USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Newton, Massachusetts, December 27, 1888 > Part 1
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01067 9394
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/celebrationoftwo1888newt
Celebration of the Two Hundredth
Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Newton, Massachusetts, December 27, 1888.
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL. UNDER DIRECTION OF THE CITY CLERK.
Boston, Printed by Abery L. Rand, eighteen hundred and ninety-one
AND
FOUNDED 1830
88. A CITY 1873.
ONANTUM
CORPORATED A
Two Hundredth Anniversary of Newton, 1888
1275961
F 8446 · 598
NEWTON, Mass. Celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Newton, Massachusetts, December 27, 1888. Pub. by order of the City Council. Boston, A. L. Rand, 1891. 70р. 24cm.
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Historical address by James F. C. Hyde: p. 20- 41.
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1
CITY OF NEWTON.
(11030)
MAYOR'S OFFICE, CITY HALL, WEST NEWTON, MASS., Oct. 12, 1888. TO THE CITY COUNCIL :
Gentlemen,- Newton was incorporated as a town in the year 1688. This being the two hundredth anniversary of that important event, I recommend that a committee be appointed to make arrangements for an appropriate celebration, and that a reasonable appropriation be made to defray necessary expenses therefor.
J. WESLEY KIMBALL, Mayor.
CITY OF NEWTON. (1104S)
IN THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, NOV. 12, 1888.
Ordered, That a Committee, to consist of His Honor the Mayor, three Aldermen, and such members as the Common Council may join, be and is hereby appointed to arrange for the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of Newton as a town, and that the sum of $250, to be charged to Miscellaneous Expenses, be and is hereby appropriated to meet the expenses of such celebration, to be expended by the Committee herein appointed.
Adopted. Aldermen George Pettee, Edwin O. Childs, and John Ward appointed, on the part of the Board of Aldermen.
ISAAC F. KINGSBURY, Clerk.
Adopted in concurrence by the Common Council. Councilmen Pres- ident Heman M. Burr, Frank J. Hale, Ephraim S. Hamblen, and Law- · rence Bond appointed.
JOHN C. BRIMBLECOM, Clerk.
Approved Nov. 14, 1888.
J. WESLEY KIMBALL, Mayor.
CITY OF NEWTON. (11163)
IN THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Dec. 31, 1888.
Ordered, That the City Clerk be and is hereby requested to prepare a memorial volume of the celebration, Dec. 27, 1888, of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Newton, and that five hundred copies of the same be printed for the use of the City Council and for distribution as follows,-one copy each to the Smithsonian Insti-
tute, Washington, D.C., the State Library, the Newton Free Library, and the clerk of the towns of Brookline, Watertown, Weston, Wellesley, and Needham, and the clerk of each city of the Commonwealth, - the cost of same not to exceed $150, to be charged to the appropriation for Mis- cellaneous Expenses.
Adopted.
ISAAC F. KINGSBURY, Clerk.
Adopted in concurrence by the Common Council.
JOHN C. BRIMBLECOM, Clerk. Approved Jan. 7, 1889.
J. WESLEY KIMBALL, Mayor.
CITY OF NEWTON. (12151)
CITY HALL, WEST NEWTON, MASS., Dec. 30, 1889. TO THE CITY COUNCIL :
By an order (11163) approved Jan. 7, 1889, the City Clerk was author- ized to prepare a memorial volume of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Newton, and the sum of $150 was appropriated for printing five hundred copies of same for use of the City Council and other distribution. The copy for printing could not be obtained till late in the year, and it appears that the amount appropriated is not sufficient to publish the volume in suitable or acceptable form.
A fair estimate of the additional amount needed is $125.
Respectfully submitted, ISAAC F. KINGSBURY, City Clerk.
CITY OF NEWTON. (12162)
IN THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Dec. 30, 1889.
Ordered, That the sum of $125 be and is hereby appropriated in addi- tion to the sum of $150 already appropriated for the publication, by the City Clerk, of the memorial volume of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Newton, said amount to be charged to the appropriation for Miscellaneous Expenses.
Adopted.
ISAAC F. KINGSBURY, Clerk.
Adopted in concurrence by the Common Council.
JOHN C. BRIMBLECOM, Clerk. Approved Dec. 31, 1889.
HEMAN M. BURR, Mayor.
T HE celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Newton, covering so long a period, filled to repletion with historical interest and crowned with abundant prosperity, suggested difficulties as to the the character the celebration should assume. The season of the year precluded any out-of-door demonstration; and it was finally determined to confine the observance to a public meeting in the City Hall on the afternoon of December 27, to be followed by a banquet at Woodland Park Hotel.
