USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Bristol > Bristol, Connecticut : "in the olden time New Cambridge", which includes Forestville > Part 44
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A local company was formed and active operations commenced to mine the petroleum. A shaft was sunk to an immeasureable distance, but beyond the first indications of slimy liquid that permeated through the ground, no oil was ever found, at least in paying quantities.
Elijah Manross of Garden street tells an interesting story of how in the early February of 1836, the natives were almost scared to death by the snow suddenly turning to a deep crimson color. Mr. Manross, who was then in his tenth year, was bringing the supper to the men employed in his father's little shop when the change took place. He hustled forward in great fear and tumbled in through the shop door. One workman, who was just getting over the effects of a protracted spree, seeing the blood-red snow through the open door thought that the end of the world was at hand, and that judgment had been passed on him. No satisfactory explanation was ever given of this curious incident, which has never been repeated in the history of Forestville.
Marine clocks were then unthought of, but in 1848, Brainbridge Barnes, a brother of the lamented Rodney Barnes, succeeded in per- fecting a marine movement that gave good results. A company was at once formed with headquarters at the old Manross factory. No time was lost in getting the goods on the market and thus it is that Forestville enjoys the distinction of having made the first marine clock that the world ever had. After several changes the original marine clock company came into the possession of Laporte Hubbell, now de- ceased; and it was due largely to Mr. Hubbell's individual efforts that a big business was eventually built up.
An organization that made Forestville famous was the Forestville Cornet Band, which was organized in 1854, with sixteen members. Of these only four are now alive, Alphonse Boardman of Brooklyn, N. Y., Clay Hubbell of Hartford, Elijah Manross, and Hiram M. Osborne, both of Forestville.
This band was in great demand and ranked next to the Dodsworth Band of New York City. The band disbanded during the Civil War and the instruments were purchased by musicians residing in Wolcotts- ville, which is now known as Torrington.
Hiram Osborne, who was instrumental in organizing the Forestville Cornet Band, still resides in a house on Academy street that he purchased in 1860. At one time this house stood in the midst of a great forest of white pine birches, which extended in all directions.
Close by, stood the Forestville schoolhouse, which with the excep- tion of a few additions and alterations is still doing duty. This school was built about seventy years ago, the land being donated by the Manross family on the condition that it revert back to the Manross estate if it ever be used for other than educational purposes. Miss Nellie Hills, the present efficient principal, is a daughter of Mrs. Eliza H. Hills of Garden street, who attended the first day's session of school.
Another building that is regarded by the present generation as a landmark is the store now occupied by the J. S. Deming and Company. It was built in 1852 and was first used by George Pierpont for a general store. Upstairs was a large hall that in those days was considered very fine. This hall was used for public purposes of a religious, political and social nature.
The Methodist Church Society that was organized in 1854 held its first public services here under the leadership of Rev. Mr. Whittaker. In 1864, the Methodists purchased the Maple street Episcopal building in Bristol, and removed it to the site of the present church. The old
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OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE."
OLD TIME FORESTVILLE SCHOLARS
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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
edifice was used for church purposes until it was destroyed by fire, and the present commodious tabernacle built in 1900, and the congregation is now in a most flourishing condition, The present pastor is Rev. John T .. Hamilton, who is universally respected by all.
As far back as 1840 the Roman Catholics of this section journeyed northward to assist at the devotions held at the old copper mines. Later when the mines were abandoned, the faithful were obliged to go to the parish church in Bristol until 1881, when Rev. Michael B. Roddan com- menced celebrating mass each Sunday in the old Firemen's Hall, Forest- ville, that was afterwards destroyed by fire. This practice was continued until 1891, when Rev. Henry T. Walsh of Plainville assumed charge and erected the present splendid edifice to the service of the Almighty. In the year 1901 the Episcopalians of Forestville banded together and erected a neat little church, which has been consecrated for religious purposes.
