NAWSA SUBJECT FILE Howe, Julia Ward June 9,1953 Mrs. Frank W. Graban Corresponding Secretary New England Women's Club Canton, Mass. Dear Mrs. Graban: Mrs. Guy Stantial has informed me of your interest in restoring my father's signature on the portrait which he painted of Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, which I understand has now been hung in your headquarters at the Boston University Women's Club. In this instance the signature goes beyond the artist's name, for Mrs. Howe was an esteemed friend of my family, quite beyond being the sitter for the portrait. As a youth I can recall pleasant occasions when Mrs. Howe - often accompanied by Miss Blackwell - would come to the studio and pose. At that time there was at the studio a rather interesting group of distinguished Bostonians, such as Mrs. Howe and Miss Blackwell, which made the atmosphere quite stimulating; which, unfortunately, I was too young to appreciate. It is rather difficult for me to place the exact year when my father painted Mrs. Howe's portrait, but I would say, from associated recollections, it must have been between 1903 and 1905. I understand that you also have Miss Blackwell's portrait. Miss Blackwell was particularly close to us; she being my godmother. Because of your having these two works of my father, it has occurred to me that you might be interested in the enclosed biography which I endeavored to compile at the unveiling of Miss Blackwell's portrait a few years ago - with which Mrs. Stantial was connected. With respect to restoring the signature, I would be glad to drop in some time when I am in Boston and confirm the picture - for my memory of it is very distinct. If you could have some local artist - perhaps a student - present at the time I could explain how my father signed -2- his portraits, and he could duplicate on the canvas the signature. (Although I am not an artist, I have duplicated his signature on similar occasions - but I prefer to have a painter do so.) It is customary in such cases to affix on the rear of the picture a sort of testimonial, which I would be glad to sign, attesting to its authenticity. In order to do this I feel that I should first see the portrait. At the present writing I have no idea when I may be in Boston next, but occasionally I have need to go there. Accordingly I would suggest that when such an oc- casion again arises I will get in touch with you, in the hope that it may meet with your convenience. It may be some time before I will be going to Boston, so if you do not hear from me soon, do not feel that I have overlooked the matter. Sincerely yours, Cleron Eksergian Rock House Rose Tree Road Media, Pa. Cross Reference Sheet Name or Subject. Julia Ward Howe Portrait File No. Regarding Date 1951 - Hangs in the lobby of Fisk House, 146 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, (formerly called the Boston University Women's Club.) The New England Women's Club holds meetings there and the portrait is the property of the Club. (see letter to Mrs. Graban in Portrait folder SEE Name or Subject File No. File cross reference form under name or subject at top of the sheet and by the latest date of papers. Describe matter for identification purposes. The papers, themselves should be filed under name or subject after "SEE". Library Bureau Division of Remington Rand Inc. Branches Everywhere Made in U. S. A. Cat. No. 30-5902 For use in all Filing Systems House . . . . . No. 320. Bill accompanying the petition of Julia Ward Howe and others for legislation to grant municipal suffrage to women. Election Laws. January 16. Commonwealth of Massachusetts In the Year One Thousand Nine Hundred and Eight. An Act Granting Municipal Suffrage to Women. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: 1 Every woman whose name is now or shall be hereafter 2 on the register of voters in any city or town, as qualified 3 according to law to vote for members of school committees 4 in elections thereof, is hereby given the right to vote 5 upon all municipal matters and for all municipal officers 6 in such city or town in the same manner as if she were a 7 qualified male voter. [*Dilln*] (Copy-Boston Evening Transcript, Tuesday, Feb. 21. 