The Innkeeper’s Diary,
The Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Massachusetts [1930 – 1950](1)
The Inn Diaries© were transcribed from a copy of the original diaries held in Longfellow’s Wayside Inn Archives, [January 1996]. During these years, the staff recorded their observations and the activities at the Inn each day. These pages are of the days when the Fraters met.
This diary is copyrighted by Longfellow’s Wayside Inn Archives. The material presented here contains the full text of “Fraters” material currently found (1-23-1996). Some photo’s and material for 1947 are missing. — Frater Richard M. Woodman, Archivist [January 1998]
———- 1930 ———-
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January 26th 1930 Sunday at Wayside Inn
A lovely day without, and a joyous one within. The Howe Tavern has celebrated two events today… recording them as they occur.
The coming of the Universalist Minister’s 28th Annual Retreat, and the christening of Dorothy Jane Bayer, fifth and youngest child of the man in whose care Mr. Ford has placed this historic spot and all of its varied activities.
The curtain rose – or was it the sun? on a radiant winter morning.
The big iron gates at all entrances were closed. Quiet reigned – Stillness every-where. One day in seven the old Inn rests from its “ampler hospitality.” Mr. Ford is reproducing the old time Sabbath here.
The pilgrimage of the ministers is a yearly one. A few of the veterans or “originals” arriving today by special permission to welcome the rest of the men tomorrow – the official date-
All of them are good, many of them brilliant – Preachers, teachers, writers, theologians, deans and college presidents. Even without the halo of the “long ago” the Universalist Ministers’ Retreat is already a tradition.
They come with an earnest purpose as churchmen, blended with a frank intent to play together and be boys again. Some are older, some younger – No matter – Such meetings and greetings! The fineness of these friendships could never be surpassed.
The Christening was the second event. The Longfellow parlor arranged for the simple service – Six o’clock the hour –
Monday, January 27, 1930 Snow Flurries – 32
Yesterday the Universalist Chergymen’s “Retreat” began, when Doctors Tomlinson, Sykes and Hammett arrived to act as greeters to the later arrivals.Tonight there are sixteen of them here.
This is the twenty-eighth time the “Ministers” have come to this old Inn for rest and mutual aid at their annual “retreat;” it is their seventh retreat as guests of Mr. Ford. Some of the older members have been replaced by new men, but all have the same spirit in their visit – intense enjoyment and comfort in their three-day home.
There was little in the way of official business carried on this morning, unless we may so designate the informal talk-fest before the Bar and Kitchen fireplaces. This afternoon, however, when their augmented numbers made it practicable, they held a session and conference in the kitchen. As of old, they preceded the meeting with a hymn.
After supper there was another gathering, less formal, and not confined to any one place, toward its close. At first all were together, but as two or three men would get together to talk over individual problems, the conference broke up into many smaller ones, all characterized by enthusiasm and intellectual keenness.
Tuesday January 28, 1930 21 cloudy, cold
Last night, before the conferences, Dr. Tomlinson gave an illustrated lecture, in which he told of his experiences in Spain. Easily the most impressive incident was his graphic and quite dramatic description of the Bull-fight. After the lecture nearly everyone insisted on showing how, and just how, the bull collapsed after the “coup de grace” of the master bullfighter.
Tonight, in addition to the conferences during the afternoon, the traditional Spelling Bee was held. The game is played as follows:
The man at the head of the line [he gets that position by drawing number one from the hat] starts a word by giving a letter. The next men, in turn add a letter until the word is finished. The object of the game is to add a letter as one’s turn comes, without finishing the word in process of being spelled. Who ever finishes the word goes to the foot of the circle – or rather, horse shoe. So also does he who fails to add a letter which belongs in a dictionary word, or adds no letter at all (called “passing”).
Now, to one who looks at the above rules the game might seem simple, even dull. Not so; witness last evening’s performance. The game started with the statement of rules, by Dr. Perkins. He laid down the law in no uncertain terms, and with reason; for the game was not two minutes old before Dr. Tomlinson said “I do not wish to appear discourteous, but might I ask whether that letter makes a word which conforms to the rules?” His objection was sustained by the court, in the person of Dr. Perkins. This was the signal for further challenging one at least on almost every word. Gradually objections got less and less formal, the defenses more or less heated – usually more – and the game more and more enjoyable – especially to the onlookers. Woe unto him who sat in the “Siege Perilous,” the head chair; for conspiracies arose continually in the ranks of the less exalted. Naturally the head man resented such tactics and more fuel was added to an already warm conflagration. An argument would start; sides would be taken; voices from every point would attack or defend the argumentative ones; the poor time-keeper at the tail end would lose sight of his second hand, and the thirty second interval would become too elastic for his more keen-eyed brethren. Then there would be two sets of arguments. Dr. Perkins would attempt to quell the insurrections: this would be a third disturbance.
Finally all would be quiet, evidence collected and weighed and sentence pronounced. Either he would go to the foot, amidst the jeers of the opposition, or he would triumphantly settle deeper into his own chair, to the audible discomfiture of the challenger and his cohorts.
This process was repeated in an endless succession, with one argument overlapping the next one or more, until at ten o’clock after three attempts, the “Bee” broke up, with the members forming groups to discuss the merits or faults of decisions handed down in the course of the evening.
Wednesday, January 29, 1930 Clear Warm 32
We are almost back to our pre-retreat numbers. [We hope to be pardoned for just the form of that statement, but we feel as if we might well date the events of the past few winters as being Ante-Retreat or Post-Retreat] Most of the clergymen left before noon; a few lingered till afternoon; and now we have only one of that unique and delightful group with us – Dr. Gray: and one man, however excellent his personality may be, cannot take the place of twenty.
Thursday, January 30, 1930 Cloudy turning to snow in evening; cold. 30
The last of the Retreats has left us. Doctor Gray departed by automobile and motor bus for Nashua. With him goes the last tangible part of that group. Our delightful and long awaited interlude is already a memory; but be sure that it will always be fresh and vivid, from the solemnity of the hymns and prayers to the boisterous jollity of the Spelling Bee; from the enthusiastic story-telling of Dr. Hammett to the reserve of Dr. Perkins. Each man offered the Retreat and us the contribution of his personality, and the group as individuals blended into a harmonious entity. We cannot help feeling that the old world is not so unrelievedly, irretrievably bad, as we had feared, after all.
‘Till 1931! May they all return again!
———- 1931 ———-
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Sunday, January 25, 1931 Cold.
At two o’clock they began to arrive: these “boys” (the Universalist clergymen) who, for the last three decades have been romping about the Inn, enjoying the freedom of the place, and, in general “retreating” for a few days each year from the cares and worries of daily life.
Tea was served at four o’clock before the bar-room fire to the first four arrivals, Drs. Tomlinson, Sykes, Hammett, and Rose; and to Miss Hopkins, Miss Monahan, and Miss Ward. After tea, the men chatted and smoked, renewing old acquaintances and retailing news of one or another of their number.
When dinner was served in the old kitchen, shortly after six, everyone was ready to do justice to the delicious meal. After prayer was offered by Dr. Sykes, the party was seated, with Mr. Bayer at the head of the table. At his right was Dr. Sykes, and on his left, Dr. Hammett; Miss Hopkins, Dr. Fred Leining, Miss Monahan, Dr. Tomlinson, who in point of attendance is the eldest, having come for his 29th reunion; Mrs. Bayer, Dr. McCollester, Dr. Fischer, Miss Ward, Dr. Rose, and Miss Dickerson.
The candle-light cast a mellow glow over the assembly, and before long Dr. Tomlinson was prevailed upon to relate some of his experiences, which brought forth much merriment and like revelations from some of the others. One of the clergymen remarked upon the “undignified manner in which some of the men race to reach the Inn first.” One climbed the gate in his anxiety to reach the door sooner than by ordinary methods of procedure.
In the parlor, haunted, as it were, by memories of other noted guests, these keen-witted, intensely live, human gentlemen assembled after dinner, where they were entertained by music furnished by the Wayside Inn Trio – violin; cello, and organ, brought in for the occasion. In the midst of it all, Dr. Albion arrived, bringing the total to eight.
The men were all loud in their praise of the Inn and its hospitality, and several spoke particularly of enjoying the privilege of arriving on Sunday, when they could be by themselves.
Monday, January 26, 1931 Warm; clear.
After an eight o’clock breakfast, the guests of the Inn started on a tour of the Wayside Inn surroundings. Naturally, the schools claimed their attention, and the Southwest, Redstone and Boy’s Schools were “well up” on the list. A visit to the Dutton House, Laboratory, and the Market made quite a round of calls.
Luncheon at one and new arrivals appearing, old contacts renewed, anecdotes exchanged, made the day pass quickly and pleasantly.
Dr. Coons, Brooks, Huntley, Gray, G.H. Leining, Ellenwood, Perkins, Cowing, Cowden, Etz, and van Schaick bring the total to nineteen.
At the gracious invitation of the speaker, Dr. Rose, the senior boys were present at the gathering in the old ball-room, where we were taken thru England, France, and Russia by way of very fine pictures taken and shown by Dr. Rose. We saw Russia from a slightly different angle than that ordinarily presented, and followed with interest the journey of the speaker through that restless, changing land.
The Trio again furnished music, this time having as the third instrument the little 89 year-old piano which the small ball-room boasts.
Tuesday, January 27, 1931 Warm and sunny
Each succeeding day finds our live-wire guests busy at one thing or another. The meetings in the old kitchen, the meals in the pleasant dining-room, – all serve to weld the men together with a strong bond of fellowship; but perhaps more than these, the men enjoy the quiet moments of conversation, when two or three gather and talk among themselves. Seated in the Washington bed-room beside the old Bible box, two of these friends talked and smoked today, long after it had become too dark for reading or even for making out the various objects in the room. Moments like these, be one a Universalist clergyman or not, are precious in the lives of all of us, and are among our most cherished memories.
The evening brought the traditional “spelling bee” – in chairs ranged about the parlor the men and some of the ladies of the Inn grouped themselves, and “the fight was on.” We are told that this has been a feature of the Retreat ever since its inception at the beginning of the present century, and tho carried on in a spirit of fun, there is an underlying note of sincerity and seriousness about it that adds zest to the affair.
Music by the Trio seemed to be enjoyed by the men, who as usual, clamored for more.
With the arrival of Drs. Cousins and Leighton the total attendance was swelled to twenty-one.
A harbinger of what must of necessity happen occurred in the departure of four of the men. The ranks will gradually be thinned, and, like the Arabs, our guests will soon “silently fold their tents and steal away.”
[Photo]
Doctor Tomlinson (L) and Doctor Sykes – deans of the Retreat,
inasmuch as they are the “eldest” from a standpoint of attendance. Jan. 27, ’31
Wednesday, January 28, 1931 Spring-like
At noon today there were but thirteen of our visitors left, and when night fell, all but two, Drs. Gray and Albion, had departed, not to return again until next January.
Returning to their various churches throughout the country, these men, feeling enriched by their short sojourn at the Inn, will take up their work with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. But I wonder if any of them realize that they have given as well as received. The association with men of such fine ideals and principles has been an experience not to be soon forgotten by those of us who come in contact with them, and our kind thoughts and good wishes go out to them as they return to their work.
[Group Photo]
Annual Retreat of Universalist Clergymen
Wayside Inn – 1931
———- 1932 ———-
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Sunday, January 24, 1932 Perfect.
Arriving in weather so perfect that it might well put April to shame, Doctors Tomlinson and Hammett reached the Inn for the Thirtieth Annual Retreat of Universalist Ministers at one o’clock today. Needless to say, they were the first arrivals.
In the morning a group of Inn people went to Worcester to Dr. Tomlinson’s church and heard a find service. This group, upon returning to the Inn, enjoyed the old kitchen dinner at half past one, at which time they were joined by a few others.
This was a turkey dinner, and it was the first time an “old kitchen” dinner had been served to the clergymen in the day time, the others all taking place in the evening. The following were present at this meal: Dr. Tomlinson, Dr. Hammett, Mr. Bayer, Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Poole, Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Harris, Miss Allen.
All during the afternoon the “boys” kept coming; and as each one entered the front hall we was greeted with a lusty cheer from those who had arrived earlier. Informality, as is always the case at these gatherings, was the keynote of the whole affair; dignified looking men slapped each other on the back with the vigor and enthusiasm of school-boys, and each one seemed to be known by his Christian name only.
When the guests assembled for supper in the candle-lighted old dining room, the number had increased materially. Instead of two clergymen, as at dinner, there were eleven; and where there had been six of the Inn people there were now seven: Dr. Sykes, Dr. Hammett, Dr. Tomlinson, Dr. Fred Leining, Dr. Fischer, Dr. McCollester, Dr. Albion, Dr. Perkins, Dr. Gray, Dr. van Schaick, Dr. Etz, Mr. Bayer, Mrs. Bayer, Miss Alice Bayer, Miss Dickerson, Miss Allen, Mrs. Poole, Mr. Campbell.
It was a most enjoyable meal; everything was in high good spirits, and a cross-section of the conversation might prove interesting. One man claimed that by buying a new pipe he had materially aided the gathering! (To tell the truth, his old pipe was strong – we recall it from last year!) Another told of some land deals, someone else was discussing the comparative popularity of tea and coffee; a fourth dilated upon the goodness of the Inn cider, while still another related amusing anecdotes of his career as a clergyman.
We must not omit mention of the short visit of Miss Dorothy Bayer who was christened at the 1930 retreat, nor of Miss Betty’s and Master Billy Bayer’s visits.
After supper came more talk; “and so to bed.”
Monday, January 25, 1932 Perfect
The Retreat was in full swing when we reached the Inn at noon today. During the day the following men arrived and duly inscribed their names in our guest book: Dr. Perkins, Dr. Ellenwood, Dr. Huntley, Dr. Cowing, Dr. Conden, Dr. Coons, Dr. G.H. Leining, and Dr. Cary, who is guest of the retreat and who gave his address as Tokyo, Japan. Twenty names all told thus far – a “goodly number.”
Twelve hungry appetites were appeased by our New England breakfast, but at one o’clock we saw the same twelve gathered about the table for lunch with appetites not one whit less keen than they were earlier in the day! Possibly it was the perfection of the day, possibly the associations, possibly the good food; but, at any rate, the men were hungry and we were glad.
Dinner was served at six-thirty at a flower-laden table which extended the length of the old dining room. Pictures were taken during the meal, and no doubt they will prove interesting.
A regular feature of these gatherings since their inception in 1903 has been the “Twilight Hour.” At four o’clock the men gathered in the old kitchen and held a service of song and prayer, listening to the messages from some of their number which will mean so much to them during the coming year.
Eight o’clock saw the entire group assembled in the Longfellow Parlor – to “do honor” to the 30thAnnual Retreat of Universalist Ministers. As invited guests were several of the Inn staff, including Mr. and Mrs. Bayer, who had been dinner guests of the group also. The past history of the Retreat was related by Frater Tomlinson; Frater Albion acted as master of ceremonies; Frater Etz, the Scribe of the group, read a portion of the records of past years, and gave some of the “high-lights” of the past thirty years; and Frater Perkins read a paper written to – and for – the group by Frater Hall.
As guest artist of the Retreat, Mrs. Stella Marek Cushing appeared with her violin. At the twenty-fifth anniversary Mrs. Cushing was present and played a number written by Ole Bull, the “musician” of the “Tales.” She played the same number tonight at this, the thirtieth anniversary, as well as several other well-chosen selections. Mrs. Evans accompanied her most ably, and her piano playing formed part of a well-blended whole.
Mrs. Cushing (Stella Marek) is well known in and about Boston for her costume recitals of Czechoslovakian song and violin selections. She played with an exceptionally strong, broad, tone, and is particularly good in melodies by the Czech composers. Her singing voice is pleasing, and her whole personality is one of enthusiasm and love for her work.
Mr. Campbell (“our” Mr. Campbell, of the Inn and Boys School) spoke briefly on the Inn and the work being done here; and following the program he showed several motion picture reels of interest to the assembled group. Two were of the Fraters at their gathering four years ago, and there were some more recent ones of the Inn people.
The next thing “in the offing” for our guests is the annual “spelling bee,” to be held tomorrow night. All were invited, and from reports, all intend to be present.
Composed by Frater Hall:
I was asked to be the poet-laureate,
On this memorable occasion in retreat;
I was urged to make a rhyme,
It need not be sublime,
Something funny – not too funny – bright and neat.
But as I thought about it,
My conscience seemed to doubt it
Would be the proper thing for one like me,
A man of learning large, and dignity
To minister to mirth and cheap frivolity.
So I finally decided, and by the thought abided,
That I would preach a sermon to you men;
That is really what you need, not jokes, but thought indeed,
That you may ponder on and maybe preach again.
The text? Well you all know it; one every preacher knows,
But as Paul was not a poet we must drop back into prose.
The good that I would I do not,
The evil that I would not that I do,
But if I do that I would not,
Even tho I know I should not,
It is no more I that do it,
However I may rue it,
But sin that dwelleth in me is the goat.
The late Apostle Paul,
Long after Adam’s fall,
Was sure he had a double personality;
His mother named him Saul,
Boys called him Parasol,
And that’s how he discovered the reality.
Of two selves in one skin,
One Paul, the other Sin;
For Paul was always gentle, mild and kind;
But when boys would begin
To heckle, then would Sin
Put naughty, naughty thoughts in poor Saul’s mind.
Sin would rip and snort and cuss
And do things even wuss,
He’d chuck bricks at ’em, bang! bum! bin!
Imagine what a muss
Was raised by all this fuss.
But it wasn’t Paul that did it, it was Sin.
