192 20 4978 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/f44bc4df08b3c39bd61da2abe295ce58.jpg 26a042717c32e97ab9e07059dc33f0ff https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/067d7d58838cc1060471cb0e219fc552.jpg e49f1da1a443d30cf78a5c74cef077b7 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/49e15d907129810ec32cfacaca3ad430.jpg 166eb4a482c5efa342fdd6919202a2b5 Book Bound document, typically consisting of 25 or more pages. Generally does not include stapled items. Predominant material Wood, Steel, Textile, Ceramic &c. Paper Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2008-04-06 Description An account of the resource Fall 1987 issue of 'Stone Walls' featuring a sketch of a maple tree, a stone wall, a house in the background on a yellow cover. Stone walls was a publication depicting historical sketches of the hill town area. Two articles by Elizabeth Payne, one on the Rice Homestead- 'The Worthington Rice Family.' Also an article on artist, Anne Rausch. The full document is available through the Internet Archives. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 21.6 x 27.9 x 0.3 cm (8.5 x 11 x 0.1 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 34-012g Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Elizabeth Payne Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls Magazine, Fall 1987 Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Subject The topic of the resource Other Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Paper Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts - Other Relation A related resource 2021-306 for Rice article, 2021-307 for Rausch article Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db, modified 2021-02-21 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lucy Conant, editor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1987-09-21/1987-12-21 Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2008-04-06 Description An account of the resource Fall 1988 issue of 'Stone Walls' featuring a sketch of two children on a yellow cover. Stone walls was a publication depicting historical sketches of the hill town area. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 21.6 x 27.9 x 0.3 cm (8.5 x 11 x 0.1 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 34-012a Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Elizabeth Payne Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls Magazine, Fall 1988 Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Subject The topic of the resource Other Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1988-09-21/1988-12-21 Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2008-04-06 Description An account of the resource Fall 1989 issue featuring a sketch of house with a modified gambrel roof on a yellow cover. Stone walls was a publication depicting historical sketches of the hill town area. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 21.6 x 27.9 x 0.3 cm (8.5 x 11 x 0.1 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 34-012e Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Elizabeth Payne Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls Magazine, Fall 1989 Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Paper Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Worthington - other unspecified Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db edited 2021-02-23 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989-09-21/1989-12-21 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/5b4de7094b838690d1294630b17d20c9.pdf 69821e79e5af81520f03ebc7f489d8e0 PDF Text Text STONE WALLS History and Folklore �As the cover of Stone Walls attests, the the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Doris editors of this magazine focus mainly on the has researched carefully the ancient docu- history and folklore of our area, namely the towns and related com- ments which explain this series of events and has set them forth, along with her own ex- munities. It is with great interest, therefore, planations, for us all to observe. This is a true we note the current observance of the examination of our roots, one of the chief objectives of our magazine, and, we hope, one of the main reasons for our readers to enjoy Stone Walls. We hope to be able to celebrate other such significant events in our future Berkshire that hill town of Russell's two hundredth anniversary. Our cover picture depicts a scene from that town. History buffs among our readers will be particularly interested in Doris Hayden's which details the steps leading up to the incorporation of RusseU into article in this issue issues. Barbara Brainerd Stone Walls Magazine Annual Report, July 1, 1992 FY 1992 - July 1, 1991 - June 30, 1992 BALANCE - July 1, 1991 Income Subscription $2,115.00 70.46 Interest Expense $1,932.16 Sales 1,614.85 Ads 224.00 Gifts 587.00 Total Income 4,611.31 TOTAL ASSETS $6,543.47 Printing $4,679.71 Postage Permits & Fees 130.71 Misc. 50.00 124.40 Total Expense $4,984.82 BALANCE July 1, 1992 $1,558.65 Louise H. Mason, Treasurer Cover photo of Woronoco by Frank Miller, 1905, courtesy of Edward (Dick) Miller �CONTENTS 2 Genesis of Woronoco Doris H. Wackerbarth 7 A Town is Born Doris Hayden 14 Rhythm of the Road Barbara Brainerd 15 The Granville Public Library Wilhelmina Tryon 1903 19 More from the Journal of Rev. Hutchinson 20 Oldtime Westfield Verse & Jean York The Family Trolley Ride Gordon Hawkins 22 Growing Up on a Farm Ralph Pomeroy 30 Deer Hunting in West Granville Kenneth Gridley 32 Family Values David Pierce 35 Hinsdale Gold Rush Wadsworth Pierce 1 �Genesis of Woronoco From the Village of Salmon Falls to a Milltown By Doris H. Wackerbarth Woronoco, 1907 Edward "Dick" Miller, 94, a native of the town of Russell, has in his collection of photos are given as "more or less". Names of persons the picture (above) of the first house on Valley are only "more or less" accurate, also, which View Avenue, Woronoco, taken in 1907. It is very misleading. took hours of heavy lifting at the Hampden County Hall of Records to discover who built village of Salmon Falls the house. In the process of my search, on maps who are not the principals involved The 1874, Vernon Bros. & Co. map of the is not an official Hampden County Atlas map by county surveyors. On it, the Valley View Avenue area I dis- covered that old records are not as sacrosanct as I had beUeved them to be. Where land areas are involved, the names of the persons involved are exact, with variations in spelling of names or signatures noted, but where large areas of land are concerned, measurements east of the Westfield River is mislabeled the Bishop Lot, which led to hours of frustrating search. There were pages of Bishops listed, many of them in Russell. Finally, by process of elimination, the area 2 was revealed to be �"the Old Cowles Place", the key to checking new road and the old, which even Dick Miller the land transfers. Examples of other misleading information on that map list Couch family does not remember. Farther south along the new Main Street Fairfield Company built a holdings, which were vast, as Crouch, and the hall for public gatherings. In the 20's it was name Cosby changed over time to Crosby. In 1874, when Vernon Bros & Co. acquired called "the Casino". (It was later converted to & every kind of meeting and also basketball games, both Protestant and Catholic church services were held there on Sundays until in 1923 Strathmore Paper Company built the Memorial Hall across the river (the first section of the Strathmore Community Building.) Both denominations continued to use the same facility until Catholic services were the paper mill at Salmon Falls from Jessup storage for the store.) In addition to serving Laflin of Westfield there was no Main Road or village; nor was there a post office, a bridge over the Westfield River, or housing on the east side of the river. (There was a family ferry about a mile north of town at the rapids, where the river narrows and the water is not deep.) Russell, by comparison, was a metropolis. moved to the new Holy Rosary Church in had a railroad depot and a post office; two stores; a hotel; whip companies operated by J. W. Gibbs and R. W. Parks; S. Steele, Carriage and Sleighmaker; E. B. Hull & Co. Tannery, which had two large buildings, one labeled office; and both a Baptist and a Methodist church. Charcoal kilns were part of the Blandford Brick and Tile Co. The homes along Main Street in Russell were then very much as they are today, with the few additions or changes having been made where the tannery Russell, after which only Protestant services continued to be held in Memorial Hall. It Records reveal a foot note to history that is a bit of a mystery and illustrates how towns and townsfolk operated a hundred years ago. Hampden County Records list the sale of the school house in Salmon Falls to the Fairfield Company, May 3, 1889, for $400, yet the school continued in that capacity until Strath- more built the village of Woronoco a school on land presented to the town December 23, operated. 1914 for $1.00. In 1888, Vernon Bros Company sold the paper mill and property in Salmon Falls to of 1 889, it appears that the Fairfield Company From the scanty and secretive town report Roswell Fairfield, of Holyoke. When transportation was by horse and wagon, hills were a first hazard to be avoided. The 1894 map of Fairfield shows that one of the first improvements made in the village was construction of a level Main Street into town from Westfield. The new road saved climbing a established the precedent of more or less en- dowing the local school. Article 15 of the Rus- Town meeting, February 1, 1889, reads, "To see if the town will vote to purchase the interest of the Fairfield Paper Company in the hall and school house at Fairfield, and raise and appropriate such a sum of money as may be necessary for the same." At the time, Russell sharp hill about a mile south of the village, then coming down a long incline that began had five schools, five teachers, and 131 whom were under five years of age and six over fifteen. There is no record of how the town meeting sell above the school and ended in the village, pupils, four of opposite the mill. In addition to the new road, an iron bridge had been built across the river, and the Fairfield Paper Co. had telephone and voted, but the bare-bones education report telegraph service at the mill and, in case of which was not signed by anyone and probably was written by a selectman rather than by a superintendent, (perhaps then there were emergency, for others about town. (An operator would have handled the telephone calls and the telegraph did not print out a tape only Morse code dots and dashes clicked away, needing to be interpreted.) There was also a post office and store at the comer of the only county supervisors,) explains that the two schools in section three of the town had — been combined in order to save expense. One teacher was paid $15.00 for teaching the com- 3 �Village of Salmon Falls, 1874 been purchased in the village of Fairfield." The accompanying report does not acknowledge a $400 windfall, or how it was spent. It merely states that all the classrooms now have maps and globes, and that expenses for other school materials are available through the town treasurer With but one miU, the families who lived on the west side of the river and on the farms along Blandford Road and on Russell Moun- bined group rather than two teachers, being paid $9.00 each to teach two smaller groups. — evidently The parents objected, however and after a month the system strenuously reverted to two schools again. Someone in the era also was agitating against the schools on Russell Mountain not being in session for four months during the winter The consensus was that it just was not feasible. The report complained about conditions in all the schools, and advocated having maps and globes for the benefit of older pupils, as if there was no possibility whatever that that — tain supphed all the labor that was needed, but the Fairfield Company was flourishing could be achieved. Following sale of the and there was as yet no trolley to offer daily transportation of labor from outside of town. school to the Fairfield Company, which was So, in 1889, the Fairfield Company bought the not what Article 15 proposed the year before, and which is only recorded in the county records, the town report states ambiguously, 291 acre tract on the east side of the river from Thomas and Almeda Williston and Began to provide housing. "the hall for the accommodation of larger The Williston's house was on the north rim and Thomas Williston pupils (situated over the schoolroom) has of the property, 4 �reserved the right for their neighbor. Warren grew too old to work in the mills, they lived Chapman, "to get water in pails for family out their days there. After the death of Liza my house, where water McMahon, who lived until 1937, the house was demolished. Dick Miller related that, as use, from the tub near now runs." Chapman soon afterward bought the place where he lived for $65.00. He later transferred it to the Fairfield Company for $1.00 and other considerations a Strathmore electrician, he wired the house at the direction of H. A. Moses, Founder of — which Strathmore. could have included the right to continue to live in the house the rest of his life, and /or to be employed by the company as long as he was able to work. For years, the two little Irish ladies faithfully set up and removed the portable altars and furnished the linens used at the Casino and Memorial Hall for Catholic services. Since they were very reclusive, and always dressed Such contracts were not uncommon at the McMahon and Annie Cary had such an "understanding" with Strathmore Paper Co. They lived in a little saltbox house that was the W. D. Mallory house on the Old Road, which Strathmore bought in 1912. It had a cavernous fireplace and must have dated from Revolutionary days. When they time. Liza in black, as did all old ladies of their generation, and because of their devotion and the pleasure they took in serving their church, they were known as "the Nuns". Fairfield Company construction of houses on Valley View Avenue began along the "line of an old highway". Probably when the rail- 5 �road was put through the valley, it crossed the road, served Fairfield Village and Woronoco roadway on the east side of the river, which served the hard-scrabble farms between Westfield and Russell. True to form, it would have followed along the bank of the river. Rather than require the railroad to build two grade crossings, and since the part of the road that circled west of the railroad served no purpose, it was discontinued and the original road was rerouted straight ahead, parallel to as a baseball park until Strathmore Park was the railroad. Avenue, across the new cement bridge, past both the new and the old paper mills, to the north side of the bridge over Great Brook without once needing to stop. opened north of town, by which time everyone had autos and could get there. By then, more that a dozen and a half multi-unit houses had been built along Valley View Avenue and more than forty families lived there. There were maple trees along the paved street, and sidewalks that made it possible to roller skate from the north end of Valley View In the picture of the first houses built on Valley Avenue are three single family houses and outbuildings that had been built by the Fairfield Paper Company. Fields across the The changes that have taken place are what railroad tracks, along the old straightened is known as Progress. Russell Baptist Church 6 �A Town is Bom Compiled by Doris W. Hayden and Jean H. York Most of the available printed accounts of early within twelve Months, for Confirmation, to Russell are not very specific. The following refer- them their heirs and asines Respetivly ences may be dull to some, but they are the actual forever. records leading up to the incorporation of Russell Passed December 31, 1734 Province Laws (Resolves, etc.) Vol XII Chapter 175 - p. 200 in 1792. Rather than put our own interpretation on these events here it has seemed best to use the original records in the order in which they oc- Order granting to the heirs of James Tailor curred. Occasional notes are interspersed for further time to perfect a plat A Petition of Christopher Jacob Lawton in clarification. All italics throughout are mine. DWH behalf of the heirs of James Tailor Esqr, deced. Province Laws (Resolves, etc.) Vol. XII Chapter 161 - p. 79 Shewing that pursuant to a Grant made by Court to the heirs of Mr. Tailor, they returned a plat of five hundred acres of Land to the Court, which was accepted by the House, but Rejected by the Council, and therefore praying that they may be Allowed this Order impowering the heirs of James Taylor dec'ed to survey and lay out 500 acres of land A petition of William Taylor and others, heirs of Mr. James Taylor, dec'ed, late Treasurer of this Province, Shewing that the time till the next May Session for bringing a perfect plat. Read& said treasurer, Taylor, quitted his private business, which was very profitable, to Serve that Ordered that the prayer of the petition be Granted, and the petrs are Accordingly Allowed time till nex May Session to bring in a Plat of said Grant for Confirmation. Passed December 29, 1735 Note: - Christopher Jacob Lawton was one of the proprietors of Suffield Equivalent. (Now Province in that office, which he did very Faithfully for many Years, and advanced Several Thousand of poimds for the govern- ment, for which he was never allowed any interest that he laid out Seventy Odd pounds for Mathematical Instruments for the Province, for which he was never paid; By all — Blandford) which means his Estate was lesend; And He had married for a second time to Sarah therefore praying for a grant of some of the u nap- Taylor, daughter of James Taylor. As the daughter propriated Lands of the Province. had an interest in the above grant, he was repre- Read& senting her. DWH Voted that there be and hereby is Granted to the Heirs and Legal Representa of James Province Laws (Resolves, etc.) Vol. XII Chapter 272 - p. 245 Taylor Esqr, late Treasurer of this Province, Deced, Five hundred acres of the Unappropriated Lands of this Province in consideration of the Services mentioned in the petition, and that the Grantees be allowed and impowered by a Surveyr and ChaLnmen on Oath, to survey and layout the said lands next Adjoyning to some Township, or former Order for a grant of land to Housatonuck Indians A Report of a Conferrence held by Ebenezer Pomroy and Thomas Ingersol Esqr by order of this Court, with the Housatanuck Indians; relating to a purchase of Lands for their Set- tlement. Grant, & return a plat thereof to this court 7 �Read, and the same being fully considered March 25, 1736 Voted that the Honourable John Stoddard Esqr. Ebenezer Pomroy and Thomas Ingersole Esqrs be a Committee fully authorized and impowered to Lay out a township not exceeding the quantity of six miles square, unto the Housatonnoc Tribe of Indians in upper Housatonnoc, lying and being above the Mountain, & upon Housatonnoc River, said Indians to be subject to the Law of the Province make & passed in the thirteenth Year of King William 3d CAP XXI, with respect to said Lands, and that the said Conunittee be hereby impowered to lay out unto the Reverend Mr. John Sargent, their Minister, and Mr. Timothy Woodbridge, their School Master, One sixtieth part of the said township, to Each of them to accomodate them in a Settlememt of Land, to be to each of them and their heirs Note: The above is included to clarify a state- ment in the "History of Western Massachusetts" by Pitoniak. On page 19 under "First Settling of Russell" it is said, "One would never realize the it was first intended to be a settlement of Indians."How the above record could be interpreted in such a way cannot now be determined. The province order certainly puts the Indian town in the Housatonic area, and nowhere else. DWH Province Laws (Resolves, etc.) Vol. XII Chapter 141 - p. 323 A Petition of Mr. Thomas Ingersol, Representa of the Town of Westfield, praying for a Grant to the proprietors of the said town of a tract of about Six Thousand Acres of Land, lying between Westfield West boundary and the township granted to the proprietors of & assigns, and that said Committee Suffield. lay out a sufficient quantity of Land within Read& said township to accommodate four English Ordered that the prayer of the Petition be Families, that shall Settle upon the same, to be granted, and the Lands therein Delineated under the direction and disposition of the Committee, by and with the advice of Mr. Sargeant and Mr. Woodbridge; And the committee are hereby further impowered to dispose of ye Lands that are reserved to said Indians in the town of Sheffield & mentioned and Described be and hereby are Accordingly given and granted to the proprietors of the Town of Westfield, their heirs and assignes respectively; provided they do forthwith, or as soon as may be. Open and Constantly keep in Repair hereafter, a Good and Safe Cartway over the premises in the Road that leads from in the Conunittee report, in order to make Satisfaction, so far as the same will go, to the proprietors and owners of the land hereby Westfield to Housatonock, commonly caU the Albany Road; provided also this Grant does not granted. prejudice the Grant lately laid out to the heirs of And the Committee are further impowered the late Treasurer Mr. fames Taylour, at the pond to give the proprietors of Upper Housaton- called the Ten Mile Pond, the said Grantees con- nuc, that live below the Mountain, an equivalent in some of the unappropriated Land of the province next adjacent to Upper Housatonnuc, Sheffield, said granted town; cluding not to hold the same, but it is to be Es- And the Committee are hereby further impowered to make the proprietors of Upper Hous- Hundred Acres of Land to the Heirs of the late Rev Mr. Williams of Deerfield, Deced. which satonnoc, above the Mountain, and equivalent in may or does fall within the lines of the prayed some of the unappropriated Lands of the Province in different places; provided the same, in the Judgment of the Committee, shall not prejudice any township that may hereafter be granted; the same to be in full satisfaction of their Lands as are hereby granted to the Houssatannoc According to the plat lately passed and Confirmed by this Court. And also that this Grant does not exceed the quantity of Six Thousand Acres of Land, Exclusive of the said Provisoes, & does not interfere with any former Grant; teemed & looked upon as among the Upper Housatanuck Equivalents; ** And also that part of the Grant of Seven for premises. Tribe. 8 �*** Provided also that the Grantees, as soon not the quantity of Five Thousand Eight Hundred & Seventy-Nine Acres of Land, in- as may be, lay out two hundred Acres of the granted preniises for the present minister of clusive of the said Farms at A. B. & C, and the said town; Two Hundred Acres of the ministry; and one hundred Acres for the pond; and does not interfere with any other school forever; grant. exclusive of the said Housatonnoc Equivalent and And return a plat of the premised & Se- Passed June 10, 1738 Note:: questrations afore mentioned to this Court, * this was the original grant ofJanuary 12, 1 736, which was later called the New Addition. It then within twelve months, for Confirmation. Passed January 12, 1736 Note: included what is now a part of Montgomery, as *Suffield Equivalent, which became Blandford well as what became Russell. ** The original 500 acre Taylor grant which the **The original north line of the New Addition Taylor heirs chose not to hold and was reserved for seems to have extended into what became Murrayfield, now Huntington. The 700 acre grant to a Housatonic Equivalent. *** The locations Rev. John Williams may or may not have been in the New Addition. However the Court was play- of the three farms are listed in "Footprints in Montgomery" , p. 5. DWH ing safe and excluded it if it was. It was never a Springfield Registry of Deeds Book part of present Russell. *** "Footprints in M p. 155 - John Stoddard, Ebenezer Pomeroy of Northampton Montgomery" on page 5 describes three such lots which were in the original New Addition area, but not in the present town of & Thos. Ingersole of Westfield, Esqr Russell to Chr. Jacob Lawton of Leicester DWH That on March ye 26 AD 1736 were by the General Court Assembly of Province aforesaid specifically authorized and commisioned amongst other things, to purchase rights of lands of ye proprietors of Upper Housatonnock Township, so called in said township, and to give Equivalent Therefore in some of ye unappropriated Land of ye Province to Proprietors, of whom they should purchase after the order of the said Court of Assembly, reference thereto has willfully appear. Province Laws (Resolves, etc.) Vol. XII Chapter 17 -p. 367 * A plat of land, laid out by Oliver Partridge, Surveyr and Chainman on Oath, Containing Five Thousand Eight hundred and Seventy- Nine Acres, Lying between Westfield and Suffield Equivalent, Exclusive offive hundred Acres Reserved for Housatanock Equivalent and a Pond of One hundred Acres. Read& Now we the above said have purchased of Ordered that the plat be accepted and the Lands therein delineated & described by and Chr. Lawton of Leicester * two rights of land in are hereby confirmed to the proprietors of the Housantonnock, and have agreed to give it him and equivalent, to whom the right belongs, from the Government, for ye aforesaid rights. Town of Westfield & their Assignes respectively. Excepting the Five Hundred Acres reserved for Housatonnoc Equivalent as To Wit: a Tract of land scituated a lying and being on Housatonnock Road, at a certain place called 10 Mile Pond, and includes the pond, which land with pond, includes 600 within mentioned, and Three Farms delineated in the plat at A. B. & C, which are to be and remain respectively for the mini- acres. sterial use - the present Ministers farm to be Is butted and bounded as follows: to him in fee, and the farm for the use of the Beginning at ye Brook where it runs into the school agreeable to the Grant of the Lands to outside of 10 Mile Pond, and runs said proprietors) provided the plat exceeds 70 Rods 9 W 10 M - �W - 212 Rods Thence runs S 30 30 " Thence runs to the E line of the township called Glasgow Then runs up Ye Township Line N'ward 196 Rods Then runs E 34 N - 166 Rods Then runs N 40 E - 76 Rods Jonathan Old, John Huston Samuel Worthington John Stoddard, Thomas Ingersole W Thence runs E - 252 Rods Thence runs S - 278 Rods Thence W- 160 Rods Thence runs N - 118 Rods - 78 Rods to the Comer first Thence runs W mentioned. John Stoddard Ebenezer Pomeroy Thos. Ingersole August 29, 1739 * Note: One right was at 10 Mile Pond in the 1742, "in his house." Since he died in 1742 he could not have operated it very long. New Addition, and part of it was the original Fulling was process for shrinking and thicken- Taylor Grant, which was given up and called the ing woolen cloth by moistening, heating and press- Housatonic Equivalent. ing. DWH The other right was in what became Otis and M p. 203 does not relate to the New Addition. Springfield Registry of Deeds Book The "History of Western Mass." by Josiah G. Holland states that the first settlers in the New Chr. Jacob Lawton, Gentleman of Leiscester & Dame Sarah Lawton, his wife Addition were two brothers of the name Barber and to Mathew Barber, husbandman, living at a A Mr. Gray. place known by ye name of Ten Mile Pond ye Mathew Barber was a first settler, but his brother, Robert Barber of Worcester, - Township of Westfield 200 Acres of Land adjoyning to Ten Mile Pond in Westfield and bounded as follows: Beginning at a stake and stones on the N side of a brook running into said Pond was not. However, he probably assisted Mathew financially and held a mortgage on the New Addition properRobert's wife Sarah Gray, sister to Mathew From thence runs Barber's wife Mary, so there was a close con- thence nection on both sides. W 10 N 70 Perch N 23 W 104 Perch - Then N 30 E 76 Perch Thence E 252 Perch Mathew Barber was certainly in the New Addition before Jan. 31, 1740-1, according to his deed Thence S 150 Perch to the brook issuing out of said Pond, at the East Side of the Pond Thence bounds on said Pond & brook to the comer first mentioned With one-half the liberty of Pondage and Streama for making Dam, or Dams, for a Mill, form Christopher Jacob Lawton. }ust when cannot be determined. The Barbers and Grays were descendants of immigrants from Northern Ireland - probably Scotch-Irish. Mathew's inventory, in Northampton Probate Court, includes a fulling mill and a sawmill. Sumner Wood in "Taverns and Turnpikes" says he has a tavern License in or Mills, forever. Witness: Henry Lee Chr. Jacob Lawton January 31, 1749-1 Sarah Lawton Aside from the Barbers and Grays, there is the Hazards. Note: John Gray was of a later generation than Math- another early family of interest — ew Barber, but related to Mathew's wife. His land Stewart Hazard and Robert Hazard, a clothier, lay south of 10 Mile Pond.. ( See map) The property both of Farmington, Conn., purchased the Barber lately owned by Howland Smith was apart of it. land -1769 -1771. 10 �11 �12 �town of Blanford, then running north twenty degrees east on Blanford line to the first mentioned bounds, be and hereby is incorporated into a town by (the) name of Russell; and the said town shall be and hereby is invested with all the privileges and immunities that towns in the commonwealth do, or may enjoy by the Constitution, or laws of the same. They were in theNew Addition until some years after Russell was incorporated, later going to New York State. This explains the name, Hazard Pond. There were many lots "laid out" to various residents of Westfield in the New Addition before the incorporation. Without a doubt many lived in the area before 1792. These lot descriptions are so scanty that it would be like putting a huge jig-saw And be it further enacted the Samuel Fowler Esquire be and he is hereby impowered to issue his warrant directed to some suitable inhabitants of said town to meet at such time and place as he shall appoint, to choose such Officers as other towns are impowered to choose at their annual meeting in the month of March or April. puzzle together. Someone with the patience of Job may do it some day. Acts & Resolves 1790-1 Chapter 30 - p. 323 Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in General court as- sembled and by the authority of the same, that the northwesterly part of Westfield, Called the new Addition, on the westerly side of Westfield River, and the south westerly part Provided nevertheless, the inhabitants of of Montgomery included between the heights said town shall pay all such town. State, coun- of Shatterack Mountain, Teko Mountain, and ty and other taxes as are already assessed upon them by the said towns to which they Westfield River a foresaid, & bounded as fol- have belonged, until a new valuation shall be taken & no longer; and the inhabitants aforesaid shall pay their proportion of all public debts which are now due from the said town to which they respectively belonged. And be it further enacted that the inhabitants of the said town of Russell do and shall forever hereafter make and keep in good repair all such roads and cartway through the lows: viz. Beginiung at Blanford line where it crosses Westfield River, then running down said river 'till it comes to a turn in the river near the foot of Shatterack Mountain at the northwesterly part thereof, then crossing said river to a maple tree marked with stones about it standing at highwater mark on the eastern bank, then rurming south thirty-two degrees east one hundred and sixty rods to a pine staddle marked with stones about it on the height of Shatterack Mountain, then running south twenty eight degrees and fifty minutes east eight himdred and ninety-four rods, partly along the ridge of Teko Mountain, to a black oak staddle marked with stones about it toward the southerly end of said Teko Mountain, then running south four degrees said town of Russell, as the town of Westfield east two hundred and twenty rods to a small ought or by law is now obliged to make and maintain there. And be it further enacted that the inhabitants of the said town of Russell shall be chargeable with their proportionable part of the expense of supporting the poor which at the time of passing this Act were the charge of the towns of which the said inhabitants flat rock marked I S 41 by the highway, a few respectively belonged, and that the said town rods easterly of the river, and near the south of Russell shall be held to support all poor end of said Teko Mountain, then running persons which may hereafter be returned to south thirty-eight degrees west, crossing said river and continuing a strait line to a little river near the foot of the west mountain, then the town of Westfield and Montgomery, who had gained a settlement in that part of the town of Westfield or Montgomery, which is now incorporated into the town of Russell. westerly upon said river to the line between the third and fourth tier of lots, then southerly February 25, 1792 upon said line to Granville town line, then Happy 200th Celebration, Russell! running west twenty-two degrees north on Granville line to the south east comer of the 13 �Rhythm of the Road By Barbara Brainerd There is rhythm in Route 23 Driving up the mountain From Russell to Blandford. It starts at the bottom As the car swings from Route 20 to start the climb. Then swerves to the right And now to the left - always going up A measured rhythm that the body feels With each turn of the wheel - right and then left. Sometimes there is a small down-grade Which builds up the speed For the next swift ascent and the next wheeling curve. After driving up Route 23 a million times, know the rhythm by heart. I wonder if the horses, in the old days. Dragging the heavy wagons or the light surreys. Felt the rhythm in their bodies, too. Did they also memorize the measured beat of the road Like the notes of an old melody? I 14 �The Granville Public Library by Wilhelmena Tryon was a manufacturing community, although it was fifteen nules from the nearest railroad. Some of the families were well-to-do and able to send their children away to school; others completed their education here and Granville, Massachusetts approached the turn of the century with a small, scattered population and no library. An education- minded woman decided that the limited number of books available through the Sunday Schools was not enough, and vowed to went on to schools of higher learning, becoming professional people. The majority remained at home going to work in the factory, on the farm, or doing odd jobs. correct the situation. Scanty Scattered Population Like many New England towns in the hill Woman of Ideals districts, the scanty population was scattered These conditions existed in 1896, when the over an area of about forty square miles with three small villages as centers. Granville, Granville Center and West Granville each had its own schoolhouse, store, post office, church, and a farming population living along the outlying country roads. The two western communities were farming communities, but Granville, called the Comers, wife of one of the leading businessmen, a woman of ideals, saw the needs of the young people. The library grew out of her efforts to help them. Mrs. Ralph B. Cooley was the moving force behind the library movement. The town, in compliance with Library Act of 1890, had ap- 15 �Treasurer; Mrs. Orville R. Noble, Mrs. Silas B. Root, Miss Cettie Huddleston (name was Lucetta), Mrs. Mary Gill, Mrs. Emma Barlow, Mrs. Milo Seymour, Mrs. E.N. Henry, Mrs. Neil Gibbons, Mrs. Alice Carpenter, and Mrs. Clara E. Wilcox. Each Lady to Raise Huge Sum of Ten Dollars Next came the all important question of finances, now "How should it be done?", but "How could it be done?" The members were not chosen for their financial or literary qualifications, but for their personal qualities. Some were women of independent means; others earned their living by working in the factory; there were some whose husbands had an average daily wage, one whose husband received only one dollar a day; and one who had no pin money to call her own. Each member pledged $10.00, or more if possible, which she must earn each year. With the exception of two generous gifts, practically all the money was raised in the one, small village of Granville in five yars. In November 1901, the building was completed at a total cost of more than $13,000, a tribute Mrs. Ralph Cooley to the zeal and self-denial with which these few women worked. To realize how large a sum of $10 was, propriated a small amount of money and then had received one hundred dollars worth of books from the state. All were placed in the chapels in Granville and Granville Center, in remember at that time a poimd of cheese cost 16 cents; a quart of milk 5 cents; an excellent three course dinner at one of Westfield's best charge of the mir\ister or some other interested person. The buildings were open one day a week and, since accommodations were insufficient, neither books nor people could be carefully cared for restaurants cost only 25 cents. These enterprising ladies chose to make money in several ways. One lady lived on a farm where arbutus grew in abundance so she sent enough to a nearby city to raise six of her ten dollars. She also picked fruit and in the In February 1896, Mrs. Cooley invited to her home twelve women and laid before them evenings knitted pairs of mittens. This was Mrs. Alice Carpenter. her hopes. The Granville Library Club, with Mrs. Cooley as its President, was immediately organized and its purpose distinctly stated: To Mrs. Clara Wilcox had boys collect blueflag, which she cleaned and sweetened and sold in erect a library building containing a library and packets for 5 cts. This proved very profitable. She also knitted bed socks and mittens. The president, Mrs. Ralph B. Cooley, who raised strawberries, sold the extra berries. She also exchanged one of her husband's over- reading room and also a room provided with suitable attractions and amusement for both young men and young women. The original members were: Mrs. Ralph B. Cooley, President; Miss Nellie C. Noble, Vice President; Miss Cora A. Noble, Secretary and coats for a neighbor's crop of crab apples. 16 �These she sent to New York and realized over offered to give $5000 for the library if the town thirteen dollars for the project. would give a Uke amount, which would as- Miss Ann Noble and Mrs. Neil Gibbons sold ice cream every Saturday afternoon. sure that the entire amount for the building and its furnishings would be available. They also made lemonade for the local ball The ladies decided to raise as much money as possible from subscriptions from citizens. They also contacted former residents and their descendants. The Ubrary was at last a games. Mrs. Cettie Huddleston made popcorn baUs to the delight of all the little boys. possibility. Mrs. Silas Root had an unused field plowed and planted to turnips which she sold. The yield more than covered her pledge. She also made and sold doughnuts. Two houses and various buildings had to be removed so that the library might be buUt on its present location. The building was started in 1900, construction finished in Mrs. Nellie Noble, a talented painter, took orders for calendars to raise her $10. Her sister. November 1901, and it was furnished, stocked with books, and opened on February 22, Miss Cora Noble, laundered fine lace curtains and made jellies. 1902. Mrs. Emma Barlow made money doing housework for a neighbor. In June, 1950, the club celebrated the anniversary of the start of the actual building of Mrs. Hattie Oysler, who joined soon after the Library Club started, made carpenter's aprons. She also made and sold clam chowder the library by an "Open House" for the town. The same year the club and the town joined to the men who worked at the factory. Mrs. Emma Holcomb, another woman who was not a charter member, made money by doing her own washing and ironing and by "going without things." That was the key to the whole situation. It meant self-denial for future general good. The club as a whole was also busy. In November 1896 a fair was held, the first of 25 years, which brought in $500. The president gave a beautifully dressed French doll for which a great number of tickets were sold to guess the doll's name. The name proved to be "Celia" (the president's mother's name) and fortunately the doll was given back to the sold at auction. Three times it was sent back to be sold again and it netted $112. After trying various ways to raise money, they concentrated on the November fair and for many years they were famous for their November Fair and Chicken Pie Supper. With the coming of World War n the Chicken Pie Suppers were discontinued. Large Donation Offered At the end of three years, the club had banked nearly $3000. Then Mr. Milton B. Whitney of Westfield, a native of Granville, Members of the Library Club 17 �in a celebration at the library, honoring Mrs. Mable Root Heruy for fifty years of devoted and efficient service as Librarian. She began her service when the building opened. Later, the historical room, located in the library, was named the Mable Root Henry Historical Room in her honor. Bibliography: The Story of a Village Library, by Lavinia Rose Wilson The History of Granville, by Albion B. Wilson Note: This story was previously printed in South- woods Magazine Volume IX, issue 111, September 1989. 18 �More from the Journal of Rev. Hutchinson Oct. 11 This poor man had destroyed himself by Clark and Miss Alice Parks both of Russell. They were married in the Meeting House. A large number of people were present. drinking. He has three children, two lovely AprU 12, 1863 Died, Mr. Charles K. Phelps of Huntington at the house of Mr. Wm. Branly of Russell. daughters 15 and 17 and a little son 10 yrs. of Sunday evening, I married Rev. J.D. Pulis of N.Y. City to Miss Sarah Jane Dukensan of age. Russell, oldest daughter of Deacon Nov. 7 Nina Maria Lezen, daughter of Joel Lezen, Russell, aged 6 years. Wm. L. Dukensan. They were married in the Meeting House. Brother Dukensan and family together with Mr. Pulis are going tomorrow to the state of Illinois. Mr Pulis is going as 1865 Ettie Kendall, congestion of the lungs, aged agent of the Travel Society. 4 yrs. Feb. 18, 1864 May 3 Married this evening Mr. Eli A. Cross and Miss Emily A. Nye at the house of the father Henry Parks, fever, aged 43 of the bride, Mr. Clark Nye of Blandford. The Oct 17 bride and groom were both of Blandford. Hattie Jane Kingsley, aged 1 yr., died Springfield 1864, daughter of Wm. Kingsley June 11, 1864 and Emily. Mr. Horace Larramee and Miss Margaret Camier, both of Becket. French Canadians. Oct. 1865 A Mr. Leonard in Hanson, funeral at house and the manner of commitment of the Old Colony Baptist Association. lin married. Both of Russell. Oct. 1865 Sept. 25, 1864 Aug. 31, 1864 Mr. George W. Frost and Mrs. Clarice Ham- Middleboro, a man whose name is forgot- Married Mr. John M. Cannon and Alletta A. King, both of Russell. ten. Nov. 19 (Sunday) Dr. David Hall died of old age, 81, Oct. 16, 1864 Married Mr. Elihui Lloyd and Miss Delia Holcomb, both of Montgomery. Bridgewater. Mrs. Charles Pratt, aged 64, congestion of lungs, Bridgewater. May 15, 1865 Edward A. Allen and Miss Joseptha M. Standars, both of Huntington. Marriages performed by Rev. Joseph Hutchinson while minister of the Baptist Church at Russell, Mas- April 18, 1865 sachusetts in 1863 and 1864 as listed in his diary and Mr. J. W. Gibbs and Miss Olive Parks, both copied by F.A. Hutchinson. of Russell. Feb. 28, 1863 July 5, 1865 Mr. Wilber S. Sampson and Miss Caroline Allen, both of Huntington, Mass. Married Mr. John Clark and Miss Frances Miller, both of Russell. Were married at my house. Jan. 1, 1865 March 1, 1863 C.B. Hutchinson and Miss Laura Holcomb Sunday evening, married Mr. Chester W. of Russell (J.H.'s own son) 19 �Oldtime Westfield Verse Vignettes The Family Trolley Rides By Gordon Hawkins Oftentimes in summer When the heat was bearing down. We'd take a family trolley ride And leave the sultry town, To "get a breath" of evening air And just a nickel for the fare! Sometimes up to Pequot Park The trolley bore its load. At other times to Huntington Along the river road We'd thunder through the summer night Swifter, it seemed, than swallow's flight. Kid's favorite seat was just behind The burly motor-man. The boys liked that because they'd see Just how the trolley ran. Not only that. ..with rush of air We "rode the wind" when we sat there! 20 �But Ma and Pa preferred by far The seats not so exposed Ma didn't like disordered hair, (So Pa and I supposed). And so we'd ride the evening throughWhat better could a family do. When but a nickel was the fare? Long gone now are the trolley lines, The tracks have disappeared No more the evening trolley ride To families so endeared. But one can still remember well Their rumble and their roar And the sharp warning of the bell At twenty miles or more! And even now I faintly smell The tobacco fields at night IDuring the growing season Fragrance of rich delight! And even now I seem to hear The grasses by the track Swish, as the trolley passed along To old Springfield and back! 21 �Growing Up On a Farm (An interview with Ralph Pomeroy, who was horn Feb. 1, 1903 in Westfield) was bom on the old Pomeroy homestead which is located in the northeast comer of Westfield. Now it is called East Mountain Rd. The doctor came and said that I had to have an operation. He said that he would go home and read up on it and be back in the morning - that I had appendix trouble. He came back the next morning. "Mother, clear the table get boiling water - rip up an old petticoat." "Father, boil up knives and scissors. Stand right there - hand me what I need." Busted appendix - gangrene! Four inches of intestines taken out and whatever. No dmgs like today. They got the job done! Doctor said, "I don't think he'll live, but he may." Oh yes! I I in Owen District, Father farmed there the first three years after he married. The place was sold to settle the estate. West Suffield, Conn. We then moved to West Suffield, Conn., where may father was going to get rich growing tobacco. Our place was only a short distance from the village store, and the first I remember was walking to the store with Mother, and Mrs. Brigbee gave me a lollipop. She was my first girlfriend, for I am sure she gave me something every time I went there after that. The next thing I remember in Suffield was Uncle Frank moved in with us for the winter. His place down the road had been sold. So, with the help of an old-fashioned wheel barrow, he stored his belongings in our back room till he could find another place. Next, I remember having to stay in bed with a flatiron tied to my foot. made it! To Westfield The next year we moved back to Westfield. Mother said, "Was I ever glad to leave that place!" Dad hired a small place next to Grandfather Higgins in East Mountain. What I remember there: mnaway horses, forest fires, and rattlesnakes! I started school - first grade at the HUl School. Runaway Horses First My brother Russell Runaway: Father raised vegetables for market. I went with him to Holyoke with and I were scrapping over who would have the swing. I got pushed out and got a broken leg. The Horse Doctor, as my father called him, patched it up with splints, and told my folks, "Keep him in bed two weeks," with the flatiron tied to my foot and hanging over the end of the bed, to keep my leg from shrinking. The last I remember of Suffield was when my dad was trying to choke me with a towel with some terrible smelling stuff (ether) on it. That's all I remember. Mother told me the rest. In those days - no telephones. If you wanted a doctor, you rode a horse or bike or walked to the store, post office, or whatever, and listed the call on a billboard. The Horse Doctor, making his rounds by horse and buggy, would show up before night. a load of vegetables on a high-seat business wagon - one horse. We sold our vegetables and were on the way home. The horse was a new one and afraid of everything. A car, the first one I had ever seen, came up behind us and blasted on an old type hom. The horse jumped side-ways first, swerved into the ditch, throwing Father off the high seat. Then it ran with lines dragging on the ground and httle me hanging onto the seat and wondering what was going to happen next. There were three men in the car that had passed us. One of them looked out the back window after about a quarter of a mile and decided something was wrong. So they stopped - got out and spread out just in time to stop the horse. 22 �23 �We went back - got Father down to a little Forest Fires brook to wash the blood off his face so he could see, and we took off for home. Mother thought Father had been fighting! In a dry season, the wood-buming engines on the railroad between Westfield and Holyoke were always starting fires. It must have been dry in 1908 and 1909. Both years we lived in Owen District (what it was called then). Everyone seemed to be worrying about fires and rattlesnakes. When the fires got going, they seemed to let them go up and The Next Runaway The following winter Mother was driving School Bus. This was a two-horse bob-sled with a built-on box for cover. There was room for six on each side and two up front. We were coming from Hill School down Notre Dame St. hill over the railroad bridge just as a train was going under. The engineer blasted on his whistle as loud as possible, just to scare the horses, bum out, unless they got too close to the farms; then they took plows and plowed around their places and set backfires. There was very little timber on the East Mountain Range at that time, just scmb and "bum-out" my mother said. Well, Rob and Bill took off down the hill in a dead run. At the comer of Notre Dame and North Elm they cut as they called it. Rattlesnakes! Yes!! the comer too short. The left front comer of They came off the mountain in dry hot sum- the sled collided with a telephone pole. The mers. The farmers still cut hay by hand, and front "bob" let go, and the horses took off for each year there were casualties: a horse here, Frog Hole with the bob a-bobbing behind them. I was sitting beside my mother up front and didn't get hurt. Some of the kids in back were banged up quite a bit. A farmer down Union St. came bringing the horses back after a cow there, a dog down the road, and some- times, a man. My dad was more afraid of rattlers than Mother was. She killed a number while picking blueberries. There were a lot of due to the fires. Dad had had more close calls while growing up. When Dad was a boy, he had the experience of seeing two men die because of snake bite. In those days, there were what they called blueberries, a while. I don't remember how we got home. The sled was all beat up. The Next Runaway: Rob and Bill were on the hay wagon, haying in Gramp Higgins lower mowing. I was riding on the hay wagon. We had a full load of hay and started for the bam. I have no idea what happened. All of a sudden the horses were on a dead mn headed for the bam. Someone yelled to slide off the back, and they didn't have to yell a second time. Hay was scattered all the way to the bamyard. I don't know where the horses ended up. The Last Runaway: Mother was driving the one-horse wagon School Bus just before summer vacation. I was sitting beside Mother up front, going up Clay Hill. The whiffle-tree "drifters," men of all ages, but mostly young, who traveled around the country, working wherever they could find work - in the summer months or longer. The Pomeroys had a large farm at that time, so they always hired extra help. One year one of the boys got bitten by a rattler through his cow-hide boot and died from the bite. Later that fall, the boys were getting out wood for winter supply. It came up a heavy storm, and before they got out of the woods, they got soaked. There was a pair of boots sitting in the back room, not being used, so one of the boys put them on while his dried out. Within a few days he died of snake bite. The fang of the snake had gone through the boot of the first boy and broken off, which poisoned the second feUow. My father, when he was older and farming on his own, had a dog that would hunt out a broke! Billy took off! Mother, hanging onto the lines, took off with him and was dragged quite a ways on her stomach around a comer and out of sight! It was some time before they got the horse rounded up. That was the last time Mother drove School Bus! 24 �snake and bay at it. When working in the fields, they felt safer with him around. Over to Middle Farms, April 1910 East Mountain, 1909: First fishing a load of furniture. We stopped for a drink of Dad and I were on a two-horse wagon with on my own water at the little brook just this side of the railroad tracks. I asked Dad, "How much far- Opening day of trout fishing! I had fished ther do we got to go?" I was in a hurry to see with Father from a boat, but never trout fishing. I the old place they had been telling about. Dad got up early and went to the bam at said, "It Cramp's. He was milking cows. I had a can of worms and a fishpole, the kind you cut and tie a string onto. I got Dad said, "Watch your step. There are nails Gramp to bait my hook. everywhere." I was barefoot, as I remember. was not sure I could do it right to catch a trout. The brook was just a short way down the hill. There was a nice pool where the water came under the old bridge. That's where I I I explored the house, two woodsheds, hay bam (later made into a horse bam), blacksmith shop. All were falling in. Next was a horse stable with bam floor to drive in with hay. The hay went up over on each side, above caught my first trout. I tried to take it off the hook. He had swallowed it. I ran back to the the stables. On the east side was a cow stable. bam and had Gramp take it off. Now bait the A gap, then a real big bam used for storage of hook again, and back to the brook a gain. Same feed of all kinds. In those days they raised a hole -another trout, not quite so big. Boy, this lot of grain crops to grind for flour. So and baited the hook myself this time. I figured there might be a bigger one down below. I went down a ways - found a good looking spot. I threw my line in. Oh, oh! A stump! Thaf s where I lost my first hook. I had no spare. is something! I got this one off for that. much We had to take down the old build- ings before we could start building. Going to School I started school in the third grade. It was not far to walk, just down around the comer. One The Up and Down Sawmill One day my grandfather took me down to see the old Up and Down Saw Mill he had won't be long now, only another mile." We got there, and I started exploring. room, one teacher, and eight grades! Thirty or more kids! The younger ones sat up front, worked back according to age, with the older ones up back. Our first teacher was a young, stocky lady; that's all I remember about her. She didn't stay long, not over two years. She couldn't take it. Next we had Mrs. Coe. Next, Mrs. Coe-Williams, who was an older lady who mn most of his life. It washed out from a flood a few years back and it is out of working order now. But Gramp explained to me how it worked. The water fed from a dug canal along a sluice-way. A large paddle wheel was set at the end of the sluice. As I remember, it sat lower than ground level. The water flowing into the paddle wheel turned a large shaft, which tumed another large wheel with a big saw. It was the largest I ever saw, and was attached to this wheel on a swivel, so as not to bind it as it tumed. The carriage which carried the log along was hooked up some- could handle the older kids a little better It was still a problem. By toda/s standards, they couldn't leam much. But as I look back over the four years I was there, the ones that wanted to leam, did, and those that didn't give a dam, didn't. At East Mountain we never leamed to swim on account of rattlesnakes. My first experience: I had to leam to swim! We went to the river. Two older boys threw me in and yelled, "Paddle with your hands and kick how to move slowly as the saw bit into the log. Gramp's words, 'The old saw goes up and down - up and down - and by and by a board falls off." 25 �with your feet!" I leaned quick! teacher, place us according to our standing. To Hill School There were two girls in front and one in back of me. I got kidded, sitting with the girls. In 1915 Russell and I switched over to Building the tobacco bam After Hill School was out for the summer, we were home to draw logs to Southampton. At age fourteen years Russell and I drew logs to Southampton Saw Mill about every day all summer. Father and one hired man tended crops. Another man, Ed Drake, worked all simmer building the bam, with help from others part time. RusseU and I drew the logs with two pair of horses and two old farm wagons. Always something broke down. We were two kids, you might say, with no previous experience logging. We leamed fast! Prospect Hill School in Westfield, "to get a better education," as Mother said. Russ was in the eighth grade and I was in the seventh. It must have been tough for both of us. I'm sure it was for me! We were farmers. We knew it, and the other boys knew it and didn't let us forget it. The principal stopped the only "near fight." That made me mad and I lit into him. After that they seemed to lay off pestering me. managed to get through that first year and passed into the eighth grade. Russell had his troubles, too. You asked, "How did we get back and forth to school?" We rode bikes in good weather and drove a horse in winter months. There was an old horse bam right north of the school yard. We got permission to hitch the horse there. In 1916, the next year, Russell dropped out to help out on the farm. I know why we didn't get killed. We left home in the morning at seven o'clock to East I don't Mountain. We loaded our two loads of logs after a fashion and drove to Southampton. Unload the logs. Load two loads of lumber and bring it home. Home around seven o'clock in the evening. The bam had to be ready in early faU for tobacco. I'm now in eighth grade. I rode bike fall months. Over to Gramp Higgins winter months. There was a one-horse school bus that picked up what kids there were in East Mountain at the time, probably six or eight. (There was no schoolhouse in that section then.) I rode the bus to the foot of Clay Hill, got out there, walked up the hill to Hill School, as that is where I had been going. The bus went to Abner Gibbs School. After school I walked back to North Elm Street to catch my bus. Things went a lot better this year for me. There was an attic, or loft, on the top floor. The principal let a few of us boys from out of town play basketball there noon hours. I had never had a chance to play with a basketball. This High School I went three months. Rode bike. No way in sight to get boarded in town for the winter. Father took sick — had worked too hard all year. I dropped out of school to keep things going. Russ had taken a job working for Uncle Herb Higgins. After Christmas work, Russell was back home from Higgins'. Russ said he was going to get work at the brickyard. I told him to get a job for me, too. He got back said he got a job. The boss said that I was too young, but I could come and give it a try. I — worked there all winter digging clay. It was was something! Come spring and baseball! They had a town my first job for money — fifty cents per hour. league for grade schools. I made the team, so I was late home from school about one day a 1918 When I was fifteen in 191 8, the Army Camp came to Westfield. Tent City, or Camp Bartlett week when we had a game to play. I was back — where the airport home from Grandfather's then, riding my now. Horses, mules and soldiers by the thousands!! Father lined up a few hundred horses to keep the manure cleaned away for the summer. Had to be there by eight o'clock and cleaned away by noon. bike. I finished is up eighth grade in fine shape! I stood third in class on graduation. The last two months of school, Mrs. Strong, our 26 �my set of eveners. He built a high box body on our best wagon, out. Only one time I broke and Dad and I pitched manure, two loads a day. One load we would unload at the IXiffey place (later the Townsend place), then we would bring the next load home. had to borrow a set from a nearby farm to get home. My dad was real mad. The man promised to get a new set made up for me and bring them over. My dad said, "You're crazy! He'll never do it!" But he did, and all was well. I Afternoons we tended to farm work. Russell had taken a job working at the Baggage 1919 Station that summer. When I was sixteen my father gave me a After fall and Christmas wreath work, I half-acre to grow tobacco, so I would have carted milk to Holyoke with horses. No roads some spending money. I was thrilled. It was best crop ever! Some years buyers came around early, before har- were kept open for cars or trucks those years. We had a long express wagon when the ground was bare. And a double bob-sled when snow was on the ground. I collected milk in Russellville: Clark's, Moores', Russells', Graves', and our own. In the Brickyard area: Goodwins', Campbells', and Franks'. I would leave at eight in the morning and get home at eight at night. One day in January I started out early with the wagon. I had gotten only half-way to Holyoke when is started snowing a Northeaster, they called it. I got there, unloaded my a good growing year — vest, to pick out farms with better tobacco. Well, thaf s what happened this year. Father sold for fifty cents a pound in the field, which was top price. Soon after we started cutting, the worst hailstorm ever hit us — ruined the crop. We had to take five cents a pound. After Christmas work was over, I carted milk again during the winter months. — 1920-1921 I think the tobacco did better this year. milk, loaded up my empties, and took off for Uncle Arthur, a trustee at the college, got me home. The horses knew the way no traffic so I got under the seat. It was snowing and blowing so hard, I could hardly see! I got across Route 10, coming toward the brickyard just before dark. Snow drifts were so deep the horses could barely drag the wagon. Just before Dolinskies' one horse fell down. They were just done in, so 1 unhitched them from the wagon. I had to hitch one horse to the other to get him up. I left the wagon and cans sitting there right in the middle of the road. I got on the best horse, leading the other, and came home. My dad was pretty mad because I didn't get the wagon home. It took us most of the next day to get the wagon dug out. enrolled in the Dairy Course at Mass Aggie — — for the winter. Requirements? Being eighteen years old and a high school graduate. Well, I was eighteen in three months. When I was asked where I attended high school, I told the truth: Westfield Got through with high marks. Lined up a job working for the state, testing cattle. I was on the farm that next summer. After Christmas work, I took a job testing cattle all winter. I bought a new Model T the basketball. spring (1922) for 625.00 dollars. On the farm Summer and fall of 1922, 1 was nineteen. In Mud Season late fall. Father had a good hired man. I got a — Mud season in the spring could be the caU from the state testing. Things seemed to be going fine until January. I was testing down in Marlboro. I got a caU from Mother worst. Slow going and terrible rough roads. In one way I liked it the best. High School! I had a great winter. Spent a lot of time in the gym playing A few of the Red Speed wagons and cars would try to make it from Holyoke to Westfield. But quite a few January 6. Father was bad. I got home the next day on a Saturday. Dad died the next day. So it was back to the farm for good. You asked about Norman. He had one more year of high got stuck in the mud. I would get a chance to earn a little spending money pulling them 27 �school. Then he was home. We kept the farm going for Mother until she remarried. Nor- man was with me one more year until Mother left. The Grange In 1923 we all joined the Grange — the best thing for all. We got out and met people; all three of us worked up through the offices and The best experience ever for farm Thaf s when, as you say, we started Master. boys! going out — always something going on. No one had money in those days to spend on entertainment and such. In the Grange we made our own. We had plays, minstrel shows, outings of all kinds in the summer. We had trips with two or three cars to the seashore. Riverside, the Mohawk Trail. CARS made this possible. All of a sudden everyone had cars, and that was the fad, to go places. Of course we had a new Grange Hall to build. We used the old schoolhouse on South Maple Street, a three room school. I worked Ralph Pomeroy, one winter taking out partitions, a large chimney in the center, ripping up flooring. In all fact, it was large brick shell Blandford Fox Hunt, 1926 when we started ting ice, chopping wood, digging potatoes, rebuilding from the bottom up. Mixed cement hoeing com and others; picking potato bugs by hand for the cellar. New floors, walls, and ceilings. I started in the fall with Harry Belden, ripping things out, then building. Then Bill Townsend helped plastering in spring months. Of course, I milked the cows night and morning. Enough on Grange! I could go off potatoes — didn't I like that (no sprays). After the World War they started coming out with better farm equipment, if you had the money to buy. if Sunday school at Wyben Chapel was a must Mother had her way. on. Hunting You asked about working a lot when young. You don't realize, in those days farm I went with brothers some, but I hunted more by myself. Russ and Norman went to fox hunts and hunted deer mostly. I started folks had to grow a family as well as crops to make a "go" of farming. Without young folks to help out, they would never make it. I knew of no farm in our neighborhood that was coon hunting with Dad at eight years old. I had coon dogs for two years: Reuben and Ted. VanDuzen poisoned them. We had no more coon dogs while Father lived. I had had just enough of it. I had to have a coon dog. So the first money I got together after Dad died, I went to Tennessee for a coon dog: Old Rock. I was never without a coon dog from then on until the last five years. During the 20's and 30's coon hides paid taxes at times when no other money was available. making a living farming without young folks to help out. begged my dad to learn to milk at eight years. From then on into everything. To harness a horse, I had to have a stool to stand I — on. I worked with horses for thirty-five years until we got our first tractor. All farm work at that time was mostly hard work. The same as our grandfathers did; cut- 28 �Later on I took up wildcat hunting, the most interesting of all. the promise we would pay for any damage, that was the beginning of the Church League: Training good hounds was my ambition. I had the best for many years, and sold many Southampton, Easthampton, Westhampton, and two or three teams from Northampton. That lasted two years; we then went to the Valley League. That lasted a number of years. We got in college boys from other towns Southampton, Easthampton and came up with good teams. After baseball in Southampton, I switched hounds for good money. Sports — Marion, to try and answer your question, I always liked sports, baseball probably first, from the time I could throw a ball. I remember my first "boughten" glove. It was a hard thing, not much better than the old mitten I'd been using. — to Westfield in the old Valley League, playing with the First Church team. We never did win the championship there but had a lot of fun. SoftbaU after that! After I got back from Amherst (spring of I took our horses and dumpcart to Southampton and, with the help of a number of ball players, drew clay for the first ballfield in Southampton. It was up just this side of where the school is now on Pomeroy Meadow Road. We lined up the base-paths, dug them out, and filled in with clay. We built a backstop and were in business. I played there many years, mostly on Sundays. Dad would let me take off if there was no hay to get in. Basketball in Southampton started about the same time. They had never had basketball there before. Stanley Howlett and 1 with a few others talked the town fathers into letting us 1921) Going out when young You don't get very far on foot, and thafs how it was until I got my Ford in 1922. Then was on wheels. I started, as I said, with Grange. Next came square dancing (First Church), the First, in Southampton. The first few times I would sit up in the old balcony and watch. I learned all the dancing by watching until I got up the nerve to ask anyone to dance. An older lady asked me if I would care to dance. That got me started. For the next you know we wore out a lot eight years of shoe leather!! I loved to dance! Well, Marion, thafs all for now. You can take over from here. You liked to dance, too! I — build shields or whatever to protect the win- dows in the old town hall for basketball. With 29 — �Deer Hunting in West Granville 1924-1934 I am thankful that I never shot a deer in famous madam from Holyoke can never be told. There was also another restaurant owner, whose name I can't recall, but whom I do not want to overlook. His restaurant was located near the comer of State and Main Streets in Springfield and called The Handy Lunch. No one will ever know of the gifts of West Granville. Herd control would not excuse the guilt feelings coming from killing one of these beautiful animals. As a matter of fact, there were not many deer In this area during the 1920s. Never- the-less, deer hunting brought me to the home of Charles and Mrs. Sheets, and these two people are the reason for my wishing to have the readers of Stonewalls know them through a bo/s eyes, and then reflecting on their lives as an older meals he gave to former customers who became jobless during the depression. His son became an attorney and hopefuUy will learn of this tribute to his dad. Then there were Mel and Mull, two characters from Holyoke, whose stories of hunting with their bird dog Nellie gave us many an interesting evening. For years I believed their tale of hand feeding ducks at Forest Park in Springfield. As the ducks came close, Mel or Mull would feed with one hand and grab the ducks neck with man. The first week of December was "Deer Week"; open season on both bucks and does. I never knew how the Sheets' farm became "the place to be" during that exciting seven days. I came there with my father. Lew Grid- known sportsman and state champion trapshooter. Other friends from the Springfield area were always with us. I ley, a well the other. Their graphic description of the "catch" seemed so simple that I wondered remember the ride, first to Westfield, then South wick and finally the long upgrade ride to the Granvilles. The Sheets farm was on a dead end road leading off from the Tolland Road which lead toward the Hubbard river. why we ever bought chicken when ducks were so easily available. Many years after I Usually there were from six to twelve men staying for all or part of the week. I'm certain now that the evenings of sociability and the home cooked food, not the promise of a deer, kept the men coming year after year. A few Bed time was seldom later than nine o'clock. The bed rooms were cold but never mind; we had three resources found in most country homes of that era. They were a feather bed, a quilted comforter and a names that I remember: George Rice, City "Thunder Jug" under the bed. Breakfast was on the table by six o'clock and it was food good for a long day in the woods: meat, potato, eggs, homemade bread, and homemade doughnuts. Then, as we were ready to leave, a generous lunch would be had the opportunity to test a wild duck's reaction and found it far quicker than the human hand. Treasurer of Springfield, Charles Vining from Longmeadow who was reputed to be an heir to the Absorbine fortvme, Eddie Olds from Southampton, whose talent for converting apple cider into something stronger was well known during this period of National Prohibition, and Bob Doolittle, who operated the Puritan restaurant on Winchester Square in Springfield. He owned one of the first automobiles in the city, a Knox, manufactured not far from his place of business. Sue Hobbs, ready. As for the hunting part of my recollections, I'm sure that I expected to see a deer over every stone wall and behind every juniper bush. Sadly, I never did, but I do remember enjoying the hike along the road past the Sheets' farm and leading toward Otis. Today my uncle whose story of association with the 30 �it must be a favorite ride for cross country several weeks I was their guest, but doubt if I every picked enough berries to make my visit worthwhile as an employee. A vehicles. Also, time has brought into true perspective enormous amount of preparation and granddaughter of the Sheets' often came to hard work that went into feeding and housing a dozen or more men. In those days there were no short cuts like store bought food or disposable dishes. How well I remember the meals, but I have no recollection of the after help with the picking. 1 remember her as a pretty teenager and a far better berry picker than I. Also, there was another girl named Leona who I recognize as the sister in the article on page 22 of the fall issue of Stone Walls. There was a visiting student minister the meal clean up duties. I know that Mr. Sheets helped in the house but he had bam chores to take care of, so the burden of after meal work mentioned in the same article. Some years ago I met a brother of the Sheets girl mentioned above. He had a camp in New Hampshire where I resided at the time. was mostly the responsibility of Mrs. Sheets. At that time I would estimate that she was more than sixty years old. I have always mar- All of us are now seniors and some are no longer with us. If at times during our lives we veled at her capacity for hard work. A final event marks the end of my association with Mr. and Mrs. Sheets and will indi- found ourselves working harder without complaining, then perhaps in our subcon- cate the compassionate side of their character. scious minds there was the example of this One summer, perhaps 1933 or 1934, I was kindly couple. without work and I asked Mrs. Sheets if I could come and stay and pick blueberries for my board and room. They agreed and for Kenneth C. Gridley Little River, So. Carolina Iggs for Barred Plymouth Rocks. — Pure blood, selected stock not inbred. Eggs carefully attended to. 50 cents per sitting. This is one- half price charged by fanciers. 31 �Family Values By David Pierce When people ask me why I like trains, often a Model A Ford as Carl would travel to meet just stare blankly, not for lack of an answer, the boys when the pusher was taken off out- but because so many feelings and memories come flooding in that I find it very hard to sort; to say what one thing triggered my en- side his store. during interest in this particular form of ence? How could you not be enamored of these beasts when such close encounters were part of your everyday exist- transport. It;s almost a family tradition, positively Pavlovian; love of the railroad Carl Pierce met his death at the age of 60 as right outside his store when he was struck by close to genetic among the Pierce family as a train during a blizzard on Feb. 8, 1945. Ad- can be achieved in the natural course of ding to the irony was the fact that his things. daughter, Janet was riding that very train, is My great-grandfather Carlton, died a scheduled to stop in Pittsfield, returning home from Wheaton College. These events, however, did not seem to diminish the inter- peaceful death at the age of 83 in the foyer to his back porch on his way to watch the pas- Clerk, and his son-in-law. He never made it, and love of the raiboad among his children and succeeding generations. To the contrary, his was an heroic exit; unloading the as Nelson had reported not seeing him at his mail during a raging snowstorm; a vital link post that evening. in the solemn duties of the U. S. Post Office. My grandfather, Carl Pierce, ran a coal and feed outlet across the tracks from his father's Three workers on the tracks in Hinsdale that night had in fact been struck by the offschedule passenger train. Yet, to this day I can't imagine a member of the family not pointing out the passage of a train to a child. The first photo, while staged (the boys didn't really hand-shovel carloads of coal) sage of train 40, as he did each evening to est in wave at Nelson Earle, Railway Post Office home in Hinsdale where trains were a large part of the daily routine of business. Coal and bulk grains arrived by rail, as well as postal cars, which Carl held the contract for loading and unloading. Of course, Carl knew all the trainmen, and when he had his sons, Wadsworth, later to be my father, and Dough in Pittsfield to help him load supplies, he would arrange for them to hitch a ride on a pusher engine to Hinsdale, where they would stand in awe on the swaying deck of the en- shows a lot of the time. Besides the now-gone array of railroad structures in the background, the leather aviator helmets and the on the coal pile at left,show these lads were also enthusiastic about a flights jackets mode of travel new to the scene, the gine cab, surveying a dizzying array of valves aeroplane. While we spent a lot of time watch- and gauges as the fireman labored to shovel ing trains, I don't recall my father ever taking nearly a ton of coal through the 'butterfly me to an airport to watch planes. doors' during the six-mile climb up the The next generational recording of involvement with the railroad is in the West mountain shoving hard on the rear of a wooden caboose. The pushers would come Springfield yards in 1953. This one is of me. & The locomotive has been condemned to Albany profile. The ride took about 30 minutes, the same amoimt of time needed to scrap, evidenced by the missing headlight, as off in Hinsdale, near the top of the Boston had thousands of sisters nationwide during this period. As the decline of steam began to ply the roads of the day (15 mins. in 1992) in 32 �33 �creep into my father's consciousness during these busy years of starting a family, he wanted to seek out the last of this disappearing breed. He hoped to have me experience day. the magic of these wondrous machines, but haven't developed a technique to get cab rides, but we always note the passage of trains, hi this instance, about 4 years ago, my cousin Steve, and his son Tom, exuberantly hailed the presence of Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited just west of Boulard's Crossing bridge which marks the highest point (1495 ft.) on the B&A line. This is also in Hinsdale, Now, while I have no children of my ov^, there are occasions when I find myself track- side with a member of the 'next' generation. I the magic had been drained away with the last of the boiler water, and final dumping of ashes. I found plenty to fascinate me, however, out on the mainline, as the newly ac- quired and elegantly painted streamlined trains raced by. These 'new' diesels are now as much objects of wistful nostalgia as their steam ancestors, having been replaced 25 years ago with today's boxy-looking locomotives. Ehiring this period, my father, as had his about three miles from the former location of Carl A. Pierce & Sons fuel and feed company. Tom's excitement when he sees a train leads me to believe he'll be watching them for many years into the future, no matter what technological changes my take place in the mean- father before him, would arrange cab rides for me. Using in these instances his press card rather than business contacts to elicit the hoped-for engineer's-eye-view, he has written many pieces sympathetic to the railroads over the years. A 1955 trip dow the New Haven Railroad's 'inland route' from time. Unlike many families with a rich lineage of railroaders, we've not a one; it's perhaps because of the disassociation that we've always Springfield to Grand Central Station in New been fans. York City began a series of father-son train trips 'just for the ride' which continues to this 34 �Once again we delve into the files of Wadsworth R. Pierce of Hinsdale, for this 1967 Springfield Republican account: Hinsdale Gold Rush for although Sutphen admitted being part of Hoax Of 1897 Kept Coirnty Agog a hoax, most evidence indicates he profited little by the maneuver. It was through his For 2 Hectic Years — HINSDALE This central Berkshire community has had more than its share of strange occurrences during its up-down-and-up again history, but none more melodramatic, unbelievable and still mysterious than the "gold rush," which started out with rumors and whispers in 1896. It exploded into full bloom the following year with the organization of a gold mining company, the sale of $30,000 worth of stock, the construction of mining buildings and the installation of machinery. Hundreds of people, including generally-suspicious newsmen, were among those who lost their insistence, however, that the golden ball kept rolling for so long. Other participants who were in on the ground floor include an apparently wealthy couple from Springfield, Mr. and Mrs. George H. Page, and an itinerant oil man named Davis, who was known in Hinsdale as "Rattlesnake Bill." Page, who was apparently a victim of the elaborate scheme rather than a perpetrator, went on to become president of the Alpha Mining Co., which set up operations on the property of the late George M. French on East Washington Rd. Buildings were constructed, machinery installed and $30,000 worth of stock was sold at $5 a share. About the time the actual mining began, Sutphen, who had fled from town, made his last-minute confes- savings. Amazingly enough, the company's "boom" lasted more than two years on sheer promises. None of the stockholders ever received a dividend. A few oldtimers, still sion. living in the area, recall the excitement, but Public confidence in the operation remained unshakable during the first quarter of 1899, for on March 16 of that year the old Pittsfield Sun referred to the mine as "a siire, safe and thorough business project with suf- are vague on details. Their versions of what happened conflict somewhat. A definite hoax was perpetrated, but the records, old newspapers along with word of mouth reports, differ regarding the identity of ficient stock to the gmlty parties and their degree of involve- enable the management to erect a large well-constructed building." ment. It is a matter of record, however, that all but two or three persons involved were sin- A letter to the editor of that newspaper about the same time says that eight tons of material was put through the test plant of Prof. Sutphen of Glens Falls, N.Y., and that George H. Page, president of the Alpha Min- who poured out everything they owned, certain their money would be cere residents multiplied many times. The lid was slammed shut on the "gold mining project" in 1900 with the dramatic death-bed confession of Prof. John E. Sutphen of Glens Falls, N.Y., one of the principals. when the tests were made. "The Alpha Mining Co. has unhmited ing Co., was present quantities of this material, thus guaranteeing Sutphen, who made many gold assays, admitted at the end of his life that his estimates were false. His assays ranged from $15 to $100 worth of gold and even some silver in each ton of ore. absolute and long-continued success to the project and satisfaction to the fortunate stock- holders." 'This writer has had the pleasure to see with his own eyes and handle with his own An unsolved mystery remains, however. 35 �up a rock, which the Prof, assayed conservatively at $40 a ton, so a company was formed hands the beautiful samples of gold and silver which Mr. Page brought back from Glens Falls. The management is earnest and confident." The letter, printed on the paper's editorial page, was signed "A Well Wisher" Soon after Sutphen's death-bed confession that he was part of a hoax, the bitter stockholders disbanded, the company folded and to mine it." Entering the gold rush spirit, a Sunday Morning Call reporter wrote of the Hinsdale gold fields, "You are shown lumps of rock so rich you might walk away with a fortune in your pockets. When you 'wash' your hands in the sand they become gold plated." At the Berkshire Athenaeum there is a letter from Prof. WV. Crosby of Massachusetts Institute of Technology dated as early as Feb. 28, 1898, which exposed the whole operation as worthless. Crosby said that a sample he had examined contained no gold and was probably "of no economic interest." This letter was the land was sold for taxes. Word of gold in Hinsdale began as early as 1896, for in a bulletin of the U.S. Geological Survey, an item dated Aug. 15, 1896 stated: "George M. French has a number of men excavating on his gold find preparatory to final exanunation by Prof. Southpen of Albany. (Southpen is an apparent misspelling of Sutphen.) Mr. French still has hopes and flatter- apparently not circulated. The boom continued until after the turn of the century, and for two years farmers forgot to farm, believing their east pastures rested on 24 karat mine fields and gold bearing sand lay ing offers as well." According to a report from The Berkshire "Near the Alpha Mine a Brooklyn lady owns a 100 acre farm, which also had a stream. After the professor's assay, she formed the River Bend Mining Company and was said to have turned down an offer of Traveller, in their barnyards. Although Prof. Sutphen died just before the operation crumbled. Rattlesnake Bill and Mr. and Mrs. Page just disappeared. There are no $100,000 for it. Her property was so highly regarded that even the canny West Pittsfield written accounts of where the Pages went from Hinsdale, but it appears they put all their money into the mines. About 30 years Shakers invested $6,000 in the project." Oldtimers also recall that there were diggings about the same time on Tully Mountain Rd. between Hinsdale and Pittsfield - venture later a resident contacted the Pages in New Mexico. which Rattlesnake Bill set up and which at- Most Hinsdale residents today are vaguely aware that the community was once the scene of a gold rush, and only a few oldtimers have any idea what part of the community was tracted many investors. There too, a building was started before the truth was known. The Berkshire Traveller account of what happened is - 'Tage organized the Hinsdale Mining and Milling Company, brought in the mysterious Professor Sutphen, and named Rattlesnake Bill as mine superintendent and promoter To bolster the gold rush when interest seemed to flag, he called on a kind of off-stage voice he identified as 'California Jack O'Brien, a world famous authority.' His Hinsdale lode was called the Alpha Mine, and profits of $1,000 a day were predicted from involved. Despite the fact it is rough walking from the road into the mine shaft, 82-year-old Munroe F. Watkins, who has lived in Hinsdale since he was three, accompanied this reporter through brush and trees and over fences to the Alpha remains. In its heyday the mining firm constructed a large "L" shaped frame refining building near the shaft behind the nowboarded up French home. The terrain was then an open meadow, Watkins recalled, but it has since been reclaimed by the forest. Trees the workings. "All at once, people began finding gold on every side. Prof. Sutphen assayed it for them, quoting impressive figures. A Pittsfield native, while fishing in a brook in Peru, picked nearly a foot thick grow inside the stone foimdations. These stones and bits of rusted machinery hide the evidence of a most 36 �Bill and Prof. Sutphen are as familiar to him elaborate confidence game. Watkins and other residents nearby say as Babe Ruth. He says that Sutphen collected there truly is a trace of gold on the land; in fact money from the operation, but he feels the Pages were honest victims. Another veteran Hinsdale native is William Doherty, who will be 80 in July and now lives shiny flecks can readily be seen in the sunshine. Appraisals made since Alpha collapsed, however, reveal there is only about $3 or $4 worth in a ton of ore, a figure that would not cover the cost of mining and refining. its at 39 Fairfield St., Pittsfield. He particularly recalls the Tully Moimtain mining operation because that was near his home which was then on Hinsdale's Curtis St. He, too, recalls the names of the principals, the excitement of it all, but is somewhat vague on the details. Watkins, who has been a dairy farmer most of his life, was about 12 or 14 years old during the get-rich-quick years, but he vividly recalls the excitement. 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O'Leary, Broker WEST'MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY MA 01011 Main Street, Chester, 413-354-9688 • 1-800-649-1021 Insurance for Your HOME • BUSINESS • AUTO* FARM VACATION PROPERTY LIFE • LONG TERM CARE • ANNUITIES 'Tour Local Hilltown Insurance Agency" 413 / 848-2076 - Residence �— Editorial Board — Barbara Brainerd Natalie Birrell Harry Bishop Helena Duris William S. Hart Ellie Lazarus Louise Mason Doris Wackerbarth Grace Wheeler — Friends — Mr. & Mrs. Philip Ives Mrs. Carl Knittle Mr. & Mrs. Donald Ives Barbara Bush Edna Hart May Anderson Anna Rheaume Mr. & Mrs. James Gilman Frank Andras Gustave Suhm Eleanor Tortolani Alta Crowley �"Building a stone wall seems to he a craft reserved for the rare artist who can place the right stone atop another and have them stand forever." Charles McRaven, "Building with Stone" — STONE WALLS NON PROHT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE Box 85 Huntington, Massachusetts 01050 Vol. 19 No. 3 PAID Huntington, MA 01050 Permit #1 Winter '92-' 93 Mrs. Dorothy M. Miller 15 North Rd. � Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Text Any textual data included in the document. local history articles, 1992 Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2024-023 Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls magazine, fall 1992 Description An account of the resource Stone Walls Magazine, Fall 1992. Contents include Genesis of Woronoco by Doris H. Wackerbarth A Town is Born by Doris Hayden & Jean York Rhythm of the Road by Barbara Brainerd The Granville Public Library by Wilhelmina Tryon 1903 More from the Journal of Rev. Hutchinson Oldtime Westfield Verse The Family Trolley Ride by Gordon Hawkins Growing Up on a Farm by Ralph Pomeroy Deer Hunting in West by Granville Kenneth Gridley Family Values by David Pierce Hinsdale Gold Rush by Wadsworth Pierce Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource digitized version of stapled magazine Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stone Walls Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource fall 1992 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Stone Walls magazine Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2024-03-02 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. digital archives Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Electronic Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts - Other Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db created item 2024-03-02 Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2008-04-06 Description An account of the resource Spring 1988 issue of 'Stone Walls' featuring a sketch of ducks on a pond, beige cover. Stone walls was a publication depicting historical sketches of the hill town area. Connie Dorrington article on sugaring. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 21.6 x 27.9 x 0.3 cm (8.5 x 11 x 0.1 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 34-012f Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Elizabeth Payne Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls Magazine, Spring 1988 Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Subject The topic of the resource Other Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1988-03-21/1988-06-21 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/f3e71120dcb567c013b03d2e04cd5454.jpg 8c86e15b965a2db60181eb3d4ec0bb4c https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/5c466c511917ec91ee88bcbedef9a609.jpg 3a2b96bb30123f265a6d99662ef839b0 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/112a8d08b4778abf46effd78b6afef40.jpg f1893035ea5415a9585e26b277f86a45 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/4a13d0a34a8e6eca5ef7417db483cd28.jpg df8795801871dcb1ab62df4b7ac929cc https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/8f4c13182a49d20456567e3ed9165f3d.jpg cf558c223e4b09cb7e5f92932388fa08 Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2008-04-06 Description An account of the resource Spring 1989 issue featuring a sketch of a mill and dam on its green cover. Stone Walls was a publication depicting historical sketches of the hill town area. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 21.6 x 27.9 x 0.3 cm (8.5 x 11 x 0.1 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 34-012c Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Elizabeth Payne Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls Magazine, Spring 1989 Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Subject The topic of the resource Other Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Paper Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Worthington - other unspecified Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db, edited 2021-02-23 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989-03-21/1989-06-21 Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2008-04-06 Description An account of the resource Summer 1989 issue featuring a skech of 'Beclky Blast Furnace' on its pink cover. Stone walls was a publication depicting historical sketches of the hill town area. Connie Dorrington, editor. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 21.6 x 27.9 x 0.3 cm (8.5 x 11 x 0.1 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 34-012d Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Elizabeth Payne Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls Magazine, Summer 1989 Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989-06-21/1989-09-21 Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2008-04-06 Description An account of the resource Winter 1991 issue of 'Stone Walls' featuring a sketch of a young girl feeding sheep with a stone wall in the foreground on a red cover. Stone walls was a publication depicting historical sketches of the hill town area. Article on William Cullen Bryant. IDENTIFY Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 21.6 x 27.9 x 0.3 cm (8.5 x 11 x 0.1 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 34-012h Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Elizabeth Payne Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls Magazine, Winter 1990-1991 Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Subject The topic of the resource Other Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Paper Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts - Other Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db edited 2021-2023 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1990-12-21/1991-03-21 Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). March 2009 Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2009-03-19 Description An account of the resource Bound edition of 13 early issues of Stone Walls: Vol. 1, 1975 through Vol. 4, No. 4, 1979. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 20.3 x 27.9 x 5.1 cm (8 x 11 x 2 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2009a-002 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Jane Christiansen Title A name given to the resource Stone Walls' Magazine, 1975-1978 Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1975/1979 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/2b75859683a1f2637feef79b367cf32d.pdf ac8665cf513fc8427f1ff4ebc142f49d PDF Text Text STONE WALLS �— Editorial — Fall in New England is such a glorious time of the year! Tourists come from great — the same sights that we can see out of our front windows or admire on the way to the mail box. Despite the uncertainties of New England weather, really our best season — distances to view the foliage in early October fall is not just because of the spectacular color of the leaves but because the temperatures are comfortable, the hot humid weather is past, the sun is likely to shine, and there are no bugs. When I was a school girl, I always felt that it was unfair to have to return to school just at the time when the weather was beginning to be at its best. Now I relish the freedom to spend a perfect fall day outdoors, enjoying its beauty while I put the garden to bed and try to catch up on some of the chores that must be done before winter. Some people think that fall is a sad time because it is the end of summer. True, the trees will soon be leafless and bare, the birds are migrating south, and the length of daylight is rapidly decreasing. But for Nature, it is planting time — the seeds and nuts fall to the ground to lie dormant over the winter ready to grow in the spring. Some of the local colleges used to celebrate Mountain Day. A lovely fall day was chosen and classes were cancelled so that students could enjoy the outdoors. Is Mountain Day still observed? I don't know, but certainly a lovely fall day is a moment to be enjoyed to its fullest. The celebration of Columbus Day here in Massachusetts is an attempt in this direction, but the weather is not always cooperative. Perfection cannot be scheduled but only can be appreciated whenever it happens. Enjoy! Lucy Conant �CONTENTS 5 The Worthington Rice Family A Woman Ahead of Her Time 9 Bygone Diseases 2 12 Elizabeth Payne submitted by Doris Hayden Pamela G. Donovan-Hall Six Common Pins Trip Up Arson Ring Operating in New England, Part II Louise Mason compiled by Grace M. Wheeler 16 Hilltown Happenings 18 20 Hannah Gibbs' Diary, Part IV Burma Shave 22 Chester's Biggest Landowner: John Chandler 27 The Cricket in the Comer 28 Ann Rausch, Artist 32 Captain Sylvester Squire 35 Genealogical Queries 36 Annual Report Lucy Conant Ruth E. Beckwith Elizabeth Payne edited and transcribed by Pamela G. Donovan-Hall compiled by Grace M. Wheeler -7- �The Worthington Rice Family by Elizabeth Payne Rice Homestead A motorist on Route 112 coming from the south will enter Worthington Comers by passing between the library on the left and a fine old house on the right still known as "the Rice House, " though no Rices have lived there since the death of Katherine McDowell Rice in 1946, when it was sold. When the house was cleared of Rice possessions, selected treasures were carried across the street to be installed in a room on the upperfloor of the library, thereafter called "the Rice Room." There were many books, with the bookcases to shelve them, souvenirs offoreign travel. Rice family portraits and photographs, plays written by Katherine and the desk at which she wrote them. The Civil War uniform and arms of Gen. James Clay Rice was brought, and an elaborate baptismal robe worn by a Rice baby named Susan. In 1986 the board of the library gave permission for the Worthington Historical Society to extend the uses of this museum room. There is no desire to forget the Rices, however, so perhaps this is a suitable time to recall their history. -2- �The Worthington was capital city for her brother William A. Rice William A. Rice, who came in 1803, built house in 1806, and that year married II (1820-1906), who went at nineteen to work for his brother-in-law. He stayed on in Rice first in his Wealthy Cottrell. Her father was Asa Cotwho had settled on Randall Hill on a place now owned by Joan Mendelsohn. It is recorded that she had been a teacher of that city for a career in state civil service. During these years he kept a place in Worthington for summer use. This property, which he called "the Farm," is on Old North Road, now usually known as "Miss Vaughn's Place." When this second William A. Rice retired in 1883, he came to Worthington to trell, William Cullen Bryant. This first William Rice was called "Colonel" by virtue of having been named "Ensign of the Northern Frontier" in the militia of the wealth during the Common- War of 1812. Stained live out his fifteen remaining years before in During these years he took an interest in town matters. He set out twenty-five maple trees along town roads, after which he called his home "The Maples." He helped found a public library, of which his daughter Katherine tion of the served as librarian for its first twenty-five glass windows in the very center location on his death at age eighty-six. the front of the Worthington church keep the names of this first Rice couple before us. In 1825 when Lafayette was expected town enroute to Boston for the dedicaBunker Hill monument. Col. Rice led a party on horseback to the town years. He served on the building committee line to escort him. As they returned with his for a new church when one had to be built to coach to Pearce Tavern, where he was to spend the night, he found a welcoming can- replace the colonial church destroyed by window of the Rice home for the ceremonial laying of the dle in every fire in 1 887. It needed across the road. was he who made the speech cornerstone. Col. Rice and his wife Not everyone felt happy about the Rice influence on the design of the new church. Some preferred a style in keeping with New Wealthy had twelve children. Not one lived his entire life A in Worthington. stone on the Rice property can be seen to be a memorial to the England tradition. It is said that the Rices, especially William's daughters Susan and Katherine, insisted that it be modeled after a church they had admired in England. son James Clay Rice, who lost his life in the Civil War. After graduating from Yale, he had gone off to New York, so that it was in a New York regiment that he served as a The Rices ruffled other feathers when brigadier general. He had already served however, in a very special they donated land for the library, built in his home town, 1915. way, for when at Yale he wrote a history of Worthington that listed the town's first set- claims it as a gift in memory of that first tlers. Though incomplete, it is a valuable Wealthy. Records show that the Stone list, a any item family, who owned land on another comer brought over to "the Rice Room" at the li- of the same intersection, were eagerly offer- brary. and felt ill-used by the manner in which the Rices insisted on hav- greater treasure than Rice A bronze plaque in the library procouple, "Col. William and wife ing a library site, Another of the twelve children of the second generation was Susan. She married Archibald McClure, who became a druggist in Albany. This gave an opening in that ing the honor. William A. Rice II in his retirement years wrote "Reminiscences" for his de- -5- �scendants. These have been used in "Papers on the History of Worthington" to provide a picture of life in town in the nineteenth century. The children of William A. Rice and his wife Hannah Seeley were a son, William Gorham Rice, bom in daughters ine. 1856, and three — Josephine, Susan and Kather- The son followed in his father's foot- steps in Albany, holding state jobs, including that of aide or private secretary to to Labrador. During World even before the United States entered, he was in France in an ambulance corps. There he was three times cited for bravery, and received the Croix de Guerre. In 1 92 1-22 he was secretary to Judge Brandeis of the Supreme Court. Throughout his career he was known as a defender of civil famous trip War I, liberties, a man who stood firmly against discrimination in all its forms. He married Rosamond Eliot, a grand- Rev. daughter of that Charles Eliot who was a Harlan Creelman, a minister in Worthington for a few years. The other daughters never married. They lived on in the Rice homestead until they died, Susan in 1937, Katherine in 1946. There are people in Worthington who remember these sisters. They remember Susan's church work, her eleven years as president of the church women's group. They remember Katherine' s plays, written and produced by her in the town hall. A new resident, listening as memories of these two are recalled and reported, gets the impression that they were looked upon as odd characters in their last years, "odd" perhaps, but upheld by their feeling that the Rices were a little superior and perhaps they to their townspeople were. They had had greater opportunities for education and travel than most of president of Harvard. They had three sons, governors. Josephine married the — their neighbors. Extending this report of Rices into one will, perhaps, add evidence of this superiority. William Gorham Rice, Jr. (1892-1979) the descendant who had to attend to the sale of the house in 1946, had a career of forty-one years as a professor of law at the University of Wisconsin. He is credited with having developed some of the first courses in Labor Law and International Law. It is interesting to read also of the unusual things he found to do as a younger man. When a student at Harvard he went with Dr. Grenfell on his more generation who now have children to carry on the Rice name. One son, Andrew, of Cabin John, Maryland, writes that he remembers spending summers in Worthington as long as his great aunts were alive and once worked for two months for Huntington Burr. This must be the last Rice connection with Worthington, now five generations down from "Col." Rice and his wife Wealthy. — �A Woman Ahead of Her Time? Submitted by Doris Hayden was able to exist He also kept a store and was postmaster for several years. Mr. Mrs. Jane C. Robinson, 75, a resident of Blandford for over 40 years, but for the last two years living in Columbus, Ohio at the home of her brother, H. M. Sessions, died at Columbus Friday morning. (July Robinson died (Dec. 25, 1865) not long after removing to Blandford and his wife took his place as postmaster and supporter 31, 1896) of the church. She was bom in Hampden and received For many years she was postmaster, her education at Wesleyan Academy. After resigning the office only when she left the graduation, she was a teacher at town a year ago last fall. So well did she fill the office, and so much were the people attached to her, that at one time when a the Academy for some time and afterwards, a teacher at an Academy in western N.Y. man attempted to get the office during a While there, she met and married David Parmalee Robinson and removed with him to Blandford about 47 years ago. (Married Sept. 20, 1848) Mr. Robinson was a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Blandford and it was largely through his aid the church change of administration, the people were practically unanimous in successful support of Mrs. Robinson. It was through Mrs. Robinson's aid the Methodist Episcopal Church survived a General Store & House of Jane Robinson. Burned 1900 — -5- �long struggle and became as firmly established as it is today. (1896) she spent most of it in aid of the church and worthy charities. For many years, Mrs. Robinson sent Blandford news to 'The Republican." Her house on Main Street was a popular resort during the summer and she had a faculty of making her guests feel at home. All respected and honored her and her action was deeply regretted by the town when she sold her property there in the fall of 1894 and She was very generous in her gifts and a constant attendant at the several services. Many poor of the parish and town were aided by her, and she was the last to give anyone up as utterly bad. She interested herself in the schools of the town and was superintendent of schools for several years. In addition to her other duties, she was moved in charge of the state wards and orphans for brother. whom homes were found in and about Mrs. to Columbus to live with her Robinson was a frequent and welcome visitor in this city (Springfield), where she had many friends and her death Blandford. Her activity was remarkable and no one ever went to her without receiving comfort will be mourned, not only in Blandford, but and help. She was discreet, as well as generous, and gained considerable wealth, but by all who ever meeting her. Old Methodist Church -6- — Blandford had the pleasure of �was held from the Methodist Church Sunday morning. (Aug. 2, 1896) Rev. E. G. Smith, formerly of Chester, preached the sermon, assisted by Rev. A. C. Ferrin. The large number of Blandford heights; she served the town as friends and the many floral tributes attested of the little Methodist Episcopal Church m to Mrs. Robinson's many friends. Bearers Blandford and taught the little children in its were C. B. Hayden, William Bates, George Emmons and Roscoe Ripley. Sunday School for a score of years. She was abundant in labours of divers sorts and carried to them all the spirit of an The funeral (Source: Taken from an obituary (undated) in a scrapbook in the Blandford Historical Society — probably from the Springfield Re- publican. The last paragraph was taken from the Westfield Times & Newsletter, Aug. 5, 1896.) superintendent of schools; the state as a visitor in connection with the Board of Charities; and the nation as postmistress of Blandford for years; she was the mainstay intelligent, sacrificing, devoted Christian. Nobody met her without being impressed by the strength and the dignity of her bearing, and the wonder of those who knew her Ultimately was, that she could do so many different things so well. Two years ago, failing health compelled A tribute written by an unknown person her to sell her estate in Blandford and she "passing tribute of a sigh," for she was a went to Columbus, Ohio to live with her brother, Horace Sessions and her nieces. Her memory gradually failed and for the last few months of her life she was again almost a child. But her religious nature knew no variableness, nor shadow of a turn- notable woman ing and printed in the Westfield Times & Newsletter, Aug. 26, 1896. The death of Mrs. Jane C. Robinson at Columbus, Ohio deserves more than the — well known and highly — steadfast, keen, undoubting, — that remained even down to the tri- educated, both for the little community in umphant which she lived and far outside it. Few women have touched life in more points end. than she did. fever of two weeks duration, and in all the For many years, she taught the young and moulded character; she was an artist of taste and skill; she opened her large and wanderings of her mind, she was beseech- hospitable house summer after summer to the reception of a cultivated class of people So has lived and died a good woman herself an exemplification of what she who sought recreation and health on the believed and taught. Her last sickness was typhoid malarial ing young people to lay well the foundations of a Christian character. — �Fall flowers fi-om watercolor by Jane C. Robinson Courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Bragg �Bygone Diseases by Pamela G. Donovan-Hall CONSUMPTION This disease was diagnosed in Signs and Symptoms: Dry, hoarse cough gradually increases and continues for months. Cough raises 1819, now known as Tuberculosis. The white mucous streaked with blood; fever in the morning leaves by noon, returns again in people have lived with this disease throughout much of their history. However, Afri- the evening. Chills, then hot, thirsty, rest- cans, American Indians, and Eskimos have had contact with it over a much shorter period. Over 80% of the population was in- threatening with no cure — only occurs, but symptoms are remission returns, the with palpitations. Flesh begins to waste away and patient becomes emaciated, dwindling away to a mere skeleton. with consumption was 18 months. Treatment in 1887: Take a sea voyage. Move to another location and climate. Cod liver oil. Bathe body in Oak Bark and vinegar. Fresh air prevents disease. Cough from disease is Causes in 1887: (General) Thought to be hereditary. Getting personal gratification in ways that were not socially acceptable. "The sins of the father may be visited upon the children into the third and fourth generation." Abuses of civilization, neglect of self. Not enough pure strictly voluntary. In 1987: It is known as a contagious bacterial in- fresh air. fection, having nothing to do with heredity. Causes in Women: It is spread in droplets from the respiratory Excessive novel reading. Tight dressing. Late hours. Eating sugar. Too-early tract by the coughing, speaking, or sneezing of a TB patient. The lungs are most com- marriages. Scores of other errors arising monly affected although lesions may occur in the kidneys, bones, lymph nodes and the lining of the brain. Death due to this disease declined by 1 900. It further declined from fashion, vanity, ignorance that leads to weakened lungs. Causes in Men: Men wear themselves out very fast in with the placing of patients in isolation at this country by: liquors, inordinate mental ambition to illness life prolonged. The life expectancy in a person labor, Sometimes when worse. Severe pressure in chest; pulse rapid fected before the age of 20. It was always life less. make money, hospitals. It dramatically declined in 1 944 with the discovery of the antibiotic. Strepto- over- mycin. Other medications were discovered eating. -9- �from 1947-1971 and today, therapy has become excellent and easy to administer. The patient usually had a prior cold. The fever rose to over 105°. Although few cases are reported today, it is treated with peni- ERYSIPELAS cillin or other antibiotics and the results are seen within 24-48 hours. This very contagious disease caused the death of many and adults 1844 SCARLET FEVER especially epidemics swept through our hilltowns. There were two types: Erysipelas and Black Tongue Erysipelas, the latter was always fatal. It bore the nicknames 'The Rose,' from it's red-colored rash and as 'St. Anthony's Fire' partly from its burning heat and partly because the Saint whose name it bore was supposed to have the power of curing it with children in as This disease occurred most often in children ages 3-4. It rarely attacked adults over 30. If it did, only mild cases resulted. It was known to be contagious and claimed the lives of more than one child in a family, usually within two weeks. No other disease was so simple and yet so often fatal as Scarlet Fever. a touch. Causes in 1887: Not known. Likely to appear more fre- Causes in 1887: Bad quality of food. Lack of cleanliness. Morbid secretions being retained in the quent in cold, wet or damp weather. Signs and Symptoms: body. Suppressed perspiration. People who had had frostbite more apt to Red skin eruptions, sore throat, fever, be headache. Heat of skin, nosebleed, diar- troubled. rhea, vomiting. Difficulty breathing, delir- ium, gangrene of throat Signs and Symptoms: Shivering, headache, furred tongue. Treatment in 1887: Nausea, diarrhea, shining red inflammation Confine patient to room. Catnip tea to of skin with swelling, burning, itching. The help drive rash to surface and produce pers- skin irritation so great that it can almost set the patient crazy. piration. Rash disappears after a few hours, leaving the patient nauseated, and then reappears for a few days. In Black Tongue Erysipelas: swelling of tongue and neck. Tongue turns black; neck becomes purple in spots, then turns to dark green or fat over whole Raw body. Belladonna. In 1987: This strep infection is usually treated with antibiotics before it develops into Scarlet Fever. Temperature can run as high black, suffocation results. as Treatment in 1887: Mix cranberries Soda water soaks to skin. cranberries to skin. Apply uncooked bacon 106°. Recovery occurs within 24-48 hours after treatment is begun. with wheat bran to cover skin. Sweet oil and turpentine to paint TYPHOID FEVER over skin surface. Salt mixed with vinegar and water. Take a wine-glass full every Vi hour. Steaming vapor bath. This disease was the cause of death in many children, adults and soldiers during the Civil War. Depending on the severity of In 1987: the illness, death We know that this was an acute strep in- was usually the within three weeks time. fection of the skin and mucous membranes. - 7 0- result �SMALLPOX Causes in 1887: An animal substance in the act of decomposition by inhaled humans Although a lot was known about this disease 100 years ago, it was still one of the most contagious and dreaded diseases of its time. Illness depended upon the severity of into lungs. Signs and Symptoms: the disease, usually lasting or ending in Depression, weakness, loss of appetite. death Soreness and stiffness and pain in the back, legs and hands. After 2-3 days, 10-12 abdominal abdomen distended, tongue coated black, rose-colored pain. eruptions on already against discovered and Causes in 1887: A viral poison. and Signs and Symptoms: neck. Chills, Treatment in 1887: septic condition of the vomiting, small eruptions in mouth, face, neck, trunk and extremities (first appearing red, then filling throat, LxDcal applications of turpentine to control Vaccination used. days: breast weeks. was smallpox chills, coated tongue, thirst In 5-8 days, delirium, diarrhea, 2 in blood. with matter). Headache, fever, swelling of Quinine. eyelids, blindness occurring temporarily. Delirium, diarrhea. After 1 0 days, the spots In 1987: We now know that the bacteria (sal- scab over the skin, causing a sickening monella typhi) caused this disease as the bacteria reached the small intestines and multiplied within hours after ingestion. They invaded the bowels and were carried odor. Treatment in 1887: Vaccination. Lye water or mustard plasters to bathe feet Spearmint or Pepper- to the bloodstream. It took 2-4 days for the mint tea for nausea. Vinegar and water to symptoms to appear. The bowels perforated and hemorrhage occurred. The liver and spleen became grossly enlarged about the third week of the illness and death re- bathe head for headaches. Sage with honey and Borax for sore throat. Powdered charcoal and salt peter for diarrhea. sulted. In 1987: The bacteria gained access to the body through the mouth from contaminated food, virus, gaining entry by way of the respira- who had the disease. tory tract Face-to-face contact was neces- Flies or other insects carried the organisms sary to transmit it Clothing, bedding, and from human excrement to food or drink. There was a sharp decline in this disease with pure water supplies, effective sewage disposal, and pasteurization of milk. Man even dust could retain the infection for months. Smallpox has declined in the was the only true reservoir of this disease. the disease had literally disappeared here, Although this disease is not seen too often in the United States, it is treated with antibiotics, prednisone, and immunizations. routine vaccinations against this disease water, or a person This disease was a severe, contagious United States since the 1940's. Since people had severe reactions to the vaccine and have been discontinued. -11- �Six Common Pins Trip Up Arson Ring Operating in New England PART II Follow-up of newspaper reprint which appeared in winter 1986-1987 Stone Walls by Louise Mason According to The Westfteld Valley Herald, Wednesday April 18, 1934: ways. I think they walked up the back way." "I had a strange feeling that something "DESTRUCTION OF SUMMER HOME The buildings were burned to the ground at was wrong. My neighbor, Mildred Cole, who was here at the time, and I were very nervous about them and couldn't stop thinking about them. Our suspicions proved true later that night when the fire alarm blew and the McElwain house was seen to be on an early hour Thursday morning, the pro- fire." REMOVES LANDMARK" The destruction by fire of the summer home of Charles C. McElwain on Morse Hill removes an old landmark from town. perty being outside of the town fire district. "Sometime Police Alice Britton writes: "Lena Frisbie and were walking to school after lunch, but this was several days before the fire. We were on Blandford Stage Road just where the State Police Barracks is now, when a young man stopped us and asked some questions about where the roads went and Springfield, bought the place of Dexter R. I number of years, the family spent the summer here, but in recent years, it has only been occupied a part of the season. ^ seemed interested in the area. We both reported this at home and somehow the information became known to the police. Some When the suspicion of arson arose, townspeople living nearby were questioned. The robbers had apparently stopped at the Harold Marcotte residence on lower Moss Hill Road and Mrs. Lena Marcotte remembers the following: "Shortly after lunch, two men came walking up our road. One stood at the end of our walk and the other came to my door. He asked me where the McEl wains lived, and I supposed he was a time later, while we were in class at school, Mrs. George Wager, our principal, was called out of class by a State Police officer. Then a few minutes later, Lena and I were called out and taken to her office. The officer had a suspect with him and we were asked to identify him as the man we had talked to, but he was not. We were told that the fellow we saw was probably sent ahead friend of theirs. He asked directions, how to get there, State definitely was not the one I talked to." Parks about 20 years ago, and remodeled and remodemized it in every way. For a * the brought a suspect for me to identify, but he The origin of the fire is not known, Mr. McElwain of 46 Federal Street, 4: later, and I told him there were two - U- �none of those firemen are still living and is no official record of the fire. The as a decoy." "Amazing as it may seem, I slept right there through the whole fire episode, fire engines going by the house and half the town, either state * by car or on foot. My mother, Ann Pierce, slept in the back bedroom of our old house at the junction of Moss Hill Road and page one: her window saw the McElwain house in full ARSON RING BELIEVED BROKEN BY ARREST OF PAIR HERE. GANG IS ACCUSED OF LOOTING HOMES, BURNING EVIDENCE. FIRES COVER UP AN$100,000 blaze. In those days, the whole area around there was much more open and pretty well The back pasture on the McElwain place was very open, where catcleared of trees. You could TIQUES THEFT. C.C. McELWAIN'S PLACE AT RUSSELL AND CONGRESSMAN TREADWAY'S SAID TO HAVE BEEN ENTERED. see the house through the trees from down- town, and when you were up there on the hill you could look right * In the Springfield Union, Saturday July 14, 1934, we find large headlines on Blandford Stage Road (since torn down and replaced). She sat up in bed and looking out tle kept it well cleared of brush. did not require such records until 1949. down into the town." The article states that two men had been "As I remember, the next day we walked up after school and most of the town folks had been up also. Earlier in the day, my mother and Mrs. Wehrly and other neighbors had walked up the back way. About at the top of the hill just below the house, in the grass along the edge of the road, the women found pins, paper clips and buttons which they passed on to the State Police Officer on duty there, and showed the trooper where they had found them. These were later shown to have been in the drawers of stolen antiques and proved to be an important clue that robbery and arson had occurred." taken custody in Springfield and charged with operating an arson ring in into three counties of Western Massachusetts. Also two men were under arrest in other cities whose confessions had been taken. "The gang's method of operating was to ransack the buildings for any valuable objects, preferably antiques, which they later disposed cities, of in New York and other and then set fire to the dwellings to obliterate all trace of the thefts. According to the confessions, mattresses, bed clothes and other fabrics were placed in closets and a long candle deposited atop the tinder pile, in getting to the fire because the road up the which was soaked in gasoline. About two hours after the mob had made its getaway, the flame from the candle would bum down to the cloth and the conflagration would start In each instance, the arson ring left the closet doors partly open to insure good draft. "The McElwain house in Russell was was impassable and they had to go (one) object of attack. On the night of April Townspeople do remember that the fire occurred during mud season and the steep, narrow road up the back of Morse or Moss Hill was notoriously wet. The truck carry- ing the stolen antiques is supposed to have gotten stuck on its way out from the scene of the crime and the fire truck was delayed hill around, break the chains and enter by 1 1, McEl wain's Private Way. Unfortunately, dow, loaded a large car with saleable an- -13- the gang broke in through a rear win- �tiques and set the delayed fire. The house was burned with a loss of $20,000 including $4000 worth of antiques and other furnishings which the thieves could not carry away." "Sometime during the week of April 1 6, Congressman Treadway's home was entered and a quantity of goods stolen, but no fire was started. The same night, Mrs. Moon's place in Stockbridge was entered, the richest loot of the series being obtained there, and the house was burned to the ground. — The robbers realized over $1000 when they sold the loot in New York." "The Tripp summer residence in Heath the articles as theirs." "Police would not divulge the names of the two others known to be in the gang, but stated that they were already serving time on other charges and had confessed to their parts in the incendiary crimes. It was said last night that other arrests may be ex- pected in the near future." "The arson ring is evidently one of many contacts and branches, as the confessions stated that some of the stolen pro- perty was disposed of in Washington, D.C., although the bulk of it was handled through New York. The state inspectors and local police also hold the conviction that part of the loot was sold in Springfield, and an in- proved the stumbling block in the vicious program of arson that the gang plotted, as tensive survey of antique markets and sec- small town noticed a ond-hand stores will be conducted in an neighbors in the strange car passing down the road, and as effort to recover more valuables." such a sight was unusual at that time of year, they noted the registration plates of home last night included several objects of the automobile and the information was "Objects antique taken pewter, from the Sturtevant an old-fashioned music later relayed to State Fire Inspector Ira C. box, coffee urn, some colonial chairs and Taylor of Northampton." other articles of intrinsic worth." "The incendiary fires took place The in three different counties, Hampden, Hamp- Springfield Union, October 18, an eighteen-year-old and Franklin, and newspaper clippings of the conflagrations led (police and 1934, stated that youth had been arrested in Springfield in The connection with the theft of antiques conclusion there arrest was the eighth made by fire inspec- shire fire inspectors) to the — . and police at various times since last might be a suspicion of arson in the cases, in as much as the fires all occurred about the tors same time. The investigation then started." members of the gang, driving them to the "(Lx)cal police) were called into the scene of the robberies and carting loot case when the clue of the number plates was around to dealers to be sold. Those prearrested were William Hogue, George C. Sturtevant, Mrs. Anna Eaton, Louis Richmond, Frank Langille, and Patsy Tarantino of Springfield, and Israel Josephson of Holyoke. Mrs. Eaton and Richmond are antique dealers and are alleged to have accepted many of the stolen antiques. Most of the robberies and fires took place during the spring. Summer residences in Princeton, Goshen, Heath, Russell, Stockbridge, Charlemont and Worth- discovered and it was found that the registration was issued to a Springfield man." "Such was the speed with which the ultimate solution was found and the arrests made that the extent of the loss has not yet been determined. Some of the stolen articles were recovered when the inspectors and (local police) descended on Sturteand Mrs. McElwain were called to police headvant's home last night, and when Mr. quarters they positively identified some of spring. viously -14- This youth acted as chauffeur for �vious convictions for breaking into homes ington were looted and damaged. The trial took place at Superior Court in and stealing valuable old articles. He told of planning the trip to Sharon, Vermont, where he plarmed to take a pair of old lamps from the Baptist church of that town. The Greenfield in late November of 1 934, but the cases in the three counties were related. all The Springfield Union of Novem- ber 22, 1934, has interesting headUnes on was unsuccessful, he said, (but the church was burned!) and the trio stopped at Greenfield on the way home, then headed for Heath (bent on more robbery) but were stopped by snowdrifts and forced to turn trip page one: YOUTHS PLEAD OWN CASE IN ANTIQUE RAIDS. THREE SPRINGFIELD MEN TELL DRAMATIC STORY OF THEFTS AND FIRES. LANGILLE RECOUNTS SERIES OF ESCAPADES, SAYS back. As they passed through East Charle- mont after midnight, they stopped at the Adams summer home which Langille mistook for the home of Judge Healey. They KNOWLEDGE — OF OLD FURNITURE HAS KEPT HIM IN TROUBLE IN RECENT broke into the house and collected a few articles." YEARS. "One of the most This time, there seems to have been an argument over torching the house, which ended in a stabbing threat and ill feelings. In dramatic accounts ever enacted in a west- court, the men denied setting fires deliber- Parts of this article are quoted as makes good reading: it em Massachusetts courtroom took place in ately. In fact, when Langille addressed the Superior Court this afternoon when three jurors, he sounded rather proud. "I robbed young men, charged with an- about 50 places," he argued, "and not one tique thefts at various summer cottages last of the others was destroyed by fire. How do pleaded their own cases before a Franklin County jury Financially unable you know these fires were caused by me? The houses might have caught fire in some other way." At any rate, the jury believed them guilty as charged and sentenced them, as the reprinted newspaper article of July 1937 stated in our recent winter Stone Springfield spring, — . to afford legal counsel to conduct their for them, Frank Tarantino and James Dutton Patsy played strange parts in today's courtroom drama. Each told his own story and each cross examined fellow defendants and the witnesses cases Langille, Walls. presented by District Atty. Bartlett. To cli- max the afternoon, each of the men then pleaded his own brief before the jury. "Frank Langille, self-appointed head of was the center of attention as he — him. He then took the witness stand in his Late in December of 1934, more antiques stolen by the gang were found in three antique shops on Beacon Hill in own defense and told of his misdemeanors Boston. the group queried the officers who testified against in a manner which savored slightly of boast- Russell townspeople who remember the fulness. He told of gaining knowledge of an- hobby has kept him in trouble continually case say that an episode of the radio program, "Gang Busters, " was based on this crime spree and its resulting investigation for the past few years, as he has had pre- and sensational trial. tiques (working at Wiggins Tavern), but his -75- �Hilltown Happenings (Items taken from the Springfield Daily Republican) Compiled by Grace M. Wheeler — Salmon Thomas, 74, a May 8, 1881 much-esteemed citizen of Huntington, died Sunday. He left a family consisting of his wife and 4 children: Albert, the eldest, being a manufacturer in Westfield; Oscar, a Baptist clergyman in Brockton; Fred, a merchant in Boston; and one daughter, Margery, wife of John Sloan of Hartford, Conn. May 9, 1881 A large bam belonging to H. I Woodruff of Huntington containing some seven tons of hay, was burned on Monday night It was insured for $275.00. May 1, 1881— N. H. Daniels of Huntington has removed his family to Boston where he is now engaged as Treasurer of Quincy Copper Mining Company. Upon his return from Boston the other evening, about 70 of the leading citizens and their wives gave him a supper at the Park House, with speeches and afterward a serenade by — man who left home about 10 days ago, was found dead Saturday in the woods, some three miles from where he was last seen. About 250 men helped search for him Saturday. April 2, 1890 Mamie Forsyth of Huntington, age four, was drowned Monday evening when she fell into the raceway — of the paper mill of the Chester Paper Company. The body was found next morning at the lower railroad bridge, just below the village. April 7, 1890— William Gillette's popular play, "Held by the Enemy, " will be the attraction the at Huntington Opera House on Friday evening. A special train will run from Chester to Huntington. April 15, 1890 — Two small children of Edmond Goreau of Blandford St, Huntington Village have small-pox. No fears are entertained of a spread of the disease. the local brass band. Sept. 26, 1882 Oct. 9, 1882— Dwight Cadwell of Becket, the old — Enos Smith of Chester, April 26, 1890 — James Buguey, 77, a a respected citizen and well-to-do farmer, resident of Huntington for the stubbed his toe on the railroad track Sunday while on his way to church, fell across the rail and died instantly. He was known to feeble health for the past few years. past 17 years, died Weds. Mr. Buguey has been in But previous to that was active in business, and be troubled with heart disease. He leaves a wife and several married children. political matters and one of the strong men Oct. 4, 1882— An old Becket man named Cadwell, age 82, has been missing and daughters all well-known and respected in their various walks of life. for of the church. He leaves a family of sons some days, and 50 people have been searching for him. It is feared that he has either perished in the swamps or has been murdered, as he is very well-to-do. -76- �June 26, 1890— Edward M. Taylor of May 28, 1890— William H. Plummer has bought the Fred L. Fisk property on Chicago, old house in Huntington after being away for 1 8 years. He will spend a day roaming over the hun- Main St. for the sum of $200.00 and will repair it at once. the old Axtell homestead his in Montgomery, which has been in the possession of the Taylor family from the settle- ment of that town until the farm was sold a quarter of a century ago. of July 14, 1892 Welcome Nye of Blandford and has sold — Rattlesnakes are not a the wood on the Leanard Wood lot to Jason plenty hereabout, but Hartley Gooch cut H. Fisk, who has remove the wood. one in two with his mowing machine the other day. It was about three and one half three years in which to May 31, 1890— Edward F. Little of feet long. — July 23, 1892 The small house of James Knightly on Crescent St. was burned about 2 a.m. Friday morning. The family lost nearly everything in the home, including clothing and $15.00 in money. The Huntington has sold his meat business to Samuel T. Parrit who has opened a market at the last end of the bridge. Mr. Little has been in business a long time, but will now devote his time to his fine farm near the village and to building a new house on cause of the fire is under investigation. Laurel Hill. - / 7- j visiting dreds of acres of the old homestead Mrs. Jane L. Knight has sold her double tenement on Crescent St. to John Connors for $600.00. May 29, 1890— Arthur P. Axtell has bought is �Hannah Gibbs' Diary North Blandford, 1907 PART IV Pleasant Coz Allie called here Oct 7 Oct 14 A very rainy a.m. Cleared up Oct. 8 Oct Oct 9 - Wed. Pleasant mobile ride inthe a.m. Ella & Had a Auto- I ning Oct 12 - Sat A nice day Mari went down to Chester & had some teeth filled Oct 13 Pleasant Miss Searl died at here. Oct 1 - Tues. Pleasant Went to call Oct mer Pleasant 3 Oct Hattie & Kenneth Pleasant Went to see Doct and some war- & we came - Cloudy Fri. & some 19 Meadow just at night & went to hear a Syrian talk Oct 21 - Mon. Rainy in the morning cleared off in the p.m. Grace called here Just two years since Joseph & Grace were married Oct. 4 Cold & windy snow blowing off from the trees Abbie started for her home this afternoon Oct 5 Pleasant Oct 6 - Sun. Pleasant E.P. & myself Oct 22 Cold & quite a little snow still on the ground at noon called on Worthy's wife had a very pleas- ant call Miss Fisk 18 Ground froze last night Joseph & Grace came this p.m. Mr. Harlow came here tonight Oct 20 Snowed most all day had some rain. Donald went after Mrs. Aldrich to Pauldins Frank took her down to the then went to 41 Spring St Ella got my glasses today to E.P.'s Tues. colder on Bertha Bartlett found they had moved to Feeding Hills. Called on Lucy Rhoades & - Baby much better Oct John Sennells at 10 a.m. Oct 2 15 had a convulsion this eve Had Doct Shej>ardson J & Grace came to Bert's had bad luck on the way Oct 16 Abbie's babe had another convulsion this morning. Joseph came over to see the babe Mr. & Mrs. Morey started for home this a.m. Gordon went with them Oct 17 J. came over to see baby this a.m. Grace rode over & they took dinner came home I was gone just three weeks 10 Mr. & Mrs. Morey, Abbie & Oct her two children came here yesterday p.m. Pleasant but rather cool & windy Oct 11 Cloudy Rainy in the evep.m. & here. Mari went to Westfield Abbie' s babe in the p.m. in the Pleasant Maria Sennett Mrs. Spaulding called here this p.m. in the evening also Ella Oct 2 3 & Ella after we were Cloudy all the a. m. had a little sprinkle. Sun came out in the p.m. Joseph & Grace started for Suffield at 20 minutes gone before 2 o'clock -18- �Oct 24 - Thurs. Pleasant Oct 25 Cold raw day, froze last night fairly poured all the Nov. 3 p.m. Nov. 4 Oct 30 all the girls went to Windy & colder. Frank dug Dunn in the p.m. Nov. 5 - Tues. Cloudy & windy Frank dug potatoes for Mr. Durm in the p.m. a.m. cleared & is cold & windy Wed. Bert & Hattie called Nov. 6 Nov. 7 way home from Westfield rain in the p.m. off just at night here on their & potatoes for Mr. Rained all night and all day - Frank church menced to rain about 3 o'clock Still raining this was quite nice this morning sun shone out fine but clouded