The Committee, in the performance of the most agreeable duty assigned them, met with ready response from those invited to take part in the exercises, and the people gathered with devout grati- tude to the Giver of all good for the mercies of the past and present, filled with hope and joyful expectation of blessings yet to come. Participating in the sentiments of the day, greetings are hereby recorded to those of the far-off future who shall "dwell in the land," successors to our homes and firesides, when another period of two hundred years, with all its wonderful changes, shall have passed.
At the public meeting in the afternoon, the City Hall at West Newton was filled with an audience of the citizens of Newton, together with many invited guests; and the exercises were con- ducted substantially in accordance with the annexed programme.
The Germania Orchestra, under the lead of Emil Mollenhauer, and composed of the following members : -
First Violins, E. Mollenhauer, Carl Eichler; Second Violin, Percy C. Hayden; Viola, Julius Eichler; 'Cello, Alex. Heindl; Basso, A. Stein ;
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TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY-NEWTON
Flute, Paul Fox; Clarinets, E. Strasser, P. Metzger; Cornets, Dr. R. Shuebruk, Benj. Bowron ; French Horns, E. Lippoldt, E. Schormann.
rendered the following selections : -
I. Overture, "Mignon," Thomas
2. Concert Waltz, " Promotionen," Strauss
3. Romanza, " Awakening of Spring," Ch. Bach
4. " Loin du Bal," String Orchestra, Gillet
5. Grand selection from "Tannhäuser," Wagner
Hon. Alexander H. Rice, a native of Newton and ex-Governor of the Commonwealth, was among those invited to be present ; and the regret which he expressed in being compelled to decline was equally shared by those who had been privileged to listen to his public addresses.
For the Committee,
ISAAC F. KINGSBURY, City Clerk.
CONTENTS.
PAGE .
INTRODUCTION, 5
ORDER OF EXERCISES, 9
INVOCATION, Rev. Daniel L. Furber, D.D., Pastor Emeritus of the First Church, 13 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS, Hon. J. Wesley Kimball, Mayor of the City of Newton, 15
ADDRESS, His Excellency, Oliver Ames, Governor of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, . 18
HISTORICAL ADDRESS, Hon. James F. C. Hyde, First Mayor of the City of Newton, . 20
ADDRESS, Leverett Saltonstall, Esq., Collector of U. S. Customs at the Port of Boston, . 42
ORIGINAL POEM, Rev. Samuel F. Smith, D.D., 46
ADDRESS, John S. Farlow, Esq., . 49
ADDRESS, Hon. William B. Fowle, Third Mayor of the City of Newton, . 52
ADDRESS, Otis Pettee, Esq., 58
ADDRESS, Julius L. Clarke, Esq., First Clerk of the City of Newton, 63
BENEDICTION, Rev. George W. Shinn, D.D., Rector of Grace Church, 68
BANQUET, Woodland Park Hotel, . 69 .
1
YE Two Hundredth Anniversary
Of ye
INCORPORATION OF YE
TOWNE OF NEWTON
FOUNDED 1330, INCO
VN 1688. A CI
INCORPORATED A TOWNI NÁ
ANTUM
CITY OF NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS,
CITY HALL, WEST NEWTON,
Thursday, December 27, 1888.
EXERCISES IN THE AFTERNOON,
COMMENCING AT HALF-PAST 2 O'CLOCK,
His Honor, the Mayor, presiding.
Music. GERMANIA BAND.
Invocation. REV. DANIEL L. FURBER, D.D.
Music.
Introductory Address. HON. J. WESLEY KIMBALL, Mayor.
Address. His Excellency the Governor, OLIVER AMES. Music.
Address. HON. JAMES F. C. HYDE.
Music.
Address. LEVERETT SALTONSTALL.
Poem. REV. SAMUEL F. SMITH, D.D.
Music.
Address. JOHN S. FARLOW.
Address. HON. WILLIAM B. FOWLE.
Address. HON. JOHN C. PARK. Music.
Address. OTIS PETTEE.
Address. JULIUS L. CLARKE.
Audience will unite in singing America.
My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty,- Of thee I sing : Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain side Let freedom ring !
My native country, thee, - Land of the noble free,- Thy name I love : I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills ; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above.
Our fathers' God ! to thee, Author of liberty,- To thee we sing : Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light; Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King !