Now to bring things up to date,
Before it gets too late,
There are also two of you and two of me;
There are two Jim Albions,
Two Vincent Tomlinson’s,
Two Richard Edy Sykes, B.D., D.D.
Let Vincent slice a ball,
And watch it’s zig-zag fall
Away off in the woods behind a tree,
Does he stand still a while
And murmur with a smile,
“Tut-tut”, “Alas” and “Deary, deary me.”?
Nay. He grabs hold of his mashie
And in he goes, crash, crashie
You wouldn’t know our mild and gentle Vin.
In fact it is not he
Uttering words behind that tree,
It’s not angelic Tommy; it is Sin.
I once heard Albert Hammett
Say, right out loud, “Now damn it,” (Whisper)
But that’s not the way he said it, not at all;
I know he would repent it,
Though he spoke as though he meant it.
Sin tripped poor Albert Hammett for a fall.
When Roger Etz, D.D.
Was stung by a bumble bee
In the middle of his favorite peroration –
Well, the Bible on the desk
Has been rebound, I guess,
Sin knocked the cover off in his elation.
And there’s Gustavus Leining
Who is weeping and repining
Because one day he smoked a big cigar;
But let me tell you, Gus,
You need not make a fuss,
Just lay it onto Sin, that’s better far.
When John has indigestion
From certain indiscretion,
In mingling pie with pork and things akin,
Does he rip and roar and groan,
Does he sigh and sob and moan?
Nay. That isn’t gentle Johnnie. That is Sin.
For there sits dear old Van
As happy as a clam
Writing all about the loveliness of love.
When Sin gives him a poke
In the tummick, (That’s no joke)
Then he grabs a red-hot poker from the stove,
And he brands in letters black
A cruel, hard attack
On Tomlinson or Hall to make him quiver.
He really does not mean him,
But his best friend, he will bean him
When Sin bangs John in the basket or the liver.
So I might further go,
Stand all Fraters in a row,
But I fear I could not stop should I begin,
If one should sauce his mother,
Or bust his younger brother,
You must not blame the Frater; charge to Sin.
So let’s give a cheer for Sin
The cuss that lives within;
He’s a mighty good friend to us, all the same.
It’s a great comfort to a chap,
Not to give a blooming rap
But cry, “I didn’t do it! Sin’s to blame!”
[Read by Frater Perkins at 30th Annual Retreat of Universalist Ministers
at The Wayside Inn Jan. 24 – 27. (Jan. 25, 1932).]
Tuesday, January 26, 1932 Perfect
Another day, more perfect seemingly, than those preceding it, made this an ideal one for picture-taking. Five cameras were leveled at the men, and the victims “shot” in various poses and positions. Two of the cameras were of the “movie” type, and good results are to be hoped for.
The list of men registering for the Retreat is as follows:
Dr. Albion
Dr. Brooks
Dr. Cary
Dr. Coons
Dr. Cauden
Dr. Cowing
Dr. Ellenwood
Dr. Etz
Dr. Fischer
Dr. Gray
Dr. Hammett
Dr. Huntley
Dr. Leighton
Dr. Fred Leining
Dr. G.H. Leining
Dr. Lowe
Dr. McCollester
Dr. Perkins
Dr. Rose
Dr. Sykes
Dr. Tomlinson
Dr. van Schaick
The spelling bee was, of course, the big event of the day. Twenty-seven chairs ranged around the parlor, and twenty-seven participants in this, the thirtieth annual “bee” of these interesting men, made of it an absorbing event. On a table in the center of the room reposed an innocent-looking volume, the authority of the evening: Webster’s Dictionary!
Until quarter of ten the tests of intellect went on, and many were the surprised folk who suddenly found themselves taking a walk to the chair at the end of the line, as they unwittingly ended a word (a fatal offense!) Or misspelled one.
Following the spelling, the party crossed the hall to the bar-room, where various men entertained with stories, readings, and poems, one of which is enclosed with today’s chronicle. (We might give it a sub-title: “A Little Non-sense Now and Then.”)
One or two of the men slipped quietly away after the “bee” – a reminder of what will happen on the morrow.
The Legend of Instant Postum
In the prophylactic forest
On the shores of Coca Cola
Dwelt the Moxies in their wigwam –
Old Sapolio, the Chieftain
Pebeco, the grizzled prophet,
And the warriors young and eager.
In the lodge of the old Chieftain
With uneeda more than mother,
And Victrola, old and feeble,
Lived the warmest of the maidens, Musterole.
Musterole, Sapolio’s daughter;
Musterole, the sun-kist Chicklet.
All the young men sought her favor;
Left their trophies at her wigwam;
Brought her Thermos skins for raiment,
Brought her Tarvia for ointment:
And sweet Musterole smiled on them,
Smiled on Vaseline and Pointex,
Smiled on Danderine and Jello;
Smiled, but left them unrequited,
For her love she gave to no one;
Frigidaire alone she gave them.
Then from Multibestos Mountains,
From the tribe of Texacoes,
Came the young chief, Instant Postum,
Mightiest hunter in the forest,
All superb in strength and beauty,
He it was who trapped the Kodak;
He who shot the great Sears-Roebuck;
Shot him with his swift Pierce-Arrow.
Eversharp, his trusty hatchet,
Every arrow-head a Hot Point.
On him gazed the Moxie maidens;
Nujol poured her gleaming glances;
Bold Carbona sought to win him,
Zonate brought him luscious Pyrene;
But for Musterole yearned Postum.
Through the fields of ripe Wheatena,
Through the Shredded Wheat they wandered
to the White Rock by the river,
By the rippling Cuticura.
There beneath Palm Olive shadow,
From the boughs she picked the Grape-Nuts;
There she saw the sun descending;
Naught cared Postum for the night winds
Blowing through the Hole-Proof forests;
Musterole was there beside him.
To his bosom quick he drew her;
Whispering words of love a-burning;
Told her how he’d fought the Seal-Pax;
Told her how he’d slain Bull-Durham;
Told her how we’d trapped Amico;
Boasted of his father’s tepee
With its sides of Mentholatum,
With its rugs of salt Socony.
To him, Musterole, a-quiver,
Listened, and her heart gave answer.
All the warmth of love she gave him:
All her Rubberset affection,
Gave her heart to Instant Postum.
There he wooed her, there he won her.
Passed the years in quick succession:
Small Post Toasties came to bless them,
Triplets, B. V. D., Gold Dust Twins,
Little Beechnut, Wrigley, Spearmint,
Vici Kid, and Pluto Water.
These and other little toasties,
Warmly wrapped in Esmond Blankets,
Filled the wigwam with their laughter. —-
[Read by Dr. Ellenwood – 1/26/32.]
Photographs
[Dr. Wallace Rose: Member of Retreat since 1929
At the 1931 gathering he gave a most interesting illustrated lecture on “Russia”]
[Dr. Fred Leining: The “benefactor” of the group with his new pipe – 1/26/32]
[Friendly Conversation – 1/26/32]
[Group Photo – 1/26/32]
[Dr. Albion – Dr. Perkins – Dr. Tomlinson: Members since 1903]
[The entire group
Tomlinson – Fischer – Leighton – Hammett – Etz – Huntley – Ellenwood – Cowling – G. Leining Brooks –
Albion – Perkins – Sykes – Gray – McCollester – Cowden – Lowe – F. Leining – Rose – Coons – Cary.
(Note: Dr. van Schaick not in group.)]
Wednesday, January 27, 1932 Rain; then clear.
The rain of late last night continued through a great part of today; but the sun broke thru the clouds during the afternoon and we had another mild day. A touch of March was in the air, for a high wind was blowing.
After an early luncheon our visitors began, one by one, to leave us. One and all expressed the hope that we might all meet again in 1933.
From the three who have been members from the beginning as well as from the scribe of the group, we learned that this is the only year that has had no snow on the ground at “Retreat-Time.” The first (1903) meeting was held as a real New England blizzard raged outside the Inn, and succeeding years have either furnished storms or have supplied a generous covering of snow for the landscape. Not so this year. March never found the ground more bare than it has been since these guests arrived.
One man remarked on departing that it was the first time we had no need to wear “these” (pointing to his efficient looking galoshes), but that he felt he had “better bring them along.” Which, of course, he had done, and the articles in question dangled from a suit-case strap as he came downstairs.
And so we bid them farewell for another year; we hope that each man may have received a bit of whatever the Inn offers; a bit which will spur him on to greater endeavor and nobler achievement; and that, when another year has passed, he may return to the same source for inspiration, fellowship, and rest.
———- 1933 ———-
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Monday, January 23, 1933 Pleasant
Once again the Universalist ministers have gathered at the Wayside Inn for their annual retreat. The general theme for this, the thirty-first Retreat is: “Current Tendencies in Religion.” The suggested reading: “Religion in Our Times”, by Gaius G. Atkins.
Those attending this year’s Retreat in order of arrival are: Dr. V.E. Tomlinson, Mr. Hammett, Dr. R.F. Etz, Dr. Coons, Mr. Brooks, Dr. Sykes, Dr. McCollester, Dr. Rose, Mr. G.H. Leining, Dr. F.A. Gray, Dr. J. S. Lowe, Dr. F.C. Leining, Dr. A. Fischer, Dr. F.O. Hall, Dr. Perkins, Rev. C.J. Cowing, Dr. G.E. Huntley, Rev. E.D. Ellenwood, Mr. Wm. Cowden, Dr. van Schaick, Dr. Albion, Dr. Cousins.
Sunday evening was spent very pleasantly in front of the open fire in the bar-room, recalling memories of the meetings of past years.
Today after luncheon, fifteen of our jovial friends climbed into a buckboard and went for an hours ride through the country roads of the estate. The buckboard, drawn by two horses, was very picturesque.
The twilight hour service, the theme of which was: “What Can We Do to Make Our Worship of More Service to the People,” was led by Dr. Le Roy Coons.
As has been the custom at each Retreat for the past few years, an old kitchen dinner was served the ministers this evening. The movie camera took “movies” of the party so it will go down in the history of the Inn. After their usual smoke in the bar-room after dinner, the ministers adjourned to the small ballroom to hear Mr. Brooks give an illustrated lecture on “Impressions and Reactions of the Summer of 1932,” which he spent traveling in Europe. The Boys School was invited to this lecture and enjoyed it a great deal.
Tuesday, January 23, 1933 Pleasant.
With another fine day in store for them, the ministers arose at the first break of dawn and were off in groups of three and four for a brisk morning walk before having a hearty breakfast.
The first get-together of the day was in the form of a business meeting, scheduled for ten o’clock.
At eleven o’clock, Dr. Etz spoke to his colleagues on the subject, “The Free Church of America.” So many questions arose from this discussion that a second meeting was called directly after lunch to debate the subject more thoroughly.
Only a short time intervened after this meeting before the twilight hour was held. Dr. Lee McCollester, lately appointed Dean of Theology at Tufts College, spoke on “Trends of Modern Thinking.”
The “Spelling Bee” held in the evening, ended a very pleasant and successful day.
An old kitchen dinner was served to a party of twelve at seven o’clock this evening. The party were guests of Mrs. Ames.
Wednesday, January 25, 1933 Pleasant.
The Thirty-first Annual Retreat of the Universalist Ministers has come to a close. Before leaving the Wayside Inn for their respective parishes to resume their work, the ministers held a communion service in the old kitchen which was lead by Dr. William Cowden.
With the anticipation of meeting again next year, the majority of our guests left the Inn this morning, and this evening their thirty-first Retreat was just another pleasant memory.
The old kitchen dinners are fast becoming popular. Mrs. Gallop of Boston who has been a frequent visitor at the Inn came here this evening with seven guests to enjoy a real barbecue. This was the third old kitchen dinner of the current week.
[Picture:
The ministers as they prepared for their thrilling buckboard ride Monday]
———- 1934 ———-
Return to Main Menu
Sunday, January 21, 1934 Fair.
One year has literally flown by since our Universalist minister friends gathered at the Wayside Inn for their annual Retreat last January. The first members of this well-known group to arrive for the event this year, the thirty-second retreat, were Dr. Roger Etz of Medford and Dr. Albert D. Hammett of Longmeadow, arriving just ahead of Dr. Tomlinson of Worcester who has prided himself with being the first to arrive in past years. Mrs. Spicer, Mrs. Bradbury, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis and Mr. Young attended the morning services at Dr. Tomlinson’s church and were at the Inn to give the first arrivals a hearty welcome.
A general busy atmosphere prevailed at the Inn throughout the day. Besides greeting the ministers and renewing acquaintances, the hostesses were busy taking care of the dinner guests and sightseers.
[Text of Program]
Thirty-second Annual Retreat
The Wayside Inn
South Sudbury, Mass.
January 22,23,24, 1934
Prior – Frater John Smith Lowe
—-
General Theme for Retreat
“Working for a Decision”
Monday, January 22
4 P.M. Twilight Hour “Making God Real” Leader: Frederic W. Perkins
8 P.M. Illustrated Reading “The Green Pastures” Wallace W. Rose
Tuesday, January 23
10 A.M. Business Meeting
11 A.M. “Making Jesus Effective” Leader: Frank Oliver Hall
4 P.M. Twilight Hour “Making Religion Indispensable” Leader James F. Albion
8 P.M. Old Fashioned Dance
Wednesday, January 24
10 A.M. “Making the Church Vital” Leader: Seth R. Brooks
Monday, January 22, 1934 Cloudy.
The house was very much alive by eight o’clock this morning. The ministers, who seemed happy to be together once again, were all full of fun and frolic and were anxious to be up and doing things.
After breakfast, they sat around the fireplaces and smoked, devoting the morning to reminiscence.
As a new feature this year, Mr. Young invited the men to lunch at Dutton Lodge with the boys this noon. This was considered quite a treat as many of the group had never before visited the school. Dr. Sykes and Dr. Brooks kindly consented to say a few words to the boys, a fact which was greatly appreciated and enjoyed. Since Dr. Brooks is located but thirty miles from here he has consented to come out in the near future and give the boys an outlined talk.
Another new feature for the Retreat was inaugurated this afternoon when Mrs. Spicer extended an invitation to the ministers to have tea at her lovely home across from the General Store. Although the men were only able to stay a short time because the daily “Twilight Hour” was scheduled to start at four o’clock, they enjoyed every minute of their stay and thanked Mrs. Spicer heartily for her kindness and hospitality.
At six o’clock the Fraters sat down to an old kitchen dinner, which was very much enjoyed.
In the evening the Boys School students assembled in the large dining (now a temporary hall) to listen to an illustrated reading, “The Green Pastures,” delivered by Dr. Wallace Rose.
Dr. Clarence Cowing of Gloucester will not be able to be here with his friends this year because of illness. With this one exception there will be a one hundred per cent attendance of last year’s gathering.
The happings of the day took place as outlined by the Retreat program.
The most novel of the new features of the Retreat that were inaugurated this year from the viewpoint of the participants, was the old-fashioned dance that was held this evening. The majority of the clergy had not danced for years, but once they attempted a quadrille or waltz and sensed the general friendliness of the gathering they soon forgot their inexperience and spent a very pleasant evening.
During intermission Dr. Sykes, in behalf of his colleagues, presented Dr. Fischer a loving cup, as a token of their affection and esteem for a Frater who has attended this retreat for twenty-five years.
Wednesday, January 23, 1934 Pleasant
Today was the final day for a very happy and successful retreat.
At ten o’clock this morning, Dr. Brooks gave his scheduled talk on the subject, “Making The Church Vital.” The retreat was officially brought to a close by the customary communion service.
The majority of the ministers departed directly after luncheon, but before leaving impressed us with the fact that this retreat was one of the most enjoyable that they have ever attended.
Mr. J.H. Eddy of Newtonville, who has sponsored a number of old kitchen dinners, was the host a birthday party here this evening. The guest of the occasion, who was celebrating his seventieth birthday, was the recipient of a beautiful cake which made a pretty picture all lighted up as it was being carried to the table.
———- 1935 ———-
Return to Main Menu
Sunday, January 27, 1935 Cold
Blue sky and sunshine. Today, we welcome the Universalist Ministers to the Inn, for their thirty-third annual retreat. Dr. Etz, Dr. Hammett and Dr. Sykes came early in the afternoon, the other Fraters as they call themselves, arrived later in the day, Making seven to stay overnight.
This question was asked on their arrival. How do you like the weather? They replied, “Perfect conditions, ideal for Retreat, we prayed for it.” So we know they are happy and satisfied.
After dinner, the seven spent the evening in the bar-room, where it is warm and cozy. They enjoy chatting and smoking together.
Mr. and Mrs. Howe of Worcester, Mass. were here for dinner today. Mr. Howe is a grandson of Calvin Howe, who built the Calvin Howe House, not far from the Inn.
Miss Agnes Conden returned to her work today, after an absence of several weeks on account of illness. She is much improved in health and ready for work again.
The blizzard and thick snow blanket has been hard on the birds, but Eucena, the cook, who makes everybody happy by her good cooking is also thoughtful of the birds and hands them out a bit of food two or three times a day.
[Pictures taken Thurs. Jan 24, 1935.
Wayside Inn
A corner of the dining room.
Miss Cronin’s car “Snowbound”
Plowing]Monday, January 28, 1935 32° below zero and bitter cold.
The Ministers were down early for breakfast and all seemed so happy to be here. After breakfast, they gathered in the bar-room to enjoy the cheerful fire and read the morning papers, while waiting for the other members of their group to arrive.
The rest of the party were here in time for luncheon. Three of the oldest members, Dr. Tomlinson, Dr. Albion and Dr. Gray will not be here this year, they will be greatly missed.
