A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 3

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 960

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For the encouragement of those so fortunate as to dwell in the environ- ment of neighbor Windham and for the enlightenment of any who may be- little their attainments or deplore their isolation let me give this extract from a friendly letter: "One reason why I regretted not getting over to see you was to tell you how much I enjoyed the mission meetings at Warrenville, know- ing that you would be interested. They were not only delightful socially but the work accomplished was surprising and the programs excellent, the papers read interesting and informing, the discussions well sustained, showing ability, as well as much reading and real study. Those meetings would do credit to any city church ] know."

Another church in Ashford association but not belonging to my Neighbor Windham, but, no doubt, like myself happy to be a neighbor, is that at Spring Hill, Mansfield. A church where the spirit of service has been and still is beautifully exemplified in the community life. In this church the first standard bearers, in the line of home mission "promotion," were Mrs. Emma J. Gard- ner and the late Mrs. Mary Storrs, whose expressions of interest are as fresh in my mind as when they first came to my aid in my unaccustomed efforts.

In the early days of the Willimantic Baptist Church, it was often spoken of as an offshoot of the Willington church, and it was not unusual for people, when in a reminiscent vein, to recall collections being taken in the Willington church for the benefit of the struggling church in Willimantic. A vivid picture of a former day and generation is the large social room of the Willimantic Baptist Church, filled to overflowing and a covenant meeting in progress, the leader being the pastor, Rev. George W. Holman, who not only presided but sang and acted as organist. It was inspiring to the visitor and made her first visit an event. Every moment was improved in prayer, testimony or praise, spirited, spiritual and most inspiring. The benediction was impressive, but people were not in haste to leave and the stranger who had spoken a few timid words was given kindly welcome, especially by those who recalled Willington as the church of their first love. I recall Deacon Andrew Fuller and his wife, Mrs. Harriet Preston Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Merrick Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Origen Hall, Dr. and Mrs. Fred Rogers, and others whom I was later to know for many years. Fifteen years later at least the same combination of circum- stances, the failure of the New York train to connect with the New London Northern, sent us to a Willimantic hotel for the night. A church bell rang, the Baptist bell, and we went full of anticipation. There were only a score present ; the older stand-bys had passed on, and their places were not filled; and I could but repeat "Fear not little flock, it is they Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," -- a message that had bridged many seemingly critical situations

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

with a span of hope. The conversation that followed with the young pastor, for the congregation left at once, was interesting and suggestive. He spoke of diminishing congregations, non-church attendance and many problems to be met, now that the foreign-speaking peoples outnumbered the native born; and the associational director had a new and vividly realistic sense of her oft repeated but little regarded impression, "Home Missions mean much more than carrying the Gospel to the Indians and the colored peoples. We have constantly increasing mission fields at our own doors. Our work includes the Americanization of these new neighbors and Americanization means assimila- tion. "

The young pastor was among the many who looked upon the incoming for- eigner as a calamity instead of an opportunity.

A letter received from an aged friend in the far west in reply to one men- tioning this experience, said in substance, "In the years immediately follow- ing the War of the Rebellion it seemed as if the old residents could not get `away from the farms of Eastern Connecticut fast enough, to settle in the manu- facturing centers, as the many abandoned farms testified, but on my last visit east I was glad to find many of the farming sections taking on even more than their old time luxuriance under the care of the foreigner, and we could but wonder if the old residents would see that they had not only the duty to strengthen the things that remain but to assimilate the new element on the lines followed by our ancestors who made the country what it is today, the home of the homeless all over the earth."

Some of our experiences with these new residents from over the oceans have been pleasant and suggestive; this especially interesting: A rugged section of farm country comparatively deserted for several years was purchased by a family, from Denmark, old and young, almost a colony, of whose enterprise we occasionally heard. Childish memories of traditional incidents, that made the locality interesting, suggested the long drive across the border of the county and a town or two. The fates were kind for our delight on arrival the raising of a large substantial barn was in progress. The old houses and farm build- ings had been rejuvenated and now the increasing dairy herd demanded ade- quate accommodation and also for the promising growing crops. The shapely frame-work of strong timbers was already in place and a dozen or more jolly, stalwart men were raising the rafters. The scene as we came unexpectedly upon it was as unbelievable and as full of charm as a fairy tale. In the midst of reclaimed land and luxuriant vegetation was this huge frame-work. The ridge-pole was already in place and to each end was a flag-pole wreathed with flowers and evergreen. From the pole on the east floated the Danish flag and from the one on the west our Stars and Stripes.

