USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 62
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 62
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86
Eastern Star or Adoptive Masonry is the title by which is desig- nated an association whose requisites for membership are that one must be a Master Mason in good standing, or the wife, mother, daughter or sister (over 18 years of age) of a Master Mason. Such an one was organized in Meriden in 1868, under the name of Meridian Chapter, No. 8, Order of the Eastern Star. From the first it was a success, and has always been a very harmonious and prosperous organization. It has a large membership (nearly 250) and is financially one of the strongest bodies in the town. It is doubtful if there is an- other place in the state, where the organization has to such an extent, commanded the confidence and support of the Masons generally. Among the women prominently interested are Mrs. J. T. Pettee, Mrs. A. C. S. Bario (who has held the highest office in the state), Mrs. W. W. Powers, Mrs. W. R. Derby, Mrs. G. A. Bieknell. Justice to the women who are so active in maintaining it, demands the statement of this fact, that there is no organization in Meriden bearing the name of Masonry, that watches over its members with greater fidelity, or cares more tenderly for its needy members than does this meri- torious body.
Odd Fellowship in Meriden is the oldest, most numerous and, finan- cially, the strongest of its many fraternal associations, all of which seem to be in a thriving condition. It has three grades or distinct organizations, viz .: Lodges, Encampments (to which are in some cases appended "the Canton," a semi-military organization, very similar to Knights Templar among Free Masons), and the Rebecca Lodges, so called, or the degree of Rebekah. To the Lodge any man of the white or Caucasian race 21 years old is eligible. The membership of the Encampment is drawn from the Lodge, while any one who is a
33
530
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
member of a Lodge in good standing, is eligible to the Rebekah Lodges, as also are their wives, sisters and daughters, 18 years of age.
There are in this town four Lodges, two Encampments, one Canton and three Rebekah Lodges, each of which can be only briefly noticed, because of limited space.
Hancock Lodge, No. 28, I. O. O. F., was instituted in 1846 in the "up town " locality. Its early members were some of the leading citizens of the town and it increased in numbers rapidly. The spirit of locality which was then a more marked feature of the town than now, was felt in all societies, churches, etc. In 1849, after a long, and at times almost an acrimonious discussion, it was voted to move "down town," where the Lodge had a good degree of success for some years, doing its work and caring for the sick. While the statis- tics for the expenditure of these years cannot be had, enough is known to warrant the statement that it would nearly if not quite amount to $2,500.
With the general decline in the order it also began to decay and about 1859 it ceased to hold meetings and, of course, its charter was annulled by the Grand Lodge. The Lodge remained dormant until September 5th, 1872, when it was revived and moved to South Meriden, as the village formerly known as Hanover is now called, aud, consid- ering its somewhat limited field of labor, is well established. It has now about 150 members and a fund of $3,000. It has neat quarters and its affairs are managed with prudence and economy. It has paid for relief and aid.to brothers and their families since its re-organiza- tion nearly $10,000. Among its members are some of the leading and most prominent men of that part of the town, and its future appears prosperous.
Meriden Center Lodge, No. 68, was instituted in 1849. When Hancock Lodge, No. 28, voted to remove to the "Corner," as "down town" was then called, it was against the almost unanimous vote of the "up town" members; so, as soon as the matter was fully decided. the members on the hill were practically a unit in the project of a new Lodge in their locality. This purpose resulted in their receiving a charter bearing the above name and number. Asa result of the fee !- ing of locality much missionary work was done to increase the mem- bership of the two rival Lodges, and within three years from the date of its institution (July 27th, 1849), the new Lodge had passed the older one in numbers and financial strength. In the following year (18.0) the Lodge erected, ou Broad street, a building for its own use, which was a wise provision, because it kept the Lodge together and pre- served its organization in the period of general decline, when fully two-thirds of the Odd Fellow Lodges became extinct. By very pru- dent management they were able to keep up their organization and retain their property, so that when the revival came it found them in very good financial condition. Since that period, in about 1866, it has
,
531
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
prospered in every respect, adding to its numbers and means every year. A handsome brick block, in the place of the old wooden one (removed), was erected by the Lodge and duly dedicated in 1888. The value of this hall, with lot, furniture, fixtures, etc., is estimated at not less than $28,000. The new Odd Fellows' Hall up town is an orna- ment to that part of the city. It is neatly and tastefully fitted up, and is a model for stronger Lodges in larger cities. The Lodge has borne on its rolls 760 members. Many members have died, and 70 were buried with the honors of the order.
