History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I, Part 66

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 966

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 66
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 66

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Under his successors the work of the parish has gone on, the mem- bership increasing and the fine church property being made still more extensive and valuable. In the fall of 1888, St. Rose Chapel, on Liberty street, was completed. It is of brick, 37 by 70 feet, and attrac- tive in its appearance.

In 1889, the corporation of the parish consisted of the pastor, Reverend Father P. F. M'Alenney, Maurice O'Brien and Patrick Hopkins.

The Catholic parochial school building is very fine, and contains twelve rooms. Between 900 and 1,000 children are in attendance.

St. Laurent's Church (French Catholic) was formed in 1880. In the past two decades many French people became citizens of Meriden, the census of 1880 showing over one thousand. Most of these were Catholics and in order to permit them to worship in their own language it was decided to form them into a new parish. The preliminary meeting was held June 2d, 1880, and four days later the first mass of the parish was said in G. A. R. Hall. Subsequently and until the spring of 1881, the meetings were held in the town hall. A purpose to build a church was given warm encouragement and the work was soon begun. July 5th, 1880, being a holiday, the members of the

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

parish devoted it to digging for the foundations of the church, on Camp street. A band furnished music, lunches were served by the women of the parish, and at sunset the excavation was completed. The basement of the church was fitted up as a place of worship, for which use it was dedicated April 10th, 1881, when also the corner stone of the church was laid by Bishop McMahon. For several years work on the main building was suspended but was again resumed in the spring of 1886 and completed for dedication November 4th, 1888.

The church forms an attractive edifice in the French Gothic style, the walls being of North Haven brick, with buttresses capped with granite. The dimensions are 60 by 118 feet and the front towers when completed will be 165 feet high. The sanctuary windows are over 21 feet high and were all imported from Holland. The interior of the church is handsomely finished and the value of the property is nearly $60,000. In 1889 the corporation of the parish was composed of the resident priest, Father A. Van Oppen, under whose pastorate the church is prospering, and trustees D. Dolbec and Philippe Turcotte.

In the spring of 1891 the Polish and German members of St. Laurent's and St. Rose's parishes formed theinselves into a new church, by the name of St. Mary's Catholic church, with Father Kost as the priest. Ground for a church edifice, 85 by 45 feet, was broken on Church street, on the 30th of May, and the building will be completed as the funds of the parish will permit.

The Young Men's Christian Association of Meriden had its origin in the winter or 1865-6 and was incorporated June 27th, the latter year, by act of the general assembly. Under this charter the first board of regular officers was elected in July, 1866. In the fall of the same year, having a subscription fund of $7,000, a lot on Colony street was purchased, on which was a frame building of two stories, 22 by 50 feet, which was fitted up for association uses. On the first floor a reading room and library was opened. The second floor was devoted to the use of general meetings, lectures, also noonday prayer meet- ings being therein sustained, each day, for about four years.

Having outgrown this humble building, steps were taken, in 1875-6, to raise a fund to displace it with a more commodious structure. The president of the association, Welcome E. Benham, was especially active in this movement and his well-conceived purpose and persistent effort in this direction were warmly seconded by the community. Four persons subscribed $1,000 each; 53 persons gave $100 each; and nearly $22,000 in all was raised, when the work of building was begun. W. E. Benham, James R. Sutliff and S. J. Hall were appointed the building committee and H. M. Jones was secured as the architect. The plans adopted involved an outlay of $28,000, and ground for the edifice was broken May 18th, 1876. The corner stone was laid with ceremonies October 19th, 1876, and on the 31st of July, the following year, the building was dedicated. A

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

debt remaining on it was fully settled in February, 1886, when the entire value of the property was placed at $40,000. The rentals of the building, not occupied by the association for its own uses, are about $3,000 per year.

The building is imposing in appearance, being four stories high above the basement, and is 46 feet wide and 89 feet long. The front is constructed of Philadelphia pressed brick, with free-stone and iron trimmings, granite sills and steps, and there is a slated, Mansard roof. Business rooms occupy the basement, first floor and part of the second, where are also the reading room and the general rooms of the asso- ciation. On the third floor are assembly halls, and a gymnasium occupies the fourth floor. Many religious and benevolent societies have here held their meetings. The building is substantially finished and furnished throughout, and was the first of the kind in Connecticut and one of the first in New England exclusively for Y. M. C. A. purposes.