"What is the meaning?" we asked of a young woman with a complexion suggestive of strawberries and cream who left the large flock of poultry she was feeding under a wide spreading apple-tree, to give us cordial greeting.

"At home we does that way always," she said smilingly, pointing to the garlands, "It is for what you calls in this America the good luck. You under- stand, that the summer time that fills the barns shall not fail, and the flags are for the old home and for the new that shall be our children's and for the good God high over all."

"It is all beautiful and wonderful, the improvements you have made, but you have had money ?"

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She laughed, shook her head and held up her large, shapely, brown lands. "We have had these and we loved the work. We lived on the land at home; we love and know animals." Her exact words I cannot repeat but she conveyed the idea that in the country there was more that appealed to the good in human nature than in the more thickly inhabited centers. They had the vision. The years that have passed have proved the theory of assimilation. They are Amer- icanized. Now and again one writes reporting progress, and always it is prog- ress, or another steps from a fine machine and calls for a few moments for the same purpose and with pardonable pride; but always the sentiment is expressed "You people took an interest in us all, from the first helped us about schools and in obtaining positions and we do not forget."

There is in Willington a Bohemian club-a social and benefit association with a very large membership. To show the appreciation of these new resi- dents for just simple courtesy and kindly greetings, as opportunity offers, our R. F. D. carrier came to the door one morning when on his round saying "It was voted last evening at the meeting of the lodge to present Mrs. Preston with this history of Bohemia, because she takes a kind interest in us and in our children," and he handed me the handsomely bound volume. It was a great surprise and as a token that the Golden Rule is an active force regardless of class or language of inestimable value, as it was as a proof that nothing done with the right spirit is ever lost.

As amusing and possibly amazing a situation as has ever occurred in the entertainment of delegates in the history of Ashford Association, we fancy was the culmination of an unadvised scheme by several new and young pastors to readjust the Associational Sunday School Convention, that, for years, to con- venience the greatest number, had held morning and afternoon sessions with a lunch at noon, into an afternoon and evening meeting with a 6 o'clock supper. When the entertaining church was apprised of the arrangement, protest was made as to the unexpected requirement of both dinner and supper.

"That is not at all necessary," said the new pastor, "I understand it is only a Sunday school affair and probably only a few will attend."

"There is always a large attendance," said the protesting voice. "This convention is held at its true and proper value, by all our churches." But the pastor had his say out of courtesy and a supper committee was appointed.

"Lost the battle," said the husband teasingly and the old foot-path through the green turf led to their nearby home.

"The cause was not lost and I'm planning a new campaign."

"I'm anxiously awaiting details. Why are you so much in earnest ?"

"I have been inviting people for a year to come to that convention, and for weeks now every home mission letter has closed 'Hoping to see you at the Sun- day school convention in June.' In order to reach here those who come by train will arrive around 10 o'clock and it is impossible that they wait until 5 or 6 in the afternoon without food. I shall not attempt the impossible, but an army would not starve on bread and butter, crullers and sponge cake."

"By no means, and we will set the table on the lawn under the trees, and make a picnic lunch of it and why not boil ham?"

It only meant extra work, everything was available and happily as usual she saw the humorous side. The humor developed the afternoon before the con- vention, when the young pastor came in saying, "I forget to mention that we are having a ministers' meeting at the church this afternoon and I have not

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asked the ladies regarding their entertainment. What do they usually do about such meetings ?"

"Being the guests of the pastor they are entertained by him."

"But what shall I do?"

"Everyone is so occupied preparing for tomorrow that I fear you can do no better than to bring your guests here."

As Rev. Leonard Smith of Spring Hill, who was to drive home, arose from the table to take leave he asked, "Where are you all to stay tonight ?" and the little minister looked so distressed that the hostess said, "If they have not been invited elsewhere, it might save complications for them to stay here." And they did so.