1899) CONSTITUTIONAL SUFFRAGE So large was the attendance on the hearing on Woman Suffrage given by the Committee on Constitutional Amendments in Room 240 at the State House this morning, that it was a question for a time whether all could be accommodated with seats. It had been announced that Mrs. Julia Ward Howe and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore and other prominent women would address the Committee in favor of a petition for an amendment to the Constitution striking out the word male from the qualification of voters, and that equally prominent woman would oppose the petition. When all had been provided with seats there was little room left for those who are willing to stand. Chairman Frederick W. Dallinger presided and Miss Alice Stone Blackwell represented the petitioners and Thomas Russell the remonstrants. The two factions seemed to be pretty equally divided in point of numbers judging by the applause which was frequent and persistent. Mrs. Julia Ward Howe president of the Woman Suffrage Association was the first speaker. She said that it might seem strange that after so many defeats the woman suffragists should again appear at the State House, but while there is life there is hope. She traced briefly the opposition that has attended every movement for the advancement of women dating back to the time when girls were refused admission to the higher walks of education. That has all been changed, and women have today the same educational advantages as men. One good deed leads to another and it is as impossible to check the wheels of progress as to prevent the approach of the ocean waves. It became a matter of necessity that women should be educated that they might be the companions of men, and thus men have been the gainers by the greater privileges granted to women. And so every forward step taken is as of great service to men as to women. Mrs. Howe said in conclusion that for twenty years she had been engaged in this cause and that now when [*Julia Ward Howe Doll*] June 11, 1961 Dear Mrs. Stantial: I am sorry to be so long in answering your letter of May 10th, but I waited until I found information for you as to the Julia Ward Howe doll. Mrs. Earle E. Andrews of Winchester informs me that the doll is now owned by Miss Elizabeth MacMahon 86 Bradford Street Everett 49, Massachusetts You will find Miss MacMahon a most delightful person to deal with and I feel sure that she will be glad to give you any information you may desire. I hope this will solve your problem and will be glad to help you any more if I can. Sincerely yours, Madeline O. Merrill Mrs. Richard Merrill 109 Water Street Saugus, Massachusetts Julia Ward Howe Doll June 30, 1961 Miss Elizabeth MacMahon of Everett, Massachusetts, called on Mrs. Edna Lamprey Stantial today to look at the file of the Julia Ward Howe Doll. Miss MacMahon recently purchased the doll at a public auction for $95. and she and Mrs. Edward Osgood have presented it to the Wenham Historical Association and Museum, Inc. at Wenham, Massachusetts. Miss MacMahon is a Director of the Museum. Miss MacMahon has prepared a scrapbook of information about past owners of the doll, but has not been able to find out from whom Mr. Kenneth Sherburne purchased it. It was Mr. Sherburne who offered it for auction at the Hubley Co. Auction Rooms in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The amber pin is no longer on the doll. Mrs. Stantial gave to the Museum collection the original bill for the materials and dressmaking which had been presented to and paid by Miss Alice Stone Blackwell. A copy of the bill with samples of the original materials used, will be found in this file. Edna Lamprey Stantial, Editor The Doll Collectors of America, inc. PRESIDENT Mrs. Earle E. Andrews. 196 Highland Avenue Winchester, Massachusetts CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Mrs. Henry E Johnson 84 Malvern Street Melrose, Massachusetts TREASURER Mrs. Harry C. Garland 139 Newton Avenue Worcester, Massachusetts 84 Malvern Street, Melrose, Mass. June 18, 1939. My dear Miss Blackwell;- Thanking you for your very gracious letter in response to my letter concerning the Julia Ward Howe doll, was delayed pending in having the pleasure of seeing the doll myself, which was made possible on the last Wednesday at the home of our president in Winchester. So precious did the present owner of the doll consider his possession that he at first insisted that Madam Howe-the doll be accompanied by a home town policeman, remonstrated with he finally came himself and after setting the doll in a high chair, kept guard while members of the club passed in review, just a paltry 20 of us. We could come quite near and he would lift for our view the doll's clothes for us to see her undy-things and the lavender silken petticoat all be-ruffled and trimmed with bias folds , the lavender cashmere dress so like Mrs. Howe, trimmed with Dutchess lace, her white hair, the lace cap, the whole ensemble so perfect in every detail. With the doll was brought a yellow banner or streamer with the words EQUALITY and JUSTICE, there were also some small handwritten tickets on note paper evidently left over from some exhibition where there was a charge, the tickets had different wording, some with the words "See Julia Ward Howe" there was no explanation which accompanied the things placed within the box. The present owner will not divulge where he purchased the doll except it was a fair and square purchase 2 President The Doll Collectors Mrs. Earle E. Andrews 196 Highland Avenue Winchester, Massachusetts of America, inc. Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Henry E. Johnson 84 Malvern Street Melrose, Massachusetts Treasurer Mrs. Harry C. Garland 139 Newton Avenue Worcester, Massachusetts The sum of money paid for this poll is very large, so large I would rather not mention it. The owner also said he had refused $1500. for the doll, this seems incredible, even in this day of exhorbitant prices now paid by collectors for dolls in general and historic and portrait dolls in particular. The general public has suddenly become very doll conscious. We were told the Boston Greeks are negotiating for the doll desiring to place it in the Greek Museum in honor of Mr. Howe. I am wondering after seeing the doll if in anyway Mrs. Howe's portrait in wax was modeled over a real doll's head or whether it is of solid wax, it could be either. If the doll was mine I would never rest until I used a hot needle and found out the truth, it could do no harm and the under construction of the moulded featured would be de[r]termined for all time. I report the doll to be in absolutely perfect cond ition, clean as when made, the shoes look never to have been soiled, the underwear is absolutely fresh and the dress unfaded, only the face shows its age and this only mellows the tone, it is a wonderful likeness, charming and so appealing in every way that it seems almost alive. Having seen Mrs. Howe in my young life and also later on I feel sure this doll is a marvelous piece of artistic handiwork. 3 More and more I am amazed as to the reason why this doll became lost either by the Club or the person into whose care it may have been given. Suffrage having once become a fact, probably interest in the doll ceased members failing to realize the doll was then and for the future an object of historic interest. Packed away in someone's attic, the person in charge may have died and a later generation passed it by as something of no consequence, or knew nothing about the doll. I note in your letter that you mention old bound volumes of the Womans' Journal giving a short notice about the doll-- would it be possible for me to have the year and month of the publication that I may hunt the article up and make a copy. I shall leave no stone unturned to acquire knowlege about the Edward Everett Hale Doll and rest of the story about Julia Ward Howe. [*Hattie Elliott Johnson*] "Squeeky" rings delightfully in my ears as you make it possible for another famous woman's doll to be recorded, among my clippings I find two pictures and a short life history to place [with] with your record. I am glad you wrote the doll was of rubber, these old rubber dolls are very rare now. We find dolls played some tragic acts in many famous womens' lives, especially that of Emma Eames who wrote at length about hers in her [own] autobiography. Thanking you for your kindness which has been so very helpful in suggesting the name of someone to whom I may write for further information, and I shall be very happy to send you such results later as I may acquire. Sincerely yours, Hattie Elliott Johnson [*Hattie Elliott Johnson*] JULIA WARD HOWE DOLL (Copied from a manuscript in the box with theDoll) (1939) (Since 1909) The idea of having this doll originated with Miss Allice Stone Blackwell, an admirer of and co-worker with Mrs. Julia Ward Howe. Miss Blackwell suggested the plan to Madam Howe, who was much pleased with the idea, and was delighted to sit for a Portrait Doll! The famous Armenian portrait painter, Carnigi Eksergian*, who had already painted a portrait of Madam Howe, also of Miss Blackwell, several of Mrs. George F. Lowell's family, also of the Ames family of Boston, and many other distinguished Americans, was engaged to make the doll, which was to be an exact likeness of Mrs. Julia Ward Howe. A large doll was purchased, the head and face were moul ded in wax representing the features of the sitter. Then, at another sitting, the lines of care and a ge were traced, like those on Madam's own. Soft white hair was placed on the head, and my lady doll was ready for her wardrobe. Madam Howe produced some lavender cashmere of her own gown, and the silk to match for the petticoat, and Mrs. Eksergian, the artist's wife, fashioned the