A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 97

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930

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The next purchaser of the Standard (Observer) was Horace Wilder of Massachusetts, who, after a very successful continuance of the paper, disposed of the same to Messrs. Padgett and Meniken of New York City, the former acting as editor and the latter as manager. Mr. Meniken passed away last year, and the business is now carried on by George L. Padgett, editor, and Lewis T. Champlin, a worthy young man of no previous newspaper experience, as manager.

Deloss B. Wood prints the Advertiser at Danielson. It is a monthly publi- cation, and has a big circulation, secured through Mr. Wood's original idea of a free lance and free distribution. His "multum in parvo," "sharps and flats," "quips, quirks and quibbles" are meet and meaty. From boyhood to manhood Mr. Wood worked on the Transcript. He is not only a clever editor but a well- known speaker.

John Addison Porter, editor of the Hartford Post and secretary to Presi- dent William McKinley, was a distinguished citizen of Pomfret, where Mrs. Porter still retains her summer residence. He was deeply interested in Wind- ham County journalism and at my invitation as president of the Connecticut Editorial Association, delivered a spirited address at a summer outing held at Roseland Park.

Henry C. Bowen, who published the Independent in New York City, lived

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at Roseland cottage on Woodstock Hill during the summer season and was therefore regarded as a Windham County "country editor," a title he annually enjoyed. He was eminently unique. He made Roseland Park the most beauti- ful and most picturesque spot in this section. His reward was in the smiles, hand-clasps and happiness of an appreciative people. His receptions and the Fourth-of-July gatherings of notables were the talk of the county and entire country. It was he who requested me to introduce Gen. John A. Logan to local celebrities on his arrival at the railroad station and to escort United States Senator John Sherman to his carriage-civilities and honors I shall ever cherish. Mr. Bowen frequently visited the Putnam newspaper offices and up to the time of his death kept in close touch with home and national affairs. Henry C. Bowen was a remarkable man and character. Since his demise the Independent has been edited by Hamilton Holt, also of Woodstock and New York, and who has already attained high standing as a writer and lecturer.

A. Walt Pearson, for years connected with the Norwich Morning Bulletin, as editor and in different capacities, years ago lived in Danielson and helped out on the Transcript. He was a student of the old school, yet kept right up to date. For the Bulletin's later-day success Mr. Pearson is entitled to a large share of praise.

There was another newspaper man, a real journalist, and Windham County mourns its irreparable loss. I refer to Charles Addison Russell ("our Charlie"), of Killingly, congressman from the Third District. He was not directly asso- ciated with Windham County newspapers, but was regarded as such, being actively engaged up to 1878 as city editor of the Worcester Daily Press and for a time connected with the Worcester Spy. Political honors never spoiled him. His handshake with the hobo printer or office devil was just as cordial as when greeting the editor-in-chief. His manuscript was perfect penmanship, spelling, punctuation. He brought gladness to every heart. But he is now gone from among us-gone forever. He sleeps beneath the sunshine, the shadow and the snow at High Street Cemetery, Dayville. Peace to his ashes, love to his memory.

WINDHAM COUNTY TRANSCRIPT

The Windham County Transcript, Danielson, Conn., was established sev- enty-two years ago under the name of the Windham County Telegraph, the first issued appearing March 8, 1848, and was edited by Frances E. Jaques, with offices in the Exchange. The paper consisted of four pages, 1616 by 22 inches, and was $1.25 per year, in advance. Mr. Jaques was rather sickly and was unable to carry the burden of so strong a political journal, as the Telegraph was mainly to be a whig representative in its locality.

Upon the death of Mr. Jaques, F. M. Peck took the helm and the paper changed hands six times in almost as many years. In 1859 J. Q. A. Stone, who had been running a daily newspaper in Newburyport, Mass., became the editor and proprietor. Mr. Stone was an able writer, and with pen, purse and personal persistency he made the Transcript (the name was changed in the '50s) a clean, bright, newsy paper, which met with the general approval of all classes.

The people of Danielson will long remember Mr. Stone as an influential and public-spirited citizen, ever working for the good of the town, state and nation. It was through his untiring efforts that Danielson now has its beautiful Davis

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Park. Upon his death in 1897, his son, Charles D. Stone, carried on the paper. Up to this time the Transcript had continued with four pages, although the size had been increased until each page measured 22 by 30 inches, much out of proportion with modern papers. Mr. C. D. Stone purchased new press, folder, engine, stones and type, changed the paper to eight pages, 171/2 by 24 inches, improving the style and makeup of the publication very much.

