USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I > Part 36
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The traveler thus may enter the town by any one of the four winding roads whose steadily upward tendency gives ample justification for calling the village "Thompson Hill," as it is sometimes designated.
For a general description, the village and its outskirts may be said to com- prise something less than a hundred houses with a triangular common in the center upon which were planted, years ago, many beautiful trees, for which we are indebted to the wisdom of our forefathers. The trees upon the common are mostly elms, but on the other side of the streets are rows of maples, so that the scene which meets the eye, of the overarching trees beneath which are the streets, is one that lingers long in the memory.
Once upon a time this common was enclosed by a fence, and there are many now living here who can remember that old fence with square rails set sharp edge uppermost to discourage those who might hope to find comfortable seats upon the upper rail. But one dark night while men slept it was quite evident that some earnest and public-spirited citizens did not pass their time in slumber. When morning dawned the result of the night's vigorous work was apparent to all, for the old fence had disappeared and no attempt has ever been made to replace it.
Whether the improved appearance of the common after this night's labor, by the willing workers who thus voluntarily took it upon themselves to add to the beauty of the village, had anything to do with the fashion of removing the fences from the front of the various residences or not, true it is that one by one they were removed, though not in the same energetic and secretive manner. Today there is scarcely a front fence in the village, and it is cer- tainly most attractive to see the long stretches of lawn sloping from the houses to the streets, unbroken and unmarred by fences of various and often in- harmonious designs.
It may be perilously near a pun, which has no place in modern society, to refer to the present condition as being defenceless, but when one considers the
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damage sometimes done to gardens and flower beds by animals which have gone astray, perhaps the use of this word may be allowed.
Thompson residents are quite willing to believe that they live in the prettiest village in the country and indeed, they have some foundation for this belief as the following incident may show.
A lady whose husband came from Thompson, and who has been a frequent visitor here, was in a distant western city and at a social gathering chanced to meet some people who had just returned from a motor trip through the New England states. Imagine her feelings when they said, in speaking of the places they had seen, "The prettiest village we saw was a little place in Connecticut, that you probably never heard of, called Thompson."
Similar expressions are quite common from tourists who are passing through, and when such statements are made by strangers is it any wonder that they find an answering response from those who live here and who have long associa- tion with the village and its interests.
Upon reaching the village and passing along its tree-shaded streets and by the common, the first thing to attract the attention is the church, with its beautiful white spire about one hundred and fifty feet high. Indeed this spire should have mention even before the trees and common, for it is a landmark for miles around and the sight of the tall white spire is a familiar one from many a village and hilltop in the vicinity.
Thompson Hill is so high that the added height of the spire carries it above any other background than the sky. It is an object of beauty when seen from a distance with its white point extending up into the blue, or outlined against the clouds, and it serves as a never failing guide to show the right course to the traveler.
This church was built in 1856 and is the third building occupied by the original religious society of the town. The first church was erected in 1730 and the second in 1817. Both of these churches stood on the common, but the present church is opposite the common on the corner of the two principal streets. It is related that one man was so much opposed to building the new church, and to the change of location, that he refused to hire a pew when the church was ready for occupancy, but after a time his opposition died down and when he finally sought a pew the only one available was in the very front, directly under the pulpit.
In those days the bounds of the parish extended much farther than they do today for other churches have been built, old families have sold their farms to strangers who have no interest in Thompson parish. It is also greatly to be regretted that it is no longer the fashion for all the people to turn out for the Sunday services. Then it was the expected thing for whole families to attend church, and the conditions now prevailing, not here alone but all over the country, are far from being an improvement.
It is in the history of this church that it had never dismissed a minister from 1730 until 1872 and that during this length of time, almost a century and a half, it had had but four pastors who, coming here in their young manhood, lived, worked and died in its service. Since 1872 it has had quite a different record for many pastors have come, served a few years and then gone away to other fields.
The church antedates the town by fifty-five years as the town was not legally established until 1785.
0
HOWE AND HAROT SCHOOL, THOMPSON
TOURTELLOTTE MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL, THOMPSON
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In 1836 the Baptist Church was built and for over eighty years there were two churches to beautify our village, but one Saturday in January, 1917, while being heated in readiness for the morrow's services, an over-heated furnace set fire to the woodwork, and in a very short space of time nothing but a heap of smoking ruins remained of the little square-towered, white church that had been a church home for those who worshiped there, and whose existence had been tenderly cherished by them. The loss of this building was deeply re- gretted by all who love our village and the things that prevail for its upbuilding.
It may not be amiss to give some space to the old Vernon Stiles Inn which for nearly one hundred years has stood on the corner near the two churches, and which still retains the name of its original landlord although many an- other landlord has had charge of its management since he presided over its affairs.
