Men of learning, men of training,

O, be yours a potent sway:

Writing, teaching, vice restraining,

Guiding in the better way.

                                        - ALLAN.

     SCHOOLS. - The next thing thought of after the establishment of the church was the school. And the purpose was not so exclusively then, as it now is, that the youth might be prepared for the common business transactions of life, which at that period were few and of limited range. It embraced also the higher motive of fixing in the youthful mind the principles of moral rectitude and religion. Thus, we find an enactment of the General Court in 1647, commencing: " It being one chief project of yt ould deludor Satan, to keep men from the knowledge of ye Scriptures, as in former times by keeping them in an unknown tongue, so in these latter times, by persuading from ye use of tongues, yt so at least ye true sense and meaning of ye originall might be clouded by false glosses of saint-seeming deceivers, yt learning may not be buried in ye grave of our fathers in ye church and commonwealth, ye Lord assisting our endeavors: It is therefore ordered yt every township in this jurisdiction after ye Lord hath increased them to ye number of 50 householders, shall then forthwith appoint one within their towne to teach all such children as shall resort to him, to write and reade," &c. . . "And it is further ordered, yt where any towne shall increase to ye number of 100 families, or householders, they shall set up a grammar schoole, ye muster thereof being able to instruct youth so farr as they may be lilted for ye university, provided yt if any towne neglect ye performance hereof above one yeare, then every such towne shall pay £5 to ye next schoole till they shall performe this order." In 1654 the court prohibited the teaching of schools by persons of "unsound doctrine." Were such a statute now in force, the first difficulty would be to determine what is "unsound doctrine."

     Many of the first teachers were of the clergy, and it need not be remarked that they, with perhaps few exceptions, were graduates of the English universities, and many had been ministers in the Church of England. Naturally enough, they had a veneration for classical learning, and believed in the superlative virtues of Greek and Latin. But there was little time wasted in attempts to give a smattering of every kind of knowledge, useless as well as useful, as has been the case in later days. There were few books, but the deficiency was supplied by the instructors in various quaint ways, by brief explanatory talks, by homely and ingenious illustrations.

     The first action of Lynn in her corporate capacity in relation to schools, so far as the records show, was in January, 1696, when it is recorded, "The Selectmen agreed with Mr. (Abraham) Normanton to be schoolmaster for the town for said year ensuing, and the Town is to give him five pounds for his labors, and the Town is to pay twenty-five shillings towards the hire of Nathan Newhall's house for a year to keep the school in, and that said Mr. Normanton hire said house." It seems as if, with a salary of five pounds, the town might have provided a school-room for Mr. Normanton. This, however, could not have been the first opportunity the youth of a town had to gain instruction; far from it. And it will be observed that the court, as just quoted, does not require that in places of only fifty householders there shall be established a school, but that a resident shall be appointed to "teach such children its shall resort to him," etc. It was when a place had increased to a hundred families, that they were to "set up a grammar schoole."

     The early records of Lynn having disappeared, there seem no means for determining when the youth were first gathered for instruction. There is no doubt that Mr. Whiting and Mr. Cobbet, the early ministers, took pains to instruct the youth of their day. And Mr. Lewis remarks, under date 1687, "Mr. Shepard kept the school several months this winter." So there must then have been an established school. Many of the churches had a "teacher," so-called, connected with the ministry. The word, as thus applied, did not then have the same significance that it now has, but evidently had some connection with secular as well as religious teaching. Mr. Cobbet, who was colleague with Mr. Whiting, was called "teacher." On the 6th of October, 1680, when Mr. Shepard was ordained pastor, Mr. Whiting's son Joseph was ordained teacher. In 1718 Mr. Shepard being out of health, the selectmen were directed to employ a schoolmaster, and in their selection "to have relation to some help for Mr. Shepard in preaching." On the town records, under date December 21, l691, it is stated that at a meeting of the selectmen "Mr. Shepard, with his consent, was chosen schoolmaster for the year ensuing." These sufficiently show the intimate relation then existing between the clerical office and teaching.

     In 1702 a vote was passed allowing ten pounds for the maintenance of a grammar-master, "such master to have over and above the said ten pounds 2 pence per week for such as are sent to read, 3 pence per week for them that are sent to write and cipher, and six pence per week for them that are sent to learn Latin, to be paid by parents and masters that send their children or servants to learn as aforesaid." A grammar-school was one in which Latin was taught, English grammar not being in use. Arithmetic was taught by the instructor's writing sums on a slate; and reading and writing were taught much as they now are. These were the common and chief studies. Spelling was allowed to range loosely about the alphabet, there being no fixed standard. So long as the letters used gave the right sound to the word it was sufficient; and some of their words look queer enough to the school-boy of this day.