This Lodge has now 250 members in good standing. Full statis- tics cannot be had, but enough is known to warrant the statement that the Lodge has paid for relief, in its various forms, during its existence, about $28,000, besides such other charitable work as is within the province of every well-conducted Lodge of Odd Fellows. It deserves and receives the confidence of not only the fraternity, but also of the public generally.
Pacific Lodge, No. 87, was organized April 7th, 1870. Most of the petitioners, some 35 in number, had been members of No. 68, "up town." While not at all dissatisfied with the Lodge, they were of the opinion that a new Lodge was needed down town, and so resolved to make the venture, not heeding the predictions of failure that were made by brethren of little faith. The Lodge first met in "Morgan's Hall." From the beginning it was a success, and its growth all that could be wished. When Meridian Lodge vacated its rooms and moved into new quarters in "Palace Block," in 1871, Pacific Lodge at once leased Morgan's Hall for a term of years, and continued to meet there until July, 1890. It increased in membership, and now has about 340 members.
After some years of deliberation by the Lodge it was resolved to build a hall of its own, and a lot was secured on State street, and a handsome block erected, at a total expense of about $30,000. The rooms are ample for the work of the Lodge and are fitted up in good taste. There is a good, but not large library. So well is the hall adapted for society work that its rooms are rented every week day night but one. At the dedication of the same, February 18th, 1890, the Grand Lodge officers complimented the Lodge highly upon their new home. Its membership includes all classes. Ministers and laymen, merchants and mechanics, lawyers and laborers, rich and poor, old and young, meet upon a common level and participate in the affairs and labors of the Lodge.
It has ever been the aim of the Lodge faithfully to perform all its duties and obligations to the fullest extent, to be honorable in all things, to care for its needy ones and their families. In only one in- stance has there ever been an appeal from its action on such matters. While it may in some cases be imposed upon, it has never been mean. We know this, that during its existence it has paid out more than
ยท
532
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
$14,000 to its members and their widowed families, and in several cases has stood between those of very limited means and the poor house. The assistance rendered transient members of the order would reach several hundreds of dollars. It has been a power for good and a blessing in the town of Meriden.
As a charter member and its first presiding officer, the writer has been identified with the Lodge to the present time.
Teutonic Lodge, No. 95, was organized in 1875 by a number of per- sons, most of whom had been members of Pacific Lodge, and it mnay with some degree of propriety be called an off-shoot from that Lodge. As its name indicates, it is composed almost entirely of those who were born in Germany, and who desired to be organized into a Lodge where the ritual and work would be in a familiar language, and where they could cultivate those social traits which are so prominent among that class of our citizens. The Lodge has prospered fully as well as could be expected. Meetings are now held in the rooms of Pacific Lodge, and any brother, no matter whether he understands their lan- guage, is cordially welcomed. It has now about 125 members, among whom are many of our leading and most respected citizens of German birth and parentage. It cares for its sick and needy members with fidelity. Its affairs are administered in a very prudent and economi- cal manner. It has moneys and property to a value of $4,000, and has expended in the way of benefits to its sick members, burials, for char- itable purposes, etc., rising of $6,000.
Oasis Encampment, No. 16, was instituted in September, 1849. Its meetings have always been held in the rooms of Meriden Center Lodge, from which it has largely drawn its membership. It pros- pered until the waning interest in Odd Fellowship, when, for some years, its meetings were suspended. In 1867 the Encampment was revived, and it has since had a fair degree of prosperity. It has had in the neighborhood of 300 members, and at present 100 are in good standing.
Atlantic Encampment, No. 28, was instituted April 12th, 1872, with about 20 charter members, most of whom have belonged to Oasis En- campment. It may be called an appendage to Pacific Lodge, in whose rooms the meetings have always been held. A large proportion of those belonging are members of Pacific Lodge. It now has about 125 members in good standing, the number recently having been dimin- ished by dismissals, to form Wallingford Encampment. Atlantic Encampment holds a high rank among similar bodies in the state.
Canton Meriden, No. 2, is composed largely of members of Atlan- tic Encampment, and their interests are closely allied. Only the social and military features are cultivated by the 40 young men con- stituting its membership. This is a recent introduction into the order, and some years must elapse before it can be determined whether it were best to continue this feature.