up in the Frank finished his potatoes today Oct 26 Pleasant but cold. Frank & Amy went to Westfield Oct 27 - Sun. A cloudy cold a.m. Frank, Ruth & Elsie went to church Com- Oct 28 Oct 29 It evening Rained hard all day Some rain in the a.m. did not Nov. 8 - Fri. Rather cold & windy Nov. 9 A very pleasant day. Olive went over to Hattie' s a little while took din- Frank moved (not finished) Oct 31 Has been a beautiful day Frank carried some beef to Huntington Nov. 1 Ella started for Springfield this a.m. It is a beautiful day Nov. 2 - Sat It has rained all day & ner there Nov. 10 Frank & the little girls went Wrote a letter to Will today to church. My husband recently called on Olive Lindsey LaDoux, a blind 91 -year-old lady from our church, and mentioned the Huntington fire of 1923. She wanted your address but I thought I'd wait until I had 9 Colonial Blvd. West Haven, CT 06516 August 7, 1987 Dear Ladies, received another issue. These older people Toward the end of April, an aunt who hunger for what you offer. grew up in Huntington village passed a copy of Stone Walls on to me. I read it cover to cover that night and passed it on to my mother, who came from a farm on Norwich Hill, which her family had lived on for four generations. It was an older issue that dealt in large part with Huntington. (She reads it over and over.) On April 29, 1 sent a check for $7 to subscribe to Stone Walls. In June, I received the spring issue. I've been watching ever Sincerely, Muriel Chapin Shine (Mrs. D. Robert) since for the summer one. Just read Louise Mason's editorial on how it is produced and wonder now if there was one. It's a great contribution you are making and I do hope you are able to continue. -19- �You have to be on the shady side of 50 remember the road-side signs that dotted to the highways and byways from 1935 to 1950. The following examples of Burma Shave signs may still haunt your memory. �At intersections Look each way A harp sounds nice But its hard to play Brother speeders Lets Rehearse All together Good morning Nurse. Violets are blue Roses are pink On Graves Of those Who drive and drink. Sleep in a chair 'UeJets ore blue! Nothing to lose But a nap At the wheel Is a permanent snooze. No matter the price No matter how new Unless your face is The best safety device In your car— is YOU. You'd better let Your honey Be. When Frisky Thirty days hath Stinger free With Whiskey September Don't drive Cause its April, June and The speed offender. Risky. Although insured The Wolf Remember Kiddo They don't pay you Who longs to prowl and howl They pay your widow. Should start before He starts to prowl. -21- �Chester's Biggest Landowner: JOHN CHANDLER by Lucy Conant As the French and Indian Wars came to opers. They were men of wealth and prom- an end in the early 1 760's, the hilltown area of Western Massachusetts was opened for development. Some towns such as Bland- inence in Worcester County. During the Glasgow, had been settled earlier, but most of the land was still unsettled except for a few venturous which "squatters." Township No. 9, included what is now Chester, much of Huntington and some of Middlefield and Montgomery, contained about 24,700 acres and was bounded on the north by New Hingham (now Chesterfield) and by township No. 3 (now Worthington), on the west by township No. 4 (now Becket), on the south by Blandford and, in part, by Westfield, and on the east by Southampton and Northampton. On June 2, 1 762, township No. 9 was sold by public auction at Boston to William Williams of Hatfield for £1500. However, he then relinquished the purchase to John Chandler and Timothy Paine of Worcester, John Murray of Rutland, and Abijah Willard of Lancaster, all from Worcester County. Later, Chandler, Murray, and Paine sold one fifth of this ownership to James Otis of Barnstable. Ods gave Murray power of attorney to act for him and evidently never was present at any of between the Middle and West branches of the Westfield River. These lots of the first division were squares of one hundred acres with an allowance for a road of two acres and eighty rods of land. No roads were laid out and the lots were divided into squares regardless of terrain. This would have been of 1762, they had Edward Taylor and Charles Baker survey and lay out 119 lots fall ford, originally called fine in Iowa but not in Chester, as these lots were sold for settlement without a system of roads and with no consideration being given to the nature of the land. (The town with its steep rocky hillsides has had problems with roads ever since.) eight acres A smaller lot containing was designed for a meeting house, training field, and cemetery. This is where the church, cemetery, and old schoolhouse are presently located in Chester Center. At this first meeting held on January 5, 1763 in Northampton, John Chandler was chosen moderator. Fifty-one settlers drew lots and the settlement of township No. 9 began. The proprietors held a second meeting on September 29, 1763 at the home of Thomas Kennedy who lived on Lot 68, near the Middle Branch of the Westfield River. They distributed among themselves the sixty unallocated lots and a committee was appointed "to lay out and stake the the proprietors' meetings. These landowners were called propriToday they would be termed devel- etors. -22- �highways ..." The need for establishing mills was also discussed. Subsequently, on either Lot 13 or 14 where John Chandler owned a farm managed by a Robert Smith, of his political views? Like his father, also named John — owned much land and even had pews assigned to them in the newly built Chester church. The land along the West Branch of the Westfield River was divided up and allocated in the third division. These were called interval lands and designated by letters instead of numbers. Otis drew C and F; Paine drew A, B, and N; Murray drew G, H, and I; Willard drew K, L, and M; and Chandler drew O, P, and Q. Chandler's now include the village of Chester, formerly known as Chester Factories. The proprietors also reserved the right to lay out a road through these interval lots along the West Branch. On October 31,1 765, the township was incorporated under the named for was "Mr. town clerk, , Two more divisions of land were made. field, he Worcester" town treasurer, county treasurer, sheriff of Worcester County, and Judge of Probate during the 1750's, 60's, and early 70's. He was also a representative to the General Court and Colonel of the Worcester Regiment. Bom on February 26, 1 720 or 1 72 1 he was the fourth John Chandler in the family. Married twice, he was the father of sixteen children. His first wife died after several years of marriage, and he then married Mary Church who had thirteen of the sixteen children. John Chandler owned about five hundred acres of land in downtown Worcester as well as other land in Worcester County, but his only holdings outside of the County were evidently in township No. 9 in then Hampshire County. The Chandlers were a well-known, prominent family in Massachusetts. When President John Adams studied law in Worcester as a young man, he lived for a time with the Chandler family. John Chandler was an extremely busy, wealthy, and successful man. When he took refuge in Boston in 1774, several sons accompanied him, but his wife and the rest of the family stayed behind in Worcester. Their youngest child was eleven he had a sawmill built. None of the proprietors ever lived in the town though they lands Chandler, the name of Murrayproprietor, John Murray. For the first time, the settlers in the township had some opportunity for local government and organization. Of the approximately 25,000 acres in township No. 9, John Chandler owned or had claim to approximately 4,000 acres. In the valuation list of 1777, he was the wealthiest non-resident of Murraj^ield with an assessed valuation of property at £5000. By comparison, Abner Smith, the richest resident, was worth £1273. By this time, however, John Chandler had fled the country and was living in England. He was a Tory, and six months before the battles of Lexington and Concord, he had left his Worcester home and sought safety with the years old. In order to obtain her share of the Chandler estate to support and raise the younger children, Mrs. Chandler evidently had to remain in Massachusetts. (Ultimately she received one third of her husband's confiscated estate.) Chandler with two of his sons were among the six inhabitants of Worcester included by name in the Act of Banishment forbidding their return to this country. Chandler went with the British troops to Halifax when they evacuated Boston. He then went to London, England where he British in Boston. Who was this man who walked away lived for the rest of his life. from so much wealth and property because With his son. Rufus, he went to Nova Scotia for aw hile in -23- �Land owned by John Chandler 1/5 of Division IV (Information from Appendix 9, The Confiscation of John Chandler's Estate by Andrew Davis) -24- �Drawing of John Chandler from his portrait at the American Antiquarian Society 1787 but later returned to England. There If John Chandler had made a different he died in 1800 and his burial inscription political decision in the tumultuous period "Here lies the body of John Chand- of 1774-1775, there is little doubt but that he would have recognized the water power possibilities of Walker Brook and the feasibility of roads to Becket and Middlefield through Chester Factories. Certainly he had been careful to obtain ownership of the land along Walker Brook where it flowed read: ler, Esq., formerly of Worcester, Massa- chusetts Bay, North America, who died the 26th of September 1800 in the 80th year of his age. " Until his death. Chandler AD refused to recognize the existence of the United States of America. Called the "Honest Refugee" in England, he was always known as "Tory John" to Worces- into the ter Whig neighbors. built West Branch of the Westfield River. It was here that factories began to be and the Eighth Massachusetts �Turnpike followed this route in 1800. Given John Chandler's energy, leadership, and wealth, instead of Murrayfield becoming Chester in 1783, it might well have * "Early Days township No. 9," excerpts from Copeland's History of Murrayfield, Stone Walls, Winter 19821983, 22-27 become Chandlerville!* References: Chandler Bullock, "John Chandler and a Few of His Descendants," paper read before Worcester Historical Society Nov. 14, 1922 Alfred Copeland, History of the town of Murrayfield, 1892 Alfred Copeland, "History of township Number Nine, Formerly called Murrayfield, more lately Chester," Papers and Proceedings of the Connecticut Valley Historical Society, 1882-1903, vol. 2 Andrew Davis, The Confiscation ofJohn Chandler's Estate, 1903 Houghton Mifflin and Co., Boston, in �The Cricket in the Corner by Ruth E. Beckwith What's that I hear, a chirping over in the comer by the stove? Sounding like a tiny burping. Beside a spider web he wove? Just behind a loosened floorboard in a little darkened hole, Where one day a small bug bored There a cricket pours his soul! Where are all his friends and neighbors. While he's busy singing there? Going through his strenuous labor Does his mate hear him and care? �Ann Rausch, Artist By Elizabeth Payne Ann Rausch Bom into a home where education was Ann Rausch celebrated her eighty-fifth birthday this year (1987). valued (her father was a Congregational minister), she was sent off to college. 1925 Holyoke In June the found her graduating from Mt with a major in Fine Art. She says that her interest there was in sculpture, and that she Worthington Arts Council sponsored an exhibit of her paintings in the Worthington Library, This clear evidence of her skill has inspired a review of her career as an artist had no thought of a career in art In Boston during the twenty years following, she earned her living by more involved in many types of painting through the years. -28- �She remembers that one day when she was at work in the Jordan Marsh store, a faculty member from Mt. Holyoke mundane work, but kept herself happy with years. art activity. This had been her interest even as a child. When six years old she won first While still a stopped to visit with her. Finding that Ann youth at home she sketched whatever she saw that interested her. Friends and family members, realizing her ability to "catch a likeness" often urged her to try sketches of was not taking her art skill seriously, she prize in a school art contest. urged her with such emotional concern to do so that Ann hunted up an art school where she could attend classes in the evenings. Later she was able to go full time for them. It was only a hobby until her Boston -?9- �Greta Garbo By Ann Rausch -30- �two years to the Scott-Carbe School of Art. She took advantage also of special courses available in Boston art centers. the painters of the Palette and Trowel Club, In the meantime she did some commer- working together, and each year sponsoring an art show that attracted exhibito.«-s from surrounding towns. Ann showed in other exhibits in the western Massachu- that active for eight years, work. She painted the murals in the cial Ann helped found in 1950. Hunt Room of the Hotel Victoria. A child's head of hers was used for many years by the Whitney Baby Carriage Company. It could be seen on their stationery, even on their setts area also after It was with local artists qualifying for the Springfield Academic Artists Association. Ann has a surprising number of her paintings still in her possession. Some she trucks. When she began doing portraits, she hasn't finished to the point where she soon had a reputation as a portrait painter, especially after she began working with pas- is willing to attach her signature. She never looked upon her work as a She never solicited commissions. Word was passed from one satisfied customer to another. She did many portraits of children. During the World War tels. profession. THE FIRST WAGON period of the '40' s she painted a number of young men about to go off to war. She remembers that she did one young man, later his wife, and eventually all their Capt. David Eames, who resided just over the Hne in Hinsdale, but attended church in Washington, had the honor of four children. recently tried to recall her subjects, she owning the first wagon that was driven to the church door. The very first time he drove to church he had an amusing but reahzes that she must have painted at least deplorable accident with it. After the sec- four hundred, possibly more. ond sermon was over the captain went to get his brand new wagon which was left She kept no records, but as she has Since they had to be left with the people who posed for them or with the grandmothers who often ordered them she has few portraits to show in her exhibits today. Some can be found in Worthington homes, for she continued to do such painting after she came to Worthington, Two that can be easily viewed are in public places. That of Jane — — Tuttle, granddaughter of Russell Conwell, hangs in the Sevenars concert building, and one of Arthur Capen, long-time librarian and church organist in Worthington, hangs in the parlor of the church. surrounded by the horses with their saddles When he drove up to the door of the church his good wife came out to get in. The good-byes were rather long in being said, and the old family mare, being hungry and cross, became very restive. The captain in standing up gallantly to assist his wife to the seat, gave the old mare a tremendous jerk, whereupon she suddenly backed and threw him against the wooden dashboard which broke under his weight and let him fall on her hips, and pilHons. The natural beauty in the hill towns of much to his discomfiture and chagrin. He Ann to meekly took up the broken dash, put it in the wagon box behind, and drove homeward, while broad smiles wreathed the faces of his kind and genial neighbors. western Massachusetts inspired paint landscapes. She studied with Steven Manatti of Deerfield and Leo Blake of Lanesboro. These artists took an interest in -57- �Captain Sylvester Squier Edited and Transcribed by Pamela G. Donovan-Hall CT on Jan. 29, 1754. son of Abiel and Lydia (Lathrop) Squier. The family moved to Montgomery, Mass. about 1 764 and was among the Sylvester Squier was bom in Norwich, early settlers. After serving in the Revolutionary War, he married Mary Bundy and they had eight children, four of whom died young. He served as selectman of Montgomery for fifteen years. He died on Feb. 13, 1836 at age 84 and is buried beside his wife at the Pitcher Street Cemetery. His direct descendants still residing in Montgomery are: William Squier Hall, the Spencers, Rathays, and Tinneys; Peg Stone of Blandford, and my husband, William R. Hall of Huntington. The following is an affidavit of his experiences during the Revolutionary War, as remembered and told by him, 55 years after his service, in order to receive his pension. Capt Warham Parks. That the Regiment to which the company belonged was commanded by Col. Danielsons. That William Shepard was Lt. Col., that the Major belonged in W. Springfield but that he does not recollect his name. That he left the service in Dec. of the same year when his term of enlistment had expired, which was for eight months, and that he served that length of time under that enhstment That the Company was formed in Westfield and marched from there to Roxbury by Springfield and Worcester. That the Company joined the Regiment at Roxbury and while there we were engaged some considerable time in creating fortifications. That when Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden On this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirtytwo, personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Oliver B. Morris, Esq., Judge of the court of Probate for said county of Hampden now sitting, Sylvester Squier of Montgomery in the county of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy-nine years who, being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain that this benefit of the act of Congress proposed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and the command first commenced building the upon the Americans with shot and shells from morning thro night. On one occasion, the Americans gave the British one gun and they gave them the ammunition 101 guns in reply, none of which took effect, they firing over. breast work, the British fired served as heresies stated viz: That in April 1775, the particular day of the month he does not recollect, but after the Battle of Lexington, he enlisted into a company of State troops commanded by -32- �That while stationed at Roxbury he went with a body of volunteers from different Regiments commanded by Maj. Tatcher, who was, he thinks, from Chesterfield, to a coming disabled for present duty by sickness, and that he was so discharged in November of the same year, but the particular day of the month he is unable to place called Long Island near Boston. And give. that they took some British prisoners who to him that Ward was General but it is not That neither he nor any of the other men, to his knowledge, had any written discharge at the time their term of service was completed. The officers notified them of that fact and they were verbally discharged. Peter Brundy had a discharge on account of the death of his father from Head Quarters while he was at Roxbury, but his time of enlistment had not expired. That he had no Recollects Generals Washington written discharge at the time of his complet- were stationed there as a guard. That the other officers' who he recollects were John Shepard, First, and Richard Falley, Second Lieutenant, in the company to which he be- longed — Col. Brewster's Regiment had one Captain by the name of Michael Fleury and Lt. by the name of David Sacket. It seems certain. camp while he ing the term of service under his first enlist- was there. That sometime in the month of July 1776, the particular day of the week or month he is unable to recollect, he enlisted ment, though he was never issued one, as he and Putnam was in the understood to be usual, which was merely That he has no documentary evidence in relation to this matter. That sometime in the month of July 1777, he volunteered in the service of the verbal. at Westfield enlisted in a company of State Troops, the officers of which consisted of one Gray who was Captain Silas Fowler, who held a Captain's commission in the militia, when not in service in Southwick and who he believes acted as first Lt, one Littlefield, Lt., and one Gates, Ensign. The field officers whom he recollects were General Horatio Gates who was accustomed to wear a white cap in the morning and Col. Wayne from Jersey. That he thinks there was a Col. by the country in a company commanded by Capt. David Mosely of Westfield. That the Company was formed in Westfield, marched to name of Fellows, belonging to the army at this time, who was afterwards promoted to the river in Regiments and companies the rank of General. thence to New Lebanon, thence Pittsfield, to what now called Troy, is thence to Saratoga where they lay in the barracks one night, thence to Fort Edward. Here the officers, having generally become dissatis- fied with the conduct of General Schuyler, in suffering the troops to be scattered along they dispersed to their homes That the Company — After they had heard that General Gates was in command of the Northern army, the same company reformed in the month of August 1777, the particular day of the week or month he is not able to recollect, and marched from Westfield to Worthington, consisted of 1 20 men and were raised in the towns of Westfield, Southwick, Chesterfield, Norwich and Worthington. That the Company assembled at Worthington and marched through Bennington to Skeensborough where they took boats and papers to Ticonderoga. That his service during the whole term of his enlistment was for four thence to Pittsfield, thence to Williams- town, then to Bennington and to a place. Falls Mills, where the Regiment was formed under the command of Colonel John Mosely The Regiment remained months, except about one week. That he was discharged in consequence of his be- — -33- �there a few days, say three or four, and then and there was a family record which was taken away some years since by necticut, — marched to a place called Battenkill east After lying there a few days, the battle below took place He supposed of Saratoga — a brother of his residing the County of — they were kept out of the action and, at that Oneida and state of New York. That he enlisted and served at each time as a private point, for the purpose of cutting off the ret- soldier. reat of the British — The Company was dis- He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except charged immediately after the surrender of the present, and declares that his name is Burgoyne which was, he thinks, the 1 7th of Oct. 1777, up to which time he faithfully served as a volunteer in the State Troops from August to that time. While Burgoyne's Army lay at Saratoga, he was engaged in taking five prisoners and some horses in a select detachment, commanded by Col. Brown of Pittsfield not on the pension roll of any state. Sylvester Squier (Signed) Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. The Samuel Moore and Lysander Bar- — He officiated as clerk rett residing in the town of Montgomery do Major Walbridge a few days, and while at Battenkill, and recollects the name of the adjutant of the Regiment was He is unable to recollect Aaron Wing any other field officers except General Fellows. He enlisted at each time in Westfield, and that part of the town in which he then and ever since has resided, has been incorporated by the name of Montgomery. His father has told him there was a record of his birth at Norwich in the state of Conto Brigade hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Sylvester Squier who has subscribed and will be sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be seventy-nine years of age. That he is so (acknowledged) and believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that we consent in that opinion. — Samuel Moore Lysander Barrett (Signed) -34- �Genealogical Queries Compiled by Grace Wheeler & 1745 to Zebulon, a pioneer white man and his Indian wife. Rhoda lived in Indian Hollow and died at the age of ninety- six years. Would like anything on Rhoda, her father Zebulon or her husband, Zebulon Rhodes, "a Mulatto Man." It is said he was a cross between an Indian and a Negro. Seeking any information on Eugene Irene ("Queenie") Carey, who moved throughout the hill towns from 1920-1965. in They were in Huntington area early 1 920' s, in Windsor/West Cummington 1935-45, Dalton/Hinsdale area 1955-60. Believe Becket, Worthington and Middle- and in field also involved. While in their 40' s, they Huntington Historical Society 430 Worthington Rd. Huntington, Mass. 01050 had several births 1920-35. "Gene" lost an arm in sawmill (?) accident during these Gene died Pittsfield, Oct. 1965; "Queenie" died Dalton, Dec. 1965. Can you help pinpoint when they lived in your decades. area, or provide this Looking any other information on information on Jay C. Died May 22, 1943, buried Hill Cemetery, Blandford, Mass. Where was he bom and where did he die? Would like to hear from couple? Joan Kibbe 1, Box 394 Keene, NH 03431 RD any living descendants of this man or his wife. Mrs. Thelma Wells Frost Rd. Washington, Mass. 01223 Seek information on Isaac Phelps who married widow Sarah Palmer in Westfield in 1729. She died there Jan. 1741. I have three dates for Isaac's death for Searle bom 1 858, married Lydia Rathbum. — 1753, 1777, Ms. Nancy Pennington 6204 Halifax Avenue South Edina, Minnesota 55424 Looking for information on Daniel Stannard and his wife Phebe (Higgins) Stannard. She was bom where? Was he bom in New Marlborough, Mass.? They had a daughter Phebe bom there Aug. 9th, 1 866. She married Oct. 28, 1 866 in Bridgeman, Mich. She married Clarence Howe. Huntington Historical Society is lookfor information on Zebulon Fuller, father of Dr. Rhoda Rhodes. She was bom Mrs. Phebe Smith 302 East Copeland Kingman, Kansas 67068 and 1778. Does anyone know which is correct? Were there three Isaacs during this time frame? ing -35- �O q ON o &9 U- O 03 <L> O o 5 O 03 o o C oo o H 00 o fc>0 o On Co O o d .-s; O o ^ Q ST' IT) o u o CQ S H o Ss C8 ^ C OX) 00 CO 3 O c HU o t: On < c o ^ c m .2 on C ON to c/3 3 < 00 c/3 U U < o u X CQ 00 o 00 r~- oO m H 5S u < pq r~ 00 -36- �FADING FOOTPRINTS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST WHAT'S DOWN THAT ROAD? RETAIL by Harriet U. Fish $6.95 plus tax & postage ($2.00) Three Booklets for Washington State Centennial of 1989. 1) 2) 3) FISH TALES OF LAKE CRESCENT FISH TALES OF PORT HADLOCK FISH TALES OF SEQUIM BAY All published in 1985 — Set of Three: $1 2.50, plus tax and postage ($1 .50) These are concentrated stories with photographs and sketches of the specific area and its history of the past 100 years. THE PAST AT PRESENT IN ISSAQUAIL, WASHINGTON by Edwards R. Fish original sketches by Harriet Fish RETAIL $13.95 PLUS TAX & POSTAGE ($2.75) Tracks, Trails, AND Tales A delightfully, easy-to-read collection of connected anecdotes and stories about people and their place in the evolving history of the North Olympic Peninsula, from the times when only Indians whaled and hunted seal, to the present. in Clallam County, State of Washington RETAIL $15.95 PLUS TAX & POSTAGE ($2.75) HARRIET U. FISH P.O. BOX 900 CARLSBORG, WASHINGTON 98324 -37- �^^^a^Sir Speedy^ Print:ing Centers ^^^^M>/ WE MAKE YOU BRADFORD P. FISK Incorporated LOOK GOOD' W/ / Whether you need comDCteni advice and assistance or you know exactly what you need depend on us tor The Corners Grocery WHAT rOU MEED. WHEN YOU mffTm TaJi, lout C93t, ^ua/ity fountin^ & moxt... ORlNTlf^ ,S4W •NO COCOB. rr^^'lNG nrPCXlBAPMV CO(.lJ>TlNG CQlDiNG aiNOING Ol-E "UNChcng tEf^Owfaos ENVELOPS BUSINESS :aB0S invitations MAILERS 5H0ChuR€S OCPOBTS anC MORE Telephone: 413-238-5531 Century Village 138 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA 01089 Worthington. Mass. 01098 (413)736-5223 J 1 ^ ^1 liTlZZl-*- CCNTLWY Vlt.lJ«CC RTC S-i«>'«»A gap H^^B C^QUEST m O'STPiBuTOPOF ^PARmA ^FAMILY Wolcott Realty NORTH ROAD WESTFIELD GATEWAY —AUTO PARTS- Specializing in Country Property "More Tlnn Just An Auto Parts Stort^ To BUY or SELL call us. We have many exclusive listings ROUTE 20, HUNTINGTON. MA. 01050 CALL 562-4778 14191 iui7.9ini -38- Pall Tikii ' — 1 .Bnn.iMi9. 1 fK4 �Huntington Historical Society B.F. CASSIN has for sale INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. "BEERS 1873 MAP" of Huntington Formerly C. G. Pero Insurance — suitable for framing General Insurarice - Life - Health Insurance Size: ^^"x^4V2" SERVING THE VALLEY $3.00 plus $1.00 postage, Call and Compare or save on postage by picking up. Main Street, Huntington, Mass. 01050 CALL 1 -667-3438 or 1 -667-5579 Tel. 667-3081 Tel. 568-1243 in a// ar^as o/ PRINTING • HUNTINGTON TRUE VALUE HARDWARE TYPESETTING • GRAPHIC DESIGN jusf caW US (4 1 — we'll come to you new location 3) 238-4463 East Main Street, Huntington, MA 01050 667-5531 Quality "where you'll see the difference I Hardware, Electrical & Plumbing Supplies ' Sacrete Products, Glass, RIVER RD WORTHINGTON. MA 01098 Lawn & Garden Products MOLTENBREY'S Stonehengineeri ng MARKET Builds and repairs stonewalls, foundations and wells Creating in Stone, Brick, Ceramic Tile serxing the people of Huntington for over 35 years Ferro-cement BRUCE MASON Moss Hill Rd. Russell, MA. DARRYL FISK, Prop. (413) 848-2086 WESTFIELD PHARMACY, INC. Compliments Of Stanley F. Nowak, Reg. Pharm. MARY'S VARIETY "Posie" Flower Supplies Convalescent Supplies — Cards Candy — Gifts Route 20 Tel. 562-441 Chester, Massachusetts 65 Franklin Street (413) 354-7894 -39- . Westfield, IVIass. �WM A Country Bookstore 20.000 Good Used Books Raymah Westgate For Your Brovising Pleasure Russell H. Moore, Jr. WEST-MOORE Victorian Prints. Antiquarian Post Cards Wide Selection of Greeting Cards Party Goods -- Gifts Open 7 Days JO A.M. -5 P INSURANCE AGENCY Main Street M Chester, Massachusetts 0101 Paulson Books (413)354-9688 Allen Coit Road Insurance For Your Huntington, Ma 01050 HOME • BUSINESS • FARM • AUTO (From Rte 112 in Huntington, take Rte 66 1 V2 miles to top of hill, then left on Searle Rd. to 1st right Also Life, Accident and Health ) Always buying books and old postcards 'Your Local Hilltown Insurance Agency" CALL BARBARA 667-3208 We re h ///? you every step vf the way. Hillfowns Working Together... Journal Country A For iN mosi tn pn>u(uJ mnputuvc Wrtkly Publication "Drvo:fd to ihe f^erds of the Hi/liowns' MA 667-3211 Main Street Huntington, Century Village 138 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, 01089 413-736-2112 MA -40- �— Editorial Board — Natalie Birrell Louise James Lucy Conant Connie Dorrington Ida Joslyn Bernard Drew Louise Mason Helena Duris Grace Wheeler EUie Lazarus — Friends — Mrs. Edward Miller Edna Ripley Mrs. O. S. James Marjorie Irwin Mr. & Mrs. Theron B. Small F. Clark Robbins Mrs. Andrew Consolatti Vera Smith Mrs. Wilmer Cudworth Frank Andras Mrs. Carl H. Knittel Dorothy Russell Eleanor Tortolani Jack Maxon Donald & Sally Ives Mr. & Mrs. Philip Ives Mrs. Mabel Comellier Mrs. John Hoffmire Cover Art by Jan Boland STONE WALLS is published quarterly. Subscriptions are $7.00 a year, $2.00 for indiiidual copies. Please retail price add 80 cents with a special request for any back issue of individual copies to be mailed. The may be modified only with the permission of the Editorial We welcome unsolicited manuscripts and illustrations from and about the hilltowns Berkshires. The editors of STONE WAIJJS assume no responsibility for non-commissioned manuscripts, photographs, drawings, or other material. No such material will be returned unless submitted with self addressed enivlope and sufficient postage. We also welcome letters from our readers. No portions of this publication may be reproduced in Board. of the any form, with the exception of brief excerpts for reinew purposes, without the express consent of the editors of STONE WALLS. Due to the fact that we are a non profit making publication, we will continue to publish our magazine as long as it is financially possible. If at any time we are unable to continue, we will be under no obligation to refund any subscription. -STONE WALLS 1987 �Rare is the block-like stone; most stones defy simple physics. So putting them up in useful, permanent, and beautiful structures despite their shapes will take a lot out of you. And give a lot of satisfaction in return. Charles McRaven, Building With Stone, Lippincott & Crowell, New York, 1980 STONE WALLS Non-profit Org. Box 85 U.S. POSTAGE Huntington. Massachusetts 01050 Vol. 13. No. 3 PAID Huntington MA 01050 Permit #1 � https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/6760cef8294a9826af4cb477af9cf92f.pdf 78014ca3b0a0ae52319fda75bc409b25 PDF Text Text CONTENTS 5 The Worthington Rice Family A Woman Ahead of Her Time 9 Bygone Diseases 2 12 Elizabeth Payne submitted by Doris Hayden Pamela G. Donovan-Hall Six Common Pins Trip Up Arson Ring Operating in New England, Part II Louise Mason compiled by Grace M. Wheeler 16 Hilltown Happenings 18 20 Hannah Gibbs' Diary, Part IV Burma Shave 22 Chester's Biggest Landowner: John Chandler 27 The Cricket in the Comer 28 Ann Rausch, Artist 32 Captain Sylvester Squire 35 Genealogical Queries 36 Annual Report Lucy Conant Ruth E. Beckwith Elizabeth Payne edited and transcribed by Pamela G. Donovan-Hall compiled by Grace M. Wheeler -7- � Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Text Any textual data included in the document. Complete Fall 1987 issue of Stonewalls magazine Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2024-037 Title A name given to the resource Stonewalls magazine, Fall 1987 Description An account of the resource Full issue of Stonewalls magazine (Vol. 3, No. 3). 40 pp. with black and white photos and drawings, two articles on Worthington by Elizabeth Payne, one on the Rice family and the other on Anne Rausch. 44 pp. Subject The topic of the resource Other Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource scan from Internet archive website Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 1987 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Stonewalls Magazine Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2024-010 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Digital archive Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Electronic Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts - Other Relation A related resource Hard copies of some Stonewalls magazines available at the WHS Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db 2024-03-10 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/2c10a16e17ba5df5346455a76e8138b6.pdf 5f19d88b03c6a0518387faf0c93e0f16 PDF Text Text Westhampt«n M-smorial Libraff STONE WALLS Fan 1977 �You know, there published all are hundreds of magazines similar to being over the United States, as far away as Alaska and Hawaii, in cultures as foreign to us as the collection of STONE WALLS community that run through all Navaho efforts is Indians. And what is most striking about not their diversity, but rather the this common threads of them. Each magazine concerns itself with the lives of people which, without doubt, have been remarkable, but not, for the most part, exceptional. There's a difference. These lives are not exceptional because they share similar joys, they share similar frustrations, they share similar fears and failures. What they share with our lives is what we can continue to hold on to. We can think of one-room schoolhouses, we can reminisce about sleigh-rides, and remember making butter at home, but remember is all we can do. Perhaps, then, something more positive that nostalgia can come out of all these community efforts. Perhaps we can be reminded that every single community has its share of good sympathetic people who 'keep at it', but don't make a lot of noise. And if we just listen and recognize that people are not so different everywhere else, well, then, maybe we'll stop elbowing one another and quietly, unoffensively obliterate the barriers that prevent us from saying, "Welcome". STONE WALLS Box 85 Huntington, Massachusetts 01050 Vol. 3, No. 3 STONE WALLS published quarterly. Subscriptions are $6.00 a year. $1.60 for individual of individual copies may be modified only with the permission of the Editorial Board. We welcome unsolicited manuscripts and illustrations from and about the hilltowns of the Berkshires. The editors of STONE WALLS assume no responsibility for noncommissioned manuscripts, photographs, drawings, or other material. No such material will copies. The is retail price be returned unless submitted with self addressed envelope and sufficient postage. We also welcome letters from our readers. No portions of this publication may be reproduced in any form, with the exception of brief excerpts for review purposes, without the express consent of the editors o/ STONE WALLS. © STONE WALLS 1977 Cover photos by Connie Dorrington Printed by The Mint Printers, Laurie Drive, Southampton, Massachusetts �Contents 2 7 9 AT HOME IN THE WOODS GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH FERNS MIDDLEFIELD BOYS' CLUB 13 GRANVILLE'S LOYALIST MINISTER 16 ME AND 17 NOONEY OBITUARY THE PINE VARIED GREEN WEST WORTHINGTON INDIANS HAYDEN POND 20 21 22 24 27 30 SURPRISE 31 UNFORGETTABLE PERSON SETTLEMENT OF CHESTER ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS 32 40 Virginia Lazarus Ladd Otis Richard Waite Helena Duris and Barbara Brainerd JIM STORY OF A BRITISH DESERTER HENRY SNYDER 25 Ellie Bertha Bronson Frank S. Nooney WilUamRose Madeline Hunter Chauncey Stephenson Doris W. Hayden Virginia Lois Ladd Otis Ashe Brown David Lynes L. Wignot William S. Mills Grace 1- �At Home in the Woods (An interview with Carl Libardi) by Ellie Lazarus "I've worked in the woods life," states Carl Libardi as his well-worn in all of we bump my along Chevy panel truck. "I didn't have the background for anything else, I "My guess." Carl Libardi, has run the A. known by most as Carlo, & L. store in Chester Village for thirty years. But that store, a job for most of us, is full time only a part of Carl A major part of his life is the nurseries where he nurtures a range from native maple and birch, which he collects himself, to exotic Japanese yews. Libardi's everyday life. Chester nurseries plot was just sand and gravel twelve years ago, but I made soil out of it." And that says pretty much about Carl Libardi himself, a man who never went to high school, a man who stands watchfully still in the woods to wit- ness what others learn out of textbooks. "I never had a horticulture course," explains Carl. "I and I've was working when I was thirteen been working ever since. The years I wasn't guess." in school I learned more, I To Carl Libardi the woods are filled with animate objects. As we walk along, he picks up a birch seed. "See this. The creator has given it wings and in no time at progeny will be spread over a valley or downstream, if they're meant to float, like the Hemlock or Sycamore. The Sycamore's seed comes concentrated in a ball and that will float. Once it disintegrates, that seed will lodge itself on the banks of a river. Acorns have to come in intimate conall its An accidental acorn next to a birch has brought to An life an oak tree sapling. new oak acorn sends tree. its roots into the soil to begin a �The deer family known feed on them. There were so many acorns this year that the deer remained in the plains, "from which an extract has always tact with the soil in order to burst. been taken for a pain-killer. You'll find that same element in your aspirin, artificially produced and its name is salicilate. It is highlands, even after the green vegetation started in the valleys below the snow line, because there was plenty of mast up high. Each seed of a birch has a different vitality. I planted this whole row," he says, pointing, "at the same time. Some present in the leaves of the willow. People used to steep it and drink its juices. People have also steeped the bark of the willow and used it as a lotion for poison ivy. The camptonia, also known as the Sweet Fern is used for poison ivy, too. It will soothe it, but I'm not sure whether it will cure it." "Marsh marigolds," Carl goes on, "are a good green to eat if you catch them early enough. They're better than dande- now are IV2 inches in caliper, others, 3 inches. There is more uniformity in birches if plant just roots instead of conceiving as Salix," Carl Libardi ex- you them by seed." Not too far along, we passed a dead maple tree, a nursery for bushels of mushrooms, as Carl explains. "Those are edible Edible oyster-shell mushrooms on a dead maple "Jack-in-t he-Pulpit has juice in tree. bum ya To eat them, you skin them and soak them overnight in heavily salted water to get the beetles out. You can dry them or use them right away. After you more will cums or little threads carry the mushroom and can be that people stay that will irritate the skin. away from to me. It'll bum ya' like you touch the juice to your skin, you will get a rash; if you touch it to your tongue, it will burn your tongue for hours. The Indians would dry the root, pulverize it, and mix it with bear fat or skunk grease. Then they would use it for rheumahorseradish. grow micilli- the sperms of common knowledge. What that'll "Jack-in-the-Pulpit has a juice in the bulb transferred to other fertile areas, like dead trees." Slews of other plants serve useful pur- poses. That's bulb, have their uses, Carl explains pick them, you can rub their bottoms onto there — contagion with spores. The its like horseradish. Even plants oyster mushrooms. rotten parts of trees and ' tic If pains or arthritis, but primarily to create abnormal heat is not common knowledge is which serve what purpose. "The willow belongs to the in the lungs to bring an in- creased flow of blood to the chest to cure pneumonia." -3- �There are other plants which we humans know to be helpful, but not so for other animals. "The Witch Hazel tree", according The Chinese have long believed in its powers. One Chinese emperor sent two pounds of Ginseng as a precious gift to "has enough sugar in the sap to form a yellow blossom in February(!). The blossoms are small and inconspicuous. I have seen squirrels," Carl says smiling, "who had imbibed too freely and become drunk. They chase each other, try to climb a tree and can't. The catkins on a Quaking Aspen," he continues, "similar to those on a birch, have something in them that causes them to ferment when the partridge eats them. They ferment in his crop and they cause the partridge to do acrobatics, go through the windshield of a car, or fly through windows of houses." to Carl, Carl Libardi has collected wild plants all He would carry two or three thousand New York Lace Ferns off Gobble his life. one time on his back in order to earn forty cents for each thousand. He'd collect Vermont Fancy Ferns for New York florists and Dagger Ferns for Bostonians and Philadelphians. "During the war, I'd get telegrams from Boston or Philadelphia asking for $10,000 worth of 'Daggers'." Ferns he collected as routine. What Carl Mountain at Libardi collects as a real specialty is Gin- seng, that mysterious plant whose root considered by many to be an elixir. is Ginseng roots, collected and labeled by Carl Libardi. Peter the Great. Soviet scientists have now discovered that proofreaders, telephone operators, and coding clerks work nificantly faster ginseng. One all sig- and more accurately on of the world's leading ex- perts on plant drugs, E.J. Shellard, has accumulated evidence of ginseng's antiand anti-infection stress, anti-fatigue, "Gin- seng" means "man-shaped root", for the sometimes resembles a human body. The scientific name for ginseng means root 'panacea'. 