USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I > Part 50
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The town built in the earlier years, two bridges crossing the Quinebaug River and connecting Putnam with Pomfret and Woodstock. One over Cargill Falls, commanding an intimate view of that charming water fall, the other in Rhodesville near the mills. In 1870, increasing traffic demanded another, and the "Long Bridge" was built of wood, more recently replaced by the substan- tial reinforced, concrete structure.
Within the present territory of Putnam, there is the well preserved and ancient yard, known as the "Oldest Killingly Burying Ground." Through the efforts of the local chapter D. A. R., the old walls have been rebuilt and suitable memorial gates with bronze tablets on each pier, recall the struggles of very early days. About 1850, the present Grove Street Cemetery was laid out and beautified by Mr. Chandler Spalding, who later, with other interested citizens, formed the Putnam Cemetery Association with himself as its first president, which was the beginning of the present well kept grounds. It will also be re- membered that it was Chandler Spalding who, by his will, founded the Spald- ing Library in connection with the Congregational Church.
In 1886 a corporation known as The Putnam Water Company was formed and a fine water system established, with pumping station located at Harris- ville in Woodstock, taking the water from Woodstock Lake, this system supplies the town and also the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R.
In 1912 a monument of granite and bronze was erected in a park at the junc- tion of Grove and Ring streets, in memory of the sacrifice of Putnam's sons in the Civil war. This was the gift of the Women's Relief Corps, and costing $2,500.
Putnam became a city in 1895.
The banking business of the town has been ably handled for many years by the Putnam Savings Bank and The First National Bank of Putnam.
No greater change in the appearance of the center of Putnam has been made, than that brought about by the modern brick station and subway, built by the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. in conjunction with the city.
In this brief glance at the high lights of the county's youngest town, Put- nam's first sixty-five years of history reveals no sudden or startling growth, but without interruption there has been a healthy progress along all lines which are essential to a New England township, and a foundation has been laid which gives promise of substantial development in future years.
PUTNAM HEIGHTS
The passing tourist who drives over Putnam Heights to enjoy the splendid view, little thinks that this quiet village was once a flourishing center of trade. Years ago, when the stage-coach traveled from Providence over the now de- serted path still known as the old "Pike Road," there were two inns on North Killingly hill, as it was then called. Near the church was the Howe Tavern, and
EUREKA SILK MILL, PUTNAM
PUTNAM WOOLEN COMPANY, MILL NO. 1, PUTNAM
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at the north end of the village was the Warren "stand," where "Squire" Warren entertained travelers in the house now owned by Charles L. Torrey. There were half a dozen stores and shops around the common. Notable among them was the Rawson cabinet shop where fine furniture was made-Rawson bureaus are cherished heirlooms now. There was also a dry goods store to which came the gentlewomen of Pomfret and neighboring towns to buy fine table linen and choice china. The church edifice, a landmark for miles around, situated near the highest point of the hill, was planned by and built under the direction of the noted New England architect, Elias Carter, after the style of the great English church designer, Sir Christopher Wren. The congregation came from a radius of seven miles to this, the First Church of Killingly.
The spacious "Common," given to the Church society on condition that it should never be fenced in, was the scene of lively military exercises on "train- ing days"-busy days those for the taverns. On the summit of the hill, west of the road, in a place that is still called "cannon-house hill," stood a small building that housed a brass cannon. This piece of artillery was probably used at the militia trainings. It has disappeared, with its shed, and no one remem- bers whether it exploded at some Independence Day celebration, or what other fate befell it. Adjacent to the "cannon-house," stood the "hearse house," an- other small building in which was stored a hearse, town property, and used as occasion required.
After the Civil war the New England hill towns had begun to lose their population and business to the mill towns in the valleys. This was the case with Putnam Heights, which in the sixties had become a farming community with occasional summer residents. Among the families then living in the vicinity are noted the names of Torrey, Grosvenor, Harris, Warren, Copp, Cutler, Thurber, Clark, Wheaton, Peckham, Carpenter, Baldwin. Many of these names had been identified with the earliest records of the place, and have continued to be prominent to the present day.
