History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 78

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

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

At the following meeting the constitution was adopted and a goodly number of signatures obtained. The society was to be called, " The Putnam Business Men's Association." Its ob- ject was "to advance the general business interests of the com- munity, and promote a more intimate knowledge of all events affecting the public welfare, and as far as possible to use its in- fluence to improve the material interests of the community." April 4th, 1884, constitution and by-laws were formally adopted, and the following officers chosen: President, James W. Manning; vice-presidents, E. H. Bugbee, E. A. Wheelock, G. W. Holt, Jr., G. A. Hammond, W. H. Pearson, S. H. Seward, D. K. Olney; treasurer, J. A. Carpenter; secretary, W. W. Foster, M.D .; ex- ecutive committee, L. H. Fuller, M. G. Leonard, G. E. Shaw, Ed- ward Mullan, C. N. Allen. May 15th 109 citizens of the town had enrolled themselves members, meetings were promptly held, and various needed improvements discussed. The work so well begun was carried forward with much spirit, and the good results predicted from this union of heads and hands abundantly real- ized. A fresh impulse has been given to business in various de- partments, several new industries have been established, and many new dwelling houses erected. The present number of members is 100. President, G. A. Hammond; secretary, A. B. Williams; treasurer, J. A. Carpenter; executive committee, G. E. Shaw, L. H. Fuller, E. Mullan, F. W. Perry, W. H. Letters.

One of the most promising among Putnam's later industries is the Foundry and Machine Corporation, incorporated April 1st, 1884 ; capital stock, $20,000. A machine shop and other needful buildings were at once erected and the first cast made August 27th. They make a specialty of the Plummer Steam Heater, for which they hold the patent, but also manufacture castings of varied descriptions. The Steam Heater is largely in demand, and the business of the company is well established upon a permanent basis. Some thirty or forty workmen find remunerative employment. Mr. Orrin Morse is president of the company. Mr. William R. Barber, secretary and treasurer, is also the efficient managing agent. Henry G. Leonard, L. H. Fuller, Edward Mullan, J. C. Nichols and George E. Shaw com- plete the board of directors. This corporation was formed with the special object of adding to the substantial interests of the village, and gives promise of abundant success.

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Putnam Cutlery Company was organized in 1886, with a capi- tal stock of $5,000, for the manufacture of knives of every descrip- tion excepting table and pocket cutlery. A patented support to the blade, owned by this company, is very valuable, making it impossible to break or pull the blade from the shank. The late John O. Fox was the first president ; G. D. Bates, secretary and treasurer.

The Russell Force Pump Company was organized October 31st, 1887, and holds the patent right for supplying New Eng- land with this pump, which is manufactured for out-door use, and can be used by power and hand without the use of wind mill. It is a double action pump, capable of pumping from 44 to 50 gallons per minute, made by the Foundry and Machine Corporation. The president of the company is G. D. Bates ; sec- retary and treasurer, W. R. Barber, who, with L. J. Russell, Charles N. Allen, E. Hersey and L. H. Fuller, form the board of directors.

The Putnam Gas Light Company was formed in 1878, and did much for the enlightenment of the village. Farther progress was made through the agency of the Putnam Electric Light Company, organized in 1886, when a hundred and fifty incan- descent lamps and thirty-five arc lamps were introduced. Still greater benefits may be expected from the consolidation re- cently effected, by which "The Putnam Light and Power Com- pany " supersedes previous organizations. President, F. W. Perry ; secretary, treasurer and superintendent, Allan W. Bowen ; directors, A. Houghton, F. W. Perry, J. W. Manning, C. E. Searls, S. H. Seward, A. W. Bowen, G. A. Hammond.

The Putnam Steam Laundry, Miller & Shepard, proprie- tors, is a new and flourishing institution, especially welcome to housekeepers. Numberless carpets and curtains bear fresh testimony year by year to its cleansing efficacy, and the weekly washing day is made no longer a supreme necessity.

Concrete walks are made and repaired by Mr. Albert Ar- nold.

Carriages are also made and trimmed by S. P. Brown, John Gilbert, G. G. Smith and H. W. Howell.

A creamery is one of Putnam's latest institutions. In May, 1888, the subject was first considered and a committee appointed to obtain subscriptions for the formation of a Dairy Company. June 21st, a company was organized, and C. D. Torrey, C. E.

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Mills, J. W. Trowbridge, L. H. Fuller, W. P. White, G. A. Haw- kins, S. H. Seward chosen directors. Land was secured in Pleas- ant valley, south of the village, and a building put up sufficiently capacious to accommodate the milk from a thousand cows. In December it was voted to obtain a charter from the legislature, and the capital stock was increased to $5,000. C. D. Torrey was chosen president ; W. P. White, secretary ; L. H. Fuller, treas- urer; board of directors retained in service. The summer of 1889 finds the creamery under full headway, receiving the milk of several hundred cows in Putnam, Killingly, Thompson and Pomfret, and turning out some two hundred pounds each, of butter and cheese, daily. An expert from New York state man- ages the milk, keeping everything in excellent order. A ready market is found for all the products. It is hoped that pecuniary profit, as well as much saving of time and labor, will result from this associated enterprise.

One of the most important works accomplished in Putnam, since the formation of the Business Men's Association, is the in- troduction of an abundant supply of water. Damage by fire and much household inconvenience had accrued from previous scar- city. Mr. George E. Shaw was the first to agitate the matter, laying before the association, in 1884. a resolution to investigate the feasibility of introducing water into Putnam village. Messrs. L. H. Fuller, G. E. Shaw, Moses G. Leonard, E. Mullan, C. N. Allen, J. W. Manning, C. M. Fisher, G. M. Hammond, J. H. Gardner, D. K. Olney and W. H. Pearson were appointed a com- mittee for this purpose. Convinced of its practicability they petitioned the legislature for incorporation, and formed a joint stock company, with a capital stock of $100,000. Estimates of cost were obtained from different contractors, and Wheeler & Parks, of Boston, selected-they agreeing to furnish the Putnam fire district with sixty hydrants, at the cost of $1,800 annually. A supply of water was obtained from the outlet of Woodstock lake, about two miles distant, and brought into a receiving tower on Oak hill, and thence distributed throughout the village. A million gallons daily could be used. The present officers of the Putnam Water Company are: L. H. Fuller, president; M. G. Leonard, vice president; George E. Shaw, secretary ; Elbert Wheeler, treasurer. The work was completed January 21st, 1886. Though meeting with the combined opposition incident to all costly public enterprises at the outset, Putnam water works

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

have proved a triumphant success, giving to residents an unfail- ing supply of their most vital daily necessity, and a sense of security from fire beyond all cost or estimate.

Trade in Putnam scarcely needed the stimulus of association. The Pomfret Factory and Rhodesville stores drew customers from all the surrounding country. The first Pomfret Factory depot dispensed flour and grain as well as tickets. Stores sprung up like mushrooms in the new Depot village, some to collapse after a brief existence, others to grow up into estab- lished institutions. The large establishment of Manning & Leonard, with its ample stock of light and heavy articles, is the lineal offspring of a mercantile experiment begun more than forty years since by the senior proprietor. A store opened by another Pomfret aspirant, Nathan Williams, shared largely in popular favor. A directory published in 1861 gives the follow- ing list of stores : Dry goods, Cutler & Tucker, J. W. Manning, Richmond & Williams (Lewis), M. S. Morse & Co., J. S. Gay ; druggists, D. B. Plimpton, Benjamin Segur; fish market, Wil- liam Winslow; fruit and confectionery, John L. Flagg ; furni- ture dealers, C. N. & S. P. Fenn; groceries, Henry Leech, Sim- eon Stone ; flour and grain, Hobart Cutler, E. H. Davison & Co .; jewelers, J. B. Darling, D. R. Stockwell; merchant tailor, H. N. Brown; ready-made clothing, W. M. Olney ; meat market, San- ford H. Randall; saloon, Thomas Capwell; shoe store, F. A. Brewster; saddle and harness maker, C. F. Carpenter ; tinware, Stephen Spalding ; tailor, Henry Thurber ; milliners, Mrs. John B. Clark, Mrs. R. Darling, Mrs. A. Dresser, Mrs. S. C. Sprague, Mrs. Mary Smith. This meagre list was soon extended. The long established watchmaker's and jeweler's shop of Mr. Edward Shaw was removed from Thompson to Putnam in 1863. The solitary tinware and hardware shop of Mr. Spalding, which had contrived to supply three or four towns with cooking stoves and baking utensils, was succeeded by the far more complete establishment of Mr. Thomas C. Bugbee. Three large establish- ments to-day, carried on by Chandler & Morse, Perry & Brown, and J. E. Taylor & Co., crowded with stoves, heaters, agricul- tural implements, and all manner of labor-saving devices, illus- trate the marvelous progress made in mechanical art and in ap- pliances for household comfort. A fourth store has been recent- ly opened by S. A. Field. The little watchmaker's shop of Mr. Edward Shaw has expanded into an emporium of useful, orna-

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

mental and æsthetic articles. The Wright Brothers from Wal- tham, Mass., in six years' trading in the same line, have won success and honorable reputation. Jewelers' wares are also sold by G. L. Geer, practical watchmaker and engraver, and in the well-filled store of E. E. Robbins. Druggists have made still greater advancement. Those who remember the little apothe- cary shops of former days view with amazement the varied as- sortment now displayed in the large and elegant stores of G. E. Dresser, Davenport & Burt, G. Farley and E. O. Hersey.

The dry goods stores show less numerical gain, but carry a greater amount of stock than formerly. The list comprises Man- ning & Leonard, J. E. Bailey, M. J. Bradley, Simeon Farley, Ed- ward Mesner, Murray & Bugbee, A. B. Williams. Mesner car- ries on "The People's Store," opened in 1869, by J. H. Gardner, and enjoying a wide popularity. The well-known firm of Sharpe & Green is successfully represented by Mr. Williams. Murray & Bugbee have recently succeeded to the popular store opened by the O'Briens. Mr. Bailey was well known as leading sales- man in " The People's Store." The number of grocers and pro- vision dealers has very largely increased. Ten leading groceries figure in place of two, managed by C. M. Bradway, Alfred Cou- tois, Edward Fly, Guilbert & Moison, P. M. Leclair, W. H. Mans- field & Co., Edward Mullan, Morse Mills store, P. O'Leary and Smith Brothers. These enterprising merchants were mostly strangers, brought by the growing reputation of Putnam, and have identified themselves with the interests of the town.

A very flourishing trade in flour, feed and grain is carried on in the north part of the village, by Bosworth Brothers, who re- moved from Woodstock valley to Putnam, about 1870. They run a steam grist mill, supplying hosts of customers. Meat markets are conducted by Morse & Darling, Putnam Cash Mar- ket Co., Randall & Co., and A. C. Stetson, which feed the thou- sands of Putnam and also help sustain the needy towns adjacent. Refrigerator buildings for the reception of dressed beef from the West have been provided near the depot, under the charge of R. H. Bradley. Fish is furnished by H. T. Bugbee and other mar- kets. A former unknown luxury is now abundantly supplied from the ample ice houses of H. T. Bugbee and E. E. Lincoln. Bread and other bakerage are prepared by Bakers Asselin, La- bossiere and Lilly, and fruit of every variety is to be found in its season. In the ready-made clothing interest the letter C carries

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

all before it. The Connecticut Clothing Company, Bates & Lindsey proprietors, has a large constituency, and makes pro- portionate sales. J. W. Church also makes a specialty of ready- made clothing, and goods for men and boys. Manning & Leon- ard sell many goods in this line, also, and still a place is left for the tailor's art, as plied by C. L. Gilpatric, J. O'Leary, Legu Milot and J. H. York. J. N. Douty for seventeen years has car- ried on a successful hat store. Mrs. M. E. Murfey still accom- modates her many friends with tasteful millinery. Mrs. Thomp- son and Buchanan, Miss M. E. Lowe, Madame Breault, Misses M. M. Brady and N. Egan find abundant patronage in this ever at- tractive art, while some half-dozen dressmakers fail to exceed demand for their useful service. Popular shoe stores are main- tained by A. M. Parker and G. W. Ingalls. The latter succeeds Mr. T. P. Leonard, who removed from Woodstock with his brothers, M. G. and W. Leonard, and built the tasteful " Leonard Row," on Providence street. "Shoes of swiftness " and "Seven- leagued boots " might be included in the stock of Mr. Parker, judging from the facility with which he traverses the universe. The chief furniture dealer is now Mr. L. E. Smith. The Fenn Brothers were the first to engage in this business, removing to Putnam before the organization of the town, and were active in church and business affairs. Mr. C. N. Fenn has long served as undertaker, and also deals in pictures, artists' materials and house-furnishing goods. The music store of W. H. Letters sup- plies other artistic needs. Such every-day essentials as coal and wood are to be found in the convenient coal yards of J. W. Cutler and F. J. Daniels.

Accommodations for stores and business have undergone various vicissitudes. Again and again fires have devastated the center of trade. The original brick block, with its historic Quinebaug Hall, built by early enterprise and sold to Mr. T. H. Bugbee, and the succeeding Bugbee Block, on the same site, were both destroyed. The stately Union Block, now occupying the site, was built by substantial capitalists in 1882-83. Hath- away's, Chesebro's and Wagner's blocks bear the names of those who assisted in their construction. The first Congregational church edifice forms part of Manning's store. Central Block, now owned by W. H. Pearson, was built by Chamberlain and S. P. Fenn. Mr. T. H. Bugbee built the hotel that bears his name. The Chickering House was built by Edward Lyon; the Elm

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

street House by John Ross. A spacious block, with room for holding courts, is now projected by Messrs. Houghton and Wag- ner. These gentlemen, with Messrs. Bugbee, Gardner, Miller, Pearson and Wheaton, are prominently connected with the build- ing and land interests of Putnam, with which many others are also more or less associated. One of the older residents, Mr. Edgar H. Clark, civil engineer, has exceeded all others in con- nection with the surveying and laying out of the fast growing town.

The several hotels of Putnam enjoy abundant patronage. Under the efficient administration of the late D. K. Olney the Bugbee House achieved a high reputation, well maintained by the present genial proprietor. A number of boarding houses are well sustained. Payne's dining room is also a well-estab- lished institution, while saloons rise and fall at the option of town voters.

For nearly twenty years after the tide of business had turned to the valley, money accommodations were still found on the hill-top, particularly at Thompson Bank. It was not till near the close of the war of the rebellion that the citizens of Putnam awoke to the conviction that the business interests of the town demanded local accommodation. The establishment of a na- tional bank was accordingly discussed at the office of Hon. Gil- bert W. Phillips, March 3d, 1864. Articles of association were adopted and stock subscribed amounting to $100,000. Applica- tion was then made to the United States Treasury Department, and the requirement of the law having been fulfilled, the " First National Bank of Putnam " was opened for business March 23d, in Stockwell's former jeweler's shop. President, Edmond Wil- kinson ; cashier, Charles S. Billings ; directors, Benjamin C. Har- ris, Sabin L. Sayles, Ezra Deane, Rufus S. Mathewson, George Paine, G. W. Phillips, Chandler A. Spalding, John A. Carpenter. The capital stock was soon increased by $50,000. A brick build- ing was erected in 1866 and John A. Carpenter made cashier. Mr. Wilkinson was succeeded in the presidency by Hon. G. W. Phillips in 1868, who held the position twenty years. James W. Manning was chosen as his successor. Judge Carpenter still serves as cashier. Mr. S. R. Spalding has held position in the bank for nearly twenty years. Messrs. Franklin Bailey and Seth P. Stoddard served faithfully as bookkeepers. The board

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of directors consists of J. H. Gardner, C. J. Alton, E. H. Bugbee, Rufus Pike, Lucius Fitts, with the president and cashier.

Putnam Savings Bank preceded the national bank in date of organization. A charter was granted May, 1862, to Edmond Wilkinson, R. M. Bullock, John O. Fox, R. S. Mathewson, George A. Paine, Horace Seamans, Winthrop Green, Prescott May, William Field, James W. Manning, Charles Bliven, Henry G. Taintor, Charles Osgood, Lorenzo Litchfield, Edgar H. Clark, and George Buck. July 19th the bank commenced business. Edmond Wilkinson served as president; G. W. Phillips, secre- tary and treasurer ; trustees, Edmond Wilkinson, Richmond M. Bullock, John O. Fox, Rufus S. Mathewson, George A. Paine, Sabin Sayles, Jeremiah Olney, Joseph B. Latham, G. W. Phil- lips. The present officers are : President, J. H. Gardner ; sec- retary and treasurer, Jerome Tourtellotte; trustees, J. H. Gard- ner, O. H. Perry, C. M. Fenner, Charles P. Grosvenor, Z. A. Bal- lard, John A. Carpenter, G. W. Holt, Jr., A. Houghton. Depos- its reported October 1st, 1888, $1,132,530.72.

Putnam's facilities for extinguishing fires were long wholly inadequate. Its fire companies were hampered by a scant sup- ply of water. In 1875 a fire district was incorporated, including the village and its immediate vicinity; a fire department was organized and new engines procured. But in spite of these pre- cautions, very destructive fires occurred. The great fire of Oc- tober, 1877, swept through the heart of the village, consuming Bugbee's and Brown's blocks, with all their stores and offices. Hardly less calamitous was the fire of 1882, when Bugbee's block and other valuable buildings were destroyed. Hydrants ready for instant use in every part of the village will, it is hoped, preclude farther loss and damage from this source.

The present "Fire Department " of Putnam village, organized in 1875, consists of three hose companies, fifteen men each, and one hook and ladder company, supplemented by sixty street hy- drants. Fire warden, C. H. Chesebro; chief engineer, L. H. Fuller ; assistant engineers, Otis Fisher, H. L. Burt; clerk and treasurer, Charles H. Brown ; collector, D. F. Southwick. Pro- tector Hose Company No. 1-foreman, Edward Mesner ; assistant foreman, E. G. Wright; clerk and treasurer, C. B. Brown; fif- teen members. Eagle Hose Company No. 2-foreman, P. M. Leclair; assistant foreman, Louis Cloutier ; secretary and treas- urer, Frank Mignault; fifteen members. Reliance Hose Com-

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pany No. 3-foreman, W. R. Barber : assistant foreman, J. H. Maynard ; secretary and treasurer. A. L. Mansfield ; fifteen mem- bers. General Putnam Hook and Ladder Company-foreman, Charles I. Gorham, assistant foreman, James Rafferty ; secretary, Charles Hicks; twenty members.

Putnam Chapter, No. 41, Royal Arch Masons, organized April 22d, 1879. High priest, Alfred M. Parker ; treasurer, Eugene A. Wheelock ; secretary, Gilman H. Brown.

Putnam Council, No. 340, Royal Arcanum, organized January 26th, 1883. Present membership, 120. Regent, D. C. Ticknor ; vice-regent, L. H. Fuller ; secretary, G. W. Gilpatric ; treasurer, W. R. Barber; collector, C. A. Smith.

The Blue Lodge represents the oldest Masonic order in the state. W. M., R. W. Morey ; S. W., A. M. Parker ; J. W., S. A. Field ; chaplain, F. S. Oatley.

The St. Jean Baptiste Society was organized August 27th, 1871. President, Omer La Rue ; vice-president, Elyear St. Onge ; treas- urer, Louis Cloutier ; secretary, Hector Duvert, Sr .; 204 mem- 1 bers.