At three o’clock the Ministers attended the tea to which Mrs. Spicer had invited them. They were transported to Mrs. Spicer’s home in a four seated sleigh, drawn by four horses. This was a surprise and they jumped into the sleigh with laughter and glee and arrived at Mrs. Spicer’s in time for tea. They were delightfully entertained and returned to the Inn for the usual four o’clock vesper service. Six-thirty found them all enjoying a delicious dinner. The remainder of the evening was spent in the large dining room, with invited guests., the Wayside Inn boys and their teachers. We were shown pictures taken by Dr. Etz on his trip around the world. He took us thru China, Japan and India. These slides were beautifully colored by the Japanese. Dr. Etz, the speaker – make it a most interesting and instructive lecture.
We all said “thank you” and “good night” and felt we had spent a profitable evening.
Tuesday, January 29, 1935 28° above
Somewhat warmer, occasional snow flurries. Breakfast over, our clergymen are congregated in the kitchen for their morning session. The total attendance reached 20, only 17 staying overnight.
Mr. Young invited the Clergy to the Dutton Lodge for luncheon. They enjoyed seeing the boys again and had a nice visit with them.
At four o’clock, the Vesper Service was held in the parlor. This service lasts until six o’clock.
The customary kitchen dinner was served to eighteen of the Retreat group. By the sounds of hilarity coming from the kitchen, it was thoroughly enjoyed.
A successful dancing party last year, brought their request for another, which took place at eight-thirty this evening. Owing to the fact that a year had elapsed, an exhibition of old fashioned dances, featuring quadrilles was put on by the children of the Red Store School and Boys School, with their partners.
Following was the grand march and from that time until ten-thirty, one and “all tripped the light fantastic.” This was the end of a perfect day.
Wednesday, January 30, 1935 20° below zero.
Another cold day.
The Universalist Retreat closes this morning, much to our regret, as we have enjoyed having this fine group of men as guests of the Inn.
Much activity about the Inn this morning. We find a few huddled together, with last minute discussions, a few more words to say on important subjects.
As it neared ten o’clock, the Clergymen met in the old kitchen for, the service of Holy Communion. Dr. Coons conducted the service and it was most impressive. The clergymen were very appreciative of all favors and hospitality extended to them during their stay at the Inn. The ministers go to their various homes, some leaving before noon and others after luncheon. By one-thirty all had departed, not to be with us as a group until January 1936. May God bless them in their wonderful work.
———- 1936 ———-
Return to Main Menu
(—- Typewritten Copy Starts Here –)
Sunday, January 26, 1936 Fair
From year to year we look forward to the Retreat of the Universalist Ministers and the time has again arrived for them to celebrate their thirty-fourth.
Dr. Vincent Tomlinson of Worcester and Mr. Albert Hammett of Longmeadow were as usual the first to arrive today. They like to be here to greet the others.
We expected the usual number of six or seven to stay tonight, the others following in the morning, but were pleasantly surprised each time we opened the door to see two or three more, bringing the total up to sixteen.
The last to arrive were Dr. Frank Hall of New York, and Dr. Theodore Fischer of New Haven, Conn. Who came on the New York train. There were met in Framingham by Mr. Estabrook, arriving here about ten o’clock.
At quarter of eleven they were sitting around the fireplace enjoying their pipes, but what happened after that time is unknown to us, for we disappeared, leaving them in charge of the Inn.
The names of the ministers who arrived today are:
Dr. Vincent Tomlinson
Mr. Albert Hammett
Dr. Richard Sykes
Mr. Seth Brooks
Dr. John van Schaick
Dr. William Wallace Rose
Dr. Lee McCollester
Dr. Frederic Perkins
Dr. Roger Etz
Dr. W.H. McPherson,(Guest)
Dr. Frank Hall
Mr. Wallace Fiske
Dr. Theodore Fischer
Mr. M. A. Kapp
Dr. G. H. Leining
Mr. Fred C. Leining
Program
Thirty-fourth Annual Retreat
The Wayside Inn
South Sudbury, Mass.
January 27 – 28 – 29, 1936
Prior – Frater Frank Oliver Hall
Monday, January 27
3:00 P.M. Twilight Hour “My Most Difficult Problem” Leader: William Wallace Rose
8:00 P.M. Illustrated Lecture “Korea, Manchukuo and China” Vincent E. Tomlinson
Tuesday, January 28
9:30 A.M. Business Meeting
10:00 A.M. “Is Man the Unknown?” Leader: John van Schaick, Jr.
3:00 P.M. Twilight Hour “World-Renouncing Men” Leader: Max A. Kapp
5-6 P.M. Quiet Hour
8:00 P.M. Social Evening
Wednesday, January 29
10:00 A.M. Upper Room Service Leader: Lee S. McCollester
Monday, January 27, 1936 Fair
We feel that the ministers are having a wonderful time. There seems to be a restful atmosphere everywhere. This year we have planned nothing in particular, feeling that they would rather plan their own activities, but they fully understand that any wish they may have will be granted.
Soon after lunch several of the group went up to the ballroom and sang. Their voices blended beautifully – the kind of blending that makes the tightening of one’s throat.
We were told that they are forming a chorus of ministers, and have had the pleasure of hearing their first rehearsal.
We noticed outdoors during the afternoon two of the men throwing rubber horse shoes over the radiator
cap of a car, and indoors a game of Badminton was being played in the large ball room.
This evening all were cordially invited to the lecture given by Dr. Tomlinson on “Korea, Manchukuo and China.” Dr. Tomlinson was attired in a beautiful red kimono, evidently brought by him from the Orient.
The entire group formed in the bar-room before the lecture singing the first verse of “Holy, Holy, Holy” and as they marched to the parlor, sang the remaining verses of the hymn.
[Picture of Group]
Tuesday, January 28, 1936 Fair
Our guests are all early risers, and by eight o’clock are usually seated in the Old dining room for breakfast.
Dr. Perkins, a very dignified gentleman, has been jollied considerably about his appetite and this morning when asked if he care for more sausage he said, “No.” In an instant all joined in with much gusto, “No, No, a Thousand Times, No!”
This year they seem to be musically inclined and hardly a meal passes without a song of some sort.
Dr. George Huntley and Dr. Leroy Coons arrived at ten o’clock in time to hear Dr. van Schaick’s talk, “Is Man the Unknown,” which took place in the old kitchen, the favorite place for all activities.
Eighteen ministers and three guests enjoyed having dinner in the old kitchen, but the big event of the evening was the spelling bee! On the table in the center of the room reposed the authority of the evening: Webster’s Dictionary! This dictionary was presented by Miss Mabel Welch for the special use of the Universalist Ministers’ Retreat and was first used at the time-honored spelling game on January 24, 1928.
The men have been marking the ice on Josephine Pond today – the signal for a snow storm.
Wednesday, January 29, 1936 Fair
The communion service which was held this morning brought the thirty-fourth Retreat to a close. Some of the ministers left immediately after the service, ten only remaining for luncheon.
We who have been fortunate to be here with this fine group of men, look forward with pleasure to their next Retreat.
The complete list of men who attended the Retreat is as follows:
Dr. Vincent E. Tomlinson Worcester, Mass.
Mr. Albert Hammett Longmeadow, Mass.
Dr. Richard E. Sykes Canton, NY
Mr. Seth Rogers Brooks Malden, Mass.
Dr. John van Schaick Boston, Mass.
Mr. William Wallace Rose Lynn, Mass.
Dr. Lee McCollester Tufts College
Dr. Frederick W. Perkins Washington, D.C.
Dr. Roger Etz Medford, Mass.
Dr. Frank O. Hall New York
Mr. Wallace G. Fiske Orange, Mass.
Dr. Theodore Fischer New Haven, Conn.
Mr. M.A. Kapp Fitchburg, Mass.
Dr. G.H. Leining Braintree, Mass.
Mr. Fred C. Leining Syracuse, NY
Dr. E. Dean Ellenwood Woonsocket, RI
Dr. Leroy Coons Brookline, Mass.
Dr. George Huntley Peabody, Mass.
Dr. W.H. McPherson, President of the Universalist General Convention, Guest for the entire Retreat.
Dinner Guests – Jan. 27th
Mr. V.A. Friend, Melrose, Mass. – Mr. Robert W. Hill, Salem, Mass.- Mr. A. Bicknell, Belmont, Mass.
———- 1937 ———-
Return to Main Menu
Sunday, Jan. 24, 1937 Cloudy
Today and the next three days of the Diary will be devoted to the 35th Annual Retreat of the Universalist Ministers.
Soon after dinner Dr. Tomlinson and Rev. Hammett stepped off the Bus from Worcester and were soon receiving a hearty welcome from members of the Wayside Inn family. It as if they were coming home. They carried their bags to their rooms and were soon downstairs sitting before the open fire telling us of their travels and experiences of the past year and of their friends and families. So it was with the others who arrived from time to time through the afternoon. By 5 o’clock cordial greetings and friendly handshakes filled the rooms with a spirit of goodwill and good cheer. It was honest-to-goodness, sincere fellowship, real pleasure in meeting once again at the Wayside Inn. Interspersed among the older, familiar faces were a few young men. Witty remarks passed to and fro. We overheard this one.
Dr. Rose (a young minister): “Yes, when I think of you at the Wayside Inn, Dr. Perkins, I associate you with the old tables, the andirons and the Sap Bucket!”
Dr. Perkins: “I am perfectly willing to be associated with a Sap Bucket, but I refuse to be classed with a bucket of Saps!”
On the arrival of Rev. Ellenwood of Woonsocket, RI, he was asked to take off his coat. Dr. Ellenwood: “I’ve been looking the bunch over to see if I wanted to stay, before I took off my coat!”
So this jolly company continued to welcome its fellow members until late in the evening. Dr. Hall was met at the train in Framingham at 9 o’clock and Dr. Lowe came from Rockland, Maine at 11 o’clock.
Monday, Jan. 25, 1937 Pleasant
The ministers gathered in the Old Kitchen at 9:30 o’clock for a Discussion period. This was followed by Luncheon. The afternoon was spent in walks and another Discussion period. We might say, however, that the Discussion periods were unlimited as to time and place. Discussions on religious subjects; topics of current interest and on everything in general could be heard at almost anytime or anywhere you might find two or more ministers. The ex king of England was mentioned; someone suggested a Sit-down Strike at the Wayside Inn (for the ministers) and Dr. Perkins and Dr. McCollester discussed the Ford Sunday Evening Hour. Dr. Perkins was especially enthusiastic about Mr. Cameron. He said: “It is a find thing; beautifully done.” Dr. van Schaick, editor of the Christian Leader came late this afternoon, bringing the number up to 19 in attendance.
[Pictures]
one of Dr. Vincent E. Tomlinson
another of “Dr. Tomlinson in informal discussion with Dr. Ellenwood”
35th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
At six-thirty o’clock members of the Retreat and a few members of the Wayside Inn family gathered in the large dining room for the 35th Anniversary Dinner. Dr. Perkins acted as Magister Convivii. In a dignified but informal manner, he introduced the speakers. Mr. Sennott gave a word of welcome and expressed the hope that the Retreat would continue at the Inn for the next thirty-five years. Next came Dr. Etz, the Secretary of the Retreat who gave a more or less statistical record of its history. He mentioned that Dr. Perkins, Dr. Tomlinson and Dr. Albion of Framingham (unable to be present on account of illness) were the three members of the Retreat who first came to the Inn 35 years ago. Dr. Perkins has not missed a single meeting and Dr. Tomlinson only one. There have been 58 members through the 35 years; 25 of the number being dead. Originally the Retreat began on Monday. Thirteen years aga Dr. Hammett changed the established custom by coming on Sunday!
The fact was revealed by Dr. Etz that in 1924 when the Inn was acquired by Mr. Ford, that a committee consisting of Drs. Tomlinson and Etz were appointed to investigate other places where the retreat might be held. It was recommended by the committee that the Retreat be given up completely rather than be held elsewhere than the Wayside Inn.
[Group Photo of the “Members of the 35th Retreat”]
The next speaker on the program was Dr. Fischer of New Haven, Conn. Who spoke beautifully on “Memories.” He mentioned the visit of members of the Retreat to the Redstone School and how Miss Hopkins acted as “teacher.” His whole talk was full of tender feelings and touched everyone deeply.
[Picture: Dr. Theodore A. Fischer]
Dr. Seth R. Brooks of Malden, Mass. Was the next speaker. He spoke on “Prophecies” and represented the younger men who have been chosen to join this distinguished group. His talk was admirably done. Everything he said was well chosen and carefully planned. It was thrilling to feel that the Retreat will go on under the leadership of such able young men as Dr. Brooks. Space forbids recording all of the fine things Dr. Brooks said. The whole spirit of his talk centered around the thought that the Retreat had become an Altar in his heart, where he worshiped the friendships made and the dear old Inn itself.
Musical numbers were given during the program by Mabel Anderson Pearson, contralto in Dr. Tomlinson’s church. The more humorous side of the affair was presented by a quartet composed of four young ministers who rendered several satirical songs.
We cannot, in these pages, do justice to the magnificent spirit which prevailed at this 35th Anniversary Dinner. It was a brilliant success. A wonderful feeling of harmony exists between the old and the young men. They are working together in perfect unity for the continuance of the Wayside Inn Retreat for at least 35 years longer.
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1937 Pleasant
The ministers were surprised this morning to see our snow-drops in blossom outside the old Kitchen window. They called first one than the other to see them. Dr. Huntley said; “I’ve seen snow flakes here many times, but never have I seen snow drops!” It is unusual, of course, and some may have been disappointed that a snow storm did not come during these “Retreat Days.” Others, however, have expressed pleasure in being able to walk in the woods.
After a day of serious thought, the ministers enjoyed a dinner in the Old Kitchen. After dinner, like school boys on a vacation, each one told his best story. Some of them are worn “thread bare” through telling year after year, it was explained. Most of the stories, however, were of such good fun and humor as to bear repeating. Dr. Tomlinson gave “Old Home Day at the Corners or Something for Everybody.” Dr. Hammett told of his experiences riding on a horse in the town parade.
The hour was late; the fire burned low”
—————————
Then all arose and said Good-night.”
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 1937 Pleasant
At nine-thirty o’clock this morning, a simple Communion Service was held in the Old Kitchen. After this, a few ministers began to take leave. Others stayed for luncheon. All seemed loathe to leave and spent the short remaining time in informal conversation, reviewing the events of this 35th Retreat and proclaiming it to be a splendid occasion. Immediately after lunch practically everyone departed. Dr. Tomlinson and Dr. Hammett, the first to arrive, were the last to leave.
Thus, closed another event of great historical significance in the Annals of the Wayside Inn.
[photo page – “The Inn as it looked when the ministers arrived”
– photo missing]
———- 1938 ———- Return to Main Menu
The 36th UNIVERSALIST MINISTERS RETREAT
Sunday January 23 – 1938 – Wednesday January 26
I. Twilight
“Nature hath appointed the twilight, as a bridge, to pass us out of night into day”
Dr. Tomlinson has left. This means that the 1938 Retreat is over. Dr. Tomlinson has always been the first to come, the last to leave. He never slips. This tradition must be kept. Just so, other traditions of the Retreat must remain. The younger members must cling to them; to the Fellowship found here. This, we might say, was the principle theme of the Retreat this year. Next year, it is possible, a few of the ministers may be absent – never to come again. Dr. Sykes and Dr. Hammett said in no uncertain terms that they expected this to be their last time. Dr. Tomlinson, one of the oldest members himself, said “I told the boys that I didn’t want to hear that guff.” Yet underneath, everyone seemed conscious that this Retreat was a kind of Twilight, the old passing on – the new coming in.
[Pictures]
One “Two of the oldest members of the Retreat
Dr. Tomlinson – Worcester, Mass. Dr. Albert Hammett – Longmeadow, Massachusetts”
Two “One of the youngest – Dr. Seth Rogers Brooks – Malden, Mass.”
In the meetings, as the whole group gathered together, the meaning of the Wayside Inn RetreatFellowship was stressed. It is a sacred thing. Here, as nowhere else, the men can be frank. They can discuss problems of any kind, religious or personal. Here they are sure of an understanding and sympathetic audience. There is nothing like it. Nothing can quite take the place of the Retreat Fellowship. The men adore it, cherish it. The Retreat must continue in years to come and with it the same kind of Fellowship. The younger men of the group will carry on. Dr. Hammett suggested that the Fellowship was of a larger scope, broader than just to include the ministers. He declared that Mr. Ford, because of his interest in entertaining the company, has become a part of it. Also that the Inn staff, in preparing and looking forward to the Retreat, has become attached to it. For this reason there is a certain responsibility involved.
This report is not intended to be of a glum or sad nature. The ministers were gay and cheerful. The enjoyment of such a group, one with the others, is seldom seen. They are looking ahead, not back. Dr. Tomlinson was alone; his Fraters gone. In his usual genial way he told us that he expected to find the Wayside Inn in Heaven. It would be a kind of celestial Wayside Inn where everyone would meet and become members of the Retreat!
II. Highlights
Dr. John S. Lowe is the Universalist minister in Rockland,. Maine. Last year, at the Retreat, he told us of a plan to give a talk before his church people about the Wayside Inn. This year he reported that the talk, with the help of picture post cards, had been a great success; so much of a pleasure that he was asked to give the same talk to the Rockland Rotary Club. When his parishioners knew that the time for the 1938 Retreat was approaching, they quietly solicited a purse for Dr. Lowe. Twenty-five people contributed one dollar each. The purse was presented to the minister and his wife. The following is taken from the Rockland church bulletin.