     It appears, that for the convenience of the different neighborhoods, the school was at some periods a sort of ambulatory institution, being at one time located in one part of the town and then in another - a fact that has given rise to the supposition that there were more schools than really existed. For instance, in 1720, the school was kept in Lynnfield, in Saugus, on the Common and at Woodend. John Lewis was teacher that year; but he was very soon superseded, or an additional school was established, for another master soon appears; and it is not probable that there were two teachers to the same movable school. The name of the new teacher was Samuel Dexter, and he was probably a descendant from Thomas Dexter, one of the most enterprising of our earlier settlers, as he was certainly the progenitor of several eminent persons. He was but twenty years of age when he took the school; was a son of Rev. John Dexter, of Maiden, and a graduate of Harvard. He subsequently became minster of the First Church of Dedham. He says in his diary: "Then being desirous, if it might be, to live nigher my friends, by ye motion of some, I was invited to keep ye school at Lyn; wrfore, quitting my school at Taunton, I accepted of the proffers made at Lyn, and Feb. 17, 1720-21, I began my school at Lyn, in wch I continued a year; and upon ye day yt my engagement was up there a committee from Maldon came to treat with me in reference to Maldon school , wch proposalls I complyed with and kept yt school for abt six weeks, and then was mostly to the present time, [4 Dec. 1722] improv'd in preaching."

     The Friends, or Quakers, established a school in Lynn in 1770; and in 1784, after considerable opposition, the town voted to grant their request to have a portion of the school-money especially appropriated to its support. The annual allowance was continued some years. Micajah Collins was master of this school more than a quarter of a century, ever retaining the respect of the parents and affection of the pupils; and of those who received his instructions there are a few yet remaining who can now hardly speak of him without emotion. He was born in 1764, of Quaker parents, received a fair education, and was an approved minister of the Society for almost forty years. In his ministerial capacity he traveled much and became known and respected in many parts of the United States. He was married, but left no issue. The last moments of his life are represented to have displayed in a marked degree the true characteristics of the dying Christian. Many friends and neighbors assembled around his bed, and in kind words he dealt to them admonitions and encouragements, and expressed his own assurance of a blessed immortality. Then he took each individual by the hand and bade all an affectionate farewell. Like the setting of a summer's sun, he gently passed away, without murmur or a sigh. He died on the 30th of January, 1827. From a poetic tribute to his memory, penned by Rev. Enoch Mudge, a clerical father in the Methodist Church, and published in the Newport, R. I., Mercury, the following lines are extracted:

" In temper open, amiable and mild,

In ??? simple, trusting as a child;

He to the youth a pleasing pattern gave.

Of access easy, pious, cheerful, grave;

All classes felt an interest in the man,

For innocence through all his actions ran,

Long as an able minister he stood,

And spent his lengthened life in doing good;
At home, abroad, the humble Christian shone,
While all the praise he gave to God alone."

     To the Lynn Transcript of December 24, 1886, James A. Breed contributed an article in which he named twenty-two persons living who were pupils of Master Collins, fourteen of them residents of Lynn. None were less than seventy-two years of age, and the ages of five ranged from eighty-five to ninety-three.
     Down to the beginning of the present century hardly any girls attended the public schools. There were several reasons for this. One was that their services were needed at home; another, that the studies were not thought necessary for their sphere; and a third, that it was not proper to have boys and girls so closely associated - all which ideas seem to be reversed in this our day. Female pupils are first spoken of in a Lynn school report, in 1817.

     It would be tiresome to multiply details concerning the early schools. Those of Lynn maintained a creditable standing. The people were poor, and during the depressed times immediately preceding the Revolution, the stormy days of the war, and the turbulent period immediately succeeding, the cause of education was permitted to languish. But the vital fires were not extinguished, only smouldering; and when more settled times were reached, they revived with renewed activity. Teaching was not formerly reckoned as a regular profession, but was usually undertaken as a temporary calling by students preparing for other vocations. And this, no doubt, sometimes operated unfavorably for the schools. Such, to a great extent was the case in Lynn, till within fifty or sixty years. Indeed, the wages of all the teachers here, till within twenty-five years, were very low, and they were compelled to resort to various expedients to make both ends meet, if they were blessed with families. There was good old Master Blanchard, who, in 1811, came here to take charge of a district school, bringing with him in the lumbering old carriage his ten children, and finding two others added to the number in due time; he probably never had a salary above three hundred and fifty dollars a year, and to eke out was compelled to keep little private evening schools, and do odd jobs as accountant and scrivener. He was for some ten years teacher in the little square one-story wooden building, with hipped roof, that stood on the latitudinal centre of the Common, nearly opposite where Commercial Street now opens, its diminutive belfry, unoccupied save by the store of lost bat-balls which had from time to time lodged there, giving it a sort ol classical aspect. There he taught reading, spelling, defining, writing, ciphering, a little grammar, and those now too often neglected, but highly desirable accomplishments, - good manners, correct deportment and respect for age.

