"there are hair cloth trunks which will give forth costumes of past generations"

“With rich local history surrounding every American village or country, it is a great pity not to make your own pageant and present to the people pictures from the pages of their own living history which shall give to every child present some understanding of his goodly heritage. The local history of every village is so related to the national history that it is possible to gather outstanding facts of the town history and give them a national significance. There are always old people who can tell you what happened in their grandfather’s time. There are further sources of information to be found in church records, town records, old diaries, old account books, even; and sometimes a chronicle of events compiled by some local historian is available. There are attics which contain spinning wheels, quilting frames, candle moulds; there are hair cloth trunks which will give forth costumes of past generations; there are woodsheds in which lie dusty vehicles. All these can help to make vivid many an event of long ago.” -- "The Historical Pageant in the Rural Community" by Abigail Fithian Halsey published in the Cornell Extension Bulletin, June 1922, Issue No. 54, Publishedby the  the New York State Collegeof Agriculture at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

"Moving Pictures for Thanksgiving."

The Expositor | November 1918

"The history of a typical American village from the coming of the Puritans to the Civil War. (Illustrated by Pathe Moving Pictures of the historical pageant given at Southampton, L. I., last summer in commemoration of the 275th anniversary of the founding of the town. The ancestors of the minister of this church were among these immigrants.)

275th Anniversary of Southampton | 1915

 

"the place for their descendants to possess both freedom of body and mind--Long Island."

Brooklyn Daily Eagle | 14 March 1915

Yale Pageant | 1916

24 Aug 1916 | Toledo Blade

Miss Halsey Resigns Post

 

1 July 1922

"Miss Abigail F. Halsey, secretary of the Community Building since its opening in this city, will not continue in that capacity after July 1, it was learned today, as she plans to spend the coming year in New York City in study of the work in which she is particularly interested." 

"movement toward encouraging amateur dramatics"

10 Sept 1920 | Olean Evening Herald

Celebration of the Two Hundred and Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Founding of the Town of Southampton, N. Y.

June 12, 1915

Celebration of the Two Hundred and Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Founding of the Town of Southampton, N. Y.

INTRODUCTION 

The Pageant, as it was worked out, surpassed even the fondest dreams of its originators. The beautiful day made the setting at the head of Lake Agawam perfect. Every seat on the grand stand was filled, the parking spaces were crowded, and the rest of the people filled Pond Lane and lined the shores of the lake for a long distance. If the Pageant Committee had needed inspiration, the enthusiastic audience would certainly have furnished it. As one scene succeeded another in perfect rhythm, we could not believe that these people were the men, women, and children who had given their time from their daily work or play to make this a success. The community spirit developed was wonderful! Each part was taken with conviction, one might almost say reverence, and joy. Nothing that the people of Southampton ever did yielded such large returns. From the beautiful Dance of the Woods and Waters in the Prologue to the inspiring vision of Southampton's future citizens — one hundred tiny children — marching to greet the Spirit of old Southampton and vowing allegiance to the tradition of her noble past, every part was performed with zeal and grace. One of the most striking features was the old-time Whale Rally — a thing that can never be duplicated because it was given by men, every one of whom had followed the sea in years gone by. The historical scenes were carefully reproduced, the Interludes were happily planned to give a lightness and freedom to the pro- gram that left nothing to be desired. As all joined in singing "America" at the close, there was not one in all the six thousand witnesses but felt his spirit lifted and dedicated to a larger civic service and a deeper consciousness of our "goodly heritage." --Abigail Fithian Halsey

Historic newspaper and scrapbook images courtesy Lizbeth Halsey White Files, Southampton Historical Museum Archives and Research Center.

"go forward toward that larger, freer, nobler, happier Southampton that is to be.”

“And so, upon this holiday, Southampton, to you and to the future I commit this charge. Be loyal to the ideals of your past as you go forward toward that larger, freer, nobler, happier Southampton that is to be.”

SINGING OF “AMERICA”

Note on THE PARADE from Lizbeth Halsey White

The parade which succeeded the pageant was, without exception, the most brilliant spectacle Southampton has ever witnessed.  Immediately after the singing of "America," in which the several thousand present had so heartily joined, the marshal and his aides on horseback led the way from the park to Monument Square, where the parade was formed.  These, closely followed by the band, led the line of march, with the veterans and the boys in blue of the Civil War episode coming after. Then came the pageant characters, each in their respective groups, marching two and two, led by the Herald and the Spirit of Southampton, two most impressive figures, each representing so perfectly the parts represented. Following the pageant characters came the fire department, with decorated automobiles bringing up the rear.   

