History of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts, including Lynnfield ...

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Miscellaneous Notes. 237
in 1831 ;
and then, of course, "election time" ceased to be
observed. We have seen what indulgences characterized its latter
days. And it may not be impertinent to ask if there are not
other seasons which are now observed in a manner quite as
inconsistent with the original purpose, if not in a manner quite
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as reprehensible. How about our annual Fast we regard
it as a day of " fasting, humiliation and prayer," or as a day for
out-door sports and in-door games ? Some good Christian people,
notably among them the late
Rev. Dr. Cooke, have thought,
in view of the turn things have taken, that it would be wise to
discontinue altogether the appointment of such a day. But
would it not be better to reform than abolish
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is rather
surprising that one of Dr. Cooke's spirit should counsel a course
that looks so much like a surrender. Then there is Independence
day, the day on which, in times past, in the public celebration,
the best orator and the best poet were called to spread their
wings in oration and ode, and patriotism and lofty sentiment
freely gushed in toast and banquet speech, with interludes of
trumpet notes and song. But now " Young America " rather
has the ascendancy hereabout ; and the "antique and horrible"
displays, the tub races and the bicycles take the leading part —
all well enough, perhaps, in their way, but seemingly not quite
up to the requirements of the dignity of so grand an occasion.
One word more about Artillery Election. It need not be
remarked that the name is derived from the fact that on that
day — the first Monday of June — the officers of the Ancient
and Honorable Artillery are elected. The company was organized
as early as 1638, and quite a list of Lynn men have been
members.
It continues in vigorous existence, but is, at this day,
was in former
not so much needed as a regulator in tactics, as it
years ; in short it is now rather an organization of respectable
military citizens who meet in a semi-social way, than one adhering
to the strict rules and requirements of martial life.
They have occasionally on parade days visited Lynn. Any
one in passing along Tremont street, in Boston, may observe
near the outer wall of the King's Chapel burying ground an
ancient gravestone bearing the name Hezekiah Usher. This
individual was one of the original members of the organization.
A son of his, of the same name, was an officer in the company, and