     Master Blanchard's religious principles were of the old Puritanical order, and somewhat rigid at that. And the church probably owed much to his determined stand and urgency that it did not, as did so many other churches of the order, about that time, swerve to the so-called "liberal" faith. He ever made it a part of his duty to endeavor to train the moral as well as the intellectual faculties of those under his charge, as many of the generation now nearly passed away would gratefully attest. He usually devoted an hour or two every week to lecturing the pupil on morals, manners, or some didactic subject, closing with a fervent prayer.

     He was a musician of much taste and skill, led the singing in the old church from 1811 to 1824, and composed one or two psalm tunes which long continued popular, and may sometimes now be heard. He was a fifer in the Revolutionary army, and drew a small pension which did its part to help along. His musical talents, however, were never exercised in the school-room, for artistic music was not then thought a necessary accomplishment for those who were chiefly destined for the shoemaker's seat or the farm. The village singing-school afforded opportunity for those whose musical aspirations could not find adequate expression in the natural form of whistling.

     Yet Master Blanchard was not a pronounced character, as the world goes, and it seemed singular to many that he should have had the influence he did. Some called him "non-committal'' or "time-serving." His influence probably lay in his stern morals, his intelligence and genial manners. He was interesting in conversation, but usually grave and little given to humorous turns. He died on the 25th of May, 1842, aged seventy-eight years.

     The Lynn Academy, a private institution, was opened in 1805, and had some days of prosperity, but more that were otherwise. Its beneficial influence, however, was marked, several of its preceptors being men of excellent acquirements and high character. It continued till superseded by the High School in 1849.

     Having said thus much of the old schools and school-teachers, a word about the school-houses may be appropriate. Till within fifty years the Lynn school-houses were quite unseemly in external appearance and void of internal conveniences; yes, they were shabby. And such was the case in most places, excepting a few of the richer and more pretentious. Mr. Everett's picturesque conception of the tasty red-top school-house nestling so cosily and significantly at the cross-roads was ideal, for paint was grudgingly applied without, and within would usually he found dirty floors, hacked benches and wad- decorated walls. In Lynn we could boast of hardly anything shapely, to say nothing of the grand or beautiful, till 1848, in which year the commodious wooden structures on Franklin and Centre Streets were erected and supplied with such modern appliances as placed them among the best in the vicinity. And since then the erection of such stately structures as the Cobbet, on Franklin Street, and the Ingalls, on Essex, in 1872, evince the zeal of our people in the cause of common education. There are one or two of the old school-houses yet in existence, and a comparison of them with those just named is well calculated to astonish not only for the evidence of immeasurable architectural advance, but also, perhaps, for the progress in extravagance, But the comparison must end there, for no such inequality exists between the teachers of old and their modern successors. And let us ever bear in mind that the grandest school-houses do not always insure the best teachers or turn out the best scholars.

     Our present High School was commenced in May, 1849, in the wooden structure then standing on the west side of Franklin Street, where the Cobbet schoolhouse now stands. Jacob Batchelder, who had for fourteen years been preceptor of the old Academy, was the first teacher. The present High School house, near Highland Square, was completed in 1851, and the school was immediately quartered there. It has enjoyed almost uninterrupted prosperity, and its teachers have been uniformly learned and skillful.

     Alonzo Lewis, the poet and historian, was a teacher here in Lynn, his native place, for many years; and it is not easy to determine whether, in the vigor of life, he prided himself most as a poet, historian or school master. One of his longest poems is entitled "The Schoolmaster." It comprises nearly seven hundred lines, and flows on from beginning to end in his usual melodious style. On the opening page appear these lines:

I sing the Teacher's care, his daily pains,
The hope that lifts him and the task that chains;
His anxious toil to raise the gentle mind,
His skill to clear the path for youth designed,
His faithful watch o’er life's expanding ray,
To guide young genius up Improvement's way.

And further on are these:

The Teacher's lot is filled with pain and care
Which but devoted hearts are fit to bear.
His rank and worth in freedom's cause are great,
Surpassed by few that bless the public state.
His is the task to fit the youthful mind

For all the stations by its God designed.

There are many beautiful passages in this poem, though some critics have thought that as a whole it falls short of one or two others in his volumes. It would be pleasing to quote a number of passages did the scope of this sketch permit; but we may venture to give a short selection or two as specimens of the emanations from that gifted mind, which so uniformly indicate reverence for learning and love of virtue:

"Some shade of woe o’er every lot is thrown;
Some secret pain each human heart must own.
Yet, sons of learning ! it is yours to rise
Above earth’s ills, to seek your native skies.
There, with congenial stars your worth shall shine,
And form a galaxy of rays divine!
And though awhile outshone by some bright sun,

Yet still ye glow when his clear course is run.

