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This collection was donated to the Cape Ann Historical Association by the 300th Anniversary Committee. It consists primarily of financial records, correspondence, and publications. It includes signed letters from city, state, and national leaders, among them a letter from Rudyard Kipling and a telegram from former U.S. President William H. Taft, as well as drawings and a wood cut and seal.

The observance of the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Cape Ann by English colonizers (1623) and the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Gloucester as a city (1873) was celebrated between August 25 and August 30, 1923. Preparations began in 1921 with the appointment of twenty-five citizens to an executive committee to formulate a proposal. Their plan closely followed that of the 250th celebration that had been held in August 1892 with the exception of the banquet, ball, and art exhibition, which were abandoned at the last minute.

The first 300th Anniversary Committee meeting was held on January 31, 1922, with the election of Fred. W. Tibbets as chairperson (who, after his death in early 1923, was replaced by the Hon. Charles H. Barrett), Edward Dolliver as treasurer, and Harold H. Parsons as secretary. Subsequently, over 3,600 local people were nominated by this group to assist in all aspects of the event. Also instrumental to the success of the celebration were Col. and Mrs. John Wing Prentiss who hosted meetings at their Eastern Point home, “Blighty,” and secured pledges of financial support from such individuals as Mrs. James C. Farrell and John Hays Hammond.

Read the full finding aid here.