In November of 1899 Mr. Stone sold the Transcript to a partnership formed of Charles H. Burroughs, Fred C. Burroughs and Burdette C. Hopkins. Mr. Fred C. Burroughs, as editor and business manager, proved an able and effi- cient captain, and by new ideas, up-to-date methods and increased facilities the paper steadily gained in popularity as a home newspaper and advertising medium. On February 1, 1905, Mr. F. C. Burroughs withdrew from the firm to accept a position in E. L. Freeman's printing plant at Central Falls, R. I., Mr. C. H. Burroughs and B. C. Hopkins remaining in partnership to carry on the business, the latter acting as editor.

Mr. Hopkins was born in Thomaston, Conn., January 3, 1876. He is the son of John B. and Henrietta (Cooper) Hopkins, and came with them to Daniel- son when nine years old, where he has resided ever since. His education was secured in the public schools. Leaving the Killingly High School, he entered the First National Bank of Killingly under Mr. H. N. Clemons, then cashier with which institution he remained until its dissolution in 1897. He was for a while bookkeeper and paymaster of the Danielson Cotton Company's mill. Mr. Hopkins continued to manage and edit the paper until 1913 when it was sold to Mr. Harold F. Glendining. The latter disposed of his interests on April 1, 1915, to the Transcript Company, which was organized by the follow- ing public-spirited citizens : J. Arthur Atwood, president; W. Irving Bullard, vice president ; Burdette C. Hopkins, treasurer; Ernest R. Warren, secretary ; Dr. G. M. Burroughs, Judge Harry E. Back and Miss Myrtis E. Burroughs.

Mr. Hopkins acted as business manager and Judge James N. Tucker was appointed editor. Later Mr. Hopkins entered other business and Judge Tucker retired from the editorship. Morgan F. Davy, an experienced newspaper man, then became editor and manager of the paper until October 25, 1918, when he was succeeded by the present editor and manager, Albert F. Ralston.

Mr. Ralston was formerly associated with the Pawtucket (R. I.) Evening Times. The Transcript today covers its news field thoroughly ; has a neat, up- to-date appearance and gives its subscribers from eight to twelve pages of live, interesting local, national and world-wide reading every week. Its prestige is strong in its territory and every week sees new subscribers added to its list. The Transcript is conceded to be one of the best weekly newspapers published in Connecticut.

HENRY LEWELLYN HALL

The following tribute was paid to Editor Henry L. Hall of the Willimantic Journal by Thomas S. Weaver:

A man of many gifts and rare natural ability passed out from among us on Sunday morning last. Henry L. Hall was born in Willimantic, August 15, 1835, and received his early education in the public schools, after which he fitted for college under Judge Calhoun of South Coventry.

Circumstances did not so shape themselves that he availed himself of a college training, however, and in 1857 he entered the drug establishment of

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

Williams & Hall, of Hartford, his brother, Horace A., being the junior partner of the firm. There he remained two years, and for a short time afterward was connected with the "Bee Hive," a well-known dry goods house of the same city. He then returned to Willimantic and with his father, under the firm name of Horace Hall & Son, for several years engaged in a general drug, paint and oil and grocery business (this was before Willimantic had reached the classified business stage).

Upon the dissolution of that firm, he made a wide divergence from his former business, and in 1871 accepted the editorship of the Journal, then published by W. J. Barber, and his active interest as editor did not cease until October, 1886.

The successive changes in the publishing firm of the Journal, during his administration were, after the Barber regime, Hall & French, Hall & Bill, and the Hall & Bill Printing Company, which was organized in 1884. Such are the facts of his business career. In a public sense he occupied a much larger field and his talents were the property of the people whom he served.

His entrance into public life was on his assuming the editorial chair and the talents which had lain dormant during a busy mercantile career came into active play and whether he wrote or spoke he put life and the fire of no small genius into his work. The columns of the Journal, under his care, were well written facts fairly presented, and a tinge of spiciness and humor pervaded his "Local Notes" that always made them enjoyable reading, even to one who had by long absence almost lost the track of what were once "home affairs." In politics he was an unswerving republican, and the journal was never with- out pronounced opinions on public affairs and was a benefit to the party at all times. That he should have been successful in a career so unlike that in which he was trained is a tribute to the natural gifts of his mind. In public speech he was more than usually eloquent, and his addresses on Memorial Day and other special occasions were listened to with great pleasure. He had much of the born orator in him.