Dr. and Mrs. Lowe leave for Boston this afternoon. Mrs. Lowe will visit old friends. Dr. Lowe will be at the “Retreat” with his old friends at the historic Wayside Inn from this evening on to Wednesday noon. No association of his life means more to him. He thrives on the tonic he gets the rest of the year. One of his lifetime friends six weeks ago was in South Africa on a World cruise. He wrote saying: “I shall be home for the Retreat. I want to see you there. You must come.” A thing like that gets you. Last Monday a messenger came to the door, with a surprise missive, accompanied by something that eased the burden of the trip for the minister and his wife. It touched them deeply and made them realize that however precious their cherished friendships of other days may be, the new friendships in Rockland, do not fall into second place. The greatest reward of a minister’s life is the esteem, the faith and the love of his people. In ample measure, that reward has been given to Dr. and Mrs. Lowe by their people in Rockland. They are truly grateful.
Dr. Lowe beamed when he told us the story. He asked for twenty five post cards – to send one to each of the kind parishioners. “It’s the least I can do” said Dr. Lowe. Dr. Lowe, altho’ slightly hard of hearing, is genuinely interested in everything and in everybody. He lives his belief – the belief of his church – “the supreme worth of every human being.”
[Picture]
“Dr. John S. Lowe – Rockland, Maine”
A new member of the Retreat is Rev. Emerson Hugh Lalone. He is young and calls himself the Freshman of the group. Rev. Lalone is manager of the Universalist Publishing House. He has compiled a small booklet which he calls “Pioneer Personalities.” This incorporates a short biography of 12 men and women prominent in early Universalist history. In a talk before Retreat members, Rev. Lalone summarized the work involved in preparing such a book.
Dr. Roger F. Etz, popular member of the Retreat and Retreat Scribe, was formerly the general superintendent of the Universalist fellowship. He has resigned to become pastor of the church in Newark, N.J. He told us that he is glad to have a regular parish again. We wish Dr. Etz every success and feel sure that he will have it. Last evening he sent a post card to a young member of his congregation who is ill in bed – and another card to a young man who is a bit worried over college entrance board examinations.
[Picture]
“An Informal Pose
Dr. Frank O. Hall – New York, NY – Dr. Vincent E. Tomlinson – Worcester, Mass.
– Dr. Frederick W. Perkins – Washington, D.C.”
[Copy of Program]
Thirty-sixth Annual Retreat
The Wayside Inn
January 24 – 25 – 26, 1938
Prior — Frater E. Dean Ellenwood
Monday, January 24
3 P.M. Twilight Hour Readings from the Poets Gustav H. Leining
(Each Frater to be prepared to read some favorite selection from the poets)
5-6 P.M. Quiet Hour
8 P.M. Travel Talk Vincent E. Tomlinson
Tuesday, January 25
9:30 A.M. Business Meeting
10 A.M. “What Is New in Biblical Research?” Lee S. McCollester
4 P.M. Twilight Hour “Some Little Known Universalist Notables” Emerson Hugh Lalone
8 P.M. Book Review Frederic W. Perkins
Wednesday, January 26
10 A.M. Upper Room Service W. Wallace Rose
III. Sidelights
Dr. Fisher: “Have you heard about the young lady who went into a library and asked: “Do you have Grace in Salvation?” Librarian: “No, but we have Alice in Wonderland.”
Dr. Tomlinson, Dr. McCollester and Dr. Hall all graduated in the same class from Tufts College. The year – 1884.
Dr. van Schaick sat in front of the bar-room fire peeling an apple. “I like to sit here alone in front of the fire. Of course I enjoy the company, but when I’m alone I can enjoy the ticking of the old clock.
Dr. Tomlinson has just completed 57 years preaching. He retired last year from the Universalist church in Worcester, Mass.
[Picture]
“Fare well to the —- 36th Annual Retreat
Ministers – Rose, Perkins, Kapp, Lalone, Sykes”
Thursday, January 27, 1938 Pleasant
A poet once said that after certain people had left a place, it was as if they had carried the sunshine away in their pockets. Just so, we feel after the Retreat. There is a kind of vacant atmosphere about the house. It is dismal and dreary – as if something vital had been taken away.
———- 1939 ———-
Return to Main Menu
Sunday, January 22, 1939 Rain, Sleet, Hail & Thunder
The Thirty-seventh Annual Retreat of the Fraters (Universalist Ministers) began today. We feared the weather might prevent some from coming, but apparently it would take even worse weather conditions than today to dampen the spirits of the Fraters.
Dr. Hammat, the oldest member, was the first to arrive. This gave him the greatest satisfaction, as it has long been their custom to hasten their ministerial duties on this day and make it a race to be first arrival at the Inn. In the past Dr. Hammat has always come with Dr. Tomlinson, who passed away this year. We therefore, could not but admire his bravery of spirit in launching into a humorous story of a race that he and Dr. Tomlinson had against Dr. Etz. It seems Dr. Etz had been invited to preach at Fitchburg, Mass. He chose “Retreat Sunday” so as to be near the Inn. Dr. Tomlinson was stationed at Worcester, Mass., therefore, invited Dr. Hammat to preach at his church, which would bring him also near the Inn. Dr. Tomlinson and Dr. Hammat had their bags packed and in the vestry room so as to make a quick getaway after the service, but unfortunately Dr. Hammat had so impressed on of Dr. Tomlinson’s prominent parishioners that he was held up in conversation so long that the two conspirators felt the game was up and Dr. Etz the winner. They made the Inn however, just two minutes before Dr. Etz, who had been held up by a freight train.
Dr. Perkins arrived shortly after Dr. Hammat and the others followed one by one. The afternoon and evening were given up to greetings and the revival of friendships.
Monday, January 23, 1939 Fair
Dr. Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent of the Massachusetts Reformatory for Women dined here today with Miss Vivian Pierce of New York, President of the League for Abolishing Capital Punishment.
The Fraters seemed to enjoy the day to the fullest. The roads were rather slippery for walking and Dr. Sykes asked if we had such a thing as a cane. The hostess remembered there was a cane left from some dramatic equipment and went to get it. In the meantime Dr. Sykes picked a narrow stick from the wood-box, so when the cane arrived one of the younger ministers appropriated it. He said, you people seem to have whatever we ask for, and as he cavorted around the cane he added, “now if you only had an old beaver hat.” The hostess assured him he would find one in the Washington bedroom.
Tuesday, January 24, 1939 Cloudy
The Fraters put in the day reading, walking, and joining in discussion groups around the fireplaces.
Luncheon was a jolly meal and they sang between courses.
In the evening they had their old kitchen dinner and then all assembled in the parlor for the reading of Dr. van Schaick’s paper on the Characters of the Tales of a Wayside Inn.
Mr. Sennott, the school instructors, and the hostesses were invited also.
It was a strange experience to be seated in that old parlor to hear about the familiar characters of the Tales, and in the hearing to gradually be taken back to another day, so that in the shadows, with the play of the firelight on their faces, the Fraters, readers, and listeners, might have been the characters of Longfellow, or as Dr. van Schaick put it: “Bringing back to the old fireside, where they so loved to be, the flesh and blood figures of the men who had grown so shadowy that sometimes they seemed only actors in the play.”
Dr. van Schaick took but an hour in reading excerpts from his paper, as the night was the last of the retreat, and as, on all last times, there is the thought unspoken but sensed, that it may be the last retreat for some. The year 1938 having depleted their ranks by three, Drs. Tomlinson, Grey and Fisher.
The group then assembled in the bar-room. They brought forth the candy and peanuts which they had provided, and popped corn in front of the fireplace. Their activities were interpolated with song. At one moment breaking out in a rollicking college song, and the next moment solemnly intoning a hymn. They sang until midnight.
The “Waysiders,” Prof. Schell’s group had their regular meeting in the old kitchen. The professors and ministers did some fraternizing.
Wednesday, January 25, 1939 Cloudy and Cold
The Fraters had breakfast, their usual communion service, and reluctantly left one by one in the forenoon.
The last group to leave said they had fervently prayed to be snowbound here.
Miss Staples, our regular photographer, being on vacation, Miss deMille managed to snap one of the departing groups.
[Pictures]
One – “Dr. John van Schaick, Jr. (Johannes), Editor of The Christian Leader”
Two – “A representative group of the Fraters – Left to Right – Drs. Perkins, Ellenwood, Sykes, Fiske, Cummins, Hall, Atwood, and Lalone.”
Wednesday, January 25, 1939
———- 1940 ———-
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Sunday, January 21, 1940 Pleasant
38th Annual Ministers Retreat
According to official records of the Retreat it begins on the 3rd Monday in January. Years ago a certain minister decided to come after the close of his church service on the previous Sunday. Others liked his idea. More and more of the clergymen made it a point to start off towards the Wayside Inn after they had pronounced the Benediction on Sunday. Consequently we were prepared to great at least a part of the ministerial assemblage called “The Retreat” today. Sure enough the ten o’clock Bus stopped. Dr. John van Schaick appeared with bag and baggage, the baggage consisting of a brief case filled with books and papers. Dr. van Schaick has been appointed “Prior” of this Retreat. He has to see to it that everyone has a good time, that things run smoothly, that all are together at meal times, that all attend meetings on schedule.
In the afternoon one minister followed another until nine were here with twenty expected. Dr. Frederic Perkins formerly pastor of the church in Washington was among the first to come and looked very fit after an attack of laryngitis. Another older member to appear in the afternoon was Dr. McCollester once minister in Detroit and more recently Dean of the Tufts Theological School. Some of the younger members also came this afternoon – Drs. Rose and Brooks. The latter is now filling the place of Dr. Perkins in Washington. Nothing of particular importance occurred this evening. As has already been stated, the official time of opening the Retreat is tomorrow.
[Picture]
“Ministers Huntley and Perkins”
Monday, January 22, 1940 Pleasant
By noon time the house was filled with Fraters. Fraters from far and near. Dr. Lowe from Rockland, Maine and Dr. Coons from Brookline, Dr. Leining from Syracuse, New York and Dr. Frazier from Malden. It is a tradition of the Retreat to always include the minister from Malden, Mass. Malden has a particular association because it was Dr. Albion, minister in Malden who started the Retreat in 1903. He was a friend of Mr. Lemon, Landlord of the Wayside Inn and Mr. Lemon was a Malden man.
There are other traditions carried on by the ministers. When a man has attended twenty-five Retreats, he is given a small token of recognition by the group. This year the honor fell upon Dr. Etz and Dr. McCollester. At the meeting this evening a pair of pewter candlesticks was presented to each 25 year man, the presentation speech being made by Dr. Perkins. He started in a humorous vein by saying that the Fraters had been compelled to endure the presence of Drs. McCollester and Etz for a quarter of a century. He ended in expressing the profound appreciation and love of the Fraters for these two men.
[Picture]
“Dr. Etz”
Dr. Etz replied by saying that the candlestick were symbols of the light and inspiration which had come to him during his quarter century attendance. Dr. McCollester was reminiscent and sentimental. There by the hearth fire he saw other Fraters not present. Drs. Hall and Tomlinson in particular, both friends and classmates of Dr. McCollester – friends for over 60 years and so he added: “This is quite a shrine, fellows. The years multiply not in sadness, but in rich fellowship with men. Here one senses the reality of personality, something that abides. The things that remain have come from this place. Here there is a revelation of soul to soul. Someday, I will light this gift and talk of lighter things, but sentiment is perhaps after all, most close to fact.”
The Prior then introduced the speaker of this evening, Dr. William Wallace Rose of Lynn, Mass. who explained that he had first been asked to give a talk on “The Old Inn and the Tales.” Later it was announced that he would talk on “The Old Inn, The Tales and The Retreat.” Therefore he chose for his subject “The Old Inn, The Tales and The Retreat!” He took as a basis for his lecture the new book called “The Characters in the Tales of a Wayside Inn” and gave a summary of it. At the end Dr. Rose spoke of the similarity of Retreat group to the one pictured here by Longfellow. He did not make a definite comparison, but only touched on the thought that here in the Frater group there are and have been the same types of personalities described by Longfellow. It would be unfair to mention them by name, he said.
[Picture]
“Comparatively new members of the Retreat: Frazier – Hoyt – Fiske – Lobdell”
Tuesday, January 23, 1940 Pleasant
This year the Fraters seem to have more leisure time – not so many serious discussions or business meetings. They are plainly having a rest. They are taking walks to the Mill and school house and new chapel. They are especially interested in the chapel. This year the younger men of the group are coming more to the front and are fraternizing with the older members more than in the past. The group is changing. Drs. Tomlinson, Fisher and Gray have gone. Hammett and Hall are not able to be here. Their places are filled by younger men. Lalone, Frazier, Hoyt and Kapp. The last named is the minister in Rochester, New York. He thinks that the young faction of the Retreat should know more about the Inn. He is making it a point to learn its history, to make a study of its literary background. He expects to give some illustrated lectures about the Inn.
After dinner, cooked and served in the Old Kitchen, the Fraters adjourned this evening to the large Ball room. They sat in a corner near the fireplace while Miss Fischer accompanied by her friend Miss Sargent rendered two groups of songs. In between groups, Dr. Ellenwood, minister at Woonsocket, Rhode Island gave a reading of “King Robert of Sicily,” the young Sicilian’s story in the Tales. The whole program was beautifully rendered. The songs were well chosen. Dr. Coons’ reading was a fine interpretation of Longfellow’s work. The musical program was as follows:
Du bist wie eine Blum Schuman
Thy voice Schuman
Ein Traum Grieg
The Bird with the Broken Wing Colson
My love is like a red, red rose Scotch
The Star Rogers
Duet from Hansel & Gretal Humperdink
When I have sung my song Charles
Wednesday, January 24, 1940 Cloudy
This is the last day of the Retreat. In fact some of the Fraters left early this morning and most of them took leave shortly after the Communion Service. The Communion is held in the Old Kitchen. All have told us what a fine time they have had this year. We might say that the 1940 Retreat has been one of jolly good fellowship, shared whole heartedly by everyone present. A few side lights of the occasion come to mind.
Dr. Perkins laryngitis came on him again. This was the cause of much fun at Dr. Perkins’ expense. The other Fraters jokingly said “Dr. Perkins is at last talked out. It has taken 38 years to wear out his voice!”
Dr. van Schaick made friends with a little nut hatch and fed him from the window of the Garden room.
One of the ministers thought that the formal discussion on the subject of “Human Nature and the Nature of Evil” was the highest and finest discussion ever held here.
Dr. Leonard Carmichael, President of Tufts College was a dinner guest of the Fraters on Tuesday evening.
[Picture]
“Group photo of 1940 Retreat”
Fraters: Lalone, Brooks, van Schaick, Frazier, Rose, F. Leining, Kapp, Lowe, Lobdell, Huntley, Coons, Perkins, Cummins, Hoyt, Ellenwood.
———- 1941 ———-
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Sunday, January 26, 1941 Pleasant
Universalist Ministers 39th Annual Retreat
[Photograph]
“As Symbols of Hospitality — These Snow-capped Posts Welcomed the Fraters
as They Began to Arrive this Afternoon.”
The first to arrive was Dr. Seth R. Brooks from Washington, D.C. He greeted us gaily and told of seeing Miss deMille in the Capitol City on her way to Florida. Next came our dear friend Dr. John (van Schaick) with his young colleague, Dr. Emerson Lalone. Dean John Murray Atwood of St. Lawrence University arrived at 4:30 o’clock and from then on the usual warm greetings and welcoming of the Fraters could be seen and heard throughout the Wayside Inn.
Dr. Robert Cummins invited his wife and young son to come in to warm themselves before making the return trip to Boston. Two of the younger men, Dr. Max Kapp and Dr. William Wallace Rose, went from room to room as if inspecting their own home after a years absence. Most dignified Fraters and possibly the most brilliant intellectually, is Dr. Frederick Perkins. He has not missed one single Retreat. He came this year in time for supper and enlivened the already jovial scene with his quick wit and ever present graciousness. Part of the evening was spent in listening to Dr. Kapp read from “Among Friends” by Samuel McChord Carrothers. The essay read, is called “The Colonel at the Theological Seminary” and is full of humor. Every now and then the sentiment was expressed that the Fraters were glad to be back one more at the Wayside Inn.
All nine who arrived today were in fine spirits and we anticipate a lively, profitable three days.
Monday, January 27, 1941 Pleasant
Morning
At eight o’clock sharp, the nine first arrivals were seated in the dining room. Some had been up a long time, one or two had been out to view the winter landscape from the front of the Inn. All were very hungry.
[Picture]
“Winter Landscape – viewed by the Fraters”
After Breakfast a few walked to the Chapel service and came back enthused about the simple ceremony which takes place every school day morning in the beautiful new edifice at the corner of Dutton Road. The morning papers and some letters attracted the attention of the Fraters for a few minutes, but these every day matters were put aside as more Frater-friends arrived. Roger Etz, Dr. Huntley, Fred Leining were among those who came this morning and brought with them the three new-comers – Ellsworth C. Reamon of Syracuse, New York, Robert M. Rice of Arlington, Mass. And Harmon M. Gehr of Philadelphia. The last named brought with him his violin and he is to be unofficially the “Ole Bull” of the present group who —
“From the far off noisy town
Have to the Wayside Inn come down
To rest beneath its old oak trees”
[Picture]
“New Comers – Revs. Rice, Reamon, Gehr”
After a Book Review on “The Clue to History” given by Dr. Fred C. Leining, the group adjourned to the dining room for luncheon.
Afternoon
The early afternoon was spent in informal walks and talks; a two-some here, three or four there.
