A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 4

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

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In this inconsequential review I find that I know my neighbor Wyndham better than my home county of Tolland, this for the reason that neighborly exchange of courtesies has been so largely confined within the limits of the association ; to which, at first, Tolland belonged and of which Andover is still a member.

In any service I have been able to render I have gained much more than I 'have imparted and mile-stones about which pleasant and helpful memories group become valued landmarks as the years glide by.

There are few dates to add value to this desultory chapter of "Modern History," and the facts embodied are simply illustrative of the pervading atmosphere of every-day living; kindliness, neighborliness, thrift, piety, gen- eral intelligence, contentment. The best in culture that holds dear the bounti- ful munificence of nature and that centers about the historic Christian churches of all denominations that are nobly and bravely doing their part toward making and keeping our God-given country a Christian nation.

The farms feed the world materially, the country churches are just as truly the mental and spiritual feeders. "Where there is no wisdom the people per- ish." These people from the very first had the vision that strengthened the morale long before we adapted the comprehensive word that is one of our assets of the World war. "Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far off," here might be rendered, "Better a neighbor near by than a birthplace afar."

The pleasant task closes with the hope that it contains, at least, the spirit of the angels' song, "Love to God, Good Will to All Men," and best wishes for the success of this Modern History of Windham County, Conn., as a whole. For the kindly thought that included me as a contributor to its pages I return my thanks to my friend and neighbor, Mr. Lincoln.

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HELP US TO PRAY

By Annie A. Preston

God make us prayerful day by day And keep us sweet ; As Thine own friends let us be known By all we meet, Keep us unstained in thought and deed, Thy mind impart ; May the desire for what is best Fill every heart.

Keep us aloof from needless care, Teach us to pray ;

And give us light and grace to serve From day to day. So may Thy helpful love through us The answer be To some who pray for needed help, Dear Lord, from Thee.

Lead Thou our life, devout and true, Through prayer alway And grant us strength and peace and rest From day to day ; So may we ever keep the way The Master trod, And gain at last that best reward, "Well done," from God.

CHAPTER XXXIV WINDHAM COUNTY'S BIGGEST CELEBRATION

OLD SCHOOL AND OLD HOME WEEK IN WILLIMANTIC IN 1915-OLD SCHOOL, OLD HOME AND OLD CHURCH WEEK PROPOSED FOR 1925, AND EVERY TEN YEARS THEREAFTER.

Probably the most notable series of popular gatherings in the history of Windham County were those attendant upon the celebration of "Old School and Old Home Week" in Willimantic during the week of June 21-26, 1915. This celebration grew out of the first reunion in 1905 of the "Old Natchaugers" in honor of Col. John B. Welch, who was principal of the Natchaug High and Grammar schools for twelve years (1872-84). The response to this first reunion was so spontaneous and hearty that it was then proposed to hold a similar reunion ten years later, in 1915. In that connection it occurred to Allen B. Lincoln to propose "Old School Week," which should bring back to the old- home town of Windham "everybody now living who ever attended any school here, public or parochial," not only for the reunion with former schoolmates and in honor of the old-time teachers, but also to recognize the fact that the Town of Windham had then recently completed a notable group of new school buildings, including Windham High School, the Windham-Street Model School and the Natchaug grade school, which, with the State Normal-Training School and the extensive development of the two parochial schools, was emphasizing the liberal policy of the community towards its children in the matter of education.

The suggestion of "Old School Week" was received with instant favor, but upon reflection the committee of citizens appointed to arrange for the celebration concluded that it was a good plan to combine therewith the long- talked of "Old Home Week"; and so it came about that the plans were enlarged to include "Old School and Old Home Week."

Early in 1915, at a meeting of interested citizens, a Citizens' Association Committee was named to have general charge of the celebration with the fol- lowing members: George F. Taylor, chairman; M. Eugene Lincoln, William P. Jordan, Mrs. John Reilly, Mrs. Arthur Gates, Miss Florence Grant, Joseph M. Berard, Nelson A. Daniels, Charles L. Crane, Mrs. H. H. Spaulding.