No sketch of Mr. Hall would be complete without reference to his truly remarkable voice. For many years has it been heard in sacred song or in the more advanced musical compositions. Had he devoted his time to music he could undoubtedly have become one of the eminent interpreters of classical music in America, taking rank with Doctor Guilmette or Myron W. Whitney. His rich and powerful bass notes often called forth the highest praise from strangers who chanced to hear them from the church choir.

His social qualities made him hosts of friends and he was widely known throughout the state and esteemed for his frank and hearty greetings and his bright and animated conversation.

His domestic life he enjoyed, and he especially liked the country and was enthusiastic over life in the "suburbs." He leaves a wife and two daughters.

No tenderer words can be said, nor sweeter song be sung over his open grave than he himself would have uttered over the grave of a friend. Let him rest .- T. S. W.

CHAPTER XXVII FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES

POMFRET-PLAINFIELD-WILLIMANTIC-DANIELSON-NEW BOSTON-EAST WOOD- STOCK-HAMPTON-ASHFORD, THE BABCOCK LIBRARY-PUTNAM-EASTFORD- WINDHAM-CHAPLIN- THOMPSON-ALDRICH FREE . LIBRARY ASSOCIATION -- SCOTLAND TOWN LIBRARY.

A list of towns having free public libraries would include every town in Windham County save two, and would show a total of twenty libraries in the fifteen towns of the county. Windham and Woodstock boast three libraries each and there are two in Plainfield, Thompson and Pomfret.

Reading was not so universal in "Ye olden days" and the first library in the county was established in 1793-the "Social Library of Abington." In 1800 a library was opened at Plainfield, but was discontinued at the death of the founder. In 1850 there was still one library in the county. In 1860 libraries had been started in Hampton, Danielson, Thompson and East Woodstock; 1875 finds six libraries established and in 1900 there were eighteen libraries in the county. Chaplin established a library in 1901 and Thompson in 1902, bring- ing the number up to twenty.

The Woodstock Library Association was organized in 1898 by the union of two smaller libraries, the Academy Library and the Circulating Library. The association was granted a charter in 1911. It is a full library for all residents of Woodstock, and contains about five thousand volumes. The officers are: President, Arthur S. Hardy; secretary and treasurer, Ely R. Hall; librarian, Mrs. Louise L. Child.

THE POMFRET FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Pomfret early manifested an interest in literary affairs. In 1739 the "United English Library for the Propagation of Christian and Useful Knowledge" was established here, the citizens of Woodstock, Mortlake, Killingly and the west part of Thompson joining with Pomfret to lay its foundation. The society numbered thirty-four members who subscribed various sums from ten to forty pounds. The first books were obtained in 1740. In 1745 the library and society were divided, so as to allow Woodstock and Killingly people to have their part nearer to them. Pomfret kept up her part of the library. At the end of the Revolution it was reorganized. People thirsted for lighter material, to that end a social library was organized. This failed to meet all requirements, so in 1804 a Farmers' Library was instituted. The last recorded meeting of the "Proprietors of the United Library in Pomfret for Propagating Christian and Useful Knowledge" was held February 12, 1805, when the librarian was di- rected to "call upon the proprietors to return the books into the library agree- ably to the original covenant."

The library has been growing steadily. It is now a free library (1882) and all money is given by subscription of interested persons. All work in the library

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is done by volunteers. The library numbers at present over seven thousand volumes, fiction, travel, history, lives, essays, etc. The present librarian is Marian L. Harvey.

THE PLAINFIELD LIBRARY

By (Mrs.) Ruth E. Barber Devoloe

The first Plainfield library was formed in the early years of 1800 by the efforts of Miss Martha Smith and her sister Mrs. E. C. Eaton but was discon- tinued after the death of Miss Smith.

In 1890 a public library was again opened in the village with 151 books. The following people were chiefly instrumental in its inception :- Joseph Hutch- ins, J. H. Bliss, Rev. H. T. Arnold (now of Norwich), Emory H. Davis, M. D., L. W. Cleveland, Henry Dorrance, Benjamin A. Walker, Miss S. E. Francis, Miss Julia R. Fry. It was kept in the postoffice, the assistant Miss Susan F. Ashley (now Mrs. Edward Winsor) acting as librarian. A yearly membership fee of $1.00 was paid for the use of the books or 2 cents per week for non- members. After a few years the books (about six hundred at that time) were packed away during repairs on the postoffice and the library was not reopened until 1913, when the present organization was formed by the efforts of Mrs. S. E. Francis Dorrance, Miss Agnes Allen, Miss Martha Eaton, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kingsley, Deaconess Sanford, Miss Annie Tillinghast, Mrs. Annie John- son, Mrs. George C. Dean, Samuel Butterworth, and Charles Jerome. The books that remained were removed to the present quarters-two rooms in the Crary House, an old-time cottage on Plainfield Street.

