USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Brief history of the town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts; prepared in connection with the celebration of old home week, July 26-31, 1903 > Part 2
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Besides the Act of June 17, 1796, authorizing the building
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RUINS OF WHELDEN, SWIFT & COMPANY'S COTTON FACTORY BUILT IN 1814
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of a toll bridge over the Acushnet river, on June 22, 1804, an- other Act was passed incorporating Samuel Borden and others as "The Proprietors of Crow Island Bridge," and "empowered to erect a Bridge from the easterly side of Crow Island, in Acush- net river, aforesaid, to Fairhaven village, in the town of New Bedford aforesaid, a few feet south of the dwelling of the widow Elizabeth Adams, to the land of the said Samuel Borden." This bridge was "to have a draw of at least twenty-eight feet in width, which draw shall be raised up for all vessels without toll or pay, during day light in each day."
In 1811 a street was laid out from Water street to the bridge which led to the Rope Walk on Crow Island. This street is known as Eldridge's lane.
November 13, 1803, a road was laid out from opposite the house of John Taber, the late residence of George HI. Taber, easterly to Boston Hill. This road is often called the Mill road as it led to the grist mill at Naskatucket near the present pump- ing station.
In 1814 Joseph Whelden, for many years one of the Select- men of Fairhaven, and a representative in the General Court, . built a stone cotton factory on the Acushnet river, about a mile north of the mill-dam of the grist and saw mill located above the Head of the River bridge. For a number of years the town, at its meetings, voted that the highway tax on Whelden, Swift & Company's factory be permitted to be laid out for the private way leading to said factory. The walls of this factory are still standing. ·
June 15, 1815, a small part of the town of Freetown was an- nexed to Fairhaven, including the lands of Paul Spooner and Seth Spooner.
September 23, 1815, the great gale and accompanying high tide did great damage to property in Fairhaven.
The toll bridge between New Bedford and Fairhaven was swept away. The bridge to, and the Rope Walk upon Crow
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Island were destroyed. The building containing the records of the town from February 22, 1812 was swept from the wharf and the records destroyed. The bridge aeross Herring river forming a part of Main street was also partially destroyed. The shore line was changed in many places by the terrific waves. "An- geleco," near the south-west end of Scontient Point, which Jethro Delano had allowed the Indians of Scontient to cultivate until in 1776 he divided his farm, consisting of all of the sontherly part of the Neck, among his children, and which traet his grandsons, Henry and Charles Delano, had plowed and planted in the spring of 1815, was washed into the sea and virtually destroyed.
So great was the damage to property from this gale that at a town meeting held May 11, 1816, it was voted : "To choose a committee to coneur with the town of New Bedford in petition- ing the Legislature of this Commonwealth for an allowance in taxes in consequence of damages sustained in the gale and tide of Sept. last past."
No relief is reported to have been given by the Legislature.
After the disasters of the war and the gale had been re- covered from, the town entered upon a period of steady growth and prosperity. Roads and streets were laid out, industries multiplied and the wealth of the citizens steadily increased.
May 13, 1820, Spring street was laid out from Adams street to Main street. The committee chosen to purchase a small farm for the accommodation of the poor May 15, 1824, reported to the town meeting that they had "purchased a small place of Noah Spooner for the sum of five hundred and forty eight dollars and twenty five cents."
March 19, 1827, the committee appointed to report to the town the number of families in each school district, and the es- · timated valuation of the property in the districts reported the number of families as being 567, and the valuation of the prop- erty as $499,991. The number of residents of the town at this time was not reported.
BRIDGE AT HEAD OF THE RIVER - BUILT IN 1828
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The centre of the stone bridge at the Head of the River was on the dividing line between New Bedford and Fairhaven. May 19, 1828, the town meeting voted, "To raise the sum of three hundred dollars to purchase a lot for a public burying ground, and defray the expense of building the one half of a stone bridge across the Head of the River, provided the town of New Bedford will join and build their half of said bridge."
At the same meeting it was voted "To accept the report of the selectmen and purebase a lot for a public burying ground of Enoch S. Jenney on the east side of the road leading by and between the house of Noah Spooner's and James Tripp, con- taining about one acre more or less, at the rate of seventy-five dollars per acre."
The bridge at the Head of the River was built, although later action by the town became necessary as the appropriation was exceeded.
In 1832 the report of the School District Committees shows the number of families to have increased to 642. July 20, 1832, the old way, beginning sixty rods cast of the meeting house, near the corner of Centre and Laurel streets, and running north- easterly to the road near Seth Alden's woods, was laid out. This way has been discontinued, but for that time made more accessible Scontient Neck and the towns to the eastward.