An active campaign of publicity was begun by newspapers and by mail, to the end that all former residents of the Town of Windham should be bidden to the event. In connection with the "Old School" feature, more than two thousand letters were mailed to former pupils of the local schools, and hun- dreds of replies were received. Probably every family in the entire community invited its relatives and friends to "come and stay with us the entire week." Certainly a wonderful spirit of community welcome was manifest, and the responses soon indicated that the event was to be a huge success. And when the days came, local hospitality and accommodations were utilized not only in

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town but in the homes, for miles around, for "Greater Willimantic," including surrounding towns, joined heartily in the celebration.

The formal celebration was ushered in on Saturday evening, June 20th, by two huge "Beacon Fires" lighted by the Boy Scouts; one group on Hosmer Mountain in charge of Scoutmaster Robert H. Fenton, another group at Sun- set Rock, near the Methodist Episcopal Camp Ground, in charge of Scout- master Robert O. Branch; and these beacon lights shone out gloriously against the darkness of the night, being visible for miles around. The signal for light- ing the fires was the ringing of thirty strokes of the fire alarm by Fire Chief Fred W. Gerrick. At St. Joseph's Church, the chimes were rung by Sexton Peter Fournier; at the Methodist Church, Sexton Frank Winish rang the bell, at the Baptist Church Bert Harris pulled the bell rope and at the Congrega- tional Church Sexton Edward Sweet officiated. The bell of St. Mary's School added to the glad tidings with Sexton Mitchel Denneault in action.

The actual celebration was opened by a most notable and significant Com- munity Meeting in the new state armory, on Sunday evening, June 21, where an audience estimated at two thousand gathered to listen to patriotic addresses by the Rev. O. T. Magnell, a former curate at St. Joseph's R. C. Parish and then pastor at Wethersfield (now at Bristol) and the Rev. Dr. Charles A. Dinsmore, a former pastor of the First Congregational Church and then of Waterbury, now professor in the Yale School of Religion.

Special services had been held in each of the several local churches at the morning hours, but for this united evening meeting there was a great out- pouring of citizens of all denominations with united civic purpose. The theme of the service as announced was "The Moral and Religious Basis of Civic Life."

The spirit of Father Magnell's splendid address may be gathered from the following brief quotation : "The home and the school; the very nurseries of our nation; religion and patriotism, they must be the life and inspiration of both. It has been said that the world is governed by ideas. I prefer to amend it and say that the world is governed by ideals. Ideas of themselves are but subjects of the mind, stationary activities, but when the idea is translated into activity, when the power that has embodied it has moved into actuality, into the world, then alone is there action.

"In the history of the world those who accomplished much have been men who have possessed some grand ideal. They have fashioned their lives upon the stories of the doings of some great prototype, from whose life they have drawn inspiration and encouragement. They were men who laid their hands on ideals as old as the world, but in their force this idea was endowed with the enthusiasm of a noble purpose and they have gone forward to grand achievement.

"Now a nation is composed of individuals, and as individual ideals are good or evil, so will nations be grand and strong or unfortunate. If a nation places before it lofty standards, then by the power God will give it, that nation will stand strong upon the earth. But if the ideals of a nation are base and sordid, then will its achievements partake of the same character. Of this let us be certain, each one contributes to the glory or shame of the nation to which he belongs. The humblest toiler in the land has his place in making his country 's honor and glory."

Seated upon the platform with Chairman George F. Taylor and the speakers

NOTABLE GROUP, "OLD SCHOOL AND OLD HOME WEEK," 1915

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were Mayor D. P. Dunn, Revs. William S. Beard, J. J. Papillon, William F. Rowley, T. F. Bannon, W. O. Nuzum, C. J. Lemieux, C. H. Adams, F. A. Peterson, J. B. Wallace, and Sinclair Grimstead, representing every church and denomination in the city. In the course of a most eloquent and scholarly address the Rev. Doctor Dinsmore said :

"In a real sense every city has a soul, a unifying spirit, a sovereign pur- pose, and this gives it individuality and makes it a living thing. A city's ideals, its ruling passion, its public conscience, is of the utmost importance. It is most benefitting therefore that this first meeting of old home week should be given to the consideration of the things of the spirit, and that those who put first ethical and religious forces should assemble in a monster meeting.

"I esteem it a high privilege to be on the platform with the priests of the Mother Church. They call us Protestants, but the name is not quite fitting. While there are important matters about which we differ, and which they would be the last to minimize, yet our attitude toward them is not one of , protest, but one of friendship. We recognize the majesty of an institution which stretches back through the generations to the time of the Apostles, and has lifted the Cross in every quarter of the world, and we rejoice in its power to bring the justice and compassion of God near to man.

