USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Winchester > Annals and family records of Winchester, Conn.: with exercises of the centennial celebration, on the 16th and 17th days of August, 1871 > Part 49
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PLATED WARE AND COFFIN TRIMMINGS.
The Strong Manufacturing Co. was organized in 1866 by David Strong, Clark Strong, and others, for manufacturing plated handles and other coffin trimmings as a specialty. They erected their factory buildings on the site of the Gaylord foundry, and have since prosecuted the business largely and successfully, their wares being sold to every section of the country. They have recently purchased the water power of the Gilman Carriage Co., and are now (December, 1872) laying foundations for an additional factory building of capacity for more than doubling their work.
The business promises to be large, successful, and permanent.
Another company or partnership, consisting of Ralph H. Moore, Franklin Moore, and others, has this year (1872) erected a factory on Case Avenue for making plated spoons and other plated articles.
CONDENSED MILK.
The Borden Condensed Milk Co., consisting of Gail Borden, Theron Bronson, and Elhanan W. Tyler, was organized in 1863, and purchased the factory building near the Naugatuck depot, now occupied by the Win- sted Printing Co., in which they condensed milk until 1866, when, not finding the location favorable for the business, the concern was wound up.
CARRIAGE SPRINGS.
The Henry Spring Co. was organized at New Haven in 1869, and its location was transferred to Winsted in April, 1870, and the grinding shop on Lake street, erected by the American Hoe Co., was purchased by the Spring Co., and its machinery placed therein. The business has been vigorously prosecuted to the present time (1872), with a promise of be- coming large and permanent. The company has this season erected an additional building for enlarging their working power. The Spring made
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AND FAMILY RECORDS.
by them is a patented article combining equal strength and elasticity with springs of other manufacture of a third more weight, and are in constantly increasing demand for light buggies and carriages.
A tendency has prevailed here for the last thirty years among moneyed men, to "try all things and hold fast that which is good" in the way of manufacturing. This accounts for the large number of joint stock com- panies of brief existence and unsuccessful ending herein recapitulated. They have been slow to learn that manufacturing operations, organized and conducted by men not specially qualified and experienced in the branch of manufacture undertaken, are almost inevitable failures. Not- withstanding these drawbacks, profitable manufacturing operations have steadily increased, have never been more profitable than at the present time, and have never given surer promise of permanence and enlargement.
CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
COMMEMORATIVE OF THE ORGANIZATION
OF THE
TOWN OF WINCHESTER,
CONNECTICUT,
AND OF THE
First Ecclesiastical Society of said Town.
AUGUST 16TH AND 17TH, 1871.
REPORTED BY
HENRY E. ROCKWELL, EsQ., PHONOGRAPHER.
67
PRELIMINARY.
THE following article appeared in the Winsted Herald of April 21st, 1871 :-
" We are desired to say that the organization of Winchester as a cor- porate town occurred on the 22d of July, 1771: and those citizens desirous of commemorating the event are requested to meet at the Lecture Room of the Second Congregational Church, West Winsted, on Monday evening, April 24, 1871, at seven o'clock, to consider and adopt preliminary measures. A prompt attendance of all persons interested is earnestly desired, the time for action being brief, and the preparations to be made important."
Pursuant to the foregoing call, a meeting was held at the time and place therein designated, and a committee, representing the several sections of the town, was appointed to consider and report to an adjourned meeting as to the desirableness of a commemorative celebration, and as to the time, place, and manner of arranging the same, and the following committee was appointed :-
Theron Bronson,
Thomas M. Clarke,
Abel S. Wetmore,
Charles H. Blake,
Ira W. Pettibone,
Samuel L. Andrews,
Isaac A. Bronson,
Rollin L. Beecher,
Benjamin W. Pettibone,
Charles Cook,
Samuel Hurlbut,
James R. Alvord,
James L. Bragg, John Boyd,
John T. Rockwell,
George M. Carrington,
William G. Coe,
Hiram Perkins,
Normand Adams,
Elias E. Gilman,
Timothy Hulbert,
Moses Camp.