[Picture]
“Kapp, Fred Leining, Gus Leining, Gehr”
Gus Leining came into the foreground when he passed around some home-made molasses candy. He made it himself and proceeded to give a discourse on the benefits derived from eating molasses. “It gives you iron, it is good for your throat, it is fed to cattle” said Gus. He went on and on. – Up spoke Dr. Perkins – “You may be right, Gus, but I like to keep my medicine and my food separate!” Soon the talk turned to deeper things and Dr. Perkins’ advice was asked. He would begin: “Now, I do think boys – – -” Yes, this year the corporation between the older and younger men is noticeable. Old members are dropping off. Two years ago, Dr. Tomlinson, Dr. Fischer and Dr. Gray. Last year Dr. Hammett. This year, for one reason or another – mostly sickness – Drs. Hall, McCollester, Lowe and Sykes are missing. This year the young men outnumber the older ones. But the younger members are considerate, tactful and regard their elders with great affection and respect.
At twilight old and young gathered in the parlor where Dr. Kapp spoke on “Mysticism of the Poets.”
[Picture]
“Of the Old School – Drs. Atwood and van Schaick”
Evening
This evenings session of the Retreat was informal. The Inn family was invited to the large Ball room where the Fraters were found, seated near the piano. Miss Fisher accompanied the Reverend Gehr as he rendered several selections on the violin. They were beautiful, well known selections and played with an exquisite touch. The young man stood erect, his bow swung easily. With apparently little effort he brought forth great harmony and beauty from his instrument. The Fraters and family were appreciative and were delighted to hear several encores. Then the company drew their chairs close to the fireplace. Dr. Perkins sat at the left side near a low table. His talk was called “Renewing acquaintance with Longfellow.” In this Dr. Perkins brought forth several heretofore unknown facts about our poet. But first he gave a very brief history of the Inn. He remarked that had it not been for Longfellow, the little company gathered in the Ball room would likely not be there. He spoke of Mr. Lemon and said that Mr. Lemon once told him of the temptations which confronted him when he took over the Inn; the temptation to make of the Inn a common roadhouse, how he had to win the confidence of people who were interested in having the Inn preserved because of its historical and literary associations. He wanted to bring students here, Wellesley college girls and those to whom the Inn would have a literary appeal.
Dr. Perkins mentioned Longfellow as a great man – a man greater than anything he did; a great man speaking through poetry. Then he told of the tragedy in Longfellow’s life, the loss of his second wife when she was burned to death. He read “The Cross of Snow” which Longfellow wrote after the fatal accident. Dr. Perkins called attention to the appeal of Longfellow’s poems, their moral earnestness, their appeal to the heart, to self-reliance. He spoke of the extraordinary variety of the meter in Longfellow’s work. He called the poet “a master in the technique of poetry.”
The most astonishing fact brought forth was in regard to the poet’s birthplace. It is commonly recorded that he was born in Portland, Maine. In 1807, however, Maine was not a state. It was then a district of Massachusetts, and belonged within the territorial limits of Massachusetts. This puts Longfellow’s home and birthplace in Massachusetts and not in Maine!
Dr. Perkins’ interest in maritime subjects led him to tell of Longfellow’s love of the sea and of his familiarity with everything pertaining to the sea, boats for example, as shown in “The Building of the Ship.”
The poet, himself, could easily have stepped into the picture on this cold January night. Dr. Perkins brought the character of the man before us so vividly he seemed to be here. Longfellow would have rejoiced to find tonight another group of friends gathered before the fireplace, a group as full of the spirit of plain living and high thinking as was the one he put here nearly a hundred years ago.
Tuesday, January 28, 1941 Pleasant
Morning
As on Monday, the ministers were up at an early hour. More went to the Chapel service this morning, then came back to a business meeting in the old kitchen. It is in the Old Kitchen where these men are most serious. There is an informality to the room, it invites serious and intimate discussion. Their business meeting is confidential and never very long. Only the older members are included. New members are discussed, voted in.
Immediately following the business meeting, Dean John Murray Atwood read a paper on “Mysticism and Pragmatism.” In fact the key subject of the meetings this year was “Mysticism.” Dean Atwood’s talk was of great interest. Many termed it “the best we’ve ever had here.”
Afternoon
A Retreat custom which was not overlooked this year was the matter of picture-taking. This comes immediately after luncheon on Tuesday. The men don overcoats and hats and group themselves on the front step for a picture. Cameras click and the “ordeal”, as some call it, is over in a few minutes.
[Picture]
“All Nineteen Members of the ’41 Retreat”
The day was cold but very pleasant. Many of the “boys” went for a walk and returning sat in the bar-room where talk was lively until the Twilight Hour. Then the Parlor was again the gathering place, and Dr. Donald F.B. Hoyt the speaker. He spoke on “Recent Mysticism in Tragic Experience.”
Evening
Every year the Retreat members look forward to their Old Kitchen dinner. Throughout the afternoon they go frequently to the fireplace where preparations are under way. They talk with the people who are making ready and inquire into all the old time methods of cooking. They peer into the iron pots and return to see if the roast is cooking properly. At six o’clock, tonight, the large roast of beef was done to the right turn and all sat down to partake of the bounteous meal. “Never was roast beef more delicious” was the consensus of opinion as the ministers emerged from the kitchen.
A few stayed around the dinner table and began to sing. Others joined them and shortly the room was filled again with these ecclesiastical gentlemen. It was not pre-arranged, this evenings entertainment. Dr. Clarence R. Skinner who was scheduled to speak couldn’t come because of illness. Therefore it was an informal, extemporaneous affair. We don’t know exactly what happened. We only know that mens voices, blended in perfect harmony, came forth singing old familiar hymns and, “in each intervening pause, the music of a violin.” The violin was again heard and at times, hearty laughter. Singing, laughter, talk went on till a late hour. The hostesses and Inn family all retired and left the freedom of this old house, which holds so many beautiful memories and associations, in the hands of nineteen ministers.
Wednesday, January 29, 1941 Pleasant
Breakfast over, the ministers prepared themselves for the Upper Room Service, a Communion Service which this year, for the first time, was held in our Chapel. Dr. van Schaick conducted the service which can be best described in his own words:
“It was an experience for all of us. Not because of anything that I did, but because of the day, the place, the sun, the music, the all.”
[Picture]
“The Chapel as it looked to the ministers – when they approached it for their Communion Service.”
The Communion Service is the last on the official program of the Retreat. The ministers stayed for luncheon, then said their good-byes. We were reluctant to see them go as they were to leave. It is at this point that words fail. Never can the feelings these men hold for the Inn be expressed, either by the men themselves or by the writer of the Diary. What they glean from their three days here is intangible. The Inn pries deep into the hearts and souls of these men. They take from it something which makes a deep impression and is never forgotten. In return they give as much. By their presence, the Inn becomes a richer and finer place.
———- 1942 ———–
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Sunday, January 25, 1942 Pleasant
40th Retreat- Universalist Ministers
van Schaick, Rose, Brooks, McCollester and Perkins … men as strong and noble in character as the very timbers of this ancient place. They are here tonight under the same gambrel roof which sheltered Fraters of a Wayside Inn Retreat exactly forty years ago. A fire burns cheerily on the hearth and we notice that the Grandfather clock is ticking a new and livelier tune. As the pendulum swings back and forth we hear for – tee, for – tee, for – tee.
Yes, forty years ago Dr. Frederick W. Perkins came across country from his little parish church in Haverhill, Mass. to meet at the Wayside Inn two other Universalist ministers, Drs. Albion and Tomlinson. “It was a stormy Monday”, said Dr. Perkins as he looked back upon that first Retreat. “We had no idea then that the Fraters would continue to come here for forty years.” There were only three men that first year. More came the second year and more continued to come until a limit in number was set at twenty. Some dropped out and others joined. During those first years it was a transitory group. Later it became more stabilized. In what we might call the second half of Retreat history (1923 – 1942) we too have witnessed changes, especially in the past few years. But now, on this 40th anniversary eve we find gathered here twenty Fraters who are particularly congenial – one with another; men who are faithful to the Retreat ideals; young men who will carry on the great traditions of fellowship and service founded by those three men – Albion, Tomlinson and Perkins in January 1902.
Let us look in upon the Fraters of 1942, Dr. van Schaick – known to Fraters and Inn household alike as “Dr. John” – is bending near the lamp in the bar-room. His long, delicately shaped fingers hold a book and we see him adjust his glasses several times as he reads a few paragraphs from Thoreau’s “Cape Cod.” All listen until someone mentions Thoreau’s “Walden Pond.” Then a discussion begins “Is ‘Walden’ his best book?” After a while we hear talk about Tragedy. What is it” Define it? Rose gives an example. Brooks expresses his idea of it. There is no disagreement; there is no arguing. Each man is given a chance to express his viewpoint. He does not force his opinion upon the others. Dr. Perkins on the outskirts of the group ended this particular discussion this way; “I say, boys, the Tragedy is, that no one can define Tragedy.!”
[Picture]
“Dr. Frederick W. Perkins – Charter Member – He has not missed a single Retreat.”
Fraters from long distances came in during the late evening. A particularly warm greeting was given Fred Leining and Dr. Reamon as they drove in from Syracuse, New York. They started after their morning church services – eight hours by motor. Modest, quiet Harmon Gehr, the Ole Bull of the present group arrived from Philadelphia and as the “Goodnight Devotions” were taking place, Wallace Fiske appeared with his usual friendly smile.
“Goodnight Devotions” are an innovation this year and are to be held in the Old Kitchen at 10 o’clock. Tonight a few minutes were given to prayers and a hymn. Not long afterwards the Fraters and Inn family retired. More than one closed his eyes on this Winter night, forty years after, with these words ringing in his heart:
“Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the Helpless, O, abide with me.”
Monday, January 26, 1942 Pleasant, warm
The official program of the Retreat- if there is anything “official” about a small typewritten sheet – announced that there would be a book review this morning at 10:30 o’clock. Dr. Rose who was to review Sorokin’s book, “The Crisis of Our Age” was called back to his parish for a funeral. Therefore the afternoon program was shifted ahead. This was a reading by Miss Staples of “Leaves from the Inn Diary.” Selections were read which told of Retreat activities several years ago. The older men were particularly interested in an account of a Spelling Bee. They chuckled over a description of the time-keeper and the way in which the Bee was conducted. The “Spelling Bee” was a Retreat tradition for many years and was generally held the Parlor on Tuesday evening. It was finally given up and “nearly broke Dr. Tomlinson’s heart when we no longer had the Spelling Bee” said Dr. Etz. Before leaving the old Kitchen this morning the Fraters peered out one of the front windows to see a couple of snow drops. They have appeared in other years at Retreat time. This year it seems as if they had made a special effort to show their tiny white heads to the Fraters.
This 40th is a Retreat of rest and relaxation. “Never was a Retreat so much needed as this one,” we overheard a Frater remark. There are no particularly deep discussions. War talk is conspicuous by its absence. This afternoon the Fraters were like boys on a school holiday. Drs. Fiske and Reamon found some skates down in the basement and headed toward Josephine Pond with them. Near the fire in the bar-room a two-some played chess while a third looked on. Dr. Ellenwood went to his room to take a nap. Others walked to the Mill and along Dutton Road. Dodging through the hallways during the afternoon were several bewhiskered gentlemen in flowing robes and high collars. They were rehearsing for the Dramatic Presentation of “Longfellow and His Friends” to be given tomorrow evening. We shut our eyes when we saw these strange characters. We do not want to meet Luigi Monti or Henry Ware Wales until the proper time comes!
This evening was devoted to “The Retreat and its Traditions.” The 40 years were divided into four parts. Dr. Perkins took the beginnings. Dr. McCollester followed with “The Second Period”, while the third speaker was Dr. Etz who recounted events in the Transition Period. Dr. Seth R. Brooks told of the Later Period. From reports we learned that a very fine history of the Retreat was given. “Goodnight Devotions” followed and this the first day of this 40th Retreat ended.
[Pictures]
“Drs. Reamon and Leining – the two “boys” from Syracuse”
van Schaick and Brooks
Tuesday, January 27, 1942 Pleasant, warm
Someone spoke to Dr. Perkins about the “scribe” of the Retreat- meaning Dr. Roger F. Etz Yes, he is the one officer of the Retreat” said Dr. Perkins. “I never remember of his being elected; he has never been re-elected and he has never resigned!”
The annual business meeting – always of short duration was held in the Old Kitchen this morning. Then the Fraters listened to Dean Clarence R. Skinner of Tufts College speak on “Can we believe in Peace?”
Directly after luncheon, cameras were brought downstairs and the announcement made that the time had come at last when the ministers must look pleasant! Then followed walks and talks and more rehearsing for tonight’s performance.
As is the custom every year – two or three of the Fraters rode over to Framingham to call on Dr. Albion one of the original three who started the Retreat (Albion, Tomlinson and Perkins). Perkins has not missed a single Retreat; Tomlinson died in 1938; Albion is ill and has not been able to attend the meetings for several years. It was therefore a fine gesture this afternoon for a delegation to call upon this one absentee. At dinner, cooked and served in the Old Kitchen, a report was made – all were informed of the visit to Dr. Albion.
The table was long and the red table cloth and large bowl of apples delighted the Fraters as they partook of roast beef done to a “turn” on the spit. There were many laughs and songs as the dinner progressed. Then came a surprise. Miniature Red Horse signs – made by the boys in the school and painted by Miss Fisher – were presented to every man present. It was a souvenir of this 40th Retreat and at the bottom of each sign were the words “The Fraters” and the dates “1902 – 1942”
[Picture]
“The Fraters – 1942
Not all the “40 year” men – but many have come to the Inn twenty and twenty-five years in succession.”
Longfellow and his friends at the Wayside Inn
A few members of the Inn family and those of the Fraters who were not taking part in the performance, assembled in the Parlor at 8 o’clock this evening. Three rows of chairs had been placed on the south side of the room and the audience waited impatiently for the time to come when they would see “Longfellow and His Friends at the Wayside Inn.”
First we must explain that Donald Hoyt, shortly after his arrival on Sunday, was inspired to write a Sonnet on the Inn. This he read as an Introduction…..
“The Red Horse Tavern on the old post road
Sheltered a genial band through many years
——————————
Still through these halls today, a ghostly crew
Make known their presence, certain in renown.”
Then came a voice for the rear – A Prologue
“I who now speak am called the Wayside Inn. In the 17th and 18th centuries I was known as Howe’s Tavern. When Colonel Ezekiel Howe put up my sign with its Red Horse, people began to call me the Red Horse Tavern. Finally Mr. Longfellow wrote the book which gave me a new name.
…………………………………………..
Men still hunger and thirst. Beef is beef and beds are beds and the firelight makes the same flickering shadows on the wall. No different tie bound the men who told the Tales from that which binds the Fraters of today. The joys and sorrows of 1686 and 1942 are just alike. Love is love and hate is hate in buckskin or in velvet.”
Jerusha Howe came softly into the room. As she played upon the old Spinet, her brother Lyman, the Landlord, appeared. He put a log on the fire and announced:
“They’re all here now. Mr. Longfellow and Mr. Monti came by carriage from Cambridge…. they’re as gleeful as boys let out of school.”
Jerusha (Miss Fisher) spoke her mind:
“At least we’ll have some talk now about things other than cattle and horses and prices. I’m glad to see them come, but I’ll be glad to seem them go, I must confess…. These learned men get stuffy after a time.”
Then they all came in – chatting and laughing – Ole Bull with his violin, the Spanish Jew in long flowing robes, Luigi Monti the young Sicilian, with beard which “shot sideways like a swallow’s wings.” The Theologian and the Poet sat on the sofa. Longfellow was asked to read new verses just published. The impersonation of Longfellow was finely done. Dr. Cummins played the part and read all the stanzas of “My Lost Youth..”
“A boy’s will is the wind’s will
And the thoughts of youth are
long, long thoughts.”
Next came the reading of the Monk of Casal-Maggiore, the third Tale told by the Young Sicilian in Longfellow’s book. Luigi Monti was in reality Dr. William Wallace Rose.
And like in Longfellow’s story the Young Sicilian was asked to play upon the Spinet. This he did while the group joined in singing “Star of the Azure Sky.” Next Wales (The Student) spoke up saying,
“Here’s Edrehi, silent as a frozen brook. Come Isaac, forget that fond listening to the ghostly chimney winds.”
And with some persuasion Edrehi, (The Spanish Jew) told his tale – “Azrael.” At last, Longfellow suggests that Ole Bull play a tune. This he did, an old Norwegian melody.
A voice is heard again from the rear of the audience:
“And drowsily goodnight they said
And went still gossiping to bed
And left the parlor wrapped in gloom”
All went out of the room – saying “Goodnight” to each other and “still gossiping.” From the next room a soft humming of “Star of the Azure Sky” was heard. The landlord entered, alone, and put another log on the fire.
Cast
Longfellow Robert Cummins
Landlord Fred Leining
Ole Bull Harmon Gehr
Luigi Monti Wallace Rose
Treadwell Roger Etz
Ponto (slave) Wallace Fiske
Jerusha Miss Fisher
Edrehi Max Kapp
Parsons Gus Leining
Wales Emerson Lalone
Voice Frederic W. Perkins
Wednesday, January 28, 1942 Pleasant
[Picture]
“Dr. Emerson Hugh Lalone”
Reamon and Leining were up early this morning and on their way towards Syracuse before 8 o’clock. The rest of the Fraters stayed for the Communion Service held in the Martha-Mary Chapel. This took place at 10 o’clock with Dr. McCollester conducting the service. A few said their goodbyes before luncheon. The majority left directly after luncheon. Lalone, Kapp and Hoyt remained – waiting for transportation. The time had been all too short. The Fraters were ever so grateful. Each one expressed his appreciation. Dr. John quietly handed us a picture of Longfellow made in 1863 – the year he published the “Tales.” “I want you to have it for the Inn” he said.
