Rosetta Hall
An interesting incident illustrative of the times and of the attitude of the community towards a wronged and outcast race, is brought to notice in a vote passed the 28th of June, “to allow Rosetta Hall to reside at the Community house for an indefinite length of time and work for her board, education, etc.” Rosetta was a protégé of Frederick Douglass, the two having known each other as slaves some years before she appeared in our midst. On escaping from the house of bondage she appealed to him for aid in her forlorn condition. He kindly responded to her appeal and in due time brought her to Hopedale, where she would be among friends who would see that no harm came to her, and do all they could to educated her and help her in other possible ways. She was made welcome by our people, and treated with all due consideration and kindness while she remained within our borders. She proved herself a girl of most amiable disposition, of engaging manners, and of refined nature generally, winning the respect, confidence, and love, as she won the compassionate pity of all who knew her. Her stay with us was comparatively brief and she left with the best wishes of all our people for her future welfare and happiness. Adin Ballou, History of the Hopedale Community, pp. 142-143
In Anna Thwing Field’s memories of life in the Hopedale Community, she recalled a “Lizzie Hall.” Probably Rosetta.
Underground Railroad in Hopedale UGRR House
Prominent visitors to the Community The Branded Hand
Abolitionism in the Hopedale Community by Ernest Dalton
Abolition Activities in Hopedale, Milford and Mendon
The sentence above was found on page 239 in the book named below. “Invited to join.” It seems that she wasn’t here long enough to join the Community.