Not long after breakfast next morning delegates began to arrive, and croquet on the lawn furnished diversion. More ministers came and with those already as guests sat so long at the dinner table (thoughtlessly) that there was no time for the picnic table to be spread, and the hostess was compelled to explain the situation to the croquet players and ask them to come in and help themselves. They came like a flight of angels, relieving all embarrassment and making the best of it all, as Windham County neighbors born and bred are able to do under all circumstances. The church bell rang for the meeting and the audience room was filled. The hostess dressed and went to the church in time to read her story that was a part of the program, but had nothing to do about the supper, the ladies of the committee being quite able to cope with all that; and when the "G. Hall, Jr. & Co." big-team arrived from South Willington, there was no lack of reinforcement and success was assured. Mr. Warren of Danielson who was the latest guest at the dinner and fared accordingly, said graciously, "You have saved the old church's reputation for hospitality."

"But the church would not have been culpable. But strangers would not have understood."

The episode promoted acquaintanceship and Miss Mary Arnold of Putnam is one who still recalls that merry morning whenever a chance meeting occurs.

When the next Willington church entertained the Sunday school conven- tion, it was at the beautiful Clara Hall Elliott Memorial Church in South Wil- lington, and Windham County neighbors were duly appreciative of the perfec- tion of entertainment, but the spirit of kindliness was no more gracefully ex- pressed than on the previous occasion.

My very first associational meeting was the Sunday school convention held in Stafford and the drive with Pastor Charles W. Potter and his daughter-in- law, Mrs. Rose Thompson Potter, is vividly recalled. The pastor of Stafford church, Rev. Frederick Bacheler, and his wife gave us cordial greeting, with their two small sons, Fred and Wiley, who during all their years of boyhood were helpful to their beautiful, delicate mother in all her parish work and particularly in the work of the woman's missionary societies. One is now a Boston physician, the other a business man there, but are both still my friends and enjoy, as men of affairs often do, I find, recalling early days.

At that convention the dinner was served in a large tent spread upon the church lawn and the social atmosphere was delightful. Several gentlemen past middle age, who had driven from my Neighbor Windham, also Deacon Wight- man of the Stafford church, recalled a West Woodstock friend and Deacon Neff of Danielson as among those who on an eventful occasion many years before

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

arrived at this same church where a Sunday school association had been ap- pointed, to find that there being no pastor no one felt enough confidence that the occasion would be remembered to open the church doors. These visitors on arrival took no note of the conditions, but opened the doors and rang the bell-"Rang it as if there was a fire!" said Deacon Wightman; and it kindled the fire of zeal and encouragement in all our hearts. The women folk came hastening with food prepared for the home dinners and there was no lack, every- thing fell into line. The Willington delegates arrived, good singers among them, and we had such an inspiring meeting together that in after years if a note of discouragement was struck, someone had only to suggest that the church "bell be rung-"rung as if there was a fire!"-for all to take heart again. Dea- con Wightman told me this story more minutely in his own carriage shop in Stafford, fronting the beautiful lake, one summer day while I waited for some detail of repairs. His talk was full of interest regarding the early history of the churches and he dwelt with much fervor upon the value of the associational fellowship, the ties of which grew stronger year by year.

At this Stafford convention I first met Mrs. Sarah Spicer Slingsby of the Willington church and our friendship increased until her death not long since in Woodstock Valley where for some years her home had been.

Mrs. Jennie Leonard Matthewson, also of Woodstock Valley, whose efforts in promoting interest in missions at home and abroad were unceasing was known best through interesting and helpful letters and is affectionately remembered ; as is Mrs. Ella Chamberlain whose passing on while so young and so useful seemed particularly sad, and sympathy goes out to those who miss her most.

Just here we are reminded that John B. Carpenter long active in all that was best in church and community life in Willington and his brother James Carpenter were Woodstock, Windham County, natives.

