14 BULLETIN OF THE ESSEX INSTITUTE. 



the leisure or inclination to look it up — and often of 

 a quality and importance which compares well with what 

 the livelier curiosity or superior opportunities of some 

 other delver has long ago dug up. 



The Local History Class numbers about sixty, and 

 consists of ladies, although gentlemen are often honored 

 with an invitation either to attend or to address its gath- 

 erings. Its organization is of the simplest. Once a year 

 it elects a president and secretary. Its meetings occur 

 weekly throughout the winter, and in summer include 

 visits to different portions of the County and even exchange 

 visits with kindred sisterhoods in other portions of the 

 State. Twenty-five or more of these meetings have been 

 held within the last year. Some of the papers read have 

 shown a commendable amount of original thought and 

 research, while others, which were mainly made up of 

 matters already put on record, have presented familiar 

 facts with so much novelty in method, and so contagious an 

 enthusiasm as to o;ive them the charm of thintys unknown. 



The members of the Local History Class feel that 

 they must, with the report of 1895 and '96, express their 

 sense of the great loss sustained by them in the death of 

 their founder and first leader, Mrs, M. M. Brooks, one of 

 the most vitally interested members of the Essex Insti- 

 tute ; the growth and welfare of which were very near her 

 heart. 



During her many weeks of illness she was constantly 

 remembering her History Class, and the work they have 

 accomplished this year is largely of her planning ; as the 

 class believed that, in fulfilling her plans, they could best 

 show their regard for her. 



Her good judgment was felt and known in many walks 

 of life and her gracious presence was always a benediction 

 to her friends, to whom her loss is irreparable. 



