USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Stamford > Stamford historical sketches > Part 3
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house. He walked down toward the gate, and on either side of him was a sea not of upturned faces but of out- stretched hands for him to shake. The writer managed to get one shake, and to hear the idolized and noble-looking man say, when he found it impossible to shake all the hands around him, 'You are all my children, you are all my chil- dren.' Soon he came out and stepped into his carriage, an open barouche, and the driver gave a loud crack with his whip, and the beloved hero rode on his way, and my heart went after him in an unaffected boyish gratitude and admira- tion."
AN ADVENTURE IN EDUCATION AT SHIPPAN-1828
J SAAC F. BRAGG, principal of the City Commercial School in New York, published a prospectus in 1828 for the Shippan Academical Insti- tute, "intended to be established at Shippan, two miles from Stamford, Conn.", which furnishes a quaint de- scription of the advantages of Shippan and throws considerable light on the ideals of education about one hundred years ago. The pamphlet, which is now very rare, describes Shippan's salubri- ousness as follows :
"The situation of the intended insti- tution is one which has been chosen after deliberate inquiry and observation of several years. The ground of decided preference over any other which the projector has been able to find is its re- markable healthfulness. Many places have been visited from eight to twenty miles from the city, but not one of them is untainted in some degree with fever and ague reputation; and it is his de- cided opinion that a more malignant enemy to the delicately evolving prin- ciples of vital energy is not to be found
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in the whole catalogue of epidemic dis- eases-the whole system is enfeebled, both bodily and mental ; and in the place of vigorous elasticity of spirit and wholesome bounding energy of every function, are superinduced a puny im- becility, sallow apathy and morbid in- dolence. The general reputation of Ship- pan throughout Connecticut (and it has been visited by thousands for several years past as a place curiously beauti- ful) is, that in healthfulness it is equal even to Newport, and surpassed by no place in the Eastern states."
Mr. Bragg states that a portion of the garden will "be allotted to the pupils for cultivation, both with a view to pro- mote their health and to create a par- tiality for one of the most innocent and fascinating of studies, that of Botany." He promises that the cultivation of the French language will be constant and persevering, but not to the detriment of English, for he has lived on terms of intimacy with families in London, where French "has utterly unhinged the Eng- lish tongue of every child in the family; where it might be said that they mum- bled and whined English and spoke French very well for English children."
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Among the "By-Laws and Terms of the School" may be found the following curious items :
"None will be permitted to bathe, but at stated times, and when a teacher is in company.
"Profanity, quarrelsomeness and mo- roseness will be considered as decided disqualifications for social fellowship. The character of the polished gentleman will be sedulously cultivated.
"Pupils are required to wear uniform dress. The leading object with the prin- cipal in this arrangement is, to remove, as much as possible, every trifling im- pediment to brotherly harmony and self- respect."
"The terms of the school will be one hundred fifty dollars per annum, for board, lodging, washing and instruc- tion."
STAMFORD'S OLDEST BUSINESS INSTITUTION
HE Stamford Advocate dates its origin to 1829, and has the distinc- tion of being the work of Stam- ford's oldest business institution.
In 1829, when Stamford was a vil- lage of thirty-seven hundred people, William H. Holly installed a printing press in a small office on the south side of West Park. He commenced the pub-
Standard :| Rev Mr. Platt. Messi, Waterbury & Word, Da. Faon, Rev. Henry Fe Mer. Rev Daniel Smith, Sian- find. Messrs. E. Seofiel.4 & Co 300 Pearl street, New Yorke.
North Stamford, April 8, 1883.
nbou! old colt, nall star i have il charges. VELL.
AN AWAY from -the subscriber on the 26th of March last, a negro bby by the wame of ISAAC JOHN. SON: aged about 15 years, had on, when he went away, A black Seal skin cap, black tound jacket, shaggy cloth, mixed pantaloons, and books. Whoever will return said bay, or giyc Information where he may be found, shall receive a reasonable Ic. ward. All persons are forbid harboring or trust- ing, him on my account.
CHARLES W KNAPP.
Stamford. April 9, 1838
WEBI: illage. will and Fancy · exceptedi ) clothe and k Sigchi-H
THE Court of Probate for the District of Stamford hath limited Six Months Mont this .late for the cxhibition ot Claims against the Es
Old Advertisement in THE STAMFORD SENTINEL.
lication of a newspaper which he called the "Intelligencer," but after a few months was compelled to give up the en-
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terprise for lack of sufficient funds. Some of the energetic citizens of the town, believing in the value of a local newspaper, determined to furnish the necessary financial assistance to carry it on, and on February 16th, 1830, the first issue of a new paper, called the "Sentinel," put in its appearance. From that time until the present, a local news- paper has been published in Stamford without interruption, giving the publica- tion a consecutive history of nearly one hundred years.
sition .ist of vided ed to ority. ent of object
ENIGMA.
Take the latter four - fifths Of the Bees sweet produce, And a thousand when short is set down ; Prefix the last to the first. It will shew what I want, Of my patrons in country or town New Hope, Oct. 18. JOHN R, LEEDS.
HE. Court of Probate for the District of Stain aw fund, hash limited six months from this date
Old Advertisement in THE STAMFORD SENTINEL.
Probably the oldest copy of the "Sen- tinel" now extant is in the Ferguson Li- brary, and is dated June 22nd, 1830. It is marked Volume 1, No. 19. It is a simple publication of four sheets, fifteen by twenty inches in size, and six columns to the page. In the first column of the first page is a poem on "The Fall of
In. C 3
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Sodom." The rest of the page is given over to a story entitled "Roger Dimion," a tale of the Canadian frontier, copied from the Rochester Craftsman. The motto, which was accepted as the stand- ard for the paper, was printed at the top of the front page, and read as follows: "Pledged to no party's arbitrary sway, we follow Truth where'er she leads the way." The columns reflect the bitter anti-Masonic controversy raging at the
FLISHA SEELY, Admininistrator. ELIZABETH GRAY, Administratrix.
Lyceum Nolice.,
A MEETING of the " North Stamford Debating Society, will be held at the Academy in that place, on Saturday evening, the 25th inst. at half past 6 o'clock.
Question for Discussion. " Aught Females to have the privilege of voting ?" Ladies are invited to attend. GILBERT DEAN, Dec. 18, 1841. Secretary.
NOTICE.
T THE Assessors and Board of Relief for the town of Stamford will meet at the Inn of Albert Seely
Old Advertisement in THE STAMFORD SENTINEL.
time, and contain an article by a person who styled himself "Aristides, the Younger," which was a caustic denun- ciation of the Rev. Joel Mann of Horse- neck (Greenwich) for his anti-Masonic tendencies.
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Early issues of the "Sentinel" con- tain many quaint advertisements of local dealers, who quote prices that would astound purchasers today. One adver- tisement for shoes reads as follows: "A stock of shoes of every description con- stantly on hand from 56 to 871/2 cents. All the above articles will be sold cheaper than the cheapest." Very little local news was printed, and the columns were filled with sermons, poems, and lit- erary "gems" culled from various sources, and some domestic and foreign items taken from city newspapers.
The "Sentinel" was later called the "Democratic Sentinel" and "Farmer's Advocate," but in May, 1848, came into the hands of Edgar Hoyt and Andrew J. Smith, who named it "The Stamford Advocate." It has retained the title "Advocate" since that time.
THE MILLER EXCITEMENT
HE Miller Excitement" is the name given to a heated controversy which stirred the whole life of Stamford in 1843, and which caused trouble that continued for nearly a decade.
In 1834, a certain Charles F. Miller of Yonkers, N. Y., married a seventeen- year-old girl named Mary Blackwell. Domestic difficulties arose between them, and eight years after their mar- riage the young woman, then only twen- ty-five, fled to Stamford, to get away from her husband and his persecutions. She sought refuge in the well known Stage House on Main Street. This was one of the popular hostelries of its time, and was well patronized by persons moving back and forth between New York and New England towns. Mrs. Miller was exceedingly attractive, and her beautiful features and charming manners instantly won her much sym- pathy, particularly from the younger element in the community. Mr. Miller located his bride in Stamford, and de- termined to carry her away by force, but his wife had won so many friends that his first two efforts to carry out his pur-
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pose were unsuccessful. The "Advo- cate" of the time said of him that he was "as brutal and unfeeling a man as ever bore the name of man," and "as vile a monster as ever trod the path of crime." Undaunted by his previous ef- forts, the persistent husband tried again on January 25th, 1843. Discovering that his wife was in the Stage House, he boldly entered her room, seized her by force, and carried her down to the waiting stage below. With hair dishev- elled, amid shrieks and cries for help, Mrs. Miller was carried away toward New York.
The townspeople at once took sides on the question. Some contended that Mr. Miller was altogether right in his in- sistence that his wife should go away with him, while others looked upon his act as another expression of his brutal- ity. The situation created many animos- ities; good friends were separated, lodges, clubs and churches found the affair creeping into their organizations, and the unfortunate incident threatened many serious consequences to the life of the town.
Albert Seeley, the proprietor of the Stage House, had furnished the woman
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protection, and was considered a pro- nounced anti-Millerite. Some of the Millerites determined to take revenge upon him by building a larger and bet- ter hotel exactly opposite his hostelry. Thomas Dixon, the well-known archi- tect of the time, designed the plans, and after many difficulties and obstacles the Union House was constructed. The ded- icatory dinner was held in it on May 17th, 1844, and was attended by a large number of the Millerites, who were also supporters, for the most part, of the po- litical movement known as loco-focoism. The hotel did not get the support it ex- pected, as is indicated in an article in the "Advocate" in 1845, in which the editor speaks of the prosperity of the town, but adds the significant comment : "There is, it appears, one exception to the general rule of prosperity and prog- ress, and that is the Joint Stock Tavern, yclept Union House, which is doing pen- ance for its sins and must first be washed of the blood stains of Millerism."
Mrs. Miller received a divorce from the legislature in 1843, which settled the argument from a legal standpoint, but it was many years before Stamford recovered from the effects of the scandal.
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The Union House was later called the Grand Union Hotel, and at the time of its demolition in 1921 was known as the Carlton Hotel. Many of the present residents of Stamford recall the Stage House and the Union House, but do not know the incident that caused them to be located exactly opposite each other on Main Street.
THE COMING OF THE RAILROAD TO STAMFORD IN 1848
T was a distinct forward step in the life of the borough of Stamford when the railroad was built through it in 1848. Before that time the chief means of communication with the outside world were the stage coaches travelling the Post Road. Only a few were able to take the expensive stage trips, with the result that Stamford re- mained a provincial and isolated com- munity. The effect which the coming of the railroad had upon the life of the borough is reflected in the marked in- crease in population which followed im- mediately afterward. During the decade following this important event in her life Stamford increased as much as she had during the thirty years previous.
The first train that entered the borough made a deep impression upon the townspeople. The Stamford Sen- tinel of December 19th, 1848, gives the following quaint description of the event: "The citizens of the village, as well as the horses, cattle, etc., were nearly frightened out of their propriety on Wednesday last, at about five o'clock,
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by such a horrible scream as was never heard to issue from other than metallic throat. Animals of every description went careering about the fields, snuffing the air in terror, and bipeds of every size, condition and color set off at a full run for the railroad depot. In a few mo- ments the cause of the commotion ap- peared, in the shape of a locomotive puf- fing off steam and screaming with its so-called 'whistle' at a terrible rate."
The last section of track to be laid between New York and New Haven was laid at Cos Cob, over the bridge con- structed at that place. William H. Holly, the editor of the Stamford Sen- tinel, was a passenger on the trial trip on Christmas Day, 1848. He describes what took place as follows :
"The train had to remain at Cos Cob bridge some three hours for the last rail to be laid over it, and the delay gave ample opportunity to the surrounding people to come and witness the wonder- ful feat. The general impression among them seemed to be that the first train that crossed this elevated pass would be the last. All sorts of old women's stories to frighten children had been put in circulation regarding the safety of
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this bridge, and many a spectator ex- pected to see our splendid locomotive, elegant car and confiding attendants and passengers plunged into the deep below. Ten minutes before two p. m. Mr. Mason, chief engineer of the com- pany, gave the word 'all ready.' Our prancer was let loose. Breathless anxiety pervaded the multitude on each shore. The train moved majestically along, and the next minute the western shore received its ponderous weight, and the welkin rang with the shouts of the con- gregated people."
James H. Hoyt, one of Stamford's prominent citizens in the nineteenth century, had an important part in the development of the new railroad. He began by contracting for bridges, ties and grading needed on the road, and in 1854 was made the Superintendent. He contracted to supply fuel for the loco- motives at a time when wood was used in place of coal. His business sagacity and wise direction made possible the rapid and profitable development of the new enterprise, over which he retained direction for twenty-nine years, till his death in 1873.
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CENTRAL PARK AND HOW IT WAS SAVED FOR THE PEOPLE OF STAMFORD
ROM the beginning of Stamford's history, the center of the settle- ment has been exactly where it is today. The first meeting house, which was Stamford's first public building, stood near the present location of the Town Hall; the second, third and fourth meeting houses occupied the ground now known as Central Park.
The first building in Central Park was erected 188 years before the last one located there was taken down, so that for nearly two centuries the reli- gious life of the community centered on this green.
In 1790, the fourth meeting house of the Congregational Church was erect- ed on this location, but in 1858 had become so old and dilapidated that it was deemed advisable to build a new one. When the old building was taken away, the ground became unoccupied for the first time in many long decades.
A question arose concerning the legal title of the property, and much discus- sion was aroused concerning the right-
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ful claimants. An idea prevailed that the first of the contending parties that was able to build a fence about the piot would establish a claim which it would be difficult to invalidate. Immediately two groups prepared themselves with timber, shovels, hammers and saws, and proceeded to fence in the ground. The issue was a burning one, and, as several of Stamford's leading citizens were in- terested in it, the people of the town enjoyed the ludicrous sight of seeing some of the leaders of the community working feverishly to out-do each other in the task of fencing in the plot. Par- ticularly active in the campaign were James H. Hoyt, Sands Seely, and J. B. Scofield. They lived near the center of the town, and were anxious that proper disposition be made of the ground. This party organized so effectively that their opponents soon gave up the struggle. Subsequently a firm known as Newman and Hughes of Mianus bought the land. James H. Hoyt started a vigorous cam- paign among the townspeople to raise sufficient funds to purchase the property · and to present it to the town. They were successful, and the plot was given to the people with the specific designation that
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it should always be used as a public park. For many years a beautiful foun- tain was located in the center, where it bubbled for the delectation of Stamford people.
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STAMFORD'S CHURCHES
HE settlers of New England showed a stern and uncompromising spirit toward persons who had religious beliefs different from their own. Hav- ing suffered much for their own convic- tions, it was not easy for them to tolerate other religious ideas. Therefore, it was only natural that the early inhabitants of Stamford took an attitude which, in the present day, seems narrow and bigoted, but in their time, was to be ex- pected from men and women who had sacrificed all things for their religious ideals.
There were members of the Church of England in Stamford as early as the be- ginning of the eighteenth century, but there was such great prejudice against them, not only here, but throughout the whole commonwealth, that when their leaders applied to the General Assembly of Connecticut, in 1738, for freedom from the necessity of paying taxes for the support of the Congregational Church, they were voted down in both houses of the legislature. Episcopalians had occasional services of worship here from the beginning of the eighteenth
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century, and by 1742 had gained suffi- cient strength to plan for the erection of a church. A request for a grant of land was made, and the town took action as follows: "The town agrees to put in a committee to view the place of Eliphalet Holly's, where the professors of the Church of England have petitioned for setting a church house, whether it may be granted without damage to the town, and to make return to the adjourned town meeting." The petition was grant- ed, and the land given was the plot now occupied by St. John's Episcopal Church, but it was not so attractive then as it is today. It consisted of a ledge of rock, surrounded on three sides by im- passable swamp, and on this place, it was thought that the church might be erected without "damaging" the town. Some of the difficulties which Episco- palians faced in the early days, is sug- gested in a report of the Rev. Ebenezer Dibble, one of the early rectors of the church. He writes, in 1757, "I preached on Christmas to a numerous assembly. Multitudes of the dissenters came to the church, and behaved with great de- cency." St. John's first edifice was in use in 1747; the second church building,
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erected in 1843, stood near the present location of the Suburban Club. This building burned down on January 24th, 1890, and was superseded by the pres- ent beautiful structure.