skirt and gown exactly like its counterpart worn by Mrs. Howe at that time. The little lace Swedish cap too, was an exact copy of Madam Howe's, including the amber pin to keep it in place; and the little chatelaine pocket for her mouchoir is like that Madam always wears; also a tiny ring on her finger, a brooch to fasten the lace cape, both of which are always seen on Mrs. Howe. The Doll is most complete in every smallest detail, and as the years roll of and away my lady-doll will become more and more valuable as an Historic Portrait Doll -- the only one of its kind, I venture to say, in this Country. She carries a suffrage petition inher hand -- which so fills the life and heart of both Mrs. Julia Ward Howe and Miss Alice Stone Blackwel. It is greatly to be desired that she beowned in Newton -- by the Newton Equal Suffrage League. ------ "The artist's name is given as CARNIG EKSERZIAN (1855-1931) in Mallett's Index of Artists (1935). ----- Editor's note, June 1961 - The portrait of Miss Blackwell and of Mrs. Howe are signed Eksergian and the family uses that spelling. E.L.Stantial JULIAWARD HOWE DOLL Boston Evening Transcript, August 26, 1939 DOLL MODEL Exact Likeness of Julia Ward Howe By Justine Lewis Julia Ward How is still living in spirit at least, as the activity of women in politics today will testify. But more than her spirit is perpetuated here in her native city. A doll modeled in exact likeness of that grand old lady of women's suffrage is in the possession of a Bostonian and was exhibited at a summer meeting of the Doll Collectors of America. This remarkable puppet is a lifelike model; Mrs. Howe posed several times for the artist, Carnigi Ekserzian, who had already painted her portrait. She even gave material for a costume to match her gown. Found with the doll was a manuscript telling how it happened to be made and giving interesting sidelines on the thoroughness of that famous lady, even in such a relatively small matter. Kenneth Sherborn [*burne*] of Woburn is the doll's owner, and loaned it to the club for its Wax Doll program recently. The accompanying picture hardly does justice to the minute detail of the face and costume. Manuscript read The meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Earle E. Andrews, president of the Doll Collectors of America, Inc. She read the manuscript found with the doll, wherein it stated: "The idea of having this doll originated with Miss Alice Stone Blackwell, an admirer of and co-worker with Mrs. Julia War Howe, who was much pleased with the idea, and was delighted to sit for a portrait doll. The famous Armenian portrait painter, Carnigi Ekserzian, who had already painted a portrait of Mrs. Howe, was engaged to make the doll, which was to be an exact likeness of Mrs. Julia Ward Howe. "A large doll was purchased, the head and face were molded in wax representing the features of the sitter. Then, at another sitting, the lines of care and age were traced, like those of Madam's own. Soft white hair was placed on the head, and the doll was ready for her wardrobe. Madam Howe produced some lavender cashmere of her own gown and the silk to match for the petticoat, and Mrs. Ekserzian, the artists' wife, fashioned the skirt and gown exactly like the counterpart worn by Mrs. Howe at that time. "The little lace Swedish cap, too, was an exact copy, including the amber pin to keep it in place, and the little chatelaine pocket for her mouchoir is like that Madam always wears; also a tiny ring on her finger, a brooch to fasten the lace cape, both of which are always seen on Mrs. Howe. She also carries a suffrage petition in her hand. The doll is most complete in every smallest detail." The manuscript was written 1909, a year before Mrs. Howe's death. Julia Ward Howe Doll - 2. Boston Transcript article The program of the club's meeting, at which Mrs. Henry Johnson was co-hostess, included Mrs. Andrews' reading of a paper on the making of wax dolls, which she found in a magazine of 1875. There followed a discussion and it was found that a number of the members are proud possessors of the Montinari doll. Montinari Doll These had the hair, eyelashes and eyebrows separately inserted in the wax. Much skill was also evinced in the variety of expression which was given to some of Mrs. Andrews' wax dolls which she showed. Mrs. Edward Cole of Wenham exhibited some interesting wax puppets, among them Church dolls of about 1700. Included were Italian, French, English and Japanese. The afternoon's program was brought to a close when the members drove to an adjoining town to see dolls, toys and carvings done by the creative g genius of Mrs. Blanche Deering. Alice Stone Blackwell Archives