Hidden Hero - Elizabeth Lawton Hazard

So respected was Elizabeth Lawton Hazard that a booklet, calling her Friend At large, was written upon her death describing how she touched the lives of many. Elizabeth was born in Poplar Ridge in the year 1889. She married Isaac Hazard who descended from a long line of Quakers. Elizabeth traveled widely over New York Yearly Meeting listening and counseling in meeting and personal affairs serving as field secretary for over 20 years. She served on numerous committees in her faith often encouraging and assisting youth. For years she served on the board of the American Friends Service Committee. During World War II as a member of the American Friends Service Committee, she helped organize conscientious objector camps in New York and often visited them in other states. She would appear in court to provide counsel and advice during conscientious objector trials. Mrs. Hazard served as a Quaker minister who officiated at many marriage and funerals in Quaker families. She was a member of the Board of Directors of Oakwood School before and after its removal from Union Springs to Poughkeepsie. Together with her husband, they were influential in the building of Camp Gregory.

These words are extracted form a tribute written by neighbor Helen Pike following Elizabeth Hazard's death in 1968.

Those of us who have lived on Park Street in Union Springs for many years have had the privilege to know a brilliant, radiant neighbor, Mrs. Elizabeth Hazard, who touched the lives of many people in the United States. She was full of life, energy and took interest in everyone. She was as excited as the Boy Scouts when a group of them took off on a fifty mile canoe trip to Camp Gregory and back. she was equally excited when she demonstrated a sugaring off for the Schlappi children. She delighted in having children in for meals. She felt that something shared was more enjoyable whether it was a letter that contained a message she thought might interest you, or a meal or a batch of applesauce.

She went before the Federal Courts in all sections of the United States on behalf of conscientious objectors. She believed one should carry the sword as long as his conscience allowed him to do it. Yet, at court, she would consider carefully both sides and try to objectively give her decision.

It has been stated by one who knew her well that "Elizabeth gave so much of herself in those activities that her health was impaired and a few months rest became necessary." After Elizabeth retired, she and her husband, Isaac, lived a quiet but fruitful life in their home at 10 Park Street, in Union Springs. Their home became a haven for visiting Friends. Betty Shockey remarked that Elizabeth opened new worlds for newcomers to Union Springs. Whether the topic was geese or garden, she was interested. If she knew you were experienced in canning, she would appear at canning time saying that an extra pair of hands would be needed. She had a reverence for fine workmanship.

When Elizabeth passed, her service was an inspirational one as the speaker emphasized how she was able to relate to everyone on an individual basis. With expectant faith, Elizabeth visioned the light, even in darkness. She left a wide fellowship of friends, who through association with her have found a meaningful and enriching sense of fulfillment.

March is women's History Month - a time to reflect on the unsung contributions of women to history. We celebrate Elizabeth Lawton Hazard as a woman who made a difference to so many.

Women's History Month

You are invited to check out the Women's History Month display researched and mounted by Frontenac Museum board member, Linda Albrecht, on view in the store window of 151 Cayuga St. Linda's interviews with nine area women were woven into compelling and interesting stories of accomplishment and service. Why not stop by and read these stories of women who have made a difference in our community?

The Frontenac is indebted to Eric and Frances Rosenkrans for generously providing the display space.

Hidden Heroes - The Sisters Abbott

During this pandemic, many have found music to be an invaluable help as it changes our mood, and helps us relive memories of special moments in our lives. No matter what your age, music has the power to make us healthier and happier by enriching our lives. Two Union Springs women did all of that and more both locally and nationally through their music.

The Abbott sisters, Muriel (1887-1949) and Ethel (1885-1953) were the two daughters of well-known and prolific Union Springs' photographer, R.R. Abbott and his wife, Susan Young Peterson Abbott. Following R.R.'s death at the age of 41, Susan taught piano from their home on Cayuga St. Her musical talents were inherited by both Muriel and Ethel.

Both Ethel and Muriel studied piano and violin respectively at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University located in Baltimore. Today the Peabody is the oldest conservatory of music in the United States. Ethel had been a teacher, accompanist and composer often performing in Baltimore, New York City and other major Eastern cities. A search of old area newspapers found hundreds of references to her performing in venues throughout the East as well as locally in both Cayuga and Tompkins counties. She was described as a "gifted young woman...a pianist of much brilliancy, power and promise." In 1941, while living, teaching and performing in New York City and Washington, she was named by the State Department to the cultural division of Inter-American Friendship. The mission of this organization was cultural diplomacy, promoting hemispheric solidarity and countering the growing influence of the Axis powers in Latin America. It was led by Nelson Rockefeller. Additionally during this time, she was named to the Women's Committee of the National Symphony Orchestra, attesting to the esteem in which she was held professionally.

Muriel Abbott Marshall also showed exceptional talent while young and first studied music at Wells and in Ithaca. She then won the only full three year scholarship given by the Peabody Conservatory at that time. At the conclusion of her studies, she gave a successful recital in which Ernest Hutcheson, international virtuoso, served as her accompanist. Muriel studied in Europe, graduating with distinction from the conservatory in Geneva. She played first violin in the Philadelphia, Washington and Cleveland Symphony orchestras. In later years, she returned to Union Springs, teaching violin at Wells and performing for many area organizations. On May 6, 1949 and not feeling well, she visited the office of Dr. Norman Woodford, located just across the street from her home. Shortly after arrival at "Doc" Woodford's office, she died suddenly leaving memories of her mellow tones and spirited, pure attacks on the violin to those who enjoyed her musical excellence.

In 1888, who would ever have imagined that two young girls, who studied piano in a Cayuga Street living room under the guidance of their mother, would become such accomplished and internationally recognized virtuosos? During Women"s History Month, we are honored to remember the sisters Abbott for the joy and pleasure they brought to our forebears.