HISTORY OF 
THE ESSEX COUNTY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 
OF MASSACHUSETTS 
ARTHUR P. STUBBS 
In the spring of 1907, a group of men drawn together by 
their mutual interest in birds, originated what has since become 
known as “The Ipswich River Bird Trip.”* The increas¬ 
ing interest in these trips finally led to the conclusion that a 
permanent organization was desirable to provide the facilities 
and incentive for the continued study of birds throughout 
the year, and to effect such an organization a call for a meet¬ 
ing was issued. The following quotations are from the records 
of this meeting made by Mr. Arthur A. Osborne who acted as 
Secretary: — 
“In response to the invitation of Mr. Ralph Lawson and 
others, a meeting for the purpose of discussing plans for the 
organization of an ornithological club was held on Thursday 
evening, March 23, 1916. 
“The following persons assembled, by courtesy of that 
corporation, at the Peabody Museum of Salem, 161 Essex St., 
Salem, Mass.; Dr. Charles Wendell Townsend of Ipswich, 
Mr. Albert P. Morse of Wellesley, Messrs. Frank W. Benson, 
Ralph Lawson, Rodman A. Nichols, Willard B. Porter 
of Salem, Albert B. Fowler, Amos F. Killam, J. Anderson 
Lord of Danyers, George C. Donaldson of Hamilton, 
Charles E. Chase of Lynn, Richards B, Mackintosh and 
Arthur A. Osborne of Peabody. 
“At 8.10 o’clock, Mr. Lawson called the meeting to order 
and, after stating briefly the purpose of the club, introduced 
Dr. Townsend who outlined the form of organization and the 
activities of the Nuttall Ornithological Club of Cambridge, 
Mass., and during the general discussion which followed, he 
made suggestions and answered questions regarding the 
formation and work of a similar club. 
* See page 13. ''Thirteen Ipswich River Bird Trips." 
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