Henrietta P. Humphrey

The very first Memorial Day Service hosted by the New Bedford Port Society was in 1947. In years past, a bagpiper would follow the group as they walked from the top of Johnny Cake Hill to the harbor front. Every name is read aloud followed by the ringing of a bell. The mayor of New Bedford, along with other public officials would always attend. It was always a public event. The pump organ’s materials are timber, mahogany, ivory, and ebony.

The pump organ is from the Mason and Hamlin Organ Company. Mrs. Henrietta P. Humphrey (1875-1937) was the organist of the Seamen’s Bethel for 59 years, first acting as a substitute organist at the age of 14. She did not miss a single Sunday for 52 years.
Mason & Hamlin organ manufacturers was founded by Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin in Boston, Massachusetts in the 1850s, making about 450 organs per year. By 1905 the annual turnover was around 10,000 instruments. The Cable Co. purchased the company in 1911, which in turn was taken over by the American Piano Co. in 1924. By 1927 the production reed organs had ceased.

Mason & Hamlin, like many other manufacturers, publicized its instruments at county fairs and exhibitions. They were quick to advertise any awards they won, or even recognition for displaying at these events, by adding matching medallion decals to their products.

During the final send off of The Wanderer- the last of the Yankee whaling era- the wheelbarrow carried the pump organ down to its spot on the waters and Mrs. Henrietta P. Humphrey played multiple hymns such as “Throw out the lifeline”, “Pull for the shore”, and “The lifeboat at sea.”