USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 2 > Part 33
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Early in 1917, the Committee on Public Safety as appointed by the Board of Selectmen were on duty, Daniel C. Richardson, chairman; Charles Shields, clerk. Justin L. Cobb was chairman of the sub-committee on finance; William H. Lyons chairman of the committee of co-ordination of aid societies; Thomes H. Nelson, of emergency, help and equipment ; Herbert W. Butterworth, of food production and food conservation ; William C. Fuller, of industrial survey; William H. Allen, of military equipment and supply; William F. White and William H. Lyons, of pub- licity; Thomas H. Nelson, of State protection; John H. Somers, transpor- tation; Moses L. Greene, military forces, camps, mobilization and con- centration; Fred W. Day, Home Guards; George A. Wilbur, horses; William F. White, recruiting for army and navy; Fred Dustin, trucks and motor cars; W. H. Allen, M. D., hygiene, medicine and sanitation; Judge Charles C. Hagerty, executive committee. The Soldiers' Aid Society, or- ganized when our troops were called to the Mexican border, reorganized in April, 1917, with Mrs. Charlotte Allen as clerk and corresponding secre- tary, and Miss Jennie Copeland as treasurer.
The first patriotic demonstration at the beginning of the World War was that of Thursday, April 19, 1917, with the flag-raising at Lowney Park, and 1500 marchers in line. The flag was presented by Walter M. Lowney, and the principal speaker was Hon. Louis A. Frothingham. The local com- pany of the State Guard was accepted in May, 1917, and on May 24, Car- roll L. Bessom was elected captain of the company, Albert T. Hodges first lieutenant, Percy E. White second lieutenant, the drill being under the supervision of Major Norris O. Danforth. Forty-five members of Mansfield Company 19, as it was called, were eventually mustered into the service, Thursday, July 19, by Brigadier-General Samuel D. Parker, with Captain Carroll L. Bessom in command; First Lieutenant Percy E. White; Second Lieutenant Harry J. Lindsey. Later, the number of the company was increased to sixty-five, when Lieutenant White was suc- ceeded by Second Lieutenant Harry L. Lindsey, and the latter by Edwin H. Burt. Shortly after, First Lieutenant Lindsey resigned, and Ralph A. Buck was made second lieutenant, so continuing up to the time of the armistice.
In the work of registration, Division No. 41, State of Massachusetts, was composed of the following towns in Bristol county: Mansfield, Easton, Norton, Rehoboth, Raynham, Dighton, Somerset, Seekonk, Swansea; and the board was composed of Daniel F. Buckley, of North Easton, chairman : Fred W. Day, of Mansfield, secretary; Dr. Frederick S. Griffin, of Mans- field. The board began its duties in June, 1917, and concluded in April, 1919. Men were inducted into service from the various towns, as fol- lows: Mansfield, 138; Easton. 133; Somerset, 71; Seekonk, 60; Dighton, 57; Norton, 46; Swansea, 45; Rehoboth, 33; Raynham, 28. Mansfield fur- nished for the World War 312 men; of this number twelve made the supreme sacrifice.
The Mansfield Branch of the Red Cross, before North Attleboro assumed charge of the work, was started by Mrs. Clara Cobb under the direction of the Soldiers' Aid. She organized that work and was at its head for one year, when it was reorganized as a Red Cross Chapter, and Mrs. Glenna Dinsmore was appointed president; Mrs. Charlotte Allen sec-
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retary ; and Miss Jennie Copeland treasurer. Mrs. Charles Hagerty had charge of the sewing; Mrs. Alice Stone, the knitting; Mrs. Beatrice Hus- ton, comfort kits; Mrs. Mabel Ramsdell, junior work; Mrs. Lucy Cope- land, surgical dressings. Mrs. Etta Cobb was purchasing agent. Mrs. Flint of East Mansfield and Mrs. Charles Richardson had charge of sewing for their communities. Each of the above-named worked untiringly until they went to other departments. Mrs. Belle Lyons had charge of the knitting after a year. Ralph Westcott, who was superintendent of schools here at the time, assumed the junior work. The first field day was held under the charge of Mrs. Clara Cobb, Mrs. Belle Lyons and Mrs. Ger- trude Vickery. This was one of the biggest events ever held in this town, when more than $3000 was cleared. The second field day proved equally successful, when Mrs. Grace Winter and Cleveland Strople had charge. The first drive was in charge of D. C. Richardson, W. H. Lyons and Wal- ter H. Lowney, when $6,800 was raised, the apportionment being $6,000. A military whist was held at Town Hall; prizes were given by towns- people; Miss Jennie .George was chairman.