At present the library is increased by the "Hawley Travelling Library" loaned by the widow of the late Governor Hawley of Connecticut; a case of books loaned by the Women's Missionary Reading Circle; a case from the Free State Library at Hartford and twenty-five books from the Town Library at Moosup; also a number loaned by the people of, the village. Both the Hart- ford and Moosup books are exchanged when returned.

The Plainfield Library is dependent on membership fees of $1.00 per year and the rental of books at 2 cents per week for its financial aid. Small gifts have been received and the proceeds of a lecture in 1915 by Rev. Wm. A. Keefe, amounting to some $90.00.

The library now numbers about eight hundred volumes, two hundred biog- raphy and history, and six hundred fiction.

The patronage is almost all from the working class -- young boys and girls. All of the public schools have small libraries as have the Sunday schools but there are several very fine books on birds, animals, fishes, insect and plant life that are proving interesting to the children. An attempt is being made to remove all but the best authors; and fifty new books by Ralph Connor, Joseph Lincoln, C. A. Stephens, Roosevelt, etc., were added recently.

THE WILLIMANTIC PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Willimantic Public Library had its beginnings in a so-called "Bee-Hive Circle" of busy workers, who made and sold fancy articles during the winter of 1853-4, and finally held a big "fair," on behalf of the "Willimantic Library Association" in the old-time three-story frame building known as Franklin Hall, which stood on the site of the present brick building of the same name.

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The library was first established in the rear portion of Henry W. Avery's shoe store, which was then located'in one of the so-called "Twin buildings," two one-story structures which stood for many years side by side just west of the Franklin building.

The old Franklin Hall and these twin buildings were swept away by fire in March, 1868; also the Elliott residence, which stood next west of the Twin buildings, and was the home of George Elliott, grandfather of George S. Elliott of the Parke-Elliott Company of today. This was the first "big fire" in the history of Willimantic.

Mr. Henry W. Avery was the first librarian, succeeded later by Mr. Horatio N. Bill, father of Arthur I. Bill of the Hall & Bill Printing Company, and who took an active interest in promoting its growth.

The library was not located in the Twin building at the time of the big fire, and its exact location for several years during those years is not known. In 1869 it was established in the second story of the new "Union Block," in the front room over what is now J. C. Tracy's jewelry store, and Allen B. Lincoln was appointed librarian. The library was open only Wednesday and Saturday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

In 1871 the borough paid the library association $125.00, changed the name to the Willimantic Public Library, appointed a library committee of three per- sons ; Mrs. Charrie Barrows (later Mrs. C. A. Capen) became librarian in 1872. The borough appropriated $200.00 per annum for maintenance and the pur- chase of books, and patrons were charged a small fee.

In March, 1882, the library was removed to the second floor of the Willimantic Savings Institute building. The first available records indicate that during 1882 the sum of $100.75 was received for the use of books, and the librarian's recompense was $56.25; there were 164 volumes added during the year, the total number being then 2,144; and the library committee were A. E. Clark, Hyde Kingsley and Charles A. Capen.

Records for the season 1883-4 indicate a balance on hand of $41.59; the. borough's appropriation $300.00; fines collected for overdue books $18.69; li- brarian's salary $100.00; volumes added during the year 155, making total 2,422; and the aggregate circulation was 11,673.

Mrs. Capen resigned as librarian in June, 1888, and was succeeded by Miss Ella Broderick, who held the position until January, 1887. The library com- mittee at this time were James E. Murray and George W. Melony.

Successive librarians were as follows: January, 1887 to April, 1890, Miss Louise Billings (Mrs. H. A. Bugbee) ; April 1, 1890, to October, 1891, Mrs. A. L. French; October, 1891, to January 1, 1893, Mrs. W. P. Jordan; January 1, 1893, to March, 1901, Miss A. Dell Carpenter.

In May, 1901, Mrs. Bell Baldwin Riggleman was appointed librarian and is still holding the position. Under her management the institution has been developed to constantly increasing service. In 1902, the card catalogue system was adopted, and Miss Alvaretta P. Abbott was employed to make the change, at an expense of $368.24. June 1, 1903, the appropriation was raised to $1,000.00 per year, and the opening hours increased to four afternoons and evenings a week. Since December, 1913, the annual appropriation has been $1,500.00 and the library is open every week-day from 2 to 9 P. M.