Desirable Willington residents for a longer or shorter period, who came from the environment of Neighbor Windham, were, years ago, the Mathews family ; Nathan senior living for some time on a Willington farm, but returning to Westford where he held a responsible position at "The Glass Works," being an expert "mixer" of the components of which "the amber wines" were made, as the quart bottles manufactured there for many bottling establishments were called. His formula known only to himself was never written and at his death when in his advanced eighties the secret died with him. His son, Nathan, Jr., who married Miss Sarah Davis of Brooklyn was also a glass worker. They were Baptists and for years faithful in attendance at all associational gather- ings, often accompanied by their dainty little daughter, Lillian Gertrude, who later came to Willington as a teacher making a notable success. After a few years she purchased a building lot opposite the new center schoolhouse and was happy and enthusiastic in her school work and in planning and superin- tending the erection of a dwelling house for herself and her mother, but before its completion fell ill, and died, greatly lamented. Pastor Darrow began his address at the funeral service in the crowded church where she had been active in choir, endeavor and Sunday school: "One of our choicest spirits has been called from earth." The house was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln White and her sister Mrs. Clark of Westford who have added many improvements, making of it a handsome and desirable residence.

Mrs. Mathews with her son and his wife Mrs. Ida M. Mathews, a graduate

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

of the Hartford school of Religious Pedagogy, are among the helpful residents of South Willington.

The teacher of our Center school, immediately preceding Miss Mathews, was Miss Nellie Towne Burleson of South Woodstock and Putnam, a descendant of the Colonial Towne family of Thompson whose numerous members for years owned adjacent farms of the original tract in what was long known as the "Towne neighborhood" a talented and devout young woman with high ideals and varied attainments. Others whom it is pleasure to mention are Miss Jessie Dean Bennett from Eastford, trained nurse, whose kindness, adaptability and reliability have won for her many devoted friends; her sister, Mrs. Mary Ben- nett Converse, the excellent and admirable wife of Dr. F. B. Converse, the skillful and popular physician of the whole country-side, son of the late Dr. Harvey H. Converse of Eastford, well remembered for his extended practice and as a volunteer Civil war surgeon in a Massachusetts regiment; Charles S .. Amidon, Merrell Cushman and family, Miss Nettie Copeland.

To Willington, historie old Windham County is indebted for Mrs. Eliza Kent Fuller, able and versatile writer, speaker, editor, temperance champion and woman's suffrage advocate. Mr. John Merrick of Minneapolis, Minn., a Willington native, wrote me "We often read that this or the other country town is proud of its son who by some work for humanity has won renown. Wil- lington should be proud of her daughter, Mrs. Eliza Kent Fuller, known far and wide as one of Connecticut's most able temperance champions and editress of The White Ribbon Banner, the organ of the state's Woman's Christian Temperance Union." And my personal tribute of appreciation to this friend is that the value of her service has been greatly enhanced by the fact that she never forgets the dignity of the cause she advocates nor belittles it by militancy.

In recalling those early days of home mission activities there are constant reminders of Willington's pastor for ten fruitful years, Rev. Charles Hovey Brown, who was faithful at all associational gatherings, most dependable and popular. The meeting immediately following his removal to Vermont was held in Putnam, a native teacher from Spellman Seminary having been assigned to address the mission meeting. Entering the large, new and rapidly filling church a hasty glance sufficed to show that no colored person was present. Almost immediately someone inquired for Mr. and Mrs. Brown, the reply being forestalled by an unusually pleasing young woman who said gently, "Oh, may I ask, is it the Pastor and Mrs. Brown of Newport, Vt., of whom you are speak- ing? Yes? And may I explain that I passed last Sabbath with them there in their pleasant parsonage and, truly, have never had such a perfectly delight- ful time in all my life."

"Easily believable, and you are Miss Grandison? What a charming intro- duction."

That this beautiful, cultivated lady was one of the emancipated made a deep impression upon all who. listened to her fine address, setting forth the desirability of maintaining schools for the freed peoples.

Miss Mathilda Brown, whose familiar talk regarding her work for immigrants at Ellis Island and now in Boston was most realistic, has ever been a favorite speaker of these gatherings, eloquently setting forth the needs of the work and is always most warmly welcomed.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

My affectionate interest in Sterling is founded on pleasant mention of place and people by our beloved pastor, Rev. Earle W. Darrow and Mrs. Darrow, who commenced their work together there and by their friends from Sterling met occasionally at meetings; and as many people in many places, friends of dear friends of mine, are treasured pleasantly and helpfully in memory, owing to my love for all God's people, I do not feel unacquainted in Sterling.

