The Flushing Tercentenary

THE FLUSHING TERCENTENARY By Ann Gidley Lowrv FROM OCTOBER 5-14, 1945, the citizens of Flushing, Long Island, celebrated the Tercentenary anniversary of the granting of their charter, which promised "the right to have and enjoy liberty of conscience." The Flushing Historical Society and the Flushing Chamber of Commerce organized a celebration to make possible the purchase of the home of the pioneer Friend, John Bowne (1627/28-1695), built in 1661, as "a national shrine to religious freedom and tolerance." Justice Charles S. Golden of the Supreme Court was Chairman of a large general committee. The theme of tolerance formed the basis of sermons, concerts, school programs, a historical pageant written by Miss Margaret Carman, and impressive dedication exercises at the Bowne House on October 10. During the cere mony Catholic, Jewish and Protestant religious leaders united to praise the faith and works of John Bowne, and of the twenty-six brave freemen of Flushing who signed the famous Remonstrance of 1657 protesting Peter Stuyvesant's edict against the Quakers. Mayor La Guardia had broadcast his regular Sunday speech from the dining-room of the Bowne House where the early Friends held their meetings for thirty years. At the dedication, James A. Burke, President of the Borough of Queens, delivered an address of welcome; the Charter and Remonstrance were read; Albert B. Corey, State Historian, spoke briefly, and Howard H. Brinton, of Pendle Hill, spoke for the Society of Friends. Governor Dewey sent a letter of interest and approval, and Senator James M. Mead made the speech of dedication. Dr. Jacobus G. de Bews, Councilor of the Netherlands, accepted a scroll for the citizens of Flushing in the Netherlands from those of Flushing, Long Island. "PYDROTHY L. RICKER contributed to Indiana Magasine of History, vol. 41 (1945), pp. 214-217, a note dealing with publication plans for future volumes of Hinshaw's Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy , explaining the relation of Indiana families to Ohio and Western Pennsylvania Monthly Meetings, and other matters useful to genealogists who wish to use Quaker records. Vol. 34, Autumn 194576 ...