As yonder splendid cone of torrid light

Gleams with rich lustre on the dome of night,

And marks the path where day's bright orb has past,

So hallowed genius! shall thy memory cast

Its pure effulgence o'er the shade of mind,

To light the path for future worth designed.

Here the glad muse her tribute pays to thee,

Taylor, thou Shakspeare of divinity!

From humblest scenes thy genius bade thee soar,

The brightest realms of virtue to explore.

Raised from the teacher's to the bishop's chair

Life's purest honors waited on thee there;

And youth and age, by thy instructions blest,

Enshrined with tears thy everlasting rest."

And again:

"Ye, who the pages of romance have scanned,

And think to find such at the poet’s hand;

Know that refinement springs from lofty thought,

That life's best pleasures are by virtue brought;

That warmth of heart and excellence of mind

Are in devotion's sacred charm combined;

This is the joy that bows to heaven’s control,

This the exalted pure romance of soul."

Mr. Lewis gained much commendation by his "History of Lynn." But it was not voluminous, embracing but about two hundred and fifty octavo pages; yet it was so condensed as to contain much more than its proportions would seem to allow; and, unlike most works of any kind, appeared, in the mind of the reader as he proceeded, to expand and shed more and more light. It has been said that historical works are always interesting. But there is an immeasureable difference in the degrees of interest. Minute details often weary, and yet they often possess a wonderful charm. Their success depends upon the judgment with which they are interwoven. Mr. Lewis's details are never wearying. And he had a happy faculty of introducing reflections and illustrations that opened extensive fields of useful thought - a faculty of inestimable value in any writer.

     Mr. Lewis took great interest in the prosperity of his native place, - judging by results, much greater than he took in his own individual advancement, - and did many good things that otherwise might have long remained undone. The construction of the road to Nahant, along the harbor side of the beach, was an enterprise carried through in a great measure by his exertions. For the light-house on Egg Rock we are, perhaps, indebted to him more than to any other individual. The names of old streets were suggested by him, and so were the names of most of the ponds and the romantic and picturesque places and objects about the woods and along the shores. The city seal was drawn by him; and, in short, we owe a debt of gratitude to him for an almost countless number of useful labors and useful suggestions. In the mere profession of teaching, no doubt, there have been a number here who would rank as the superiors of Mr. Lewis, but it may be questioned if there has been one who, on the whole, has added more to the prosperity or done more to promote the refinement and elevation of our people. He was born in the neat little cottage still standing on the north side of Boston Street, nearly opposite Bridge, on the 28th of August, 1794. He obtained, chiefly by his own exertions, a very good education, though he was not a college graduate. His poetic talents were early developed, the first volume of his poems appearing in 1823. Another and enlarged addition appeared in 1831. But the largest collection was issued after his decease, in 1882, in a handsome volume edited by his son Ion, and formed a graceful tribute to his memory. The first edition of the "History of Lynn," by Mr. Lewis, was published in 1829, in four numbers; the next edition was issued in 1844, in the form of an octavo of two hundred and seventy-eight pages. In 1865, four years after his decease, a new edition appeared, enlarged by newly-discovered matter, and with the annals brought down to the time of publication, by the writer of this sketch. He died in his picturesque little cottage at the seaside, on Beach Street, on the 21st of January, 1861.

     At the present time the female teachers of our public schools far outnumber those of the other sex; and it is well that it is so, for their influence on the young minds committed to their charge, in the lower schools especially, has unquestionably a most beneficial effect. But a glamour surrounds the mistress of old, of which she of our day is divested, distance of time lending its enchantment. Says Shenstone:

"Her cap, far whiter than the driven snow,
   Emblem right meet of decency does yield:
Her apron dy'd in grain, as blue, I trowe,
   As in her harebell that adorns the field:

And in her hand, for sceptre, she does wield
   Tway birchen spraye."

“Albeit no flattery did corrupt her truth,
   Ne pompus title did debauch her ear;
Goody, good-woman, gossip n'aunt forsooth,
   Or dame, the sole additions she did hear;
Yet these she challeng'd, these she held right dear."

     And the poet's graphic delineation has other winning touches:

“One ancient hen she took delight to feed,
   The plodding pattern of the busy dame:
Which ever and anon, impell'd by need,
   Into her school, begirt with chickens claim;
Such favor did her past deportment claim;
   And if neglect had lavish'd on the ground
Fragment of bread, she would collect the same;
   For well she knew, and quaintly could expound,
What sin it were to waste the smallest crumb she found."

There was worthy "Madame Breed," who long taught her little school on Water Hill, her frilled cap without a stain, and her manners as stately as if she were a queen. Some of our "best people" of the present day can trace their pedigree to her. She was mother of Andrews Breed, so long landlord of Lynn Hotel, in the days of its greatest glory, and grandmother of our fifth mayor.

     As to the condition and comparative usefulness of our present schools, there have been more or less derogatory whisperings; not so much touching their management as the course of study; but as that is to a considerable extent prescribed by law, it is so far beyond the regulation of those in whose hands the educational interests are more immediately placed. The boost that these primary seats of learning are now far superior to any heretofore known is often heard. But the important question is: Are they superior in adaptation to existing wants? The law requires instruction in "orthography, reading, writing, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, the history of the United States and good behaviour." It is highly probable that if each town could have its own way, or, in modern phrase, were "local option" permissible, this simple curriculum would in many places be changed, as the common pursuits in different localities greatly vary, rendering some studies much more desirable than others. Of course, each town must know its own wants. As a general requirement, however, perhaps the present could not be much improved. And the same may be said of high school studies, as there, in addition to those named, it is required that "general history, book-keeping, surveying, geometry, natural philosophy, chemistry, botany, the civil polity of the Commonwealth and of the United States, and the Latin language" be taught.

     But the law does not end with the above requirements. It opens a wide, permissive door through which numerous other studies, some of questionable utility, may and do intrude where the authorities allow or direct. It is here that danger lies, for some that were better kept out will occasionally, by mysterious influences, find their way in; some, to say the least, as useless as necromancy. Great responsibility rests on school committees, and it is agreeable to be able to testify that Lynn has usually been fortunate in securing those who had a due sense of their responsibility and intelligence and energy sufficient to execute their great trust in a way most conducive to the best interests of the people.

     In former years such studies were pursued as best prepared the pupil to meet the requirements of the position he was in homely honesty expected to occupy in after-life; not such a position as imaginative parental affection might picture. There is so much knowledge the possession of which is sure to add to our well-being that it seems unwise to occupy ourselves in efforts to gain that which is of doubtful utility. It has been said that all knowledge is useful, but most certainly all knowledge is not equally so. No one can learn everything, life not being long enough for that, and hence is it not the part of wisdom to learn as thoroughly as may be that which is indispensable or sure to be most useful? There is an old maxim that speaks of the jack-at-all-trades being good at none, and why not apply the suggestion to the departments of learning?

     Are we not more prone to theorize than our practical fathers were? more charmed with the ideal? But it may be asked, Is not the mind more fully developed and strengthened, better disciplined and polished, through these modern requirements; are not more extensive, beautiful and ennobling avenues of thought opened through such means? This is a point for the wisest to discuss, and when they have determined it they will do well to let the world know the result.

     The annual reports of our school committees are full and perspicuous, and it seems as if no citizen need be in ignorance of the condition of every school, nor of the ever-growing wants of our whole educational system.

     The following summaries will perhaps give as much statistical information concerning our present schools as may be thought necessary. They are for 1886.
     Number of Schools. - 1 High School, 7 grammar schools, 66 primary schools, 2 evening schools, 1 evening drawing school.
     Teachers. - Whole number of teachers in day schools, including music teacher, drawing teacher and teacher of elocution, 141; number of teachers in evening schools, 45; number of teachers in evening drawing school, 4; in High School, 5 male and 6 female teachers; in grammar schools, 4 male, 53 female; principals' assistants, 5; teachers in primary schools, 66.
     Pupils. - Average whole number of pupils belonging to all the day schools, 6415 ; average daily attendance of pupils in all the day schools, 5614; average number of pupils to a regular teacher in High School, 29; average number of pupils to a teacher in grammar schools, 42; average number of pupils to a teacher in primary schools, 63; average attendance of pupils in evening schools, 321; average attendance of pupils in evening drawing school, 116 ; High School graduates, June, 1886, 28.
     Cost of Support of Schools. - For such as are accustomed to estimate the value of things moral and intellectual, as well as material, on a pecuniary basis, it may be stated, in brief, that the actual expenditure from the city treasury for the support of the public schools in 1886 was $126,905.85, which included, for teachers' salaries, $82,096.37, and for each pupil between five and fifteen years, $16.86. The relative cost of the schools may be seen from the fact that the total expenditures of the city for the year were $1,014,617.80.
     LIBRARIES. - As auxiliaries in the cause of education, our libraries should be named . The first incorporated institution of the kind in Lynn appears to have been the "Social Library," which was established in 1819, though before that there were one or two collections of books to which the public generally had access; one especially, of considerable value, though limited in the number of volumes, near the close of the last century, in charge of Rev. Mr. Thatcher, of the First Church. The "Social Library" was a useful institution and continued some thirty years under its original organization, and then was united to the small collection of the Natural History Society. Its number of volumes seems never to have exceeded 1500. In 1855 the "Lynn Library Association” was incorporated and became custodian of the united collection, then numbering about 2000 volumes.

     In 1862 the "Lynn Free Public Library" was established, receiving the books of the Library Association, with such additions from other sources as raised the number of volumes to 4100. Thus began the notable Lynn Public Library, the usefulness of which is too well understood to need much remark here. The city year by year makes liberal appropriations for its support and increase, and has been fortunate in the selection of those who take special charge of its interests.

