USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Dover > Dover fifty years ago > Part 2
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This is quite in contrast with the trees used at an earlier time in dyeing expenditures of the boys in my homespun. youth, some of whom I recall as gath- Boston on the Fourth of July. In the fall the boys picked cran- ering pond lilies and selling them in berries after the rake and often gathered a barrel of the fruit which They sold butternuts gathered from
The late Samuel G. Chickering, they sold and used the money in the who left the income of more than purchase of winter clothes.
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In the spring cranberries, which
The women took great delight in had dropped from the vines, were plants and shrubs and flowers. The floated to the meadow's edge by the love and culture of flowers is a sure spring floods and as the water re- sign of refinement of mind. I love to ceded were gathered by the boys and recall the many homes in the town sold, or used by their mothers in where the women had flower gardens making the best cranberry turnovers, and blooming shrubs, which furnished that any boy ever ate. In the fall a succession of blossoms from early they trapped the rabbit, partridge, spring until late fall. In the south and muskrat. At wood auctions the windows of living rooms, petunias, boys carried the flag and stood on geraniums and other flowers bloomed the corner of the lot announcing through the long winter and spring, "here a corner." The boys hardly adding life and beauty to almost needed the favorite training of to- every Dover home. day. We teach our boys, says a re- cent writer, to delve, trade, contract and amass fortunes, deeming it suc- cess if they know how to make money and our girls how to spend it faster than the girls of any other country in the world.
Card playing was enjoyed by most families. In my own home, carrying out the custom of the Puritans, no card playing was allowed on Satur- day night-it was too near Sunday, in fact at an earlier time Sunday had already commenced. All cards were put away on Fast Day, not to be taken out again until fall. Fox and geese was played by all, but, dominos
As the autos of the town go out at evening to take residents to the movies in Needham, Natick or Ded- ham, the question naturally arises, and checkers were forbidden in many how did the residents of the town in homes.
the years long past meet the neces- Sunday School picnics, town picnics sity for entertainment. Today mil- and neighborhood picnics were com- lions and millions of people get their mon occurrences and were enjoyed by sole amusement in motion pictures. all. The picnics of the First Parish, Kitchen dances were common from always held in Sawin's grove-now the first for dancing was an art the home of Mr. Sidney Bartlett- which our fathers brought with them. was always looked forward to with
When John Williams became pro- the keenest delight. Some picnics prietor, in 1799, of the Dover Tav- were held in "Celebration Woods" at ern he added a dance hall where the corner of Centre and Haven through the fall and winter months streets.
frequent balls were held. A very common and popular ball was given the night before Thanksgiving. A turkey supper was served and there was never a lack of attendance.
With the building of the Town Hall in 1880 frequent dancing parties
were organized which were held through the year.
Serenades were not uncommon es- pecially when a bachelor married. The first time my brother and I re-
The Medfield Brass Band, of which a goodly number of Dover men were members, furnished the music. The whistle of the incoming train, which in those days ran no further than Dover, was of more attraction than the brass band, and all the boys ran to see the train come in. The huge smokestack and the wood piled high on the tender are recalled after near- ly sixty years.
While one can hardly see a child
mained out until 3 o'clock in the today who hasn't an ice cream cone morning was on the occasion of the in his hand, yet it is well to remem- serenade to Mr. and Mrs. Asa Clark, ber that ice cream freezers were not the bridegroom being a bachelor of in use before the late fifties. The first ice cream made in Dover was
fifty years.
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on the occasion of the celebration of the absence of a town hall, campaign the opening of the Air Line Railroad, rallies with flag raisings were not July 4, 1860, when Mrs. John W. held as early as in many towns. At Howe of Newton brought her freezer first, poltical rallies were held out of and made ice cream for the Howe doors, when flags of either party were family and their friends. This was flung to the breeze. the first ice cream I ever ate.
Out of town picnics were often held at Farm pond in Sherborn, and at Curtis Grove, Medfield. With the passing of the muster came the ings forty years ago made them "Cornwallis" which was held in Na- tick and was of surpassing interest to old and young. Auction sales in this and adjoining towns were always attended by the men and boys. If a large sale, the auction commenced at 10 o'clock in the morning and at noon everybody was fed. Barrels of crackers were opened, big cheeses cut up, and washboilers full of steaming coffee was served. James Tisdale was a famous auctioneer of his day, and no one had a larger following; his services were in demand as far south as Rhode Island. His ability was inherited by his descendants in each generation and his grandson, Alfred B. Tisdale, continued selling at auction in Dover, Medfield, Wal- pole and Dedham until over 80 years of age. Van Amberg's menagerie
There has been great elevation in the tone of the speaking at poltical meetings. I have heard women say that the stories told at such gather- blush. Before the building of the Town Hall, the Meeting house of the First Parish (making it as in the early history of the Parish a meet- ing house in fact) was used for po- litical meetings. Good order pre- vailed and not a word was uttered that was not in perfect propriety. In 1894, during the presidential cam- paign, the Democrats of the town flung a flag across Springdale Ave. opposite the churches, bearing the name of Grover Cleveland. No larg- er or more beautiful flag could be found in the County. Political feel- ing ran high for many years. I have heard Republican women say they would rather go a mile round than walk under a flag bearing the name of a Democratic candidate.
The Sunday service was of great came along about 1860, and with its interest to women and girls, giving successors has never failed to show them an opportunity to meet neigh- in Natick through all the years. bors and friends. After the organi- When the menagerie traveled over zation of the Baptist Church in 1837, the road, it sometimes passed through Dover, and at such times the boys were up by 3 o'clock in the morning to see it pass and get a sight at camels and elephants without charge. When P. T. Barnum introduced "Tom Thumb" to the public, the Dover women, who saw the midget, never tired of talking about him and comparing him in height with their own children.
young people from the First Parish I am told often dropped in to the af- ternon service of the Society, espe- cially if a baptism was to be held in Charles River, all of which was a change from the regular round of their lives. The Ladies' Benevolent Society met monthly in the homes of members of the First Parish and made quilts and fancy articles for the annual fair which was held for many years in Noanet Hall at Dover Mills. This fair was largely attended
Potter, the sleight of hand per- former, gave exhibitions in town and was followed by Harrington the ven- and was a looked for event by people triloquist. Traveling shows with in this and neighboring towns. Tick- lantern slides sometimes exhibited in ets for the "guess cake" and "ring the school houses of the town.
In cake" were in demand but the greater
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contest was over the bed quilt, sold by plenty of good cider the time was lottery. Erastus Gay of West Dedham passed. Every home had its quilt- through the years was often the win- ner. The grab bag was of never fail- ing interest to the youngsters who were in attendance in the afternoon. Sunday afternoon sings in the Meet-
ing frame and quiltings were not un- common. A musical Society, in the south part of the town, furnished much pleasure and entertainment for many years. Singing schools were ing-house were largely attended and held in the school houses or in the it was on one of these occasions in Baptist Chapel during the winter 1839 that the beautiful
Colonial months of most years. Perhaps the Meeting-house of the First Parish last singing school (taught by Dr. was burned. Literary Societies hav- Porter) was held in the West School-
ing definite functions have existed house.
from time to time. Lectures on Fast Day, frequent balls were Lectures on health, Woman's rights, held at the Williams Tavern, which temperance and kindred subjects were attended by many young men were held throughuot the year. The and women from this and neighboring Lyceum of the town met in the school towns. Nathaniel P. