History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 69

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York, Preston
Number of Pages: 1506

USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut > Part 69

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HARRY " COTTAGE.

HOWARD " COTTAGE.

RATHLIN " -- RESIDENCE OF GEORGE LOTHROP BRADLEY, POMFRET CENTRE, CONN.

RATHLIN " LODGE.

HOPE " COTTAGE.

STILLEBEN. "

705

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

The rapid expansion of business and manufactures after the close of the first half century of the republic brought a special " boom " to Thompson hill. Residents of neighboring factories sought supplies of needful articles and luxuries at its well-filled stores, now conducted by Messrs. Almy & Crosby and Erastus Knight. Mr. Edward Shaw, of Providence, opened a watch- maker's and jeweler's store in 1830, a great novelty and attrac- tion, customers coming miles from every direction to have their watches regulated and buy glittering ornaments. Mr. Hezekiah Olney, now high sheriff of Windham county, built a brick block between the tavern and town house, and opened a fashionable "New York hat and cap store." Horatio Paine engaged in the manufacture of boots. The tailors' shops conducted by Albert E. Whipple and James O. Mills were largely patronized, as nothing in the line of ready-made clothing could then be pro- cured. Mrs. C. C. Dow supplied a large constituency with taste- ful and fashionable millinery. Messrs. Andrew B. Baldwin, James Hutchins, Danforth Kinney and Walter Bates opened shops for carriages and furniture making. All these business enterprises found convenient financial accommodation in the Thompson Bank, incorporated in 1833. The year preceding Thompson had the enterprise to purchase a jaunty little fire engine, run by an efficient company. Among other innovations, the newspaper came to Thompson hill. George Roberts, pub- lisher at a later day of the first cheap daily paper in Boston, and the originator of the famous " Mammoth Newspaper," entered upon his journalistic career as the editor of a dainty little semi- weekly called The Thompson Transcript. This was soon succeeded by a Weekly Bulletin, but neither was able to support existence. They were followed by The Windham County Gazette, published by another newspaper celebrity, the J. P. Chapman who was or- dered " to crow " in the Tippecanoe campaign. His newspaper lingered for several years, but collapsed in 1837 with many kin- dred enterprises.

One of Thompson's chief notabilities in these booming years was "the Stiles Tavern," claiming that more stage passengers dined there every day than at any other house in New England. Its proprietor, Captain Vernon Stiles, was the very beau ideal of a landlord-big, hearty, jolly. More than that, he was a public spirited citizen, a graceful speaker and an adroit politician. His bar room was the headquarters of the democratic party, and his

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

spacious hall the scene of many a festive entertainment. Thomp- son's peculiar matrimonial facilities had then been recognized, cornering as it did upon two states where a two or three weeks' publishment of intention was required before the marriage cere- mony, while Connecticut let them off with one brief pulpit notice. It became very much the fashion for affianced pairs in these states to drive to Thompson on a Sunday morn, and there be united at Stiles's tavern. For a time the ministers were called in to perform the ceremony at intermission of divine service, but the calls became so frequent, and the consequent Sabbath breaking so alarming, that they resigned the office to Captain Stiles, as justice, who tied the nuptial knot with a grace and sympathy that charmed all participants. Scarce a Sabbath passed without bringing wedding parties to partake of the frosted loaf always made ready for them, and Thompson became widely known as the "Gretna Green of New England," run-a-ways on several occasions improving its facilities. Near the tavern, in the town house building, back of Mr. Shaw's shop, Esquire Davis kept the post office, the only one in town, and also a mu- seum of curiosities and Indian relics, exciting much juvenile interest.

A very famous debating society was organized in 1833, with Si- mon Davis, Esq., president, Joseph B. Gay, vice-president, George Roberts, secretary, and a large number of members, where all the vital questions of the day were earnestly debated, and pre- .

sumably settled. The lawyers, young and old, Doctors Holbrook and Bowen, Captain Stiles, schoolmasters from far and near, in- quiring mechanics and active business men, entered upon this arena, and crossed swords in many a fiery conflict. Several houses were built during this period, but the hill, as depicted by Barber in his " Historical Collections" of 1836, had but a bare aspect. The trees set out by Judge John Nichols in the little "Heater Piece," and the row of trees near the Watson house, were its only shade. The old row of poplars at the south end of the village was already vanishing. Blindless and bare, the meet- ing house stood on the rough common, cut up by numerous wagon roads, and on the pointed apex westward a row of build- ings stretched out-blacksmith's shop, house, barn, and at the extreme end a marble shop or gravestone manufactory, which in a few years gave place to a very aggressive grog shop, greatly quickening the demand for the former article.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

During the progress of the Washingtonian temperance move- ment, party spirit ran very high. John Hawkins, the leader among reformed inebriates, made an early visit to Thompson hill, speaking night after night to crowded audiences in the Con- gregational meeting house, and persuading many common drunk- ards and moderate drinkers to sign the pledge and range them- selves on the side of temperance. His success roused a very bitter spirit of opposition on the part of those who felt that their personal and social rights were invaded. The old tavern (late Wilks House) had become very obnoxious, its proprietor being a man utterly devoid of principle and common humanity. The death of one of his victims, turned out of doors and left to freeze in the barn, made a very deep impression on the community, and was used with most dramatic effect by Gough on the last night of a week's labor in Thompson. Having that day visited the mother of the dead man in a neighboring state, he told the story of this "prodigal son " as it fell from her lips, in the most pathetic and thrilling manner, no one in the house having a thought of any personal connection with it, until at the last he sent it home to every heart by the low, calm, overwhelming statement that this man had died in a barn at Thompson, after weeks' loitering about that abominable tavern. The keeper of the house was unable to stand against the overwhelming tide of public sentiment, and the house, after due purification, was made over for the use of Mr. Green's high school. Captain Stiles closed his bar and transformed his popular house into a temperance tavern.

The persecuted rum sellers were driven from tavern to cellar, and finally found refuge in the deserted stone cutter's shop at the west extremity of the common, a most eligible position, fac- ing two streets, very near the newly erected town house, and greatly accommodating the obstinate old topers, who made a special point of exercising their liberties upon town meeting day. Dorr's refugees, coming up from Rhode Island, found much needed aid and comfort in this convenient grogery, and bestowed upon it the expressive name of "Ponog," borrowed from a similar favorite institution at home, originally signifying " a place of fair water," but by corruption "a place of fire water." A more unmitigated nuisance than the Thompson Po- nog never afflicted a respectable community. Many resorted thither from all parts of the town; young men were enticed into liquor there; hooting and yelling disturbed the neighbors by

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

night, and free fights after a public day were not unusual; yet, notwithstanding the efforts and eloquence of temperance work- ers, it continued for several years to disgrace the village.

The town house was the first building on the south side of West street. Mr. Whitman Jacobs broke ground on the north side about 1835, building the house now occupied by Doctor Knight. Other houses were built in a few years by Messrs. Erastus Knight, Edward Shaw, Danforth Kinney, Waldo Com- ins and Thomas E. Graves. The row of maples was set out in 1839. Houses were built a few years later on the south side by Mrs. Thatcher and Mr. William H. Mason. In the summer of 1845 a lecture was given by Professor William A. Larned in the town house, upon "Beauty, Taste and Tree Culture,"-all summed up in the modern term, "Village Improvements." Mr. William H. Chandler was much interested in this matter and aided very efficiently in carrying out Professor Larned's sugges- tions. Spontaneous pledges of aid were given by many present, and in the following November a day was devoted to setting out all over the village, elm, maple and other trees, under the super- vision of Mr. Chandler. A still greater improvement was effect- ed in the demolition and removal of the Ponog and all its appur- tenances-house, barn and blacksmith's shop, which were bought up by adjacent residents, and the point of land leveled off and reconstructed. Ten years later the common left bare by the removal of the meeting house, was leased temporarily to Es- quire Graves for fencing and cultivation, which, with the growth of the trees and other improvements, added much to the beauty of the village.

With the opening of the Norwich & Worcester railroad and the discontinuance of stage coaching, business prosperity in Thompson rapidly declined. One by one, stores and shops were closed. As the valleys increased the hills wasted. Tailoring, shoemaking and carriage making fell off from year to year. Many excellent families removed from the village. Change of laws so much reduced the number of matrimonial frequenters that Captain Stiles resigned his office and followed the westward movement. Mr. Shaw took his shop and goods to Putnam. The store so long kept up by "Almy & Crosby " was closed and croakers prophesied the decay and ultimate extinction of the once flourishing village. Even the corner tavern was closed for a season, and the ever solid bank and Mr. Knight's principal

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

store seemed all that preserved it from stagnation. But after the lowest depth a reflex tide set in, bringing back elements of continued life and new prosperity. With the reopening of the hotel under Mr. Stephen Crosby in 1859, summer visitors came in, mostly families who had gone out from town, and relatives of residents.

Another decade passed and the "cottagers " came to stay, and these too were Thompson's own children, connected by family and social ties. Several new houses have been built and old ones transformed into picturesque villas. A Village Im- provement Society was formed in 1875, which, though somewhat intermittent in character, has accomplished good results in grad- ing and widening the streets, caring for the trees and improving sidewalks. Older residents have caught the spirit of the age, and take much pride in beautifying and improving their lawns and dwellings. Thompson residents and visitors are well ac- commodated with railroad privileges, the near vicinity of the New York & New England station bringing Boston, Providence, the sea shore and many resorts, within a day's compass. Busi- ness to any extent declines to return. Mr. James Kingsbury es- sayed shoe manufacturing for a time, but relapsed into store- keeping and care for the town interests. The removal of Mr. Charles Baldwin closed a carriage and wagon shop, dating back to nearly the beginning of the century. The only present rep- resentative of former industries is Mr. Walter Bates, whose "cabinet maker's shop" was opened by Mr. James Hutchins more than fifty years since. Yet notwithstanding the lack of business, Thompson hill is none the less a pleasant place of per- manent residence, while its pure air, health giving breezes, and the picturesque drives in its vicinity, are very attractive to the summer sojourner. The Family Hotel, kept so satisfactorily for twenty-five years by the late Mr. Crosby, promises to be equally popular under its present proprietor, Landlord Chapin, who has treated the old tavern house with a new furnace and effected many improvements.

The Thompson hill of the present day has never appeared to better advantage than on Memorial Day, 1887, when for the first time the town made public provision for celebrating this occasion. Under the auspices of Major William S. Beebe (then recently removed into the Mason house), the town house was decorated in the most unique and effective manner with red,

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

white and blue stars, banners and streamers, and emblazoned with the names of every battle field and engagement during the civil conflict. Soldiers and war veterans in Thompson and Put- nam, members of the Grand Army of the Republic, Sons of Vet- erans, and other bodies, were invited to participate in the festiv- ities. The day was exceptionally fine, the village in fresh spring suit looked its best, and everything passed off in the most har- monious and delightful manner. After visiting the graves of their comrades in the different burial grounds of the town with the usual services and floral offerings, the several companies, with music and parade, marched by different roads into the vil- lage where great crowds had assembled to meet them, and then into the Congregational meeting house, which was draped with red, white and blue in simple but most effective style. The sol- diers, with citizens gathered to receive them, filled the large house. A bevy of blooming girls, decked out for waitresses with white caps and aprons, and contrasting bands of dark bearded musi- cians, filled the choir. The services, prayer, singing, addresses, were exceedingly appropriate and inspiring. The march of the martial procession from the meeting house to the town house in the beautiful May sunshine, with the music and the white-capped girls, and the common filled with enthusiastic spectators, was one of the most picturesque and stirring scenes Thompson hill ever witnessed, far superior to the much vaunted "trainings" of other days, and based upon a far deeper and more in- telligent patriotism. The collation served to many hundreds of weary men in the decorated town house was worthy of the day and occasion, and the rousing cheers for "Old Thompson " that closed the festivities were never more heartily given and ap- preciated.

Thompson Bank, which has so creditably held its own through village, national and financial vicissitudes, was incorporated in 1833-Harvey Blashfield, president; Joseph B. Gay, cashier. Among its early directors were Harvey Blashfield, John Nichols, William H. Mason, William Reed, William Fisher, Robert Gros- venor, Franklin Nichols, Jonathan Nichols, Simon Davis and George B. Slater. Neighboring manufacturers found this bank a convenient accommodation, and were much interested in its prosperity and stability. Some heavy losses that accrued in early years were tided over by the help of willing friends, and it soon gained a sterling reputation. Its second president, Judge John

SOUTH " COTTAGE.

OLIVE " COTTAGE.

THE MAIN BUILDING. THE PAVILION.

DAVIS " COTTAGE.

THE BARNS.

THE "BEN-GROSVENOR," POMFRET CENTRE, CONN.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

Nichols, resigned in 1837, and was succeeded by Mr. Talcott Crosby, who remained in charge till compelled by ill health to resign in 1865, when he was succeeded by Mr. Jeremiah Olney, who still remains in charge, their united term of service cover- ing fifty-two years. Messrs. Joseph B. Gay, Theodore Sharpe, William Osgood, A. E. Parker, Hiram and Charles Arnold have served as cashiers. Many of Thompson's most substantial and sterling citizens have acted as directors. The present board comprises Messrs. Jeremiah Olney, L. K. Blackmar, James N. Kingsbury, George H. Nichols, Thomas D. Sayles, Hiram Ar- nold, George S. Crosby, David Chase, Frank M. Messenger.

The Dime Savings Bank, of Thompson, was incorporated in 1871, and accommodates a large number of depositors. Presi- dent, George H. Nichols; treasurer, Charles Arnold. Amount of deposits, January, 1888, $439,233.18.

The Thompson Fire Engine Company has entered upon its second half century, alive and in good condition, stimulated by the agreeable consciousness of having saved much valuable property. Its antiquated hand-engine, however insignificant and ridiculous to modern eyes, has as good a record as the largest in the nation, having put out every fire to which it has been sum- moned. Again and again it has rushed in at the breach and saved valuable houses from destruction. It has also faithfully fulfilled the second object of its creation-the exaction of fines for non-attendance upon its stated meetings, and expended part of its surplus in the " Thompson Fire Engine Library," a collec- tion of valuable books, needing only care and fitting "local hab- itation " to make it worthy of its name. Its roll of membership embraces nearly every male resident of the vicinity of Thomp- son hill from the date of its formation. Present membership twenty-five ; officers : George V. Ballard, captain ; Fred Green, first lieutenant ; George Wilks, second lieutenant; George W. Dexter, clerk and treasurer, also librarian; George Wilks to warn the company.

The first post office in town was opened on Thompson hill in 1805, Doctor Daniel Knight postmaster. His successors, John Nichols and Simon Davis, continued to be the sole postmasters of the town. The second post office was opened in Fisherville about 1840, William Fisher postmaster. Mr. Jeremiah Olney succeeded Esquire Davis at about the same date. A change in presidential administration sent the office into Mr. Knight's store

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

across the street. Another change bowled it back to Mr. Olney. Mr. James N. Kingsbury administered the office for several years. Mr. L. K. Blackmar held it during the Cleveland admin- istration, and under the present dynasty it reverts to Mr. C. V. Chapin. Within the last generation its sphere has been much circumscribed -- each manufacturing and railroad village de- manding its own special accommodations. Nine post offices are now required by Thompson-the largest number of any town in the county. They are located at Thompson hill, East Thomp- son, West Thompson, Grosvenor Dale, North Grosvenor Dale, Mechanicsville, Wilsonville, New Boston and Quinebaug.

The recent loss of Hon. William H. Chandler, so long and intimately identified with the public interests of Thompson, is mourned by the whole community. Mr. Chandler was of Pom- fret ancestry, born in Providence, R. I., April 14th, 1815, gradu. ated from Yale College in 1839. Debarred from pursuing legal studies by weakness of eyes, he decided upon country life, and in 1842 purchased of Mrs. Jacob Dresser the " Priest Russel homestead " in Thompson village, taking possession of the old house immediately after his marriage, and devoting himself with much interest to the culture and improvement of his farm. He manifested from the first much interest in public affairs, making himself a power in town meetings and in the adminis- tration of town government. Although shrinking from public office, Mr. Chandler's extensive reading, keen insight and sound judgment gave his counsels much weight and influence, espe- cially with advancing years, and probably no man in town was more widely known and respected. He was early sent as rep- resentative and state senator, and his name was often mentioned in connection with higher appointments, but his dislike for pub- lic life could not be overcome. An earnest republican and true patriot, he was ever ready to serve party and country with wise counsel and material aid, and his name and promises were looked upon as a tower of strength during the dark hours of the war.