     There has been a steady increase in the number of volumes of the Public Library, and at the close of 1886 there were 34,411 bound volumes and 4486 pamphlets. The number of deliveries during the year 1885 was 85,355, and the largest number taken out in one day during the year was on Saturday, January 31st, when 951 were delivered. Receipts for the year, $6994.25; expenditures, $6974.27. Whole number of books purchased during the year, 888, including of religious works, 28; scientific, 61; biographical, 79; historical, 134; prose fiction, 219.

     Of course there were, all along, as the town grew, small circulating libraries in the different neighborhoods, and limited collections belonging to societies and clubs. These, together with those of the religious societies, furnished probably more good reading than was availed of in those industrious times. Charles F. Lummus, the first printer, for instance, had a collection of two or three hundred volumes in connection with his office, which he called the Redwood Library.

     There have not been many large donations to our Public Library as yet, though from time to time books and other appropriate contributions have been made. In this respect Lynn has been less fortunate than many other places. But there was one opportune legacy which will not be forgotten - that of $10,000 from Sidney B. Pratt. Mr. Pratt was born on the 14th of May, 1814, and died on the 29th of January, 1869, never having been married. He was unassuming in manners, liberal in ideas, diligent in business. Soon after the opening of the Eastern Railroad, in 1839, he commenced the express business, in a small way, which, by his promptness, activity and faithfulness, grew apace into large proportions, and finally, under the name of "Pratt and Babb's Express," became one of the leading lines in the vicinity. The public estimation of him was indicated by the attendance at his funeral, which took place from the Friends' meeting-house, of the mayor and other members of the city government, and a large concourse of business citizens. The donation to the library was by will. A good likeness of him is to be seen in the Public Library.

     Another liberal bequest to the Public Library was made by Lyman F. Chase, who died January 3, 1885. This gift was $5000. Mr. Chase was a native of Lynn, and much respected as a young business man, his age at the time of his decease being forty-three.

     NEWSPAPERS. - There was no newspaper published in Lynn till 1820. It was on the 3d of September of that year that the Weekly Mirror, under the proprietorship of Charles Frederic Lummus, made its first appearance. And, as this was an event of marked importance in our history, something more than ordinary notice may surely be proper, both of the paper and its proprietor.
     The appearance of the Mirror certainly was not brilliant, either mechanically or editorially. There were but nineteen lines of editorial matter in the whole paper. And there was no greeting to the public, nor allusion, in any shape, to the prospects, plans, or expectations of the publisher. An original tale occupied five of the little columns, and an original poem filled another. Mr. Lewis probably wrote both of these. Three or four advertisements appeared on the third page; and the rest of the paper was made up of news items and short extracts. The four pages of the sheet - that is the printed part - were each a fraction less than nine inches by eleven in size; the
type was much worn, the ink poor, the paper coarse and dingy. The size of the type was long primer, excepting about one column of brevier and two of pica. And, on the whole, the expectant public can hardly be charged with undue fastidiousness for failing to bestow very high encomiums on this new-born child of the press. Mr. Lummus told the writer, among other things, while recounting the experiences of that eventful period, that he sent a copy to the New England Galary, then under the charge of Mr. Buckingham, requesting an exchange, but received his own back, with the second E in the word WEEKLY changed to an A. The fifth number appeared in a somewhat enlarged form. The same width of column was preserved, but some five inches were added to the length, making a paper of much better shape. But this was done without boasting or any flourish of trumpets. There was not a line of editorial on the subject; nor was there, indeed, a line on any subject, in that number. Two of the columns were in pica; and the use of that large type was continued, to some extent, for a long time, he, the publisher, taking all suitable opportunities to gravely assure his readers that it was for the benefit of the aged people, whose eyes were dim; and many thanks did he receive for his kindness. The Mirror was first printed in a small wooden building, on the west side of Market street, just where Tremont Street now opens. But in four or five years the office was removed to another small building, at the west end of the Common, the most active business of the town at that time being centred there.

     For a considerable time the Mirror could boast of but little in quantity, in an editorial way, though what there was, was very good in quality; and it soon became a very readable paper, for, as the proprietor gathered confidence and became more experienced, he displayed most excellent taste and judgment in his selections. He had an open eye for the substantial and useful as well as the exciting and entertaining, and was diligent in looking up matters of local interest. And his brief remarks were often strikingly comprehensive. He seldom attempted an article more than a square or two in length, and was never guilty of spreading over half a column what might just as well be expressed in twenty lines.

