Public-domain ebook
Language: en312 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Biographies·History - American
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #59642.
The work is a memorial biography compiled by friends of Mary Larcom Dow, who died in 1920, and it opens with a heartfelt dedication from her pastor and a list of contributors who helped bring the manuscript to print. The introductory pages explain how the book, titled “Old Days at Beverly Farms”, was assembled from sketches, letters, portraits, and recollections supplied by neighbors, relatives, and benefactors. It then moves into a detailed account of Dow’s family lineage, the early landscape of Beverly Farms, and her own life as a teacher, abolitionist, and community leader. The opening passages blend genealogical notes, anecdotes about the farm’s marshes and sea‑side walks, and excerpts from contemporary letters, establishing the book as both a personal tribute and a snapshot of 19th‑century New England social customs.
Written in a reverent, almost sermon‑like prose, the narrative reflects the genteel, reflective tone of late‑Victorian memoirs, with frequent quotations from poems and a focus on moral character and duty. Readers who enjoy richly detailed local histories, genealogical sketches, and the quiet dignity of 19th‑century women’s lives will find the book rewarding. Its blend of familial storytelling, educational reminiscences, and occasional literary allusion makes it especially appealing to those interested in New England cultural heritage and the lived experience of early American educators.
The opening · free to read
During the last month of his life, Mr. Dow asked his friend and pastor, Rev. Clarence Strong Pond, to see that "Old Days at Beverly Farms," written by Mrs. Dow, was printed. He also asked me to write a sketch of her life to publish with it. The answer is this little book, a loving tribute from many friends.
Beside those whose names appear on its pages, Mrs. Alice Bolam Preston has drawn the front door and knocker of the "Homestead." Mrs. Bridgeford and Mrs. Edwin L. Pride supplied the originals of the portraits. Mrs. Howard A. Doane, "Elsie," has collected information, in which task she has been helped by many of the neighbors. The money, without which we could have done nothing, has been given by Mrs. F. Gordon Dexter, Mrs. Charles M. Cabot, Miss Elizabeth W. Perkins and Miss Louisa P. Loring.
Mrs. William Caleb Loring bought Mrs. Dow's house after her death and gave it to St. John's Parish for a parish house. She directed that a tablet should be placed in it to preserve the memory of our friend.
In examining the titles Mr. Samuel Vaughan found that Mrs. Dow's great grandfather, Jonathan Larcom, did not sell his slaves. He was administrator of his father, David Larcom's estate in 1775. In the appraisal, six slaves are mentioned by name, valued at £106 13s. 4d. but none are mentioned in the division. It appears that they became free when their master died. All slaves were considered free in Massachusetts when the State Constitution was adopted in 1780.
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