"How can two walk together except they be agreed? The answer is very simple : 'Let them cease discussing their disagreements and emphasize their agreements !' Carlyle said of his most intimate friend: 'We agree in every- thing except our opinions.'

"But let me come more directly to the theme of the evening: The Moral and Religious Basis of Civic Life.

"In a city many questions arise clamoring for a solution. Questions of taxes, lighting, transportation, franchises, schools. If we probe all these ques- tions to their heart, we shall find that they have to do either with rights or with duties. They affect human life and the relations of men.

"Every political and civic question is at heart a moral question, and every moral obligation rests for its ultimate foundation on the character and will of Almighty God.

"Our cities are founded on the granite of the firm-set earth. But upon what does the solid earth rest? It is sustained by the strength of the Invisible. Our civic institutions are builded on the foundation stones of truth, righteous- ness, justice and love. But these corner-stones of democratic liberty ultimately rest on that invisible Reality, which faith calls God.

"Every question which arises in the municipality to be settled by the peo- ple, or the board of Aldermen, or the mayor, is at heart a moral question, and it is not to be settled until it is settled by a conscience enlightened by the spirit of God.

"Therefore, the best service religious men can render to their community is to keep alive its soul. They must create the public conscience, and keep alive the higher ideals. Someone once asked Daniel Webster what was the greatest thought that had ever entered his mind. Mr. Webster answered, with the impressiveness so natural to him, 'The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is the thought of my personal responsibility to Almighty God.' The sense of responsibility to God is the foundation of all good citizen- ship. It is the mightiest power to make a man or a community better. It is the spring in the high places out of which flow all power and healing. Now

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the Church is the only institution in the community that brings men directly into relationship with God, and that lifts up the loftiest ideals of love and sacrifice. It keeps alive the finest feelings, it broadens the human sympathies, it deepens reverence for law and order. There is not a man in this audience who would live in a city where there were no churches, no sacraments, no religious institutions. The churches keep the soul of a community alive.

"A nation or a city dies when its inner spiritual vitality disappears. The walls of Great Babylon stood firm, her gates of solid brass lost none of their strength, but the imperial city fell because she was drunk with the wine of her fornication. Her defenses were strong, but her honor was dead. Rome sat on her seven hills the mistress of the world. Her conquering eagle flew over the known world. Rome fell because the ancient virtues were gone and the old faith was dead.

"Now the people who believe in morality and in religion should forget all differences of creed and stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against all the evils of civic life. We breathe the same air, we are lighted by the same sun, we live on the same soil, and we should recognize our common brotherhood, and work together for those projects in which all are interested. We can work together for cleaner politics. We can resolve to vote only for the best and most efficient men for public life."

The meeting closed with the united congregation, led by Helmold's Orches- tra, joining heartily in "America." No assembly ever held in Willimantic did more to arouse a fine civie spirit than did this opening religious service of "Old School and Old Home Week." It left a lasting impression upon the entire community.

The following week-days were crowded with interesting events, centering especially around the schools.

Monday was Class Day at the State Normal and graduation day at St. Mary's School. The streets of the city were thronged with people greeting old friends and meeting new ones, and many and delightful were the experiences in recognizing those whom one had not met for a score or more of years, or perhaps for half a century.

Tuesday there was a big track and field meet at the new Recreation Park developed by the American Thread Company on the old-time fair grounds, an evidence of genuine progress in rational amusement which was much appre- ciated and enjoyed. At 3:30 P. M. came the graduating exercises of the State Normal School, with an address by Editor Hamilton Holt of the Independent, on "The Great War and Peace."

There was a baseball game at Recreation Park, "Alumni vs. High School."

In the evening, graduating exercises at St. Joseph's School, at Natchaug Grammar School, and at Windham Street Model schools, all largely attended.

Wednesday morning there were class-day exercises at the high school audi- torium. All during the day, groups of old-time pupils were in evidence about the streets, and during the afternoon there were many informal gatherings at homes. In the evening there was a grand reception at the state armory, where everybody met everybody else; there were five-minute addresses by State's Atty. Hadlai A. Hull of New London County, Judge Edwin B. Gager, of the State Superior Court, Congressman Richard P. Freeman, Gen. E. S. Boss of American Thread Company, Atty. Gen'l George E. Hinman, General Kaley of New York and of the American Thread Company, Lieut .- Gov. Clifford B.