It was estimated that at least 10,000 people visited Southampton that day. Almost as many were turned away from the grounds as could be admitted, and these were lined up along the street to view the parade. The line of march continued from Monument Square through Job's lane and Main street, down Bridgehampton road and Elm street to the railroad station, from thence back by Main street to disband at Monument Square. Crowds were assembled all along the line, especially on Job's lane and Main street, and cheered most enthusiastically as each group appeared. From the wood nymphs in the lead to the hundred children representing the future of America in the final episode, it was difficult to decide which group received most attention. The Puritans and Indians were ever popular figures, while the sailor boys and the wedding party seemed to be especial favorites. The veterans and the boys in blue won loud applause, while the boys of Southampton's efficient fire department, never in better form than on this occasion, received their full share of approval.   

It was, indeed, a beautiful spectacle. The rich colors of the pageant costumes in the fading light of a perfect June day, made an impression which can never be forgotten by the many who witnessed it — a day in which a splendid community spirit, assisted by all which nature can offer at this season of the year, had combined to make a complete success far beyond the hopes of its promoters. Just a word as to the author of the pageant, Miss Abigail Fithian Halsey.  

A student of history and a native of old Southampton, for her its local history had always peculiar charm. The idea of the pageant as the most appropriate way of celebrating the 275th anniversary had been in her mind for a long time. When her plan was proposed to the committee in charge of the event, it seemed so much more of an under-taking than could be carried to ultimate success, that it was thought quite impracticable; but Miss Halsey’s conviction and enthusiasm won such confidence that exactly one month before the time for the celebration it was decided to follow the plan proposed, which was done almost to the letter.  The committee was most fortunate in securing the co-operation of Mr. Robert K. Atkinson, of the Sage Foundation in Sag Harbor, who, as pageant master, carried out so sympathetically and to such successful conclusion the event which gave color to a day of celebration which will be long remembered by all who had participated in it.   L. H. W. 

Lizbeth Halsey White | June 12, 1915 | Celebration of the Two Hundred and Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Founding of the Town of Southampton, N. Y.

"Historical Pageant on the Reservation"

Shinnecock Indians c1939

Southampton Press

Friday, June 23, 1939

Members of the Shinnecock Tribe Will Present History in Six Episodes

On Saturday, July 1^st at 3:30 p.m. a pageant, written and directed by Miss Abigail F. Halsey will be presented on Shinnecock Reservation, near Southampton. In this manner the descendents of the Shinnecocks of 1640 will tell the story of the ancient days and ways of their ancestors, the coming of the first white man, and their treaty with hi “Never sworn to and never broken;” the coming the Christian missionaries and Christian teachers, Azariah Horton and Sarrison Occom being the first; the first June meeting under the great Cuffee; the lament of the Indian women whose news reaches them that so many of the men had lost their lives in the Circassian disaster in 1876; and a finale in which they will express their hope for the future—the days that are yet to be.

This pageant is being presented in connection with the building of a new church and parish house on the Reservation. Their church, erected near Canoe Place almost two centuries ago. . . was so badly damaged by the hurricane that it could no longer be used by them. It is significant that all this should be done in 1939—one year before the white people of Southampton Town and Southold Town will celebrate the three hundredth anniversary of the coming of the first white people.

On Sunday, July 2^nd, “Shinnecock Day” will be observed widely in the churches of the county. Pastors will preach historical sermons and an opportunity will be given to everyone to contribute to the building fund of the new church. The official board of a church in Utica made a contribution to the fund, stating they wanted to have a part in paying the white man’s debt of honor.

Dr. J. Percival Huget, president of the County Council of Churches, is chairman of the building committee. The Reverend Herbert E. Moyer is treasurer. The architect is Arthur New man of Bridgehampton, and the builder is Lester Raynor of Southampton.