June 9, 1832, were laid out Washington and Union streets, from Main to Green street, William street from Spring street to the old burying ground, Walnut and Green streets from Spring street to the south line of William Rotch's land. The Green street layout included, in part, Wrightington's driftway or lane. This driftway was the old way to Henry Sampson's, and later to Caleb Church's farm, and to his homestead, which afterwards was owned by Richard Wrightington. This driftway, or lane, continued south to the homestead of Silvanus Allen.
March 18, 1831, the "President, Directors and Company of the Fairhaven Bank," was incorporated, with a capital stock of
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$100,000. April 9, 1836, the capital was increased to $200,000. May 2, 1849, the charter was extended to January 1, 1870. This State Bank is now chartered under the National Banking Act as the National Bank of Fairhaven."
March 16, 1831, the " Fairhaven Insurance Company " was incorporated with a capital of $100,000. With the decline of whaling this company went out of existence.
February 10, 1832, the "Fairhaven Institution for Savings" was incorporated, and still continues a successful existence.
March 8, 1832, the . Proprietors of the New Bedford and Fairhaven Ferry " was incorporated. This corporation long since ceased to exist, but the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company now continue the ferry service established by the original company.
April 9, 1836, a small part of Rochester was annexed to Fairhaven and the bounds between the two townships established.
The palmy days of whaling, and its accompanying indus- tries, continued uninterrupted from 1830 until 1857, when financial disaster overtook the community, and the approach of portending civil conflict gave little promise of the return of its former principal industry.
In 1854 the Fairhaven Branch Railroad had been constructed from Fairhaven to Tremont, there connecting with the main line to Boston.
In 1858 the town house, built by the town for the holding of town meetings and located north of Woodside Cemetery, on the east side of North Main street, was destroyed by fire. The spirit of dissatisfaction then existing between the citizens at the Head of the River, where in the early years of the township had resided the greater number of the citizens, and those who lived in the lower village, resulted in the separation of the communi- ties by the incorporation of the portion of the town north of Dahl's Corner as the town of Acushnet, February 13, 1860.
In another chapter are reviewed the industrial interests
SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MONUMENT AT RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
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which have had existence in the town, and those which now give employment to its citizens. The recovery from the depression, disaster and sorrows of the Civil War was slow. The town had paid freely with its manhood and its treasure to maintain the Union and perpetuate freedom. To the memory of its heroes it erected, in 1867, a monument in granite in the beautiful Riverside Cemetery, which had been given to the town by Warren Delano, and dedicated July 7, 1850, as a publie place of burial.
The Roll of Honor, whose patriotism and memory this shaft commemorates, now bears the names of :
Bart Akin.
Lewis A. Drew. John J. Dnily.
Frederick B. Allen.
William C. Ashley.
James Davis, War of 1812.
Charles H. Austin.
Charles F. Eldredge.
Henry L. Bosworth.
Edward Eldridge.
Thomas H. Bowen.
Barnabas Ewer, Jr.
Sylvanus Baker.
Iliram B. Ellis.
Alexander J. Brown.
William 11. Elliot.
William H. Burgess.
Dr. Isaac Fairchild.
William 1 .. Butman.
John A. Fitch.
William T. Butman.
Ira Gerri-h.
Joseph Bates. James Besse.
Ebenezer B. Hathaway.
1 .. M. Bowen.
John A. Hawes.
William W. Carsley.
Walter F. Howland.
Joseph S. Caswell.
Charles W. Ilyde.
Warren R. Clark.
William A. Haskins.
Elisha Copeland.
William H. Haskins.
George 11. Copeland.
Ansel Hitch. Charles N. Jenney.
Benjamin F. Cowen.
William J. Cowell.
Simpson Jenney. Jonathan Jenney.
William P. Cowie.
James F. Jones.
Thomas Crowell. Nathan C. Coburn.
Capt. Francis Kempton.
. Joseph M. Clark.
Alfred C. King.
Benjamin W. Kempton.
Oliver Lapham. Jr.
Leonard Luther.
Samuel L. Marvel.
Jonathan E. Cowen. James Dawes, War of 1812. Edward F. Damon. Edward II. Dillingham.
Eben W. Godfrey.
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Charles H. Macomber.
Augustus Mayo. Charles L. Morse. Oliver Mendall.
Freeman F. Snow. William T. Swift. Albert Shaw.
Loring P. Taber. William D. Taber.
James Merrihew.
Harvey C. Morse.