It can hardly be cited as a model of architectural beauty, yet there is a certain charm about it, and there are carvings in its interior that excite the admiration of visitors who are experts in those things. In the days of long, long ago before the railroads came, when the stage coaches used to dash up to the door, it must have been a place of great excitement and bustle besides having another attraction quite its own, for Mr. Stiles was a justice of the peace in addition to being landlord, and found it quite remunerative thus to have two strings to his bow. Being on the turnpikes running from Providence in Rhode Island and Boston in Massachusetts, and so near the boundary lines of those two states it was found most convenient for couples who wished to avoid the experience of being properly married at home to come to the Vernon Stiles, where could be found a landlord both able and willing to perform the ceremony, and so Thompson became known somewhat as a local Gretna Green.
Next to the church stands a picturesque little brick building with iron shutters in which the Thompson Bank formerly did business. This bank was established in 1833, but the lessening importance of Thompson as a commercial center had its effect upon the bank. After a time it was moved to Putnam, where it went through a short period of struggling existence, and then its doors were closed and the Thompson National Bank was no more. The build- ing, however, still remains and is now used for the storage of town records and also for the trial of such cases as may properly come before the local court. .
It is a village tradition that an attempt was once made to rob this bank, but the robbery was happily prevented by the alertness of the citizens. After that event, however, any stranger who appeared in the village, unless other- wise accounted for, at once came under suspicion of having designs upon the funds of the bank, and it is quite probable that many a man of good standing in his own community was thought of as a possible bank robber, but went on his way without any knowledge of the impression he had created in the minds of our citizens.
One little wooden building, hidden from the street by the church and the bank building, is not important enough in itself to deserve mention here. Its interest lies in the old fire engine that is housed therein.
The Thompson Fire Engine Company was organized in 1832 and the engine was probably purchased soon after that date. Compared with modern fire fighting apparatus this one is not very imposing, but it has done many an effective bit of work in its day. The sight of it in operation with six men
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grasping the cranks on each side is most inspiring, and it is wonderful to see how powerful a stream of water can be thrown.
It will have to be admitted that this method of furnishing power is some- what fatiguing to the firemen, and as the engine has to be filled with pails of water, also hand power, the capacity of the machine for speedy work, as well as the extent of its field of action is somewhat limited. In spite of its dis- advantages it has shown its worth as a fire fighter many times, and it was largely due to strenuous work with this old-fashioned engine that the sur- rounding wooden buildings were saved at the time of the fire that destroyed the Baptist Church.
This engine has appeared at firemen's parades in other towns, and has never failed to attract attention as it has been drawn along the streets. A custom of former days was to get this engine out for a trial the day before the Fourth of July, so as to be prepared in case of fire was started by the cele- brators on that glorious day, but of late years this has not been done.
Farther down the street, and on the same side, we come to the library which is a modern building of stone. Its beautiful exterior is a decided addition to the appearance of the village, and on entering one is struck by the attractive and convenient arrangement of the interior. The library building, both inside and out, is a credit to its architect, Mr. Joseph B. Gay, who most appropriately is a descendent of an old Thompson family.
It is quite safe to say that this library would never have been built had it not been for the efforts of Miss Ellen D. Larned, the former historian of Wind- ham County, whose history is an inexhaustible mine of accurate information into which she put an inestimable amount of labor and painstaking research. It is most appropriate that an exceedingly fine oil painting of Miss Larned is one of the first things to strike the eye upon entering the reading-room. This portrait besides being a wonderful likeness, is also remarkable as a specimen of the artist's skill in bringing out every detail.
On a corner of the street just below the library stands the former house of Miss Larned. After her death the property passed out of the hands of the family and has since been entirely remodeled and modernized, and made into a most attractive residence, but to the older dwellers in the village it will al- ways be remembered as the house in which she lived and worked, and from which her influence extended far beyond the confines of her own town and county.
Perhaps no better way of giving an idea of the Thompson of a quarter century ago can be shown than by copying the following poem which was written by Miss Larned in answer to the statement by some friend that no rhyme could be found for the word "Thompson." Miss Larned accepted the challenge with the following result, and it is pleasant to think that she was not always delving into records of past events in search of historical facts, but that she had a keen sense of humor, and in moments of relaxation could work with a lighter touch.
"If your heart is set worldly pomps on
You cannot be happy in Thompson.
If you crave many beaux Or display of fine clothes
You never can find them in Thompson.
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A history hunter like Mommsen
Would greatly delight in this Thompson Archaeologists too,
With plenty to do,
Just dote on the quiet of Thompson.
The children all day in security play
In this shady village of Thompson ; Croquet mallets ply As artists stroll by
A-sketching the beauties of Thompson.