Benediction. REV. GEORGE W. SHINN, D.D.
TOWNE GOVERNMENT, 1688.
Selectmen.
LIEUTENANT JOHN SPRING. JOHN PRENTICE.
JOHN FULLER.
THOMAS PRENTICE, 2d. DEA. EDWARD JACKSON. ABRAHAM JACKSON. THOMAS GREENWOOD.
CITY GOVERNMENT, 1888.
Mayor. J. WESLEY KIMBALL.
Board of Aldermen.
President, GEORGE PETTEE.
Ward I. EDWIN O. CHILDS.
Ward 2. N. HENRY CHADWICK.
Ward 3. JAMES H. NICKERSON.
Ward 4. FREDERICK JOHNSON.
Ward 5. GEORGE PETTEE.
Ward 6. JOHN WARD.
Ward 7. JAMES W. FRENCH.
Clerk, ISAAC F. KINGSBURY.
Common Council.
President, HEMAN M. BURR.
Ward I. HERBERT H. POWELL. Ward 5. E. H. GREENWOOD. ALBERT W. RICE. FRANK J. HALE.
Ward 2. JOHN A. FENNO.
Ward 6. HEMAN M. BURR.
HENRY H. READ.
EDMUND T. WISWALL.
Ward 3. LAWRENCE BOND. Ward 7. J. CHARLES KENNEDY. HENRY H. HUNT. EPHRAIM S. HAMBLEN.
Ward 4. FREDERICK J. RANLETT. EVERETT E. MOODY. Clerk, JOHN C. BRIMBIECOM.
PRAYER OF REV. DANIEL L. FURBER, D.D.
[Dr. Furber on rising for prayer remarked : " It was the custom of our fathers to stand during public prayer. If it shall seem good to you to do so at the present time, you will be honoring an ancient and venerable usage." The audi- ence then arose, and prayer was offered as follows : - ]
O Thou who art from everlasting to everlasting, our God and our fathers' God, we bow and worship thee. One gen- eration goeth and another cometh, one century is gone and another has followed it, but thou art the same and thy good- ness is the same to thy dependent creatures.
We have consecrated the hours of this day to the memory of thy distinguishing goodness to us as inhabitants of this favored city. How greatly hast thou blessed us! Surely the lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, and we have a goodly heritage. As we recount the blessings which fill our cup and cause it to overflow, blessings of religion and of education, of temperance and morality, of liberty and law, and all the institutions of beneficence and charity, we cannot forget that we have entered into the labors of other men whose character moulded our institutions, whose principles drawn from thy holy word are the foundation of the Chris- tian society which we enjoy, and whose spirit lives in the ' air we breathe. We give thanks for their virtues formed amid hardship and privation, and for the strength of purpose and faith in thee which carried them triumphantly through the conflicts of their time; for the undaunted heroism with which they encountered and overcame a lurking savage foe, and for the patience, fortitude, and courage with which they endured the long struggle for independence. We give thanks for the patriotism of our own times, in which many of our neighbors and friends so freely offered themselves for
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14 .- TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY-NEWTON
liberty and union. We give thanks for the men who at dif- ferent times and in various branches of public service have lived lives of eminent usefulness, and who have been an ornament to our history,- for that apostolic missionary who brought the knowledge of salvation to the wigwams of the forest, and for all the faithful men who have ever stood in the pulpits of our town to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, or who have gone forth to labor as ministers or missionaries elsewhere.
And now we ask that whatsoever in the past is praiseworthy may be equally characteristic of the present and the future ; that true religion may flourish, that we may have faithful ministers of the gospel, untrammelled instruction in our public schools, wise counsel in our city government. May our people keep in mind the virtues of their fathers, and in times of prosperity may they be kept from luxury and extrav- agance. Teach us the blessedness of Christian self-denial in doing good ; and may the men of the future whose homes shall adorn these hills and slopes, our children and our chil- dren's children, to the latest generation, find in their own blessed experience that happy is that people whose God is the Lord.
Hear Thou our prayer offered in the name of Him who has taught us to pray, saying (the audience all joining), Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the king- dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS BY HIS HONOR MAYOR J. WESLEY KIMBALL.
We have convened to-day to celebrate an interesting and important event in the history of Newton,- the two hun- dredth anniversary of its incorporation as a town. It is appropriate that we should assemble to review its history and to consider its present condition, and from the past and the present to judge what may be its future. It will be in- teresting and instructive to trace the history and progress of the town for the two centuries ; to observe its growth and development from a sparsely settled town, possessed of only moderate means, to a populous, substantial, and wealthy city ; to note the many difficulties in both public and private affairs that were encountered by our fathers, the hardships endured, the sacrifices made, and the grand successes ulti- mately achieved.