Henry W. Taber.
William C. Nye.
Joseph B. Taber, Jr.
Alvin H. Paine.
Granville W. Taber.
Ebenezer Parsons, Jr.
John M. Thompson.
Phineas Peckham.
Elbridge B. Townsend.
Andrew T. Perry.
Amos S. Tripp.
William B. Parrington.
Eben R. Tripp.
Benjamin T. Randall.
Horace P. Tripp.
George F. Rogers.
William Tripp, War of 1812.
Amos Rogers, Jr.
W. A. Tripp.
John Roderick. Revolutionary War. Barney Rall.
William B. Waterson.
George 11. Richards.
Rev. Israel Washburn.
G. Sidney Sampson.
John Werden, War of 1812.
Benjamin B. Sampson.
Lemmel C. Wood, Jr.
John P. Sears.
William A. West.
W. W. Sekell.
John Williams.
Thomas F. Shaw. Abisha Shaw.
John A. Williams.
Caleb J. Wood.
Charles D. Sherman.
Lemmel C. Wood.
Samuel T. Spooner.
Charles D. Wrightington.
Francis 11. Stoddard.
William Webb. War of 1812.
Henry Steel.
Oscar F. Wixon.
William J. Steel.
Alden Davis
Oliver Swain.
Joshua Wilkie.
From the great gale of September 8, 1869, the citizens suffered severe damage in property along the water front. The New Bedford and Fairhaven Bridge was for the third time almost totally destroyed, and for a long time during its reconstruction was impassable. To this time it had been maintained by a private corporation as a toll bridge. On the completion of · reconstruction in 1870 it was made a free highway bridge, and was thereafter to be maintained by the City of New Bedford and Town of Fairhaven.
In 1872, the New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railway
Jesse A. Warner.
NEW BEDFORD AND FAIRHAVEN BRIDGE IN 1890
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Company began the construction of its line across the bridge to the depot of the Old Colony Railroad in Fairhaven. Later the line was extended to the south end of Fort street, and to River- side cemetery on North Main street. In 1894, the motive power was changed from horses to electricity.
The first newspaper printed in Fairhaven was the "Bristol Gazette." The publication of this paper was begun in New Bedford in October, 1808, as the "Old Colony Gazette." In 1811, the name was altered to the "New Bedford Gazette." In 1812, the name was again changed to the "Bristol Gazette." Joseph Gleason, Jr., the publisher of the paper from 1810, holding strong Jeffersonian views of government made the issues of his paper unacceptable to the large proportion of Federalists in New Bedford, and in 1812 removed the publication of his paper to Fairhaven to gain the patronage of the many Democrats who resided there. In the issue of February 5, 1813. Mr. Gleason announces that, by reason of his appointment in the United States army, he has relinquished the publication of the paper to Pant Taber. The publication of the paper ceased after July 10, 1813.
On February 18, 1879, the "Star" was first published by Charles D. Waldron, at his home on Oxford street. This minia- ture four page newspaper, of 8 1-2 inches by 12 inches pages, 3 columns to a page, was increased in size in May, 1879, by the addition of another cohim to the page and adding two inches to its length. During the first year of its existence it was enlarged three times. The success of the "Fairhaven Star" has been con- stant and permanent. Courteously but positively declining to publish any matter, either as advertisement or communication, which may be questionable in its character, or injurious in effect, . its publisher set a high standard of reliability and has maintained it. The constant evidence of success of the local newspaper has been a source of pride to the citizens, for a community without a progressive newspaper is lacking in an essential element of civic
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development. Mr. Waldron has faithfully lived up to the motto he so long ago set at the head of the editorial column, "Push Fairhaven." The publication of the paper was soon removed to a small building on the west side of Main street, near the corner of Centre street, which was entirely occupied for that purpose. The paper has been increased in size to four pages of 19 1-2 by 26 inches, and is published weekly. In August, 1902, it was installed in its new quarters in the "Star Building," on the west side of South Main street, near the corner of Ferry street.
In 1882, a village improvement association was formed, and which was incorporated in 1885 as the "Fairhaven Improve- ment Association." Composed of men and women loyally devoted to the permanent interests of the town it has done effec- tive work in awakening a spirit of emulation among the citizens in the care and improvement of their homes and property, and from its treasury and by the individual efforts of its members has preserved and made attractive many natural features. Through its instrumentality, a drinking fountain was erected at Bridge square ; the old graveyard at the south end of William street was transformed into a pleasant park ; the neglected grave of John Cooke was protected and a suitable monument to his memory and character was erected. The roadsides and ancient cemeteries have been cleared of the encroaching bush and bramble. The success of the Bathing Pavilion and beach, conducted for many years by the Association on the shore to the west of Privilege street, and now and during the past few years as successfully maintained at the attractive shore and the clear salt water near the Beacon, attest the appreciation of the public. The custody of the historie Fort Phonix having been given by the Federal Government to the Association, its preservation and renovation . has made it an ideal spot for recreation or rest. The shady gar- rison lane retains the border of cedars which sheltered the defenders of three wars, and the marine view from the rock parapet is unsurpassed.