And what can compare with our heater-piece rare
For jolly young folks to have romps on ;
And common so wide,
How can it be vied,
This breezy old common of Thompson ?
Then hie to this placid old Thompson,
Ye whose hearts are not set worldly pomps on, Haste hither and share The peace and pure air Of this dear, poky, rosy, old Thompson."
Much water has flowed under the bridges that span Thompson's three rivers since these lines were written and conditions have changed somewhat from the simple village life thus described.
Today as in former days, "The children all day in security play," and that is one of the charms of the place, and parents are quite serene in the knowledge that there is little here to harm their children, but other games have crowded out croquet and croquet mallets do not ply with the same vigor that marked the olden days. The visits of artists are not as numerous as formerly but many a charming picture has been painted by outside and local artists to serve to bring back to memory some "Beauty Spot" when far away from the original view.
Among the many changes that have taken place since the writing of this poem must be noted the passing of the horse and the coming of the automobile. In the olden day the sound of wheels at night usually meant that our faithful village doctor was going out or returning from some call which required his professional skill, while now all through the day and even during the hours of the night the quiet of "this placid old Thompson" is broken by the sound of the horn and the hum of the motor.
If croquet has been dethroned and no longer reigns as the popular game, other games have come in, and baseball, tennis and golf are the modern ways of finding exercise and amusement in the open air. This mention of golf sug- gests the thought that any enumeration of the beauties of Thompson would be incomplete without mention of the grounds of the Quinnatisset Country Club, situated a little more than a mile from the center of the village, the old Indian name of this region being taken for the name of the club.
These grounds were laid out by the late N. B. Ream as a golf course for his own use, the club having been formed for the maintenance of the course after
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his death, and are a wonderful example of what can be done in the way of draining, grading and reclaiming land that was formerly of very little value. Many most entrancing views of the surrounding country are found here from the higher parts of the course, and the sight of the gently-rolling, smooth turf, with the well-kept putting greens within the grounds, as well as the placid pond which borders the course on one side, makes a picture that is well worth a visit by those who do not play the game, while visiting golfers are outspoken in their admiration of the links of the Quinnatisset Country Club.
Within easy walking distance of our village are Fort Hill and Sunset Hill. From these elevations are found wonderful views of beautiful- rolling country extending into the adjoining states, Mount Wachusett being visible on a clear day.
Mention should also be made of Brandy Hill, a little village a mile or more from Thompson Hill. As it is upon a higher elevation than Thompson the view from its highest point is fine indeed. The somewhat intemperate name of this village, according to local tradition, was given because a cart containing brandy was upset while going up the hill and the brandy was poured upon the ground.
Here was located the first church of the Baptist faith within the township, and services are still held in the little white church that adorns the hilltop, and that may be seen from far distant points, although it is not the original building.
In this village also stands the house in which was born Judge Isaac Newton Mills who, after winning great honors as a lawyer in the neighboring State of New York, now occupies so high a place on the bench of that state. Al- though he left our town many years ago to pursue his profession in a wider field, yet upon many an occasion he has given evidence of his continued love for his old home town by his readiness to respond most generously whenever called upon to use his talents in its service. In this case the old saying that a man is without honor in his own country does not prove true, for Judge Mills is always warmly welcomed whenever he visits the town, and his eloquent and thoughtful addresses are eagerly listened to.
The Village of Thompson can boast of several fine estates upon which are beautiful houses surrounded by well-kept lawns and gardens. It can also lay claim to many smaller residences which have been remodeled and changed from the plain old houses that once they were. Many of these estates are used as summer residences, and Thompson, in winter, presents quite a contrast to its aspect in summer, for in winter many houses are closed and few are the lights that shine from the windows.
An exception must be noted in the case of one of these places, formerly the summer home of the late J. W. Doane, which is now used as a boarding school for girls. This school has been in operation for several years, with in- creasing numbers of pupils each year, and the presence of so many young peo- ple at church, and going about the village, adds greatly to its life and cheer during the winter months when most of the other activities of the place are necessarily laid aside.
There are many who remember the village when weekly visitations of the lawnmower were unknown, the grass in the front yards being cut ocasionally with scythes, and when fences were in order, each yard being entered through a swinging gate. These people often look back to those old days with longing
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and regret, and wonder whether "Poky old Thompson" was not really to be preferred to its present suburban appearance and more artificial way of living.
It has been stated that among the assets of a town should be included the people who have lived in it, or who still live there, and with that idea in mind it cannot be amiss to allow a few lines of comment about our friends and neigh- bors.