This committee, after mature consultation, published in the Winsted Herald, and in printed notices, circulated throughout the town the follow- ing call for an adjourned meeting, to be held on the 6th of May, 1871 :-
" The town of Winchester was organized, and the first town meeting held, in July, 1771. It is proposed that we celebrate that birth-day of a hundred years ago : that we call home the wanderers from the old town
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ANNALS OF WINCHESTER,
and their descendants, wherever scattered, spread a tent, bring together history, reminiscences, and cheerful story ; and as a big family reunited, talk over the old times. Shall we do it? The undertaking requires the enthusiastie aid of every man and woman.
" Citizens of Winsted, and of the whole town, are requested to meet at the Second Congregational Church this week, Saturday evening, May 6th, at half-past seven, to decide the matter. Ladies are especially invited, and men modestly entreated, to attend and say the celebration shall go ahead. Such preparations are already made that this meeting ean act decisively and effect a prompt and efficient organization if it will. If the community is indifferent to the project, neglect to attend this meeting will effectually kill it.
" THERON BRONSON, " Chairman of Committee."
Pursuant to the above call, a meeting was held at the time and place therein named, and was called to order by Theron Bronson, Esq., chairman of the advisory committee. Rollin L. Beecher was appointed chairman, and George M. Carrington, clerk.
After remarks by Wm. G. Coe, John Boyd, M. P. Hubbell, and others, those in favor of a celebration were called on to manifest it by rising ; carried by a nearly unanimous vote. The time of holding the celebration was fixed for the last two weeks in August, the exact time to be named by a supervisory committee afterwards appointed.
The organization of the first Ecclesiastical Society of Winchester having occurred during the same year with the town organization, it was decided that the celebration should occupy two successive days, the first to be commemorative of the Ecclesiastical Society, the services to be held at Winchester Center, and managed by citizens of that society, and in the evening a reunion of a social character to be held in Winsted ; and the second day's exercises to be specially connected with the town organiza- tion, and to be held in Winsted.
The following committees were then appointed :-
General Supervisory Committee .- William G. Coe, John T. Rockwell, James A. Bushnell, Samuel Hurlbut, Theron Bronson, James L. Bragg. Finance .- Henry Gay, Charles H. Blake, James H. Welch, Rufus E. Holmes, McPherson Hubbell, Silas Hurlbut, John McAlpine, Samuel M. Munsill, David Le Roy.
Invitations .- Rev. Frederick Marsh, Abel S. Wetmore, Alva Nash, John Boyd, Ira W. Pettibone, George M. Carrington, Theron Bronson,
529
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
John Hinsdale, William C. Phelps, B. B. Rockwell, Mrs. Norris Coe, Mrs. Leonard B. Hurlbut, Miss Mary P. Hinsdale, Mrs. Harvey L. Roberts.
Exercises and Ceremonies .- Samuel B. Forbes, Roland Hitchcock, Thomas M. Clarke, Rev. Arthur Goodenough, Ira W. Pettibone, Isaac A. Bronson, Abel S. Wetmore, Mrs. Ellen A. Phillips, Miss Julia E. Rockwell.
Tents and Audience Rooms .- David W. Coe, Rollin L. Beecher, Edward R. Beardsley, Hiram Perkins, Samuel L. Andrews, Isaac A. Bronson, Frank L. Whiting, Frederick L. Loomis, John J. Fanning, George Tibbals, Worthy B. Bray.
Reception and Entertainment of Guests .- Charles Cook, Caleb J. Camp, James R. Alvord, John G. Wetmore, Aug. M. Perkins, Wm. P. Lathrop, Lucius Griswold, Normand Adams, James L. Bragg, Edward II. Bronson, Lorenzo S. Nash and wife, William W. Waugh, Samuel Hurlbut 2d, Mrs. Harvey Andrews.