$
533
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Rachel Lodge. No. 2, D. of R., was instituted in March, 1870, and is maintained in connection with Meriden Center Lodge, No. 68, its mem- bership being mainly from that source. Its growth has been slow but steady, and the affairs are well managed. While the social features of the order are given a prominent place, its charitable and benevo- lent work is not neglected. Its needy members have been aided to the extent of a thousand dollars. There are 120 members and an avail- able fund of $500.
Esther Lodge, No. 7, D. of R., was instituted April 6th, 1871. at the rooms of Pacific Lodge, No. 87, and is connected with that body to a certain extent. The Lodge has aimed to conform strictly to the laws of the order and hence its moneys have been generously expended to carry on its work. There are 100 members and funds to the amount of $500.
Eintracht Lodge, No. 19, D. of R., as its name indicates, is com- posed mainly of Germans. It was instituted July 7th, 1880, and its meetings are held in Pacific Lodge rooms. The Lodge is active and by prudent management has accumulated a fund of $1,500, besides doing its work in a creditable manner. It has from 70 to 80 members and occupies a position which enables it to cultivate a large field of usefulness.
The Knights of Pythias are represented in Meriden by Myrtle Lodge, No. 4, which was instituted in 1869, with 35 charter members. Its growth had been all that could be desired until the summer of 1874 when, owing (so it is said) to some dissatisfaction with the action of the Grand Lodge, Myrtle Lodge surrendered its charter. On the application of some of its former members this charter was restored in 1883, since which time the prosperity enjoyed has placed this Lodge among the foremost ones in the state. The Lodge looks after the needs of its members in a diligent manner, providing liberally for their wants. About $1,700 has been expended for charitable purposes, and a clear fund of $500 remains in the treasury. The Lodge has a fine field of usefulness. More than 100 members belong.
In connection with this Lodge is the Uniformed Rank, a semi- military branch of the order, corresponding somewhat to the Knights Templar of Free Masonry. Its members are the young men of the order, who enter upon their work with much enthusiasm. About forty persons are thus interested and have become very proficient. Their showy uniforms attract much attention when they appear in public.
In addition to the foregoing there are, in the city, many other orders: The Knights of Honor have two Lodges; the Knights of Columbus, three Councils; the Sons of St. George, one Lodge; the Ancient Order of Hibernians, two Divisions; the Ancient Order of Foresters, three Courts; the Improved Red Men, one Tribe; the Knights of Labor, six Assemblies; the Patriotic Sons of America, one Camp; the Royal Arcanum, one Council; the Order of Shepherds, one
534
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Sanctuary; the United Workmen, one Lodge; the American Mechanics, one Council; the Turnverien, incorporated in 1880; and besides more than a dozen temperance, benevolent and beneficiary orders.
A prelimary meeting to organize a Post of the Grand Army of the Republic was held at the town hall, February 1st, 1867; and in the furtherance of that object a charter was granted April 15th, 1867, which bore the names of the following comrades as charter members: Albert T. Booth, William H. Minchin, Henry A. Kirtland, Heber S. Ives, Charles S. Gallager, N. S. Wood, E. O. Puffer, Frederick H. Parker and George C. Geer.
November 16th, 1868, a vote was taken for a name for the Post, which resulted in a unanimous adoption of " Merriam," in honor of Lieutenant Edwin J. Merriam, of the 7th Connecticut Volunteers, who died at Fortress Monroe from wounds received at the battle of Deep Run, Va., August 16th, 1864. Soon after this interest in the Post , declined and, in 1869, it was practically reorganized. Slow progress was made and it was not until October 5th, 1874, that permanent head- quarters were secured, in the commodious hall, on Colony street. Here, in addition to its large hall, a suite of rooms has been fitted up and finely furnished for the use of the members. Among the other privileges thus provided is a library of about 500 volumes, which has promoted the good of the order.