The chief historic interest in connection with Putnam Heights in the last three decades must center around the names of those who, brought up with the sturdy American ideals of thrift and hard work, and with a strong belief in the value of education, went forth to win distinguished success in other places. The most illustrious among these names is that of William Torrey Har- ris, who was born at Putnam Heights, then North Killingly, in 1835. He con- tributed greatly to the development of the public schools system of the country, first as superintendent of schools at St. Louis, Mo., and later, for 16 years, as United States Commissioner `of Education. Dr. Harris died in 1909 and is buried in the Putnam Heights cemetery. He is described in the National Cyclopedia of American Biography as "philosopher, sociologist, philologist, educator, and author." Dr. Harris received many honorary degrees from universities in this country and abroad, and was decorated by the King of Italy.
Another noted name is that of Rev. John D. Baldwin, who. preached at Putnam Heights for a number of years. He later edited the "Worcester Spy," which, under his ownership, became an influential newspaper. He was the author of "Prehistoric Nations," and served several terms as representative from Massachusetts.
Another native of Putnam Heights was Dr. William Grosvenor, who mar- ried Miss Rosa Mason and developed the large manufacturing interests at
PROVIDENCE STREET, PUTNAM
GROVE STREET, PUTNAM
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Grosvenordale. Elisha Buck, who became editor of Turf, Field and Farm, was also born here, as was his half-brother, Augustus Buck, a noted educator. The late Thomas J. Thurber, a native of Putnam Heights, was well known locally as an artist. One of his paintings, a picture of the Putnam Wolf Den, hangs in - the executive chamber in the capitol at Hartford.
The late Dr. Fenner H. Peckham, who practiced medicine at Putnam Heights for a number of years, removed to Providence, R. I., where he, his son, and his grandson, successively, have been prominent in the medical profession, as well as in business and civic affairs. His daughter, Dr. Grace Peckham Murray, has been a successful physician in New York City, and is also known as the author of several books. Another daughter was the late Mrs. Ella L. T. Baldwin, wife of Charles C. Baldwin, who is the son of the Rev. John D. Bald- win, mentioned above. Mrs. Baldwin was very active in civic and social work, and founded the Women's Welfare League of Worcester, Mass.
The Dr. Peckham homestead at Putnam Heights has always been retained in the family and is now occupied by Dr. Peckham's daughter, Mrs. Rosa Peckham Danielson, who studied art many years in France, exhibiting in the Paris Salon and winning success as a portrait painter. Mrs. Danielson is the widow of the late George Whitman Danielson, of Providence, R. I. Mr. Dan- ielson was born in the neighboring town of Danielson, which was founded by his ancestors. He attended church at Putnam Heights as a boy before he left his father's farm, at the age of 14, to make his own way in the world. He became interested in journalism. At the time of his death he was editor and manager of the Providence Journal and of the Evening Bulletin, which he founded.
Charles L. Torrey, a leading lawyer in Windham County; and member of the State Board of Education, was born at Putnam Heights and maintains a summer residence there. Another distinguished native of the town is Charles J. Harris, of Dillsboro, N. C., brother of the late W. T. Harris, mentioned above. Mr. Harris served on the United States Industrial Commission during President McKinley's administration, and has been closely identified with the development of western North Carolina. Dr. Edward M. Harris, another brother, is prominent in business and politics in Providence, R. I. He has a sum- mer home at Putnam Heights.
The Putnam Heights Church was gradually affected by the shifting of population to what is now the city of Putnam. There has been no settled minister since the pastorate of Rev. John Watson in the early sixties. For some years the pulpit was supplied during the summer months, then the church was closed entirely. The church building has been kept in excellent repair, partly by the use of the interest on a fund subscribed by members of the Church society a hundred years ago. In 1904 a Sunday school was organized, which has continued to hold regular services since that time and which is rec- ognized as a strong influence for good in the community.
THE CITY OF PUTNAM By Lucius H. Fuller.