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Wilson of Bridgeport, and Allen B. Lincoln of New Haven, introduced as "the father of Old School and Old Home Week." After the speeches there was dancing, with Charles Wheeler's American Band furnishing the music.

Thursday was the big day, and it was estimated that there were fifteen thousand visitors in town. All morning the streets were thronged and by 2 P. M., when the big civic parade was due to start, the sidewalks were crowded with spectators all the way from the Town Building to Recreation Park, and in the parade itself were several thousand people. The First Regiment Connecticut National Guard, Colonel Goodman commanding, was the guest of the city, and its officers were entertained by the general committee.

Frank P. Fenton, town clerk, and a veteran of the Spanish war, was marshal of the day. Hatch's Military Band of Hartford headed the first division, its famous leader, Charles P. Hatch, a native of South Windham; and marching with the First Infantry Connecticut National Guard were the United Spanish War Veterans and the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic, the latter in carriages.

The feature of the second division was the Willimantic Fire Department, led by Chief Fred W. Gerrick, with music by Colt's Military Band, the Gov- ernor's Footguard Band and the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum Corps.

The third division was composed of local labor unions.

The fourth division was composed of the various French-Canadian societies, St. Mary's Parish and school.

Fifth division, fraternal societies; sixth, Polish societies; seventh, young peoples' societies of Protestant churches; eighth, Daughters of the American Revolution, Board of Trade, Willimantic Women's Club, suffragettes, black- smith's float; ninth, children of various schools, public and parochial, old-time graduates, etc .; tenthi, decorated business vehicles, autos, etc .; eleventh, distin- guished guests în automobiles and carriages. Marshall Fenton's aides were : Capt. H. E. Tiesing, W. K. Faatz, W. N. Bowen, E. E. Hickey, F. L. Clark, H. O. Eccleston, Arthur Racicot, Wade U. Webster, Arthur D. Chaffee, John F. Keegan, George K. Anderson, John S. Dailey, Joseph M. Berard, George A. Bartlett, Joseph Cotter.

Scores of decorated floats and autos were in the procession.

Prior to the starting of the parade, there was a notable assembly on the Town Hall steps, and Martin, the photographer, improved the opportunity. The resulting picture is reproduced on the opposite page.

Ex-President Taft spoke at Recreation Park on the subject, "Education," and fully five thousand people listened to him, several hundred seated in the grandstand, but most of them standing in the open field before him. In his address President Taft dwelt first upon the significance of American constitu- tional government, the necessity of loyalty to the Constitution, especially in times of crisis, with self-restraint holding the electorate until differences of opinion or action can be adjusted peaceably, and not by factional strife as in Mexico, but with calm acceptance of loyal decisions as in the Hayes-Tilden electoral controversy. Only by such self-restraint on the part of the electorate, with patience to await settlements by the prescribed methods of government, can we hope to perpetuate popular government. Education in the schools should teach such restraint and respect for fundamental law and for the methods of constitutional government.

He pleaded earnestly for more thorough attention to common-school educa-

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tion. "The danger in this country," he said, "is that we are too optimistic and are likely to make more fuss about higher education than for ordinary common- school education. I am not talking against higher education, but I want to emphasize the importance of obtaining a good common-school education. * * * One of our troubles is that we have been too lax with our youth. We do not work them hard enough, I mean in the matter of education. We give them too much vacation, not enough training and discipline. The present generation lacks respect for authority. Many a boy thinks he knows more than his father and · mother. Could anything be more absurd than some of the recent 'school strikes,' where fond parents have encouraged the independence of children against teach- ers. Our fathers, in your school days and mine, my elder friends, would have taken us over the paternal knee in such a case as that, and it would have been good for us. Unless you teach self-restraint in children, you are not going to have self-restraint in citizens, and in that event your popular government is going to be a failure."

Mr. Taft then spoke of the eagerness of the children of "foreigners" to learn and how they often seem to appreciate the meaning and opportunity of America better than do the children of the native stock. "The earnestness with which these children of foreigners," said Mr. Taft, "apply themselves to their lessons, is a lesson which our own children may well take to themselves. Our children are in many cases so given to ease and luxury that they think that everything that comes along is their own and that they may do as they please. The child who gets that notion is destined to a rude awakening some day." President Taft's address was listened to with marked attention and made a deep impression.