The Swedish population which during the past decade has increased rapidly, is even now centering its efforts upon the erection of a large new church, which, it is hoped, will be in use before the snow flies.
One man who contributed largely to the building up of Forestville was Rodney Barnes. Mr. Barnes opened up roads in various sections and was the pioneer in building in several sections that are now thickly populated.
Another well-known citizen was Dan A. Miller, who in days gone by was regarded as a legal expert on many things. Although not a lawyer and devoting most of his time to practical business purposes, Mr. Miller was continually in demand to pass upon judicial questions and many of the old time deeds and instruments were drawn by his advice.
No sketch of Forestville would be complete without a reference to the lamented Charles W. Brown, better known as Hube. A skilled brass worker, Mr. Browne's favorite pastime was writing and his humorous articles were quoted by all the leading papers of the east. His death in 1903 robbed Forestville of a loved citizen and an honorable man.
The first post office was located in the East Bristol section, opposite the "old store" on land now owned by Wilson Potter. The first post- master was Theodore Terry, an uncle of Franklin E. Terry, who now resides on Middle street. The exact date of the opening of the office seems lost to history, but it was early in the year of 1847, At this time East Bristol seemed destined to be the center of the village, as three of the shops with the post office and a general country store were in its midst.
The extension of the railroad through to Forestville in 1850, marked the beginning of a prosperous future. Despite strenuous efforts of the East Bristolites the railroad station was established at Forestville and the post office soon followed. A large part of the original "Terry post office" has been converted into a dwelling-house owned by Thomas O'Brien and now stands the second house west of Davitt's crossing.
For many years afterwards the post office was located near where the present railroad station stands. The building now used by Douglass Brothers for a business office was for many years used for post office purposes. Here it was that J. Fayette Douglass, who was first appointed postmaster under President Grant, remained in office for seventeen years, and today ranks as one of the oldest ex-postmasters now living in the State.
At present the Forestville post office is under the efficient manage- ment of Postmaster James F. Holden, who enjoys the distinction of having served under both Democratic and Republican Presidents. Forestville is also well served politically, having two of the town selectmen in its midst, as well as a representative to the General Assembly. Through the Honorable William J. Malone, Forestville is honored by having the only representative from the town of Bristol who ever presided as speaker of the House of Representatives. Representative Malone is also judge of the Bristol Police Court, thus giving unto Forestville both excellent judicial and legislative representation.
FORESTVILLE ATHLETIC CLUB.
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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
Thus it is that the Forestville of today is very much in evidence. Its factories are rushed with orders, it possesses an up-to-date educational institution, the railroad facilities, both steam and trolley, are unexcelled, and the water supply for both private and public uses is good.
The citizens of the present, although planning for the future, always enjoy looking back upon the golden past and the men and women who made it possible for the Forestville of today to be.
FORESTVILLE ATHLETIC CLUB.
As large oaks from little acorns grow, and big streams from little rivulets flow, so too, has the Forestville Athletic Club increased in num- bers and reputation until it has become an abiding institution and will go on, the members trust, like Tennyson's brook, "Forever and ever."
The nucleus of the club was formed on December 10, 1903, when a band of young men of Forestville met in the Firemen's hall to consider the formation of an organization for the purpose of promoting athletic sports and to foster a more sociable spirit among the youth of the town.
These young men had previously presented a minstrel overture, and the amateur thespians realized that if they could secure the same "hits" on the diamond, that they had before the footlights, their future success was assured.
A permanent organization was perfected in February, 1904, witli about twenty-five charter members with rooms in the Porter building, the home of the F. A. C. boys ever since.