In 1886 the charter of the association was amended and its property was placed in care of a board of seven trustees, members of Protestant evangelical churches. These were W. E. Benham, chairman; Benjamin Page, clerk; S. J. Hall, treasurer; James R. Sutliff, S. B. Little, James H. Breckenridge, E. A. Bell. A board of directors of one member each from all the Protestant churches in the city is chosen annually to cooperate with the officers in managing the affairs of the associa- tion.

Since the incorporation the presidents of the association have been: J. H. Breckenridge, from July, 1866, to September, 1868; E. W. Hatch, from September, 1868, to September, 1869; F. H. Williams, from Sep- tember, 1869, to September, 1870; F. G. Otis, from September, 1870, to September, 1872; W. E. Benham, from September, 1872, to September, 1890.

In 1882 the association secured William A. Venter as its first gen- eral secretary and he served in that capacity until October, 1889. In the following December A. H. Wilcox succeeded him in the same office.

In 1885 a ladies' auxiliary of the association was organized, which has become a most valuable adjunct. The same year a gymnasium was established and a teacher employed. In December, 1887, a branch of the association was opened on Broad street, which was kept open one year. Many other auxiliaries, or divisions of the association forces, have promoted the general good, the members being zealous and active in these matters.

In July, 1886, the publication of the monthly Association News was begun as a small sheet, setting forth the work of the society. It was enlarged in January, 1888, and again in January, 1889, to 12 columns, quarto size.

In the library of the association are more than 6,000 volumes of

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

popular, standard and reference books, which may be freely read in the rooms or taken home on the payment of a small fee. The free reading room, open all day and evening, contains over 100 choice peri- odicals, and is largely patronized.

The association has the support of the leading citizens of Meriden, and has proved to be a valuable promotive agent in elevating the moral tone of the community.

The Connecticut State Reform School* was authorized by the legis- lature of 1851, which appropriated $10,000 for this object, on condition that the people of the state would donate an equal sum for the same object. In 1852 the school was located in Meriden, on a tract of land secured for this purpose of Salmon Merriam and others, and embrac- ing, in 1888, 195 acres. It lies about half a mile north of the New Haven railroad station, extending from North Colony street toward the Hanging hills, more than a mile in the rear. About 100 acres are comparatively level and are well tilled for farm and garden crops. Much of the remainder of the land is in pasture and wood lots. A fine stream of water through the center of the tract adds to the value of the farm, which has been somewhat damaged by the recent construc- tion through it of the Waterbury railroad. A number of fine farm buildings have been erected, including a main barn, 42 by 83 feet, three stories high, which is a model of completeness in its arrange- ments. There are orchards, gardens and a green-house. The farm cost $18,000.

On a commanding eminence, near the North Colony street part of the lands, are the buildings of the school proper, standing on hand- somely kept grounds, adorned with shrubs and flowers. The site affords one of the finest landscape views in this part of the state. Around it lies the city with its manifold interests; in front, several miles distant, is Mount Lamentation; and in the rear and nearer are the ever beautiful Hanging hills. The main building is of brick and was begun in 1853. It fronts the east, and is 300 feet long by 50 feet deep. The central part is four stories high; the ends three stories. In the rear is a three story wing, 40 by 120 feet. In this building are all the conveniences for the care, comfort, instruction and employ- ment of 375 boys, besides affording a home for the superintendent and other officers of the school.

When it was erected the congregate or prison system prevailed, and continued until 1878. Under this system, a yard in the rear of the building was enclosed with a high stone wall, which has lately been devoted to other uses, and other features in the building, under the old system, have also been changed. Since the adoption of the family system of government, ten years ago, five large cottage build- ings have been erected, north and south of the main structure, each being of brick, three stories high above the basement. While they * From reports and data by Saxton B. Little.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

differ in outside appearance and architectural design, they each cost $16,000, and have the same general interior arrangement, each com- fortably accommodating fifty boys and those in charge of them. A beautiful chapel, with 500 sittings, was erected at a cost of $15,000. In it are held religious meetings and general assemblages, for the instruc. tion or amusement of the members of the school, who are here treated with a view to bring them under reformatory influences and to lead them to better lives. Each family section has its own male supervisor and matron and special teachers.

There are six shops in the institution, in which are made the neces- sary clothing, shoes, etc., worn by the boys, who themselves do this work; and two shops in which 225 boys are employed in cane-seating chairs.