The doctors of Mansfield, too, shared in the call of the World War, Drs. Allen and Latham going into the medical service. Dr. W. H. Allen was captain of the Medical Corps at Camp Upton; he received his appoint- ment in July, 1918, and was discharged from the service January 28, 1920. Dr. B. M. Latham was also a captain in the Medical Corps; he went to Camp Ben Harrison in May, 1917, and thence to Forts Adams, Greble and other cantonments. The Boys' clubrooms were used, also rooms in town hall, for meetings, and no rent was charged. Mrs. Lucy Copeland opened her home for the work of surgical dressings. William McDermott worked untiringly for the families of soldiers in service; he was selectman and one of the overseers of the poor. Mrs. Lucy Copeland and Mrs. Lena D. Tucker, the clerk of the chapter, took a course in home service and social aid in Boston. Mrs. Christine Thompson, Mrs. Marion LeRoe and Miss Roberta Laurie were in charge of dancing occasions in behalf of the chapter. Mrs. Stacia Dacy, Mrs. Emma Dacy, Mrs. Hearn, Mrs. Gallipeau and Mrs. Reccord assisted in the knitting. The entire amount of Liberty Loan subscriptions at the First National Bank during the World War was $756,250. In the United Work campaign, Mansfield raised $10,580.70, the town's quota being $8,000. F. D. Fairbanks was chairman of the com- mittee.
Schools .- The first schoolmaster in what is now Mansfield was Thomas Skinner, who was settled here in 1719, being hired to teach the pupils to read, cypher and spell. At that time school was held at the homes of John Caswell, Lieutenant Nicholas White, Timothy Wellman, Solomon Bates and Nathan Williams; later at the Mulberry Tavern. The first school building in East Mansfield was erected in 1803, and in 1811 another was built in the Whiteville district. After the tavern had been used as a school building, a brick school was built, and that was replaced by the No. 4 building in the early sixties. The present Central school receives pupils of the seventh, eighth and grammar classes; No. 3 school building receives the pupils of the former Nicholas White district and the Green school, No. 5, takes the major portion of the pupils on the west side of the Rumford river. Among the schoolhouses built in recent years are
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the high school, erected in 1911, at a cost of about $60,000; the Paine school on Chauncey street, also erected in 1911; the John H. Berry school, erected in 1915-all of brick construction. In the north end of the town, the Spaulding school was built in 1906; and another four-room building was built in 1923. The town raises and appropriates the sum of $100,000 annually for school purposes, which compares well with any of the nearby towns of its size in the county.
In 1891, Mansfield joined with Sharon and Stoughton in forming a superintendency district, with Edward P. Fitts as the first superintendent. A little more than two years afterwards, Mansfield and Sharon closed the arrangement, and Ralph W. Westcott was the choice for Mansfield. He remained a little over two years, excepting the time he was in the govern- ment service, when Everett W. Robinson substituted for him. Mr. West- cott was succeeded by Nelson G. Howard, superintendent in 1923. August 23, 1902, military instruction was added to the scientific course at high school, and Captain (now Major) Norris O. Danforth, of Taunton, was secured as military instructor, which position he held until 1922, when the athletic activities were handed over to Stanley Burnham of the high school faculty. The school census of 1922 showed the number of pupils to be 1,253, with a staff of forty-one teachers, and supervisors in music, draw- ing, and physical training. The town paid out in 1922 the sum of $54,- 039.67 for teachers' salaries. The graduates of Mansfield schools find ready employment in any of the business houses, and they are representing the bench and bar, and the State Legislature.
The Municipality .- The town of Mansfield voted to accept the State Act providing for the Town Manager form of government, July 12, 1920, by a vote of 508 in favor to 255 against. The change to Town Manager went into effect January 17, 1921, with Elbridge R. Conant elected to that position. A number of governing boards were eliminated when this new form of government took place, namely, the fire district, with a pruden- tial committee; the water board, the municipal lighting department; the board of health, and a finance committee; and their powers and duties were transferred to the board of selectmen. A superintendent was appointed as head of the public works and the water works departments; the super- intendent of public works was given direction of the gypsy moth and tree warden duties; a member of the water works department was made sealer of weights and measures; the town accountant was appointed health officer ; the manager of the electric light plant was appointed superintendent of the fire alarm system.
