DECLINE OF THE HANDEL SOCIETY
The Handel Society was living, but in feeble health. It still elected officers especially organist and choirleader who by ancient precedent collected salaries of fifty dollars a year, not so bad for the time. The work of organist was not severe if he had sufficient sense of humor to carry him through those occasions when the blower failed to arrive, or when on the first breath of wind in the organ a small pipe which had been plugged open gave a continuous squeal which he had no time to find and stop. The chorister was expected to furnish a choir—any way, and as its members were not paid to be present there were occasions when by accident, drollery or caprice it was wholly lacking. Once in a while a chorister thus caught had the nerve to sing the hymn through from start to finish to an appreciative and demonstrative audience. Stout fellow, say I. The Handel Society went slowly to sleep. For years—nearly through the nineties—a list of officers was published in the Aegis including a "Primarius" from the faculty. These lists were surely post somnum as it had abandoned even the casual sessions of song. The last conscious functions of the organization had been the collection of small initiation fees and then to move all hands to Lil Carter's restaurant to spend the money in peanuts, singing as they went uncouth ditties that Handel never heard.
The decadence of the Handel Society was much regretted by older members of the faculty some of whom like President Bartlett had been active in its flourishing days. Later Charles Richardson and the writer were appointed a committee to try to revive it, but the college choir and the glee club were developing and we had nothing to offer. The fact that it had been one of the most notable musical organizations in New England had little influence and its revival had to be delayed until love of music was abroad in the College and there were masters of great ability to give it strength and direction.
FORMER PRESIDENT BARTLETT The former president is on the reader's right. The gentleman with his back to the photographer is former Professor Gabriel Campbell