Putnam, as a town, was incorporated in 1855. From 1865 to 1875 its growth was quite rapid. Under the Constitution of the State the towns were debarred from making many necessary improvements. The need of fire protec-
NIGHTINGALE MILLS, PUTNAM
PUTNAM FOUNDRY AND MACHINE CO. WALER & DEAN'S PIN FACTORY AT RIGHT, PUTNAM
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tion, sidewalks, and graded streets became more and more manifest. In 1875 a fire district was created. This was of great benefit, but only gave protec- tion against fire. The fire district continued for many years until the ques- tion arose as to what form of government was best suited for the further devel- opment of the community. As the cost of maintaining a city would be no greater than a borough, a city charter was decided upon. The matter was brought before the citizens at an informal meeting in 1894 by Lucius H. Fuller, through whose efforts the fire district had been created. The proposition was to do away with the fire districts and substitute therefore a city charter. A committee of twenty was appointed for his purpose, consisting of the following leading citizens: Eugene A. Wheelock, George A. Hammond, George A. Vaughan, Edgar M. Warner, John A. Carpenter, Edgar M. Wheaton, P. M. LeClair, George W. Holt, Augustus J. Morse, William R. Barber, Samuel H. Seward,. James B. Tatem, Eric H. Johnson, Simon Farley, Lucius H. Fuller.
This committee decided upon a form of charter and applied for the same at the January session of the Legislature in 1895. The charter was favorably passed upon, subject to the approval of the voters of the town, and was ac- cepted by a substantial majority. The first election was held on the first Mon- day in December, 1895, and the following is a list of the mayors up to the present time : Lebbeus E. Smith, 1896-'97; Lucius H. Fuller, 1898-'99, 1900-'01; William R. Barber, 1902-'03; Franklin W. Perry, 1904-'05; Edward Mullan, 1906-'07; John J. McGarry, 1908-'09; Archibald Macdonald, 1910-'11-'12-'13- '14-'15; John J. McGarry, 1916-'17; Allie W. Marcy, 1918-'19-'20-'21.
The form of city government is by a single council or aldermanic body, the city being divided into four wards, with two aldermen from each ward and one alderman-at-large. This idea, although somewhat peculiar, was to make a non- partisan board, the members from each of the wards representing both political parties, so that the alderman-at-large would be the controlling factor. This method has worked out in a fairly satisfactory manner. From a sidewalkless town and poorly graded streets, Putnam now has in the main excellent streets and as many miles of good sidewalks as any city of its size, things impossible to obtain under the old town form of government.
While the growth of the city has not been rapid, it has been a steady and healthy one, gaining since 1895 over thirty-five per cent. The town since its in- corporation in 1855 has gained over three hundred per cent in population.
The industries of Putnam are many and varied. The two companies manu- facturing woolen goods are the Putnam Woolen Company and the Waterman . Worsted Company. The Putnam Manufacturing Company and the four mills of the Nightingale Morse Mills are all manufacturers of cotton goods and one of Putnam's mills was the second cotton mill in the country, built by Smith Wilkinson, who wove the first cotton cloth in the first mill built, which was in Pawtucket. The Manhasset Manufacturing Company, whose plant within the last few years has grown by leaps and bounds, are manufacturers of tire cloth. The silk industry, founded by George A. Hammond, now embraces three com- panies, the original large plant, the Hampton Silk Company and the Eureka Silk Company, all now known as the H. K. H. Silk Company, The John A. Dady Corporation consists of two silk mills. The Putnam Foundry and Ma- chine Company, the General Phonograph Company, founded by John M. Dean, the Wheaton Building and Lumber Company, J. B. Tatem and Son, C. M. and E. B. Kent woodworking establishments, F. A. Maryott, roll-covering and
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belting, and other minor industries help to make the sum total of one of the liveliest and most progressive cities of its size in the state.
In natural scenic beauty, nestling, as it does, in the Quinebaug Valley, with its picturesque falls which always excite the admiration of visitors, all these charms make its setting unusually attractive. With excellent railroad facilities, splendid water power, fine churches, excellent schools, a State trade school, and a public library, its future seems well assured, yet, like all other communities, its growth and development depend largely upon the continued broadmindedness, liberality, and local pride of its inhabitants.
OLD REYNOLDS HOUSE, PUTNAM
PHYSICIANS OF PUTNAM AND VICINITY
By Frank E. Guild, M.D.
In 1846, nine years prior to the incorporation of the Town of Putnam, Dr. H. W. Hough moved his practice from Killingly Hill to Pomfret Factory, buying the first building lot sold by Mr. Smith Wilkinson, on which he erected his future residence.