The first officers of the club were: President, Geo. C. Doherty ; vice- president, Henry R. Warner; secretary, William Armitage; treasurer, Charles P. Roberts. A committee consisting of T. F. O'Connell, James L. Murray, H. V. McDonald and H. E. Myers drafted by-laws of the club that are still in force
Of the minstrel troupe, of which the club is an offspring, only four members are now enrolled under the red and white banner of the F. A. C. This quartet consists of Stephen Lambert, John Carroll, James L. Murray and William J. Roberts. The others gradually fell away and their places were taken by younger aspirants for athletic and social dis- tinction, and the club grew and continued in a very prosperous condition.
The Forestville Athletic Club is the oldest existing organization of its kind in Bristol. Many strenuous contests have been waged upon the athletic field in various kinds of sports. Throughout all the games both at home and abroad the club has always endeavored to maintain a record for clean sports.
The social functions given under the auspices of the club have always been popular and well patronized. Big delegations would be in atten- dance from the adjacent towns and although at times defeated in athletic contests, the hospitality always captivated both friend and foe, thereby making the local boys victorious in the end.
The present officers of the club, President, Charles Brennan, vice-president, Robert Miller, treasurer, Henry Davitt, and secretary, Joseph Dutton, have not only succeeded in putting the club in a good financial condition, but have made every social event an overwhelming success also.
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OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE."
Sporting Bristol.
BY CHARLES T. OLIN.
Bristol has always been friendly to sports. The reputation of the town in this particular is not a recent acquisition. For more than a century Bristol has been known as being alive athletically.
First it was wicket, the exciting days of which are fully set forth in another chapter. Then came baseball. The New Departure Manufac- turing Company was the father of the national game in this town, and for several years maintained a crack team known as the "Bell Ringers' and giving the town the name of the "Bell Town," a name that has stuck ever since.
For a time Bristol was in the state league, acquitting herself hand- somely at the box office and on the diamond, notwithstanding the com- paratively small population of the town. For one ver the Bristol team won the pennant. But largely because of the chagrin of the cities on losing to "little Bristol" as they called us, the honor was a matter of record only. The championship flag was never turned over to Bristol. But when the state league wanted a capable president it elected W. J. Tracy, who was practically the owner of the team, and chose J. E. Kennedy, who was associated with Mr. Tracy in promoting champion- ship baseball, for its chief of umpires.
Polo, basketball, football and all of the faddy sports have thrived in Bristol, the announcement of a game of anything ensuring an audience. Perhaps the most unique chapter in the history of local sports was the organization of basketball teams by fraternal societies of the town, combining in the Bristol Fraternal Basketball league for a championship series of games. Nearly all the players were green at the start but in the course of a few weeks considerable talent developed and each contest was witnessed by large and wildly enthusiastic audiences.
After a time the basketball constituency wanted the fastest in the land and the Bristol Delphis were the result, under the management of Charles Barker. This team for two seasons played the crack teams of the country on the armory floor, winning 80 per cent of its games. In the second year a series of championship games was arranged with Winsted. The rubber was played in New Britain and Bristol lost. Bristol's failure. however, was almost completely due to lack of management in providing a strengthened team. This was the end of professional basketball in Bristol.
The Bristol High school latterly has developed basketball teams that have played in championship form. Baseball and football are also features of the athletic interests of the High school.
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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
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FRATERNAL LEAGUE, BASKETBALL MANAGERS.
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OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE."
W
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WC
BRISTOL WHEEL CLUB POLO TEAM,
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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
M
M
M
M
M
FRANKLIN LODGE, F. & A. M. BASKETBALL TEAM
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OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE."
Chom Pion Bristol 1104-05
S
FRIENDSHIP LODGE, SONS OF ST. GEORGE, BASKETBALL TEAM CHAMPIONS SEASON 1904-'05.
ST
ST
S.T
CHAMPIONS ST
STEPHEN TERRY, I. O. O. F. BASKETBALL TEAM CHAMPIONS SEASON 1903-'04.
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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
RA
RA
RA
RA
PA
RA
BASKETBALL TEAM RELIANCE COUNCIL, ROYAL ARCANUM
BRISTOL GRANGE BASKETBALL TEAM.