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FAIRHAVEN STAR OFFICE
STAR'S COMPOSING ROOM
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The present officers of the Association are : President, Thomas A. Tripp; Vice President, Drew B. Hall ; Secretary, Job C. Tripp; Treasurer, William W. Crossman; and an Executive Committee of thirty members.
In 1892, was completed the bridge across the Acushnet river, at Oxford Heights, connecting Coggeshall street in New Bedford with a new way laid out from North Main street to the bridge in Fairhaven.
In 1893, the Fairhaven Water Company began the con- struction of a system of water works for supplying the town with water. The hydrant service in time of fire is of sufficient pressure to dispense with the use of a fire engine; and the fire department service, consisting of two hose companies, hook and ladder company, and protecting society, supplemented by an electric fire alarm service, furnish an efficient protection to prop- erty from fire.
The good order and security of the community is such that no regular police department is required to be maintained.
In 1895, the Board of Sewer Commissioners was organized, and the Shone system of sewerage then under construction was completed. This system of sewerage has been considerably extended since its introduction, and gravity sewers have also been laid in suitable localities. The present Board of Sewer Commissioners consists of Eldridge G. Paull, George T. Thacher and Zenas W. Dodge.
For more than ten years past the New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Company has furnished the electric current for street lights, public buildings and private residences in the town.
In 1893, the widening and construction of a new bridge on or near the location of the then existing New Bedford and Fair- haven Bridge was authorized by an act of the legislature. This act has been followed by numerous additional acts, and the mammoth and magnificent structure, seventy feet in width is nearing completion. For the accommodation of the travelling
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public it has been constructed in a manner that but slightly interfered with travel.
The layout of new streets and the extension of older streets during the past ten years has opened up large sections of the town for building purposes, and many new buildings have been constructed.
While the sewerage of the town was satisfactorily taken care of by the systems employed, the surface drainage of the highways presented a serious problem. In 1890, the town abandoned the system of caring for the highways under the direction of highway surveyors, and created the office of Superintendent of Streets. A systematic plan for the grading of the streets was adopted, and has been followed with snecess. In 1896, Mr. Henry H. Rogers was appointed superintendent of streets, and he appointed Mr. John I. Bryant as assistant superintendent, and these gentlemen still fill the same offices. During the past seven years a large number of miles of block paved gutters, granite curbed side- walks and macadamized road bed have been constructed, and more than three miles of block paved streets have been laid by the Union Street Railway Company in accordance with the con- ditions of a contract made with the town.
At the time of the construction of the Coggeshall street bridge the portion of the town farm situated to the west of North Main street, including the Ahnshouse, was sold. In 1894, the town purchased another site, located on the south side of Wash- ington street, at the intersection of the Scontient Neck road. Upon this land in 1894 the town built the present Almshouse, a wooden building of two stories in height, and admirably ar- ranged for the care and comfort of its inmates.
The town has been the recipient of many benefactions, in addition to the water supply and perfectly constructed highways.
In 1885, it received from Mr. Henry HI. Rogers the gift of the Rogers School, a substantial structure of brick with terra- cotta ornamentation, and a model of school architecture. In
FAIRHAVEN END OF NEW BRIDGE IN 1902
3
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1893, was received the gift of Anne E. Benjamin, Cara Rogers Duff, Mary Huttleston Rogers and Henry H. Rogers Jr., of the magnificent Millicent Library, with its treasure of books, in memory of their sister, Millicent Gifford Rogers. No more ex_ quisite and tasteful memorial edifice could have been designed. This noble gift has been endowed by Mr. Henry HI. Rogers with a fund of one hundred thousand dollars deposited with the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, and with ownership of the Fair- haven Water Works from which a permanent income is assured.