Collations .- Winsted, Jabez Alvord, George W. Kinney, Jenison J. Whiting, George White, Caleb P. Newman, Mrs. Lyman Case, Mrs. Henry A. Bills, Mrs. Charles Cook, Mrs. William G. Coe, Charles B. Hallett, Robert R. Noble ; Winchester Society, Joseph M. Marsh, Samuel M. Munsill and wife, Dudley Chase and wife, Isaac Dayton, Samuel W. Starks, William Johnson, Luman Munsill and wife, Martin Drake, Newton Phelps, David Le Roy, Harvey Andrews and wife, Orrin Tuller and wife, Benjamin F. Waugh, Alonzo T. Parsels and wife, Frederick M. Baldwin and wife, William L. Munsill and wife, Trumbull H. Brooks, Mrs. William W. Waugh, Mrs. Catherine M. Car- rington, Mrs. George W. Beach, Miss Mariette Whiting, Mrs. Sally Drake, Mrs. Theron Bronson, Mrs. George Tibbals, Mrs. Frank L. Whiting, Mrs. Worthy B. Bray, Mrs. Abel S. Wetmore, Miss Sarepta Munsill, Elizabeth Tibbals.
Decorations and Antiquities .- Wm. L. Camp, Clarke Strong, David W. Coe, Miss Elizabeth Kilbourn, Mrs. Isaac B. Woodruff, Miss Phebe A. Brazie, McPherson Hubbell and wife, Horace Humphrey, Mrs. Le- Roy W. Wetmore, Miss Ellen Chase, Miss Kate Murray, Miss Louisa M. Carrington, Mrs. Clara Turner.
Music .- Edward Clarke, Rufus E. Holmes, John F. Peck, George Dudley, junior, Joseph H. Vaill, Eugene W. Meafoy, Harvey Andrews, Frederick Murray, Mrs. Luman Munsill.
Registration .- Harvey L. Roberts, Rollin H. Cook, Hubert P. Wetmore, Wilbur M. Bronson, Le Roy W. Wetmore.
Bonfires and Illuminations .- Lamphier B. Tuttle, George E. Woodford, Homer W. Whiting, Spencer G. Pierce, Wilbur F. Coe, Marshall G. Wheeler, Solomon R. Hinsdale, Edward E. Dayton, George
.
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ANNALS OF WINCHESTER,
Tibbals 2d, Lyman Tibbals, Chester Dayton, George E. Andrews, James F. Beach.
Processions and Bands .- Winsted, Colonel William T. Batcheller, Colonel Jeffrey Skinner, William F. Hurlbut, Florimond D. Fyler, Salmon A. Granger, Eugene W. Meafoy ; Winchester Society, Frederick Murray, Henry Drake, Nelson D. Ford, Elias T. Hatch, Nelson Brooks, Washington Hatch.
Corresponding Secretary .- George M. Carrington.
Recording Secretary .- Henry Drake 2d.
Marshals .- Colonel Ira W. Pettibone, Colonel Wm. T. Batcheller.
The supervisory committee having fixed on the 16th and 17th days of August for the commemoration, the following circular was issued, and distributed by mail to all known former residents of the town, or their descendants, residing out of the County of Litchfield :-
Winchester Centennial !
It is proposed to commemorate the year of the organization of the Town and of the First Church of Winchester, Conn., by a
Centennial Celebration,
ON THE
16th and 17th Days of AUGUST, 1871.
Arrangements are in progress for appropriate Ceremonies and Services.
The Centennial of the Church will be celebrated in the Old Society of Winchester-where the first church was organized- on the 16th, forenoon and afternoon. In the evening a Reunion of a social character will be held in Winsted. The Centennial of the Town will be celebrated in Winsted on the 17th.
You to whom this Circular is sent, whether allied to us by birth, wedlock, a sometime residence, or in whatever manner, are cordially invited to attend this proposed Reunion of the Sons and Daughters-children by adoption are children all the same-of Winchester, and thus contribute to animate and
531
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
make memorable an occasion which can occur but once in a lifetime. Come, bringing your sheaves with you, and let's have a grand harvesting. of the crops whose seeds wind and wave have been this hundred years scattering.
Provision will be made for the reception and entertainment of those who may signify to the Committee their intention to be present-notice of such intention to be addressed, as early as convenient, to Geo. M. Carrington, West Winsted, Ct.
