Henry G. Pickering

Henry Goddard Pickering was one of the older Centurions of the non-resident group. The son of a distinguished line, he became a member in 1897, a year later than his cousin, the late Professor Edward C. Pickering of Harvard University, the astronomer. A lawyer by profession, he had practically retired from active practice some twenty-five or more years ago, subsequently devoting much of his time to various charitable societies, mostly for children’s welfare. Perhaps the chief work of his later years was embodied in his effort to spread more widely the knowledge and love of music among people with little opportunity for culture, through the formation first of the People’s Singing Classes, and then of the People’s Choral Union, of which he was president for many years. Widely read and traveled, he was known to his intimates for his qualities of personal charm and rare genius for friendship. He was a stimulating companion with a keen but never unkind humor, an entertaining story-teller, and a genial neighbor at the long table or in the after dinner circle in the Graham library.

Alexander Dana Noyes
1928 Century Association Yearbook