Subject: Julia Ward Howe Doll Date 1906 Statement for Miss Blackwell (of doll) 2 yards Lavender Silk@.50-----1.00 2" " cloth .59------------------1.18 1 1/4 Hamburg flounce .37 1/2---.47 1/4 Lace net--------------------.32 4 yd. lace applique .20---------.80 1 yd. lace for cap---------------.55 Chair---------------------------.50 Brooch-------------------------.25 Pin for cap---------------------.25 Chain--------------------------.13 Doll---------------------------2.50 ------ 7.95 $10.00 7.95 -------- $ 2.05--- Due Miss Blackwell Copy. Original presented & Window Hut . ars Museum - (owner, 1961 of the poet ) Gift of neon Eqalret Was Wakon & new Ederand W. Ogard Don't jail to see the "Julia Ward Howe" Doll Admission to enter Julia Ward Howe Doll Copy Excerpt from letter of Mrs. Esther N. Andrews, President, The Boston Section, Council of Jewish Women March 23, 1906 Dear Miss Blackwell: Now that the Bazaar is a thing of the past, I want to thank you for your kindness. I suppose Miss Foote of the Boston Political Club has informed you of the constant interest in the unusual doll. A Mrs. Glidden of Somerville purchased it. I shall be glad to avail myself of the privilege of viewing the portrait if permitted. Esther N. Andrews Boston Globe, May 7, 1939 Julia Ward Howe Doll On Exhibition In Woburn (Picture with caption, "Christina di Napoli holding Julia Ward Howe Doll at Woburn Public Library.) A unique portrait doll of one of Boston's most noted women, Julia Ward Howe, author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is on exhibition at Woburn Public Library and has attracted many visitors the past week. The face and hands were modeled in wax and painted from life by Carnigi Ekserzian, Armenian portrait painter who died in 1931. He had painted many prominent Bostonians, including Miss Alice Stone Blackwell, and it was Miss Blackwell's idea that the doll-replica of Mrs. Howe should be made. The doll is a perfect replica of Mrs. Howe in 1909, and is even dressed in a lavender cashmere replica of one worn by Mrs. Howe, with lace cap on the white hair, a lace cape and black velvet reticule. The miniature amber cap-pin, brooch and ring are copies of Mrs. Howe's jewelry. Since Julia Ward Howe died in 1910, shortly after completion of the doll, its historic value enhances with the decades. Born in New York of a wealthy family which had supplied two Governors for Rhode Island, her marriage to Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, philanthropist and first superintendent of the Perkins Institution for the Blind, brought her in 1843 to live in Boston after a year's wedding trip abroad. Dr. Howe died in 1876, but Julia Ward Howe, 20 years his junior, long survived him. Both were prominent in the Abolitionist cause and her famous "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was written in the darkness of a tent at the front one night while she and Dr. Howe were with the party of Gov. Andrew of Massachusetts visiting the lines. She was always active in causes for women or oppressed peoples. She was president of the New England Woman's Club for nearly 30 years and president of the New England Suffrage Association,holding the same office in the Woman's Interpational Peace Association. In addition to her activities she brought up a family of five children and published a number of volumes of poetry. At Woburn Public Library now anew generation can see in the portrait- doll what a very noted lady of the 19th century looked like through the kindness of thedoll's owner, Kenneth Sherburne, Kilby St. MINISTERS ON VOTES FOR WOMEN According to Mrs. Howe's Census of Clergymen in Equal Suffrage States By ALICE STONE BLACKWELL Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, a short time before her death, sent a circular letter, asking whether the results of equal suffrage were good or bad, to all the Episcopal clergymen, and to the Presbyterian, Congregational, Methodist and Baptist ministers in the suffrage states; to all the Congregational Sunday school superintendents (the other denominations do not publish the names of the superintendents in their religious year-books), and to the editors of the newspapers. In all 624 answers were received. Of these, 62 were opposed, 46 in doubt, and 516 in favor. The replies from the Episcopal clergymen were favorable, more than two to one : those of the Baptist ministers, seven to one : those of the Congregational ministers, about eight to one : of the Methodists, more than ten to one, and of the Presbyterians, more than eleven to one. Of the Sunday school superintendents, one was opposed and one in doubt ; all the rest were favorable. The editors expressed