FREDERICK MARSH,
MRS. HARVEY L. ROBERTS,
JOHN BOYD,
MRS. LEONARD B. HURLBUT,
ABEL S. WETMORE,
JOHN HINSDALE,
GEO. M. CARRINGTON,
IRA W. PETTIBONE,
THERON BRONSON,
WILLIAM C. PHELPS,
MARY P. HINSDALE,
ALVA NASH,
MRS. NORRIS COE,
B. B. ROCKWELL,
Committee of Invitation.
P. S .- You are requested to invite any descendants or former residents of Winchester not specially invited, through accident, or want of knowledge, to be present as guests of the town.
AUGUST 16, 1871.
The town was filled with sons and daughters of "Old Winchester," gathered from every section of the country. The exercises of the day were at Winchester, in commemoration of the institution of the first Congregational Church.
" The arrangements were admirable. A large pavilion tent on the Green, in front of the Meeting House, accommodated a large concourse of people, the porch serving as a platform and speaker's stand. Theron Bronson, Esq., presided, and Colonel Ira W. Pettibone officiated as Marshal, with Edward H. Bronson and Henry F. Marsh, assistants. Harvey Andrews, musical conductor." The church front was decorated with evergreens, and bore the names of Pastors Knapp, Bogue, Bassett, Marsh, Dill, Pettibone, and Goodenough.
Rev. Frederick Marsh, ninety-one years old, was present, and took part in the exercises.
532
ANNALS OF WINCHESTER,
The exercises were opened with reading by Deacon Abel S. Wetmore of the following hymn, composed by the reader, which was sung to the tune of " Auld Lang Syne " :-
CENTENNIAL HYMN.
[Written by request.] God of our life, our fathers' trust, Thy blessing now we crave ; Deep in the ocean of thy love May our glad spirits lave.
Unite our hearts, and tune each voice Inspire our lips to sing, A loud Hosanna to thy name; A heart-felt off'ring bring.
This festive day, one hundred years Since Winchester was named, We welcome friends, from far, and near, And sing with loud acclaim.
One hundred years, since our grand-sires Adopted this their home, When fierce wild beasts, and savage men The wilderness did roam.
With pious hearts, and robust forms, Our fathers hither came, A rustie temple reared to God, In which to praise his name.
This church at once was organized, A pastor soon ordained ; And we, this day, commemorate Our blessings thus obtained.
Seven Pastors here have been installed, To teach, and guide the flock ; Knapp, Bogue, and Bassett, and F. Marsh, Of Puritanic stock ;
And next came Dill, then Pettibone, The fifth, and sixth in turn ; We now rejoice in Goodenough, Wise lessons may we learn.
Well may we mingle joys, and tears, As we recount the past, A century !- a hundred years ! Can old Time always last ?
Ah, no ! and when life's toils are o'er, And we are called away, May each, enwrapped in Christ's embrace Spend an eternal day.
533
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The president announced that owing to the illness of Rev. Ira Petti- bone he would call on their pastor, Rev. Arthur Goodenough, who read the 67th psalm, and invoked the blessing of the Deity as follows :--
PRAYER.
Most merciful and ever blessed God ; Thou who art the God of our fathers, and art still the same to-day, merciful and gracious and forbearing toward the descendants of them that believed on thy name, that loved thee ; shewing thy kindness even unto the third and fourth generation ; oh, our Heavenly Father, wilt thou be with us and bless us on this day of commemoration. May we indeed feel that thou art present, inspiring our thoughts and affections, raising our desires heavenward, making us to rejoice in Thee, and to rejoice in what Thou didst for those who have gone before us, and for us who have entered into possession of that which they have left. Our Heavenly Father, wilt thou make us all to rejoice in Thee, and grant that harmony of feeling may prevail among all those who gather here to celebrate this day.