The successes were won under adverse and discouraging circumstances. They were attained by ceaseless industry, the exercise of sound judgment, undaunted courage, and fidelity to the unalterable principles of equity and justice.
The fundamental principle of action which guided those who administered and co-operated in public affairs was to secure a government that would not only command obe- dience to law, but would also bestow the greatest good equally on all ; one that would be worthy of the support of an intelligent and liberty-loving people.
Conforming to this idea, and appreciating the value of order and intelligence, the church was founded, so that re- ligious and moral truths might be disseminated. The public school was established, that the youth of the land might so
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TIVO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY -NEWTON
be taught that they could skilfully engage in the various pursuits of life and understandingly perform the duties of citizens, that they might attain to the privileges and respon- sibilities and be eligible to the honors which may- be con- ferred upon loyal American citizens.
Time has not changed the principle nor lessened the vigi- lance necessary to insure a permanent and good government and the peace and prosperity of a free people.
The exercise of constant care, the enactment of wise laws, and a liberal provision for general education are required now as then.
Let us pay our tribute of respect and regard to those who so long ago laid the foundation of our liberties and pros- perity, who were devoted to the welfare of mankind, and whose lives were ennobled by heroic deeds.
They have long since passed away : and now in the rest- ing-places of the dead sleep those who so actively and grandly performed the important and trying duties of their time. When we read their names inscribed upon the tab- lets erected to their memory, let us but speak their praises, and be thankful for the blessings they have bequeathed to us.
Nature, I think, has been partial to Newton in beauty and healthfulness of location. The diversified and charming scenery, the wooded hills, the picturesque valleys, the salu- brious air, and the clear and sparkling waters of its lakes and murmuring brooks give it especial attractiveness to those who admire the beautiful in nature, and appreciate health and the strength and enjoyments derived from it.
Newton has now become large and prosperous, and holds an honorable place among the cities and towns of the Com- monwealth. A liberal provision is made to supply the best means for the protection and safety of our people, and care is taken to suitably provide for their education, comfort, and convenience.
The rapid and substantial growth of the city, the increase in population and in the number of buildings, are evidences
'17
ADDRESS-MAYOR KIMBALL
that the policy which has been pursued was wise and bene- ficial, and that it has been generally approved.
We are surrounded by cities and towns of historic in- terest, having universities and schools of learning, and a great variety of enterprises and industries. We are so near the metropolis of New England, one of the finest cities in the country, and access to it is so easy and rapid, that those whose interests attach them there find it equally convenient and comfortable to have their residences here.
Judging from the past and present, and taking into con- sideration the natural advantages of location and the enter- prise, wealth, and culture of our citizens, it may safely be predicted that the future of Newton is destined to be one of marked growth and prosperity, and that the many villages which at present are somewhat separated from each other will become united, making a compact, beautiful, and great city.
ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY, OLIVER AMES, GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH .*
Ladies and Gentlemen,- To-day you mark in this public manner the completion of two hundred years of growth as a separate civic organization. It is a pleasant and profitable custom to observe these anniversaries, and no enterprising Massachusetts city or town allows them to pass without fitting notice. Such commemorations as this are great teachers, putting in compact form the history of the past for the better instruction of the future.
Now that this republic has sixty-five millions of people within its borders, a vast amount of wealth and mighty mate- rial development, it is difficult for us to estimate rightly the sacrifices and sufferings of the days when those who dwelt here formed not even a town, but simply a settlement in the wilderness, cut off from European civilization by the ocean, and confronted by boundless forests and waste places.
I shall not attempt to review the history of this city, but I cannot omit saying something of its past. We know that it was settled early in the history of this part of our land, although it did not take a corporate name until nearly three- quarters of a century had elapsed from the landing of the Pilgrims. We know that it has ever been ready to meet any demands made upon it for the common good. In the days of our beginning as a nation, it did its part in promot- ing the general cause. In all our subsequent struggles for existence or for integrity as a nation, it has borne its part.
* The governor was accompanied by the following members of his staff, in uniform : Major- General Samuel Dalton, Adjutant-General ; Colonel Albert L. Newman, aide-de-camp ; Colonel Augustus N. Sampson, Assistant Inspector-General; Colonel Charles Wiel, Assistant Adjutant- General.
