Representative women of New England/Mary S. Burnham
MARY STONE BURNHAM.—It has been well said: "It is as difficult to write a faithful biography as to paint a true portrait. The artist gives form, line, color, and a phase of life and expression. The biographer gives country, line- age, personal appearance, deeds; but the better part of life, the incentive, is as hard to catch, as delicate to transcribe, as the soul is to imprison on canvas." The incentive in the life of Mrs. Burnham, it may well be said, is a deep- rooted generosity, which has prompted her to carry out the principle she has adopted, "Let me share my portion with others."
Mary Stone Burnham (born Stone) is a native of Maine. Her early years were passed at the home of her parents in South Paris, that State. She was educated for a teacher at the Farmington State Normal School, and before her marriage to Josiah Burnham, of Portland, was successfully engaged in the duties of her profession. Interest in school work and ability to discover the best methods of meeting the needs of pupils caused her to be a tower of strength when the work of schoolroom decoration was begun in Portland.
Early in January, 1897, an informal tea was given by Mrs. George C. Frye to the committee on this work, club presidents, and associate members, at which time suggestions as to ways and means were presented. A fortnight later an appeal was made to the citizens of Portland through the columns of her papers to assist in this good work. The co-operation of the school board was secured, and a committee of nine, chosen from the Woman's Literary Union, with Mrs. Burnham as its chairman, began work.
So great was their energy that in May of the same year Reception Hall, City Building, was thrown open to the public for the inspection of the pictures and casts, more than seventy in number, which were to be presented to the public schools. At these presentation exercises Superintendent Lord presided, the Hon. J. W. Symonds delivered an admirable address, and Mrs. Burnham gave an accurate and interesting history of the work done by the committee. She said: "Our aim has not been the purchase of pictures just because they are pictures, but pictures with a purpose and of acknowledged merit. All pictures are not suitable. The fact of its being a masterpiece does not make it appropriate for the school-room. A Madonna teaches a higher ideal of woman- hood than a Bacchante, though both may be on the same artistic plane."
In conclusion, she presented, on behalf of the Woman's Literary Union, this entire collection to the schools of Portland. Mayor Randall accepted the gift in behalf of the school committee and city government. For the first time the citizens of Portland realized in some degree the magnitude and desirability of the work. Mrs. Burnham remained chairman of this committee for two years. Upon her resignation she was made an honorary member. As such, she yet put her shoulder to the wheel and assumed full care of this work in the North School. She has left no stone unturned to advance the progress of the project. She has solicited subscriptions, aroused interest in unexpected quarters, written and delivered lectures, and has personally presented some work of art to every school building in the city. In her kindly rounds of duty she has been quick to notice opportunities for better arrangement and grouping, and the adoption of her suggestions has resulted in many improvements.
Mrs. Burnham was also a pioneer in the club movement in Maine, having been a member of the Travellers' Club ever since its formation in 1882. In this club she has held various offices. She was the third president of the Woman's Literary Union of Portland, auditor of the State Federation, and she served on the Board of Trustees of the Invalids' Home.
In many quiet, unobtrusive ways she shares her privileges, her possessions, and her time with others. Mrs. Burnham has a great capacity for winning friends, and in her charming home she exercises a gracious hospitality. She has always been a student of the best books, and has had the advantage of foreign travel.