'Shang' as Carl Libardi calls is worth $1500.00 a pound now. It is it, found on slopes facing southeast, smaller ones on slopes facing north, and average ones on slopes facing east. When you see a ginseng time," he explains, 'you marvel about everything in the woods that it resembles. It isn't hard to identify, though, once you know it. It actually has plant for the first ' lines all its own. There is no woody part to a ginseng plant, like the sarsaparilla or walnut which it resembles. The leaves ' actually look oriental. adder-tongues or Doghave spotted leaves and a little (May) "Trout-lilies, also called tooth violets, yellow lily. ' �have watched a doe when I was walking in the they leave a signal. properties, and he attributes those properties certain to glycosides which are not found Carl Libardi is in any other plants. in it's just powder. If he thinks it it will in If the direction of is from her to me, she can't smell me. But when the wind shifts, the doe starts, looks around, and bounds away. The buck who is trailing her, half an hour later comes by smelling the doe tracks. When he gets to that spot, he becomes very wary, squats down, looks around for an adversary, and slinks away. You don't kind of like giving someone a capsule with no medicine still. the wind rather an agnostic collector of ginseng. "I think maybe come up to me woods and I stood ginseng I it, work, well, will." mean to tell me they don't "Even animals give a signal!" of different species alto- gether communicate with each other," Carl Libardi continues. "I've seen a wood- chuck just sitting in the nursery here with its head down. Then I hear a red-wing blackbird change its tone to a more piercing note. The red-wing blackbird has seen me, and is warning the woodchuck. The woodchuck never even raises his head, he just takes off." To know animal patterns as Carl Libardi knows them, takes time, patience, and watchful senses. "The woodcock, when mating, makes a bleat and a burp and The work of the yellow-bellied sapsucker. What Carl Libardi knows, he has exper- A he knows how animals behave the way most people know weather patterns. "Deer have specific ways of communicating with one another," he says as he looks across the ienced. zoologist he is not, but meadow. "Under those apple trees I thereby attracts the female," Carl begins to relate after he has told me of the long periods he spends just standing still wait- saw a herd of five deer one day, and I walked right up to the wall. The big buck that was with two does and two fawns had his back turned towards me and his tail was raised. Finally, he looked directly at the fawns and they looked at him. And then he turned his head and looked down could see his in that corner. muscles tense — I was — You right on top of him, I was motionless then he gave a squeak and a snort. The two big does and the buck started running right across that field. The two little fellas went right down where the buck had indicated. "Of course the buck and the doe both have scent glands in their forelegs and 'Dutchman 's Britches, related to the Bleeding Heart, grow on slopes facing east because they " like the moisture and the shade. ' -5- �' "He'll keep up fifteen or twenty He won't Springfield as far as Chester and had walked to that house (now a cellar hole) and slept there overnight, intending to spend the summer during hay season at Sam Willard's farm in Middlefield. What a way to meet someone If Carl Libardi now spends most of his pull himself out of that free-fall until he's available time in contact with the plants ing. it times, just those two simple notes. Then he will take around in flight, gain a circle, altitude, the circle and fly becoming tighter as he elevates until he's just about ! ' out of sight. At that point, he'll begin to chirp and then begin his free-fall. the at horizon. He plummets down, only 20 or 30 feet from and animals around him, his boyhood days brought him in contact with all sorts of people. "I was fourteen when I would carry water up the railroad to the railroad workers, all jailbirds, you know. Remember the bandy-dancers?" he asks with a twinkle in his eye. "Well I carried water for those boys at forty cents an hour. I used to have to carry it all the way up, two pails full of water, that was work! What used to break my heart, though, was when these great big hulking guys would yell, 'Come on here with that water!' They'd take one big dipper full, then another big dipper full, and the third one couldn't finish, they'd throw away." Spending an afternoon in the woods and on back roads with Carl Libardi is sort of straight his point of origin." Carl Libardi's tales don't limit themselves to animals and plants. "I'll never forget the old as we Bob Smart place," he begins drive to his Middlefield nursery. "There's a cellar hole there now on the right as you go up to Middlefield from Chester. The house has been vacant for years. Newspapers dated from 1840 were on the walls. There was an old organ in there which I repaired. Mice had been in that organ for generations, so I cleaned it all out. There was a staircase behind the organ and a mirror in front of it. Anyway, one day, I started to make a little noise on that organ, and the next thing I knew, I wasn't alone any more. I looked into the mirror and there was a man with closecropped white hair and a stubbly white beard. He was like, well, travelling Nothing, not the faintest subtlest holding a pair of shoes in "May-bells, smell acquiring a hands and he was staring at me. I don't know which of us was more frightened. It turned out that he had hitched a ride from his They new are gregarious. ' ' a river with a comes alive. sound nor the lacks meaning. It's set of tools (after all like the senses are our tools). And it's a generous man who can give that to someone. or Spring beauty, live in colonies. down river-boat captain. Everything Photos by Ellie Lazarus -6- �Getting Acquainted With Ferns by Virginia Ladd Otis We New Ferns" to realize that Ms. Parsons wrote it first hand and from the heart. It is completely illustrated with drawings which need only a wash of green to bring them to life; and, best of all, the text is enhanced Englanders are blessed with who great natural riches. Lowell Thomas, traveled everywhere, upon being asked to name the most beautiful part of the world he had seen, called our hill had by accounts of the author's expeditions in the field and by ferny quotes from such and masters as Shakespeare, Scott, Thoreau, the latter being her favorite country, specifically the Berkshires, the loveliest. To truly appreciate the virile greens of New England, with their complement of blue lakes and streams, go spend a summer in the Arizona-Utah desert. Scenes of verdant valleys and groves will quotee. Judging by an outdoor photograph of the author on the flyleaf, she was a fine looking young woman, clad rather quaintly from our point of view ... in a sfraw hat, high-necked white blouse with mutton sleeves, and an ankle length skirt! With haunt your mind like a mirage. You are always thirsty, dusty, hot, and dry. Surrounded by rainbow colors of red, yellow, and purple in all shades, you find yourself desperately homesick for green! A good part of New England's lush charm is due to the ferns. What is . fresher than a bank of ferns gracefully over the trail, mountain ledges! Frances Parsons urged parents to introduce children to outdoor hobbies, and went on to enumerate the values of nature interests to children and adults alike. Besides the obvious bodily health from outdoor a symphony of greens in intricate design of fronds seen through fronds, seen through more fronds, stipples with shadow and sunlight. The hardwood grove is floored with the hayscented ones, all serrated and tapered to a fine point, green-gold in sunlight, rich green in exercise, there comes from shadow, delicate and feathery, if any field seldom needs sleeping pills; for one feels "the golden doze of mind which follows much exercise in the open air." The author states, one assumes with some authority, that "there is no such preventative for insomnia, no such cure for nervousness or dancing on their springy One of our favorite books is a hand-medown fern guide by Frances Theodora Parsons, 1899. One doesn't have to read "How to Know the health of mind that The outdoor enthusiast stems. far into this copy of is relaxation from daily cares plus the stimulant of an absorbing interest. yielding to every breath of wind and sway- ing fluidly as . some difficulty we picture her dressed in this manner clambering (as she says) about forested brooks, down dark ravines, and up beside a woodsy path? At either side they wave . the -7- in �outdoor stems being used by the Indians in their weaving crafts. The cinnamon, however, her vacations were charted in vicinities where she could carry on her personal discoveries of ferns to add to her has central spore bearing fronds of reddish brown, while the interrupted bears masses morbid introspection as an pursuit." Evidently all she had included about of darker spores midway along its green fronds. The bracken is another variety could hope to find in the eastern States. She reminded her readers which grows several feet high, a strong fern, but coarse and weedy in appearance. "life lists", until one United that on woods, all Also called the brake, an ordinary walk through fields or the would-be fern expert could become acquainted with ten to fifteen varieties. Fern study, as any other nature hobby, whether of birds, rocks, or whathave-you, carries the advantage of costing very little to pursue. As naturalist John "The most Burroughs reminds us, precious things in life are nearest at hand, without money and without price. Each of us has the whole wealth of the universe at our very door." On our winter rambles we often observe number of evergreen distribution and it has a worldwide often refereed to in is "The Lady of the Lake", Scott's hero exclaims: "The heath this night will be my bed The bracken literature. In . curtain for A gay little aspect in . fern of roadside and field is the sensitive fern, fruiting . my head." its light damp having a rippled green leaves. Its single fronds are noticeably dark and they mature in June, as do the cinnamon and interrupted spores and others. A lover of both sun and shade, the hay-scented fern, delicate as green lace, covers ledges in deeply shaded woods,.the fronds being leathery, rather small, with round whole growing along the edges of fields and under hardwoods in shifting sunlight and shadow. One perceives the sylvan beauty of these ferns all along the country roads of hillcountry, in Vermont russet fruit dots (or sori) on the underside especially. when Thoreau called this fern "the cheerful community of the Polypody" and labeled it "strangely interesting, even them with outlandish," saying, "It is a fabulous, mythological form such as prevailed when the earth and air and water were inhabited A favorite fern growing more rarely in dusky hardwoods is the beech fern, delicate and downy, growing low to the ground in a triangular shape ending in a fine point. Other familiar wood's species are the marginal shield and spinulose wood ferns, both evergreens; the small New York fern; and the silvery spleenwort, a vigorous fern of medium size bearing half-moon shaped fruit dots on the backs of the upper fronds. a fern acquaintances, including the handsome, hardy Christmas fern, and the polypody, or rock fern. The latter is usually found on large rocks or hillsides, in spore. by those laurel extinct fossilized creatures that About the end of April, the osmundas, or ostrich ferns, begin to unroll their fiddle heads, this large fern being the much touted edible variety. These magnificent sunny-banked swampy streams, places or along and have our thoughts we connect birch and maple groves, with and lady's slipper, and with the thrush's song. we find." giants grow in In Silvery at first, the fruit dots later turn dark brown. Quite rare spore-bearing fronds in midsummer. In the woods or at the wood's edge stand the its and cinnamon ferns. Both species grow circle-wise and were once known as "basket ferns", the strong the small grape fern, fronds coarsely serrated, holding spore stalk stately interrupted is above. The rattlesnake its fern manner, branching into three fronds from a single stem; but it grows 8- in similar �is larger and summer more to tell the species apart above the plant like a banner. Truly beautiful is the maidenhair fern with its green tresses arranged in a circulet atop the wiry stem. The maidenhair spleenwort must be the shyest of ferns; and but once did we find a specimen poised delicately in the crevice of a damp cliff wall above a moun- the fruit By pressing the individual ferns and mounting them in a scrapbook, one can make one's own fern guide. We the fronds. doubt if we could approach the expertise of Frances Theodora Parsons, but we can still prove her theories on the relationship of physical and mental health to out-door tain-side cavern. We and sometimes the only way is by inspecting dots, or sporangia, on the back of their variety, finely serrated. In late the light brown spore stalk rises find the ferns quite bewildering in pursuits! ••• Middlefield Boys* Club (A "history" based only upon memories dating back to the year 1908) by Richard Waite RAZZLE - DAZZLE - ZIP MIDDLEFIELD'S BOYS' CLUB approximately twenty young farm boys ranging in ages from twelve to eighteen who lived in this hill town more than sixty years ago. It was delivered not only in our home town on many occasions but in such metropolitan communities as Pittsfield, While and New York — RAH RAH RAH - - That such a club did come into being was due to the interest and efforts of a Miss Alice B. Church, descendant of some of the town's early settlers and operators of woolen mills in the town. It was she who not only "sparked" the idea but opened her home for our meetings and guided us in our selection of officers. How often we met we cannot recall; what we do remember is that stormy weather rarely kept us at home on meeting nights. She gave us an elementary education in the ramifications of parliamentary procedures and stimulated our interest in local, state, and City. cheer probably was not delivered with the finesse of a college cheering game - of travel. this section at a football - "Shank's Mare" was our principal means This was the "Cheer" of a group of Springfield, Boston, BOOM BAH - for enthus- iasm, vigor, and just plain noise generated by the group involved, it could not be surpassed. Its author is unknown. As far as we can recall - after a lapse of more than six decades the existence of a - we club like ours, in a small rural farming national affairs. Regularly, community of only a few hundred souls, was unique. With our homes spread out over an area of more than twenty square the reports of our secretaries and treas- miles, with many of us attending and conducted in good order whatever business seemed necessary. We especially recall one of our treasurers reporting meeting after meeting that the Club had a treasury balance of $2.99 not urers, "dis- trict" schools, our opportunities for getting meet other boys were more or less confined to those who lived in our immed- to iate districts. And needless to listened to - too bad, considering the value of the dollar at the time. say, -9- Club members were encour- �aged to participate in discussions of current issues, out of which came two retiring to the church's horse sheds (long memorable debates. One debate was to decide which of two of our most famous presidents Washington or Lincoln was the greater individual. We also debated whether it was Admiral Peary or Mr. Cook who really reached the North Pole. We do not remember who the winners were; really, all were winners since no small amount of time was spent poring over history and consulting daily news- the trading of rabbits by those papers to support positions or the other the of Sometime after the Club had been organized and seemed to be functioning in good shape, its activities began to draw the attention of boys who either were outside the age limitations or chose not to belong. Among this group our club was known "The Bright Boys' Brigade". centers as Pittsfield, Boston, and Nantasket Beach, and two trips to New York City. "debated". We were also encouraged to develop any latent theatrical skills by putting on "shows" at the local Town Hall, which were well patronized by local citizens. Especially during the summer months, summer with the influx of played to many full visitors, as Probably the high points of activity experienced by our club members were the trips that were taken to such metropolitan one being in favor of principles for who owned this species of livestock. — — down) following meetings since torn and for some of us, travel time by horse and buggy and public transportation would approximate two In that era, to Pittsfield hours, in contrast to today's easy half- hour automobile drive. we Our houses, often with the first trip, to Pittsfield, provided parents and friends accounted for these many "firsts" for most of us: visiting a museum, eating in a restaurant, and going turn-outs rather than the quality of our to a "SRO" sign out. Probably the loyalty of moving picture theater. Not very exciting by today's standards! As indicated earlier, this trip was only an introduction to much more extensive travel. How this and later trips were made performances. As far as we know, none of our members aspired to the professional stage. Some time after Miss Church had the Club organized and functioning, it seemed possible its ister of the local church. A. Estabrook. It Rev. may have been William that we were getting out of hand and needed to have the kind of discipline a man - especially a clergyman - might provide. Whatever the reason, Mr. Estabrook met regularly with the Club and took an active its activities until exist. Fortunately, contributed One much activity to the Club's activities. which neither Miss Church nor Mr. Estabrook supervised or participated in, and in which only a few of the club members were did not We now assume that these and probably others, including local citizens and parents, were our benefactors. To the best of our knowledge, their names have never been revealed. Our horizons were further widened by a trip to Boston and Nantasket Beach, probably by an "excursion" train that ran a Dr. Hurlburt. two men. Miss the Club ceased to he was highly respected as an individual as well as a clergyman and part in apparently concern us, and were never revealed to us as far as we can remember. But among those who had summer homes in our town at the time was a Mr. David C. Coe of Longmeadow who was one of Springfield's leading tailors, and who was one of our tour guides on later trips. Assisting him on these trips was a Springfield dentist, members, in a relatively orderly manner, she asked for help from the min- to financially involved was that of - 10- Church, �' between Springfield and Boston during the By train we went YMCA to Albany to spend the where we experienced summer months. night in a had influence with the Boston and Albany Railroad, for one of the express trains running from Chicago to Boston was "flagged" at the Middlefield station early in the morning to take us aboard. Probably this was the first and only time in the rail- tile-lined pool. This Getting to Springfield was arranged by someone who apparently road's history that an express train made swimming in an indoor, was in sharp contrast to our local swimming holes. Early the following morning we boarded a Hudson River Dayline boat the "Hendric Hudanother "first" - voyage to New City. While we probably reflected very little at the time upon the scenic aspects of the trip (we do have rather imposing hills in Middlefield) or the historic areas by which we cruised, the memory son" York a pick-up in our town. Upon our arrival at Boston's South we were immediately introduced Station, to the rush hardly had and noise of metropolitan we emerged from South life; of Station came roaring overhead at what seemed to be only slightly less than super- sonic speed. Awed by the sight and sound, one of our members collided with some force with a baby carriage, much to the disgust of the lady who had a definite concern for the occupant of the carriage. a first sight of memory that when 'natural' on the outside of a securely locked door with the key on the inside, thus creating some suits are quite a lot near-panic situations. Whoever locked doors back home? Sight-seeing in the New York area included an evening more revealing than those we saw on the at Nantasket.) It was a tired bunch of who our was the only coolant. Our headquarters in the city was the Mills Hotel, where spring locks on the bedroom doors frequently created situations where occupants found themselves beach kids It is ice water for most, if not all of us; a swim in the ocean; doing the many attractions made it all a day to remember. (Inciden- swim stays with us. establishments of that era salt today's it all for a down-river huge ice houses along the banks of the upper Hudson River and we now wonder about the amount of pollution consumed in the homes and public eating train tally, - there were onto Atlantic Avenue than an elevated A boat trip down the harbor; - at arrived in Springfield to spend Coney Island, a "rubber-neck" bus tour of the Bowery, Central Park, a visit to the night with our hosts in Springfield and Longmeadow. A sight-seeing trip in the home Springfield area and back in the afternoon. New York City the Club staged a "show" presumably to raise money. The finale was a song to the tune of "The Old Oaken Bucket". The first few lines are recalled as: "We're off on our trip to New York, Prior to another trip Coney Island, Your kindness in - to helping we ne'er shall Sightseeing bus forget We tires) have Coe for a pilot, the doctor to Boy s in New York City. (Note solid Photograph taken circa 1914 Middlefield Club. Dick Waite second fi'om left. help him And we '11 take in the sights of New York. ' Grant's - 11 - Tomb (then out in what was rela- �tively the open country) and an elevator ride observation Building", then, deck we believe, the second tallest building in the city. ride so terrified one of our was only with great On by "Singer the of some home." to and return This elevator members that — afforded those between the United States and Europe. We also saw the "steerage" accommodations under which so many immigrants to the United States traveled. During World War I, this was one of the ships by which U.S. service-men were transported between the United States and Europe, though not traveling traveled home to Middlefield business Fully half of the original first-class known of milking members are have died. The whereabouts of they are living, is not known. Those who are living and who have conothers, to if tributed to the preparation of this "his- tory" include Ralph Bell, Amasa Graves, and Richard Waite (all of Middlefield) and Russell Ferris of Westfield. On November first class. On one the feeding the pigs and chickens, weeding the crops, and harvesting the hay. But we had "seen the world" and liked what we saw. There was yet another trip to New York this time by night boat from Hartford, Connecticut, the details of which seem to have been lost in time. persuaded to ride down. We "tube" under the Hudson River to the New Jersey shore where we went aboard the North German Lloyd liner the "Kaiser Wilhelm 11". Here we came face- who to cows, it he was rode the difficulty that to-face with the luxuries train to Springfield, a night with hosts there, and back we were walking 19th, 1976, Ralph and Elia York, a couple of Bell celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversay here is Middlefield. When they men were overheard commenting on the nature of our group. To the question: "I wonder what that bunch is", the response was, "Probably some bunch from an were married, the suit Ralph wore was made by the David C. Coe tailors, fulfilling a promise made by Mr. Coe that he would give a suit of clothes to the first insane asylum or a bunch of orphans from member occasion, as along a sidewalk in New of the Middlefield Boys' Club to be marrried. There certainly were many other experiences in the relatively short history of the Middlefield Boys' Club which should be recorded but, unfortunately, they have been forgotten. Before it is too late, we want to record as best we can these experiences that meant so much to those of us who were members of our Club. We offer a belated "Thank You" to the memory of all parents and friends who supported our David C. Coe and his associates, to Rev. William Estabrook for his steadying influence. And especially we pay tribute to the memory of Miss Alice B. Church, who made it all possible. activities; to Some members of Boys Club at Coney Island. ' Dick Waite second from left, second row. - 12- �Members of the Middlefield Boys Club ' Ralph Bell Luke Benis Cecil Deceased Deceased Deceased Brown Alfred Churchill Alfred Cone ? Carleton Cone ? Russell Ferris Westfield Amasa Graves Joseph Kelley Elias Paul Nickerson Harold Pease Ralph Pease Roland Pease Merrick Stockwell Richard Sweeney Middlefield William Sweeney Richard Waite Henry Curley Middlefield Florence Lyman Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased (A Pittsfield Middlefield 9 summer resident) ••• Granville's Loyalist Minister: Rev. Jedidiah Smith by Helena Duris and Barbara Brainerd well It is known that the town of Gran- of raising a large family. The Massachusetts, distinguished itself during the Revolutionary War by sending a ville, first years of Jedidiah 's ministry in of patriots to fight for the were peaceful and profitable ones. He was an excellent preacher and cause of independence. Not so well known fostered for a while a revival of religion, same town harbored was a Loyalist - a sympathizer with King George III of England. In a series of adding to the church thirty new members in the year 1757 alone. Gradually, however, he fell under the influence of Rev. Solomon Stoddard of Northampton, Mass- strange and sometimes bizarre events, this achusetts, man was things, that "all adult large is number the fact that this within its rustic borders a Granville gentleman who dismissed from his position as Church pastor of the First Congregational Church, who who among other Members of the advocated, are not scandalous" be packed up most of his worldly goods, rounded up some fifteen members of his family and emigrated to the remote territory of Louisiana. Jedidiah Smith was born in Suffield, Connecticut, and graduated from Yale in 1750. On December 1, 1756, he was ordained as minister of the church in Granville. He was given a settlement of one hundred dollars and a salary of fifty dollars which was later raised to seventy dollars. He married, and purchased from John Spelman ninety acres of land on which he built a house and settled down to the chore "The Parsonage" Smith. -13- built in 1751 by Rev. Jedidiah �allowed to take communion. This aroused the anger of many who felt that "Stoddard- eanism", as al for it was was far too liber- the Congregational Church. They that only persons that called, is, avowed to intended to sail down the Connecticut River to the Atlantic Ocean and to follow the coast around to the mouth of the Miss- felt issippi River. who were "regenerate," be Only one of Rev. Smith's sons did not go along on the journey. This was Jedidiah the spirit of Christ, in should be allowed the privilege of communion. Council after council was called in to Smith, living in advise and heal the difficulties with who was already married and Blandford. Sumner Gilbert Wood, Jr., in his Ulster Scots and Blandford Scouts, "a most impor- the Granville church, but without effect. refers to Jedidiah, Jr., as On town voted "that Mr. Smith should be dismissed," and he was dismissed accordingly on that same tant day. that he "probably differed from the polit- April 16, 1776, the townsfolk concerning Rev. his but there are other the history of the to sully with the taint of Toryism, states sentiments of his father." the very beginning the voyage of From the Smith family was marked with trouble Loyalist leanings. Certainly such a patriotic approval, name ical Smith's community must have expressed some in town," and, evidently not wishing History does not record the attitude of the functionary and tragedy. At Middletown their deparwas delayed for some time since the vessel they were to board, co-owned by the notorious General Lyman, was suspected of harboring British officers who were escaped prisoners. After the arrest and then the release of Lyman, the family finally was able to sail from Middletown about the middle of May. They endured a "boisterous passage" to the mouth of the Mississippi and up the river as far as New Orleans. Here they met with more delay. At the time of their arrival the Spanish authorities had placed in effect a quarantine due to the presence of small pox, and it was not until the middle of August that the family was able to procure a small craft to take them up the river to Natchez. Their vessel had gone no more than two miles when a sudden squall arose, nearly capsizing them. They were successful in making an emergency landing at the estate of an English gentleman, with whom they dis- reasons ture which must have contributed to his desire to depart from the area. For one thing, he had seven sons who would have been liable for enlistment as soldiers in the Continental Army if the family were to remain in Granville. Also his good friend. General Phineas Lyman of Suffield, Connecticut (a well-known Tory, by the way) offered to Rev. Smith a large tract of land in Louisiana. The ties with General Lyman were further cemented by the fact that his son had promised marriage to one of Rev. Smith's daughters. The group of emigrants was increased by the addition of four more persons. Rev. Smith's brother, Elnathon, who was married to Hannah Bates of the illustrious Bates family of Granville, had been away in service with General Lyman for two years. He now wrote a letter requesting that his wife and three children be allowed accompany Jedidiah's family to Louisiana where Elnathon would meet them and all would start a new and prosperous life decided to leave a great part of their belongings (furniture, farming utensils, bed- together. Thus, counting Jedidiah's wife their small craft and At that period the country was settled only for a short distance above New Orleans and then at scattered intervals. to ten children, there were ding, wearing apparel, and library), since sixteen Smiths who set out from Granville for Middletown, Connecticut. From there they - 14- was over-laden. �Finding accommodations for the large family was often difficult. The weather was both heads of the family, suffered greatly from sickfrom privations of every kind extremely warm with showers two or three times a day, exposing the group to alter- ness and from the raids of savage Indians. Furthermore, the property which they had left with the English gentleman near New — nating hot sun and cold rain. After fifteen Orleans was confiscated by the Spanish days of this discomfort, they arrived at Fort Adams, about four miles below Natchez. It was here that they received the tragic news that Mr. Elnathon Smith had died. To add to the family's distress, very shortly thereafter Rev. Smith was seized by a violent Aggravated by the inclement fever. England was now at war with Spain. No aid was ever forthcoming from the formerly friendly General Lyman nor from his son, the Smith girl's intended husband. The saga of the Jedidiah Smith family ends here, but, although unrecorded, the luck of the unhappy group apparently took a turn for the better. The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, Delaware, contains a portrait of Calvin Smith who was the youngest son of Jedidiah and was born authorities since weather and the uncomfortably crowded conditions aboard the small boat, his condition worsened rapidly. Jedidiah became delirious and, in a fit of frenzy, leaped into the river. Although he was saved from a watery grave, the drenching heightened his fever, and seven days later, without ever having regained his "rational senses", he died. The date of his death was September 2, 1776. He was buried at Natchez on a high cliff, two hundred feet that the remains of this once-prominent have completely and socially. Over the years descendants of the Smith clan return to visit the "home town" of Granville. The most recent visitor was Mr. E.D. Ogden of Natchez. It is evident that in spite of hardships and tragedies, the progeny of Jedidiah Smith, Loyalist, of Granville, have become respected and since fallen into the Mississippi River so citizen is a success both economically above the river, in the then common burial ground. His grave, along with others, has Granville He portrayed as a prosperous, middle-aged gentleman, quite clearly in Granville. dis- appeared. prosperous citizens of the states of Louis- The band of travelers, now deprived iana and Mississippi. of The main source for this article is a hand-written record labeled, "An Interesting Account of Jedidiah Smith. " The author is unknown. The document was found in the office of the Town Clerk of Granville. Material was also taken from the following: Walker, Williston. A History of the Congregational Churches in the United States. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1903. Wilmington Society of Fine Arts. American Painting and Sculpture. Lebanon Valley Offset, Inc., 1975. Wood, Sumner Gilbert. Ulster Scots and Blandford ••• -15- Scouts. Anneville, Penn.: West Medway, Mass.: 1928. �Me and contributed by Bertha Bronson poem and story was taken from a 1966 copy of the magazine "Good Old Days", and was penned by an unknown author for an old time phonograph record, in the 1860's right after the Civil War. This We were both brought up in a country town Was me and Jim, And the whole world seemed to frown On me and him. was me and him. And we heard the screech of shot and shell. The snarl of the guns and the rebel yell. And we followed the flag through the battles of hell. Did me and Jim. At school we never was given a chance to learn Or be Jim 's friend. And we both wore patches on our pants. 'Twas the day Death came J1 Did me and Jim. we fought at Seven to Jim, Oaks, and excuse me please, but I sorta choke. Talking of him. But we both grew hearty, hale, and strong. Did me and Jim. We knew every note in a thrush 's song. Did me and Jim. For his rugged brown hand I held in mine, Till his soul passed out in the picket line, Where an angel waited to count and sign. The death ofJim. We knew where the bluebirds built their nests, Then Ifought on till the war was done, without poor Jim, Was given a sword intead of a gun. When Spring tipped over the mountain Why the robins all wore solid vests,;; Did me and Jim. ^ , crest. i^; And I thought of him. 3r\. Then we fell in love, As most folks do. I Did me and Jim. And Ifaced about for my whole life I was quite a me and him. ' up in the race you see, Was me and him. and she answered me no, Jim followed suit, and she wouldn 't have him, and told him so, I popped man in the country place She gave me a smile with a blessingface. And asked about him. And I told of how as a soldier brave. He fought and died, as she sat alongside. a quilten party or huskin bee. We were even route I left with Jim. And she treated us both alike did she, At 's But not with Jim. We was out with the same gal though. We two. That 's wore an eagle when mustered out. On my shoulder strap; And sol kissed her because she cried, it first, Kissed her for Jim: Then I married her one bright day For me and Jim. 2' Forbidden fruit we called her then. in June, And I'm afraid we cussed a little, and then: — And often We prayed she would live and die a plain old maid. under the stars and moon We talked of him. Did me and Jim. And after awhile when the baby came, And him wantin a name. Then the war broke out, and Company B caught me and Jim. We were both on a trip for the Union, ' We just called him, Jim. see. - 16- a boy, �Nooney Obituary contributed Frank S. Nooney The story of the life, activities, and accomplishments of James Nooney, one of Chester's most unusual sons, is now all but forgotten. Only a few distant nephews and nieces are familiar with it, he having left no posterity. Some of the older members of the family have, over the years, acquired bits and pieces of information about Uncle James, but the most complete available account of his life is contained in a eulogistic obituary which apparently was published in a now unknown area newspaper at the time of his death in 1865. Let that account tell the story: Obituary Upon The DEATH OF PROFESSOR JAMES NOONEY 1895 - CHESTER'S REMARKABLE SON Astronomer, Scientist, Linguist, who lately died at the Old Homestead on Chester Hill. James Nooney, probably the most noted man born and northwestern reared in Chester, recently Britian boundary between and the United States Great in 1850-60. died, well advanced in his 85th year, at the This was Nooney's great service, but he home was through of his boyhood where his whole and excellent man. for over ten years he had led a singularly recluse life. Notwithstanding that his active work had brought him into contact and sympathy with eminent men in various walks of life, Mr. Nooney absolutely sequestered himself from the world in his last years, and could not be persuaded to appear at the church centennial celebration at Chester Center last October. Chester is one of the most modest places in New England, and yet she has a pride in Professor James Nooney, when she remembers that the United States government chose him as astronomer and mathematician in running the boundary line between Mexico and this country in 1849, and again in locating the life a most useful James Nooney was born on Chester Hill, near where Charles Ingalls now lives, in a house since demolished which the old residents called "the house on the hill". had been a hotel. His birth occurred August 12, 1810, and he died very near the same place, on Good Friday, and was buried in the old graveyard on Easter Sunday. It is an interesting coincidence that an astronomer should die and his remains be laid to rest on anniversaries determined by astronomical calculations. Nooney's family was originally Irish, like It many of the settlers of Murrayfield, as the territory -17- which comprised nearly all of the �' present towns of Chester and Huntington owner of the ship Orpheus of 1000 tons He was a hard working farmer's boy, and had to labor and save in every way to enable himself to get an education, for he had no help from home. He was twenty-eight years old when he burden, carrying 150 passengers. was called. was graduated Yale College, and he had distinguished himself that he was so at 29, 1838, and did ing receive his to Nooney remained Professor travelling over our 1859, being appointed astronomer on the commission of the United States and Great Britain to settle the northern boundary line, on the 49th parallel between the Pacific and the Great Lakes. The Reverend E.C. Haynes of Chester writes: He joined the commission at the point where the 49th intersects the monuments were mark August of 1859 he passed a glacier of one or two miles in extent, and 100 or 200 feet thick; his direction and traversed every state except Rhode Island. ' fix the points along the set to line. In solid blue ice like the great does not appear, but he did. He had been over every territory, and a considerable part of this journey was made before 1848, when he was appointed astronomer and mathematician on the southern boundary survey. This work occupied him somewhat more than a year. While engaged in running this boundary between Mexico and the United States, Professor Nooney possessed himself of a piece of the coral of which was built the fort of San Juan de glaciers in the Alps, and about 6000 feet above the ocean level. In September 1860, he was on the summit that divides the waters flowing into the Atlantic from those flowing to He could in five minutes drink from the brooks running in the different directions. There the Missouri is a small brook, which he could step across. So also the Saskatchewan which empties into Hudsons Bay. The great Columbia rises near that place, and flows to the Pacific the Pacific. Oliva, at Vera Cruz, taken in our Mexican War. Afterward, Mr. Nooney went to California and in April, 1850, he was engaged in laying out a new city in associa- southwesterly. The great Colorado rises a little south of that point, and empties into Gulf of California.* The mountain peaks arose nearly a mile above him, and the tion with the surveyor-general of the state. He was parallel waters of the Pacific. His work was to establish astronomical stations, and under whole country. He has Rhody Bahama joint some years ''little sailed to the Professor Nooney was again called into the Why he should have left out He the service of the government in April, without waitdiploma. Professor so, Nooney spent took in Islands in March, 1858. navy for two years, cruising in the Gulf of Mexico in the Gulf Squadron, and stopping at various ports. He returned from this service in 1840, and was appointed tutor at Yale, and remained until 1843. From 1844 to 1847 he was professor of mathematics and natural philosophy in the Western Reserve College, then located at Hudson, Ohio. in traffic as a passenger. appointed before graduation to be professor of mathematics in the United States Navy and was ordered to join the sloop £'ne on June He Samoa, where he stopped twelve days, and he also touched on the Hawaiian and Fijian Islands. Returning in March, 1853, he visited many of the South Sea Islands; at Honolulu he sold his ship and returned to San Francisco lading for two miles above the level of the ocean, and were clad in snow all summer. It snowed on those peaks, while rain was falling for three days in the little valley where he then was. There was erected an observatory and county surveyor, and also ran private surveys at a high price, obtaining for one job $15,000. In June 1852, he went to Australia, sailing from San Francisco as commander and halflater elected - 18- �eral years in an astronomical instrument was set up, and by the most careful observations and New Haven, and lived in Springfield on Allen Street for a year. He then went to Florida, where he remained calculations the exact position of the 49th a few years, and suffered from a serious was there determined. A stone pyramid was erected to show the dividing line in all time to come. It was parallel of latitude which hurt his health. Then he went to Kansas as a place where he would find a remedial climate, but there fever and ague drove him away. After a brief stay in Michigan, he returned of yellow attack probably from this point that through an instrument along the swath cut to run the line that he could see the Pacific Ocean.* He finished his work of actual surveying on October 25, 1860. But he found it neces- fever, say to make copies of all field notes and computations. To this end he began and continued a dreary march of 35 days, often enveloped in snow, and nearly all the time drenched with rain, swimming great rivers now and again; he arrived in good health December 1860, 1, Washington Depot, Colville at There he spent a comfortable winter preparing his notes and calculations for transit to Washington, D.C. territory. Professor Nooney to the old March 4, consumed more than left Colville 1861, and the journey spring, found awaiting him orders bors, to go once to at He survey, which, of course, he did. returned to California, where he did public service. He was for Company in 1863, then much anniversary of the Center Church last But "like all true students", writes Reverend Mr. Haynes, "he was ever reaching upwards. He continued his studies up to the time of his last illness. He was a fine linguist and studied the Bible in various languages and was a member of the College Church in New Haven." October. and carried on the some fourteen years. Returning to the East, Professor Nooney made his home for sev- *Note: It Hayne's will be apparent to letter, particularly some and yet one without any pretense. became in a sense a habit with him and he was not present at the notable some time calling of surveyor in California for that there are inaccuracies in the Reverend with respect to the topography of the area where the 49th parallel of latitude crosses the Rocky Mountains. For instance, the Pacific Ocean is not visible from any point in the Montana Rockies because of distance and intervening mountain ranges. The "summit" of the Continental Divide mentioned probably refers to Triple Divide Mountain in what is now Glacier National Park. Waters from that area do flow northeast to Hudson Bay, southeast to the Gulf of Mexico, and west to the Pacific Ocean. They do not flow to the Colorado River and the Gulf of California. Tributaries of the Missouri, Columbia, and Saskatchewan Rivers do rise there but not the main rivers. These inaccuracies were undoubtedly due to a lack of on Seclusion his superintendent of the public institute, and he was engineer of the Humboldt Tunnelling Hill, when he died at a venerable age. He was a man little known by his neigh- a month; he rode 400 miles on horseback, arriving at San Francisco April 10. He Washington and make the report of homestead on Chester the Cook Brook Road, and there passed his last ten years from October, 1884, until this knowledge about what was then a - 19- vast, wild, and remote region. �The Pine by William Rose There 's something calm and majestic Something wild and still sublime and allfantastic Rare especially is the Pine. Lovely, sweet, Oaks are stalwart, maples useful, Willows weep their tears sublime All have beauty, grace, or strength, but None more glorious than the Pine. Most trees change from green As the summer turns to fall. to crimson While the Pine through every season Is most changeless of them all. Always green, the Pine in winter While her comrade trees do sleep Protects, By Elm it seems, her sleeping sisters the vigil watch she keeps. trees shade the dogs and horses. Just as hemlocks serve the steer. Does the Pine tree offer shelter? Yes! for partridge andfor deer. Ash is hewn for sleds and sleigh pins. Walnut beds will last for time; But the houses that we live in Are the best when built from pine. Only groans we hear from hickories. Alders ne er give aught but creaks; Oh, for more trees like the Pine tree With its constant whisperings sweet! Should the Maker of all nature And the Keeper of all time. me which tree is my favorite Bid I 'd say - ' 'Maker, 'tis the Pine ' '. with permission -20- �Varied Green by Madeline Hunter I wish for unfettered freedom For a varied-green meadow With a motionless willow That weeps in joy, not sorrow Whose gnarled roots have penetrated the And give account of the years. soil I seek the comfort of wisdom an ancient farmer, a discovering child greened meadow that rocks rocks a regeneration rhythm rocks the message of our time rocks in peace will be juxtaposed I seek I seek the That That That That With the cradle of civilization. Drawing by Michael Rubin. - 21 - �West Worthington Indians This tiny booklet, OF 2'/2 inches by 3V* inches is spotted and yellowed with age. It once belonged to Mrs. H.G. Porter and is now in the possession of her grandson, Mr. Edward Porter of Worth- THE. ington. M.