Cora Lee at the Rebekahs Melon Party

This photograph was published in the 1974 New London Journal Centennial Edition.

Its caption read:

THE MELON PARTY at the James Davey farm in 1909. Back row: James Davey, Mr. Mellis, Stella Harrell, Cecil Davey, Willis Lyman, Ralph Davey, Unidentified, George Countryman, Mrs. James Davey, William Bangs, Joseph Reese. Middle row: Edna Britton, Ina Pierson, Dr. G. M. Van Ausdall, Cora Lee, Edna Weller Bangs, Mamie Backman Miller, Mrs. Van Ausdall, Bee Lyman Hunter, Nelle Countryman, Mrs. Pierson, Clara Magers, Unidentified, Mrs. Ellis. Front row: Amanda Knickerbocker, Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Shelledy, Mrs. G. A. Britton, Mrs. Andreas, Grace Moore, Nettie Lyman. Seated on the grass in front: Wilna Lyman, Mxine Moore, Bessie Ellis.

This photo and the previous one were taken of a yearly melon party held by the Rebekahs. The Rebekahs were the women's equivalent of Odd Fellows. The Rebekah Creed is:

I AM A REBEKAH:
I believe in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of man, and the Sisterhood of woman.
I believe in the watch-words of our Order - Friendship, Love and Truth.
Friendship - is like a golden chain that ties our hearts together. Love - is one of our most precious gifts, the more you give, the more you receive. Truth - is the standard by which we value people. It is the foundation of our society.
I believe that my main concern should be my God, my family and my friends.
Then I should reach out to my community and the World, for in God's eyes we are all brothers and sisters.
I AM A REBEKAH!

Prominent New London Businessmen in 1907

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