Merriam Post is not only one of the oldest and most flourishing in the state, but it is also one of the largest and most influential, having a membership of 300 .* Like most other organizations it has had its seasons of adversity, and the comrades will not soon forget the unfor- tunate steamboat excursion to West Point in 1871, in which the Post suffered serious loss financially, and was for a long time left heavily in arrears. The Post by giving plays, holding fairs and by careful, economical management. finally succeeded in cancelling its financial indebtedness, and in addition to the possession of $3,200 worth of Post property it now has about $11,000 in its Relief and Post funds. It also owns a burial plot, 50 by 60, in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
From $500 to $1,000 is spent yearly for the relief of its members, and all its funds are sacredly pledged for the relief of those in want. A valuable adjunct in this work of the organization is the Woman's Relief Corps, No. 259, which has a helpful membership.
In April, 1887, Merriam Post, No. 8, was properly incorporated by the Legislature and authorized to hold property to an amount not exceeding $50,000.
The following have served as Post commanders, in the years named: Joseph J. Wooley, 1867-8, 1871; Frank J. Carter, 1868-9; Frank G. Otis, 1872-4; William L. Stoddard, 1875; John H. Chapman, 1876; Isaac B. Hyatt, 1877-9; William G. Gallager, 1880; Wallace A. Miles, 1881; Frederick A. Higby, 1882; Wilbur F. Rogers, 1883; Constans C. Kinne,
* More than 500 have belonged.
535
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
1884: Ezekiel R. Merriam, 1885; Julius Augur, 1886; Albert F. Hall, 1887; H. L. B. Pond, 1888: Charles S. Kelsey, 1889; Allen W. Harvey, 1890.
The Post can point with pride to the noble soldier's monument at the head of Main street, which will continue to stand in sunshine and storm through the coming generations, long after the brave soldiers of Meriden have passed away- a silent but impressive testimony of the grand work of Merriam Post. This monument was erected by a public-spirited interest awakened and kept alive by Merriam Post, whose members in 1870 aroused patriotic sentiment here to such a high pitch that at a patriotic meeting held $10.000 was voted for the monument, Reverend J. J. Wooley making the motion, which was ably seconded by Honorable Orville H. Platt.
This beautiful memorial cost $11,000, of which Merriam Post con- tributed $1,000. The monument stands on town property on an emi- nence in front of the city hall. It is surrounded by an iron fence, in front of which are placed four cannon, captured from the rebels, and donated by the government, through the influence of Honorable S. WV. Kellogg, of Waterbury. The brass tablets on which the names of the heroic dead are inscribed, were imported from Germany. The dedicatory services were held in 1873, and were imposing and impressive, the oration being delivered by Honorable Joseph R. Hawley. The monument has every year since been suitably trimmed with flowers on " Memorial Day," and the appropriation of the town aids to properly observe that day. The tablets contain the names of 158 of Meriden's soldiers who fell in the cause of the Union, which is a large proportion of those serving, the enlistments in rank and file being 875 men.
The monument is of Westerly granite, finely proportioned, and is 36 feet high. Surmounting it is a chaste granite figure, seven feet high, of a private soldier at "parade rest." The monument in con- nection with its surroundings is one of the most attractive objects in the city.
Charles L. Upham Camp, No. 7, Sons of Veterans, recently estab- lished, is also in a flourishing condition.
The Meriden Agricultural Society held its first annual fair at Brad- ley's Park, in the southwestern part of the city, in September, 1872, under the direction of the following officers; D. E. W. Hatch, presi- dent; Levi E. Coe, secretary; S. H. W. Yale, treasurer; E. D. Castelow, superintendent. The exhibitions were there continued yearly until 1876, when the fair was held for the first time on the grounds of the Meriden Park Company, in the northern part of the city. The exhibi- tions at the same place for the next three years were the occasions of unabated interest and financial success. In 1880 the society yielded its privileges on these grounds to the State Agricultural Society, which has since that year continued to hold its annual fairs at that place, usually with success.
536
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
The Meriden Park Company was organized November 26th, 1875, with a capital of $22,000. The stock was divided into many shares, as it was intended to popularize the movement to open a fine place for exhibitions and sporting purposes. The Moses Burr Farm of 56 acres was purchased for $12,000, and a large sum of money was spent in en- closing 30 acres and fitting up the same. A good half mile track was constructed. The grounds were first used for fair purposes by the Meriden Agricultural Society, in 1876, and in 1880 the Connecticut annual state fair began to be held at that place. For the use of that society the grounds were enlarged and supplied with the necessary buildings. The park is well adapted for large gatherings, having sloping sides, which afford a natural amphitheater.
Jonas P. Stow was the first president of the Park Company and Horace C. Wilcox one of the largest stockholders. In 1889 the officers of the company were: President, N. L. Bradley; vice-president, George Cooley; secretary, S. A. Hull; treasurer, L. E. Coe.
The Meriden Poultry Association had as its officers in 1889: Presi- dent, L. E. Coe; secretary, Joshua Shute; treasurer, Wilbur B. Hall. The association has held several annual meetings and exhibitions of fine and fancy poultry, which were successful in points of attendance and interest. An impetus to careful breeding was given and a number of persons became fanciers of improved poultry. In late years these pursuits have been followed with diminished interest, but the organi- zation of the association is nominally maintained.
A flourishing Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry is maintained in Meriden.
The following account of educational affairs in Meriden was con- tributed by Reverend J. T. Pettee, A. M., acting school visitor :
When Meriden was set off from Wallingford, in 1806, there were seven school districts, and the same number of school houses. The districts were : The Center, the Northwest (now the Old Road), the Northeast, the East, the Southeast, the West and the Farms (then called the Southwest district). In 1837 the North Center, the Corner and Hanover had been added to the number.
The earliest record that we have of the schools of Meriden is 1814, and this occurs almost by accident. That year the wisdom of our fathers ordained that the school children of Meriden should be vaccin- ated, and at a special town meeting, held April 23d, the following vote was taken : " Voted, to appoint a committee of two from each school district to introduce kine pock innoculation." The committee ap- pointed were: For the Center district, Doctors Isaac I. Hough and Theophilus Hall; Northwest district, Patrick Clark and Matthew Foster; Northeast district, Phineas Hough and Eleazer Scovil; the East, Samuel Baldwin, Jr., and Ira Hall; Southeast district, Othniel Ives and Irah Curtis ; Southwest (now the Farms), Ichabod Wood and Moses Cowles; West district. Dan Andrews and Levi Allen; Plymert (in Cheshire), John Plymert.
537
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
This vote of April 23d, 1814, has been of essential service, not only in enabling me to fix the names and number of the original districts, but in marking the two changes in names, viz .: in the Northwest and Southwest districts. We know that the Northwest of this list is the Old Road of the present, because Patrick Clark was on its committee, and Patrick Clark was an Old Road man ; and his son, P. J. Clark, showed me where he attended school in this district nearly seventy years ago. In the same way we know that the Southwest district of this list was the present Farms district, for Ichabod Wood, one of the inoculating committee of this district, we recognize as the father of the late Deacon Wood, who lived in what is now the Farms district.
Our districts then. in 1814 (making these nominal changes), were the Center, the Old Road, the Northwest, the East, the Southeast, the Farms and the West-seven-and I presume this was the number in 1806, the year that the town was incorporated.
In 1837, when a committee of one from each district was appointed to distribute Meriden's share of the "surplus revenue," $1,386.72 (Con- necticut's share was $763,661), the name of the districts are again given, and it appears that the Corner, Hanover and the Ives had been added to the number; if we inquire "when added, and by what author- ity," the records are silent. Now the organization of new districts is by town authority, and matter of town record-it was not so in the time of our fathers. Perhaps school matters were recorded in a separ- ate volume; if so, that volume is lost, and we have nothing to show the exact time of the organization of these new districts.
I will now take up the original seven districts in the order in which they are named in the vote of April 23d, 1814, and locate, if possible, their respective school houses.
The Old Center .- This stood in what is now High street, back of the old Baptist church, at the northwest corner of the Broad Street Cemetery, directly front of the present residence of Mr. Lyman P. Butler. If standing, as I think it was, when the town was incorpor- ated, it served the district as a school house for 57 years, or until the South Center was built, about 1863, which stood on Curtis street, where the house of Mr. Charles G. Kendrick now stands, and which accom- modated the children of the south end of the district until the brick school house on Parker avenue was built, in 1869 ; just as the North Center, which stood on the corner of Broad and Wall streets, and after- ward gave way to a better building (still standing on School street), accommodated those from the north part. The house on Parker ave- nue and its "annex" on South Broad street, built in 1884, with their twelve fine school rooms, accommodate the whole Center district, and the names South Center and North Center have disappeared. The first enumeration of the Center district which I find recorded, January 1st, 1864, gives 203 children ; the one October 1st, 1889, gives 872. Upon the building of the South Center, in 1863, the old building on
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.