Averse to parade and ostentation, simple in habits and taste, Mr. Chandler was exceedingly genial and sympathetic, with much playful humor and ready gift of conversation, discoursing pleas- antly with all with whom he came in contact. Possessing strong individuality, he had his own views and preferences, but was very ready to help in all projects that met his approval. Many of the beautiful trees now adorning the village will help

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

perpetuate the memory of him who planted and watched over them so tenderly. Mr. Chandler was a firm friend of the Con- gregational church and society, ever ready to do his proportion of anything needed for their growth and benefit. His public spir- ited services in clearing the roads after the memorable March blizzard brought on or confirmed the rheumatic attack which ended his valuable life, May 13th, 1888. His son, Mr. Randolph Chandler, who for some years has practiced law in Putnam. suc- ceeds to the family residence.

No living citizen of Thompson has rendered such substan- tial service to his mother state as Hon. Jeremiah Olney. Born near his present residence in this village, attending its public schools, Mr. Olney grew up to fill the ordinary stations of town life, keeping store, serving as constable, postmaster and repre- sentative. Appointed town agent during the war, his superior executive abilities were recognized, and he was appointed to serve as United States assessor, which office he filled with his accustomed energy and fidelity. A few years later he was nom- inated by the republican party for the office of school fund com- missioner, but by some political arrangement the democratic in- cumbent was left in charge another term. During this interim Mr. Olney administered the affairs of the Thompson Bank, and served as town representative at the legislature. A keen-eyed reporter depicts him as " a dignified gentleman of the old school, spare in form, immaculate in dress, with a fine command of language, a strong sense of justice, and whose brave utterances command the most respectful attention." In 1880 he was elected to the responsible position of school fund commissioner, involving the care and handling of a most important public trust, demand- ing financial experience and sound judgment. Mr. Olney's ad- ministration of the school fund has been exceptionally strong and able. The fact of his unanimous appointment to a third term of service testifies to the respect and confidence accorded to him by all parties.

Mr. Charles E. Searls, the late popular secretary of state, re- sides in this village ; a strong republican, chairman of the great Harrison mass meeting at Woodstock, a man whom his fellow- citizens delight to honor.

The popular favorite of a preceding generation, Mr. William S. Scarborough, has returned to his old home in Thompson, after prolonged residence at Cincinnati.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

Our physician, Doctor Holbrook, represents a medical suc- cession of more than seventy years, his father, Doctor Horatio Holbrook, entering upon practice in this village about 1816. He occupies the house built by D. R. Wickham nearly a hundred years ago.

The very oldest house in town is the residence of our present town clerk and representative, Mr. James N. Kingsbury, a na- tive of Webster, but for over twenty years a resident of the vil- lage, filling many important offices.

The original Watson House is the pleasant home of our aged citizen, Judge Rawson, born in East Alstead, N. H., April 22d, 1802, served acceptably many years in the ministry, till obliged to relinquish active service by injuries received in a railroad accident. He removed to Thompson in 1853, where, with his son-in-law, Mr. Parker, he conducted a family school, and also performed much public service in occasional preaching, school visitation and as judge of probate.

Three venerable Ballard brothers, life-long residents of Thomp- son, reside within the district, whose united ages reach 256 years, viz .: Winthrop Hilton, 88; Deacon Valentine, 85; Hamilton, 83 years. The scriptural promise of length of days to men of peace, wisdom and rectitude is fulfilled in these " hoary heads."

Mr. James Munyan represents one of the oldest families in town, has carried on mercantile business, administered the post office, and served as selectman. Mr. L. K. Blackmar has also served faithfully in various offices. Messrs. Horace and Marvin D. Elliott represent an old family, remarkable for inherited in- dustry and steadfastness. Mr. George S. Crosby was associated with his father in the management of the Crosby House. Mr. Horace Morse occupies the former home of Mr. Obadiah Stone. The oldest household by far in Thompson village is that still occupying the house built by Mr. Joseph Watson soon after his marriage, in 1791. Five of this family were living when the youngest had attained her 78th year. Mr. Noadiah Watson and Miss Katharine Watson still represent the family. The house built by Mr. William H. Mason was purchased after the decease of Mrs. Lydia (Watson) Mason by Major William S. Beebe.

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History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 69

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: New York, Preston Number of Pages: 1506

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York, Preston
Number of Pages: 1506