Longfellow wrote a Finale – But there is no Finale to write as this 40th Retreat comes to a close. Men will continue to come and go for forty times forty years – such men as Ezekiel Howe, Ole Bull, Treadwell, Lafayette and Tomlinson. No matter what race or creed or in what time. Only the Inn will remain – its character strengthened and beautified by the imprints left by these men – deep imprints of mind and heart and soul.
[Picture]
“Dr. Lee S. McCollester”
[Text of instructions and the play – appended to the “Wayside Inn Diary”]
—————————————–
Longfellow and His Friends
At The Wayside Inn
____________________________________________
Suggested characters
Longfellow Robert Cummins
Landlord Fred Leining
Ole Bull Harmon Gehr
Luigi Monti Wallace Rose
Treadwell Roger Etz
Ponto Wallace Fiske
Jerusha Miss Fisher
Edrehi Max Kapp
Parsons Gus Leining
Wales Emerson Lalone
Voice Frederick W. Perkins
The characters should be costumed in garb appropriate to gentlemen of 1860. If make-shifts must be made, Prince Albert coats with black or white mufflers around stand-up collars could be used.
This episode is definitely planned for the parlor. It could be shifted to the ball-room, but much of its effect would be lost.
Play takes an hour. Characters may read parts. M. A. Kapp
__________________________________________
A prologue may be written for this episode. It takes place in the parlor. The friends enter from the hall door … leave by door into the Washington Room.
******
Jerusha at spinet… playing gently.
Landlord comes in with small log, glances appraisingly at the fire on the hearth; finds it blazing well; returns log, and speaks to Jerusha who continues playing.
———————–
Landlord: Well, Jerusha, they’re all here now. Mr. Longfellow and Mr. Monti came by carriage from Cambridge. I put them in the Lafayette Room, and they’re as gleeful as boys let out of school. The coach brought the others. Slapping each other on the back, and sounding the scales while Ole Bull tunes up the fiddle! Hear them? My, its good to have them all together again!
Jerusha: At least we’ll have some talk now about things other than cattle and horses and prices. I’m glad to see them come, but I’ll be glad to see them go, I must confess. Now, no lifted eye-brows, Lyman. I speak my mind. These learned men get stuffy after a time.
Landlord: Jerusha, whenever you play those melancholy tunes you say the dangdest things……
Jerusha: Never mind, Lyman. And please remember your dignity. You rush about the place with logs for the fire and what-not whenever Mr. Longfellow and his friends are here….. but I never see you performing such tasks for others. Instead its “Hey, Ponto! Ho, Ponto!” whenever someone wants as much as a light for his pipe.
Ponto:(Appearing in doorway): Yassah! Yassah! Here Ah is!
Jerusha: No one called you, you busy-body. Go about your work!
Lyman: Now Jerusha, please…. no scenes. Ponto, go along now. Look… the snow is falling. We’ll be cozy here tonight, and… I trust, no travelers off the road. Hmmm! Is the cider ready and the apples…. you know how they all like apples?
Jerusha: You know everything is ready. You’ve fussed and fumed for three days! You’ve spoken to me about the beds and cider and logs twenty times today. Please be good enough to give me credit for a few brains on my own account.
Lyman: Yes, my dear, of course, of course. Whatever you say. They’ll be down in a moment.
(Exit Jerusha)
Landlord: Ah! There’s Bull! No one plays like Ole Bull!
(Violin outside the door, coming closer….. Landlord sits…. Ole Bull wanders in, playing, stands near fire)
Landlord:(after tune is over) The Old Inn is made happier by your fiddle, Mr. Bull. I think even the Red Horse on the sign capers to know you’re here once more.
Bull: Ah……Lyman! Applause here is like your cider… never lacking. The others are coming down?
Landlord: Yes…. here they come.
(Enter others…. Monti, Treadwell, Wales, Edrehi, Parsons and Longfellow… Parsons carries newspaper or old magazine; they speak of Bull’s music… the weather… the coziness of the Inn tonight… they take seats)
Treadwell: Come, Thomas, explain this heresy of yours. How dare you bring a paper into this company? Do you anticipate being bored and provide a refuge against it?
Parsons: Leave it to the Theologians to put the worst face upon a matter. But this time I put you to shame…. Daniel! These are new verses that Henry has just had published!
(Others applaud and shout: Good! Bravo!)
Parsons: I knew well our modest poet would never read them for us unless I brought them here, exposed his deed and created this atmosphere of irresistible expectation.
Others: Here, here! The verses! Read them!
Longfellow The truth is, my friends, I wrote them only that you would coax me to read them. I went to much trouble to have all this fall out just as it did, you may be sure!
Parsons: Then without more ado… dispose yourselves gentlemen… Let’s have the verses.
Longfellow There’s one stipulation.
Wales: Now it comes. These Maine-men are always driving bargains.
Longfellow But you would be disappointed if I failed to make this one. The stipulation is that when I’ve finished, Monti will tell us a tale.
Monti: Throwing modesty aside… I should be less than candid if I did not confess that I have a tale to tell…. and I’m more than thankful for this gracious introduction. And now the verse!
Longfellow reads: My Lost Youth (All stanzas)
Often I think of the beautiful town
That is seated by the sea;
Often in thought go up and down
The Pleasant streets of that dear old town
And my youth comes back to me.
And a verse of Lapland song
Is haunting my memory still:
“A boy’s will is the wind’s will
And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts.”Parsons: Henry— you’ve touched our hearts deeply… more deeply than we can say. You’ve spoken there for every man who leaves behind his golden summer and walks into the snow-flecked autumn. And as one poet to another, let me say, when most of your lines slumber in oblivion, these will live and be gratefully remembered.
Longfellow You’re more than kind. But now I’ve done my part. Come Luigi, what tale of horror, pity or adventure have you conjured up in that unpredictable mind of yours? Out with it now!
Luigi: “Lordlings, listen, everyone that listens may, unto a tale that’s merrier than a nightingale. A tale that can not boast, forsooth, a single rag or shred of truth… therefore I tell it, or maybe simply because it pleases me.”
Luigi reads story of the Monk of Casal-Maggiore. (Some stanzas may be omitted)
Treadwell I trust, Luigi, there was nothing in the behavior of this ascetic company to remind you of that ample monk?
Luigi: Theologians who delve into the mysteries of revelation should know better than I the strange sources of our memories and the promptings of imagination. But lest we argue the dry stuff of theology, – Where’s the cider, Landlord, and mind you, cider…. not brook water in which fallen apples have sometime floated.
Landlord: Come, Ponto! Bring the cider… and don’t forget the apples. This cider, sir, might be crushed from the golden gardens of Hesperides, or failing that, from fruit in ancient Eden. And if it suits not that harsh taste of yours, there’s some from last year…..
Wales: Let’s have the sweet; at least, ’twill keep the conversation more connected.
Parsons: Monti, we’ve heard none of your Sicilian tunes tonight. Of course, we’d much prefer to hear Jerusha, but since she’s busy, come and play.
Luigi: Anything to keep you in the realm of song. (Luigi plays, and then starts the song: “Star of the Azure Sky”, all joining.)
Wales: Here’s Edrehi, silent as a frozen brook. Come, Israel, forget that fond listening to the ghostly chimney-winds. Tell me this; why was it that in breaking bread at supper, you bent down your head, and, musing, paused a little space, as one who says a silent grace?
Edrehi: I said the Manichaen’s prayer. It was his faith — perhaps it is mine — that life in all its forms is one and that its secret conduits run, unseen, but in unbroken line from the great fountain head divine. We cannot die, but pass from one into another shape. It is but into life we die.”
Treadwell: Then even in bread you think some portion of divine life stays?
Edrehi: So the Manichaen thought. This was his prayer at breaking bread:
“I did not reap thee, did not bind thee,
I did not thresh thee, did not grind thee.
Nor did I in the oven bake thee,
It was not I, it was another
Did these things unto Thee, O brother;
I only have thee, hold thee, break thee!”
Luigi: That was your dream then as you doze a moment since with eyes half closed and murmured something into your beard.
Edrehi: No, not that, but something very near… listen to me and you shall hear. (Spanish Jew’s Tale…Azrael)
“King Solomon, before his palace gate”
Luigi: “O Edrohi, forbear tonight your ghostly legends of affright, and let the Talmud rest in peace; spare us your dismal tales of death that almost take away one’s breath; so doing, may your tribe increase.
Longfellow I shall not forget that tale, Israel. But there’s Ole Bull, equally ready with tale or tune. The hour grows late, but not too late for music that will lure sweet dream to all our pillows. Ole, will you play again for us?
Ole: Perhaps this melody of old Norway will delight you. (Plays)
Voice: Reads the Finale… actors suiting action to verses— yawning, stretching gently, pantomiming “goodnight.”… quietly leave the fireside…. music continues…. when all are out of the room…. actors will hum softly “Star of the Azure Sky” from the next room.
The End
———- 1943 ———-
Return to Main Menu
Sunday, January 24, 1943 Very pleasant
41st Retreat Universalist Ministers
This quiet old house was livened today by the arrival of the Wayside Inn Fraters. The old clock ticked a bit louder, the fires burned brighter and all within were happier because the time had come for the 41st Annual Retreat.
This year the Fraters journeyed by train, trolley and bus. Not one came by automobile. At six o’clock there were thirteen ministers ready to eat supper. A new man was noticed. He was introduced as Reverend G.H. Ulrich from North Carolina. “This Retreat will be a great event for Dr. Ulrich” said Dr. Etz. “He comes from a rural district “Seven Springs” where he is doing a fine piece of missionary work. It just happens that he is having a vacation … so we invited him here.” Dr. Ulrich is tall and thin with a broad Scandinavian face – and his eyes have an unusually kind expression.
[Picture]
“Dr. Ulrich … Doing a fine piece of Missionary work”
Another “new” Frater will be the Reverend Joseph Beach of Worcester who is expected tomorrow.
At ten o’clock the gentle tune of “Now the Day is Over” floated into every nook and corner of the Inn – coming from the Old Kitchen where “Good Night Devotions” were held.
“Jesus give the weary
Calm and sweet repose
With Thy tenderest blessings
May our eyelids close.”
Monday, January 25, 1943 Snow and sleet
The recreational project of the Fraters this year is whittling. Dr. Kapp was the instigator of the plan. He thought the design of a hand made wooden spatula would be a good pattern to follow. Mr. Sennott furnished some small pieces of pine and knives were provided. During the morning session which was a review of the book “The Robe”, several Fraters whittled. Then after lunch they whittled again. It is a good indoor sport. Dr. van Schaick has also arranged some entertainment. He brought three or four boxes of delicious candy, gum drops, chocolates, caramels and nuts. He is the same kindly soul who goes about putting in a kind word here and a kind word there. He told of Dr. Brooks work in the Washington Church – “Up early in the morning, he is apt to arrive at his church office an hour ahead of time — then stays late with overtime work. He doesn’t let a detail of the parish organization escape him” said Dr. John.
A great source of amusement was furnished when Dr. Rose broke a front tooth while eating an olive. “He tried to eat the stone too” someone said. Consequently Wallace (Rose) has not been able to pronounce his f’s. “I’ve got to write my next sermon without using any f’s” he said. A favorite pastime is to ask Wallace to repeat “Faith of our Fathers”! Someone else suggested that it would have been better if Wallace had impersonated the Young Sicilian with his “moustache like swallow’s wings” – this year instead of last year.
[Picture]
“Dr. William Wallace Rose of Lynn, Mass. Smile, Wallace, smile”
At the “Twilight Hour” Frater Lalone spoke on “What have we a right to believe?” And in the evening a Memorial service for Dr. Richard Sykes – former Frater was held After this, Dr. McCollester and Dr. Etz gave “Recollections of other Retreats.”
[Picture]
“Our good friend and Frater Dr. Roger Etz”
Tuesday, January 26, 1943 Cloudy, fog
The annual business meeting of the Fraters was held this morning followed by a discussion of “The most immediate problems facing the Universalist Church today.” The afternoon was free; some of the Fraters rested in their rooms, others walked outdoors and several continued their whittling. Dr. Lalone is carving a find panel in old time design – Reamon from Syracuse, New York expects to present his wife with a wooden spoon. Kapp sticks to the spatula.
Before supper there is usually a kind of impromptu gathering in the bar-room and talk is lively. “Remember the time I preached in Brattleboro and had to change the subject of my sermon in a hurry?” asked Dr. Lalone. It seems that the chosen subject was “Behold the Man” and the hymn to accompany it, “God Send us Men.” The choir being composed of girls, someone suggested a quick change! Such remarks as this are frequently heard. “The nicest part of my program yesterday was the fact that Wallace didn’t snore!” Supper was announced. “Come to supper, Fred” – Fred: “Do I have to eat again? I ate yesterday.” But in the old kitchen where all the meetings have been held this year, the Fraters are reverent and dignified. They are eager to hear a worth-while message; something spiritual and inspiring. They are not so much concerned this year with the War as with the Peace. Tonight a very wonderful paper was read by Dr. Kapp under the general subject “Great Personalities” and the Inn.” It was a fantastic thing. He walked to the stone bridge at midnight, listened to a conversation among the brook, the road, the old oaks and the Inn.. A kind of gossiping among the four. A great tribute was paid the older men of the Retreat. Dr. Perkins talked informally about two Fraters of the earlier Retreat days. Miss Staples shared by telling of more recent great personalities. This program was preceded by violin music in the Ball-room. Frater Gehr from Philadelphia again took the part of “Ole Bull” with Miss Fisher at the piano. Music, serious talk, light talk and prayers ended the day.
[Picture]
“Reverend Joseph Beach of Worcester – a Retreat guest”
Wednesday, January 27, 1943 Cloudy
[Picture]
“Rev. Wallace Fiske of Haverhill, Mass. (Soon to join the Army Chaplain Corps)
There is a kind of hustle and bustle on this last morning of the Retreat. Bags are packed and bus schedules examined. Before leaving, the Communion Service was held in the Martha-Mary Chapel. Then good-byes were said and deep appreciation expressed as the ministers left for their homes and parishes. Dr. McCollester was on his way to Darien, Connecticut and later to Florida. Dr. Perkins said he was not going to rush. He stayed with few others for lunch, then lingered in the bar-room. He is retired from the largest church in the Universalist denomination. It seemed as if he wanted to stay at the Inn forever. Forty-one years he has come and gone at this annual Retreat. For the forty-first time he said “Good-bye.”
[Picture]
“And ‘Good-by’ until next year to Fraters Hoyt, Fraser, Reamon and Lalone”
———- 1944 ———-
Return to Main Menu
Sunday, January 23, 1944 Pleasant
This was the opening day of the 42nd Annual Retreat of Universalist Ministers. A full report, including pictures, will appear in the Diary of a few weeks hence and will be called the “Retreat Supplement.” In the meantime a brief account of the Fraters and their meetings will be given, Dr. Robert Cummins and Dr. William Wallace Rose were the first to arrive this afternoon. They were followed shortly by several more Fraters including Dr. John van Schaick. He, who is one of the oldest and dearest of the group, expressed regret because of the fact that he must return to Washington tomorrow. He would stay for supper this evening, however. The Retreat will miss him very much, also the two members who have passed away during the year . . Drs. Frederick W. Perkins and Lee S. McCollester. Four new men will come to fill vacancies. One of them, Rev. J.A. Parkhurst of Waltham, Mass. Arrived late this afternoon just in time to join eight of the ministers at the supper table. During the evening others arrived including Ellsworth C. Reamon of Syracuse, New York recently appointed President of the Universalist Church of America.
Monday, January 24, 1944 Pleasant
The Retreat program had to be revised this morning when Frater Donald Hoyt was called back to his parish to conduct a funeral service. Consequently his paper – “Walt Whitman and his poetry” which was to have been given tomorrow afternoon, was read this morning.
After luncheon, nearly all the ministers started out together for a walk. The Parmenter house was their objective and after seeing it many expressed their interest in its setting and its antiquity.
This afternoon meeting at 4:30 o’clock was a discussion on “What is Happening in Our Parishes” or in other words an exchange of pastoral experiences. In the evening “Gus” Leining gave a book review of Klausner’s “From Jesus to Paul” after which the men stayed in the old Kitchen for Evening Devotions. These were conducted by Frater Emerson Hugh Lalone.
Tuesday, January 25, 1944 Partly cloudy
The Retreat is in full swing with twenty ministers in attendance. The day was spent in about the same way as yesterday – walks and talks. Harmon Gehr replaced Mr. Hoyt at the afternoon session and gave a very good paper on Music. He is the “Ole Bull” of the Retreat with a young studious face and slightly graying hair. Tonight Frater Gehr treated the Inn family to a fine concert in the large Ballroom with Miss Fisher as accompanist. “The Musician” is pastor of the Universalist church in Philadelphia. From the Ball-room the Fraters adjourned to the old kitchen where Evening Devotions were held and where strains of music from a violin were again heard. Nothing else, not a whisper. Yet twenty men sat there, around the fireplace listening to the lovely music of Schubert’s Ave Maria.
Wednesday, January 26, 1944 Cloudy
After a Communion Service in memory of Dr. Perkins and Dr. McCollester held at the long table in the old kitchen this morning, the Fraters of the 1944 Retreat began their departure. Those going long distances were the first to leave and a delegation of about ten said “good-by” just before lunch. The rest, including Dr. Roger Etz, scribe, and Dr. Max Kapp, Prior, remained for the noon meal. When the Worcester-bound bus stopped in front of the Inn at 2 o’clock, the last group waved farewell. Before departing, however, each and every Frater expressed his appreciation of a very fine time. “It was a good Retreat and as usual the hospitality of the Inn was perfect” said Frater Rose.