^Ak _ Mile, "^v\>o oj rt« iOorTV) u«dri»l It was printed in 1881 by J.M. Stearns, Dalton, Massachusetts. Br«Hcl, 4rtl£. Chauncey Stephenson, the author, was old character year* /jo. who a quaint traveled about peddling salve from a basket that he carried on his arm. The entire contents of the booklet is quoted herewith: Chapter 1 Location, Rock Formation, &c. This very remarkable spot, the very plain above the and certain and the course of the stream, north and south, seems to be near the axle of the nearly perpendicular strata, as it was thrown up site of a The is lo- cated in the west part of the town of Worthington, Hampshire Co., Mass. about twenty miles west of Northampton, and fifteen miles east of Pittsfield, and directly on the original Boston & Albany Turnpike, so famous for staging before the days of the great geological upheaval of a very remote period of time. The springs and stream above mentioned have been famous for the yield of the "speckled beauties". A middle aged man; Mr. A. Granger, has told the writer that he had formerly taken therefrom trout that weighed two and two and a half pounds each, and in early times people have taken them still larger, through the ice on the pond, with their hands. This remarkable favorable location was doubtless found by the Indians at some very remote period; either by ascending the stream from Westfield and Huntington, or, which I think more probable, by the eastern route through Swift River, (where the relics mentioned in the following chapter have been found). East and West Cummington, and Jordanville, to the Only half a mile to the northeast of the once famous Snake Hill (so named from the tortuous windings of the road as it ascends the rocky bluff into Peru) there are several large and deep springs of clear, cold water, with the brook issuing from them which constitutes the source of said stream of little over a mile south, descends in a succession of most beautiful cascades, to the depth of more than one hundred of water is feet. The volume not very large except in time of long or hard rains, Spring and Fall is considerable, producing a vast of splashing and foaming it is among when it amount the rocks: famous trout springs already described and to the pitfalls near them; to be des- the most wild and romantic Sylvan scenery imaginable, and by hundreds from all is a in Railroads. Rivulet, which after flowing a is sort of coarse Schistose or slate, small Tribe of the aboriginal inhabitants of America, Falls. ledge, or rock formation here, yearly visited scribed in the next chapter. parts of the Union. This rivulet turns several busy mills, for various wood manufactories, in its course Chapter The -22- II Pitfalls, for catching animals, &c. face of the country around the seat of �these wild sons of the forest, arrow-heads, stone hatchets, etc. like all of New England lying between the back of the main rivers, is broken into high hills Their burial ground, it would seem, was some twenty or thirty rods north, on still and ridges of abrupt and rocky ledges. The ancient pitfalls of this family of Indians; which ground central uated I higher, sandy ground, where one or is in a kind of natural basin of one mile in partially shall take as a in this description, sit- about diameter, of dry gravelly more decayed skulls have been found. Their corn field, of which the Indians always had one, was on level ground, about eight rods north-east of the pits, of nearly an acre in extent. This was found well cleared up when first settled by the Whites. Their wigwams were doubtless built in small tribe, or soil, very clear of stone, and about twenty rods east of the stream. There are two of them number, arranged in northerly and southerly directions and about three rods apart, the north one being somewhat the in a shallow excavation similar "to the pits, at the east end of the corn field, for the con- largest, they are oval in shape; in the polar eter; old residents say they diamhave formerly venience of watching the same. The number of these Indians probably never exceeded one hundred, and perhaps known them when they were fifteen feet in not direction, from two to three rods in more than half that number. The scarcity of game, caused by the depth, although in the process of culture around them they have been filled up with stone and earth to within about six feet of the surrounding surface. further indication of its pits, I former so far as GRAVE of the Chief. These stones showed very plainly the agency of human hands, not only in the settling of them, two feet in the ground, (they rise about two feet and a half above the surface), but also the shape of the stones, being very heavy, with a broad base in the ground. The top or exposed part, seemed to be rounded somewhat like a post, which was evidently done by percussion with other stones, and not with Numerous relics of this in the vicinity: my knowledge extends. I think they might have taken a large flat stone of the best quality for the or planks. purpose to be found in the vicinity, and by fashioning in their way, made a very good hill digger or scraper, and then by attaching strong thongs of bark or rawhide, and with a team of a dozen stout Indians, and with one of the largest and strongest to hold it, excavated the dirt, a bushel at a iron or steel instruments. been found Whites, With one suggestion as to the probable method of digging these very large pits, I now close my sketch. As we all know, they had no metallic utensils or implements of any kind, and no means of making boards discovered the head and foot sources was doubtless the the This was the only settlement of Indians, except the Stockbridges, in Western Mass. occupants; on about the same level as the of what of doubtless led to their withdrawal, or union with some other tribe. searching the primitive Forest for In some encroachment gradual people have such as flint load, with considerable celerity. ••• -23- �Hayden Pond by Doris W. Hayden am I from Littleville Reservoir into the swamp above Hayden Pond. This would then flow into Cobble Mountain Reservoir. Because authorities in Springfield declared it to be a "dirty pond", it was drained and only the brook remains. When the dam was removed, a big chestnut log was found in which the "gate" had been placed. Howard Mason and so grateful to Stone Walls for making information about an up and down sawmill available to me. I had seen the original at Mr. Mason's some time ago and spotted the section which was reprinted in 'our magazine and wanted to get a copy of that part of it. My interest stems from the fact that John Brockett, my husband's ancestor, bought eighty acres of land in Blandford in 1793 out of Farm Lot #43, known as Birch Meadow Lot from the brook running through it. Instead of making the brook a boundary on the west, he owned across it which seemed at first unusual. However, on thinking things through, it was evident he intended to dam the brook with the cooperation of a neighbor, perhaps James Campbell, who owned land to the south in ' ' ' Farm The was pond wonderful place, though. In early spring the peepers nearly burst themselves with their shrill, constant calling. One night my son said, "Mommy, can't you stop that noise?" The best I could do was close the window. At one time suckers ran up the little feeder brook to spawn. We had a wise old mother cat who always went down and sat a by a narrow place ready to scoop out a fish when it went by. She was pretty adept, Lot #44. too. A Redwing pond, later known as Hayden Pond, was made and a canal constructed from the squeaking like rusty hinges, with black ducks and colorful mallards doing "tip-ups", were always lower end to a mill erected on the neighbor's property. For many years real estate blackbirds, there in the spring. Once I saw a pair of show that John Brockett owned small black and white bufflehead ducks. one-half interest in the mill. Later on, his Occasionally there would be a blue heron descendants were owners. The mill is long gone although standing tax records site. I years. law am On last know its was operating for many sure it reading diaries of winter, I came my sawed on sticking out above the calls entries times operated the mill believe it was still in night long. all use for I many more years, but have no sure proof. Hayden Pond is no more. The City of Springfield bought all the land along the west side of Cobble Mountain Road a few years ago. They installed station in Huntington a sounded hay land. like the working of an old When disturbed, slammed against the surface pumping and a huge pipeline to Blandford to carry water, wood pond weeds. Their time pump. Several times otter were seen playing in the water but they never stayed long. In later years, beaver came and built their complex houses. My husband was not too happy about that because they raised the water level and flooded some of our best He some- different days. at times, looking for all the world like dried out bits of father-in- referring to the mill in 1864, with the board feet catch an unwary frog. were there Bitterns, too, I across stiffly to sounding when needed. crosswise. -24- like a flat tail of the water, breaking a board in half �skates wobbling around, tumbling down, Dragonflies darted above the pond and small schools of fish. We did not and trying up again, also experts moving along so easily and gracefully. If the ice was right on moonlit nights, the air was filled with shouts and calls swim take the there because of the possibility of encount- — ugly things! — with a bonfire or two to out of fingers and toes. chill One might paraphrase "This There were also water snakes seen at times. Swallows would do a sort of ballet dance above the pond in summer, swooping down to catch the insects just above the water. Kingfishers, too, made sudden dives to capture a fish. From my living room window, I often looked across the pond to see a row of glistening shells of big turtles sunning themselves on an old log. In winter, the pond was a safe mecca for skaters. No public maintenance there! The skaters cleared off the snow themselves when necessary. I have seen perhaps fifty skaters, young and old, at one amateurs with their new Christmas time ering leeches themselves picking but water striders made dimples on the surface, A look down through the water revealed other life such as pollywogs in various stages of development, newts, and is the house that Jack built" and say:"This is the mill that John built. This the pond, that ran the mill is than John built. These are the fish, that lived in the pond, that ran the mill that John built. These are the kingfishers, that caught the fish, that lived in the pond, that ran the mill that Johnbuih." And on and on, ad infinitum. What about the ecology Who of the area? can say that draining the pond was I am not an expert on such good or bad? matters but — I do know I miss a lot of enjoy- ment. Story of a British Deserter Daniel Prince by Virginia Ladd Otis A flows under the road, a woods road leads favorite place for hikers to visit in Williamsburg, close to the Goshen Line, is Burgoyne's Cave. The wild place of cliff past the cave a distance of perhaps half a mile. and tumbled rock received its name because of a visit by the British general and some of his men on their way to Boston The cave is screened from the road by markers show its location. There is no cave here at all, and a better name would be Burgoyne's Cliff or Cleft There is a narrow canyon between the parent cliff and a great slab which fell off some little time ago and stands four to six feet away, completely open to the sky. If the men slept here, they slept up and hemlock after their decisive defeat at the battle of Saratoga in 1777. One can reach the cave from the end of Old Clary Road, where a grassy wagon trees, but ribbon ! road proceeds to the woods. Another approach is made by a straight climb from Route 9 beginning past the steep cliffs on down one is heading north from Williamsburg to Goshen. Just beyond a settlement of small houses, where a stream the site, hill, as the floor is not level! A little brook flows nearby, and the spot is very cool, having a northern exposure with the sun seldom penetrating the shade of hem- left, if -25- �Burgoyne's men camped there in October, and perhaps they saw the same kinds of birds we did on one occasion pine grosbeaks flying through green shadows, bright as butterflies, and a flock of golden-crowned kinglets, lisping their joy to be alive. From the Williamsburg History we gain The marker of granite faced with was erected by William Miller, a locks. — this amusing concerning incident who camped British soldiers here: schist great- great grandson of Daniel Prince, probably in the 1930's. The marker is inscribed with a drawing of the British flag and the words: the "On his way back to Boston, General Burgoyne and a few straggling soldiers took shelter in a cave on the Clary farm. In the morning this unwelcome company entered the kitchen of owned by Samuel Barber, and snatched the milk jars from the farmhouse, then the shelves. In their making eagerness, they necessary to go on to Haydenville for breakfast under the spilled all of it, it old oak at Fairfield's Tavern." Nearby there Evidently one British soldier liked what he saw at this place, for, as the history relates, he "dropped out from the irregular line of march at Springfield and returned to Williamsburg. There an old road leading to Goshen, he built a log cabin. Later this man, Daniel Prince, married a Miss Packard of the neighborhood and reared a family. Among them were twin sons, James and Daniel, born in 1785." The site is close to the cave, and to find it, we continue on the old road and look for a break in the stone wall to the north, where an old sapping road passes through. This leads through a brushy area to an opening, where a hollow in the ground is marked by a triangular stone three and a half feet high and two to three feet wide. inscribed, is PLACE . In the is a rounded ledge on which also by Miller, PRINCE TWINS. vicinity one may find . BIRTH . a site where granite posts were quarried and cut, samples Hill still lying on the forest floor. Walnut towering above us beckons the ambi- tious climber, for some cliffs it is covered with hand- trees, relics of chestnut trees, and which have sheltered many genera- tions of porcupines. off the trees, When the leaves are one can look across to the high rise dorms at the University. Burgoyne's Cave is a fascinating spot which sets one's mind thinking over the when this become a citizen events of Revolutionary times, British soldier decided to of a i5' -26- new country. �. ' Henry Snyder by Lois Ashe Brown landmarks of their youth. His father, whose name he bears, was crushed to death by a falling tree when to visit familiar The following includes excerpts from an hour long visit and taping with Henry H. Snyder at his home, "Brickhaven" at Henry was only nine. After that, as man of the house, he grew up fast, working at a Worthington Four Corners. His wife of sixty years, the former Eva Decelles of Adams, died in early March and he lives in semi-retirement in the home they had variety of jobs. built up handkerchief. in Christian Hollow. Henry H. Snyder June 1977. at ' 'Brickhaven ' . . . old Coon line, District brother and four sisters. Henry attended School He classmates and tells his speaks fondly of the annual reunions with his trict with Coon of one time 50<( .not and the orchard. It was a 1915 stripped-down Ford truck chassis that changed the course of Henry's life. "A couple of fellows from Adams had used it to pull a plow on Cummington Hill where they were raising potatoes to get a farm deferment during World War I. When they finished and left town, they gave the truck to me for kindnesses my mother had done for them," recounts Henry. "By then, I was courting Eva and Born in 1895 on the Snyder farm over on Trouble Street close by the Worthington- Cummington town . Eleanor Ferguson's place tending the farm tion. the my At home by the time he was thirteen, he was cutting enough hay to feed eight cows and a horse all winter, besides cutting wood to keep the family warm. At the same time, he was working out for the neighbors. With his late brother-in-law, Lou Sweet, he worked for three years on Miss "In all the world, is there a place where you would rather live than in Worthington?" was my first question. "Right here in Worthington best place on earth acres of diamonds in my own back yard," replied Henry firmly and without hesita. job paid did together. Worthington, Photograph by Lois Brown . first a week and a red much," he said, "But it was one less mouth to feed at home." He speaks lovingly of his mother and her hard work and kindness to everyone. By the time he was eleven, he was working for his board and room and five dollars a month for Dr. Streeter in Cummington doing chores and driving a team of horses to Williamsburg hauling apples. Henry says he worked so hard that Mrs. Streeter was worried and urged her husband to put on a helper. Arthur Barlow was hired to help but Henry says they fooled around as boys will, and he chuckles as he confesses that he did more work alone than they ever board and room, built in 1951 after they sold the business and home they had "My Dis- when he and Eva entertained them at dinner and then took them on a bus ride around town -27- �" - needed a horse, so I sold it to a fellow over in West Worthington named Jones. He paid me $25 and I bought a horse with it. very small Well, in the spring Jones couldn't start the truck and he told it around town that I all at had stuck him. The word got to me and went over and told him that if he thought So had cheated him I'd buy it back. did. I took a kettle of hot water to up on the crank and it it, lost a cent. Once I sold 48 school busses to Carl Wallin of Hinsdale once. That was some order! For a number of years Henry hauled cars from Buffalo to dealers all over this half of Massachusetts. He got his first account by going to Mr. Shapiro in North Adams and I I I from him. By contracting directly with the car dealer he cut out the middleman and had all the business he could handle. Then the War came along and there were no more cars to haul. "There I was stuck with seven car carriers. But you know my friend, Eddie offering to pulled started, jes' like that." minus any modem accessories, Henry tells how he worked nights and weekends hauling grain, coal, cattle, and collecting scrap iron that he sold in Albany. Meanwhile, he was working as an apprentice carpenter for Charlie Kilbourn. Soon that was taking too much time from the sideline he was enjoying and he began to be absent from his carpentering job. "Finally, Mr. Kilbourn said to me, 'I like your work and I want you to stay, but either you work full time for me or not at all.' I went home that night and talked it over with Eva and she urged me to do what I thought best. So I gave a week's notice and went to trucking in earnest." "Shortly after, I was offered the job of With that down payment but I have never been cheated or truck, Carroll buy a car who owns carrier Riverside Park? Well, with gasoline rationing and people unable to get to his amusement park in Agawam, he had to figure some way to save his business. So he bought all my car carriers and by putting sides on them and putting in seats for seventy people, he converted them into half-assed sight-seeing busses. He charged for the ride, admission to the park, for a hot dog or two, and for rides and made a good thing on those busses. After the war, he sold them for junk." over in Cummington. He gave me the money I needed with no note or anything. He said, *If your word's no good, then "Did you ever play golf, Henry?" was one of my questions that set him off on another good story. "Yes, just once. It was a time out at the Hinsdale Club when I was trying to sell something or other and was having a party. I stepped up the tee and hit a ball .it may be going yet, never saw it again! I had a fine set of clubs Marie Stone had given me but I never got around to using them and she finally said she knew someone who would use them if I wasn't going to, so I gave them back to you're no good.'" her. 'Course driving the mail stage, travelling to Pitts morning and to Northampton each afternoon. I carried the mail to Hinsdale and Williamsburg, delivered the mail along Star Routes and did personal errands in Pittsfield and Northampton." "Only once did I ever borrow money, and that was the time I went to Frank Sears field every . GMC . I kidded her about being an "I started selling trucks fifty -two long time I was my own years ago and for a Indian giver." best customer. Even now, being laid through town. Henry recalled when the first one was put in back in 1910 and he tells of teamsters with pairs of horses and scoops digging the ditch for the pipe; and he remembers again in the We average about three trucks a week and my customers come to me. I give 'em a good deal, save them a few pay my dollars, taxes. Often I and make enough I sell to a truck with a -28- talked about the new water line �years of World "This placed. War is II when it was the third time," a thousand loads as you've done and never re- loses says Henry, "and now we'll be lucky if we can get some money from Mr. Carter for a sewer line." "Do you Over the years, Henry H. Snyder, Inc. had a part in hauling every kind of commodity in these parts. "For more than twentyfive years, I sent three milk trucks to to New York City. drivers took a load of beans to city, pocketed the money, and abandoned the truck in the woods near Westfield. .never saw him again but I was lucky to get the truck back. Then another of my drivers, Rob Bartlett, salt of the the hauled for my next ques- Without hesitation, Henry said there are so it was many strangers. Every . my same things again. I've really earned enough to pay my bills and made a good living. We have my wife worked a wonderful daughter as hard as I did, - harder even, and I could never have made it without her. Eva and I went to Florida three times, but we were always glad to get home. Yes, it's been a good life here in Worthington." enjoyed life; I've . me from to stores all over western Massachusetts and one day when he lost a case of corn, he insisted on paying for it. Nothing doing, I said. If a man hauls over groceries Worthington better now tion. exactly the . earth, like years ago?" was fifty . contracted to haul beans from the York Cummington call that house in this neighborhood has changed hands in recent years and folks come and go. So many good people lived in this town .don't ask me to name them for I would surely leave out some that have done a lot of good here." "What would I do different if I had my life to live over? Well, I think I would do never had to show my license," he proudly reports. It was during World War II that Henry my I than Now I've in com, "Back when I was a selectman and assessor, I knew everyone and called them by their first name. I got around to all the homes in the spring and was welcome. milk from the hilltown farms. I must have driven over two million miles myself and of that a case of better then. Springfield without ever missing a day, besides having other trucks picking up Farm "One more pretty good." Springfield ••• -29- . . �' Surprise by David Lynes It all started July 21, 1977, my mother to wake me when I asked up at nine o'clock but she said, "Oh, no you don't. You're getting up took off, much to our surprise, but we We left in a hurry because horses are very scared of bears. We went didn't stay. back later on foot to see if we could find ' weed the corn patch. "Humph!" I said. Then I went to bed. Sure as you're a foot tall she woke me up nice and early to weed the com. Then we early to went up to the Medical Center to see if there was a doctor to look at my ear. There wasn't, so we went to my grandfather's to ride the horses. After we had saddled and bridled them we went for a ride. First we went through a field of baby Christmas trees, then through one with larger trees where there was a robin's nest in a tree in the corner of the patch which my mother and I had been watching to see if the eggs were hatched. We looked and sure enough they had. By that time the deer flies had found us and the horses, so we trotted down a cleared stretch to try to away from the bugs. Then we decided to go down to the blueberry patch. When we were almost there we saw one Mama bear and three babies!! The babies went up a tree and the mother get any tracks. big as We did and the track was as my hand. I'm sure glad allow hunting! my grandfather doesn't �Unforgettable Person by Grace She is a very old person L. now and her its that, were I my would be improper to rush through such a meal in such surroundings. We ate, chatted, and watched the chipmunks and It mind would be heart and to try to forget her, it and ferns. her often. Memories of her are so deeply engraved in proper place. There were candles on the table a centerpiece of wild flowers no longer living. Her younger friends are busy or too far away to closest friends are visit Wignot impossible. listened to the birds in the fringe of the Sometimes in the whirl of a busy life in a busy town, I feel that I must shut out all the confusion and be alone with my thoughts. I must make sure that I am not allowing some the most worthwhile things nearby woods. be a chore. suggest that the one would happily return to the steps leading to the spacious porch From room with a fire- would go through bedrooms and into the kitchen where our lunch was nearly ready to be served. Every dish was prepared with care and little added there touches to make I it attractive. I I I am sure then discovered the joy of I was received one. How work about one's daily tasks and recall memories of such joy and inspiration given to me by a special friend in the little town of Ashfield. was given the task of setting the table. With a bit of supervision for I the reading Sunday was a very special day to Aunt Mary. As much of the preparation of meals and of the household tasks that could be done was accomplished on Saturday. Sunday was set aside as a special day for rest and enjoyment. We would have a delicious breakfast in the morning before going to church. The afternoon was always devoted to correspondence. That letter contact with warmth and love expressed in her letters gave joy, I am sure, to each person who animals and birds made it a place to enjoy. I loved to explore paths, seldom trod, that were hardly visible. After a quick into the big living read aloud to her. reading but I was made to feel that giving her a great deal of pleasure. little place. I who gained most from was me, pine trees, maiden-hair fern, little flowers appearing among the fallen pine needles, and my memories were our evenings together. We would draw the shades, light the lamp, and settle down to a cozy evening by the fireplace. Aunt Mary would arrange a chair with a table near by for me. On it would be a copy of the Readers' Digest. Then she would get her sewing basket and settle down in her favorite chair. When she started sewing, she would were not living, and perhaps I appreciated more than the average child, the attention of adults. Surely no invitation could ever have seemed more important than an invitation to spend a week-end with Aunt Mary. When I arrived, preparations were being made for our luncheon together on the porch of the cozy little cottage in a woodsy spot adjacent to Sanderson Academy. It was a secluded spot of natural beauty. The I me What impressed me most and remains vivid in girl woods sharing of work as well as a very pleasant experience. enjoying experiences which are a delight to recall. My parents trip into the A pleasure with such a person seemed to pass me by. It is then especially that thoughts of Aunt Mary come to me. They are vivid pictures of the time when I and the in lamp-lighted kitchen later didn't seem to in life to was a very young "Doing dishes" placed each piece of silver in -31 - pleasant it is to �Settlement of Chester by William S. Mills Excerpted from Chester Folks: the Founders of the Town, their Ancestors and Descendants. Mr. Mills loved the country, particularly the farm he had acnamed Overdale. He would tramp for hours over his acres, and in doing so became interested in the people whose land bordered his and in their ancestors, a fact which can well be understood since he had written at least one book on "Genealogy" which the Chester library carries. He would spend days searching records and his face would glow as he told of discovering dates and names which had eluded others. One would see Mr. Mills in Chester at holiday times and in the summer months, for h§ was a schoolman from Brooklyn, New York. He and Mrs. Mills often visited one of the Stevens homes (William or Willis F.) when he would sit by the hour on the piazza overquired and Coming here looking pure nature. first in 1902, he spent much of his available time around Chester for twelve to fifteen years. It was during this time that he compiled the book on Chester Clara Stevens Rose Folks found in our library. The first settlements in the town were between the East and Middle Branches of the Westfield River. the West and Among those between the Middle Branches of the Westfield River was Lot No. 44, the par- which this history relates.* After the land had been surveyed, the Proprietors proceeded to make terms of settlement, and to assign settlers by the plan of drawing lots. They drew their own lots and at the drawing on October 1 1763, John Murray drew Lot 44, among others, ticular tract to in all nineteen lots in the town. in that act ing confiscate , owning named were John Chandler, Abijah Willard, and John Murray. The town of Murrayfield held a meeting in November of 1778 and voted to petition the General Court "to have the Tory lands in this town sold at private sale". This was done, and as a result of a law passed by the Great and General Court of April 1779, and Massachusetts 30, amended in that year and in 1781, declarsons all property of Tories, three men, namely, John Kirkland, David Smead, and Benjamin Bonney, were The appointed a committee to at auction Edward Taylor of Westfield, reported that Lot 44 was 160 rods long the John Murray confiscated Lot No. 44. and 100 rods wide, and contained 102 acres and 80 rods. chusetts Surveyor, The (east to west) war with the mother country increased, and during the progress of that war, it became known that three of the five proprietors of Murrayfield were Tories. On 16, was held at Norwich, MassaMarch 7, 1781, and it was sold to sale the highest bidder, the Rev. Aaron Bas- After the settlement, the prospect of October sell minister of Murray- com, the first settled field, for 25 pounds. The State gave him the deed August 31, 1781. Jessie Wright and Hugh Quigley each bought half of this lot from Rev. Bascom 1784 and in 1786 respectively. 1778, the General Court of Massachusetts passed an act forbidding "who had gone over to the enemy", and among the per- There in on record the laying out of a road leading from the north line of Lot 44, the return of those persons -32- is �six rods east of Hugh walls Quigley's house, still standing in part, were built or north about 50 rods to the road that passed house of Quigley's brother-in-law, begun the next was "two rods west Hamilton's barn". This was in 1788 of the walls being as old as our United John Hamilton. It of it I think States of America. This date of the beginning of the road makes year, 1789, the first year of the Presidency of our Republic. the *It was on this lot No. 44, that Mr. Mills "Overdale Farm" was situated. highly probable that the stone *1t • -33- # �-34- �HUNTINGTON MALONE'S PACKAGE STORE Wines Beer • PUMPING SERVICE Snacks • TANK SEPTIC Serving All Western Mass. LIQUORS & Residential Industrial Woronoco Blandford Rd. Tel. 1-667-3343 9 A.M. - 10:30 P.M. Pond Brook Rd. CUMMINGTON ALADDin-S SUPPLY Main Street • Huntington, Mass. Huntington Road Cummington Chester, Massachusetts 634-8868 BREAKFASTS LUNCHES and DESSERTS DUIIUIIiy IVIatcrialS LUIIIUci OPEN DAILY Route 112 TRIPLE "S" Cummington, Mass. 01026 FARM FEED STORE (413)634-8827 We Sell Farm Bureau Feeds Dog Food Seeds HAPPY VALLEY FARM Rte. 9 Cummington Hay — Cat Food • • Bird Seed Bedding Fertilizer 634-5389 Open Mon.-Sat. Gift Sliop — and Country Store 7 a.m. -7 p.m. FREE DELIVERIES 862-4500 Two small intimate shops with unusual gifts, gourmet cookware, kitchen Rte. 20 specialties. Russell Behind Gallant Russell Teas, Jams, Jellies -35- �THE CUT YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE HILL & L. MARKET Carl Libardi, Prop. Spruces, Firs, Pines No tagging MOSS A. GROCERIES MEATS VEGETABLES TREE FARM Chester, Massachusetts Russell, 862-3815 TOPPY'S INC. Auto Body Work RUSSELL INN Used Cars • 413-354-6551 Friendliest Bar In the Valley Toppy Welin, President Denny Welin, Manager Route 20 • Russell, Mass. Rte. 20, Chester, Mass. 01011 dISdEE dROTHERo BRADFORD P. FISK Building Materials Incorporated naru ware The Corners Grocery Lumber Paint Telephone: 413-238-5531 CHESTERFIELD, MASS. Worthington, Mass. 01098 Tel. 296-4755 Serving the Hilltowns since 1919 -36- �EDGEHILL FARM "Fresh Milk From Our Own Herd-Processed and Packaged on Our Open Own Farm" Visit Daily 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. Additions - Renovations Repairs - Drainage Backhoe Work Earthmoving Our Farm Store Nash Road Tree Work and Fence Building Cummington, Mass. Dave Lynes Cummington 634-5534 also available at Local Stores WIN DONOVAN MOLTENBREY'S Builder MARKET General Contractor Custom Built or Heritage serving the people of Huntington for 25 years Homes Restoration and Remodeling FRITZ MOLTENBREY, Prop. Worthington, Mass. 238-5341 WESTFIELD PHARMACY , INC. RIVER BREEZE SHOP Stanley F. Nowak, Reg. Pharm. Convalescent Supplies Candy - - Rte. 112 Cards • Huntington, Mass. Gifts Handcrafted Gifts Antiques Books & Herb Teas Tel. 562-4411 65 Franklin Street • Westfield, Mass. We Maintain a Complete Record of All Grace Wheeler, Prop. Your Family's Prescription Purchases -37- • Phone 1 -667-3438 �THE MINT Comp/iments of 562-0110 527-5943 PENNYSAVER PRINTERS Laurie Drive Southampton, Massachusetts 01073 • "Welcomed RflflX AND mi 32,000 Over ^—K^ THE 568-0477 TO US Quality Elise You Can Rely Into Homes" On 568-1483 Westfield, Mass. St. Printers AVERY TREE SURGEONS of STONE WALLS Since 1955 Removal • Trimming Also Junk Cars Job printiDg for every business need. • Planting Removed Free Estinnates 667-5598 Huntington Booklets The • Programs • Flyers latest in typesetting facilities to gl\e • Brochures • Tickets >our orders the profes<.ional Business Phone: 568-0331 loolt. Bcndi)^ Abrasives Division Chester and Westfield Tiie Facilities Bendix Corporation A major manufacturer serving the Automotive, Aerospace-Electronics, Industrial-Energy and Shelter Markets. -38- �Connpliments of CROSS PHARMACY James O'Grady, B.S., R.Ph. 1 West Main Street Joan and Floyd Huntington, Mass. 01050 Joan's Variety and Package Store Phone: 667-3055 Main Convalescent Aids Sales & Street, Chester Open 7 days Rentals Hudson Vitamins & Drug Prod. CLIFFORD GOSHEN GENERAL STORE PERO G. INSURANCE and AND Spirit HUNTINGTON HARDWARE STORE Rt. 9 Always The Best Price Quality Main And Goshen, Mass. 01032 Open 7 days Service 268-7268 Ashley Stoves Huntington Street Shop ROBERT F. LUCAS OLD & RARE BOOKS Main Street, P.O. Box 63 Blandford, Mass. 01008 Rte. 23 on fhe common Many subject areas in stock Specializing in early Americana Blandford, Mass. OPEN APPRAISALS ANTIQUES BOUGHT & SOLD ESTATE & TAG SALE SERVICES Thursday & Friday 1-9 Saturday 10-5 or by Appointment Tel. 848-2843 Buying & Selling 848-2061 -39- �About Our Contributors BARBARA BRAINERD BERTHA BRONSON, LOIS BROWN, native lives in Blandford and teaches at Westfield High School. a resident of Westfield, is ninety-eight years old. New Englander and long time resident of Worthington, is, among other things, a free-lance journalist. HELENA DURIS lives in Granville DORIS HAYDEN who MADELINE HUNTER ELLIE LAZARUS now and is curator of the Mabel Root Henry Museum. lives in Blandford, is a frequent contributor to is a teacher in the lives in STONE WALLS. Gateway Middle School. Hadley and has a position with the West Springfield School Department. DAVID LYNES, FRANK S. the younger, lives in NOONEY's VIRGINIA LADD OTIS WILLIAM ROSE ancestors lived in Chester. He writes for us and for the Daily once lived MICHAEL RUBIN Cummington. He in is in 7th grade. lives in Spokane, Washington. Hampshire Gazette. Chester. attended Gateway High School, now lives in Westfield. RICHARD WAITE grew up in Middlefield and still lives there. GRACE WIGNOT spent her childhood in Ashfield; -40- now lives year round on Cape Cod. �FRIENDS PATRON Marsh Mandana Marsh Mrs. Annemarie G. Schutz Frederick D. EDITORIAL BOARD Barbara Brainerd Lucy Conant Timothy Damon Connie Dorrington Bernard Drew Ida Joslyn As you may know, STONE WALLS are subscriptions, and welcome supportive is Lazarus Brook Lynes Louise Mason Brenda Paone Diana Schelle Waino Touminen, Jr. entirely self-supporting. Its only sources of income in lesser part, gifts from Ellie retail sales our readers: Friends and @ advertising. $10.00: Patrons We appreciatively @ $25.00. Please add 40 cents with a special request for any back issue to be mailed. �Westhompfon Memorial Library a properly built stone wall each rock sits squarely on the ones below it, and so long as gravity keeps pulling on every stone in it, that wall is going to stay put. ^7/1 — JOHN VIVIAN Building Stone Walls Garden Way Publishing Company Charlotte, Vermont with permission � Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Text Any textual data included in the document. Full issue of Stonewalls magazine Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2021-314 Title A name given to the resource Stonewalls magazine, Fall 1977 Subject The topic of the resource Other Description An account of the resource Full issue of Stonewalls magazine (Vol. 3, No. 3). 40 pp. with black and white photos and drawings. Ida Joslyn was on the Board. Includes article by Lois Ashe Brown on Henry Snyder. Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Digital copy Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Internet archive www.archive.org Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1977-09/1977-12 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Downloaded by Diane Brenner from Internet Archive Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2021-10-25 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Digital archive Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Electronic Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts - Other Relation A related resource Paper copies of some Stonewalls magazines available at the WHS building Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db created item - 2021-10-25 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/27e2279a63dd08a1821b093a245872c1.pdf 2800b56dad60c552a878fc5fec6b1845 PDF Text Text STONE WALLS �EDITORIAL The damage caused by the October earthquake in California makes us stop and look at our familiar hills and wonder. Storms are predictable, but not earthquakes! The realization that rock and earth can move suddenly on such a vast scale is difficult to comprehend. The few earthquakes that we have known in our area have been mild wobbles. Yet there are ancient fault lines in the region where the earth has moved in the past. Our rocky hillsides seem eternal to us but not to a geologist. Nature has its own timetable. It was only fifteen thousand years ago or so when this area was covered by a glacier which reshaped our hills and valleys, dropping off boulders and other debris along its path. Meanwhile our brooks and rivers are in the process of making their own changes in the landscape. It all makes human activities seem puny in comparison. Let us take another look at our beloved hills and valleys, beautiful in the snow and ice of a New England winter. Lucy Conant STONE WALLS Box 85 Huntington, Massachusetts 01050 Vol. 16 No. 4 STONE WALLS is published quarterly. Subscriptions are $9.00 a year, $2.50 for individual copies. Please add 80 cents with a special request for any back issue to be mailed. The retail price of individual copies may be modified only with the permission of the editorial Board. We welcome unsolicited manuscripts and illustrations from and about the hilltowns of the Berkshires. Theeditors of STONE WALLS assume no responsibility for non-commissioned manuscripts, photo- No such material will be returned unless submitted with self addressed envelope We also welcome letters from our readers. No portions of this publication may be reproduced in any the exception of brief excerpts for review purposes, without the express consent of the editors of STONE graphs, drawings, or other material. andsuffient postage. form, with WALLS. Due to the fact as it is that we are a financially possible. If at non-profit making publication, we will continue to publish our magazine as long any time we are unable to continue, we will be under no obligation to refund any subscription. © STONE WALLS 1989 �- 2 CONTENTS - Diary of Charles H. Gardner - 1861 Continued from Spring of "89" 4 To Know The Indians 6 Hildred Palmer Cortes: is Gone" Doris Wackerbarth 10 The 13 North Granby - Bedford or The Wedge 24 Index for 1985 - 1989 28 William C. Whitney and the Whitney Estate 32 The Deacon's Son and The Parson's Daughter 34 Blandford Settlers Built Three Forts 35 A 36 Norwich Once Separate Town Life of a Visit to in Hall Carol Laun "Memories of a Time That House Pam Worthington Joan Hastings William Ida Joslyn S. Hart and Connie Dorrington ]ohn Wright Crane Dr. Howard A. Gibbs Robert L. Soule Aunt Hannah Dr. Howard A. Gibbs Robert T. Soule -1- �Diary of Charles H. Gardner PART III Continued from Spring Issue "89" Submitted hy Pamela G. Donovan Hall of Huntington and Ann and Richard Gardner ofN.C. Charles H. Gardner was Richard's great uncle. Charles H. Gardner was the son of William and Electra (Miller) Gardner. He was bom in 1840 in the Knightville section of Norwich (now Huntington). This diary begins when he was living in the Village of Norwich. Cloudy and rainy all day was much Fri. 1 1 middle of the day but was cool AM night v^th a cold disappointed this in not getting a furlough to go home but the Col. was not available and being a soldier I must submit to orders letters Sat. 2 It is been out on drill for the first time in 2 weeks had a letter from Rachel Miller to day and was disappointed at not hearing from Sun 3 Sun. Oct. 13th to Fri. Rained hard all day the forenoon it was the hardest storm we have had BLANK Oct. 18, 1861 all Rained very hard Sat. 19 in the ery and cold in the came the tent today. 21 It is off last Mon.4 Tues. 5 cold tonight. fellow got camp life they 6 Very pleasant and warm drilled and done stable duty. There is a mass brewing here that is certain but cannot tell when it will come off but am ready to do my part Still continues pleasant and warm but went to the stable in the irons Thurs. 