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Admin
history |
The earliest evidence of the Fraternity's existence dates from 1676 although it may have been constituted earlier. Fourteen years elapsed until the next minuted meeting. The largest attendance at the annual general meetings was 93 in 1803. At the dissolution of the Fraternity in 1953 there were 19 members. The principal activities were mutual benefit through the 'Box' or bank (see also the various Free Gardeners Friendly Societies in FS.4) and shows or competitions for fruit, vegetables and flowers. |
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Archival history |
The minute books nos. 1-7 were deposited by Messrs Stirling and Burnet, solicitors, in 1953. Nos. 16-32, 36 and 37 were deposited by the East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists Society in 1975, 1979 and 1982. The remaining records were deposited by Messrs Stirling and Burnet in 1984 and the collection was amalgamated in 1985. No.39 is a copy of a printed pamphlet about the Fraternity. At a meeting on 16 September 1886 it was noted that the previous secretary had not engrossed minutes in the minute book and it was decided to have the draft minute books bound up to take place of an extended copy. Since the amalgamation of this collection, nos. 3A and 40 were transferred, with the permission of East Lothian District Council, from Haddington burgh records (B30/20/14) in 1987. |