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OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE."
P
P
P
P
P
PEQUABUCK LODGE, I. O. O. F. BASKETBALL TEAM.
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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
P
P
ETHAN LODGE, K. OF P. BASKETBALL TEAM
OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE."
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B
B
B
04-05
B
A BRISTOL BASKETBALL TEAM PLAYING OUTSIDE TEAMS.
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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
BHS
BHS
BHS
8
4
06-07
BRISTOL HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM, SEASON '06-0 7.
OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE."
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Champion
BRISTOL BASKETBALL TEAM, STATE CHAMPIONS
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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
ONE OF BRISTOL'S MANA JUVENILE BASEBALL TEAMS.
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Fraternal Bristol
Bristol is said to have more fraternal organizations, pro rata, for its male citizens than any other place in the United States. A whole volume the size of this work could be used to advantage in recording their various histories, but in the space at our command the subject must of necessity be but casually treated. As far as possible we have endeavored to present a photographic reproduction of the officers of the various organizations. Unless otherwise stated these group photographs were all made at the Elton Sutdio. The data given in this section brings the various subjects to June, 1907, and necessary allowances must be made for any changes made since that time.
Bristol as a whole is proud of its civic organizations, and the eligible citizen who is not enrolled in one or more of the various societies is an exception ra ler than a rule.
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OFFICERS COMPOUNCE TRIBE, NO. 15, IMPROVED ORDER OF .RED MEN.
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COMPOUNCE TRIBE, No. 15, IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN.
Compounce Tribe, No. 15, Improved Order of Red Men, was or- ganized on December 11, 1890, with the following charter list: W. H. Merritt, F. C. Meder, J. H. Glasson, D. W. Abrams, G. N. Wright, E. E. Merriel, J. Edwards, G. A. Gowdy, W. C. Spring, C. E. Kittell, F. A. Hubbell, C. H. Curtiss, F. Wright, D. W. Hull, S. T. Nichols, H. W. Hinman, A. W. Granniss, B. Fallan, W. C. Smith, E. S. Marden, J. B. Churchill, E. S. Stocking, F. S. Parsons, J. Hanna, C. H. Tiffany, W. H. Carman, L. S. Burg, G. A. Sweetland, F. W. Jacobs, F. D. Knicker- bocker, H. S. Judd, G. A. Warner, T. H. Duncan, V. Matthews, W. H. Card, S. D. Bull.
The degrees were conferred by Tunxis Tribe, No. 10, of Waterbury, in the O. U. A. M. Hall in Linsted's Block. Like all new organizations, the Tribe flourished for a few years, when reaction set in and for a few years not much work was done, but in 1901, Past Sachem Chas. J. Phelan started a revival, and through his efforts the Tribe has grown steadily until now it numbers 165 members on the roll and dispenses charity among its members with a lavish hand, which is recognized by words of praise from the Great Council of Connecticut, and the townspeople of Bristol.
The present officers are: Sachem, Albert M. Judd; Senior Saga- more, S. Edwin Green; Junior Sagamore, Geo. F. Scherr; Prophet, Wm. L. Casey; Chief of Records, F. C. Stark; Keeper of Wampum, Alfred L. Beede; Collector of Wampum, Thos. A. Tracy; Trustees, Jos. H. Glasson, Geo. A. Warner, and Ernest E. Merrill.
The Tribe meets on Tuesday evenings in G. A. R. Hall, where the members take great pride in showing visitors a large Indian picture presented by the Great Council of Connecticut for the exemplification of the Chief's degree before the officers of the Great Council of the United States at Waterbury, where the Great Incohonee John W. Cherry of Norfolk, Va., stated that the work done by the Tribe of Connecticut was the best that it had been his pleasure to witness.
A GROUP OF RED MEN, OLD HOME WEEK.
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THE ONEIDA CLUB.
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THE ONEIDA CLUB.
