by Manager Port Society | Oct 9, 2025 | Past Presidents
1927 – 1933 Abbott P. Smith was born on a local farm in Westport, Massachusetts. Abbott’s father, Henry, was deeply integrated in the whaling industry and taught his son the same practices. After Henry’s passing, Abbott at age twenty inherited his...
by Manager Port Society | Oct 9, 2025 | Past Presidents
1923 – 1926 Did you know one of our past presidents was one of the last living links between New Bedford and the Union Army of the Civil War? George N. Alden, who served as president of the Seamen’s Bethel from 1923 to 1926, was the sole surviving member of the...
by Manager Port Society | Oct 9, 2025 | Past Presidents
1919 – 1923
by Manager Port Society | Oct 9, 2025 | Past Presidents
1912 – 1918 Prior to his attendance to the Seamen’s Bethel, George grew up in the city of New Bedford while whaling fueled the economy. Competition among fellow merchants was fierce as George and his father William integrated themselves into John Avery...
by Manager Port Society | Oct 9, 2025 | Past Presidents
1906 – 1912 Jonathan was born in the city of New Bedford where whaling was especially prominent. The Howlands had already made a name of their own throughout the area thanks to their efforts and skills among other merchants. Having been told the stories of George...
