USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Petersham > An address delivered in Petersham, Massachusetts, July 4, 1854, in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of that town > Part 9
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A severe tornado is mentioned in the newspapers . as. having swept over this town on the 19th of August, 1788.
A brief notice of the ravages of the spotted fever in 1810 will be found on pages 78-9. It is said to have made its first appearance on the borders of Dana and Petersham. A daughter of Dr. Flint died about the same time with her father ; and another daughter, about three days after. This plague seemed, at one moment, almost to threaten the depo- pulation of the place. It raged in Barre, also, with great violence ; five persons are said to have been buried there in one day. A day of fasting was kept in Petersham, at which five ministers attended. Other towns around likewise ob- served fasts to avert its coming. - Manuscript of Mrs. S. How.
A very extensive and disastrous fire occurred in Peters- ham on the 15th of April, 1847, sweeping off a large part
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of the dwellings which surrounded the Common. A pre- vious fire had, on February 5, 1845, burnt down the town-house and old meeting-house, the latter of which had been removed to the east side of the Common, and fitted up into schoolrooms, and a spacious hall for public uses. The fire of 1847 laid waste the westerly side of the Common, leaving but two or three buildings standing between the corner of the road leading west from the Common and the Orthodox meeting-house. Fourteen buildings were burned ; among them one, one hundred feet in length, with a steam- engine and other machinery, used in the manufacture of lasting-buttons ; two large tavern-houses (one, three stories in height), with their stables, barns, and outbuildings. Be- sides these, were one dwelling-house, one large store, one building occupied by shops, offices, &c. The loss by these fires was estimated at about fifty thousand dollars. But, as a calamitous stroke upon the industry and prosperity of the town, it was more injurious than figures can show. Follow- ing, as it did, upon the heels of other reverses and misfor- tunes, from which the place was suffering, it seemed to prostrate and paralyze the business of the beautiful village, throughout which were to be seen previously the marks of enterprise and thrift on every side.
ACCOUNT
OF THE
PROCEEDINGS ON THE DAY OF CELEBRATION.
PREPARED BY FRANCIS A. BROOKS, ESQ.
THE Town of Petersham, having the present year attained the venerable age of one hundred years of corporate exist- ence, voted at its regular Annual Meeting, held March 6, 1854, to commemorate the event ; and made an appropria- tion of money, and appointed a Committee of Arrangement, for the purpose, consisting of the following citizens : -
WM. PARKHURST. CEPHAS WILLARD.
WM. H. BANCROFT. HUBBARD PECKHAM.
SETH HAPGOOD.
J. P. PILLSBURY.
PHINEHAS W. BARR.
JOHN M. HOLMAN ..
LEWIS WHITNEY.
JESSE ROGERS.
JOHN G. MUDGE.
WILLIAM COOK.
Jos. G. PARMENTER.
COLLINS ANDREWS.
DANIEL STOWELL.
The Fourth of July was fixed upon as the day of celebra- tion. Rev. EDMUND B. WILLSON was selected to deliver an Address ; and the following persons were appointed officers of the day : --
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DR. WILLIAM PARKHURST, PRESIDENT.
Vice-Presidents.
SETH HAPGOOD.
WILLIAM H. FOSTER.
CEPHAS WILLARD.
FRANCIS A. BROOKS.
ARTEMAS BRYANT.
PARLEY HAMMOND.
JESSE GALE.
N. F. BRYANT.
THEODORE CLEMENT.
AVERY CLARK.
F. A. BROOKS LEWIS WHITNEY
Toast-master.
. Chief Marshal.
Assistant Marshals.
JOHN G. MUDGE.
WELCOME WADSWORTH.
FRANCIS G. PARMENTER. AMORY BIGELOW.
HENRY BROOKS.
JAMES W. BROOKS.
STEPHEN HOWE.
LYMAN WHITE.
GEORGE GALLOND.
The day itself, always grateful to American freemen, but doubly so to the sons and daughters of Petersham on this occasion, was greeted with the ringing of bells and the firing of cannon. The weather was fair, though oppressively warm.
The town-hall was opened as a place of rendezvous for citizens and returning friends, who gathered there to ex- change greetings, hear again the sound of familiar voices, and renew old acquaintance and friendships. Cordial shak- ings of the hand and kind looks abounded there, and were : as pleasant to behold as to partake. Then, too, the events of many years passed through the mind in rapid succession ; and forms and faces, existing in the memory alone, flitted. around like phantoms, and, for the time, the present scene was lost in visions and recollections of the past. But this most interesting re-union was interrupted much too soon, by the forming of a procession, under the direction of the Chief Marshal. At the head of the procession was a volun- teer escort-company, raised for the occasion, under the command of Capt. Giles Shattuck. Their uniform was that of the "Continental " soldiers, and their unique appearance added much to the interest of the day.
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Another remnant of the past, in the procession, consisted of a couple on horseback, representing man and wife, attired in antique costume, - she riding on a pillion ; and their novel appearance, together with the suavity and soberness of their demeanor, excited much mirth.
At ten o'clock, this procession (and so large a one had never before measured the streets of the quiet old town) marched to a bower, erected at the south-west corner of the Common, where the exercises were as follows : -
INVOCATION AND READING OF SCRIPTURES.
BY REV. J. SHEPARDSON.
HYMN.
PRAYER. BY REV. J. J. PUTNAM.
ORIGINAL ODE.
BY MISS MARY ANN HOWE.
THE birthday of Freedom ! a jubilee sound,
From hill-top to hill-top re-echo it round ;
Our sires fought for Freedom, - their sons know its worth,
And a nation of freemen have sprung into birth.
And we, who a Century count, since our sires First planted their hearthstones and kindled their fires, Assemble to thank Him whose watch and whose ward Hath ever been o'er us to guide and to guard.
We boast not of riches, - our wealth is the soil, Our wants are supplied by the fruit of our toil : The sons of New England, as freemen we stand, And warm is the grasp of the toil-hardened hand.
No iron-horse tramples our valleys so fair, No lightning-flash speedeth a message through air ; But Hygeia sitteth enthroned on our hills, Whose picturesque beauty with ecstasy thrills.
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Old NICHEWAUG welcomes her gathering sons, And greets with delight all her wandering ones, Returned to their birthplace, - the links of a chain, Long severed, once more are united again.
Heaven's arch bendeth o'er us in sheltering love, A pledge of re-union in mansions above : A hymn of thanksgiving and gratitude raise, A song of rejoicing, - a pæan of praise.
At the close of the services at the bower, the procession was again formed, and moved to a large pavilion, where the dinner-tables, sufficiently large to accommodate thirteen hun- dred and fifty persons, were fully occupied. A blessing was invoked by Rev. Luther Willson ; and, after the company had partaken of the food before them, they joined in singing the following hymn to the tune of " St. Martins : " __
LET children hear the mighty deeds Which God performed of old; Which in our younger years we saw, And which our fathers told.
He bids us make his glories known, His works of power and grace ; And we'll convey his wonders down Through every rising race.
Our lips shall tell them to our sons, And they again to theirs, That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs.
Thus shall they learn, in God alone Their hope securely stands, That they may ne'er forget his works, But practise his commands.
Dr. WILLIAM PARKHURST, the President of the day, then welcomed them in an address at once genial, lively, familiar,
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grave, and humorous ; in the course of which he exhibited the original weapon of Indian warfare, somewhat noto- rious in its day, invented and made by Col. Ephraim Doo- little, a former citizen of Petersham. It was a rude and very primitive-looking instrument, in the likeness of a pitch- fork, and certainly seemed a relic of a very remote antiquity. It is the property of the American Antiquarian Society, of Worcester. At the conclusion of the President's Address, which was very well received, the regular toasts, prepared by the toast-master, were announced by him, and responded to as follows : -
1. THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF PETERSHAM. - They unite to-day in grateful recollections, and in social and fraternal greetings.
"SWEET HOME" - BY THE BAND.
2. THE PIONEERS AND FIRST SETTLERS OF PETERSHAM. - In danger, pri- vation, and suffering, they planted : we reap in peace, plenty, and joy.
Rev. LUTHER WILLSON responded to the last sentiment in a pertinent and happy manner.
3. OUR REVOLUTIONARY SIRES, the PATRIOTS OF '76. - Their lofty and patriotic daring and wise counsels have acquired and handed down to us a liberty the most perfect, and a national existence the most beneficent and glorious, in the world's history. Let us not prove unworthy of the rich inhe- ritance, by ungratefully depreciating those blessings, or failing to preserve and transmit them.
SONG -" OUR COUNTRY'S FLAG."
N. F. BRYANT, Esq., of Barre, responded to the last sentiment, and gave as a sentiment ----
JULY 4th, '76. - A date never to be obliterated, while history or tradition bears from age to age the words, " American Revolution,". "Liberty or. death."
4. THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
MUSIC - " YANKEE DOODLE."
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The following letter from His Excellency, Governor WASHBURN, was read, -
WORCESTER, June 14, 1854.
My dear Sir, - I duly received your kind note of invitation to attend your celebration on the 4th. I should be most happy to accept it if I could; for I approve of the plan as an admirable one. To bring back to their homes the sons of any of the towns of Massachusetts, on any occasion, cannot fail to be fraught with salutary influences ; and to do it on such an anniversary must be adding to the ordinary hallowed associations of home, the pride and love of country which the memory of those who took part in the struggles of that period cannot fail to awaken.
Petersham took an early and active part, in the firm and patriotic resolutions which her citizens adopted at that time, and which form an interesting part of the history of that . period ; and her sons, from whatever quarter they may come, can hardly fail to derive new inspiration from the spot and the occasion.
But I am allowing my train of thought to run away with me, instead of saying, what I regret to do, that, if I shall be able to accept any invitation for that day, I am already engaged to be in Boston, and therefore am obliged to decline.
I am, very truly and respectfully, Your obedient Servant,
EMORY WASHBURN.
His Excellency also enclosed the sentiment which fol- lows : ----
PETERSHAM. - On the spot where the fathers lighted the flame of Freedom, may their sons never forget how to keep the fire still bright and glowing !
5. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
" HAIL COLUMBIA " -- BY THE BAND.
6. OUR TOWNSHIP. - In its varied surface of green hills and fertile valleys, nature shines forth in beauty and sublimity. May the minds and hearts of its people be ever open to the sweet influences of these her teachings !
This sentiment was responded to by Rev. Mr. BARTOL, of Lancaster, in a very familiar and graceful manner.
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7. THE CLERGY. - One of the main pillars in the social structure. Ever faithful to the arduous but noble calling to which they have been devoted.
Responded to by Rev. J. J. PUTNAM.
8. COMMON SCHOOLS. - The means by which we have become the most intelligent of nations. In remembering our Pilgrim Fathers, let us not forget that they first introduced and established them.
Responded to by Rev. A. B. FOSTER.
9. THE MEMORY OF OUR MOTHERS. - We, their children, " rise up, and call them blessed."
Responded to in an appropriate manner by Rev. E. B. WILLSON.
10. THE HOMESTEAD. -
"I've wandered on through many a clime where flowers of beauty grew, Where all was blissful to the heart, and lovely to the view; I've seen them in their twilight pride, and in their dress of morn, - But none appeared so sweet to me as the place where I was born."
"THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET " - BY THE BAND.
C. K. WETHERELL, Esq., of Barre, responded to the above, and closed with the following sentiment : -
OUR EARLY HOME. - Amid toil, or pleasure's gay scenes, wherever we may roam, the dearest spot in our memory is our native home ..
11. THE MEMORY OF OUR DECEASED FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. MUSIC - BY THE BAND.
12. THE FARMERS OF PETERSHAM. - While they cultivate, with untiring industry, their land, may they not neglect the richer soil of their minds !
Hon. FRANCIS B. FAY, of Chelsea, responded in a witty and excellent speech, which was well received.
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13. OUR MILITARY ESCORT OF "'76," "CHIPS OF THE OLD BLOCK," -- As ready to take up arms against their country's foes, as they have been willing to-day to bear them for their neighbors and friends.
Col. WADSWORTH, in behalf of the Escort Company, offered the following sentiment : -
THE ENEMY OF OUR COUNTRY. - When he steps upon our shores in pur- suit of " beauty and booty," we'll give him cotton bags and bullets.
The following are some of the volunteer sentiments given : -
THE TOWN OF PETERSHAM. - For its prosperity, much indebted to the intel- ligence and independence of its men; still more to the industry, education, and discretion of its women. (By Rev. Dr. NOYES.)
THE ORATOR OF THE DAY, - Himself a prophet, and the son of a prophet ; yet not without honor in his own country. (By F. A. BROOKS.)
OUR FRIENDS FROM ABROAD. - We trust they will not wait for the next centennial anniversary before again joining in festivities which will at least commemorate our national anniversary. (By SETH HAPGOOD.)
THE SON OF THE SECOND MINISTER OF PETERSHAM. (By Rev. E. B. WILLSON.)
Responded to by SAMUEL H. REED, Esq., High Sheriff of Franklin Co., who gave -
MY NATIVE TOWN. - May she long continue to prosper; and, above all, may she ever maintain her present high patriotic and moral position among. her sister towns, which mutually form the great body of the " Heart of the. Commonwealth !"