All the buildings have an abundant supply of water from the city water works and from a private spring, owned by the institution, 14 miles distant, which is conducted to the farm by means af a 3-inch pipe. This supplies water for irrigation and farm uses. The build- ings are also supplied with city gas and have all the modern conven- iences to make them complete and comfortable. Their aggregate cost has been a little more than $250,000, and they are, in appearance and adaptation, finer than many kindred institutions in other states.

The government of the institution is vested in a board of eight state trustees, one from each county, and four resident trustees, who elect the superintendent and other officers to manage its affairs.

The first superintendent was Philemon Hoadley, elected in 1853, and served two years. In 1855 Roswell Hawley, M. D., was elected, and served four years. E. W. Hatch, M. D., was elected in 1859, and was at the head of the institution about twenty years. In 1854 Saxton B. Little was elected assistant superintendent, and served until the abandonment of the congregate system of government, proving a most efficient educator of this class of pupils.

The present superintendent, George E. Howe, was elected in 1878, and under his administration the life of the school was changed to the open or family system, being inade more reformatory in its nature, and divesting it of the penal features which were before connected with the institution. His previous extended experience in that de- partment of labor has enabled him to reorganize the school and bring it up to a standard which has excited the admiration of philanthropists and others interested in making good citizens of those who have had the misfortune to inherit or contract vicious habits. He has the co- operation of about twenty assistants at the institution, and the active aid of the resident trustees. These were, in 1889: Colonel Charles L. Upham, Isaac C. Lewis, Owen B. Arnold and D. S. Williams.

The institution was opened for the reception of inmates March 1st, 1854, and since that time 4,652 boys have been placed under its care. The age at entrance has varied from six to nineteen years, the greatest

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

number being placed at the ages of fourteen and fifteen. The com- mitments in 1888 were 176. Of those entered 463 have been placed with farmers, 44 placed at various trades, 150 escaped from the insti- tution and did not return, 941 were discharged on the expiration of sentence, and 2,461 were returned to their parents. The number re- maining in the institution December 1st, 1889, was 450. The state perinits parents and guardians to place boys in the school without a commitment from court on the payment of $3 per week, and 176 boys have thus been placed and subjected to the rules of the school.

Every boy in the institution is required to attend school three hours each week day, ten months in a year, and is taught the rudiments of an English education which will fit him to transact the ordinary busi- ness of life, and moral culture is also instilled. A moral review is held every evening, at which time a record is made in a book of every boy's conduct during the day. These records determine each boy's standard in the school, and the " Honor Grade " has proven to be a valuable disciplinary means.

"The paramount object of the institution is not to confine, but to reform those committed to its care, and its success is encouraging in a high degree. Not all are reformed, for human nature is the same here as elsewhere, nevertheless a large proportion of those coming here go away far better boys, and with prospects of becoming more useful citizens than if this noble charity did not exist."

The Curtis Home owes its existence solely to the benevolence and munificent benefactions of Lemuel J. Curtis," who established it for the relief of old ladies and orphan children in needy circumstances. The institution stands on three and one-half acres of ground at the head of Crown street, and overlooks much of the city of Meriden. The building was begun May 1st, 1883, and June 28th, 1884, the home was dedicated by Bishop Williams, of the diocese of Connecticut, the services being held in the pretty little chapel connected with it. The home is 46 by 114 feet, four stories high, with a deep slated roof. The architecture is in the Gothic style, the walls being of North Haven brick, trimmed with terra cotta, the front presenting a most attractive appearance. The interior is handsomely finished and supplied with modern appointments. Separate dormitories are provided for boys, girls and old ladies. The entire cost was about $40,000. In his life- time Mr. Curtis maintained the home single handed, and at his death left a large benefaction, placed in trust of the vestry of St. Andrew's parish. That body and a board of local managers, se- lected from the churches of the city, are also the managers of the in- stitution. The first local board was composed of Mrs. J. T. Pettee, president; Miss Celia J. Curtis, vice-president; Mrs. L. E. Coe, corre- sponding secretary: Mrs. Annie Palmer, recording secretary. The latter was also the first matron, and occupied the home May 1st, 1884.

*See Biographical Sketch.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

Doctor C. H. S. Davis was the first physician. In the course of a few years twenty inmates were sheltered within its friendly walls.

The City Mission Society of Meriden is another charitable organiza- tion which deserves and has received philanthropic support. It was instituted for the amelioration of the poor several years ago, and be- came a chartered body April 5th, 1889, with the following corporators: Mary L. Seymour, Phebe E. Hinman, Lucy A. Geer, Anna Wheeler, Ruth B. Austin, Martha E. Fales, Seraphine C. Ives. Sarah G. Higby, Mary G. Patten, Emma R. Thomas and Jennie Fay. The society is empowered to hold property to the amount of $100,000, whose proceeds are to be applied for the care of the poor and the prevention of pauperism. In the furtherance of this object the society has had especial encouragement in the noble gift of Isaac C. Lewis. On the 21st of October. 1889, he deeded to the society the handsome " Lewis Block," on East Main street, which he had erected in 1888-9 at a cost of more than $70,000, the income from which shall forever be devoted to its uses. This block is one of the finest in the city and its rentals will insure a fine working fund for the society, which is thus permitted to enter upon an extended sphere of usefulness.

The Meriden Hospital is a charitable institution of recent date. On the 17th of April, 1885, the general assembly of the state granted a . charter to a number of citizens of Meriden to establish a hospital and giving power to conduct the same. Under the provisions of this charter the incorporators organized December 28th, 1885, by electing the following directors: N. L. Bradley, chairman; George R. Curtis, treasurer; Seth J. Hall, Charles Parker, E. J. Doolittle, H. C. Wilcox, J. H. Chapin, Walter Hubbard and L. E. Coe. The advisability of erecting a hospital has been frequently discussed, but no definite action in this direction has yet been taken.

The Cemeteries of Meriden are attractive and well kept. There are six distinct and well known places of interment in the town, four being within the city limits. The oldest, called the Ancient Burying Ground, is on what formerly was known as the Meeting House hill, about two miles southeast of the town hall. It is a retired place, only a lane, seldom used, leading by it. But it is a spot of considerable natural beauty, pleasantly located on the south brow of the long slop- ing elevation, designated on late maps as Parker's hill. A fine and extended view of the country lying west and south is commanded.

In the latter direction the houses in the borough of Wallingford can be plainly seen, and it was probably a matter of sentiment which led to the selection of this place. Here, within view of the old home, were interred the dead of the new parish. The use of the ground was discontinued about the time of the revolution and being isolated from the main highways, it became neglected in the course of years. The graves were marked by plain slaty slabs, which fell out of place and the epitaphs became illegible. The grave yard itself was a part of the

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

common field and there was little to indicate the respect which should be shown to the graves of these pioneers. But in 1851 the town voted to fence in the yard with a stone wall. This was not done and December 20th, 1856, another vote was taken, not only to enclose the ground but to erect a monument containing the names of those there interred. The following year these instructions were properly car- ried out. A substantial brown freestone shaft was erected and was enclosed by a high iron fence, 60 feet square. It was a worthy tribute to the dead and deserved to be well kept. In the course of years, how- ever, the iron fence was torn down and finally removed; and the monu- ment itself has been marred by chipping off parts to be carried away as relics. In more recent years reasonable care has been given the yard which, in 1889, was plainly enclosed and free from brush. Only a few of the headstones remained. Their inscriptions were quaint and expressive of the virtues of those whose decease they commem- orated. Two of them were marked as follows:

In Memory of THEOPHILUS HALL,

Pastor of ye Church, who having for 37 years discharged the duties of his func- tion with distinguished fidelity and accomplished Christian life, the uniform disciple of Jesus Christ, deceased March 25, 1767, in the 60th year of his Age. They that be wise shall shine as ye brightness of

ye firmament. Dean Ezekiel Rice, Esq., Aged 66 years, Departed this Life Sptr 4th, 1765. To God and Man a faithful Friend ; In Serving both his life did spend. His Sun is set, his work is done, Lies here beneath this Gloomy Stone.

The town monument was legibly inscribed in the following manner:

On the south side:

ERECTED BY THE TOWN OF MERIDEN, 1857.

On the east side;

In Memory of the First Settlers of the Town of Meriden who were buried within and near this enclosure, and whose names as far as known are inscribed on this Monument.

The Meeting-House in which they worshiped, and the first erected in this town, stood about fifty rods west of this memorial.

On the north side:

OBITUARY .- Rev. Theophilus Hall, Pastor of the First Church, March 25, 1767, æ. 60; Mehitable Hall, Sept. 11, 1767, æ. 16; Timothy Jerome, Feb. 23, 1757, æ. 26; Abigail Way, Sept. 12, 1741, æ. 12; Daniel Hough, July 25, 1768, æ. 49; Thos. Beech, May 14, 1741, æ. 83; Phebe Merriam, Feb. 23, 1753, æ. 23; Hannah Ives, Nov. 5, 1770, æ. 70; Captain Josiah Robinson, Apr. 2, 1766, æ. 67; Theophilus Mix, July 3, 1750, æ. 53; Rachael Andrus, Jan. 11, 1756, æ. 33; Timothy Andrews, Nov. 25, 1743, æ. 23; Hannah Royce, Jan. 12, 1761, æ. 91; Samuel Johnson, Mar. 2, 1777, æ. 23.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

On the west side:

OBITUARY .- Benjamin Curtiss, Oct. 29, 1754, æ. 52; Aaron Curtiss, Dec. 18, 1763, æ. 20; Rebekah Lyman, Nov. 8, 1748, æ. 44; Joseph Cowles, Nov. 30, 1760, æ. 83; Mindwell Cowles, April 17, 1770, æ. 89; Sarah Bishop, May 31, 1760, æ. 43; Elizabeth Merriam, June 11, 1767, æ. 70; Elizabeth Penfield, Nov. 20, 1765, æ. 18; Deacon Samuel Royce, May 14, 1757, æ. 85; Ezekiel Rice, Esq., Sept. 4, 1765, æ. 66; Ebenezer Roys, Jan. 20, 1759, æ, 53; Joseph Merriam, Aug. 24, 1752, æ. 49; Deborah Merriam, Aug. 12, 1761, æ. 52; Ruth Merriam, Nov. 12, 1755, æ. 72; Mind- well Rice, June 15, 1769, æ. 27.

With the removal of the church to the Center came a demand for a burial place in the same locality, which was secured in the lot on Broad street, at the corner of Olive. This was deeded by Reverend John Hubbard, March 15th, 1771, and originally contained three- quarters of an acre, which was purchased by a popular subscription, as is shown in the following paper:

"Whereas the inhabitants of the parish of Meriden, did in their meeting on the 18 of February last, agree to purchase a piece of land of the Rev. Mr. Hubbard, for a burying yard, we, the subscribers being desirous of a speedy accomplishment of said affair, do herewith our names subscribe the several sums that we will give towards pur- chasing said piece of land, and do promise to paye them to the parish committee within nine months after said committee shall procure a deed to secure the same to the use of the parish as aforesaid.

Meriden, March 11, 1771.

s. d.

Samuel Leavitt 3 0

Hannah Hall, Jr 2

Noah Yale.

5 0

Abel Hawley 2

Ebenezer Cowles 3 6 Samuel Johnson 3

Ezekiel Rice 1

5 Solomon Rice. 1

Daniel Howell. 3

Joseph Cowles 3

Ebenezer Cowles, Jr 1

Wait Rice 1

Samuel Whitney

Bezaleel Ives 3

()

John Miles, Jr 1

Timothy Collins 1

Theo. Hall 2

0 Thomas Hough 1

Josiah Merriam 1

0 Ezra Rice 2

()

Titus Rice 1

Aaron Hull 1

Thomas Menhaur 1

6 Moses Hall. 1

Thomas Berry 2 0 Benjamin Rice 2

Timothy Foster 3 4 Aaron Lyman 4

Abigail Rice . 2

1 Amasa Rice 1 0

To this place some of those interred in the old burial ground were removed. In the course of seventy years the Broad Street burial ground was filled upand a new cemetery was demanded. Some difficulty was encountered in selecting a place which should accommodate all parts of the town, both the east and the west section claiming the location. After a discussion of several years ground for the East Meriden Cem-

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

etery was purchased in 1845, of the estate of William Yale and of Lyman Collins, about half a mile east of the Center church. This was substantially enclosed, and in 1847 the stone arch over the entrance way was erected. The cemetery is laid out with care, and is neatly kept. Many tasty monuments show the resting place of those here interred, representing numerous old families.

The West Meriden Cemetery was opened by an association bear- ing this name, whose preliminary meeting was held October 20th, 1846. Elah Camp was chosen president; Doctor Benjamin H. Catlin, vice-president; Curtis L. North, secretary; Horace Curtis, treasurer.

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History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I, Part 66

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.) Publication date: 1892 Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 966

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 966