Rev. Hathaway met more relatives and found enough interest among them to begin the society. The first meeting was planned for Fort Phoenix, in August of 1915. That year, Rev. Hathaway returned to Assonet with his wife and three young sons, and presided over the first meeting as vice-president. A president was elected, being named, appropriately enough, Nicholas Hathaway. Harry St. Clair Hathaway was elected president at the second meeting, an office which he held for two years. At the end of that time he felt the office should be held by someone closer to this area.
Benjamin F. Hathaway, of Taunton, was elected president at the 4th meeting. Other early presidents were Charles W. Chace of Taunton, Benjamin W. Hathaway of Lynn, William A. McAuslan of Providence, R.I., William S. Hathaway of Fall River served as president fo some 40 years, although not continuously.
Early meetings were almost always held in southern Bristol County near Fall River or Taunton. After the first Hathaway book was published in 1965, some meetings began to move further west, following the trail of the descendants, who had moved on from New England. Early meetings were usually a one day event, being held in a popular park, lodge room, or local church. The churches provided the necessary lunches, and clambakes were most popular.
(Extracted from a report in Oct. of 1966 given by Florence E. Malone, Historian HFA)
The Hathaway Family Association publishes a quarterly newsletter and holds annual meetings. The dues are $15 per year and are payable to the Hathaway Family Association. Mail your check to our HFA Treasurer:
Ruth Hathaway
2231 Riverside Ave.
Somerset, MA 02726-4104
We heartily welcome you and thank you for your participation in joining our Family Association..
