Historical Materials: Fitz Henry Lane Biography

FHL & John J. Piper involved in prep for July 4 celebration. Both to ride in open carriage. FHL made a banner assisted by a "lady ever zealous in good works" 

"To F.H. Lane Esq. whose Skill as a artist is so well known and appreciated, the Floral procession was indebted for much of its beauty, especially for the banners and paintings; his whole time for several days having been devoted with his usual liberality to the success of the undertaking."

"F.H. Lane, Esq., with characteristic generosity has loaned some of his grand paintings to increase the interest of the occasion. A look at the Stiff Breeze in New York Harbor, one of the finest of his fine productions, and enough in itself to secure him enduring fame, is worth many times over the price of the admittance fee. A sailor could scarecely gaze upon the brig going in stays, without every moment expecting to hear the command given to 'let go and haul.'"

“A CARD. – The Ladies engaged in the late Fair held for the aid of the Lyceum Library, tender their sincere thanks to all that have aided them in this enterprise. More especially would they express their sense of obligation to the Chelsea Continentals, and the Gloucester Cornet Band, for their pleasing musical entertainment; and to Mr. FITZ LANE for the very generous present of a beautiful production of his pencil [unclear if painting, drawing or print], and for his efficient aid in designing and executing the arrangements for the Fair.

To the members of the Lyceum, and all interested in this Institution, they are happy to announce that their very liberal patronage of the Fair has resulted in the attainment of the object for which it was held, and that they are now able to avail themselves of the generous donation proffered them, on certain conditions, by a friend of the Library. Gloucester, April 29^th, 1856.”

Description of the Ladies Festival in support of the Lyceum Library (Lane helped with the tableaux).

"LADIES' FESTIVAL. – The Festival under the direction of the ladies interested in the Lyceum Library, which took place on the evenings of the 22d and 23d inst., was a complete success. On both evenings the 'Mammoth Sail Loft' was filled to its utmost capacity, and all present enjoyed themselves in participating and witnessing the various amuseuments. The Tableaux were very fine, the great objection to this part of the entertainment was the difficult of getting a good view, on account of the loft not being of sufficient height for the erection of a stage high enough for all to command a good prospect. As it was the 'tall ones' had a decided advantage, while the 'short ones' were obliged to satisfied with a description by their more fortunate friends..."

Another column from this day (not pictured here) describes Lane's involvement in Tableaux.