Thursday, January 27, 1944 Warm
And as usual after the Annual Minister’s Retreat the Inn seems empty. Today we are going from room to room picking up a book here or a chair there, putting it in its accustomed place. The Poet and the Student and the Musician keep appearing. We see them before the fireplace or walking through the hall. Dr. Beach is in the corner of the Washington room rocking in the old Windsor char – or Douglas Frazier with head tilted back is against two pillows on the old Kitchen settle – or Dr. Lowe is writing post-cards to his parishioners. It will be a day or two before the Inn becomes an Inn again with strangers roaming around. The Fraters make of it a real home. For three days they are the “family” living here.
Friday, January 28, 1944 Warm
Such an unusually warm spell as we are having should be recorded. Warm enough to let the Boilers go out last night. School girls are wearing Spring coats. Someone saw a bluebird. Dirt roads are muddy and the thermometer is registering around 60 degrees.
Today the writer of the Diary is going over material left by the Fraters and is writing the “Retreat Supplement” which will be attached to the Diary as soon as pictures are developed and printed.
Saturday, January 29, 1944 Cloudy
Saturday evening is always a bit more gay than other evenings of the week. More people come in for dinner and the Bowkers, bringing their roses, always create a lovely party spirit. Tonight was not exception. Lovely yellow roses were in the Bowker’s box and several dinner parties consisting of four or five persons each, were noted. The ladies looked especially pretty and most of the men were in uniform.
Sunday, January 30, 1944 Pleasant, colder
(Note: a slight departure will be made this week from the usual set-up of the Diary. Guests of the week will be reported on the Saturday page.)
Let Things Go On!
(With apologies to William Wallace Rose)
In this time of testing and trial let us maintain our Inn at the peak of its effectiveness-
Let guests come.
Let meals be served.
Let rest and peace await weary travelers.
Let all who keep this house remain faithful to their duties.
Let there be some hardship and tedious work and the saving grace of fun and fellowship.
Let things go on.
Keep the Inn a homing place for those who are away from home; for men and women in the service of our country. Extend a friendly hand. Speak an encouraging word to them and think of them after they are gone. Let the Inn symbolize the best American ideals and traditions. The mighty bulwarks of civilization are built upon such a shrine as this!
Supplement to the Wayside Inn Diary, Week of January 23 – January 29, 1944
42nd Universalist Retreat
———————–
Any religious Retreat might well be divided into three parts . . . Meditation, Brotherhood and Relaxation. These divisions were fully expressed in the Retreat of Wayside Inn Fraters which opened today, January 23, 1944. Special emphasis was placed upon Meditation. For the first time, a period was set aside on the official program for a “Quiet Hour” (1:30-2:30 P.M.). Max Kapp prepared an eight page manual to be used. One of the first paragraphs begins:
“Each one bears his cross alone . . each one waits at time in “the wistful Inn of thoughts” . . each one desires powers he does not now possess. By the opening of our souls, may we be enabled to receive. By facing the secret importunities of our spirits, we may turn about and find the huntsman who pursued us is the Gentle Christ.”
The Quiet Hour did not overshadow other features of the Retreat. Ample time was allowed for meetings, good fellowship and relaxation. The spirit of Brotherhood prevailed in the welcoming of four “new” men – Rev. R.H. Barber of New Haven, Connecticut, Rev. Charles H. Monbleau of Malden, Mass., Rev. J.A. Parkhurst of Waltham, Mass. And Rev. B. B. Hersey of New York City.
While not unmindful of the vacancies they were filling, the Fraters welcomed the new-comers enthusiastically and happily. They were made to feel at home. They chatted freely and were graciously included in every part of the fellowship. The “Quiet Hour” program suggests that by paying attention to his own spirit, no one should despise or forsake “the wider brother lines which make religion the sharing of bread and beauty.”
Bread was shared at the communion service held on Wednesday morning, a memorial service to the two beloved men who passed away during the year, Drs. Frederick W. Perkins and Lee S. McCollester.
Relaxation is always a major part of the Retreat. “A golden opportunity for a man to relax” said Frater Lalone, while another remarked that be began to relax as soon as he stepped on the Bus. On Tuesday evening the Spelling Bee was revived. Frater Reamon introduced Ben Heresy of New York to the ice on Josephine Pond. Here in the picture they are seen on their way, each equipped with a pair of skates.
[Picture]
“Ben Heresy and Ellsworth Reamon”
“New Fraters”
Rev. R. H. Barber – Rev. C. H. Monbleau
It is hardly necessary to continue further regarding any one aspect of the Fraters program. The traditions of the Wayside Inn Retreat were carried on this year as in previous years – in a noble manner. Those who came forty-two years ago expressed the purpose of the Retreat as they gathered about the fire in the “office.” “In turn each told what he expected to gain from the meeting. The answers were, Receptivity to the Divine Will and Life, closer Fellowship, Rest and Relaxation.” It was the same forty-two years afterwards. And the same as in 1903 when the Fraters of 1944 departed.
“After dinner the brethren departed feeling that the time had been very
profitably spent and that a new, hearty zest for work had been gained”
[Picture]
“Harmon Gehr, the “Ole Bull” of the Retreat”
———- 1945 ———-
Return to Main Menu
Sunday, January 21, 1945 Pleasant
43rd Annual Retreat Universalist Ministers
A bright Winter Sun looked down upon the Inn today and added it’s bit of warmth to the Welcome which awaited eighteen ministers. Frater Kapp came from northern New York a day ahead and lent a cherry smile and cordial handshake as the 43rd annual Retreat began. Among the first to arrive was dear Dr. John van Schaick. He is one of the few older men – and tucked under his arm was a thoughtful gift for the Inn; papers, pictures and manuscripts concerning the Poet in the “Tales of a Wayside Inn.”
It wasn’t long before Gus Leining was settled down near the fireplace with a book. Frater Rose wandered out to the Old Kitchen. Dr. Etz passed around a neatly framed picture of his sailor son. Frater Ellenwood’s wife sent a large box of pecans. Rice, one of the newer members just looked on and listened. Supper was served in the old dining room and the evening slipped by quickly as more members arrived. There was good talk and laughter. At ten o’clock Frater Lobdell, who is the Prior this year, called the Fraters together in the Old Kitchen. In the quiet of this historic old Inn a deep, ministerial voice began – “Father, we thank Thee – – -“
[Picture – (missing)]
“Fraters Kapp and Lobdell”
Monday, January 22, 1945 Snow-showers
Frater Etz gave a talk this morning on “Roots of our Faith in Hebrew Culture.” This led to further discussion until lunch time. Then followed the “Quiet Hour.” This is a period when some of the ministers go to their rooms while others meditate in a remote corner of the Old Kitchen or sit quietly in the Longfellow Parlor.
Snow showers helped to make the day a pleasurable one; all enjoy a good Winter walk. Two were seen on skies climbing the low hill in front of the Inn. Towards sun-down they came in, one by one or in twos and threes and gathered in the bar-room where a few “wise cracks” were heard – or should we say nut cracks? Mrs. Ellenwood’s pecans furnished much “cracking” such as “Why don’t you ‘nuts’ throw your shells into the fireplace?” In a few minutes the laughter had ceased and the Retreat-ers had again retreated to the Old Kitchen. This time to hear Dean Skinner of Tufts College talk on “The Symbolic Interpretation of Worship.” Dinner followed and at 8 o’clock Frater Lalone entertained with “Vachel Lindsay Pioneer Singer of American Ideals.” As usual the Inn family retired early, leaving the Fraters to their nut cracking; some of it serious and some of it gay – but all of it kindly and wise.
Tuesday, January 23, 1945 Pleasant
On this day the Fraters have seemed to settle down. They are in for deep, theological talk and they write letters to needy parishioners. They appear in comfortable slippers and tweed jackets. They follow a routine. A stranger looking in might think that these ministers were here permanently! But no, already there are two leave-takings; Dr. Kapp must return to St. Lawrence University and Ellenwood is called to Woonsocket for a funeral.
The day starts with the annual business meeting. Robert Cummins, Universalist church Superintendent, talks on “Liberal Religion in the Development of American Culture” and in the afternoon Frater Fred Leining gives a program under the title “Preaching in the War and Post War Worlds.”
The program scheduled for Tuesday evening is always fun. This year the tradition was carried on with Fraters Fred Leining and Wallace Rose furnishing the amusement. Both write weekly church papers and both are able writers. There has been a little rivalry. Tonight Fred Leining presented diploma and “Hood” to Wallace Rose for having completed at last, an elementary course in journalism! Further entertainment of a different sort was provided by Miss Fisher at the piano and Harmon Gehr with his violin – brought from Philadelphia by the “Ole Bull” of the group.
A fitting gift was presented to Frater Huntley to acknowledge his twenty-fifth year of membership in the Retreat. The evening ended – how? Only the Fraters know and they will never tell. Wayside Inn Retreat fellowship is a sacred thing.
[Photo (missing)]
“The 1945 Fraters”
Wednesday, January 24, 1945 Pleasant
After the Communion service, which is held in quiet simplicity in the Old Kitchen, the Fraters prepare to leave. Dr. John always bids farewell with a gentle handshake; never forgetting to add a word of cheer. Most of the younger men leave in groups of three or four. Dr. Hoyt is returning to Portland, Maine and Dr. Ulrich, who is wont to take a vacation at this time of year, is going back to his rural community work in North Carolina. Fred Leining and Reamon are the last to leave. Jovial Fred remarks as he is waiting for the Bus: “This is the first time I’ve heard the clock tick. There has been too much talk!” Tall, good-looking Ellsworth Reamon, President of the Universalist Church of America, is one who has not made “much talk” but his few final words linger. There are sincere and express the sentiment of all who were here.
“It has been a very fine Retreat this year.”
Thursday, January 25, 1945 Pleasant
Gleanings
Rev. Stanley Manning, experiencing his first Retreat as a guest of the Fraters, jotted down a bit of his family genealogy. He is a direct descendant of Samuel Howe, first landlord of the Inn.
A pamphlet announcing the establishment of a Frederic William Perkins Foundation, was distributed among the ministers. Dr. Perkins was one of the three charter members of the Retreat and attended it for forty successive years.
Fraters discussed at length the recent decision made by the Federal Council of Churches to reject the application of the Universalist Church of America for membership.
Friday, January 26, 1945 Pleasant, very cold
Another minister (not a Frater) is spending a night and a day here with his wife; two young people who are doing excellent parish work in New Bedford, Mass. Reverend Lowell, after meditating in front of the open fire this morning, spoke these words: “This is a place where you feel detached from the hum-drum of the World. Here you can think and rest.”
Saturday, January 27, 1945 Very cold
A letter received from Frater George E. Huntley brings to a close this week of minister-guests. Dr. Huntley expresses his appreciation in three sentences:
“You and all the members of your staff were exceedingly kind and courteous to the fortunate Fraters who once more held their Retreat at the Inn.
“Please know that all are deeply and permanently grateful.
“I have been privileged to enjoy twenty-five Retreats and I always feel that the last has been the best.”
———- 1946 ———-
January 20 – 26, 1946
44th Annual Retreat – Universalist MinistersSunday: Pleasant
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Rev. Max Kapp and Dr. John were the advance guard, Rev. Kapp coming down from Canton, New York yesterday while Dr. John traveled north from Washington arriving early this morning. They talked of work, families, and friends over breakfast coffee. Then Dr. John retired to his beloved Garden room. He wanted rest after a wearisome train ride. But Rev. Kapp showed no sign of fatigue. Before long he had written a lengthy poem, inspired by past Retreats and his return to the Inn.
Winter Night
We gather round the birch built fire
The winter blast without
All fragrant is the smoking briar
All carefree is the shout.
The treasured tale is proudly told
And lusty is the song
No memory tale is ‘eer too old
No evening hour too long.
– – – – – –
At length the ashes conquer flame
The embers blacken slow
“Goodnight” is said for every name
And to repose we go.
Along about suppertime came the others. Smiling Dr. Huntley and young Rev. Robert Rice. Rev. Wallace Rose, his hair slightly grayer each year, and Rev. Gus Leining who always gets his share of joshing, Rev. Emerson Hugh Lalone who has this past year succeeded Dr. John van Schaick as Editor of the Christian Leader. Rev. Herman Gehr, the “Old Bull” of the group. Newer members are Rev. Charles H. Wyman, Rev. Clinton L. Scott and Rev. Benjamin B. Heresy. And before we pull the curtain down on “Evening Devotions: let us shake hands with Dr. Etz, the Scribe. Rev. Fred Leining and Rev. Ellsworth Reamon from Syracuse will arrive late. As we steal away, the Fraters are once again in possession, singing hymns by the Kitchen fire. The Inn itself joins lustily in the chorus.
Monday Snow
Sing, old Inn, sing! A song of rejoicing that once again are gathered here these fine men. After morning Devotions and a talk on “Religious Liberalism in Holland” by Dr. John van Schaick, the Fraters munched on peanuts and fudge until luncheon was announced. This was taken with spoonfuls of mirth and laughter which echoed through the house. In contrast is the Quiet Hour when some retire to their rooms and others write letters. One is found in a corner by himself reading a book. Dr. Scott spent his Quiet Hour in the old Kitchen learning from a hostess the use of various hand made implements.
Later on, the Fraters became more active as Rev. Ellsworth Reamon started for Josephine Pond with skates and snow shovel. Dr. Etz was invited to take a walk. Said he, “I’m like Dr. Conant, President of Harvard, when he feels the urge to exercise, he goes and lies down and lets it wear off!”
At 4:30, an afternoon session was held, the topic being “Dynamic Religion.” Supper followed and the evening program began. This was entertainment of a most informal nature, starting with an un-rehearsed playlet called “The Fixer.” Briefly the fixer tried to fix the proverbial love affair with the father-in-law to be. This was enacted in the Parlor. Then chairs were drawn in circle fashion and a spelling bee ensued. Editors and preachers fell to the foot of the class as Frater challenged Frater on some one unintentionally added a letter which completed a word.
The curtain is drawn again as the Fraters file towards the old Kitchen for Evening Devotions. Pine sheathing and oak beams are to be envied as they listen.
Tuesday Cold
The Retreat is running at full speed. Twenty men are here. Rev. Kapp leaves this evening as Rev. Wallace Fiske arrives, his first visit in three years. He has been off to China as an Army Chaplain and tonight will talk of his experiences. In the meantime the Retreat program is going as scheduled. This morning a Business Meeting was followed by book review and discussions. Rev. Max Kapp reviewed “The Anatomy of Peace”, while Frater Rose discussed “Christian Global Strategy.” Frater Rose has recently compiled a book of his own which was mentioned in the Diary a short time ago. It is “Thoughts for Today” and while being a book of the most serious kind it has caused considerable fun for the Fraters. Such remarks as the following have flown around freely: Frater: “Yes, Rev. Rose sent me the book to write a review for him. Pretty cheap advertising I call it. Cost him only a dollar.” Rev. Rose retorted: “I’ve learned one thing, never to write another book!”
Today was a day for Scotch stories. Several paved the way for this one:
Scotchman to caddie: “Are you good at finding balls?”
Caddie: “Yes, of course.”
Scotchman: “Well then, find a few and let’s get started!”
It is amazing how quickly these men can turn from one mood to another. They will pick up the most innocent remark and turn it into a joke.
Dr. Ratcliffe: “I’ve got an idea!”
Dr. Leining: “Hurrah! Put it in the safe, lock it up!”
When afternoon shadows begin to turn daylight into night, the Fraters are sober, dignified and quiet as they gather once again in the old Kitchen. The door is closed and the house seems to be almost noisy with a sacred silence.
Wednesday Cold
As is customary, a Communion Service was held at the pine board table this morning, shortly after which many goodbyes were said. Twelve stayed for luncheon, then took their leave. All were gone by mid-afternoon except Dr. John who is entertaining editors of the Associated Church Press at dinner this evening. Dr. John is one of the oldest members whose face and character are symbolic of all the Fraters, especially of those first three who visioned The Wayside Inn Retreat. One of them, unable to be present upon receiving an invitation to this Retreat wrote: “Memory will take me back to 1903. I will live again with those I have known from the first and down through the years, a precious heritage.
How little we dreamed, the little group that drove over in the pung from the Wayside Station, that we would still be gathering in the old Inn almost to the mid-century.
It must have been some deep and vital hunger of our souls that the Retreat answered or it never would have grown as it has .
In the quiet and peace of the old Inn, in the joy of brotherhood in the glow and uplift of a rare fellowship, we come close to the eternal and went back to our work with renewed purpose, strengthened faith and a quickened eagerness to minister in our various fields for the up building of the Kingdom.”
Rev. James F. Albion, only remaining one of the first three Fraters.
Thursday Cloudy
A distinguished luncheon guest, Sir Adrian W. Boult wrote in our Special Register, “A delightful day.” He has been guest conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and came here with two members of the Orchestia.
A group of five ministers and their wives seemed to be having a very jolly time judging by the laughter we heard from the Dining room at lunch time. They were bidding good bye to Rev. and Mrs. Foster who are on their way back to Nanking, China where they make their home. These people were all from Milford, Mass. The ministers representing different denominations and among them was a Salvation Army “lass”, Lt. Terry S. DeMarco.
———————————-
from: The Wayside Inn Diary of January 13, to 19, 1946
Saturday Cold and windy
Overshadowing all other activities at the Inn for many a day was the arrival this morning of the seven UNO committee men, who, after viewing Sudbury and the surrounding territory as a possible permanent site for the United Nations Organization, returned to the Inn for luncheon. Their first arrival was around eleven o’clock when three large busses equipped with telephones and radios, deposited most of the ninety-five luncheon guests at our gate. Police cars then carried the delegates to the top of Mt. Nobscot.