Soon after he was followed by Dr. Thomas Perry, who remained but a few years. Prior to this time, the medical wants of the community were pro- vided from the neighboring towns of Pomfret, Woodstock, Thompson, and Killingly-Pomfret furnished Doctors Holt and Williams; Woodstock, Doctors Bradford and Witter; Thompson, Doctors Horatio Holbrook and son, the son following Dr. Bowen, who died in 1851; Killingly, Dr. Justin Hammond.
Dr. Louis Williams practiced medicine in his native town of Pomfret for
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nearly forty years. He was a man of considerable prominence in the Connecti- cut Medical Society, being one of the examining committee of the medical department of Yale College, also quarterly visitor of the Insane Retreat in Hartford. As an educator he served several years as a trustee of the State Normal School.
Dr. Hiram Holt practiced for nearly fifty years in the town of Pomfret. He had a fine reputation as physician and surgeon, showing considerable inge- nuity in the making of appliances for use in his profession. The writer remem- bers him as a large man, six feet in height, who was fond of a joke and had a ready answer to inquisitive neighbors. His reply to the query as to the condition and outcome of some patient was, "We'll have to wait and see- wait and see."
Dr. Milton Bradford of Woodstock, a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Medical College, practiced in his native town for nearly forty years. He is remembered as a man of fine physique and genial disposition, who manu- factured his pills from boxes of pill mass, whose contents he rolled between thumb and finger and dipped in powdered licorice, or he cleverly selected on the blade of his knife the different powders which he deftly folded in papers, to be taken as directed. His favorite expression when asked as to his journeyings was : "I have been all around about the board."
Another native of Windham County to practice in the same town at the same time was Dr. Asa Witter. He bore a name well known to the people of Eastern Connecticut, especially among the medical fraternity, he having a brother and three sons following the same profession. His brother William was located in Willimantic for a number of years. Of the sons, John, the oldest, was associated with his father for a time, but soon after married and moved to Brimfield, Mass., where he remained until his father's death, when he . returned to East Woodstock and practiced for a while. Later he removed with his family to Putnam, where he remained the rest of his life. Another son, Ebenezer, located in a Massachusetts town, where he died. The youngest son, Wilbur, is still practicing in Brookfield, Mass. A long-time patient of his, in writing of Doctor Witter, says: "Too much cannot be said of Doctor Witter as a physician and a citizen, and it was a great loss to the community in every way when, after a brief illness, at the age of 67, he passed to the Beyond, having practiced over forty years. Perhaps no better eulogy can be had than that placed upon the monument which marks his resting place: 'By his skill as a physician he alleviated the suffering of his own generation and conferred last- ing benefit on mankind.' "'
Doctor Holbrook, a contemporary of Doctors Bradford and Witter, was also a native of Windham County, being a son of Dr. Horatio Holbrook, who fol- lowed his profession for many years in the town of Thompson. Doctor Holbrook is rated by his fellow practioner as, "A good diognostician, always ready to ex- press an opinion in regard to any case and give reason therefor. He was a man of good judgment, well versed in the therapeutics of his day, and had a thor- ough knowledge of remedies and what they were likely to accomplish. There was no attempt at display in his treatment or pretense of attempting to know more than he was conscious of knowing. He was modest in all that he attempted to do and was greatly attached to his profession, considering it hon- orable and deserving his highest devotion. His manner was grave, dignified,
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and courteous, his speech calm, deliberate, and cautious, his action energetic and untiring. He was strong in his convictions and when he believed he was in the right, no influence could change his opinion. He had a trained mind, possessed a remarkable memory and was a ready debater. He retained all of these facul- ties until the end his life." Doctor Holbrook lived to a ripe old age, always enjoying good health up to within four years of his death, which occurred at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
Dr. Justin Hammond practiced medicine in Killingly forty-three years, until his death. The writer's personal remembrance of him is of a visit to his office with an aching tooth, when he was assured that if it did not hurt when extracted there would be no charge. Needless to say-it did not hurt!