The people of the Reservation are working hard under Miss Halsey’s direction to prepare a pageant true to the life of their people. They gather almost every night to practice. Mrs. Edward Foster and Leon Terry are helping with the singing. Mrs. Corey of the Y.M.C.A. is helping with the games, Miss Zella de Milhau with the costumes, and Miss Rachel Hartley with the publicity.

The Presbytery of Long Island is backing the project and the participants hope to make a good deal of money for their new church. Tickets will be on sale at Corwith’s Drug Store and the Shinnecock children will sell them.

A good cause, a good Saturday show, an inspiring Sunday vesper service.

Photo courtesy Abigail Fithian Halsey Files | Southampton Historical Museum Archives and Research Center

"Indian Pageant to be Presented"

Southampton Press

Friday, June 30, 1939

Suffolk County to Honor the Indians of Long Island; “Shinnecock Day”

In 1940 two of Suffolk County’s ten towns, i.e. Southampton and Southold, will celebrate the three hundredth anniversary of the coming of the first English settlers. In giving thought to those who lived here before the white man came and to their descendants in 1939 the people of the county are showing an excellent spirit.

In 1639 there were thirteen tribes of Indians on the Island, i.e. the Canarsie, the Rockaways, the Meracocks, the Massapeaques, the Matinecocks, the Nissaquoques, the Setaukets, the Corchaugs, the Secatogues, the Shinnecocks, the Patchogues, the Montauks. Offshore on Shelter Island lived the Manhanset Tribe. The Indian population numbered many thousands. Three hundred years later only one tribe remains—the Shinnecock. They still maintain tribal government. Historians tell us that fifty years after the white man came, one-third of the Indian population had disappeared. Today only a small remnant remains. The white man’s ways, his diseases, his fire water, and helping him fight his wars turned out to be deadly enemies to the red man.

On Saturday and Sunday, July 1^st and 2^nd, at 3:30 p.m. on their reservation at the entrance to the Shinnecock Hills, the Shinnecocks will enact three hundred years of their history in an historical pageant. The pageant was written and is being directed by Abigail F. Halsey of Southampton. The Shinnecocks have been working faithfully, doing all the manual labor themselves, and making their own costumes.

“Shinnecock Day” will be observed in many of the churches of the county on Sunday, July 2^nd. Pastors will preach appropriate sermons and an opportunity will be given to the people of the county to contribute to the Shinnecock’s building fund. The hurricane of 1938 damaged the reservation church so severely that it could no longer be used for worship. A new church, equipped with social and educational facilitates is being erected at a cost of $30,000. One half of this amount has already been raised. Dr. J. Percival Huget, president of the County Council of Churches is chairman of the building fund. Rev. Herbert E. Moyer of Bridgehampton is treasurer.

Abigail Fithian Halsey

Abigail Fithian Halsey

Abigail Fithian Halsey

2 Oct 1873 - 14 Oct 1946

“Miss Halsey, previous to her coming to Ithaca, had served some time in Red Cross work, and had taught in public and private schools [in MN, OH] of the [NY] state. She had also had experience both in Camp Fire and Girl Scout work.”

Founding member of Southampton Colony Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

April 1, 1921-July 1, 1922 | founding secretary of the Community Building in Ithaca, NY

July 1, 1922 | Ithaca, NY, “Miss Halsey Resigns Post As Secretary: Executive of Committee Building Leaves July 1 to Study in New York City—Record of Work Accomplished at Local Home is Highly Commendable”

1922 | Study in New York City of “the work in which she is particularly interested”

1927 | “Miss Halsey Has Had Wide Drama Experience”

“Miss Halsey, who has been engaged by the Farm and Home Bureau to put on the Historical Drama for the Sesquicentennial Celebration which takes place at the Drama [Club] for the Sesquicentennial [on September] 10, was selected by the State Historian, with the enthusiastic endorsement of the State College, as a drama director of state-wide reputation and experience. She has, for a number of years past been connected with the Hecksher Foundation of New York City, in its Educational Drama department.

Miss Halsey wrote and staged the great Pageant in 1924 at East Hampton, L.I., and also the one given at Ithaca under the auspices of the State College of Agriculture in 1922. She is the author of the booklet issued from the press of the State College of Agriculture “The Historical Pageant in the Rural Community.” Her efficiency as well as her personal charm and tact, have already won her friends on every side in Kingston and throughout the county, and are brining in recruits daily for the wonderful scenes in the making of our state government that will be depicted in the stirring drama.”

