1882 LONGFELLOW MEMORIAL ASSOC #2297 Helen Wyman Cert. BRATTLE ST., CAMBRIDGE MA

Description

Circa 1882
Rare Original Antique Engraved Subscription Certificate
LONGFELLOW MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION
Historic paper from Cambridge, Massachusetts
________________
"This certifies that Helen K. Wyman is an Honorary Member of the Longfellow Memorial Association, having subscribed to the Memorial to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow."
Certificate No. 2297
J. R. Lowell, President, A.D. 1882
Arthur Gilman, Secretary
This original certificate measures about 7.5" by 10.5".
_________________________
Name on the certificate, person who donated money for the Longfellow memorial, is
HELEN K. WYMAN
.  I found a photo of Helen in a book about the history of Cambridge. She is standing in the photo in front of 908 Massachusetts Avenue (now demolished) along with the two other memorial donors who are on the other two certificates I am also listing at auction (not part of this sale, I am selling each of the certificates separately). I am including the photo in this listing so you can see Helen but it is
not
part of this listing, it is provided for your reference and the provenance only.
Helen Knight Bullard Wyman (1845-1907) was married to Charles F. Wyman (1836-1906)
I researched the background on the Longfellow Memorial Association and found information that makes this a very interesting document, especially for collectors of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow or Cambridge, Massachusetts items. The local historical society should be able to provide additional information on this as well.
After Longfellow died in 1882 the association was formed for the purpose of raising money to create a memorial to him. Money was raised and funds matched enough to build the memorial and park on Brattle Street, Cambridge, Mass. across from Longfellow's home. Children and adults donated money for the monument, called subscriptions. When the adults donated .00 they were given engraved certificates. This listing is for one of the original certificates given to a Cambridge resident who donated money. Here is background info I found about the association and the donations.
_______________
The idea of an Association for the purpose of providing a Memorial to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was first given public expression a few days after the death of the poet, in a letter published in a Boston newspaper of March 30, 1882. Five days later, on April 4, a meeting was held to consider the formation of such an organization at the house of Arthur Gilman, 5 Waterhouse Street, Cambridge….
Other meetings were held; and the Association was incorporated May 23, 1882, and organized June 7, when it was voted that annual meetings should be held on Longfellow's birthday, February 27. The following officers were elected: JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, President …...
the erection under the direction of a competent committee, of a monument upon the lot of land opposite the late residence of Mr. Longfellow, including a portrait statue protected by an architectural canopy or other protection, and the laying out of the lot as a public park, to be surrendered to the City of Cambridge to be kept open forever, when the City is ready to accept the trust."  In order to take advantage of the general and widespread interest in Longfellow the Association gave school children the opportunity to contribute each a dime, in return for which each child should receive a facsimile of a bit of Longfellow's manuscript and a picture of his home;
adults could become honorary members by subscribing one dollar, receiving an engraved certificate.
From this method, unfortunately, an impression went out that large amounts were not desired, and in consequence, many persons who were ready to make larger subscriptions desisted,fearing to appear ostentatious. Thousands of children and many adults from coast to coast subscribed; but the net result of even thousands of such small subscriptions could not produce an adequate sum. Therefore, eventually, larger subscriptions were asked for, and were received from a large number of persons widely distributed geographically.
_______________________
Condition of this paper certificate is shown in the photos is good for age - it has the 1882 date at the bottom next to the President's name so it is from 1882 or just after that year when money was being raised for the memorial. Paper has age and use, rub and scuff, corner fold at tip, discoloration. Handwritten name of Helen has faded a bit but you can read it upon close inspection. Number in left corner 2297 easily read. It is old, pre-owned being sold "as is" as was found for your collection.
RARE interesting paper item from Cambridge and Longfellow history. For this reason it is being shipped USPS Priority Mail flat rate envelope to ensure safe delivery.
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Item is being sold .... AS IS .... as was found. Buy with confidence as I offer 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have questions when item arrives, just let me know.
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32019
Condition Guide:
Near Fine
: May be aged but book shows little if any visible wear.
Very Good
: May show light shelf wear but appears overall little read or used. Owner's name or inscription but no other markings.
Good
: Overall shows moderate use and shelf wear. Small tears and creases, spots and stains. May have owner's name or inscription and underlining, notes in text.
Fair
: Shows heavy use, large stains, heavy soiling, tears, and a page may be loose or missing.