Thursday evening there was a notable banquet of former pupils of Principal John D. Wheeler of the First District schools; a reception for the pupils of St. Joseph's School; a banquet of the Federated French Societies and Alumni of St. Mary's School ; and the graduation exercises of Windham High School, with an address by Atty. Amos L. Hatheway of the Boston bar, Natchaug '75.

Friday was Boy Scout Field Day at Recreation Park, followed by a baseball game. At 4 P. M. there was a general informal gathering of all former high school pupils at Windham High School, where opportunity was found for "a good visit" with old schoolmates.

Friday evening there was a remarkable banquet at the Congregational Church house of former high school pupils who attended at "Old Natchaug" under Principal David P. Corbin in the years 1866-68, or under Thomas Hart Fuller, 1868-72, or under John B. Welch, 1872-84. There were 225 persons in attend- ance, including Principals Fuller and Welch.

At the same hour, former pupils of Windham High School under Principal Frank H. Beede, 1889-95, held a reunion and banquet at Washburn Hall, where they greeted Mr. and Mrs. Beede and had a royal time. About one hundred were present. Judge William A. Arnold was toastmaster and responses were made by Mr. Beede, Robert Peck Bates of Chicago, Miss Jessie M. Baldwin of New York City and Albert N. Colgrove of Waterbury. Trustees were chosen to take care of the proposed Frank H. Beede Fund for the high school, with Lucius Pomeroy Fuller of Hartford as chairman, W. A. Arnold, Robert H. Fenton and Mrs. Claire Morrison Case as members. In the receiving line with Mr. and Mrs. Beede were Dede Buck (Mrs. A. I.) Bill, Eva Keigwin (Mrs. Jay M.) Shepard, Mrs. Helen Boss Cummings, and Kate Hatheway (Mrs. D. E.) Taylor. After the banquet the "Beedeites" marched over to the big reunion of the "old Natchaug- Vol. II-3

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ers" at Congregational Church house, where they were warmly welcomed and Principal Beede was called upon for a speech.

Former pupils of Principal S. Hale Baker (1896-1900) enjoyed a reunion and banquet with him at Hotel Hooker.

Former pupils of Principals A. E. Peterson and Edmund Bugbee (1901-07) met for reunion and banqquet at Odd Fellows Hall, with about fifty present. There was a reception to Principals Peterson and Bugbee and their wives, Arthur Burnham Lincoln was toastmaster and responses were made by the principals and by Mrs. Florence Holmes Fitch of New York City, Harriette Little (Mrs. L. E.) Kinney of Mystic, Florence A. Grant of Willimantic, Prof. Raymond Hunt, Esther Dondero (Mrs. Ramsay) Wallace, Christine Sayles (Mrs. George S.) Elliott, and Ernest N. Emmons. Former pupils of Principal John J. Mad- dox (1907-10) who was unable to attend, were invited to meet with the Peter- son-Bugbee company.

Former pupils of Principal E. A. Case (1910-20) attended the annual reception at the high school auditorium.

Saturday, the final day, was given over to athletic sports, while many of the visitors took the opportunity to visit many familiar scenes of the old-school and old-home days.

One of the most interesting features of the week was the historical exhibit at the high school, arranged under the direction of Harriet Bass (Mrs. Robert H.) Fenton. There were old-time readers, spelling books, geographies, merit cards and diplomas; copies of old newspapers telling of school events; photo- graphs of school groups of years gone by. Another most interesting and val- uable exhibit was that by John L. Leonard, who in his boyhood attended the "old-stone schoolhouse." He showed a clever pencil sketch of Main Street, Willimantic, as he recalled it in 1860. The sketch is on paper in two strips, one about fifty feet long and eighteen inches wide and showing the north side of Main Street as it was then; and a similar showing of the south side. He had made remarkably accurate drawings of the buildings and houses as he recalled them, with the name of the business man or family then occupying. Vacant lots and the changes since were noted. Every house on Main Street then had a fence in front. There were but three brick buildings on the north side of Main at that time, the old Doctor Witter home, now replaced by the United States Postoffice, the Card Block, still standing, and one other since removed to the rear of Samuel Adams' present market. A pencil sketch of the old stone schoolhouse was also shown.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 4

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