It is pleasant to recall the acts of neighborly kindness that are constantly being done; the genuine interest that is shown when good fortune comes and the heartfelt sympathy that is made manifest in times of sorrow. It was said by a lady, herself abounding in kindly acts, that if she had to be sick she wanted to be sick in Thompson for the neighbors were so kind at such a time, and true it is that the community spirit that prevails adds much to the charm of living in our hilltop village.
In such an article as this there must necessarily be some omissions, and without doubt there are many places which will occur to others which very properly should be mentioned among Thompson's "Beauty Spots." This ram- bling sketch makes mention of some of the most prominent ones as they have occurred to the writer.
Enough has been written to show why Thompson people love the town, and carry their affection with them even though the circumstances of life compel them to live in distant places; why newcomers and strangers fall under its spell and come to love it too; why those who pass the winter amid the rush and noise of city life look eagerly forward to the day when they can lay these things aside and come here for the rest which is found in the vacation season, and why, when vacations are ended, the time for leaving its peace behind and starting for city homes is always accomplished by feelings of regret.
THOMPSON HILL REMINISCENCES By Grace Granger
My first remembrance of anything in Thompson goes back to the day when they tore down the old meeting house, a quaint old building standing midway on the common. It had some good carving in it, of which many specimens are still cherished and preserved in the village. But the congregation more than filled the church and a fine new building had been erected close by and the old one had to go. The steeple was nearly sawed in two and a rope was at- tached to it reaching far up the common. All the men in the village were there tugging at the rope in a long line. Suddenly the united pulling caused the steeple to give way and come crashing down. So sudden was the collapse, and apparently unexpected at that moment, that the whole line of destroyers col- lapsed also and fell on their backs in a long row, their feet kicking in the air. No one was hurt however but a very disheveled company picked themselves up and brushed the dust and grass from their clothes.
People in those days bought and sold their pews and I have in my posses- sion now a bill of sale of a pew in the gallery of the old church.
Doctor Dow was pastor of that church for many years and was much esteemed and respected.
My mother used to tell me of two brothers who were deacons in the church when she was a child. They were twins and were named Moses and Aaron and were always spoken of as "Deacon Moses" and "Deacon Aaron." Being deaf
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they sat in the pulpit with the minister and "rose and fell" with him, stand- ing on either side of him when he preached or prayed with hands behind their ears to listen. My mother confused them very much in her childish mind with the original Moses and Aaron, and also labored under the delusion that all churches had a Deacon Moses and Deacon Aaron as a matter of course. Being taken to Providence for a visit she was distressed beyond measure to find no such wonderful people there and the minister looked lonely and unattended to her childish eyes.
In those olden days there was seldom an evening service, Sunday being held to be over at sunset and after that worldly matters could be considered and best of all the children could run and play and stretch their tired cramped limbs that had to be so still all the long day. But sometimes at "early candle lighting" as it was called, a service would be held and strange to say the children always wanted to go. The reason was this. The church had no means of light in the evening so the congregation brought each one a candle and lighted it from a taper at the door and it was a pretty sight to see them twinkling all over the church and proud were the children as each marched in with a candle in his hand.
The expression "early candle lighting" was sometimes heard in my day long after candles ceased to be used in the church. I remember hearing the Rev. Andrew Dunning make use of the same expression, and it sounded poetic and thrilled my young heart when he would announce that the hour of evening worship would be at that mysterious time. Mr. Dunning served many years as pastor of the church and was beloved by old and young and mourned indeed when he died.
In those days great was the esteem in which the pastors were held and great was the influence exerted by them in the parish. In olden days they were often spoken of as priests, and "Priest" Russell and "Priest" Dow were commonly so called by their parishioners, and I have sometimes heard old fashioned folk use the same title for Mr. Dunning.
The old church stood as I have said in the center of the Common and was filled every Sunday to overflowing, so it had to give place to a new and larger one. The old church stood just across from the fine new house erected by Mr. William Mason, now occupied by Miss Beebe, and as it was his wish it should be removed, he contributed largely to the building of the new one.
Mr. Mason was the leading man in the town. A man of culture and learn- ing. He left behind him three sons, the last and youngest of whom Dr. John J. Mason of New York died only a few years ago.
The new church, as the old one had been, was often filled to the very doors. It was a goodly sight on Sunday morning to see every door in the village open and many coming forth to worship together in the beautiful new building. Not only from the village did they come but from the surrounding countryside, a continuous stream of carriages came filled with men, women and children bound for one or the other of the churches in the town.
From Brandy Hill came the Millses, the Dikes, the Davises, the Wilsons and others. Fathers, mothers and many children, some of whom rose later to be mighty men in the nation. Gen. George W. Davis died but lately, having at- tained fame and honor in the army and also as governor general of the Phil- ippines and of Porto Rico.
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