Pageant of Salem

Earlier, when we recognized the support of Lucie M. Gardner for The Massachusetts Magazine, we put in the image that was from 100 years ago.  Lucie continued Sidney Perley's work, reported on activities by groups (such as The Old Planters Society). She is also listed as an editor.

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The recent issue of Gardner's Beacon, Vol. VIII, No. 1., mentions the upcoming 400th commemorations. Cape Ann, Essex Co., and Salem have several years to party, from 2023 to 2030. Following is about the 300th. VP Charles Dawes was in Salem for the ceremony. Dr. Frank was there, as were a whole lot of folk.

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On June 13th and 14 and 16th and 17th of 1913, there was a Pageant presented by locals. Dr. Frank participated. He and his wife were the Roger Conants. Thomas and Margaret Gardner were played by Waldo D. Gardner and his sister. Lucie M. Gardner played the wife of William Jeffrey. Other families portrayed were Balch, Gray, Norman, Palfrey, and Allen.

The Pageant was presented by the management of the "The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association" and was published (available via Google/books). The Pageant was "arrange and directed by Margaret Maclaren Eager" with Sidney Perley as consultant. There were many participants and supporters (see Pg 5). The following provides the structure of the Pageant.

• Part I, Prelude (Naumkeag)
• Episode 1 (a) The Indians at Naumkeag
• Episode 1 (b) The Indians welcome the advent of the English, Roger Conant and Followers
• Episode 2 Arrival of the ship "Abigail" with Governor Endicott and fifty English settlers, 1628
• Episode 3 The forming of the First Church
• Episode 4 (a) Roger Williams banished by the government
• Episode 4 (b) The persecution of the Quakers
• Episode 5 Salem deluded by witchcraft. Witchcraft unveiled and driven out. 
• Part II, Episode 1 The coming of Governor Gage to hold Court at Salem, 1774
• Episode 2 The ball given in honor of Governor Gage
• Episode 3 The forming of the First Provincial Congress
• Episode 4 (a) Leslie's retreat
• Episode 4 (b) The Call to Arms
• Part III, Commercial Days
• Part IV, Nineteenth Century Days
• Episode 1 The Salem of romance. Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Episode 2 The close of the Civil War. Entrance of the Grand Army of the Republic.
• Finale 

The Pageant material names all of those who acted. The Finale includes various lists of prominent persons of Salem by category. The image shows a few of the participants.

Remarks: Modified: 07/17/2019

06/06/2018 -- Need to prepare for 2023/4. Some, of literary inclinations, have looked back 200 years: American Jeremiad. But, we need to go back to the Cape Ann times and before.

07/17/2019 -- Changed to using commemoration.