7 The weather • and month empty we continues warm were confined in our still quarters until 10 AM when we went out and got a blowing up and our office were tumed out of office. NOVEMBER Pleasant and continues evening Very pleasant but cool wind has been blowing all day Father and Fordyce left here this AM and were had a high time here in the PM Co. revolted and several were put in but did not get hurt much expect to Fri. 1 before AM and got kicked as well as my horse Rest of up brought me a lot of things that Very pleasant worked down to the bams all day had a chance to ride go but cleared quite pleased with Wed. Tues. 21 fall and was quite pleasant Father and Fordyce came into camp Very pleasant we was detailed for bam duty 2 days had some work and a good deal from the horses the night guard duty early this AM laid out last rute and caught more cold it is quite cool this evening Rained hard in the forenoon cold and showery in the PM came off guard about 12 oclock and laid in Sun. 20 Mon. AM show- PM I was have written 8 and received no answer. a cool windy day and I have better then Cloudy and rainy in the AM cool in the PM pleasant in the everung went on picket duty got cold was sick took a Corporal prisoner and had a good time. Sat. 1 2 at wind am much warm in the Fri. -2- 8 Pleasant and warm in the �PM on guard in the evening staid First down to the bam all night and slept 2nd got up early this AM 3rd 4th MEMORANDA Fri. Oct 5th 6th 18, 1861 Very stormy called at E.S. Searles and saw Gertrude and she promised to send me her picture and as promised to write to me as she received my letter Wrote to Gertrude last Sunday and Nov. 2 have not heard from her yet expect she has not received mine Tues. Apr. 2 Saw Miss Wheeler she left forConn. today promised to write to me to send some papers to her May 1 0 Received a letter from Annie today in which she promised to correspond with me In camp at Readville and sick at that wish I was at home but cannot go like camp life better than perpetuated we have a fine bimch of boys here 12 of whom are in the tent with me Thurs,Oct. 11, 1861 Had a letter from Jule today in which she said she was sorry that she gave me the (Matter)(?) Commenced work for H. Williams April 1st 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th week worked 6 days " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Remember me through many miles We distance be Julia Charlie Hasten home Charles H. Gardner served with the 1st Mass. Cav. Co. F from Sept. 25, 1861 to July 18, 1862 which time he was given a medical discharge because he had contracted consumption. He died four weeks later at the family homestead in Knightville and was buried in the Knightville Cemetery. He was 21 years at old. �To Know The Indians by Carol Laun Some of early writers regarded the Indians factor. New England with admiration for certain Writings from the late 1600's and early 1700's were gathered by Rev. Henry White and published in an 1841 book called "Early History of New England." It is and factual reports of Indians written in that time period. Most rare to find objective were colored by the and moral values of the articles social prejudices v^iters. Hospitality is mentioned by several writ- rest to his weary kees." "As Governor Joseph Dudley, naked, come and look on, as a pastime, to see his men work, he asked him why he did not work, and get some clothes to cover himself. The Indian answered by asking him, why he did not work. The Governor, pointing with his finger to his head, said, "I work head work, and so have no need to work with my limbs; hands as you should." "The Governor told him he wanted a calf killed, and that if he would go and do it, he would give him a shilling. He accepted the offer, and went immediately and killed the calf, and then went sauntering about as before. The governor, on observing what he had done, asked him why he did not dress the calf before he left it. The Indian answered, "No, no Governor, that was not in the bargain. I was to have a shilling for killing him. Am he no dead. Governor?" The Governor, seeing himself outwitted, told him to dress it, and he would give him another shilling." "Among the savages, hospitality prevailed to The Europeans everywhere found the most friendly and cordial recep- a high degree. ages; and from all they first came among the sav- their hospitality they derived the assistance the savages could afford them. It was not until disputes and differences had taken place, that the Indians be- came of Massa- chusetts, observed an able-bodied Indian, half food was shared with him, or given in exchange for his trifles; they were ready with their simple medicines to heal his diseases and his wounds; they would wade through rivers and climb rocks and mountains to guide him on his way, and they would remember and requite a kindness more than it deserved." Williams in his History of Vermont, says, when are considered indicate that they their tion, all The shrewdness of the Indians seems to were the original "Yan- "Belknap, speaking of the reception the Europeans who first visited Canada received from the natives, says, "Suspecting no danger, and influenced by no fear, they embraced the stranger with imaffected joy. Their huts were open to receive him, their fires and furs warmth and it, want." ers. to give of the earth, with by them as a liberal and impartial donation to the whole family of mankind, and by no means intended to supply only the wants of a few. Hence an Indian is ever free to give of all that he possesses, and v^l often share with strangers even to the last morsel, preferring to lie down hungry himself, than that a visitor should leave his door unfed, or that the sick and needy should remain uncherished and in traits of character. contemporary The productions the animals which inhabit Even now, an unarmed, who repairs to them for relief and protection, is sure to find safety and unfriendly. defenseless stranger, "This Indian, having several times outwitted the Governor, was asked by the Governor how he had cheated and deceived him so many times. The Indian answered, pointing with his finger to his head, "Head work. assistance in their hospitality." "Hospitality," says another writer, "is one most prominent Indian characteristics, and has its source in an enlarged view of the goodness and justice of our heavenly Beneof the Governor, head work!" -4- �"A sachem being on a visit at the house of Johnson, told him one morning of a dream which he had had the preceding night. This was that Sir William had given him a rich suit of military clothes. Sir William, knov^dng that it was the Indian custom to give Sir William whatever present he claimed in this manner, gave him the clothes. Some time after, the sachem was at his house again. Sir William observed to him that he also had had a dream. The sachem asked him what. He answered, he dreamed that the sachem had given him a tract of land. The sachem replied, "You have the land, but we no dream again." "A white trader sold a quantity of powder to an Indian, and imposed upon him by making him believe it was a grain which grew like wheat, by sowing it upon the ground. He was greatly elated by the prospect, not only of raising his own powder, but of being able to supply others, and thereby becoming immensely rich. Having prepared his ground with great care, he sowed his powder with the utmost exactness in the spring. Month after month passed away, but his powder did not even sprout, and wdnter came before he wcis satisfied that he had been deceived. He said to a friend nothing; but some time after, when the trader had forgotten the trick, the same Indian suc- ceeded in getting credit for a large amount. The time set for payment having expired, he sought out the Indian at his residence and demanded payment for his goods. The Indian heard his demand with great complaisance; then looking him shrewdly in the eye, said, "Me pay you when my powder grow." This was enough. The guilty white man quickly retraced his steps." "I am glad," said the Rev. Dr. , to the chief of the Little Ottowas, "that you do not drink whiskey. But it grieves me to find that Y— your people use so much of it." "Ah, yes," replied the Indian and he fixed an arch and impressive eye upon the doctor, which communicated the reproof before he uttered it "we Indians use a great deal of whiskey, but — we do not make it." Other anecdotes illustrate the Indian traits of fidelity, gratitude, sympathy, maternal affection, ness filial shown love, and veneration and kind- the aged. Perhaps one of the most striking examples between the "savage" Indians and the "civilized" Europeans is in the matter of honesty. "Trained up to the most refined cunning of the difference and dissimulation in war, the Indian carries nothing of this into the affairs of commerce, but is fair, open, and honest in his trade. He was accustomed to no falsehood or deception in the management of his barter, and he was astoiushed at the deceit, knavery and fraud of the European traders. He had no bolts or locks to guard against stealing, nor did he ever conceive that his property was in any danger of being stolen by any of his tribe. All of the infamous and unmanly vices which arise from avarice, were almost unknown to the savage state." These early writers paint a picture of a people with a well-developed social and moral structure; living harmoniously with their environment. The systematic destruction of the tribes is a chapter of shame in the history of America. �Hildred Palmer Cortis: "Memories of a Time That is Gone" by Doris H. Wackerbarth Hildred Palmer was bom on MounRoad, Russell Mountain, in 1900; she has seen the active community of which she was once a part swallowed up by forests, and the town of Woronoco spring up almost fullgrown over night, and begin to dwindle away. She grew up in the days when people didn't walk for their health: they walked because that was the way a person got any place, and no one stayed home because a distance was tain three or four miles snowing. When —or was raining she went to work and it for Strathmore Paper Company in her late teens, her family was living on Russell Mountain, four miles up Blandford Road Route 23 and she walked to work to be there by eight in the morning; after work, at five o'clock, she walked back home again. (It wasn't a solitary walk, there were others to walk with part of the way.) — Hildred's family were pioneers who came into the Woronoco-Russell area when it was a farming area, when so many salmon came up the river to spawn in the spring they could be harvested in baskets. Her forefathers were here when county records Woronoco as Fairfield Station. listed (The Fair- who built the first papermill were from became a world-famous manufacturer of high quality paper and acquired all the property contingent to its spreading mills, Hildred's immediate family was well-established in the community along the General Knox Trail, (then called Mountain Road.) There were farm families every half mile or so along Mountain Road, and along South Quarter Road which angled off to the west and Blandford, and Robbins Road to the east, along the summit of Russell Mountain (it circled back to Blandford Road, just above Laurel Road.) The Appalachian Mountain Clubhouse looks out over the Connecticut Valley from where a stalwart Robbins family once earned their living. There were no woods along Blandford Road or the other roads on Russell Mountain then. Everywhere within sight was fenced mowings, meadows and pasture, with wood lots beyond the last stonewalls at the back of a property. For those like the Robbins who looked out over the valley, the view must have been worth being whipped by the winds in winter. Hildred was that became bom in the pleasant cottage Sanbom summer home; she in a little one room school the started school was the substantial house halfway between Woronoco and house about a half mile from her home, on a triangle of land where South Quarter Road took off from Mountain Road. (The schoolhouse disappeared without a trace, but its Russell, known as the Savage Place (the name lilac trees fields Russell Mountain, originaUy, too.) Her great- grandfather's farmhouse of the family who last lived there, not a de- on the "wrong" side of the river, across from route 20. It was a landmark for generations, standing isolated and alone, staring across the valley, a destination on a pleasant Sunday afternoon for hikers who were not put off by the necessity of watching scription): the time Strathmore Paper nating one, this is an account of Hildred and changes she remembers of her lifetime she and her younger sister, Ruth Richards, are the only persons left of that once busy area. When Hildred was nine years old, her story: — family and the Shurtleffs on Shurtleff Road carefully for rattlesnakes. By The story of community is a fasciworthy of more than one later flourished for years.) the Russell Mountain Company sold their farms skirting Hazzard Pond to �Horace A. Moses, developer and president of Strathmore Paper Company, for Moses Heights and Woronoke Farm, his summer estate. The pond had a bountiful supply of bass and pickerel, and gravestones in the little cemetery at the west end of the pond give evidence to how it got its name: more than one family lost members who were caught on the pond in winds that evidently came up suddenly and were unique to the area, perhaps due to the narrow passes at both ends end of the pond. With the sale of his farm, her father bought acreage across from where Moimtain Road leaves Blandford Road, and built a two-story, two family house for his fannily and his parents, rather out of keeping with the neighborhood.) Being taught was a problem for students attending coim try schools. Not as many teachers married farmers and stayed in the area, to be pressed into service when needed, as has been believed. According to Hildred, teachers didn't stay long enough to get acquainted v^th the local swains. Some towns allowed girls fresh out of high school to teach in their home towns where family peer pressure helped v^th discipline, and the girls had the support of her family and the comforts of home while gaining experience. But Russell, probably due in no small part to Mr. Moses's progressive turn of mind, required two years of Normal School training. Teachers came and went with distressing regularity. They didn't like the isolation, their boarding houses were not as comfortable as their own homes, and there was all that walking no trolleys in this mountain community. When the weather was at its worst, if the teacher was boarding with someone not much interested in education anyway, she didn't make it to school, though the students who lived closest to the school always did. The Russell Mountain and became the R(ural) F(ree) D(elivery) mailman. (I remember him in winter wearing a really swashbucking, full-length fur coat that reminded me of a Russian Cassock. I knew that the collar was red fox, and she tells — me that the coat was of red squirrel—^but she know whether he was the marksman himself, or how he acquired it. He also had a doesn't robe I remember him throwing over his laphe drove an open touring car at the time I remember him. I had been told the robe was buffalo. because If it it wasn't, it surely was school didn't require the teacher to shovel snow of bear, was very shaggy.) After the Palmers moved to their new house, Hildred went to school in a one-room school almost across the street from her fifty times; the new new had four different burning as neighbor^but teachers. Hildred vividly remembers her first encounter with an automobile. She had heard of horseless carriages neighbors who went to the city more often than she did had seen them and told her family about them. One summer day when she was about seven, she and her brother were walking along Blandford Road when they heard the most frightening sound she ever had heard. As they stared at each other in terror they realized that it was approaching them from over the hiU behind them. As soon as they got their breath and gathered their wits, they scrambled up the banking beside them, scrambled over and ran until they felt safely out of reach of the monster that went coughing and bucking down the highway, right where they had been standing. I asked her if the passengers — club attracted patrons who each other and willing to to did not continue for long. Later, Bill Hatton, Woronoco's long-time storekeeper, installed a package store there brawl, so that fires —Hildred's brother was paid cents a week to tend to those chores— even with such coddling, in one year Hildred home. She describes it as, "stuck in a sandbank, in such a small area it was hard to believe a school could be built there." Perhaps the area was chosen because that land had no value with the sand gone for use on the road past its door. When that school burned down, an attractive one-room cottage was built on a knoll farther east, down the road. (It was discontinued in 1929, and after Prohibition was repealed in 1933, became a country night club of sorts. The Russell Mountain area did not have a supply of musicians, so country dances were not part of their past were strangers or keep the ing Gran viUe did it -7- �smiled at them and waved. She laughed, remembering how those passengers looked. She said that there were four of them, two afternoon that he was going to drive into Westfield for something he needed right then, and she exclaimed, shocked: "Leave for Westfield at three o'clock in the afternoon?" men and two women. They were not smiling. They never saw her and her brother they were all looking grimly straight ahead, as if they were as afraid of where the car was going as she and her brother was of its very being. She tells a fascinating tale of how hearty country folk were then, and of how much they walked: The young people in the community were having a sleigh ride one evening and one of the boys was late arriving. That day he had moved a family from down in the gorge below the Knox Trail to Blandford, the — When Coming home for a to work in Florence. weekend was a four hour adventure by trolley. She worked until noon on Saturday and — began her trip home ^an occasion, not an every week occurrence by trolley from Florence to Northampton. Her jaunt required two more changes, with lots of waiting around, or rain, or Woronoco. (The trolley continued on to Huntington and ran until ten o'clock at night. But not often.) Her father met her with his horse in Woronoco. The house Hildred's father built for his family in 1909 had an iron sink in the kitchen, of which they were very proud. It had a for the ride to pump— indoors — the innovation in housekeeping no more going to the well and breaking ice in winter. She was married in 1919 to Robert Cortis and moved into his parent's house, and acquired her first Singer sewing machine. Seven years later her hus- — Huntington and there were no telephones. Doctors tried to keep track of their pregnant patients, often walking miles in bad weather the woman wind and snow. The second leg of her trip was from Northampton to Westfield, and then a change at Park Square in Westfield in it, — often in unpleasant weather: blistering sun, woman walking all the way beside the sleigh because there was not room for her on the sleigh along with her household goods. When they reached her new address, she sent him back for a box of buttons she had put down and left behind. When he returned with the buttons he was flabbergasted to discover that she had delivered a new baby, Hildred explained that except for broken bones, and appendicitis and such emergencies, families took care of their ov^m medical problems. The closest doctor when she was growing up lived to attend a delivery. Hildred finished school she went band When they didn't make installed an latest pump electric in the cellar so that she had faucets and an enameled sink Not much later, they had a kerosene heater installed for heating water when the wood stove, the center of comfort or her family or neighbors in the kitchen. managed on their own. Hildred was in her teens before she rode in a car. Sunday school was held in the school, and one day Mr. Moses dropped in to visit was not needed in the warmer months. Hildred and her husband lived for fifty years in the house where they went to live as bride and groom. There they raised five sons and two daughters, all worthy citizens. Three of their sons are veterans of World War II. Unfortunately, Robert Cortis died two weeks after their Fiftieth Wedding Celebration. She for generations, and drove all the children home. A year or two later her father bought a car and began to deliver the mail by car in good weather. He went to Woronoco for the mail, which came in on the Boston and Albany train, and didn't get back from his route, along all the mountain roads and into Blandford until evening. In winter, he often had to revert to his horse and buggy to complete his appointed rounds, and one winter when his horse couldn't get through the drifts to some mail boxes she and her brother did the honors. She remembers now lives in a pleasant, spacious and comhome of her son, fortable apartment in the Wallace, on Maple Street in Westfield. Now, instead of walking miles she makes beautiful by hand, piecing them of all new cloth. She has made quilts for all of her four daughters-in-law and last year for Christmas gave quilts with a delighted chuckle how in the twenties, husband got his first car, he said one after her -8- �each of her twenty-one grandchildren a pieced quilt, of a city, she has all the modem conveniences she can use and is within earshot of every kind of transportation. some of them queen-sized. She hopes to make one for each of her forty-three greatgrandchildren, too. Now, so close to the heart -9- �The Life of a House in Worthington by Joan Hastings Every old house has a story or more to tell. The Victorian Italianate house next to Albert Farms in Worthington "the Pease Place" is no exception. The land it was built on already had the and the manufacture of pianos with an uncle in New York City. He became a successful piano manufecturer in the Bronx, New York and returned to his native Worthington in the simraiers when he was about 40 years old, with small children. The town had become a fashionable summer community for people from New York City and Springfield. He — when, in 1881, Chauncey D. Pease first bought the 140 acre "John Adams Farm" from Joseph Preston for $2700. (This included what is now Ida Joslyn's house and most of Ben Albert's potato fields in the area.) Chauncey then bought a farmhouse, as part of the 130 acre Lewis Hollis farm for $1000 in 1887. That history of five farming families to tell probably stayed at the elegant Bartlett's Hotel at the Comers before buying property. Through the 1880's he lived with his wife Mary and teenage children, Nellie and Harry, in the Gothic house (now Ida Joslyn's). The people living at the Thrasher farm (now Denworth) ran a dairy business for him. Chaunce/s descendents, the FitzGeralds, are still in touch with the farmer's descendents. You can imagine these Pease children's pleasure playing in Watt's stream, riding horses at the farm down the road, and picking apples in the orchard across the street before returning by bus or train to school near their purchase included the 1854 schoolhouse still standing on the property. Chaimce/s property eventually also included the Thrasher property, now known as Denworth Farm. One wonders what life was like for the Peases about 100 years ago when f<unily prosperity was rising with the times. Chauncey was bom in Worthington in 1836 of a farming family. He left to study music -10- �Worthington year round. During the 60's, after Harry and Cora were dead, the sisters spent winters with children or friends,and continued to play pinochle and canasta on the piazza, frequently and drank iced drinks with friends. The ladies on the large piazza wore long dresses and enjoyed games of horses, played croquet, canasta. Their children also returned as adults. Laura married Holt Secor and brought her child to live with her parents in the summer. Helen married Ralph Bretzner and travelled the world, returning to Worthington after she htmg with Japanese lanterns, each summer. They looked forward to occasional visits from the FitzGerald boys and their families. By the 1970's Massachusetts prosperity began reaching westward again and young families built and restored houses in Worthington where land values were still affordable and good cars enabled them to commute to jobs in the valley. Helen lived alone by then, in charge of the family heirlooms. The vandals came in winter when she Son Chauncey lived near New York and came occasionally. Mary Pease married Archer FitzGerald. They travelled from the City to spend summers with their three children on the family farm down the road. Dairy farming was flourishing in the 1920's, and the family prospered, shipping dairy products to the city and managing a thriving piano business. Chaunce/s grandchildren grew up in the 1930's balancing on top of the stone walls, pitching horseshoes, playing tennis, golf, and bridge with summer folk and year-rounders alike. They hosted and attended numerous was divorced in the 1930's. wasn't around to stop them, carrying off valued pieces of furniture, pictures, and silver. After Helen died in 1979, the house The house gained a repuhaunted and attracted local teenagers to hold Halloween style parties in it. They never trashed it though as it apparfamily possessions. parties with a variety of people of many ages tation for being grew up and left the area. The depression, combined with the grow- before they ing popularity of the radio, created hard times ently piano manufacturing business. The Peases continued to come to Worthington, though the lack of disposable cash meant that no major repairs were done to for those in the the house from the 1930's on. two energetic people, Scott Heyl and Marie Burkart, interested in architectural restoration, "discovered" the house and bought it to save it. They both worked as city planners down in the valley and spent nights and weekends, often with the help of friends, working on the house and enjoying the view The summer the great pleasure of life to commanded considerable local respect. In 1984, community evaporated as the Lee-Lenox area became more popular with wealthy New Yorkers and the area reverted to the rhythms of rural was vacant while the estate was settled and thieves collaborated with nature to slowly diminish from the piazza over the potato fields to the hills beyond. They had the cellar pumped many down longtime residents. out, replaced the rotted house was the summer residence of Harry and Cora and their daughters, Laura, Mary and Helen. The trees began to grow up around them, ruining the tennis were undermining the foundations. Over three years they modernized its basic systems, heat, electricity and plumbing and painted it three shades of tan, In the 1940's, the court and covering the fields. trees They sold 40 acres for $1200 to Alberti Albert for his town. (Surveyed in 1987, it turned out to be 85 ics caused the New when family econom- York brownstone to cut the with a more peaceful quality to life. They loved the possibilities of this "white elephant^' as they wanted to grow food and flowers, acres!) 1950's, sills, roots appropriate to its era. In late 1986 they sold it to Wil and Joan Hastings who wanted to move from the Boston area, leave professional careers, and live new potato farm, the only growing industry in By the early whose be was necessary to install a hot-air heater so the family group of five could all live in work sold, i t free-lance, and a small community. -21- participate in the They also life wanted of to �share in the joys of upkeep for this historic house. household this year. Granddaughter Emily and her parents visit when possible. The cycle of decay and renewal continues in Worthington as elsewhere. One daughter, Claire, lived in the house with other students while attending Westfield State and gradually replastered and painted aU the rooms in the house. A greenhouse was SOURCES: have space available for a network of family friends to live with or visit them and tive and added to the kitchen. The group made their own maple syrup and ate the simimer's harvest. Claire became a member Hampshire County Registry of Deeds History of Worthington, 1983 Pease family Bible, courtesy of Archer FitzGerald Ida Joslyn's and Archer FitzGerald's memo- of the Worthington Planning Board. Now that the house is fully insulated and zone heated, it enters its next stage as a yearround home. Joanna Brown, a friend, has become a ries Clement Burr's diary Scott Heyl's interviews with local people resident in the Hastings collabora- l^ews Different Jke For SaLe tlials now in vkw stands wl)ere w/'/dpowers arew. Tie s^i^n iLw is wliere p'rst See lite I can ynarkd ScliooL Bu5 Sfop robm jlocked- tires, jxij)er5 and cans, recall clear, level land. Ihose /louses , coridos,allmarcw are w/iere cows grazed lon^a^o. Just ^^as, wliere tLt maiUox Mefarmers stands pasture land* The (^uiei />rook mytj hfteY'limd \jijas crijslal clear all tlie time. (^one are the cornstalks ar)dtre^% so tall replaced l>ij cm mar a Hasten wfiat's napj)ene<l 1 lis Pnoc.«H5S / rnalL C^eireal -22- I to asll, C^et oul cjfl\ej^asil �North Granby-Bedford or The Wedge by William S. Hart PREFACE The towns that lie around us, wherever we happen to live, have been called by the same names for several generations; however, many of them have changed from those given by the first settlers. Hartford was first called Newtown in 1635, Windsor was Dorchester, Wethersfield was Watertown, Avon was Northington or Nod, Bristol was started as Poland and later became New Cambridge. Winsted, Connecticut is an interesting example as it is the combination When the Industrial Revolution arrived, the people left the surutilize the water power of the Mad River to run their factories. As of the spellings of two towns. rounding hill farms to grew in population to form Winsted. it For of us it took the "win" from Winchester and the "sted" from Barkhamsted my purposes here, I am concentrating on North Granby, Connecticut which many know was previously called Salmon Brook Society and was a part of ancient Simsbury. I was looking through some old papers and found a 1929 letter written by George Seymour Godard who was the Connecticut he sold additional acres beyond the scope of deed which added present day Granville and Tolland, Massachusetts to the original his from 1900 to 1936. He said the portion of North Granby that pushes up against the Massachusetts state line and has State Librarian East Hartland to the the East listed was West and Southwick called Bedford (Fig. an index it. to others Indian necessary to take a brief look at New England. The English Crown, as early as 1620,^ recognized this distant place as a part of her empire and incor- and who care about our land heritage. known story of Bedford really territory with a deed from an fortieth and forty-eight delphia and Quebec, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. Eight years later in 1 628 this Council, by deed, hands of a sharp land speculator named Atherton Mather from SuJffield, Connecticut. Shortly after his acquiring it the area was curtailed by approximately fifty percent but, undaunted. fell between the degrees of North latitude from "sea to sea." This then was the land lying between Phila- named Toto who sold six miles square of land. This small piece it is porated a Council to manage its affairs. The Council set up a Patent, an instrument or grant of public lands, which included all the This put which I hope will be of interest in 1686 Bedford and also the adja- the colonization of This httle began back clarify this cent "jog" to He also a fascinating search of old deeds local histories To to the Connecticut Archives^ at the state library that related to me on 1). tract. into the made a grant of land for a settlement at MasThe several grantees involved obtain a Charter under which sachusetts Bay.^ were able -13- to �-14- �and Enfield in Massachusetts Bay Colony territory.^ The Colony of Connecticut was upset with the survey but, even though she made protests, did not strongly pursue them. Time went by and in 1662 she was granted a liberal Charter by King Charles n.* This established the East boundary as Narraganset Bay, North by the Massachusetts Bay Colony line. South by Long Island Sound and West by the Pacific Ocean (Fig. 2). Confusion still continued and in 1686 further complications came when King James II Governor John Winthrop sailed and began the Massachusetts Bay Colony by Boston in field 1630. same year Robert, Earl of Warwick, was President of the Council and it conveyed a grant to him. This was approved by a Royal Patent of land in New England and has since been referred to as the "Warwick Patent."* It was then believed the scope of land included all of todays Connecticut and extended to the Massachusetts Bay Colony line which they In the considered as being near Worcester.^ As can be imagined, problems were to develop as the Colony of Connecticut and the Province of Massachusetts Bay Colony apparently overlapped each other (Fig. 2). Even sent Sir Edmund Andros, Captain General of New England, to pick up both the Massachuand Connecticut charters and set up governments by the direct representatives of the English Crown. In the Colony of Con- setts Governor Winthrop felt Windsor was in the bounds of Massachusetts. This was honest disagreement; however, as shown by William Pynchon, of the Bay Colony, who had started a trading post at which he later moved Agawam necticut this led to her Charter supposedly being hidden in an Oak tree by Captain Wad- in 1636 sworth.' At this same time in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Sir Edmund Andros appointed James Cornish of Woronoco (Westfield) to be Clerk of the existing Court of Hampshire County.^" This James Cornish learned an Indian named Toto, a sachem or chief from the Poquonock tribe near Hartford, claimed the land West of Woronoco. James Cornish made a purchase from Toto on 6/28/1686, said to be for a "gun and sixteen buttons" for to the East side of the Connecticut River and called it Springfield. He thought it was part of Connecticut and even represented Springfield as a "Magistrate" to the Connecticut General Court in 1637. Shortly after, trade differences arose between Springfield and the lower Connecticut River settlements and she decided to become part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was entered as such when the New England Confederation was organized in six miles square of land. The description in the deed says the six miles square is "bounded by the land granted by the said Toto unto William Leet Esqr. Southerly, and by the land granted by him 1643.* The Province of Massachusetts was unhappy with themany claims of property being made by the Connecticut settlers so hired two surveyors. Woodward and Saffery, who ran a boundary line in 1642 (Fig. 3). The Massachu- also unto John Williams of Windsor, Northerly and runs Westerly towards Housatunnk bounded by the mountains and Easterly by Charter of 1629 said the South border should run West from a point three miles South of the southernmost part of the Charles River. This point was established, and apparently to save the trouble of surveying cross setts the land belonging to Westfield or Spring- by the highway or road running from end of the Ponds unto Two Myle Brooke near Westfield on a straight line."" The foregoing description interprets into field the lower country, step by step. Woodward and Saffery went around Cape Cod, through Long Island Sound and up the Connecticut River to where they calculated to be the correct latitude. Time the "Housatunnik" being a tract of land just south. This incorrect location, just North of West of Westfield, Massachusetts, 'Two Myle Brooke" now called Great Brook near Southwick Center and the "Ponds" as Congamond Ponds. "Bounded by the mountains" in con- Windsor center by strued as the range running from East Hart- proved this point to be eight miles too Bissell's Ferry, far put Suf- -15- �-16- �land center down to Collinsville, ConnectiThis range was called "Poppotonuck Mountain" on a Map done by Blodget in 1791 This is quite ironic for in 1724 Suffield and Enfield petitioned Connecticut to be brought cut. The Connecticut General Assembly refused by saying the 1713 compromise should not be broken. This request came up again in 1749 and this time Connecticut changed her mind saying the 1713 decision had not been accepted by the English Crown and admitted Suffield and Enfield as well as Woodstock into the Colony into her jurisdiction. (Fig. 4). Figure 5 shows an approximation of where square should be. The Northern limit is tied down by the description in the 1 685 deed from Toto to John Williams which states "unto him the said John Williams one parcel of land being one full mile square and lyeth in a place this commonly known by the name of Two Myle of Connecticut. Brooks and abutteth on said brook marsh and on the commons on the East and to run the breadth half a mile each side the brook and from the Northeast comer to run a full mile towards the West on a due West line and from the Southeast comer to run due West a full English mile, makes the aforesaid tract a mile should be noted here that Simsbury and Windsor were also having serious taxation problems because of their questionable boundaries so they had a survey completed in 1711 by Goodrich Kimberly'^ which estab- square".'^ gave Atherton now put most of his "six miles square" in Connecticut and might restrict his holdings. He petitioned the Conmussion for the two colonies'' and they honored his claim to the land in the original Toto deed with the proviso he couldn't have title to any land which A search of many It lished the North line of Simsbury (Fig. records does not turn up the William Leet deed to pinpoint the Southem border; however, using six miles from the John Williams property gives an approximation of it. James Comish was also concerned where his property was located so to be safe he filed his deed in Connecticut in 1686 and then in Massachusetts in 1689. After James Comish died his heirs sold the land to a speculator, Atherton Mather, of within the boimds of Westfield or Suffield in Massachusetts, or in Windsor or Simsbury fell in Connecticut (Fig. 7). This mention of Windsor refers to the fact that Hartland, on 6/26/1713.'* As it tumed out just three weeks later a Commission, set up by and Enfield back in the Colony of The Commission recognized but indicated that since the towns had Suffield Connecticut. 105,793 acres of land as an "equivalent." This land bordered the East side of Hadley, Massa- Three years later Connecticut sold it Gurdon tumed over and several The money was Saltonstall others for 683 pounds.'* first called Hart- at that time Atherton Mather now went ahead and started selling acreage on a large scale to investors as far away as Boston who had never seen the area.^° A glance at Figure 8 will show how he completely ignored the "six miles square" wording and went some 15 miles from the Westfield West border to the Farmington River at Sandisfield and Northerly to where Blandford, Massachusetts is been started by the Province of Massachusetts Bay Colony and paid taxes there they should remain that way. They further said since the Colony of Connecticut has lost this territory they would have Massachusetts give at auction to was chants the Commission meant was Atherton Mather could not have the land to the West that was part of present day East Hartland. These curtailments reduced his "six miles square" or approximately 23,0(X) acres down to approximately 5,0(X) acres. both colonies to solve the border line disputes, agreed to a new survey line which corrected the old 1642 eight mile error.'^ Figure 6 shows the new colony line puts chusetts. which was owned by merfrom Hartford and Windsor." What fordland, Suffield this 7). new 1713 Colony line Mather much concern as it This along with the today.^' Incidentally, to Yale College. Lockwood, in his History of Westfield, claims Westfield -17- owned Bland- �CONK •TOTO DEED SIX MILES SQUARE* WILLIAM LEET I6S$ LOST DEED FIG. 5 EQUIVALENT LANDS • HOLlfOKE HAOLET N • • SPPINSFIELO ' MASS. CONN. IOS.79J ACRES 1713 SURVEY LINE FIG. MASS._ 1713 SURVEY CONN A/0 -18- FIG.7 �ford in 1732 and later sold it and partly within the Colony of Connecticut. Near to some part of Westfield Township and bordering upon some part of Simsbury To wn- to Christopher boundary disputes Westfield gave land to Suffield and the General Court appeased Westfield by granting her "6 miles square." This was called the Suffield Equivalent, later Glasgow and Lawton now of Suffield.^^ In settling ship."2* The several deeds following "in a place Blandford. A.M. Copeland's, Town of Blandford, and Summer Wood's, Ulster Scots and Blandford Scouts, differ with Lockwood by saying the General Court granted the land to Suffield on April 5, 1735 because Suffield had to give up some disputed land to Windsor and Simsbury In any event Christopher Lawton ended up with it. Getting back "lying in I freely told you thoughts, about your conduct, and the rules of charity and discretion violated in it. But I now again desire you to pay your debts unto me, without which I must be put into extreme trouble, to discharge mine to other men. If you refuse to do this; I have another proposal to make. Never till last night, had I any discourse with Mr. Oliver Noyes concerning you and your affaires. And now, I perceive that he has the same account of you, that I have had from every quarter. However, for your debt of an hundred pounds unto him, you have invested him in two thousand new Plantation. the name of Bedford," Bedford," "in relinquished the land within the East Hart- land bounds. This time they attached a survey which is represented in Figure 7. The General Assembly acted the same month and appointed James Wadsworth, Nathan Hanley, Esq. and Captain Thomas you deal no worse with me, than him, you can do no less than invest me in six hundred acres of as good land, in your Plantation, if it be not all acres of land, in your known by my Plantation called bounds of Bedford," etc. The several proprietors who invested in the area below the 1713 Colony Line in Connecticut became very worried about what Atherton Mather had done and whether or not they had clear title. Seven of them grouped together, among which were John Hunt, Belcher Noyes (son of Oliver Noyes) and Robert Breck. They drew up a memorial or petition and presented it to the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford in May of 1733.^ They requested patent or title to 7000 acres which they described but for which they did not attach a survey. The Connecticut Archives show no further action on this memorial. It must be the memorialists learned about the restrictions put on Atherton Mather by the 1713 Commission, for one year later they submitted a new memorial for only 5000 acres.^*^ In this petition they acknowledged that 2000 of the aforesaid 7000 acres were "within the grant of the government to the towns of Hartford and Windsor" thus they to have many months ago, one the Atherton Mather, his unethical dealings are evidenced by excerpts from a 1715 letter'^ from a cousin which says "and now after all the wrong things that you have imposed on me, what is it that you design to do. my this first referred to the area as "in Bedford so called," If Wells to investigate the matter.^^ They reported back five months later and recommended the several memorialists be given clear title by saying "Said land as surveyed and bounded aforesaid can't be of any considerable advantage to this government if they should grant the same as free from all claims, the soil being generally poor." It was also suggested the memorialists pay fifty pounds to the Colony of Connecticut as there had never been an equivalent paid at the time of the Commission decision concerning Suf- disposed of." His final paragraph is "If you don't give me quickly to hear from you, I must put over my business, into the hands of our attorney, in your parts of the county." This Oliver Noyes referred to, a doctor from Boston, got the first deed from Atherton Mather in 1 71 5 for 2000 acres that was broken into three separate divisions "being partly within the Province of Massachusetts Bay field -19- and Enfield in 1713.^8 �FIG. 8 -20- �FIG.IO -21' �For some reason there was no further activity on this from 1734 until the General Assembly, in 1738, granted clear title but de- at the 1753 map (Fig. 9) we note the small triangular piece that should extend East from the lower comer is missing. This manded an equivalent of five hundred pounds contained instead of the previously suggested fifty this is in a Looking lots numbered 6, 7 and 8. Proof of deed to Benjamin Reed^ saying "in that part thereof called the wedge and contains 227 acres of land and is bounded North on a line formerly called the Westfield Line, South on a line formerly run and affixed by Goodrich Kimberly for the North bounds of Simsbury being the South bounds of said wedge before the name was annexed to pounds.^' It is interesting to discover some of the memorialists also had bought land in that part of Bedford in Massachusetts above the 1713 Colony Line. They had a survey made of and petitioned the General Court in Massachusetts in 1738 for 42,532 acres bounded South on the Colony Line, West by the Farmington River, North partly by Westfield, partly by "Suffield Equivalent," alias Glasgow, Easterly upon Westfield" (Fig. Simsbury." This wedge acreage was annexed to 8). away in incorporated as the Town of Granby. this area Salmon Brook Society and Simsbury in 1774. Later in 1786 Salmon Brook Society pulled The petition was granted, so it can be seen how At last the Bedford issue has been settled and attention can be turned to the South wick "jog." As Westfield was originally part of Springfield, so was Southwick part of Westfield.-'* Back in 1770 the people who the original Toto "six miles square" or 23,040 acres expanded into some 47,500 acres Connecticut and Massachusetts, thanks to the shrewd Mr. Atherton Mather. The land in Massachusetts was inhabited by settlers who stood by the name of Bedford and in 1751 petitioned the Massachusetts General Court as "Inhabitants of Bedford" to be incorporated as a district.^^ This was granted; however, the Court advised that in 1729 portions of the towns of Billerica and Concord had petitioned and been granted in lived in the outsettlement of Westfield broke away and called themselves Southwick. Four years later the people living in Southwick below the 1713 Colony Line petitioned the Connecticut General Assembly to become part of Connecticut. The Assembly immediately agreed to this request and as shown in Figure 10 resolved that those inhabitants below the Colony Line belong to Connecticut and further, those living West of Congamond Ponds should be annexed to Simsbury and Salmon Brook Society and those East annexed to incorporation as the Town of Bedford.^^ The "inhabitants" then had been forced to aban- don the name of Bedford. They then chose the name of Granville, later the Western section broke away and became the Town of Tolland, years went by after the several memorialists was not acceptable to the ProvMassachusetts; however, the year of ince of 1775 arrived and with it the beginnings of the Revolutionary War so the disagreement con- had been granted tinued. Suffield. This Massachusetts. Back in the Colony of Connecticut some clear title. In 1753 the shown on a map" dated 11/8/1753 (Fig. 9). it was now clear another town Bedford was in existence the new named deeds referred to the area as "the wedge." The description in one old deed says "lyes in Since the wedge so called and is was made and it was agreed the portion of Southwick West of the ponds should be part of Massachusetts and that portion East belong to Connecticut. Thus there is the "jog" in the state line (Fig. 11). The last state line survey of 1906 corrected minor discrepancies. various proprietors tried to bring some semblance of order to the old Bedford tract and divided it into 28 parcels of from 60 to 272 acres as In 1804 another attempt Bibliography 1 Conn. Archives, Towns and Lands, Vol. 7, documents 63, 64 part of lott no. 3" . etc.^ -22- �2. History of Conn. Norris Osbom, Vol. pages 40, 143 3. History of Conn. Norris Osbom, Vol. page 41 4. History of Conn. Norris Osbom, Vol. page 42 5. History of Conn. Norris Osbom, Vol. page 105 6. Connecticut, Van Duren, page 43 7. Connecticut, Van Ehiren, page 93 8. Connecticut, Van Duren, pages 67-70 9. Connecticut, Van Ehiren, page 87 10. History of Granville, A. Wilson, pages History of Simsbury, 1643-1888 by Lucius Barber, M.D. pages 128-129 18. History of Granville, A. Wilson, pages 1213 19. History of Hartland, S. Ransom, page 4 20. History of Granville, A. Wilson, page 14 21. History of Granville, A. Wilson, page 24 1, 1, 1, 1, WestfieldbyLockwood,Vol. 1,1669-1919, page 175 23. "American Classic" Vol. 2, page 403, A diary of Cotton Mather 24. Registry ofDeeds, Springfield, Mass., VoL C, pages 80-81 25. Conn. Archives, 5/18/1733 26. Conn. Archives, 5/19/1734 27. Conn. Archives, 5/1734 28. Conn. Archives, 10/1734 29. Conn. Archives, 5/1738 30. History of Granville, A. Wilson, page 22 31. History of Granville, A. Wilson, pages 4243 32. History of Granville, A. Wilson, page 51 33. Conn. Archives, Map, 11/8/1753 34. Granby Land Records, Book 1, page 248 35. Granby Land Records, Book 1, page 220 36. The Southwickjog by Rev. Edward Dodge (Southwick Bicentennial 1770-1970) 22. 3, 6 Registry of Deeds, Springfield, Mass., Book A, page III 11. 