ing out into clearer light, to present in forms adapted to the mass
of readers, and to arouse a more lively interest in this history,
especially the romantic element of it, is one leading aim and intent of
this magazine. There are in existence various magazines devoted to New
England history, and which are of great value to the student and the
antiquary. The BAY STATE MONTHLY is not only this, it is a magazine
for the people; and throughout this State, and no less in many
others,--offsprings of this old Commonwealth,--it has received and
awaits a still more generous reception.

* * * * *

The custom of observing the anniversaries of the incorporation of towns
and cities in New England has become well established. In Massachusetts
there are a very few towns which have reached so important an epoch in
their history, as the quarter millennial of their corporate existence.
Several have celebrated their bi-centennials, while hardly a year passes
without the observance of one or more centennial anniversaries.

The custom is strongly to be commended, for it serves an important
historical purpose. It is especially true in New England that every
town, no matter how small, has an important place in the general
history, and the perpetuity of this history, it hardly needs to be said,
is a matter of great importance to this and succeeding generations. This
is being done most effectually by means of these publicly-observed
anniversaries. An event of this kind draws together the residents of the
town, and many others who are connected with its history by their early
life or ancestry. The occasion calls forth an historical address
prepared by some native of the town, who has attained distinction in
professional or public life--and what New England town cannot boast of
its distinguished son--and, at the same time, arrangements are made for
a published history of the town. These historical sketches are of great
value and, collectively, they contain the true history of the people.
The humble historian of the little town down on the Cape or up among the
hills of Berkshire, may not be a Prescott, a Motley or a Bancroft, but,
in his smaller sphere, he is performing a service no less valuable than
that of the historian of nations. In many of these local histories are
to be found events of highly-romantic interest, while some of them have
been the starting point of real romances stronger than fiction. But
their