It is also recalled that Rev. Charles W. Potter left his pastorate here for the church on Sterling Hill.

Of Canterbury my acquaintance is confined to a fruitless quest for the earthly home, or the school, or last resting place of Miss Prudence Crandall; but our appreciative pilgrimage resulted simply in a pleasant day's drive over inter- esting country that is associated in mind with her name and unselfish mission.

An unpremeditated but suggestive and pleasantly remembered visit to neigli- bor Windham occurred one dreary March day while en route for Boston over the then unpopular New York and New England Railroad, when a derailed freight brought our journey to an abrupt halt. Almost any Connecticut coun- try-side in March is uninviting and the wild spot where we found ourselves stranded was no exception; but the uninteresting without was forgotten by the good-fellowship that immediately developed. The prospect of a long inevitable wait was accepted cheerfully, all adapting themselves to the unwelcome situa- tion. Preston B. Sibley of Danielson and Dr. George Austin Bowen of Wood- stock were among the pleasant men of affairs with both of whom we were to become better acquainted later through the Grange.

The probability of the trolley finding its way through the fertile valleys and inviting farm lands of the county in sections where the steamcars had not solved the problem of transportation was intelligently discussed and there was much very good informing talk. Bicycles were growing in favor and their fascination that lured the young people from the Sunday school to the open road was deplored. Automobiles were then among the possibilities of inven- tion and some one had read of a trackless trolley in France, that, if developed might solve Connecticut's rural problem as to marketing of crops; but the idea was at once dismissed as not only impracticable but impossible on account of the condition of the highways and not to be considered in a locality made up of hill and dale.

The Grange was discussed as a helpful factor in country life promoting co- operation, better methods and a more intelligent interest, and when the danger of the order degenerating into a mere social or dance club was mentioned, Mr. Sibley with his usual perspicacity said gravely, "When an organization as- sumes that character, promoting late hours and an indiscriminate member- ship, its usefulness as a Grange ceases."

This episode was not far from Pomfret station, possibly within the limits of the township, one of the most beautiful in the Commonwealth, exceptional for situation, its views commanding broad expanses far beyond the county lines. Happy those people who found themselves at home there, and wise those who have made in so charming an environment a home.

Hampton, Canterbury and Woodstock, all share the picturesque beauty of "The old Pequot country side."

In the Congregational Church at Woodstock Hill have been pastors with Preston family affiliations, Rev. David McGee Bardwell of Williamstown, Mass.,

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

served his first pastorate in South Woodstock, later passing most of his long and useful life in Michigan and Wisconsin and New Jersey, departed this life June 1, 1898, aged eighty-five. His brother-in-law, Rev. William Marsh, was pastor for several years in Woodstock, his wife, Mrs. Mary Bardwell Marsh having many friends there and in Pomfret. After the death of her husband and her return from her duties as a volunteer nurse in the army of the Potomac, she purchased the place now known as Maple Corner in Willington where her two daughters married sons of Hon. S. T. Preston.

In writing the name of native county, I always wish the old spelling Wynd- ham had been retained, and I recall that when a small child a very old gentle- man, my mother's great-uncle, son of Capt. Benjamin Bishop of the Revolu- tionary war, who was much given to relating historical incidents lest they be forgotten, recalled that Windham County, Vt., was so named by settlers who came from the county of that name in Connecticut who brought the tradition that their Windham was named from the celebrated English statesman, Sir William Wyndham, who in 1713 was chancellor of the exchequer and who died full of years in 1740. As my birth-year was 1840, the coincidence of the dates fixed the matter in my childish mind and the spelling Wyndham unusual and hence attractive. This usually ended in a family argument with his wife and her sister who had also good memories as to the exchequer having been the queen's treasurer or the court of the queen's bench of last resort. In those days children were expected to "be seen and not heard"; to listen, remember, and keep quiet.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 3

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 960

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 960