September 3, 1921 | Ithaca, “49,000 Attended Tompkins Fair President Says,”

Saturday, September 3, 1921 | Editorial: A Successful Fair

“If public interest and support are proper criterions the Tompkins County Fair this year was a great success. Attendance records seem to have been broken all the way down the line.

That the pageant played no small part in attracting the public to the fair grounds is beyond question. Indeed it was the pageant that made this fair distinctive from all other similar enterprises. The pageant certainly made good. It was well worth while not alone as an educational entertainment, but as an agency for stimulating community pride and solidarity.

Considering the relatively short time available for preparation and rehearsal, the pageant was a most creditable success and Miss Halsey and all associated with her in the enterprise well deserve the applause and appreciation one hears expressed on every hand. And had it been possible to provide better lighting facilities the pageant would have been even more effective. It is to be hoped that if something of the sort is attempted again the lighting problem will be adequately met.”

1932 | Chairman of Southampton’s George Washington Bicentennial Celebration

1932-1946 | Historian, Town of Southampton

1940 | Author, In Old Southampton, Columbia University Press

275th Anniversary of Southampton: "a more sympathetic understanding between neighbors"

On June 12, 1915, the citizens of Southampton, N.Y., staged a historical pageant written and directed by my Great Great Aunt Abigail Fithian Halsey, commemorating the town's 275th Anniversary. In addition to being a teacher and one-time Southampton town historian, "Aunt Babbie" made a living writing stories, poems, and pageants.

Edward Post White, Sr., far right

According to the catalog of Babbie's papers held in the New York State historical archive, organizations which sponsored her pageants include: "The Dairymen's League Cooperative Association, the Heckscher Foundation for Children, City History Club of New York, the New York State Federation of Women's Clubs, and other civic or cultural organizations in Southampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Riverhead, Ithaca, Kingston, Tappen, N.Y., and Cincinnati, OH." Among the topics covered in the programs were the Shinnecock Indians in Southampton, and the Women's Community Building and the Tompkins County Fair in Ithaca, N.Y.

One of the publications to which Babbie contributed was the Cornell University Extension Bulletin. Her article, "The Historical Pageant in the Rural Community," from Bulletin No. 54 in June 1922, features a photo of a woman in Puritan garb, accompanied by two children similarly clad. The photo depicts a scene from the 1916 Southampton pageant. I'm certain the boy in the photo is 10th-generation son of Southampton Charles Henry Halsey II, my grandfather, age 4.

In the article Babbie writes, "Fifty years ago the street procession was the usual form of American pageantry. Now the pageant is the dramatic representation of the life of a community, or of the development of an art, expressed historically, allegorically, or symbolically. This is a simple definition, but, for our purpose, a satisfactory one. Whether it is an historical pageant, an allegorical pageant, or a symbolical pageant depends upon the form in which we choose to present the life of our community. It is easy to look up the historical facts and portray them in a series; but the pageant will lose its best lessons if we depend upon facts alone for our materials. There are meanings below the surface of men's lives which can be expressed only in living pictures that represent spiritual qualities. This is allegory. There are lessons for the future which no portray of facts, nor even pictures of spiritual qualities, can teach, but which can be made clear only by some strong, symbolical episode which will for all time leave in the minds of its beholders a truth which cannot be forgotten. There, while it is perfectly possible to make a community pageant which shall be entirely allegorial or symbolical in form, it is better for our purpose to take the facts from the historical background of the community and use the other forms of pageantry 'to suggest the ideals and aspirations which have had a place in the development of the community.'"

According to a review of her article carried in the November 1922 issue of The Playground--the monthly publication of the Playground and Recreation Association of America--Babbie "offers practical and encouragement to rural communities desirous of making local history live through an historical pageant." Focusing on the "construction, presentation, music, costumes, committees, etc., of pageants," she claims as the pageant's purpose the development of a "local history as well as a more sympathetic understanding between neighbors."

