Call Number:

MC.975.07.011

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.02 linear ft. (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

"The Broad Brim" (HC.MC.975.07.011), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1884

Creator:

Barton, George Aaron

Form:

satires (document genre) and manuscripts (documents)

Abstract:

The manuscript of George A. Barton, entitled "The Boston Broad Brim," appears to be satirical in nature, and, according to the introduction supplied by the manuscript, "The Boston Broad Brim is published Semi-Occasionally for the benefit of the Boston Meeting. It is the official organ of the Whittier Association," and was previously called the "Highland Hall News, and was a weekly paper." This volume provides a brief satirical history of Quakers, particularly their move from Switzerland to the United States, the "Eighth Idyll of Theocrates," "The Miracle" translated from German, and a story called "The Hoag Surprise Party."

George Aaron Barton (1859-1942) was born on November 12, 1859, in Quebec, Canada, the son of Daniel and Mary Stevens (Bull) Barton. He was educated at Haverford College, was the editor of the Haverfordian, and graduated from the College in 1882. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1891. Barton married Caroline Brewer Danforth. From 1884 to 1889, Barton taught at Friends School in Providence, Rhode Island, and from 1891 to 1895, he was a lecturer at Haverford College. From 1904 to 1920, he was a professor of Biblical literature and language at Bryn Mawr College. Although Barton was a Quaker minister beginning in 1879, by 1918, he had doubts about the Quaker peace testimony, and in 1919, he became a deacon in the Episcopal Church. Before his death in 1942, however, Barton began to again attend Quaker Meetings.

This collection is comprised of the single, handwritten volume manuscript of George A. Barton, entitled "The Boston Broad Brim." The piece appears to be satirical in nature, and, according to the introduction supplied by the manuscript, "The Boston Broad Brim is published Semi-Occasionally for the benefit of the Boston Meeting. It is the official organ of the Whittier Association," and was previously called the "Highland Hall News, and was a weekly paper." This volume provides a brief satirical history of Quakers, particularly their move from Switzerland to the United States, the "Eighth Idyll of Theocrates," "The Miracle" translated from German, and a story called "The Hoag Surprise Party."