The Mansfield Fire Department was organized in 1888, and the town is considered fortunate in the possession of a volunteer department that has no superior for its size and equipment in the county. The force in 1923 consisted of thirty-five men, together with the chief, deputy chief, chauf- feurs and mechanician; also the forest fire wardens in the east, west and south parts of the town. The apparatus consists of one six-cylinder Sea- grave pumper, capable of throwing 750 gallons a minute; one city service Seagrave ladder truck; a White combination truck; a Pope Hartford com- bination chemical truck; fire chief's auto; and three pieces of horse-drawn apparatus in reserve. The department has 4,300 feet of regulation fire hose; 2,000 feet of double-jacketed hose; and 750 feet of chemical hose. In
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1923 there were thirty-four signal boxes, with several to be placed in the east and west sections of the town. The central fire station is on West Church street; and since the water mains have been extended to the east and west sections it is believed that hose houses will be erected in those sections. The forest fire wardens also are fully supplied with chemical fire extinguishers of the Underwriter type. The report of Fire Chief Her- bert E. King for 1922 showed that the value of buildings and contents en- dangered by the fire was estimated at $108,465, but the total amount of loss was $3,801, and the total number of alarms was 103.
For years the town depended upon wells but in the early eighties begar agitation for water supply; and under special act of Legislature this was done, the work being completed and the water turned on October 22, 1888. In 1922 the town voted to accept the water district, with all its lia- bilities. The water lines have been extended to the east and west villages, so that the close of 1923 found all sections of the town fully equipped both for domestic and fire purposes.
In 1903 the town voted the sum of $40,000 to build a municipal light- ing plant, and as a result, today the plant is supplying hundreds of house- holders, in addition to the sale for manufacturing purposes. Under the supervision of Superintendent Maxwell, the plant is in the best of con- dition.
Mansfield in 1912 began to build the macadam and the Telford-Mac- adam roads, until all the streets are of the tarvia construction. The town has about seventy-five miles of highway to care for, at a cost of $30,000 a year.
Mansfield's new townhouse was dedicated in 1883, the sum appropri- ated for the building being $15,000. The postoffice, Carroll L. Bessom postmaster in 1923, has a building of its own. It was formerly at the Four Corners, and in the old Park Hotel building.
Mansfield was without fire protection previous to 1888, but in the fall of that year, the Mansfield Water Supply District was formed, and in October two volunteer hose companies were organized. The Mansfield Fire District was formed in 1889, and William H. Angell was chosen chief engineer of the district. A. W. Cobb was chosen chief in 1892, and held the office until his death, January 20, 1897. Herbert E. King has been chief since that time.
The Mansfield Board of Trade was organized in 1892, and has been instrumental in inducing a number of large and prosperous industries to locate in the town. D. S. Spaulding was elected first president of the board, and he served two years. Judge C. C. Hagerty succeeded him, and served to 1904; and I. W. Lucas was president to 1906, and was succeeded by H. E. King. The officers in 1923: President, Russell W. Wheeler; vice- presidents, George F. F. Roberts, Leo M. Bannon, Herbert W. Butter- worth; secretary-treasurer, Francis D. Fairbanks; directors: Lendall C. Holay, Harry W. Snyder, John W. Rathbun.
Mansfield's gas lighting and heating service is supplied by the Taun- ton Gaslight Company, of Taunton, incorporated in 1853.
The total valuation of Mansfield's real estate in 1922 was $4,924,710; the total valuation of personal estate, $1,444,060; number of acres in the township, 11,369; number of dwellings in the town, 1337.
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Public Utilities .- The First National Bank of Mansfield was estab- lished in August, 1901. The first president was Alfred B. Day; and other residents of Mansfield who were directors at this time were David E. Harding, Frank M. Cobb, Justin L. Cobb, Charles C. Hagerty, Doliver S. Spaulding. The board of directors in 1923: Frank L. Cady, president; Frank M. Cobb, vice-president; Justin L. Cobb, Charles C. Hagerty, Fred- eric Hewey, and Ira C. Gray. The latter was cashier since the incorpora- tion. This was the first National Bank in this town. The savings bank account has been very rapid in growth in recent years. It was established in November, 1906. Walter M. Lowney, who had been a member of the board of directors fifteen years, took a very active interest in the bank. He died in 1921.
The Mansfield Co-operative Bank was organized February 22, 1883, and commenced business March 21, that year. The officers in 1923 were: President, D. C. Richardson; vice-president, John Somers; treasurer, Her- bert E. King; clerk, Charles N. Crane. The board of directors, the above- named and Jesse R. Hodges, Austin Mason, H. W. Butterworth, William Olliff, Arthur E. Shields, K. C. Sherman, H. W. Snyder, Charles N. Crane, Thomas J. Fox, William L. Winter, Oliver P. Cook, J. W. Rathbun.