The first building of the Baptist Church was erected before the formal organization of the church itself. The house of worship was completed in 1772, and a year later, under the leader- ship of Ebenezer Ferris, a layman, the organization of the church was effected. Mr. Ferris was later ordained to the ministry and became the first pastor. In 1790, a second building was erected on River Street to take the place of the first one, and in 1859, under the direc- tion of Joseph B. Hoyt and others, the present dignified edifice was erected.
The pathway of the Methodists was no easier than that of the Episcopalians. The Rev. Daniel Devinne, who was stationed here in 1830, gives us the old- est records of the Methodist Church. The church was founded in 1788, and meetings were held in an old house on River Street, which is still standing on its original location. Mr. Devinne's record states that the church made earnest efforts to secure a building, and.
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"after frequent petitions, the town, which at that time was under the influ- ence of the Congregational order granted to the 'fanatics' a place-a mud hole on the commons-on which to build a church." The first building was erected in 1813 on the alloted spot, which was a little to the east of the present Metho- dist Church. One writer of the early times refers to the spiritual progress of the town, but speaks contemptuously of the "fanatics," who may have been a lit- tle noisy at times, by saying, "Zion con- tinues to grow, notwithstanding the shade of public sentiment and the rude attempt of the bulls of Bashan to de- stroy it." The second Methodist church building stood on the corner of River Street and Park Place, and the old building, now an apartment house, still occupies this same location. The pres- ent house of worship is the third edifice which the Methodists have had. It was erected in 1859, and from time to time has been altered to meet the growing needs of the church.
The churches organized in the nine- teenth century met none of the severe opposition which came to those of an earlier time, although there was some
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prejudice still existing at the beginning of this period. The members of the Uni- versalist Church held their first services in the old Town House, which stood near the center of Atlantic Square, and in 1845, built a simple Gothic building on the spot now occupied by the Town Hall. This building was taken down, when the old Town Hall was erected, and the Universalists moved to their present location at the corner of Pro- spect and Forest Streets.
St. John's Roman Catholic Church dates its origin to 1845, when occasional priests visited Stamford and said mass for the Catholics living in this vicinity. Father John Brady was the first priest in charge of the church, and under his direction, the first Catholic Church in Stamford was erected. The location of this church was on Meadow Street. The present building on Atlantic Street was started by Father John Fagan, in 1873, but he did not live to see it completed. The basement of the church was used for a while, but on May 30th, 1886, the dedicatory services for the completed church were held.
The first Presbyterian Church was or- ganized in 1853 with the Rev. J. Leon-
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ard Corning as its first pastor. The first building occupied the same location as the present Presbyterian Church, and was in constant use from the time of organization until August 7th, 1882, when it was burned down. The present beautiful house of worship was erected to replace the original one. A large addi- tion to the building was made in 1920, which greatly increases the church's facilities.
St. Andrew's Church was the out- growth of a mission promoted and fos- tered by the Hon. John Ferguson. The church was consecrated on May 8th, 1861, and became incorporated as a parish on June 12th, 1865. The Rev. F. Windsor Brathwaite was the first rector, continuing in his office for forty-three years, until his death in 1908. He was one of the most beloved spiritual leaders the community has ever had.
Union Memorial Church in Glen- brook started a Sunday School, organ- ized and developed by the Rev. Samuel Scoville. A chapel was erected on land given by Francis A. Palmer and in 1896, a church organization was effected. The Rev. Samuel J. Evers is the first and only pastor.
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St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church was organized in August, 1907, and the new building for the use of this parish was dedicated February 5th, 1908. Father D. L. Gleason has been the priest in charge during the entire history of the church.
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