Give thy blessing to all who shall take part in these exercises, that they may have thy grace resting upon them, and be able to discharge the du- ties that devolve upon them ; and may all present feel that they are in- structed and benefited; and may thy children be strengthened in faith ; and may the influence of the memory of thy dealings with our fathers, and the history of their lives as it is recorded and made known to us to- day, be such as shall enable us to see thy favor to them, and lead us back to the God of our fathers and to the old land-marks of piety, faith, and love, by which they were guided. Oh, our Father, wilt thou be near to us, and make us to rejoice in Thee, as thine own children ; and more and more, as we are permitted to live in the world, may we feel that Thou art the guide of all our steps; and may we commit our ways to Thee, that Thou mayest direct in all onr paths. Guide us and give us thy grace, and save us for Christ's sake, amen.
The following original hymn was then sung :
HYMN.
WRITTEN FOR THE WINCHESTER CENTENNIAL BY DR. W. J. WETMORE.
Tune-America. Here in this sacred fane, Let us in joyful strain Praise Thec above ; Dear ones here seem to stand, A consecrated band From memories' hallowed land, Hearts that we love.
68
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ANNALS OF WINCHESTER,
Then let our thanks arise,
Like incense to the skies, In songs divine ; Our gratitude to show To those who here below, A hundred years ago Reared Faith's pure shrine.
Their names are sacred yet, Nor shall we e'er forget
Friends passed away On Jordan's peaceful shore, Life's toil and trouble o'er, They sleep forevermore- Dear hallowed clay.
Father, on Thee we call, Thou art our hope, our all, Our faith and love ; Here on each bended knee, May we Thy glory see, And dwell at last with Thee, In Heaven above.
ADDRESS BY REV. HENRY B. BLAKE.
The following historical address was then given by Rev. Henry B. Blake, a native of Winchester, but now a resident of Wilmington, N. C.
Psalm 50: 2 .- Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
BRETHREN AND FRIENDS : We meet here to-day for a holy purpose ; we gather from varied wanderings at the old home. The old hills greet us on every side. The houses in which we were born open their doors to. us. We drink water out of the old wells, from their deep fountains. The streams into which we east our first fishing lines murmur their glad- ness. Trees that were set since some of us were children whisper wel- come to us.
We renew to-day the memories and affections of other, and perhaps distant, years. We enjoy again the pleasures and learn the lessons of our youth. The rocks around which we played in our childhood are in their old places, and many of the faces of those with whom we played then are here to-day. Should we know them if we saw them in a land of strangers? The by-gone years ask leave to pass in review before us and show their life. Without disturbing their repose, we shall call up the dead that we may see their forms and hear their voices, giving them a resurrection in our hearts. We would enshrine the influences and mem- ories of these fading years before they pass into oblivion.
535
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
We who are the children of those years meet each other with glad wel- comes to-day. We looked into the same faces, sat on the same benches, roamed over the same fields and heard the same benignant tones in Sab- bath worship, and we have never forgotten our birth place. We recount gratefully the loving Providence that has been over all our life and grown young again in the memory of our early years.
A hundred years ago and these hills and valleys, covered, through im- memorial time, with the silence of the unbroken forest, taking on the soft verdure of spring, the sere and yellow leaf of autumn, the crystal glory of winter, rearing and giving to decay their mighty monarchs through uncounted centuries, disturbed by no sound but the voices of nature and the stealthy footstep of the savage, had heard, for a few years, the sound of the woodman's axe, and felt the heat of the woodman's fire. Clearings were seen here and there, and the early dwellings of the pioneer. Paths were cut through the forests and the signs of civilization began to appear.
Itis one of the evidences of our immortality that we are ever seeking for something better. Men are ever looking after a paradise somewhere, and so the dwellers in the lower lands on our Southern shores, had come up here to make homes for themselves and their children. There was a divine hand in it.
True to the instincts of their puritan origin, these settlers early made provision for Christian institutions, and on the 30th of October, 1771, Rev. Ammi R. Robbins of Norfolk, and Rev. Nathan Roberts of Farm- ington, constituted Mary Loomis, Hannah Averit, Dinah Filley, wife of William, John Hills, Seth Hills, Adam Mott, Abiah Mott, Lent Mott, Abram Filley, Robert Macune, Joseph Preston, Mary Preston, Amy, wife of Joel Beach, and Elizabeth Agard the first Church in Winchester. I suppose the constitution of the Church was in the first meeting house which was built probably in 1769. It stood half a mile south of the present site, about twenty rods to the right of the present road on the brow of the hill. It was a rude unfinished building, 24 by 30, resting on chestnut logs, and having rough seats of planks or slabs.