Every institution of importance is conceived first in the mind of some individual. The prophet who saw the vision of a free public library in Mansfield was the Rev. Jacob Ide, beloved pastor of the Congregational church of this town for more than forty years. Just when Mr. Ide thought of this library we do not know, but we do know that in the fall of 1883 he became very active in making the vision a reality. Through his efforts, $1,560.37 was subscribed for the purpose. The largest single contribution was $500, the gift of Mr. J. Frank Comey. Mr. Comey, who recently died in New York, was for many years the head of the well known Comey Company "Straw Shop". Other gifts ranging from $50 down to five one dollar contributions made up the amount. At the next annual town meet- ing, that of March 17, 1884, Mr. Ide presented and ably advocated the project. The town voted to establish the Mansfield Public Library, and appropriated $500 for its use that year. The following trustees were elected: Rev. Jacob Ide, William L. Robinson, William A. Copeland, Alfred Rogerson, Charles T. Borden, and I. W. Lucas. On March 21, four days after their election, these six men met to organize and make plans for the library. Mr. Ide was chosen president, and Mr. Lucas sec- retary. It is interesting to note that Mr. Ide served as president until his death in 1898. Mr. Borden also served on the board until his death, which came in 1890. While Mr. Lucas did not serve continuously, because of his absence from town for a few years, he served many years. Mr. William A. Copeland, who had served continuously on the board for thirty-seven years when he resigned in 1921, was for twenty-one years the secretary. Mr. William L. Robinson had served for thirty-six consecutive years when he resigned in 1920. Most of the time after the death of Mr. Ide, Mr. Robinson served as president. During 1920-21 Mr. Copeland was president. Since that time Everett W. Robinson, son of William L. Robinson, has held the chair.
The Library was opened in one of the small rooms of the lower Town Hall on August 2, 1884, with 1,319 books on its shelves. During the
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first seven months 859 cards were issued to borrowers, which showed that there was considerable interest on the part of the town's people. The rooms were open on Tuesday evenings and on Saturday afternoons and evenings. Miss Alice Hallett was the first librarian, and she gave out an average of 340 books every Saturday. In four years the institution listed 1935 volumes and had quite outgrown its quarters. In August, 1888, it was moved across the corridor to the three small rooms which had been fitted up on the south side of the hall. Here it remained until July 9, 1901, when it was moved to its present abode on the first floor of the Memorial building, completed at that time as a memorial to the soldiers of the Civil War. From the nucleus of 1,300 volumes to start with the library had now grown to 13,000 . Gradually the number of open days was extended until by 1914 the rooms were open from 2:55, and from 6:59 of every week day except Wednesday. Since September, 1921, it has been open every week day from 2 until 9. When in 1901 the trustees were about to move to the new building and saw the need of additional money for decoration and equipment, someone suggested that Andrew Carnegie, who was then doing so much for public libraries throughout the country, be approached for a donation. With characteristic New England independence they turned the suggestion down, and instead appointed an auxiliary committee of women. These ladies by various enterprises earned the money to purchase the casts, statuary, and some of the pictures which now beautify the interior of the building. The town has ever been most generous in its support, always appropriating whatever the trustees asked for, even to jumping from $1,000 to $2,000, and then the next year to $4,000, as it did in 1921 when the trustees desired to make extensive alterations. The library now has two librarians, and has on its list 8,270 volumes.
The Mansfield News, September 14, 1923, observed the twentieth anni- versary of its establishment. The plant and business was started by S. P. Brown, his first editor being Edwin W. Clark. Stillman B. Pratt, who became associated with the publishers, sold his interests to Thomas S. Pratt in November, 1873, and he associated with him his brother-in-law, William White, and the business was established at the present location, 172 North Main street, under the style Pratt & White. Thomas S. Pratt sold his interests in 1881 to William White, and his associate editors, Henry Guimond and George M. Barron, the latter remaining four years, being succeeded by Isaac W. Lucas, and he by Walter Robinson, who remained until 1913. In May, 1914, Henry D. Smith became associate editor, and the latter purchased the business in 1917. During the World War, over 300 copies of the News were mailed each week to the men in the service. Mr. Smith sold the business to George W. Giles, October 1, 1921, who associated with him Howard N. Fowler as editor and manager.
