Frederick Douglass in Northampton and Florence
Just a few years after escaping slavery in 1838, Frederick Douglass emerged as one of the abolition movement’s greatest orators and toured northern states to speak on slavery and abolition. As one of his biographers wrote, Douglass spoke “from Maine to Michigan, to small and large audiences, amid great adulation as well as vicious attacks.”
Northampton and Florence were among the places Douglass visited in 1844, 1845 and 1848. He had strong ties to the abolitionist community, the Northampton Association of Education and Industry. When Douglass arrived in New York City in September 1838, he found safety and shelter at the home of David Ruggles. By 1842, David Ruggles had moved to Florence to stay at the Association and regain his failing health.
Northampton and Florence were among the places Douglass visited in 1844, 1845 and 1848. He had strong ties to the abolitionist community, the Northampton Association of Education and Industry. When Douglass arrived in New York City in September 1838, he found safety and shelter at the home of David Ruggles. By 1842, David Ruggles had moved to Florence to stay at the Association and regain his failing health.
In 1844, Frederick Douglass spoke at Northampton’s town hall at an anti-slavery meeting. At this time, town hall was located next the county courthouse near King Street. We learn of his address through two newspaper articles. William R. Small, a member of the Northampton Association of Education and Industry, sent an account of Douglass’ speech to William Lloyd Garrison. Small's letter was published in The Liberator on May 10, 1844. The Northampton-based newspaper, the Hampshire Gazette also printed an account, though the writer apparently did not stay for the full speech. In addition, the address is mentioned in two reminiscences contributed to the 1894 book, History of Florence, Massachusetts by Charles A. Sheffeld.
According to the Hampshire Gazette, “glaring” handbills were posted announcing an address by Frederick Douglass and a performance by the Hutchinson Family Singers on Sunday, April 28, 1844. A large crowd gathered; one observer estimated 500 to 600 attendees while the Gazette reported that “a great number congregated, many more than could find seats.” According to John Hutchinson’s recollection, Douglass spoke for three hours. George Stetson, a seven-year old member of the Northampton Association in April 1844, recalled that his family kept a rock that was thrown at Douglass while he was speaking.
According to the Hampshire Gazette, “glaring” handbills were posted announcing an address by Frederick Douglass and a performance by the Hutchinson Family Singers on Sunday, April 28, 1844. A large crowd gathered; one observer estimated 500 to 600 attendees while the Gazette reported that “a great number congregated, many more than could find seats.” According to John Hutchinson’s recollection, Douglass spoke for three hours. George Stetson, a seven-year old member of the Northampton Association in April 1844, recalled that his family kept a rock that was thrown at Douglass while he was speaking.
"Stirring Meetings in Northampton, " The Liberator, May 10, 1844
Hampshire Gazette, April 30, 1844
"The Hutchinsons’ Visit." by John W. Hutchinson. published in The History of Florence, Massachusetts. Edited by Charles A. Sheffeld, Florence, MA, 1895.
"When I Was a Boy," by George R. Stetson published in The History of Florence, Massachusetts. Edited by Charles A. Sheffeld, Florence, MA, 1895, pp. 118-123.