Imagine the settlers on a crisp October morning, the hills just swept of their autumnal glories, gathering in such a structure, for such a purpose. The smoke is rising from the log houses in the clearings here and there among the hills. There is not a wheeled vehicle in the town, there are no roads, only paths. These two pioneer ministers come in from their distant homes. The people are in homespun, and the place is rude. But the occasion is momentous; the beginning of a Church of Christ, the home of Christian influences, the center of all that is worth any thing in this human life, and the source of all our hopes in the eternal future.
Credentials are examined, and with psalm and prayer, and the word of God, these fourteen believers solemnly assent to the great doctrines of the
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ANNALS OF WINCHESTER,
puritan faith, and enter into solemn covenant with God and with each other. Then five more, on the same confession, are added to their num- ber, and, with psalm and benediction, the services are closed, and the in- fant church begins its course.
The society was constituted before the church, in 1768. There were several candidates for the ministry. Among them we find the names of Mills, Starr, Johnson, Potter, and Brooks. Father Mills preached a considerable time. In the old parish book, we find these entries :
Voted, if Mr. Mills cannot come to try Mr. Johnson.
Voted, if Mr. Johnson cannot come to apply to the Association for ad- vice.
Voted, That Mr. Bellamy hire a candidate for us.
Voted, That Mr. Robbins assist Mr. Bellamy.
Voted, David Austin to read the psalm.
Voted, That Beriah Hills shall assist in reading the p=alm.
Voted, That John Hills and Abram Filley shall set the psalm.
The first pastor of this church was Rev. Joshua Knapp, a native of Danbury, a graduate of Yale College in 1770. He was ordained here November 11, 1772. The Council consisted of Rev. Messrs. Bellamy of Bethlem. Roberts of Torrington, Lee of Salisbury, Brinsmaid of Wash- ington, Farrand of Canaan, Canfield of New Milford, Newell of Goshen, Benedict of Woodbury, Day of New Preston, Robbins of Norfolk, Hart of North Canaan, and Starr of Warren, with their delegates. Mr. Rob- bins preached the sermon, which was published and of which some copics remain. Mr. Farrand offered the ordaining prayer, and Dr. Bellamy gave the charge.
Mr. Knapp is spoken of as a man of fluent and ready gifts, not studi- ous, and somewhat careless in worldly matters. He was sound in the faith and a strenuous opposer of the half-way covenant, and by his influ- ence the church was established. Mr. Knapp was dismissed October 13, 1789. He preached afterwards in New Hartford, North Canaan, and Milton in this county, and Hamilton, N. Y., and ended his days with his son-in-law, Dea. Abel Hinsdale, in Torrington, March 23, 1816. His grave is here with his first people.
In 1783 and 1784, there was a revival of religion here and eighty-four persons were admitted to the church during the ministry of Mr. Knapp.
The first deacon in the church was Seth Hills, born Sept. 13, 1736; chosen deacon Dec. 15, 1772; died at Vernon, N. Y., June 3, 1826. He was the son of Benoni Hills, who was a native of Northampton, and eame here from Torrington, and died at the age of 93. His children were numerous.
The selection of Deacon Hills is evidence enough of his supposed emi- nent fitness for his office ; his life, I am told, justified their estimate. He
537
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
removed to Vernon, N. Y., in 1798. His son, Deacon Ira Hills, of that place, is with us to-day. His sister, Mary Hills, was the mother of Dea- con Loomis The second deacon was Samuel Wetmore, chosen in 1777; died March 2, 1809.
Deacon Wetmore, if we may judge of him from tradition as well as from what we know of his descendants, known to so many of us, and so many of whom are here to-day, was a man of marked ability, and we are assured of his eminent piety and usefulness. The farm which he subdued is supposed to be the only land in the town which has been in the posses- sion of the same family a hundred years. It is now the home of his great-grandson, Deacon Abel S. Wetmore.
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