In November, 1917, the number of volumes was 9,468, and the aggregate circulation for the year was 35,500.

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At the present time, the annual appropriation is $1,500; volumes in the library, 10,000; circulation, 1919, 36,594.

An assistant librarian has been appointed recently, Mrs. Ruth C. Terry. In cooperation with the public schools, books are sent to North Windham each term for outside reading. The lists for the outside reading for Windham High School are posted in the library and a special section in the library is given to the shelving of these books.

DANIELSON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Danielson Free Public Library was started in 1854 as a young men's library. The name was changed to People's Library and by 1889 the library had about 2,500 volumes. The library was kept in Music Hall Building and was supported by funds raised by membership fees and dues. There were three classes of members, life members who paid $300 for admission and 50 cents annually and were entitled to vote; annual members who paid 50 cents a year; and honorary members who were made on payment of $50.00. The last two could use the books but not vote. Mrs. Anthony Ames was for many years librarian. Since 1904 the librarians have been, Emma C. Hammond, 1904-8; Evelyn H. Curtis, 1909-13; Henry M. Danielson, 1914-19 ; Ernest R. Warren, 1919-20.

THE NEW BOSTON LIBRARY By Gladys May

At a meeting of the Ladies Union Circle of New Boston at the residence of Parley Jordan on December 10, 1855, it was moved and agreed that all sums accumulated by the said circle since its foundation and the proceeds of the festival held at the grove of C. D. Theyer, together with the donation of the Martha Washington Society be appropriated for the purpose of a library to be owned by an association which is hereafter to be formed and kept in the vicinity of New Boston. On December 19 of the same year a meeting of the Ladies Union Circle was held at the residence of Messrs. Upham and Billing for the purpose of forming a library association. It was voted that the sum of $1.00 be paid to constitute a life member, together with an annual assessment of 25 cents.

Mrs. Jesse Ormsbee, Mrs. William Billing and Miss Mary P. Jordan with Miss Jane Ormsbee were chosen as a committee to select and purchase books for the said library. Mrs. Ebenezer Phelps was chosen first president; Miss Jane Ormsbee, vice president ; and Miss Mary F. Jordan, secretary and treasurer.

Twenty-nine life members joined the association the first year. Between 1855 and the present date there have been fifty-nine new life members and forty-five six-month members. The fees for the life members are the same as in 1855, and it costs only 25 cents for a six month membership. Each member is entitled to one book a week; after the second week there is a fine of 3 cents for each additional week. Fines for the year of 1919 amounted to $10.25. Money for the purpose of buying books is secured through library socials which are held at the homes of the life members.

Last year thirty-one new books were added to the collection; at the present date there are 2,262 books in the New Boston Library, which is opened by the librarian every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 P. M.

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This library receives no help from the state or town and is supported en- tirely by the work of the members.

THE EAST WOODSTOCK LIBRARY

By Mrs. Lillian A. May

The East Woodstock Library Association was the outgrowth of a literary association which was organized January 1, 1855, the object of said association being to "Diffuse useful knowledge, and encourage original investigation by means of Essays, Declamations, Debates, Lectures, and a Library."

The officers consisted of a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer and librarian, four directors. The members numbered fifty and the fee was $1.00 with 50 cents annually. Clergymen and teachers were invited to join without paying, and have use of the library free of charge. Non-members paid a fee of 2 cents per day for loan of books.

The first officers were : president, Geo. A. Paine; vice presidents, Rev. John King and John S. Child ; secretary, Wm. May; treasurer, Carlo May. Directors, Ezra Dean, Chas. N. May, Chas. Conant, Abiel Sanger. Meetings were held weekly, commencing at 6:30 o'clock. It was voted to alternate the lectures and debates. A fee was charged for the lectures and for some of the debates, and the proceeds used for the purchase of books for the library. The first li- brarian was Caleb May, he served until March, 1855, when Geo. W. Child was elected and served until 1860. The debates and lectures were continued through the winter seasons of 1855, 1856, 1857, and much good resulted in an educational way. Such men as Rev. John King, Rev. Daniel Dorchester, Rev. E. H. Pratt, Gero Walker, Hon. Sidney Dean, Rev. Mr. Coggswell, Rev. James Roberts, Benj. Segur and others gave lectures on topics like Hebrew poetry, Central America, Cuba and the Cubans, Literature of the Elizabethan Age, Insect Life, the Bible against Spiritual Rapping Phenomemon, etc. The meetings were held in the Brick Hall and it was packed to the doors.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 97

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930