Shortly, before luncheon, a Press conference was held in the Parlor. Chairman Gavrilovic of Yugoslavia being interviewed concerning his impressions of Sudbury as a desirable location for the small city which will comprise the international head-quarters. During the interview, other members of the delegation including Dr. Hsu of China and George Saksin of Russia, Maj. Kenneth G. Younger of Great Britain, and Awni Khalidy of Iraq accompanied a hostess on a tour of the Inn. This was informal chatty discussion of the various furnishings and historical features of the house; Dr. Hsu making several witty remarks which livened the occasion and made it a delightful event. Dr. Gavrilovic, chairman, also expressed his interest in the Longfellow manuscripts surrounding him as he talked to the newspaper men. Also in the group were Mrs. Gavrilovic and Governor Tobin, the latter acting as host and playing the part to perfection. Altogether, it was a friendly informal visit which needs to be recorded as one of the most historical events in Wayside Inn history.
Following a luncheon which consisted of old-fashioned chicken pie, with dessert of apple pie, the delegates posed for photographers grouped near the Parlor fireplace where Longfellow nearly a hundred years ago pictured his seven travelers. Then as now, before the blazing fire of wood, sat seven men, working, yearning, striving for international good-will and peace.
Dr. Shushi Hsu, China
Dr. Stgyan Gavrilovic, Yugoslavia
George Saksin, Russia
Awni Khalidy, Iraq
Maj. Kenneth G. Younger, Great Britain
Julia Locarte, Uruguay
Francois Briew, France
Mrs. Gavrilovic, accompanied by her son, was aboard the City of New York when torpedoed in 1942. Picked up by a coast guard boat, Mrs. Gavrilovic arrived in New York under the shadow of this terrifying experience. Today she was charming in a black suit and hat which further enhanced her beautiful Southern European complexion.
———- 1948 ———-
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Week of January 25 – 31, 1948 inclusive
Sunday, January 25, 1948 Very cold
From points east, north, south and west, twenty ministers journeyed toward Sudbury today. They met in the late afternoon in the old bar-room to begin their forty-sixth Wayside Inn Retreat. Max Kapp who is not one to break the slightest tradition concerning Retreats, came first as usual and from a far northern point – Canton, New York or should we say that the second to arrive came from the greatest distance. This year Emerson Lalone practically hopped across the Atlantic ocean to be here. He and Frater Cummings have been on a tour of DP camps, orphanages, and relief stations in Germany. Also to report on the work of the Universalist Service Committee in Germany is Carlton Fisher who will be here as guest of the Retreat. Between four and six o’clock east met west and north greeted south. In other words Drs. Etz, Leining, Reamon, Huntley, Hoyt, Rose, Rice and Beach were clasping hands and giving hearty words of welcome. They behaved like boys just out of school.
First Minister: “Hello! How are you?”
Second Minister: “Well, how do I look?”
First Minister: “I’d hate to tell you in front of all these people!”
The joshing and joking had already begun when the Fraters sat down for supper at their long table in the old Dining room. And the joking continued during the meal and afterwards as the ministers returned to the bar-room for more talk around the fireplace.
Dr. Kapp to Dr. Lalone: “Have you picked up any new antiques lately?”
Dr. Lalone: “What do you mean, new antiques?”
Dr. Lalone expressed the sentiment of all when he explained why he had said “Goodnight” to Mr. and Mrs. Purdy in the middle of the afternoon. “You see”, he said, “I always lose all sense of time when I come to the Wayside Inn.” The Fraters were on time however, when Evening Devotions were announced at ten o’clock. The joking was put aside as the men filed into the old Kitchen and no laughter could be heard behind the closed door.
Monday, January 26, 1948 Cold and fair
Seventeen Fraters sat down to breakfast this morning and three more arrived during the day. Dr. Leining blew in, having driven from New Hampshire, wearing a bright red cap. This drew forth many comments, complementary and otherwise, from the others having their after breakfast chat by the bar-room fire. Last year Dr. Beach brought skates but this year he came with a pair of snow shoes on his back. Dr. Hoyt was very much pleased to have the driver of the Boston and Worcester bus recognize him and say, “This is the time of year you fellows get together, isn’t it?”
Snowdrifts sparkling like diamonds, fringes of icicles gleaming in the sunlight inspired Miss Ryan to bring her camera. In spite of temperatures hovering around zero she was able to get pictures of the Inn, the Mill, the Chapel and the Gate House. Mr. Saint and Mr. Clarke helped her take the more difficult shots. We hope their efforts will be rewarded with success and she will have a record of this most unusual winter to show to her friends.
Tuesday, January 27, 1948 Pleasant
One of the traditions of the Retreat is to have a group picture taken after the luncheon period on Tuesday. This year Dr. Fiske set up his camera in the old Ball room and the men stood in double like in front of the fireplace there. This was a departure from the usual custom of posing just outside the house near the front door. The rest of the afternoon was spent in a Quiet Period of an hour’s duration, walks and talks and at four-thirty a formal meeting in the old Kitchen during which a paper was read by Frater Scott.
The Prior this year is Dr. Robert Cummings, General Superintendent of the Universalist Church of America who asked the Fraters to don their suit jackets this evening and appear in the Parlor at eight o’clock. Chairs were placed in semi-circle around the fire place and Mr. and Mrs. Purdy, Miss MacKechnie, Miss Condon and Miss Staples joined the group. Unfortunately Miss Fisher was unable to attend due to a previous engagement and she was greatly missed as an accompanist for Dr. Harmon Gehr, the Ole Bull of the group who played his violin in a very accomplished manner. He stood where Longfellow pictured The Musician, “illumined by that fire of wood” and he played as Ole Bull would have done, some beloved and familiar classical selections. Alternating with the violin were readings of new and beautiful poems by Dr. Raymond Baughan whose face as he read, revealed a deeply spiritual character. His diction, emphasis and soft, smooth expression carried us again into the Parlor of Lyman Howe’s Tavern where Mr. Longfellow saw the Poet “whose verse was tender, musical and terse.” It was an evening of rare good fellowship and harmony of spirit which only these men who know and love the Inn so well can bring back into Longfellow’s parlor. The history of this old Inn, the best part of it, will repeat itself as long and Universalist Fraters come – and go.
Wednesday, January 28, 1948 Pleasant
Yes, they are going this morning, but not until all these religious leaders have joined in a communion service. This was held at ten o’clock in the old kitchen with the plain, unadorned “board” in the center of the room serving as the communion table. Once the Fraters held their communion in the Martha-Mary Chapel, but partly because of the wintry weather and partly for sentimental reasons, they preferred the simplicity and warmth of the Inn Kitchen. It has been the setting for most of their meetings ever since.
All too soon the time of departure came and Frater after Frater shook hands with the hostesses and with fellow-Fraters. The parting of these twenty men was not as jolly as had been the welcoming. Each and every one declared this to be the best Retreat ever. This remark is of course the same as is made year after year, but as time goes on it is said with greater loyalty and deeper appreciation, especially by those who have been coming over the longest period of yours. And speaking of long-term Fraters, this year Rev. Fred Leining from Syracuse, New York and Rev. Dean Ellenwood from Woonsocket, Rhode Island were especially honored and proper recognition was made of their 25th Retreat year. Without a doubt this was to them – and we daresay to all the rest, the best Retreat ever.
———- 1949 ———-
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Week of January 23 – 29, 1949 inclusive
Sunday, January 23, 1949 Pleasant
Welcome to the 47th Retreat of the Wayside Inn Fraters! Max Kapp was the first to arrive, coming from the longest distance – upper New York state. Frater Huntley announced by post card that he would step of the bus at 12:51½ and he did! Soon after dinner Dr. Etz appeared and then Dr. Ellenwood from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. By the middle of the afternoon,. The bar-room was alive with Fraters. Warm greetings and handshakes rang a familiar bell throughout the house. These men are not strangers here. They know intimately, every nook and corner of the Inn and the Inn welcomes them. It rejoices in their loyal friendships and lends an appreciative ear to their inspiring discussions, their jovial stories and their lusty hymn singing. Evening devotions in the Old Kitchen marked the end of the first Retreat day, 1949.
Monday, January 24, 1949 Rain
The Fraters have settled down to the program of the day. Everyone has arrived and there were eighteen for breakfast this morning. Dr. van Schaick is unable to be here and we shall miss him very much. There is an undercurrent of sadness now and then as the ministers speak of the older ones, so many of whom have passed away. For the first time a dictaphone was installed in the Old Kitchen this morning so that all the familiar voices can be recorded and heard again in the future. Quite an elaborate program is being planned for the 50th Annual Retreat three years from now.
Mr. MacMillan’s little boy Charlie, not old enough to go to school yet is a familiar sight around the grounds, riding with his Daddy in the red truck or “helping” in some piece of carpentry. Today, however, he was the assistant of Mr. Coulter who was painting. Charlie was given a time card and when it was time to ring out said “what day do I have off?” He was very much pleased when he was told Tuesday and given twenty pennies for his day’s work!
Tuesday, January 25, 1949 Warm – cloudy
The ministers have settled down to their usual routine and are making themselves very much at home. They chew peanuts in front of the fir-place and humorous stories bound back and forth across the room.
Mr. Hoyt: “This camera case hung over my shoulder is quite sporting, don’t you think?”
Mr. Leining: “Yes, it’s a good idea. I carry an empty case around with me, too. Usually a suit case so that people will think I’ve been somewhere!”
Many of the “boys” have cameras and this year for the first time in the history of the Retreat a recording machine is being used at all the meetings. Some of the recordings will be sent to dr. John van Schaick who is greatly missed. Dr. John, as he is affectionately called, is recovering from an operation. George Huntley is the oldest member this year and holds his own when the men are at their humorous best.
Dr Huntley: “Why didn’t the lion touch Daniel in the lion’s den?”
Chorus: “Why not?”
Dr. Huntley:”Because Daniel was all grit and backbone!”
Tonight the Fraters gathered in the large Ball room where Miss Fisher and Harmon Gehr (the Ole Bull of the group) rendered a very fine musical program. Then for an hour Dr. Rose entertained with some colored pictures made on a recent trip to the West Coast. At ten o’clock it was again time for the evening Devotions and time for the Inn family to bid the Fraters “Good-night.” But the Inn itself never creeps away. It stays and silently watches over these men who in their dreams and prayers keep a torch of Faith burning in all our hearts.
Wednesday, January 26, 1949 Snow
After the long spell of warm weather snow finally arrived this morning. As it falls thick and fast the ministers are leaving in twos and threes, some by car, some by bus.
The Communion Service was held as usual in the Old Kitchen. It always has a sobering effect and the joking and fun making were conspicuous by their absence all morning. Just before lunch, however, Mrs. Lalone and her huge gray car “Smoky” and Mrs. Fiske with her two children arrived to pick up the respective husbands. Later Mrs. McGuiness and her two small children also added a note of cheer to the reluctant goodbyes.
One of Rev. McGuiness’s children asked her daddy, who had occupied the Washington Bedroom, how he could sleep with so many people walking through his room.”
———- 1950 ———-
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Sunday, January 22, 1950 Snow
This is our big story of the year. It is annual. It always begins on the third Sunday of January when the Fraters arrive for their yearly Retreat at the Wayside Inn.
This is the forty-eighth Retreat. It began with the arrival of the Reverend Max Kapp of Canton, New York. He preached in his old parish of Fitchburg, Massachusetts this morning and arrived here in time for dinner. “I want you to note that I am positively the first to come,” he said. There is a tradition that the first to be here must continue to be the first and no one shall precede him. Years ago their was always a race between Dr. Hammett and Dr. Tomlinson, but today there was no competition. Dr. Kapp was first. When Dr. Lalone, coming in later, was informed of this he said, “Yes, of course, Max probably slept down the road a piece last night and was waiting at the gate when it opened this morning!”
And so the Fraters are full of their usual good humor this year as in the past. There are, however, several shadows hovering over them which are not seen but felt when there is a gathering of the “boys” around the old fireplaces or at the familiar dining table. One is the loss of dear Dr. Huntley who passed away a very short time ago and another is the absence of Dr. Etz whose activities have been curtailed by a serious illness during the past year.
There are only seventeen men in session this year, three or four less than usual and by ten o’clock when they were called by the Prior for Devotions in the Old Kitchen, almost all of the “forty-eighters” were here. Fred Leining who is known as the “Landlord” has arrived from New York state and Wallace Fiske was in his accustomed place from Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Lalone is occupying John van Schaick’s room on the second floor, the garden room – “And while I like to occupy it for sentimental reasons” said Frater Lalone, “it makes me feel very sad.” Thus the Fraters come – – and go. When they come they bring joy and gladness and when they leave it is with the same happy spirit. The Inn is a richer and better place for their being here.
Monday, January 23, 1950 Pleasant
Today’s mail brought a letter with the heading, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Justice. Attached to it is a “partial list of the serial numbers and denominations of the currency stolen in the armed robbery of Brink’s Inc. On January 17, 1950. Part of the letter signed by E.A. Soucy, Special Agent in Charge, follows:
“It would be appreciated if you would bring this list to the attention of all members of your staff with the request that they be particularly alert to any attempt to pass any of these bills.”
It is very doubtful if any of this money is passed in here but we certainly would like to be able to help solve the mystery of this robbery.
The Ministers’ Retreat has started in earnest, Rev. Hoyt, Dr. Kapp and Dr. Lalone were the speakers at the three meetings held through out the day. The subjects are mostly on Universalism, the Problem of Evil and a review of Niebuhr’s “Faith and Order.” The evening closed with Devotions at ten o’clock but it is rumored that the fun of fellowship and the meeting of brilliant minds goes on into the wee small hours.
Tuesday, January 24, 1950 Rain
The official program of the Retreat scheduled a business meeting this morning at nine o’clock. This was followed by “Devotions” and then a book review of “Years of the Modern.” After luncheon there is always a “Quiet Time” which lasts about an hour. The next formal session was at four o’clock when Dr. Gus Leining reviewed “Psychiatry and Religion” by Liebman. Dinner was at six-thirty.
Interspersed among the regular sessions were informal discussions and the usual joshing and fun making. Several sent post-cards back home to shut-in parishioners and others talked to Dr. Ellsworth Reamon about the fire in his church. “Did the church burn down?” they asked. “No, churches always burn up”, replied Frater Reamon. Reverend Albert Zeigler arrived today from Somerville to take the place of Dean Ellenwood who was called home by the death of his brother-in-law. During the afternoon a copy of the account of Paul Revere’s Ride which was made by Paul Revere himself, was brought out from the Inn files and read to a group of interested listeners by Max Kapp. When dinner time came the ministers were all hungry and filed into the dining room for a Roast Pork dinner.
The official program stated that there would be Pictures and Square dancing on Tuesday evening. The pictures were shown at eight o’clock in the large Ball room and depicted the Fraters of 1949 in search of the sheep in the field across the way. It was a moving picture and with Dr. Fred Leining as Shepherd, the audience was taken to the Barn, Grist Mill, Chapel and Mary Lamb School house. The return to the Inn was made in a snow storm very realistically shown in the pictures. One could see and feel the little white flakes falling softly and gently upon the Inn. The evening ended with Square dancing directed by Mr. Haynes who gave both Fraters and partners a very lively and jolly time. The partners were provided by ladies of the Inn staff, hostesses, dining room girls and Miss Smith from the kitchen. Mrs. MacMillan from the Housekeeping department was there and three housewives from the neighborhood. Mrs. Purdy proved to be a graceful dancer and entered into all the dances which included the Grapevine Twist, Life on the Ocean Waves, Standard Quadrille and Virginia Reel.
“Devotions” end the Fraters’ day at ten o’clock but tonight because of the dancing, “Devotions” were not held until after eleven o’clock. Thus the second day of the Retreat program came to a close.
Wednesday, January 25, 1950 Cloudy
Here we are before the blazing fire in the Old Kitchen were only a few hours ago the Fraters were bowed in prayer. On the last morning of their Retreat they hold a Communion Service at the long trestle table in this old pine sheathed room. How many words of joy and sorrow have been spoken here and stored away in the dark corners of this room! But they are secrets and we would not wish them to be told.
During the Communion Service the whole house was quiet and not a sound came from the Old Kitchen. The Fraters were in meditative mood when they reappeared but some went about their activities in the usual happy way. They began preparations for departure and a few good-byes were said before luncheon. Dr. Fiske took more pictures for his historical record of the Retreat and two or three went to the Country Store to purchase cheese. Dr. Hoyt came down from his room with a brief case in hand ready to leave. “Can you get all your traveling accessories into that small bag?” he was asked. “Yes, indeed” said Dr. Hoyt “but I suppose when the rest of you fellows come you always bring a few more things than you need hoping you will be invited to stay over a few days longer.”
Gradually they left, some taking the Bus and others going in private cars. Dr. Niles who is one of the “new” men was on his way to Lynn to see his aged father and mother before returning to New York state. The time of parting is always a bit sad and as we sit in this old room which has watched the coming and going of countless Fraters, we too are a little sad and in the fireplace we seem to see them all – the lively, bright, restless flames and underneath the slowly burning embers.(2)
The Inn Diaries© were transcribed from a copy of the original diaries held in Longfellow’s Wayside Inn Archives, [January 1996]. During these years, the staff recorded their observations and the activities at the Inn each day. These pages are of the days when the Fraters met.
Note: This diary is copyrighted by Longfellow’s Wayside Inn Archives. The material presented here contains the full text of “Fraters” material currently found (1-23-1996). Some photo’s and material for 1947 are missing. — Frater Richard M. Woodman, Archivist [January 1998]
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