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ADDRESS - GOVERNOR AMES
Through the changed conditions that have grown out of the War of the Rebellion, the extension of the railroad sys- tem, and the development of our industries, Newton has grown rapidly, but with a permanent growth. She is one of the most beautiful, as well as one of the most thriving, of the cities of the Commonwealth. As she has been in the past, she is now a community upon which reliance to do what is right, prudent, and just may be placed. In other words, she is a typical New England community. I but voice the sentiment of all her people in saying that Massa- chusetts is justly proud of the city of Newton.
This ends my official speech. But I will say a few words more to you, in strict confidence, not to be repeated out of this hall. I have discovered that there is a feeling of jeal- ousy toward Newton all over the Commonwealth. It is not a malicious jealousy, but rather a jealousy of admiration. You have made your city so beautiful, you have constructed such fine roads, you have built such beautiful homes, your citizens are so highly cultured, that Newton has come to be regarded as the model municipality of the Commonwealth.
This is the testimony of many of the judges of the Supreme and Superior Courts. These justices are appointed, first of all, because they are men of sound judgment, because they are intelligent, because they are cultured, and because they know something of law. Often, after their appoint- ment, as a matter of convenience, they seek new homes. Of course, they want the best. They investigate for them- selves, and almost invariably they select Newton as the place of their new and permanent abode. This has so far become the rule that every new judge, who feels obliged to leave his old home, is expected to settle in Newton.
So, when a governor is called upon to name a judge, he will say to the friends of the candidate: "Do you desire him to leave your town, your county ? Do you not know that, if I appoint him, he will surely move to Newton ?". My advice to you is, Go on, and make your city as beautiful and as attractive as possible. If you continue to develop it, as you have,- and I have no doubt that you will do so,- I shall almost feel like coming here to live myself.
ADDRESS OF HON. JAMES F. C. HYDE, FIRST MAYOR OF NEWTON.
It is fair to presume that all present know more or less of the history of their native or adopted town. In the brief time allotted me only a few facts can be touched upon, the suggestion of which may lead some to further study of the history of Newton. Might it not be profitable for the schol- ars in our schools to devote some attention to this history, so that they may become more familiar with the lives and characters of those who laid the foundations upon which we are building, and from whose planting we are reaping such rich fruits?
It is said by the historian that the settlement of Newtown - Cambridge - began in 1631. Its records commenced 1632; proprietors' records, 1635. Cambridge, or Newtown, embraced a very large territory, which was subsequently en- larged by additional grants. In 1635 the General Court granted to Newtown land embracing the territory of what has since been Brookline, Brighton, and Newton, though that portion that is now Brookline was afterwards set off to Boston, where it remained many years, until it again became Brookline.
In 1636, six years after the settlement of Boston, the Gen- eral Court voted £400 for a school, or college, and the next year this school or college was located, by order of the same authority, at Newtown,-Cambridge. In 1638 Rev. John Harvard added £800 to the amount appropriated by the General Court, and his name was given to the college. In 1638 it was ordered that Newtown be called Cambridge, "in compliment to the place where so many of the civil and clerical fathers of New England had been educated."
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ADDRESS-HON. JAMES F. C. HYDE
The territory south of Charles River, embracing what was Brighton and Newton, was first called "the south side of Charles River," or the "South Side"; sometimes Nonan- tum, the Indian name. About 1654 it began to be called "Cambridge Village," and, later, " New Cambridge," and by authority of the General Court, "Newtown," after 1691 ; thus taking, after the lapse of years, the name of the old town of which this territory once formed a rather small part.
For the first ten years, only seven families had settled on this territory ; and of these seven two were Jacksons (the first settler in 1639 was John Jackson), two were Hydes, one Fuller, a Park, and a Prentice. All these, with one excep- tion, came direct from England. After these followed Par- kers, Hammonds, Wards, Kenricks, Trowbridges, Bacons, Stones, and others, whose descendants are represented here to-day.
During the first twenty-five years from the time the first settler found a home south of the river, in what is now called Newton, twenty families had come in and located. In 1664 there were twelve young men of the second generation.
From the first settlement to the date of incorporation, a period of forty-nine years, fifty families had settled on this territory. Dr. Smith says : "The number of freemen within the limits of the town in 1688 was about sixty-five." Author- ities differ as to the exact area of this part of Newtown. "In 1798," according to Homer, "it was reckoned to embrace 12,940 acres, including ponds." Another writer says that "in 1831 the town contained 14,513 acres."
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