 January 30, 1861 Anti-Slavery Meeting at Boston - "Boston has again disgraced herself by a mobbish attack on the right of free speech in the cause of an anti-slavery gathering...It is passing strange that men who boast themselves as of the class of character and standing should lend their countenance to such impolite as well as disgraceful acts..." April 1861 An anti-slavery meeting is held at Town hall featuring William Lloyd Garrison, Pillsbury Parker and others. The patriotic ladies of South Danvers began to meet regularly to make garments for soldiers. There are eight sewing machines at Sutton Hall for the ladies' use. By May 8, the group had solicited contributions and furnished materials: 130 flannel shirts, 120 pairs of drawers, and bandages and lint "sufficient we hope for a regiment..." The group was soon called the Union Soldier's Aid Society and known as the Soldier's Aid Society. In addition, the Ladies Benevolent Society is active advertising the need for second hand clothing to meet the numerous local applications for aid. June 12, 1861 The usual entertainments of fairs, polka parties, tableauxs and concerts, the town was visited by Miss Dollie Dutton, "a little lade of ten years old, twenty-nine inches high, and weighing only fifteen pounds, gives one of her levees at Peabody Hall in the Peabody Institute. September 25, 1861 The Boston Cultivator says "as regards female equestrianism at agricultural exposition, it is generally believed that no lade desired to perform on such occasions, and no others should be allowed to do so by any well managed society." The Cattle Show of the Essex Agricultural Society was held in late September in South Danvers. October 23,
1861 |