Among the social organizations consisting of young men exclusively. the Oneida Club is without question the leader. This society was instituted by a few young men for the purpose of promulgating a fraternal intercourse on strictly high grade lines, and to provide suitable rooms for mutual enjoyment and benefit.
The primary steps of organization were taken on September 10, 1906, and officers formally elected as follows: President, Dwight H. Hall; Vice President, Charles Green; Secretary, Arthur J. Wasley; Treasurer, Harry Andrews.
Arrangements were immediately made to secure proper and con- venient quarters which were obtained and fitted out with good and substantial furniture, in a suite located on the second floor of the "Bristol Savings Bank," on September 15, 1906.
Rules, Regulations and By-Laws were duly prepared and adopted, so that a congenial atmosphere, free from all unhealthy influences, should at all times prevail, and the Club attained its high aims and position in the social world of the Bristol borough.
The penant consists of a triangular banner of royal blue, inscribed with the word "ONEIDA" in white letters, while the club pin contains similar colors and is shaped in the form of a diamond.
Entertainments are periodically provided in "Assemblies" or dances, and in whist parties, admission to which is afforded by invitation only, and in these the members endeavor to produce attractive con- ceptions in order to impress the recipients with a due sense of originality, and it goes almost without saying that the young ladies who are fortu- nate enough to be invited, are perfectly justified in anticipating a royal good time.
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OFFICERS ORDER OF VASA.
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ORDER OF VASA.
A member of the New Britain Order of Vasa, Mr. Card Bergendahl, became interested in starting a branch of this lodge in Bristol, so with the help of a few of the most popular local Swedes he finally succeeded. In order to obtain a charter, 17 men must sign, so a meeting was called October 5, 1906, to which the necessary amount of men responded and signed. At this meeting all preliminary steps for an organization were taken up and the following officers were elected: Past Master, Carl Almquist; President, Victor Modien; Vice President, George Gustafson; Recording Secretary, J. W. Johnson; Financial Secretary, Alfred Erick- son; Treasurer, August Erickson; Sermon Master, Axel Johnson; Chaplain, Alfred Carlson; Inside Guard, Gustave Anderson; Outside Guard, Pat Anglewood. The name of the lodge was also adopted, it being "Carl XII Order of Vasa."
Since then the organization has been in a prosperous condition, start- ing with 17 members, and with a total membership now numbering 90, with more coming in.
The following are the charter members: Victor E. Modien, Pat Anglewood, J. W. Johnson, Alfred Carlson, George Gustafson, Anthon Anderson, August Erickson, Gustaf Anderson, Oscar Anderson, Carl Armquist, Axel Johnson, Alfred Erickson, Fred Ryding, Victor Lofgren, Amandus Shvan, Axel Anderson, Justus Johnson, August Molien, Erick Anderson, Charles Olsen, Hjalmar Anderson, Charles Holmberg, Harry Gustafson, Anthon Chelberg, Charles L. Johnson, Albert Anderson, Jacob Benson, Huldah Benson, Olga Beorkman, Hanning Nelson, Abrin Lindquiss. Teckla Gustafson, Carl Emanielson, Elen Carlson, Hadrick Modien, Charles Erickson, Axel Aspolien, John Johnson, Mrs. Carl Armquist, John Carlson, Alma Johnson, Frank Johnson, Axel Olson, Hanna Palm, Alfred Anderson, Charles Peterson, Peter Gustafson, Pattlinė Anderson, Jennie Peterson, Martin Pierson, Matildah Johnson, Nils Wm. Johnson, Emma Linden, Jons Lindvahl, Elen Gustafson, Bernt Liga, Malcolm Svenson, Lilly Lindien, Axel Carlson, Ansel Wie- berg, Joseph Anderson, Wensent Quisberg, Helen Angdahl, William Carlson, Augusta Anderson, John Engdahl, Alme Lindquist, Christiana Lorsen, Ester Anderson, Jennie Lorsen, Annie Johnson, Johnas Johnson, Elsie Anderson, John Ludirckson, Earnest Aspolien, Hanning Armnquist, Easter Armquist, Oscar Ecklund, Carl Carlson, August Johnson, Charles Lorsen.