The first man to start the practice of medicine in the present City of Put- nam was Dr. Henry W. Hough. Soon after his marriage in 1837 he moved to Putnam, where he remained until his death. He was appointed assistant surgeon in the Eighteenth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, where he remained until 1862. He was well known for his extreme kindness to the needy and unfortunate and a story is told of the advantage that certain scoun- drels took of this notable characteristic of his. He was one day called in great haste to the home of a supposedly needy patient at a considerable distance, and arrived only to find that there was no such person and no such house. Upon his return home he discovered that his house had been robbed during his absence and that the call had been simply a ruse to get him out of the way. It is no wonder that a man with a heart like his was loved by all who knew him.
Another physician who came to Putnam shortly before it became a town was Daniel B. Plimpton. For six years he not only practiced medicine but was associated with James Manning in the dry goods business, at the end of which time he sold out his interest to Mr. Manning and devoted his entire time to his profession. During his long stay in Putnam many learned to know and love him.
Shortly after Doctor Plimpton located in Putnam, Doctor Bradley, who was practicing in Ashford, removed there, where he stayed until his death in 1880. He is remembered as a large man, riding in a buggy behind a white horse, his avoirdupois making itself evident by the angle at which the vehicle was tipped. It is also remembered that he was very fond of backgammon and was a familiar figure on the piazza of the hotel, playing his favorite game. His favorite remedies were composition tea and decoctions of lobelia and ipecac.
Dr. John B. Kent, the dean of the Medical Society of Windham County, is still in active practice and one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the county. Through his native ability and his effort to keep abreast of the times in the progress of medicine, he has held this position for the last fifty years. He has not only shown his skill as a physician but has taken an active interest in the welfare of the community in which he lives. He is a leading member of the Baptist Church and has ably served on the school committee for a number of years. He is always ready to help the deserving in a quiet way and his many friends pray his life may be spared many years.
Dr. John Witter who has already been mentioned as an associate of his father, Asa Witter, after practicing for a while in Brimfield, Mass., and Wood- stock, Conn., came to Putnam well equipped for the practice of his profession. Like his father, he was not only an able physician but a worthy citizen and on Vol. 1-27
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account of his genial disposition and love of humanity was highly regarded by his clientele.
Dr. F. Z. Barolet, who came to Putnam in 1876, although not as well known . as some of the doctors already mentioned, was much thought of by the French population, whom he served.
Dr. Omer La Rue came to Putnam at the same time as Doctor Barolet and stayed until his death, which occurred in 1917. He was educated in Quebec and Montreal and perhaps he was the best known of the French physicians of the county. He was most proficient in his profession and had a large practice not only among the French but other nationalities. He was particularly known for his medical etiquette, and was the most skillful mechanical obstetrician in this part of the state. He was an authority on smallpox as well. His activities were not limited to the practice of medicine. He took an active part in local politics, serving as selectman, councilor, health officer, and as a member of the school board and president of the Windham County Medical Society. A convincing speaker, he was first vice president of the national democratic convention in Chicago in 1892. His friendliness, sense of humor, broad sympathies, and keen appreciation of human faults and excellencies made him a loyal friend.
The first homeopathic physician was Dr. E. L. Stiles, who was in Putnam from 1881 to 1888. From Putnam he went to New Britain, where he had a sanitarium.
Dr. G. L. Miller came from Stafford to Putnam. He went to Vienna to study in the university and hospital. He had a large practice and was a large prop- erty owner. He was also a director in the Electric Light Company. Doctor Miller showed much interest in local affairs and did much for the development of the town. He removed to Providence, where he has since resided.
Associated with Doctor Miller and Doctor Crisaud, who was interested in the same school of medicine.
In 1887 Dr. Morrell, a native of Maine, associated himself with Dr. Kent and later opened an office for himself and still continues to minister to the med- ical wants of the towns of Pomfret, Thompson, and Putnam. His long prac- tice has won for him the confidence he deserves from his patients and also made him well known in this part of the State. For four years he was pension examiner by appointment of President Cleveland, and was a delegate to the democratic national convention which nominated W. J. Bryan for President. He has shown an active interest in local affairs, having been a member of the school board and building committee for the Israel Putnam School. His affable manner, pleasant personality, medical and surgical skill account for his many friends in and out of his profession, while his public spirit and adher- ence to the principles he considers highest have made him a valuable citizen.
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