The Chemawa American, November 14, 1928, Page 4, Image 4

PAGE 4
THE CHEMAWA AMERICAN
A R T H U R 0. P A R K E R
(Continued from page 1)
latest edition of “ Who’s Who” or of “ American Men
of Science.” Both registers enumerate Mr. Parker’s
affiliations. Of particular interest is his connection
with many New York State organizations, including
the New York State Archeological Association, of
which he is the founder.
Mr. Parker has investigated many Indian tribes
throughout the continent, but his knowledge of the
Iroquois and their history has given him the greatest
fame. No other authority equals him in this field.
Though museum work and exploration, writing and
lecturing, have consumed most of his time, he has not
neglected the work of helping his own Indian people,
and he is found in every council where their welfare
is discussed. His prominence in this respect led the
magazine, “ Adventure,” to declare him the most
noted living Indian. It is probable also that he is the
only person of Indian ancestry who ever attained the
33rd degree in Masonry, a distinction that few white
men ever attain.
Mr. Parker’s work in Rochester, N. Y., has resulted
in a new type of museum, and it is certain that he has
made the museum an institution that gives a real in­
spirational thrill to the student.
In an address
delivered before the Museums’ Association in Wash­
ington recently he stated, “ Museums must be linked to
life, not tied to tombstones; museum values are those
of life and activity, not mummy dust and mold.”
“ Work and achievement by careful planning,” says
Mr. Parker, “ are my secrets of accomplisment. Noth­
ing ever came easy for me. My obstacles have been
heavy and high. I had to overcome them or perish.
I chose to overcome them.”
Asked about his education he replied, “ I had to
earn my way wherever I went. I was too far
ahead for a government school and too poor to go
to college. I worked my way through the rudiments
of an education and when I was through school I
realized that my education had just begun. I studied
faithfully ever since, laying out a course of study for
myself every year.”
How well this plan worked may be known when it
is revealed that Rochester University some years ago
granted him the degree of Master of Science. But
his friendship with college professors and presidents,
educators and scientists in this country and abroad is
better testimony that this Indian has taken hold of
vital things.
Mr. Parker is well known throughout the country
as a leading exponent of ‘ ‘justice and education for
the red man” and he has succeeded in having many
of his plans carried out by legislative and congression­
al action. He was for several years Executive Secre­
tary of the Society of American Indians, later be­
coming President. As Secretary he originated Amer­
ican Indian Day, now celebrated throughout the
country. He has presided at numerous Indian con­
ferences and in December, 1923, was chairman of the
Federal Committee of 100 on Indian Affairs.
During the summer of 1928 Mr. Parker was the
guest of scientific societies in Great Britain and on
the continent, where he was a lecturer on archeology
and museum methods. Thus did a native red man
carry the torch of enlightenment into the very citadel
of those who have assumed the van. And yet, as Dr.
Severance says in the introduction to Parker’s “ East
Grand Sachem,” “ —perhaps he alone, of all living
scholars and loyal Americans, can say with pride and
truth: ‘I am a Seneca Indian, who’s ancestors from
the beginning have been connected with our history—
and all of whom have left an indelible impress upon
our State and Nation.’ ”
$lrrsthrnt’e Styattkagittutg $lrnrlantatmn
/JTHI3 season again approaches when it has been
the custom for generations to set apart a
day of thanksgiving for the blessings which
the giver of all good and perfect gifts has be­
stowed upon us during the year. It is most
becoming that we should do this, for the good­
ness and mercy of God which have followed us
through the year deserve our grateful recogni­
tion and acknowledgement.
Through His divine favor peace and tranquil­
lity have reigned throughout the land; He has
protected our country as a whole against pesti­
lence and disaster, and has directed us to the
ways of national prosperity. Our fields have
been abundantly productive; our industries
have flourished; our commerce has increased;
wages have been lucrative, and comfort and
contentment have followed the undisturbed
pursuit of honest toil. As we have prospered
in material things, so have we also grown and
expanded in things spiritual. Through divine
inspiration we have enlarged our charities and
our missions; we have been imbued with high
ideals which operated for the benefits of the
world and promotion of the brotherhood of
man to peace and; good will.
Wherefore, I, Calvin Coolidge, president of
the United States, do hereby set apart Thurs­
day, the 29th day of November next, as a day
of general thanksgiving and prayer, and I rec­
ommend that on that day the people shall cease
from their daily work and in their homes, and
in their accustomed places of worship, devout­
ly give thanks to the Almighty for the many
and great blessings they have received, and
seek his guidance that they may deserve a con­
tinuance of his favor.
In witness thereof, I have here unto set my
hand and caused to be affixed the great seal of
the United States.
Done in the city of Washington, this 23d day
of October, in the year of our Uord, one thou­
sand nine hundred and twenty eight, and of
the independence of the United States, the
one hundred and fifty third.