     Mr. Lummus was very social in his disposition; was acquainted with everybody; was an accomplished musician, and something of a military man. He likewise interested himself in political affairs, but was too honest to gain a reputation for stability as a partisan. In all intellectual and recreative enterprises, from the dignified lyceum to the jovial chowder party, he was ready and active, and hence frequently found himself in a situation where he was able to pick up matter for useful or amusing "squizzles," as he termed his short articles. And he was able in a short time to gather around him quite a number of very acceptable correspondents.

     Mr. Lummus earned for himself the popular nickname of "Philosopher" in a rather amusing manner. Lawyer Gates being in the office one day, abruptly inquired, "Charles, what does the F. . in your name stand for? " " Philosopher," was the instantaneous response. The ready wit so struck the old gentleman that he at once gave currency to the self-bestowed sobriquet.

     He had a strange propensity to frequently change the appearance of his paper. Every little while his sheet would appear, perhaps with a new head, a different width of column, or some fanciful display of ornamental type. His were limited, and his office but poorly supplied with materials. An ancient Ramage press, which looked as if Franklin might have worked at it, a small font of secondhand long primer, a little brevier, and a very few little fonts of small ornamental letter, with a case of pica and a few pounds of great primer, were almost everything he had. His three stands were so aged as to totter on their legs, and his galleys were warped or cracked. The only large type in the office for years were two or three alphabets of four-line pica antique capitals, which served for the heading of handbills, and at one time for the heading of his paper. With such a fitting out, he could not, of course, be expected to turn out any very elegant specimens of the art. But at that time such displays in job printing as are now made were not thought of. In March, 1832, the writer purchased his whole establishment for two hundred dollars, paying quite as much as it was worth. He had, however, in the mean time procured a small font of new long primer, and sent off the old press, hiring a small iron one.

     As to the success of the Mirror, it may in brief be stated that small returns rewarded hard labor. The number of subscribers was about four hundred - sometimes running a little below, but seldom above. The amount of work in the office -  jobs, newspaper and all - could be done by the publisher and one hand. But at first, in a corner of his oflice, and afterward in a separate room, Mr. Lummus kept a shop with a small slock of stationery and fancy articles, such as are usually sold in a country book-store. A few musical instruments likewise formed a part of his stock, and he would frequently, in times of the greatest hurry, abruptly drop his composing stick to per
form a solo on one of them, much to the discomfiture of his journeyman. Indeed he did not possess quite so strong an attachment for manual labor as for some other pursuits, he was fond of considering the matter in a philosophical way, and would sometimes remark, "Well, I guess I won't work too hard to-day, lest I should have nothing to do to-morrow," which remark was the sure precursor of a ride, a walk or an interval of repose over a book. There was a vein of humor, without the sting of sarcasm, running through his conversation, and he much loved a harmless practical joke.

     He had an original way of ridding himself of idlers and such disagreeable company as quartered in his office: it was, to immediately set them at some disagreeable work. No matter who the individual might be, old or young, high or low, he would be called to go for a pail of water, sweep the door, or perform some other equally dignified service, a plausible excuse always accompanying the request; and when one thing was done another was ready to be commenced on, until the victim was wearied out. A gentleman of the first respectability was once seen rolling at the press with a hand-roller, his clothes, hands and sweaty brow all bedaubed with ink, while Mr. Lummus was pulling on with all possible speed, to prevent any opportunity for rest, his countenance wearing the gravity of a sphinx. His financial ability was not of a high order, and he was, moreover, of quite a liberal turn. So it is hardly probable that had his income been ever so great he would have become rich. He would occasionally hire a horse and wagon, and occupy perhaps half a day in going to Salem to procure two reams of paper. The writer was informed by a neighbor of his that he called at his place one forenoon, urging him, in great haste, to ride, with him to Boston, whither he was bound, in a chaise, alone. It being a pleasant day, the invitation was accepted. On reaching the city he drove directly to a famous restaurant, and called for some favorite viand, which was speedily before them. As soon as the meal was disposed of, Mr. Lummus arose, and, with an air of great satisfaction patting the natural receptacle of all good dinners, informed his friend that he was ready to start for home.

     In the matter of dress Mr, Lummus was far from being a successful imitator of Brummel, though he was always decently clad. The exterior habiliments, however, were not usually in exact keeping with the interior; for sometimes within his muddy and ungainly cow-hide boots he wore delicate silk stockings. And beneath his shaggy coat, of dingy-white and ancient fashion, was perhaps underwear of the finest linen.

     He occasionally conceived strange antipathies and prejudices which would sometimes exhibit themselves in a manner rather amusing than offensive. Seeing him once seize the list of the carrier for the eastern part of the town, and begin eagerly to cross off names, the writer asked him if so many wished to stop their papers. "I don't care whether they do or not," he replied, "but if they want it any longer they've got to move out of Woodland to get it." As some of his best friends - among them Mr. Lewis and Mr. Curtin - lived in that section, it seemed odd that he should have conceived such a prejudice.