OUR NATIVE TOWN. - The good foster-mother of us all, and especially the mother of good FOSTERS. (By F. A. BROOKS.)
Responded to by WM. H. FOSTER, Esq., of Boston, who gave -
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OUR NATIVE HOME. - Its recollections shall be ever fresh in our remem- brance.
PETERSHAM, - Once the thoroughfare from East to West, and North and South ; now isolated. Her sons have honorably filled positions in all the learned professions ; have been members of both branches of the State Legis- lature, Representatives in the Congress of the United States; one a member of the first Congress under the Federal Constitution, and one a Governor of the Palmnetto State. May she remain like a city set on a hill, that cannot be hid ! (By CEPHAS WILLARD.)
THE WOMEN OF PETERSHAM PRESENT HERE TO-DAY. - The town cannot degenerate or decay as long as she can point to such as these, and claim them as her jewels. (By F. A. BROOKS.)
THE HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND PROSPERITY OF ALL THE SONS AND DAUGH- TERS OF OLD NICHEWAUG. - (By AVERY CLARK, Esq., of New York.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE DAY. - May he live an hundred years to come, and wear his age as lightly as he wears his honors !
THE EARLY INHABITANTS OF PETERSHAM. - May their characters be read, their worth appreciated, and memories richly cherished, by their children's. children for ever ! (By DAVID LEE, Esq., of Barre.)
OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS. - The one gave us sound constitutions for our bodies ; the others, for the State. Be it ours to preserve them. (By GEORGE B. LINCOLN, of New York.)
THE HOME OF OUR CHILDHOOD. -
" Green for ever be the groves, And bright the flowery sod, Where first the child's glad spirit loves Its country and its God."
(By F. A. BROOKS.) .
BURNSHIRT HILL, - Remarkable as being the birthplace of two distin- guished individuals.
"Old Grimes is dead; "
but, we thank God, the other is spared to preside with so much dignity on the present occasion. (By J. HENRY GODDARD, of Barre.)
THE " FAIR WOMEN AND BRAVE MEN" who may stand here one hundred years hence. - May they be, in blood and spirit, fully equal to their gene -: ration !
FREDERIC CHANDLER, of Lancaster, in response to a call made upon him by the President, related an interesting
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anecdote, illustrative of the spirit of his maternal ancestor, by which she acquired a fame for " grit " (a quality of female character, more common and more necessary to our grandmothers than it is to their daughters of to-day), in allusion to which he offered the following sentiment : -
THE MEMORY OF LYDIA CHANDLER. - May the sons and daughters of Petersham inherit the " true grit !"
PETERSHAM. - " Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace ; length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is every one that retaineth her." (By P. H. BABBITT, of Barre.)
An aged man, wearing the costume of the past generation, was represented by Alfred D. Gates, who sustained the cha- racter during the day with amusing accuracy ; in this spirit, he offered the following sentiment : -
THE FIRST SETTLERS OF PETERSHAM; of whom I regret to say I am the only survivor. - May the principles which they inculcated be strictly followed by the present generation !
Interesting speeches were made both by the gentlemen above named, and by several others present ; but as they were mostly occasional, and familiar in style, and not made for " bunkum," or intended to be reported or preserved, no. attempt has been made to give them here at large. The best praise which can be bestowed on them is, that they were well received, and answered their purpose at the time. There were present at dinner, eight persons, residing in the town, respectively upwards of eighty years of age ; one of whom (Capt. Joel Brooks) is in his ninety-sixth year, but is still able to do a good day's work on his farm. Mrs. Farrar, a resident, widow of the late Rev. Joseph Farrar, and sister of Capt. Brooks just mentioned, was ninety-nine last February. She was not able to be present. At six o'clock, the company united in singing "Old Hundred," and voted that the meeting stand adjourned for one hundred
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years. Before separating, the non-resident natives gave three hearty cheers for their old town.
In the evening, brilliant fireworks, procured by liberal subscriptions of the citizens and natives, were displayed on the Common to the great delight of a large concourse of people, many of whom had never before witnessed any exhibition of the kind. The last piece attracted particular attention by its appropriate design, representing an Indian, equipped with bow and arrow, with the word " Nichewaug " in letters of flame, and the date 1754.
The spirit of fellowship and good-will, and the absence of other spirit (none of which could be had), rendered the day entirely peaceable and orderly ; and the special constables, who were sworn in that day to preserve law and order, found no cause to exercise the power they wielded.
The occasion was a happy one to all ; and, though de- signed as a remembrancer of the past, it will itself prove a subject of pleasing remembrance to many.
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