272 History of Hingham. 



was increased to $5000 in 1866, which amount has continued to be 

 the limit on any one risk to the present time (1893). 



By additional Acts of the Legislature March 23, 1847, the char- 

 ter was renewed for twenty-eight years from 1851 ; and Feb. 5, 

 1875, the charter was extended indefinitely. 



In 1881 the By laws were amended so that each policy should 

 be written for a period of live years, and in 1889, so that policies 

 could be written for periods or terms not exceeding five years. In 

 1888 the By-Laws were further amended so that the Directors, 

 who had previously all been chosen annually, should be chosen 

 for terms of one, two, and three years, and thereafter for three 

 years, one third of the Board being chosen each year. 



Good fortune has favored the Company from the beginning of 

 its history. Eighty-six policies had been written on April 1,1827, 

 insuring property to the amount of 878,533. Xo losses occurred 

 under policies issued by the Company for nine years from its be- 

 ginning. The first losses occurred in April and July, 1835, one 

 in East Bridgwater and one in North Bridgewater, together 

 amounting to $1100. The first loss in Hingham occurred Oct. 

 29, 1842, when Mr. Quincy Bickneli's barn was burned, making 

 a loss of $187. 



The management has always been conservative, and the prop- 

 erty insured has been confined, in the words of the By-Laws now 

 in force, to " dwelling-houses and other buildings not considered 

 by the Directors extra hazardous. They may also insure house- 

 hold furniture, wearing apparel, books, and such other articles 

 as arc kept in dwelling-houses for the pleasure and comfort of 

 domestic life." 



Its standing is, as it always has been, among the very best of 

 the Mutual Companies in the State. To the prudent, careful man- 

 agement of Mr. David Harding, the first Secretary, who held 

 that office for nearly forty-eight years, much of the success of the 

 Company is due. Supported by safe advisers, his administration 

 of the Company's business leaves a record worthy of all praise. 



It should be remembered that fire insurance was not so com- 

 mon a thing in the early days of the Company as now, and Mr. 

 Harding saw the business increase to the amount of $18,120,211.00 

 at risk, while he was Secretary. The amount at risk April 1. l£92. 

 was $25,457,628.00. 



Mr. Harding's place of business, when the Company was started, 

 was on North Street, near the harbor, and the office of the Com- 

 pany, in its early years, was in the same place. During the first 

 year the meetings of the Company were held at the " Selectmen's 

 Room," "at the Schoolhouse near the Post Office," and "at the 

 Sehoolhouse on the Plain." The Directors' meetings were held at 

 the Selectmen's Room, Whiton and Fearing's store, and J. Lincoln's 

 store. April 7, 1827, the Directors " met at office." 



At the beginning of 1844, the offices of the Insurance Company 

 and the Savings Institution, of which Mr. Harding was treasurer, 

 were moved to the second floor of the building at the junction 