Tercentenary Pageant of Southampton Town

Alma E. Bishop, knocking on door; Abbie Halsey, seated on left

The Book of the Tercentenary Pageant of Southampton Town

“Founded For Freedom”

August 14-15, 1940

By Abigail Fithian Halsey

Episode One

The XVIIth Century

Scene 1

The Founding

The Commentator:

Behold an Indian village at the head of North Sea Harbor. The wigwam of Nowedanah, chief of the Shinnecocks, is in the foreground. In front of it the young women of the tribe are engaged in a corn planting ceremony while the elder ones go about their daily tasks. Soon the warriors return from the hunt. They lay their spoils before the fires and commence a dance of Happy Hunting.

During the dance we perceive a sloop coming up the harbor. A brave runs in bringing the news and hard on his arrival we see a band of English Puritans land Conscience Point. The first woman on shore exclaims, “For conscience sake we’re on dry and once more.”

The Puritans approach the Indians. They signify their desire for land. Some men of the party come forward with a chest containing sixteen coats. At the sight of the splendor the Indians agree to sell.

They draw up an agreement. “We do absolutely and forever grant to the parties above the mentioned, to them and their heirs and successors forever, all lands, woods and waters from the place where the Indians hayle their canoes out of the north Bay to the south side of the Island, from thence to possess all lands lying eastwood, to have an to hold forever.”

But the Indians also demand corn to be paid after the second harvest and the Puritans promise to give the Indians protection from their enemies.

They then smoke the pipe of peace and guide the colonists to Old Towne where the settlement is made.

Original Undertakers:

Edward Howell

Edmund Needham

George Welbe

John Cooper

William Harker

Thomas Newell

Thomas Terry

Josiah Stanborough (who came later)

Daniel Howe, Captain of the vessel

Edmond and John Farrington

Thomas and Job Sayre

Hentry Walton

Allen Bread

Thomas Halsey

Richard Odel

Philip and Nathaniel Kyrtland

Thomas Farrington

Episode One

Scene III

Early Days and Early Ways

The Narrator:

The new Towne Street in 1649.

The Colony has grow ad prospered. Each freeholder owns his three acres of land on the street but farms and woodland are still common. Incomers must buy on the Great Plains. We see two fence-viewers “perambulating the bounds” nd with them a small boy who will be spanked at the bound, the better to impress his memory. The chimney viewers and cow keepers are busy. A group of young women are quilting a bride quilt for Margaret Howell whose banns are up. Next month she will marry Rev. John Moore of Southold. The unhappy Edmund Shaw sits despondent in the stocks ffor his excessive indulgence at John Cooper’s Tavern. Young Peregrine Stanborough takes his stripes for stealing green apples from Thomas Sayre’s orchard. Sarah Veale, attended by her faithful husband, Thomas, sits with a cleft stick on her tongue, while the Constable recites publicly “exhorbitant words of imprecation” she ahs used to the village reprobate, George Wood.

The Commentator:

Into this peaceful scene break two Pequot Indians. Phoebe Halsey (wife of Thomas) is coming from her home with her little daughter, Elizabeth. The Indians drag phoebe into the house and scalp her. The child escapes. Thomas Halsey, his three sons, and the nearby men puruse the murderers. They are met by Wyandanch, Chief of the Montauks, friend of the white man, who has caught the murderers. He delivers them to the Magistrates, who put them into the pillory until they can be sent to Hartford.

First Interlude

Children Play In The Olden Way

Their Games:

Farmer in the Dell

Looby Lou

London Bridge

Bull in the Ring

Once there was a Lassie

Episode Two

The XVIIth Century

Scene I

Town Meeting Day During the American Revolution

The Narrator:

Our great day of the year has come again. The street is filled with men, women and children from the length and breadth of the town of Southampton. Peddlers crying their wares and visiting Indians scurry about. The Town crier calls the meeting. The election is interrupted by a rider brining news of Lexington. Jesse and Elias Halsey and a friend set off by row boat to Connecticut. Scarcely are they out of sight when the post rider gallops in with news that Fort Ticonderoga has fallen to the Americans.

At once Captain John Hulburt assembles his Company of Minute Men. The first Stars and Stripes made by the women of Southampton Town is presented to the departing company.

Col. William Erskine of his Britannic Majesty’s Army rides in with his Aides coming to demand provender, to be refused at the Town’s peril.

When he has ridden away the dejected people return to their homes while Captain Elias Pelletreau, the old silversmith, organizes a home defense.

SECOND INTERLUDE

An Anthem to Liberty Sung by the United Choirs of Southampton, Hampton Bays, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor