History
Going Strong After 106 Years!

Historical Timeline
1882 - First Universalist Summer Meeting held under leadership of Dr. Quillen Hamilton Shinn at Methodist summer quarters at The Weirs in New Hampshire.

1897 - Summer Meeting site moved to Saratoga Springs, NY and Dr. Shinn begins his search for a permanent site.

1901 - Dr. Shinn located Ferry Beach site. The twentieth annual meeting held here as guests of the Boston and Maine Railroad, owners of the property. Fundraising efforts begun to make purchase of the property possible.

1904 - Ferry Beach House purchased from the railroad and renamed the Quillen.

1909 - Summer Meeting Association incorporated and renamed the Ferry Beach Park Association of Universalists.

1911 - Underwood House built and named in honor of Carrie P. Underwood, a benefactor of the Beach.

1916 - The Grove purchased from the railroad.

1920 - Quillen Annex built.

1927 - Rowland Hall built and named in honor of Dr. William R. Rowland, president of the Association from 1919 until his death in 1925.

1945 - Claflin Cottage purchased and named in honor of Edward P. Claflin, a former board member and a benefactor of the Beach.

1946 - Gardiner Cottage purchased and named in honor of Marion L. Gardiner who bequeathed funds for its purchase.

1975 - Rose Pavilion built in the Grove and named in honor of William Wallace Rose, minister of the Lynn (MA) Universalist church for 30 years.

1976 - Quillen Lobby remodeled and dedicated to Edward Hempel, longtime treasurer and Executive Secretary of the Association.

1979 - Sand dune restoration project begun.

1986-2001 - Capital Fund Drive held; Manning Cottage purchased and named for Robert Manning. Cottage has since been sold.

1990 - Dining Room built and named in honor of the Rev. Earle Dolphin, longtime Ferry Beacher and resident musician. Health Center and Childrens’ Room relocated and renovated; sewer connections completed for all buildings and Grove sites; the Stone Environmental School begins renting the property in the off-season.

1995-2003 - Rowland Hall remodeled and other major improvements undertaken to meet fire codes. Construction continues to date as we continue to meet fire codes and safety requirements.

1998 - Ferry Beach Ecology School begins in 1998.

2004 - Kelly Cottage built at 8 Morris Avenue Site.

2004 - Memorial Garden built in the Grove.