     Like most editors, he was fond of having his paper talked about, and loved much now and then to create a sensation. To that end he would occasionally concentrate in one of his little paragraphs enough material to serve most editors for a column - charging a perfect little bomb-shell - perhaps offensive from its personal application, or roughly divulging some private matter.

     Like most editors, too, he was pleased to see his articles going the rounds of the press; and he knew well how to accomplish the end by inserting that which, from its bare oddity, would be snapped up. For instance, he, upon one calm summer morning startled the community with the bold announcement, - "Huckleberries is ripe." And the press all over the country echoed his announcement. It was customary in former days, as well as now, for people to complain of the dilatoriness of the Legislature. And Mr. Lummus once issued his paper with the usual conspicuous heading, "Legislative Proceedings," in one of its columns, followed by a long blank space. It was thought to be a good joke; but he said the best of the joke was that it saved the setting of so many types.

     The Mirror was discontinued in March, 1832, the proprietor having become involved, and the income not meeting the expenses. In the summer of the same year he published the first Directory of Lynn. It was a small 12mo, of seventy pages, with paper covers, and contained such information as is usually found in publications of the kind.

     Mr. Lummus now passed some four years without any regular, settled employment. He worked a little at printing, kept a circulating library for a short time, had one or two classes in French and several in music. His plan in teaching French was to learn a lesson one day and teach it the next, thus keeping one step ahead of his pupils, and so near them as to see all the difficulties of the way - so he said - and his success was so satisfactory that one large class made him a valuable present.

     There is no doubt that Mr. Luramua did much to awaken and foster a love for literature and other refining influences in the little community, and that we of the present generation owe a debt of gratitude for that. In the columns of his little paper the writing of Miss Fuller, Enoch Curtin, Solomon Moulton and quite a number of others first appeared. And Mr. Lewis was a contributor to its columns as long as it existed. He was in some sort a literary "head-centre," and his quaint and unpretentious criticisms doubtless had much influence in rectifying the style
of inexperienced writers. Many times has the writer heard him remark, in his serio-comic undertone, while looking over a manuscript and ruthlessly drawing his expunging pen through passages, no doubt, thought by the writer to be the most brilliant: “There is a flower without any smell; " or, "There is no nub to that."

     Early in 1838 the health of Mr. Lummus began seriously to fail; and it was not long before he was compelled to take to his room and then to his bed. The writer often visited him then, for, being in sickness and adversity, he was neglected by most of those who, in his brighter days, had been cheered by his friendship. He was usually cheerful, for his Christian faith was strong, and he seemed to feel no regret at the near approach of death. But to the last his natural eccentricities would occasionally exhibit themselves. One afternoon, just before his death, the bell happened to toll for a funeral. He heard it and remarked, "There, there is that old bell again; well, it will toll for me in a few days, I suppose," without any apparent conception that it would strike one as an
unseemly remark. At another time he was found sitting up eating a piece of toast, and, in reply to the inquiry as to how he felt, said : "Oh, your grandsir will be well enough in a few days, I guess." But after he had retired, and one was at his bed-side to bid him good-night, he explained by saying that his remark might have savored of levity; that it had reference to his death, which would probably take place in a few days; and he certainly trusted that all would be well with him.

     It was on the 20th of April, 1838, at the age of thirty-seven, that Mr. Lummus closed his life. He had marked singularities of character, but always proved so fast a friend and agreeable companion that he was universally beloved. And he had such an honesty of purpose, and strong desire to "do a little good in the world," as he expressed it, that his memory is more worthy of being cherished than many of higher pretensions and greater renown. Says Mr. Lewis: "He was an excellent musician, and a choice spirit. Few young men in Lynn were ever more extensively
beloved or more deserved to be. But thou art dead! Alas! poor Yorick!  Thine is a loss to be thought about, and thou shall long live in our love."

     Such was the beginning of printing in Lynn; such the first printer and his outfit; such the first newspaper, its character and success. Since that time many papers have arisen, flourished for a time and passed away; but there has hardly ever been a period without one or two respectable journals. At the present timo (1887) we have the following:

The Lynn Reporter (weekly), established in 1854.

The Lynn City Item (weekly), established in 1876.

Daily Evening Item, established in 1877.

The Lynn Bee (daily), established in 1880.

     They are all on the high road of prosperity, in a pecuniary way, each being far in advance of all the others, according to their individual claims. But then, money-making is, of course, a mere secondary matter with the worthy publishers. And as to editorial management, it may be remarked that every sheet bears evidence that not one of the editors would reasonably be expected, in the accustomed modesty of the craft, to deny that he is the ablest of the entire brotherhood. Commendation, however, is needless here, and criticism would be unbecoming.

     There are a number of book and job offices, besides the offices at which newspapers are printed. And the work turned out is quite equal in accuracy and elegance to that done elsewhere in the commonwealth.