Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 4, 2026 A Patriotic Trailblazer: E. Florence Barker J oin us at the Malden Public Library on Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 p.m. for “A Patriotic Trailblazer: E. Florence Barker,” a talk with author and historian Dee Morris. The Boston Globe could not resist praising Elzina F. Barker (1840-1897) as the most widely known “soldiers’ friend” in the country. Her devotion to Civil War veterans was legendary. Over the years, she encouraged women to provide real assistance to soldiers and their families. Her dynamic leadership then led to the founding of a national movement called the Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC) in 1883. Here, in our city, she went on to become a trustee of the Malism. The Malden Evening News in 1897 stated “she was a tower of strength to any cause she advanced.” Also, the writer made sure to mention that Mrs. Barker cherished her home life. Join us for a warm exploration of Malden and Chestnut Street’s heroic E. Florence Barker. This program is sponsored by the Robinson Lecture Fund. Dee Morris is a scholar and edE. Florence Barker den Hospital as well as a supporter of the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, Massachusetts. The love of her life, Col. Thomas E. Barker, a Civil War veteran, enthusiastically praised her eloquent activucational consultant specializing in the 19-century history of Greater Boston. She is the author of “Somerville, Massachusetts: A Brief History” (coauthor), “Medford: A Brief History” and “Boston in the Golden Age of Spiritualism: Séances, Mediums & Immortality.” Her goal is help us all connect to our civic ancestors. Annual Fairy House Festival at Pine Banks Park M alden’s annual Fairy House Festival will be held at Pine Banks Park on Saturday, September 19, from noon to 4 p.m. Fairy Houses are structures for fairies and nature’s other friends —hobbits, elves, gnomes and trolls —to visit. All are invited to either prebuild a house or make one in the Builder’s Workshop on the day of the event. Prebuilt houses will be entered into the Fairy House Walk contest. Residents are invited to participate, get creative at the arts & crafts table, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day at Pine Banks Park, a beautiful natural habitat located in Malden. This whimsical event is being organized by former City Councillor Barbara Murphy in conjunction with the Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation, Pine Banks Park and the Malden Public Library. For more information, please contact Barbara Murphy at murphyforward5@ yahoo.com. Woman’s Relief Corps CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CAdvocate A Woman’s Relief Corps poster (Courtesy photos) all now! 617-387-2200 advertise on the web atwww.advocatenews.net
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