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BRISTOL ASSOCIATION, NO. 3, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATIONARY ENGINEERS
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OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE."
BRISTOL ASSOCIATION No. 3, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATIONARY ENGINEERS.
Organized in O. U. A. M. Hall, corner of Main and Prospect Streets, Linstead's block, April 8, 1899. Instituted by Wm. E. Norton and Fred McGar. Organized by Edward L. Murphy and Alex. Rich of Meriden, Conn.
Preamble :- This Association shall at no time be used for the furtherance of strikes, or for the purpose of interfering in any way be- tween its members and their employers in regard to wages; recogniz- ing the identity of interests between employer and employe, and not countenancing any project or enterprise that will interfere with per- fect harmony between them.
Neither shall it be used for political or religious purposes. Its meetings shall be devoted to the business of the Association, and at all times preference shall be given to the education of engineers, and to securing the enactment of engineers' license laws in order to prevent the destruction of life and property in the generation and transmission of steam as a motive power.
First board of officers of Bristol, No. 3, N. A. S. E .: President, Wm. E. Norton; Vice President, Fred. McGar; Treasurer, B. A. Brown; Recording Secretary, H. W. Simons; Financial Secretary, F. A. Warley; Conductor, H. B. Norton; Doorkeeper, A. E. Moulthroup; Trustees, L. D. Waterhouse, Theodore Schubert, Jr., J. P. Garrity; Association Deputy, Wm. E. Norton.
Present officers, June, 1907, National Association of Engineers: President, E. E. Merrill; Vice President, E. A. Porter; Treasurer, P. J. Murray; Financial Secretary, O. A. Thomas; Recording Secre- tary, Wm. E. Norton; Conductor, J. P. Garrity; Doorkeeper, Fred McGar; Trustees, H. W. Simons, J. P. Garrity, L. D. Waterhouse; Association Deputy, Fred McGar.
State Association of National Association of Stationary Engineers convened at Bristol on July 14th, 1896, and delegates from all over the State were present. The delegation was welcomed by Local Deputy Fred McGar and was responded to by State President James L. Band of Ansonia, Conn.
Present members of National Association of Stationary Engineers: P. J. Murray, J. P. Garrity, Martin Keeting, E. E. Merrill, H. B. Norton, L. D. Waterhouse, A. E. Moulthroup, Wm. Coe, Fred McGar, Wm. E. Norton, H. W. Simons, O. A. Thomas, W. G. Rood, C. N. Parsons. Geo. W. Thompson, R. R. Wellington, E. A. Porter.
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OFFICERS COURT FOREST, NO. 40, F. OF A.
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COURT FOREST, No. 40, F. of A.
This court was instituted December 13, 1888, by Court Wolfe Tone of Waterbury, Deputy Grand Chief Ranger John D. Bolan, and a large delegation of Brother Foresters from Waterbury and other towns.
The following were installed as its first officers: Chief Ranger, A. J. Brannon; Sub Chief Ranger, W. H. Dutton; Financial Secretary, M. B. O'Brien; Recording Secretary, J. F. Holden; Treasurer, M. J. Dalton; Sr. W., W. K. Parker; Jr. W., W. J. Hyland; In. B., T. Mc- Cormick; Jr. B., Wm. Wilson.
The court has a membership of 70 members and is in a good finan- cial condition, having a treasury of one thousand dollars. Thirteen of its members have passed away since its institution. The court pays a weekly sick benefit of $5.00 a week for 13 weeks, and $2.50 for 13 more weeks if sickness continues, the services of Court Doctor, medi- cine and an allowance of fourteen dollars a week for nurse.
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