From the incorporation of the town in 1812 to 1894 the town did not possess any public building for the accommodation of the officers and business affairs of the town. The town meet- ings had been held in various places. From 1812 to 1817 they were held in the old Methodist Church at the Head of the River, from 1818 to 1831 in the old Congregational Church at the Head of the River ; from 1832 to 1844 in the old Academy building on Main street, from 1844 to 1858 in the Town House on North Main street, which was built in 1843 and destroyed by fire in 1858, from 1859 to 1864 in Sawin's Hall on William street, now the Advent Church. From 1864 to 1894 they were held in Phonix Hall. In 1894, the town received from Mrs. Abbie P. Rogers, the wife of Mr. Henry II. Rogers, the gift of the Town Hall, one of the finest specimens of civic architecture in New England. The exterior is of French Gothic style, the lower por- tion of granite, surmounted by a structure of brick, with clab- orate ornamentation in terra cotta. The tower is furnished with an illuminated clock, and a large bell of deep and mellow tone. The lower floor is divided into apartments for the accommodation of all the official departments, and a large and admirably ap- pointed hall for public meetings is located on the second floor, with a smaller hall for general public uses on the lower floor.
In 1901, the George H. Taber Lodge of Masons was pro- sented by Mr. Henry H. Rogers, the substantial building, containing the magnificently furnished suite of rooms they now
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occupy, as a tribute of affection to the honored man and Mason for whom the Lodge was named. This building is a notable addition to the public and private edifices in the town. The health, as well as the pleasure and convenience of the residents has been considered by Mr. Henry H. Rogers, in now adding a great physical feature to the possessions of the town by the obliteration of Herring river, or the Mill Pond as it has been known for many years, and in its place creating an ample park, with avenues making access to the surrounding portions of the town more convenient.
The citizens sustain a number of organizations for the as- sistance of the poor, the encouragement of education, the pro- motion of the business interests of the town, and of athletic sports, and the enjoyment of music. Among them may be named the Fairhaven Poor Society, Educational Art Club, Fair- haven Business Association, Fairhaven Mutual Aid Corporation, Fairhaven Veteran Association, Fairhaven Men's Club, the Fair- haven and the Atlas Tack Base Ball clubs, the several Cycle clubs, and the Fairhaven Band.
The present popular recreation of golf playing is promoted by the Fairhaven Golf club, which was organized in May, 1900. In the Spring of 1901, the club secured a lease of the Dexter and Taber estates on the west side of North Main street, a little south of Riverside Cemetery, and extending to the Acushnet river, comprising about 14 acres of rolling land adapted to a golf course of six holes, which was laid out by David Findlay, the golf professional. These links are considered very sporty and a fair natural course. During the present season of 1903, the Club has added 3 tennis courts on the land on the east side of North Main street, opposite to the links. During the season of 1902, Mr. Dexter built for the Club a delightfully located Club House on the top of Dolly Hill, where formerly stood the old grist wind-mill, overlooking the entire course, and commanding a fine view of the Acushnet river. The Club is sustained by a con-
1.
GEORGE H. TABER MASONIC BUILDING ASSOCIATON BLOCK
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stantly increasing membership, now numbering 100, with annual dues of five dollars. Through the interest and gifts of Mrs. J. B. Rhodes, of New Bedford, the Club House has been prettily furnished. Mrs. Rhodes has also given to the Club an elegant silver cup, as a Club Trophy to be annually competed for by the lady members of the club. This trophy was won and is now
TROPHY CUP
held by Mrs. Edgar R. Lewis, of New Bedford. The present officers are : President, Edward B. Gray; Vice President, William B. Gardner; Secretary and Treasurer, Harry L. Pope ; Directors, Miss Anna B. Winsor, Miss Alice HI. Howland, Miss Ethel S. Davis, Mr. H. H. Stanton, Dr. William E. Walker.
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TOWN CLERKS FROM 1812-1903
1812-17, Levi Jenney.
1817-19, Jabez Taber.
1819-34, Bartholomew Taber.
1834-42, Nathaniel Church.
1842-55, Eben Akin. Jr.
1855-75, Theker Damon, Jr.
1875-87, Eben Akin. Jr.
1887-95, Francis DeP. Tappan.
1895,
Francis W. Tappan.
1895-03, Charles F. Swift.
SELECTMEN FROM 1815-1903
1815-18, James Taber, Joseph Whelden, Bartholomew Akin.
1819, James Taber. John Atsatt, John Taber.
1820, James Taber, John Taber, Warren Delano.
1821,
James Taber, Bartholomew Akin, John Taber.
1822, James Taber, Bartholomew Akin, Annel Allen.
1823-24, James Taber, Ansel Allen, John Taber.
1825, James Taber, John Taber, Warren Delano.
1826-28, James Taber, John Taber, Warren Delano.
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