12. Conn. Historical Society, Blodget Map of Conn. 1791 13. Registry of Deeds, Springfield, Mass., Book B, pages 83-84 14. Registry of Deeds, Springfield, Mass., Book 1715-1721, page 79 15. Connecticut, Van Duren, page 94 16. Registry of Deeds, Springfield, Mass., Vol. 1715-1721, pages 139-140 17. Three Centuries of Simsbury, W. Vibert, page 51, also Simsbury Land Records Book 2 1/2, page 107, "A Record and Documentary -23- �Index for 1985—1989 by Ida Joslyn and Connie Dorrington Academy, SU84:29 Birds, SP85:20 Accidents, SP85:8; SP85:12 Agricultural Society, F86:9 Black Settlers, F89:4 Blandford /North Blandford, SP83:22; SU84:8; Allyn, Lewis SP85:2,24,29,33,34,37; F85:3,6,35,36; W85:10, B., SP84:12 Animals, SP84:8 29; F86:9; SP87:35; F87:5; F88:22,36,F89:17 Annual Report, F87:36 Blizzard of Apollo Acres, SP84:8 Arson Ring, W86:14; F87:12 Athenaeum, Westfield, SP84:3 Autobiography, Jeannie Joyal Cooper, W87:4 Samuel L. Campbell, SP88:16; SU88:2; F88:3; Blueberries, SU88:10 W88:2 Burdick, Hulda, F88:28 Autographs, SP85:5; SP89:20,36 Auction, SU87:29 Burleigh, Lucien, W88:19 SP88:10 Bookcase, SP88:14 Boys Qub, SP85:8 Brass, WesUe, SP86:22 Buell, Phineas Lyman, W86:6 Burma Shave, F87:20 Campbell, Samuel L., SP88:16; SU88:2; F88:3; Autumn, F85:20 W88:2 Barge Canal, SU84: 17 Bartlett, Mrs. Horace F., SP84:29 Becket, W88:7; F89:22 Beckley Blast Furnace, SU89:22 BeU House, F85:32 Canoeing, SU85:2; SP85:2 Capron, Milton, SP85:14 Cats, F86:21 Caves, SP83:32 Cemetary, SU87:18; W88:14 BeU (Murrayfield), SP86:25 Big '88, Pond SP85:8 Chandler, John, F87:22 -24- �Gardner, Charles M., F85:26 Gardner, Charles H., SP89:2; SU89:2 Geneology, SP83:35; SP84:36; SU84:1 6; F84:37; SP85:30; F85:37; W85:37; SP86:37; F87:35; W88:37; SU99:37; F88:37; W88:37; SU89:37; Cheese, SP88:22 Chester, F87:27; SP85:14; SP86:2; SU86:33; F86:18; SP;87:31; SU87:24; F87:22; SP88:16,21; SU88:2, 24; F88:3, 28; SU89:12,16,35; F89:4,27 Childs, A, W85:13 Childs, Lizzie DeU WaUace, W85:22; F89:16 SP86:6; Hannah W86:2; SP87:28; F87:18 SU86:22 Gibbs, Christmas, W85:20 Churches, W85:29, SU86:6,22; SU87:35 Civil War, SU85:36; W85:3; SP86:29; F86:22 Clocks, SP87:31 Cobble Mountain, SP88:2 Coles Opera House, SU87:7 Conductors, F84:25 Cooper, Sadie, SU88:17 Com, Planting Rhyme, SP85:29 Cousins, SP86:2 Cricket, F87:27 Cummington, F86:15 Dalton, Flintstone Farm, W85:16 Gibbs, Mari, W84:2; SU85:25; SP85:22; F85:10; A., SU88:19 W86:26 Gold Mine, SU84:8 Gordon Hall, SP87:13 Grandmother, F85:18; SU86:14 Gifts, Granville, F86:2; F88:24; SP89:32; F89:8 Grief, SP83:28 Grist Mill, SP89:8 Growing Up, SU84:6 Haiku, SU85:20 HaU, Gordon, SP87:13 Hall, Pamela Donovan, F86:12 HaUe/s Comet, SU86:37 Deane, Dr. Wallace, W85:34 Death of a Daughter, SP83:28 December, W86:20 Handwork, SP85:26 Harmony, SU86:13 Decline of Hilltowns, F86:16 Deer, W84:6 Hastings Family, F89:17 Hay, SU84:2 Hays, Capt. Samuel, W88:22 Hawk, SP86:34 Hayden, Doris Wyman, F85:3 Haynes, Lemuel, F84:32 High Pasture, SU86:16 DeWolf, Dr. Oscar C, SU87:24 DeWolf, DeWitt Clinton, SP88:21 Diaries, SP83:6; SP84:29; W84:2; SP85:22; SU85:25; W85:3; W86:2; SP86:29; F86:22; SU87:28; SU87:33, F87:18, W88:31; SP89:2; SU89:2 Dickinson FamUy, F89:8 High School, F84:10 Highways, SP85:10 Hilltown Happenings, F87:16 Diseases, F87:9 HUltown Dicie Flats, SP86:4 Statistics, SP85:31 Hinsdale, Harriet Marie, SU85:33 Doctors, W84:17; SU85:28; SP86:15 Donovan Home, W86:27 Horace Hatch Tavern, W87:9 Household Hints, SP86:16 Huffmire, John A. W84:17; SP85:28 Hummingbird, SU87:27 Duck, SP88:30 East Otis, SP85:8 , Emery Mine, F86:18 Fairs, F86:6, F88:14 Huntington, SP86:25; SP87:26; SU87:7, 11; SP88:23, 27; SU88:12; F88:36; W88:13; SU89:2; Family Reunion, SU86:12 Farm, W85:16; W86:31; SU87:14; W88:ll; SU89:30 Fifty Years Ago, SU85:2 Fire, SP84:27; F89:30 Huntington, Charles P., F89:30 Indian Village, SP84:30 SP87:26 Flintstone Farm, Industries, F85:6 W85:16 John Hood, Williamsburg, SP83:23 Hying Saucer, SP86:19 K3olin Road, F85:35 Knitting, SP85:26 Leaning Rock, SU84:31 Legends, SP83:32 Forests, SP87:17 Frisbie, Mary Harkins, Adams House, SU87:36 F86:2; W86:22; SP87:6 -25- �Letters, SP83:36; F84:18; F86:37; F87:19 W86:37; F88:30 Lightning, SP84:13 Railroad, Accident, F86:36 LittleviUe, SU87:2 Lucas, Dr. Herman Railroading, F84:12 S., Rausch, Ann, F87:28 Recipes, SP84:35 SU89:12 Maple Sugar, SP86:17; SP88:8 Marriage, SP87:20 Mason, Irene Merrill, SU87:29 Medicine, SP86:15 Meeting House Marker, SU85:34 Memories, F84:3, 35; F85:29; Religious Life, W85:18 Rememberance of the Past, SP83:15 Remedies, Kill or Cure, SP86: 1 Reunions, SU86:12 Revolutionary War, SP86:20 Rice Family (Worthington), F87:12 Roads, SP85:10, SU88:18 Robinson, Jane C., F87:5 Rural Social Gatherings, F85:22 Russell, F86:36; W88:35; SP89:22; SU89:27 Sampson, Orange Scott, SP88:23 Schools, W84:13; SP86:2 Shakers, SP85:17 Skunk, SP86:26 Sbves, W84:10 W86:19 Middlefield, SP83:2, F85:32; F86:6; SP89:12 Montgomery, F85:29; SU88:28; W88:35 Mormanism, F89:22 Movie Houses, F86:31 Moving Day, SP84:18 Murder, SP84:12; SP85:14; W87:18; F88:10 Murrayfield Bell, SP86:25; SU87:22 Music, SU84:33 Musical Instruments, W85:10 Mythical Monsters, SP84:6 Nanny, F85:18 Newburgh, SP86:20 Nooney, Frank S., SP87:2 Nooney, Prof. James, F85:28 North Blandford, SU85:29; W85:29; SU85:29; Snow, W84:16 SU88:19 North Granby, SP89:8 Statistics, Norwich HiU, SP88:27; F88:26; W88:14 One Hundred Years Ago, SP83:13; SU84:14; W84:8 Store, F89:2 Soisalo Family, F89:27 Spring, SP86:28 Squire, Capt. Sylvester, F87:32 Stanton, F85:6; One Hundred Sugar Maples, SP86:17 Sumner, Henry Jesse, W85:3; SP86:29; F86:22 Sunnmers, SU86:2 Superstitions, W85:17 Taggart, Charles, SU85:36 Forty Years Ago, SP86:17 Old Sayings, SU84:32 Olds Family, SP89:12 Telephones, SP84:20 Tolland, SP87:n Tree and Shrubs, SP87:17; W87:22 Turnpike, SU85:22 Tyler, O. B. Joyful, SU88:26 W87:18; F88:10 PaU, F84:16 Parks, RoUand, SU89:27 Pastures, SU86:16 MO, SU88:10 Union Agricultural Phelps, John, F88:24 Victory, W86:21 Phrenology, W86:6 Plainfield, SP89:5 Poor, SU89:35 Postmasters, Blandford, F85:36 Working, F86:20 Society, F86:6 Walrath, Ed, SP84:10 Washington, SP85:12 Water Falls, W87:19 Water Systems, SP84:22 Wesley Bass, Ballad of, SP86:22 West Cununington, F86:15 Western Mass., SP88:34 Westfield, SP84:3; SU84:29; W86:6 Proverbs and Sayings, SP83:19 Quarries, Granite, W87:3 Quotations, W85:13, 17 Rabbits, SU86:31 Strathmore, SP84:14 F86:15 Pease, L., Hilltown, SP85:32 Stonewalls, SP83:31; SP84:26 Old Folks Association (W. Cummington), Otis, Emroy W85:32 Raikoad, SP84:32; W86:37; SU86:33; F86:36; -26- �WUd Life,SP83:ll Wise, Gerald - Artist, W87:12 Wolves, SP85:13 Wood, Rev. Sumner G., SU85:18 WUliamsburg Woodpile, W84:9 Westfield River, SP85:2; W85:l West GranviUe, F89:2 (Flood), SP83:23 34; W88:14, 26 Worthington, SU86:14; F87:2;SU87:36; SP88:10 Wright, Grandma, SU86:14 Zenda, F84:9 Woronoco, SU88:27, WUliston Family, SP89:5 Wilson, Lavinia Rose, SP89:32 Wind, W85:14 Winn, Olive, SP89:22 Ohe purple l)Jdcknes5 ofa winter stream w/iirh avi eJiies ds lijlows a serpentine course kejore out of sf(jlit it^oe^ . Oj-^ times ^kie pecks oj constantly mminaat the stam/iliv^ on a bidden rocli^ jrof/i li sJiom w^i/e Unks encrusted snow. ^^/lere^Ren tree^ seems current splds/i^ ice sprmn^ upon rtsiTicj oj- cross lisJ^t/i to slow, t/ien LrJerincj tneir/en^t/is to ol^inwcj lie ikrouijii tlief^ijid, crijsial tUl en^ljroiJerij low^Jormzy)^ t/iem liitea )noon ^ives ojf its jloyii, trees surges over in ^ l>ranclies> mli loncj upon i/ie iow. air rnakna siUoueftes sljadows drow^ casting land to sew,ijet, t/ireaJinj a -27- a too intricate an liand<; vnovincj jpattern liJiked �William C. Whitney and the Whitney Estate by John Wright Crane a day and night set of workmen. The men were able to finish the lodge in time for the October wedding of Mr. Whitne/ s son, Harry Payne Whitney. The bridal party spent their honeymoon at the "Antlers Lodge" which gave a romantic interest to the lodge ever and the following years curiosity was greatly aroused in Washington as large and small farms were being bought up by some unknown party. The curiosity continued to increase as each year marked the gradual absorption of all the farms in an entire school district. The wholesale buying as far as Washington was concerned was confined to the land west of Washington Center and comprised the lands long known as "Washington West Woods." The farms bought began with the one near the Congregational Church and In 1895 after. The palmy days of the Whitney Lodge were before the very serious accident to Mrs. W. C. Whitney, from which she never recovered. Mrs. Whitney had intended to do a number of things which would have benefited the entire town particularly the church and schools. After her death, Mr. Whitney's interest in the estate changed perceptibly and the enthusiasm for the future growth of the place left him and the dispersion of his herds included the farms owned in the early days by Jasper Morgan, father of Edwin D. Morgan, the "war" governor of New York. In those days "The Pittsfield Sun" frequently had items from Washington alluding to this land buying as follows: "Land for a summer home can be bought very cheap. Three or four hundred dollars v^ll buy sufficient, several acres in fact, and one may have hill or vale for a location, near the village or remote. It is of wild animals soon afterwards began. days when Mr. Whitney was stocking up the estate on October mountain, carloads of deer were shipped from Wyoming. These were unable to withstand the cold In the winters of the Berkshires and then carloads were sent from Fraser River, British Colum- the "lone lands," between Becket and Lenox that the "mysterious millionaire" is making such extensive purchases through lawyer Post, a farm bought were the Black Tail deer and it was expected they would endure the winters betThey ter than those sent from Wyoming. bia; these week completing 6000 acres now acquired What aU this land is v^rith more to follow. bought for is as much a secret here as elsewhere, and as Mr. Post takes the title in his own name the person behind him is effeclast were the finest specimens known in captivity and the buffalo bull which, on the dispersion of the herds, York, was known was sent to Central Park, the largest animal New of his kind ever There were at one time on the estate a herd of Buffaloes, Moose, Elks, tively hidden." Soon after the public knew that W. C. Whitney Wcis the real owner of this vast domain he began to build the famous "Whitney Lodge," now known as "The Antlers." The work upon its erection was "speeded up" by bringing up an electrical plant to furnish lights so that the work could be carried on by in captivity. Black Tail Deer, Wyoming Deer; also game birds and English Pheasants. The animals had sheds where hay was provided for them during the winter and the game birds were fed when deep snow was on the ground. At its best the Whitney Estate has been -28- �assessed for 9.175 acres, 20 dwelling houses and 26 bams; 25 buffaloes, 59 elks, 84 deer (the black tail from British Columbia and the deer from Wyoming), 19 moose, 15 horses, 10 of color. It is said that an easier and better route is by way of Lenox Dale, but we find this cows, 100 sheep and 45 Angora goats. October Mountain, now so prominent and as seen from largely in the Whitney known under the Estate, name of route as comfortable as need be, and many sketches of glowing landscape delight the eye many sudden places of outlook. "Soon after crossing Roaring Brook evidence of extensive ownership begins. Signs on the roadside trees warn us against "Gunning, fishing or trespassing under penalty of was originally "Washington Mountain." Early in the 18th century a portion of it was known as "Monument Moun- gravestones were quarried out of tain," as and the name of Monument Road law," and these placards bear the signature of W. C. Whitney and are not to be trifled with. Some say they would chance the good nature it is still re- of Mr. tained as one of the roads starting by Lake Ashley and leading out into New Lenox after leaving the mountain. As has been told elsewhere, October game-keeper, with a blunderbus at his beck, galloping along the ways and lanes that cross and border the estate, cures any disposition to poach. He looks fierce enough to take a man's Mountain first came before the public by the pen of Herman Mellville, in the year 1850; but its real prominence began after the mountain practically became a part of the Whitney Estate. A sketch of this mountain and the Whitney place by James Hosding, Editor of the "Pittsfield Sun," in that paper of October 12, for the theft of a even, ger. "The Whitney Settlement is just over the of the mountain with a southern and eeistem exposure tho with northern view open to Greylock purplish blue in the distance. "You come to "forks" in the road at last where the plateau begins. The road to the right leads to the head quarters of the big game where Mr. Frank Chapel and family have watch and w«ird. From this little spot a vast stretch of brush and tree and brown hard hack pasture is in view. Down in the valley and on the Knolls and on Slopes are those 1899 has the following interesting descrip- crown "It is a drive of about eight miles from Whitney place on October Mountain. We went by New Lenox, the mountain climb beginning at the Hutchinson Pittsfield to the quite a pretentious building wdth dam and flume. The City's dam seems to be good piece of work and there was a good supply of water. It looked as the it might be an important auxiliary to the Lake Ashley supply and worth the cost. Roaring Brook is a much larger stream and tumbles musically down the hillside and along a ravine, now flashing and foaming in little sunlit a very strong figures on a Berkshire landscape, American deer, elk and buffaloes. Twentythree elks have been bom on the estate the current year and there are now fifty-nine head. The herd is increasing rapidly and the mountain will soon be as populous v^th this waterfalls. "The road is very good and not difficult. There are steep pitches of course but many restful "thank-you ma'ams," when your team fine may breathe while you get glimpses of "far countries," visible thru vistas as you climb up. An unceasing wonder is the vari-colored foliage. chipmunk and so partridges dust themselves in the highway and perch temptingly upon the branches, and no man unauthorized lifts gun or pulls triglife tion: savyrmill, Whitney for a few partridges or rabbits one glimpse of the burley in their season; but woods of the shooting secSome of the bucks have splen- as the did antlers and seem to be in fine health. All good condition, sleek and most as big as an ordinary horse. are in There are trees as green as June and with them the most brilliant scarlet and yellows. The dark pines and spruce and hemlocks, the russet elm and the flaming maples, the silver poplars, illimitable acres game tions of Maine. "There is fat and al- a very picturey majesty about the old bucks as they toss horns and heads up when they scent or see an intruder, and it would be quite a brave man who would and miles -29- �From the front of the house, confront them. "She is going to roar," she said view extends across the valley now autumnly gorgeous. Here and there are the little artificial lakes; beyond are the roofs of the cottages or other trembling with terror, but it was we who "roared," for the voice of the elk is a plaintive little cry like the call of a bird. And when Mr. Chapel whistled a score of the beasts came up to the fence, took some ground oats from the hand or pan, were petted and patted and then "She said, 'Why to shoot these would be like shooting cows." the buildings essential to the oversight of such a vast estate of more than ten thousand acres, and the ownership extends far and across this vale and over and over its slope until the red summits meet the sky at the horizon. Mr. Hosding has certainly given a charming glimpse of the life which was lived on the Whitney estate in its best days. "The buffaloes wander at will and seem fat and stupid. There are nine cows and four bulls. Two have been bom here and seem to thrive. They do not appeeir to be as domestic as the elk. They stood in the yard with heads down, sullen looking and sulky. It has been necessary to buy shed shelter for them in the winter and to feed them grain and hay. It gives one rather a queer feeling to remember WHITNEY'S OCTOBER MOUNTAIN The following appeared in the Pittsfield Sun, Feb. that in almost recent years these animals 4, 1904. roamed the plains in countless thousands and now there are in the country only such Reprinted from the fragmentary herds as these, the race practi- "Mr. Whitney was the largest property owner in Massachusetts. He owned ten thousand acres in Washington, Lee and Lenox, in the Berkshire hills where he had one of the largest game preserves in the East. Mr. Whit- cally exterminated. The elks are becoming acclimated and are breeding well, but there has been less prospect of success in breeding buffaloes, some having died and the increase as yet not being up to expectations. Dr. Kin- ber Mountain, one of the most sightly places back as 1895. So were the purchases made that it was not tiU buying had been going on for eight months that it became known that someone in the Berkshire Hills, as far year past and under his care the herd seems to be in better heart than when left to a "state of nature" and it is now thought the herd may be not only preserved but increased. I heard that the English pheasants have now made the anticipated increase and it is charged that the foxes are very destructive to the young birds. The other experiments in game birds and beasts have been moderately successful. quietly was attempting to acquire vast holdings. In 1896 an order was sent to his Lenox agent for the construction of a camp on the mountain. It was to be built and furnished in 30 days. With feverish excitement construction men were employed and by working day and "The Whitney residence stands in a sunny perhaps we should call it a lawn. A little way removed are the frames of a dozen little cottages, canvas covered upon an occasion and used as an annex to the big house when the company is larger than the mansion's capacity. The servants are here for Mr. Whitney has been making flying visits, and there is a report that Harry Payne Whitney, family and friends are soon to be here. There are horses in the stables, carriages from by the aid of calcium lights at night, a and expensive camp was completed in contract time. Then came the announcement from Nevkrport that Harry Payne Whitney and his bride Miss Gertmde Vanderbilt were to occupy the camp for their honeymoon. "The development of the mountain into a game preserve followed. From Jackson's Hole in Wyoming, carloads of elk and black tailed deer were shipped to Lenox. These were followed by buffalo, moose and Angora goats. A game and pheasant breeding farm was night, bit of field, large the little buggy to the great coach in the bams all the equipment for Tribune." ney's agents began buying property on Octo- new has been the veterinarian in charge for a and "New York mountain touring. -30- �the elk were shipped to the Adirondacks and for several seasons in the fall Mr. and Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney entertained shooting parties on the mountain. Lately Mr. Whitney has been distributing the big game which foimd an excellent and prolific breeding spot on the mountain. Most of established and and the buffalo Bronx Park. The Corbin preserve in New Hampshire acquired released on the public lands were sold or shipped to some of the best buffalo bulls. One was given to the Zoological Gardens at Cleveland, Ohio." -31- �The Deacon^s Son and The Parson^s Daughter 1935 by Dr. Howard A. Gibbs In olden time in Blandford town. The parson held place of great renown; A learned man of austere mien. Interpreter of things unseen. Guardian of morals, spokesman for God, With dignity the earth he trod. With powdered wig and head in cloud Above the level of the common crowd. His daughter, Mary, finely bred, lest she should wed Beneath her lofty place and sphere. Qosely guarded Was to the parson's heart most dear. Elijah was the deacon's son. Strong limbed and keen but quite homespun. His spurs had won in Freedom's fight; Between the two 'twas love at sight. The parson raved; he ahnost swore; He ordered Elijah from his door. But the youth who feared not British gun. Would scarce from a parson's anger run. Alas! not all the parson's pride Could build a wall with love outside. In spite of stem parental sway True love will have its own sweet way. One bright mom in the month of June, When lovers' thoughts are in nature's time. When it's just as easy for the heart to be true As for grass to be green and sky to be blue. The parson found ladder to window above. Open sesame for youthful love; Out of the window the bird had flown. With her grandmother's -32- gift of silver spoons. �In forest wild, four miles to the West, The young couple built their honeymoon nest A log cabin small in clearing new. As years went by to a cottage grew; The cottage became a mansion grand In wide expanse of well tilled land; Eleven children came to bless the pair. Stalwart sons and daughters fair. The parson's anger melted away As wealth and honor came to stay; Honored and respected far and wide. The runaway couple lived and died. Parson and wife in the churchyard lie; Elijah and Mary on the hill close by; Children and grandchildren bless the day. When true love had its own sweet way. -33- �Blandford Settlers Built Three Forts Article From the Westfield Valley Herald, February 14, 1935 Entitled: "Afoot With Camera In our Valley" by Robert L. Blandford Settlers Built Three Forts To Repel Indian Attacks Soule after the first settlement in the Mill. All But Four Families Fled From Hilltop first one being caught that weighed 13 pounds. (Woronoco once was the village of Salmon Falls on account of the salmon caught there.) — But Returned Within Year Did Dairying Business on Big Scale in Early 19th Century. in 1749, town, the was started, known as Bunnell's Salmon came up the river to Woronoco, grist mill During the Revolution Blandford was on The hardships which the early settlers of the town of Blandford experienced were perhaps unequalled in any other section of the direct route for transporting military stores from Boston west. It required 20 yoke of oxen and 80 men to convey a mortar over Blandford hill on its way to West Point. In 1791, Mr. Gibbs brought the first single wagon into town. Before that time people used to walk or the Westfield Valley, as mentioned in last week's In fact, so article. poor were those town that the Province of Massachusetts Bay gave 10 bushearly settlers of the Hilltop els of salt to be distributed ride horse back. among them. Had In 1749 the Indian tribes of this region began In 1807 town and all but four Westfield and Windsor, Suf- to harass the families fled to be used to repel Indian attacks. were erected in which all families gathered at night, and during the day the men worked in the fields under the protection of sentinels posted to be on the lookout for Indiflints to ing these people to By 1837 we Church They even carried their guns to church, so this country in the early days. The nearest grist mill was at Westfield, and some of the men would pack grain on their backs and walk to Westfield to get it ground, and then return home with the meal for bread and other baking. Others poimded the grain or to Bland- how to make find 1535 cheese. cows in town pro- At one time the limits of Blandford extended into Huntington. The school which stood near the common was controlled by three towns, Chester, Norwich, and Bland- in mortars. North Blandford was at that time a great hay section with most of the hay coming from there for the feeding of stock. came value of the cheese was $1 6,000, and the butter $3000. This industry employed 200 men and 300 women, and the capital investment was $60,000. Mr. Collins accumulated $23,000 on this investment. Later he was succeeded by Orrin Sage who was, during his 30 years in business, called the "Bank of Blandford". v^ld was com Collins ducing 230,000 pounds of butter a year. The ans. Guns Amos M. the farmers, going from house to house show- forts Carried Town He was a man of wealth, making most of his money in the store business. He became interested in dairying and induced the farmers to make butter and cheese. He even went into New York state to buy cattle and then distributed them among and Wethersfield, Conn, yet all returned vdthin the year. Six years later the Province of Massachusetts Bay gave the town a swivel gun and one-fourth barrel of powder with 100 in Cows ford from Connecticut. field Three 1535 ford. Owing to the unsatisfactory condition of such an arrangement the boundary lines were changed, but the town still survived. Twenty years -34- �A Visit to Aunt Hannah by Dr. Howard A. Gibbs Her doughnuts were of ancient mold. The body bigger than the hole; Her apple pie with maple sweet. To boyish taste a real treat. A gooseberry bush close to the door Aunt Hannah was a maiden. Was ne'er beguiled She Uved by men; in single blessedness three score years Till and ten, Romance had never touched Until, to her. Had shock the town. Grew biggest nuts Two little nephews had she. And I was one of them. For us her heart was tender, warm Aunt Hannah wore home made dress. Aunt Hannah passed, time long gone by To brighter realms beyond the sky; A cellar hole, a crumbling chimney base Is all I find to mark her place. and black. Of wool she'd carded, spun and wove off her own sheep's back. was to of Paris style. had a rugged grace. But when I reach the golden gate I'll say in childish manner Dear Saint Peter let me in, cut Its It Well fitted to her sturdy form. Her firm and day clock attic. We'd wind it up and strike it down With loud and awful racket; With rattle, bang, it pealed off time. To us it was music most sublime; The noise we made disturbed her none. Her ears were deaf as moss-grov^ stone. In checks of red From eight Stored in her dusty Aunt Hannah. a in all the land. Aunt Hannah had an Beneath her rugged face and form. We never had an ice-cream cone Nor yet a red banana. Our height of bliss and happiness visit to before; On old-time chestnuts near at hand She took the good old name of Clark the well known Brown. And dropped Was a known flavor never forceful face. I've -35- come to see Aunt Hannah. �Norwich Once Separate Town TTiis Article Appeared in the Westfield Valley Afoot With Camera In by Robert Norwich Once Separate Town, Had Thriving Settled in 1763, Herald of September 20, 1934 Our Valley T. Soule Industries 150 Years Ago Had Sawmills, Tannery, Bark Mill, Blacksmith Shop and Other Business in Early 1800's Time and space keep us from mentioning all the different families who came to settle the town of Norwich in the early year of 1763. before church and social activities centered in that part of town. Mountain Road Oldest John Kirkland, James Fairman, Zebulon FuUer, James Clark, Scimuel Knight, Cedeb Fobes, the Hannums and Probably the oldest road leading to the what we today call the "Mountain road." This was used by the people of the lower part of the valley and Norwich bridge section, while from the Knightville section were two roads which lead to the hill and were used by the people from that section and Worthington. Later a new road was built to the hill which we today call "The Pond Brook Road," and most of the travel today reaches others, elected to settle on the hill section of the hill is town and when the eastern part of Murrayfield decided to have a town of was well their own (1773) this section and fast becoming an important business and sodal center of the new established town. Located on the main road to Northampton most of the travel from the valley and this section towns north of Norwich passed through Norwich Hill on its way to the county seat, and these early settlers were quick to take advantage of this fact and stores and mills soon were in operation and it was not long Along the brook, which is the overflow from Norwich Lake, were mills and tanneries and today we find old dams, and lumber which were used in the construction of some -36- by this road. �About half-way up Pond Brook Road was a sawmill, operated by Lyman and Fairman and further up the road almost to the top, was another sawmill. Where the roadside stand is located today was the factory of Had Bark Grinding of the mills. the Hannums who made axes there for many years. When the railroad came up the valley they moved the factory down to Falle/s cross roads and continued there for more. many years Near the present roadside stand was a picture gallery operated by William Qapp of Northampton, where old and young came to have their pictures taken and were rewarded with their likeness on a piece of tin, called tintypes, and highly popular in those days. On the road to hall the lake just above North and on the same side of the road may be found the remains of another dam, where Knight & Knight had a sawmill, and a blacksmith shop stood nearby. Across the road was the old tannery. This building is still standing and is used as a dwelling house. Next to the tannery, Mill on the other side of the brook, was a grist niill owned by Whitman Knight. This mill was later used for the of whip-stocks and there was also a wheelwright shop there. Farther up the brook, near the outlet of the lake, we find that Seth Porter had a mill for grinding bark. This was back in 1830 and this mill supplied the bark used in the process of tanning leather. making Joel Searles came and located on the shore of Norwich Lake and a few years later he buUt the home which is still there today and up to a few years ago had remained in the Searles family for nearly 150 years. The first store on the hill is not recorded but Aaron Dimock had a store about 1850 on the lower end of the common about opposite where the parsonage now stands, and later Albert Knight had a store located across the road from the home of Leon Woods. The present store is located in the old Searles homestead near the lake and is the last remaining sign of industry in that once busy section. �When You Want Your Printing To Be Something To CROW ABOUT BRADFORD P. FISK Incorporated The Corners Grocery ^^^^^^^^^ Telephone: 413-238-5531 FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS Worthington, Mass. 01098 PRINTING 592 College Highway Southwick, • MA (413) 569-0266 or 569-5325 NORTH ROAD ^FAMILY m Wolcott Realty WESTFIELD GATEWAY —AUTO PARTS— Specializing in Country Property "Mort Tian Just An Auta PirU Stert^ To We BUY have or many CALL SELL call us. ROUTE exclusive listings 20. HUNTINGTON. MA. 01050 562-4778 (413) 687-3101 38 Call Ttll Ftm 1-800-992-1054 �Raymah Westgate Russell H. Moore, Jr. WEST-MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY Main Street Chester, Massachusetts 0101 (413) 354-9688 Route 20 Russell, Massachusetts (413) Insurance For Your 862-4412 HOME • BUSINESS • Also Life, Accident FARM • AUTO and Health 'Your Local Hilltown Insurance Agency' Music For All Occasions We re Hill towns Working Together.. Country Journal A Wrfkly For Um most Publico I ion 'Devoted to the Seeds of the Hilliowns" Street Huntington, in prrvMuJ romputuiK Century Village 138 Memorial Avenue West Springfield. 01089 413-736-2112 MA 667-3211 Main w ith you every step of the w ay. MA 39 �CASSIN INSURANCE AGENCY. INC. B.F. To Subscribe to STONE WALLS Auto $9.00 a year - Home - Business - Life - Health Insurance SERVING THE VALLEY Box No. 85 Huntington, ILS MA Route 01050 BUSINESS SERVICES PfllNTINO • PHOTOCX)PIES • TYPESETTINO STATS GRAPHICS A ARTWORK • WORD PROCESSING • • • • Huntington, Mass. 01050 Tel. 667-3081 Tel. 568-1243 HUNTINGTON TRUE VALUE HARDWARE FUU SERVICE PRINTINQ S COPY CENTER • 20, MAIUNQ SERVICE FAX SERVICE East Main new location Huntington, 667-5531 Street, MA 01050 Quality 789-4555 Hardware, Electrical & Plumbing Supplies Sacrete Products, Glass, FAX 789-4090 & Garden Products Lawn MOLTENBREY'S Stonehengineering MARKET Builds and repairs stonewalls, foundations and wells Creating in Stone. BricK. Cerarnic Tile Serving the people of Huntington for over 35 years Ferro-cement DARRYL FISK, BRUCE MASON Prop. Moss Russell, Hill Rd. MA. (413) 528-0673 WESTFIELD PHARMACY, Stanley FARM OVERDALE Candy & Other Wool Products Lucy Conant Johnson Hill Road. Box 324 Chester. MA Nowak, Reg. Pharm. "Posie Flower Supplies Convalescent Supplies — Cards Registered Romney Sheep Fleeces F. INC. Tel. 562-441 65 Franklin Street 01011 413 354 2226 40 — Gifts . Westfield, Mass. �— Editorial Board — Natalie Birrell Lucy Conant Connie Dorrington Helena Duris William S. Hart Ida Joslyn Lazarus Louise Mason Doris Wackerbarth Grace Wheeler Ellie — FRIENDS — Gerald Chapman Robert Pike Mr., Mrs. Ralpr Hiers Barabara Kupec Fred Mildren H. Newman Marsh Edith H. Phelon Harriet V. Fish James B. Nooney Shirley Bruso Arthur Bastion William Richard W. Gardner Vera M. Smith Judith S. Hart Jr. Adams Charles Blackman Eleanor Tortolani Elizabeth Fortune Harold N. Jones Barbara Brianerd Marian R. Sweeney Gordon E. Tinker Lucy H. Conant William French Bob & Karen Patenaude Ron Tremblay �What days of lonely toil he undertook! What years of iron labor! and for what? To yield the chipmunk one more nook, The gliding snake one more sequestered spot. The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests STONE WALLS NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE Box 85 PAID HUNTINGTON, MA Huntington, Massachusetts 01050 PERMIT Mrs. Dorothy M„ Miller 15 North Rd„ Westhanipton MA 01027 „ ^y'^^f / ^ #1 01050 � https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/19f5e1f1cb4f5e683f9bf44d74134442.pdf 4234a809706e2061ebcfc1cde10d9247 PDF Text Text - CONTENTS - 2 Diary of Charles H. Gardner - 1861 Continued from Spring of "89" 4 To Know The Indians 6 Hildred Palmer Cortes: Pam Hall Carol Laun "Memories of a Time That is Gone" Doris Wackerbarth 10 The Life of a House in Worthington 13 North Granby - Bedford or The Wedge 24 Index for 1985 - 1989 28 William C. Whitney and the Whitney Estate ]ohn Wright Crane 32 The Deacon's Son and The Parson's Daughter Dr. Howard A. Gibbs 34 Blandford Settlers Built Three Forts 35 A Visit to Aunt Hannah 36 Norwich Once Separate Town Joan Hastings William S. Hart Ida Joslyn and Connie Dorrington Robert L. Soule Dr. Howard A. Gibbs Robert T. Soule -1- � Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Text Any textual data included in the document. Stonewalls Magazine, Winter 1990 Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2021-013 Title A name given to the resource Stonewalls magazine, Winter 1990 Subject The topic of the resource Other Description An account of the resource Winter 1990 issue of Stonewalls magazine, Lucy Conant editor. Full 40-page issue with ads. Included is "The Life of a House in Worthington" by Joan Hastings, a portrait of the Chauncey D. Pease house on Rte. 112 (then owned by Joan and Wil Hastings; now owned by Helen and David Pollard) as well as an index of the previous volume. Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Digital copy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1990-01/1990-03 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Internet Archive: https://archive.org/ Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stonewalls Magazine staff Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2021-10-22 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Electronic Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts - Other Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource db - created item 2021-10-22 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Digital archive Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db 2021-10-22, 2024-03-10 Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Size Size (cm). Typically 3 dimensions given. 31.8 x 22.9 x 12.7 cm Predominant material Wood, Steel, Textile, Ceramic &c. Wood Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). March 2011 Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2011-08-11 Description An account of the resource Empty pine box with drawing of the Country Cricket Village Inn and 'Taste of New England' on sliding cover. Probably a box used to pakage gifts. The CountryCricket located on Rte 112 across the street from Conwell School, operated from around 1984 through 1994., Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 31.8 x 22.9 x 12.7 cm (12.5 x 9 x 5 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2011a-018 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Basement Shelves Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Sandy Epperly Title A name given to the resource Storage box from the Country Cricket Type The nature or genre of the resource Physical Object Subject The topic of the resource Hotels, Taverns, Inns Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1990 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/9b7f6b7da588d9797fc80ac5a406b88f.tif 0a442e7f94995f0c5feccfe876f9c58e Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Has Part A related resource that is included either physically or logically in the described resource. Box 03a Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2004-488 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1900/1933 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 10.2 x 12.7 cm (4 x 5 in) Description An account of the resource Store Common Well with Three Unidentified People. 'Alice' is written on top. Appears to be a cyanochrome photograph. Scanned as black and white. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Helen Magargal Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. msd Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2007-07-11 Title A name given to the resource Store Common Well with Three Unidentified People https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/89e5a3668a74cf4a430aa1501a9628a4.tif e97f6e3bf3ffb5ca0a6aaa7f0f95d3de https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/08350c937a011e693a13906f8bbf955a.tif 38d6f822cc4c17b9fa2d17b6a4fe0418 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Still Image - Black and White Photograph Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image. 7.6 x 13.3 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Has Part A related resource that is included either physically or logically in the described resource. Box 02 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2006-143 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1954-08-31 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 7.6 x 8.3 cm (3 x 3.2 in) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Worthington Library Rice Room Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of damage suffered at 'The Farm' as a result of Hurricane Carol on August 31,1954. Taken from Rice scrap book called 'Worthington Houses.' Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. swu Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2008-03-08 Title A name given to the resource Storm Damage: Hurricane Carol Subject The topic of the resource Historic Event Type The nature or genre of the resource Still Image Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Box 02 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Paper Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Worthington - Worthington Corners Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Rice Collection: one of several identically-formatted photographs in an envelope in which they came. https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/333d886ac018fbbaa0c2bb59a8a16d98.jpg 7d3600afbc0036b855e82c731bcab4ee Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bartlett family materials Description An account of the resource Photographs and documents taken/collated by Helen Magargal, Elsie V. Bartlett and other members of the Bartlett depicting family life. Abstract A summary of the resource. Series of photographs taken, mainly in the 1940's to the 1960's depicting family life. Many photographs taken near Worthington Corners. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Helen Magargal Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Helen Magargal Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Worthington Historical Society Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1940-1970 Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2002 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Still Image - Black and White Photograph Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image. 8 x 8 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Has Part A related resource that is included either physically or logically in the described resource. CD 050714_1811 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 020930_063 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Helen Magargal Description An account of the resource Stove in dining room .From scrapbook of Helen Magargal. Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. enl Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2005-07-15 Subject The topic of the resource Historic Artifact Title A name given to the resource Stove in Dining Room Physical Object Physical objects other than books, documents, photographs &c. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). August 10, 2009 Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2009-08-14 Description An account of the resource History of the Town of Stratford, New Hampshire, 1773-1925' by Jeanette R. Thompson, The Rumford Press, Concord, N.H., 1925, 525 pp. with map. Includes numerous rticles about the town and townspeople. Lois Ashe Brown came from this town. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 15.9 x 24.1 x 3.8 cm (6.2 x 9.5 x 1.5 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2009a-026 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Reference Library Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Lois Ashe Brown materials Title A name given to the resource Stratford, New Hampshire, history Type The nature or genre of the resource Papers Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1924 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/c6f0e913813f9cf77db9670eaa2d0fb5.tif 37ffb45202b59e37a51f9a9404fd36de Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GN011 Title A name given to the resource Strawberry Patch Subject The topic of the resource Farms Description An account of the resource Strawberry patch, location unknown. Many of these dryplate glass negative photographs are in The South Worthington Parish Book by Reverend George Reed Moody. Please see this book for further information. They were originally entered into the database with little identification. The photographs were taken between 1882 and 1907 by the Howes Brothers of Ashfield. The origin and purpose of the number often written on the binding tape of these dryplates are presently unknown. The slides were cleaned and catalogued by Marion Sweeney between 1982 and 1986. Type The nature or genre of the resource Still Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 17.5 x 12.5 cm Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Howes Brothers Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2021-11-22 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Box 17 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Glass Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. AFT Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Was donated to the WHS by Arthur Cole in 1981 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/8c19d428f040071bb007b31eb7a72738.pdf 51f48768371a4c8606c70baebc5cf033 PDF Text Text ������������ Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Text Any textual data included in the document. Street Listing - Town of Worthington Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Document - Multiple Sheets Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image. 21.6 x 27.9 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). 1997 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1983-08-02 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1983 Description An account of the resource Listings date from 1983; registered voters from town of Worthington. Lists the residents on every road and street. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 21.6 x 27.9 cm (8.5 x 11 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 23-029 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Box 23 Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Joy Solarz, Postmaster, 1997 Title A name given to the resource Street Listing - Town of Worthington Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Subject The topic of the resource Businesses and Stores Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2021-11-04 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Paper Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Worthington - other unspecified Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. el https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/1b09bf93d71d38e4f3cef34262332b52.tif b9a78a8aa4cc91a716735dd982ec19a9 https://worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org/omeka/files/original/074140410ea01ea9d75b603bfbf60434.jpg 501136d20a0f90e4f6ee1f15389d232d Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Still Image - Black and White Photograph Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image. 22.9 x 27.9 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1866/1899 Description An account of the resource Bowker Hotel, Savoy MA and street scene. '4/28/57 for Homer Sherman, David Street, Dalton, MA 2nd tenement from the left on the block. Original location Savoy, MA 1880. This will be Olive's. Starkweather. Gus Smith Studio, Adams, MA' This is possibly the hotel given to Olive to manage (I have read this in one of the publications - will look into it) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 22.9 x 27.9 cm (9 x 11 in) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 99-001a Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Box 04d Title A name given to the resource Street Scene - Bowker Hotel Subject The topic of the resource Hotels, Taverns, Inns Type The nature or genre of the resource Still Image Date Available Date (often a range) that the resource became or will become available. 2007 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. ca. 1880 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Paper Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts - Other Mediator An entity that mediates access to the resource and for whom the resource is intended or useful. In an educational context, a mediator might be a parent, teacher, teaching assistant, or care-giver. db - modified 10/26/2018, added jpg version of image - tif available but not visible.