Q: "Callicoes" in Boston circa 1743-1760?

[Joel S. Berson]

What is the meaning of "Callicoes" in the following two items?


1)  From the Boston News-letter, 1743 July 14, 2/2.

This is to inform the most worthy and Hospital [sic]
Society of CALICO'S so re[m]arkable for their good
OEconomy and decent Behavior; &c. that there will be
a Meeting of said Society at the Bunch of Grapes Tavarn
on Tuesday the 19th Instant at 6 of the Clock in the Afternoon,
then and there to do no Business at all.
      By order of the G. M.                               CALICO
         Whip Whip Whip
N. B. It is expected that all
      Members of that Society
      give due Attendance.


2)  From the Boston Post-Boy, 1743 Oct. 17, 3/2.

Last Thursday being the Day appointed, by Order of Government, for a
general Thanksgiving ... for the Preservation of His Majesty, and his
Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, at the glorious Battle of
Dettingen, over the French Army, with all their Jen d'armes, &c. was
celebrated, with the greatest Solemnity; and particularly by the
ancient, loyal and hospitable Society of Callicoes, who in the
Evening met at the Bunch of Grapes, the House of Mr. Samuel Wethered,
in King Street, which was very beautifully illuminated; where the
following Healths were drank, viz. ..."

[The toasts are to:
King George, and success to his arms. Prince and Princess of Wales.
Duke of Cumberland. The glorious Queen of Hungary. Success to the Allies
Prince Charles of Lorrain. The Earl of Stair. Prince Lobkowitz. Count
Knevenhuller. British Navy.
Success to the Province. His Excellency our Governor. Success to the
ancient, loyal and hospitable Society of Callicoes.]

Joel

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