the pleasure and satisfaction gained from the study of the past, and at much cheerful and voluntary sacrifice of time and strength.   Many of the illustrations have been procured through the enthusiasm of some of our local amateur photographers.

   The work has grown far beyond any original expectation of its magnitude, and, as it is, much has of necessity been omitted which it might be profitable and interesting to preserve; the patience of the town has been taxed through many years of anxious waiting; but it is hoped that the perusal of these pages, with their narratives of past accomplishments, may inspire a patriotic pride among our citizens to maintain an honorable place in the world's history for the Town of Hingham.