CFASS in Concord
Concord’s role in the American Revolution and in the literary and philosophical ‘revolution’ of Transcendentalism has long been celebrated. Less well known, is the leadership that women of Concord provided to yet another revolution – the abolition of slavery in the United States.For decades, the Concord Female Anti-Slavery Society sponsored speakers, raised funds, wrote and [...]
Concord Female Anti-Slavery Society Members
Members included: Mrs. D. Gerrish, PresidentMiss Helen Louisa Thoreau, Vice President & Founding MemberThoreau’s sisterThe Thoreau home was a haven for fugitive slaves.(1812–1849)Mrs. Tewksbury, TreasurerMrs. Mary Brooks, Secretary & Founding Member“Perfectly fearless” Mary Merrick Brooks, wife of Concord lawyer Nathan Brooks, was the cornerstone of the Concord anti-slavery efforts and she corresponded quite frequently with [...]
How to make Brooks Cake
Brooks Cake Recipe To raise funds for the antislavery cause, Mary Brooks baked and soldher signature tea cake, widely known as Brooks Cake. It was served atall Concord anti-slavery meetings. This tea cake tastes great with jam. Ingredients One pound flour (4 cups)One pound sugar (2 cups)Half pound butter (2 sticks)Four eggsOne cup milkOne teaspoonful [...]
Follow the Drinking Gourd Song
The Drinking Gourd Project got its name from this song which urged slaves to “follow the drinking gourd,” or Big Dipper, north to freedom.When the Sun comes backand the first quail callsFollow the Drinking GourdFor the old man is a-waiting for to carryyou to freedomIf you follow the Drinking Gourd.The riverbank makes a very good [...]