The Mansfield Soldiers' Memorial Building and Library was built in 1888 on a lot of land donated by Mrs. E. F. Noble, and the structure was dedicated June 17, 1901, its cost being $10,000, which was voted for the purpose by the town. The first floor of the building is used for library purposes, and the Grand Army hall is on the upper floor.
The Lowney Tavern, one of the best appointed inns between Boston and Providence, was built in 1907 by the late Walter M. Lowney, the
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well-known chocolate manufacturer. It is located near the railroad station and the bank.
Clubs and Fraternities .- The Mansfield Winthrop Club was organized November 13, 1893, and incorporated June 25, 1897. Its quarters are the entire third floor of the Wheeler building on North Main street. There are 150 members. The officers are: Fred W. Day, president; Clarence B. Pike, Everett W. Robinson, vice-presidents; Harry R. Fisher, secretary ; Henry E. Fairbanks, treasurer. These officers, with Carroll L. Bessom, Thomas E. Kane, Arthur C. Conrad and Francis D. Fairbanks, comprise the board of governors.
Ten Mansfield women, including the hostess, writer A. E. B., met at Mrs. Abbie Copeland's, Thursday, December 12, 1900, to consider the de- sirability of forming a club for mutual improvement and sociability. The club was first named Mayflower, but later changed to New Century. Mrs. Kate Morton Hanaford was the first president, and there were nineteen charter members. During the first year meetings were held at the homes of members with one exception, that of a lecture in Trinity Hall by Mrs. Elizabeth C. Lovering on "Our Pilgrim Foremothers." Papers by members on authors, artists and composers, and current events, comprised the pro- grams, also music and readings by local talent. From this small group of women the New Century Club has grown and flourished. Its object is threefold: social, literary, and humanitarian. The present membership is 211. Some speakers of prominence who have addressed the club are Marshall L. Perrin, Rev. R. Perry Bush, Rev. Paul Revere Frothingham, Rev. Dr. William Van Allen, Payson Smith and others. There have also been women speakers, one of the more recent being Miss Mina Kerr, dean of Wheaton College at that time. There have been lectures on China, together with exhibitions of embroidery, curios and other articles of inter- est from that country. Speakers concerning Russia have also been heard. Cookery, home millinery, dressmaking, home decorating, and several other subjects, have been brought before the club. Several plays have been given by club members, reflecting much credit upon their dramatic ability. "Mrs. Briggs of the Poultry Yard," given at one time in Town Hall, is worthy of especial mention. The different departments connected with the club are: Arts and Crafts, Civics, Home Economics, Literary, and Music. Of these, the Home Economics, Literary, and Music have been very active. "The Pageant of Boston," written by and presented in Town Hall under the direction of Miss Jennie F. Copeland, of the Literary Department, brought forth widespread commendation. Artists from our town have been heard most favorably in music and readings, as well as public speakers from among our townspeople. Much good work has been accomplished in a charitable way, such as donations to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, to the Halifax fire sufferers, the Visiting Nurse Association, West Side Benevolent Society, the Children's Hospital, and Near East Relief. Much assistance was also given to the Red Cross at the time of the World War. Along the line of civic improvement, a public drinking fountain was installed in the South Common, shrubs were set out on the High School grounds and ivy planted along the walls of the High School building. Through the influence of the club, the Stamp Saving System was introduced in the public schools. Books have been given to
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the Public Library, also a revolving reference bookrack and chair to be used with it, and a copy of that beautiful picture, "The Age of Innocence".
Through the efforts of members of the Home Economics Department, the girls of the public schools were given an opportunity of having a course in mothercraft. An outfit for this work was furnished by this department, and some of the club ladies spent several hours sewing for the life size baby doll used in this work. A class of forty girls graduated from this course. In 1907 the New Century Club became a member of the Massachusetts State Federation of Women's Clubs. For the last seven years, regular meetings with few exceptions have been held fortnightly Friday afternoons in the Tavern, the club year being from the first Friday in November to the first Friday in May, inclusive. There have been nine- teen presidents. Miss Alletta F. Dean, who concluded her second year of service in that office at the annual meeting in May, is a native of Mansfield and graduated from the University of Wisconsin at the age of fifty years. All of these women have given of their time and effort, and with the co- operation of their fellow members, have made the New Century Club of Mansfield what it is today-one of the foremost women's organizations of the town. The officers in 1923: Mrs. Lena D. Tucker, president; Miss Ada E. Baldwin, Mrs. Mildred P. Parker, vice-presidents; Mrs. Harriett A. Hayward, corresponding secretary; Miss Idabel M. Duguid, clerk.
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