themselves in favor, more than eight to one. The ministers and editors are practically unanimous in saying that equal suffrage has made women more intelligent companions for their husbands and better able to instruct their children. Almost all are agreed that is has broadened women's minds and led them to take more interest in public questions. A large number say that it has helped to obtain liberal appropriations for school purposes and for humanitarian objects, and has made it harder for notoriously corrupt candidates to be nominated or elected ; that equal suffrage does not lead to divorces, and that women enjoy increased influence because of having the ballot. Most of the ministers emphatically deny that immoral women control the elections. The testimony is practically the same form all four states and from all parts of those states. Some of the opinions are as follows : REV. FROST CRAFT, Methodist Episcopal, Denver––Woman's influence is far stronger with the ballot than without it. Practical politicians are obliged to take her opinion into account. The great majority of the women go to the polls quietly, cast their votes and return at once to their homes. Women show a greater tendency than men to scratch bad candidates. The vast majority of women who vote are women of good character. REV. LEON C. HILL, Presbyterian, Cheyenne. Wyo., former chaplain of the House of Representatives––Women are more independent voters than the men. Equal suffrage has been beneficial to the state in very way. 7 REV. ROBERT ROBINSON ADAMS, Methodist Episcopal, Pueblo, Colo.--As a result of fifteen years' residence in Colorado, possibly with some prepossessions against woman suffrage due to a life in Philadelphia, I heartily endorse woman suffrage. REV. C. E. HELMAN, Methodist Episcopal, Shoshone, Idaho--I was opposed to woman suffrage when I left Ohio. I have been in Idaho for fourteen years, and am convinced that it has been an excellent thing. No righteous cause or good person fears woman suffrage. REV. CHARLES H. POWELLL, Episcopal, Rock Springs, Wyo.--The fact that women vote in this state has helped to put politics on a higher level in many particulars. REV. FRANK L. MOORE, Congregational, Cheyenne, Wyo.--It would be political suicide for any man or party to raise the question of repeal. REV. J. G. COWDEN, Presbyterian, Caldwell, Idaho--None but politicians of the baser sort would think of doing away with woman suffrage. REV. S. W. GRIFFIN, Presbyterian, Littleton, Colo.--The more I see of the results of woman suffrage the more I am convinced that the cleansing of politics demands that it should be nation-wide. REV. ORRIN W. AUMAN, Methodist Episcopal, Pueblo, Colo.--In no case have I found a wife or mother who was less efficient in household duties because she was interested also in the public welfare and was privileged to cast her ballot. Much good legislation has been accomplished in Colorado from the initiative of women since they have had the ballot. REV. J. C. ANDREWS, Baptist, Salt Lake City--Woman's influence for good is largely increased by the right to vote. I wish every state in the Union would give suffrage to women. I believe it would be a power for good. REV. C. A. QUINN, Methodist Episcopal, Heyburn, Idaho--I cannot see any evil of any sort connected with woman suffrage. I long to see the day when women will vote in every state of the Union. REV. G. M. DU BOIS, Episcopal, Canyon City, Colo.--The feeling in Colorado, so far as I can report it, is of satisfaction with woman suffrage and a conviction that it has come to stay. SEND FOR CATALOG OF SUFFRAGE LITERATURE AND SUPPLIES Subscribe for THE WOMAN'S JOURNAL, The Only Suffrage Paper of National Scope $1.00 per year Alice Stone Blackwell, Editor 5c, per copy Address NATIONAL AMERICAN WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION, 505 Fifth Ave., New York City 7 May 1899 MRS. HOWE'S BIRTHDAY (Written by Alice Stone Blackwell and read at Mrs. Julia Ward Howe's 80th birthday celebration at the New England Women's Club.) What shall we say on this glad day, 'Mid love, and smiles, and tears, To her whose birth has blessed the earth For eighty glorious years? With every year she grows more dear, More sweet, more wise, more weighty; For "sweet sixteen" is good, but green - Far richer is sweet eighty! Let poets praise her silvery lays; Let scholars praise her learning; Let patriots speak, with flushing cheek, Of war-songs grand and burning. Yet more, far more than student-lore, Or songs that she has sung us Of peace or strife, we prize the life That she has lived among us - A life so white, the fiercest light That fame can cast upon her Can but display in clearer way Her purity and honor. Oh shades of night, and error's blight! This dame was born to trouble you, Through twenty years of hopes and fears She led the A. A. W.