered a benediction to bring this eminently successful meeting to an uplifting close.

Spring Bulletin 2005

THANKING THE SPEAKER FOR A JOB WELL DONE: Richard Wendorf (at right), Stanford Calderwood Directorand Librarian of The Boston Athenaeum, graciously accepts a contribution to The Athenaeum from The Massachusetts Society at the conclusion of his talk. At left is Governor Harold F. Ordway, Jr.

The Massachusetts Society got off to an excellent start with its “First Luncheon of the New Fall Season” on October 20, 2004, with 37 in attendance. Governor Harold F. Ordway, Jr., served as Luncheon Presiding Offi cer. Guest of honor and speaker was Richard Wendorf, Stanford Calderwood Director and Librarian of The Boston Athenaeum, whose topic was “The Boston Athenaeum: Turning 200.” Founded in 1807, The Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries in the United States and is just minutes away from the Union Club, the site of The Massachusetts Society meetings.

As has been the tradition for the past eight years, The Order of Lafayette joined The Massachusetts Society at its Gala Christmas Luncheon on December 2, 2004. Traveling from New York City to be the guest of honor and speaker was the Lafayette President General, Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Antonio Laue, who spoke on “French-American Relations in the Post 9-11 World.” The final meeting of 2004, a festive and most enjoyable gathering, produced the best attendance of the year, with 41 members and guests present.

THE RECEPTION WAS A FESTIVE OCCASION: (L-R): Thomas Mayhew Smith, Secretary; Dr. Scott A. Fisher, Deputy Treasurer, with his wife, Laura, and Governor Harold F. Ordway, Jr. The Fishers delayed their departure to Florida to enjoy the event.

Fall Bulletin 2004

MIT ROTC AWARD RECIPIENT: Secretary Thomas Mayhew Smith (at left), and Governor Emeritus Charles A. Hubbard, II (second from right) join in the presentation of the “Outstanding ROTC Midshipman Award” to Midshipman Second Class Thomas V. Hennessey, USNR. At the extreme right is Commander Gary Smilowitz, USN, Executive Officer, MIT, Department of Naval Science.

Despite snowy conditions 37 hardy New Englanders attended the “First Luncheon of the New Year” on March 18, 2004— a belated celebration of Washington’s Birthday. Among those in attendance was a favorite visitor, Past Governor General Granville W. Wehland , who graced the head table and led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Guest of honor and speaker was David Hackett Fischer, historian and author, who, most appropriately, spoke about his most recent best-selling book, Washington’s Crossing. His talk, exceptionally well received, produced a flurry of questions from the attentive audience.

The Annual Spring Luncheon on May 6, 2004, at which the Armed Services were well represented, attracted 39 members and friends of The Society. Governor Emeritus Charles A. Hubbard, II, stepped in as Luncheon Presiding Offi cer for Governor Ordway, who was recuperating from surgery.

It was a memorable event, as The Massachusetts Society was observing its founding 90 years ago on May 23, 1914. At the request of Executive Director Joanne Fantucchio, a special “Red, White, and Blue” birthday cake was prepared by the Union Club especially for the occasion. The cake was proudly displayed and later enjoyed by everyone for dessert.

Spring Bulletin 2004

	(L-R) Jonathan E. and Steven E. Hubbard begin presented with certificates from their father Charles A. Hubbard II, Governor Emeritus

The Massachusetts Society got off to a spectacular start with its “First Luncheon of the New Fall Season”on October 2, 2003. Although many “regulars” could not attend, the meeting attracted many first-time visitors. An almost record-breaking 51 sat down to a sumptuous pre-Thanksgiving feast. One more was added when Councillor Burdette A. Johnson arrived just in time for a grand celebration of his forthcoming 98th birthday (on October 6th), complete with cake and song. Governor Harold F. Ordway, Jr. served as Luncheon Presiding Officer, handling the incredibly busy agenda in a professional and shipshape manner.

The Reverend Dr. Robert W. Golledge, Deputy Chairman General of the Order, paid tribute to the Reverend Dr. Rhys Williams, Society Chaplain, who passed away on July 20, 2003. The Society was honored to have Dr. William’s widow Eleanor as a guest.

The Gala Christmas Luncheon held December 4, 2003, was another “blockbuster” event with 51 sitting down to a festive filet mignon dinner. The Society was honored once more to have Past Governor General Joseph A. Kilbourn grace the head table. An “official” welcome was extended to Brigadier General Rogers B. Finch, formerly of the New Jersey Society, and his wife Barbara, now making their home in Massachusetts.

The Reverend Dr. Robert W. Golledge delivered a tribute to Councillor and longtime past Secretary-Treasurer H. Russell Davis, Jr., who passed away on September 15, 2003. The Society was pleased to have in attendance one of Mr. Davis’ sons, Henry R. Davis III, a prospective Society member.

(L-R) RI Governor Robert Baxter, Past Governor General Joseph Kilbourn, Major General Robert Davenport, a prospective member and Mary McCarl, the wife of SAR Secretary General Henry McCarl

Fall Bulletin 2003

(L-R) The Honorable Granville W. Wehland, Past Governor General, Anne W. Phillips, MD, Governor Harold F. Ordway, Jr.

Thirty-three hardy New Englanders (43 were expected) braved a snowy Nor'easter on March 6, 2003, to attend the “First Luncheon of the New Year.” The Honorable Granville W. Wehland, Past Governor General of The Order, graced the head table. The program featured a fun-filled celebration, complete with song and birthday cake, to honor Anne W. Phillips, M. D., on her forthcoming 86th birthday the next day. Dr. Anne is the wife of late Governor and Past Governor General Asa E. Phillips, Jr.

Past Governor General Joseph A. Kilbourn and Governor Harold F. Ordway, Jr. The Annual Spring Luncheon on April 23, 2003, at which the Armed Services were well represented, attracted 39 members and friends of The Society. Governor Harold F. Ordway, Jr., presided over the busy agenda. Captain George A. Ripsom, USN (Ret.), National Director of the Navy League of the United States, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Immediate Past Governor General Joseph A. Kilbourn briefly addressed the enthusiastic gathering, bringing greetings from The General Order. Secretary Thomas Mayhew Smith, Governor Harold F. Ordway, Midshipman First Class Stephen B. Hutton, USNR winner of the Outstanding ROTC Midshipman Award and Commander Gary Smilowitz, USN, Executive Director, Boston University, Department of Naval Science Guest of honor and speaker was Rear Admiral Vivien S. Crea, USCG, Commander, First Coast Guard District and Commander, Maritime Defense Command One. Accompanying the Admiral was her newly appointed Aide, Lieutenant Robert Rimer, USCG. The Admiral, a distinguished aviator, was delighted to receive, as a memento of her visit, a book entitled ON GREAT WHITE WINGS, which celebrates 100 years of flight, commemorating the achievement of the Wright Brothers.