Division No. 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians, was organized in 1875. Present membership, 80. President, Peter Welch; vice-president, Peter Dowd ; recording secretary, James Ryan ; financial secretary, Richard Gorman ; treasurer, John McCau- ley ; standing committee, Joseph Ryan, Frank Monahan, Martin Welch, John Renshaw, John Moore; committee on finance, Thomas McGann, James Weeks, James Cornell; sergeant at arms, John Whalen ; doorkeeper, John Moore.

Putnam's early enthusiasm in patriotic demonstrations burns undiminished. Memorial Day, from its first institution, has been observed with ever increasing interest. Its own burial places, and those in neighboring towns, have been faithfully vis- ited. The services in the Central Cemetery, with the military procession, music, and eloquent addresses, draw large crowds every year, and quite eclipse the conventional Fourth of July celebration. A large number of veteran soldiers residing in town give special interest to these occasions. Post No. 54 of the Grand Army of the Republic was organized April 13th, 1882, and named in loving memory of one of Putnam's honored heroes, Addison G. Warner, captain Co. I, First Conn. Cavalry, slain at the head of his company, Ashland, Virginia, June 1st, 1864. The A. G. Warner Post is very flourishing, numbering 140 members.

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A commodious hall is furnished by P. O'Leary, in which the prescribed meetings are loyally observed. Present commander, S. H. Chickering; S. V. C., F. S. Oatley; J. V. C., Thomas West; chaplain, Charles H. Hickok; surgeon, Henry Hough; O. D., Charles Monroe; O. G. William B. Whittemore; Q. M., C. M. Green; adjutant, J. E. Rawson; sergeant major, S. K. Spalding; Q. M. S., Albert S. Granger. Sons of Veterans organized as the M. I. Tourtelotte Camp March 11th, 1886; captain, Augustus Warren; first lieutenant, Fred. Reis; second lieutenant, W. B. Fuller. Company G, Third Regiment, Conn. National Guard, was organized in 1872. Present membership, 62 Captain, C. A. Winslow; first lieutenant, E. G. Wright; second lieutenant, H. J. Thayer. This representative of an ancient state and colonial organization is already distinguished for its dexterity in rifle shooting, having won the regimental trophy for four consecutive years.

Putnam, like other modern towns, is deeply interested in the temperance question, to sell or not to sell intoxicating liquors coming up anew at every annual town meeting. So nearly are parties balanced that extraordinary efforts will procure a victory for either side. Doctor W. H. Sharpe, one of the executive com- mittee of the Connecticut Temperance Union, is one of the prom- inent temperance workers. A Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized March 27th, 1885, which has already ac- complished much valuable work. A majority of forty-eight against license at the last election may be in great measure at- tributable to its influence. President, Mrs. A. H. Armstrong; vice- presidents, Mrs. George Buck, Mrs. Joseph McKachnie, Mrs. Lewis Deane, Miss Hattie Kennedy, Mrs. M. E. Murfey, Mrs. George Weatherhead; recording secretary, Mrs. C. N. Fenn; cor- responding secretary, Mrs. S. K. Spalding; treasurer, Mrs. C. H. Brown; superintendent of literature, Mrs. E. T. Whitmore; Sun- day school work, Mrs. George Buck; narcotics, Mrs. W. H. Sharpe; evangelistic work, Miss Alice Johnson; work among the colored people, Miss Louisa Fogg; superintendents of press work, Mrs. N. W. Kennedy, Mrs. C. N. Fenn. Efficient women's missionary associations are carried on in connection with the several churches. A Women's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, has been recently organized, when nine- teen members were initiated. President, Miss Minnie Warner; first V. P., Mrs. M. Kenyon; second V. P., Mrs. J. McKachnie; treasurer, Mrs. B. S. Thompson; secretary, Mrs. S. K. Spalding;

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

chaplain, Mrs. A. A. Buchanan; conductor, Miss Gertrude I. Cole; assistant conductor, Miss Carrie E. Place; guard, Miss Annie Monroe.

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History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 78

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