* * (Assn. for the Advancement of Women.) O'er all the land that noble band The sparks of light have scattered, Till splendid pyres and beacon-fires The realm of shades have shattered. When truths were new, and friends were few, And women's need was sorest, They sowed the seed that now indeed Is grown a stately forest. When here we meet, one voice most sweet In vain our ears desire; I speak to-day as best I may For one now "gone up higher" O comrade tried, who kept her side When press and pulpit fought her! One grateful word must here be heard From Lucy's Stone's one daughter. -2- Our good cause grows, despite its [fores]; - Blithe, brave, and self-reliant, 'Tis now upsprung a stripling strong, And soon will be giant. But when 'twas yet able a babe, beset By ridicule and anger, Puny and small, despised by all - She loved the little stranger. Through all disguise, her prophet eyes Discerned the hidden angel, And from that hour, with truth and power, She preached our glad evangel. Steep were the ways and dark the days When she took up our quarrel - Let none forget this bay-leaf, set Among her wreath of laurel! Let others praise her wit and grace, Her genius in its splendor, Her skill in art, her tender heart - I praise the faith's defender! Soldier of truth in age and youth, Keen in each high endeavor, Her valiant soul yet seeks the goal Where wars shall cease forever. Full many gem her diadem Bears in its brilliant cluster, But which among the glittering throng Shines with the brightest lustre? Which is most dear to hearts sincere - Which holds the highest station Of all the names by which she claims Our love and veneration? The list is long- the titles throng - Mother and saint and teacher, Thinker and seer and pioneer And patriot and preacher; A hero's bride, a nation's pride, A scholar and a statist, A queen of song, a foe of wrong - The last is still the greatest! The world today has had its say; When angels write her story With pens that shine, what golden line Will glow with richest glory? 3 That, though her life was full and rife With pleasure in possession, She strove to save the wronged, the slave, The victims of oppression. She felt for all in tyrant thrall - The Ethiop and the Fenian, Cretan and Jew, and Russian, too - Italian and Armenian; Cuban and Greek alike can speak How, in a dull and sodden And selfish time, in every clime She feels for the down-trodden. Each fleeting hour confirms her power, Each day we love her better; Each year departs, and leaves our hearts Bound in a stronger fetter. These golden ties we dearly prize; Late, late may they be sundered; Dear Mrs. Howe, do make a vow To live to a hundred! Julia Ward Howe [Portrait] J W Howe Julia Ward Howe Doll -- May 7-39 On Exhibition in Woburn CHRISTINA DI NAPOLI HOLDING JULIA WARD HOWE DOLL AT WOBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY A unique portrait-doll of one of Boston's most noted women, Julia Ward Howe, author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," is on exhibition at Woburn Public Library and has attracted many visitors the past week. The face and hands were modeled in wax and painted from life by Carnigi Ekserzian, Armenian portrait painter who died in 1931. He had painted many prominent Bostonians, including Miss Alice Stone Blackwell, and it was Miss Blackwell's idea that the doll-replica of Mrs. Howe should be made. The doll is a perfect replica of Mrs. Howein 1909, and is even dressed in a lavender cashmere replica of one worn by Mrs. Howe, with lace cap on the white hair, a lace cape and black velvet reticule. The miniature amber cap-pin, Gridley Howe, philanthropist and first superintendent of Perkins Institution for the Blind, brought her in 1843 to live in Boston after a year's wedding trip abroad. Dr. Howe died in 1876, but Julia Ward Howe, 20 years his junior, long survived him. Both were prominent in the Abolitionist cause and her famous "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was written in the darkness of a tent at the front one night while she and Dr. Howe were with the party of Gov. Andrew of Massachusetts visiting the lines. She was always active in causes for women or oppressed peoples. She was president of the New England Woman's Club for nearly 30 years and president of the New England Suffrage Association, holding the same office in the Woman's International Peace Association. In addition to her activities she brought up a family of five children and public Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.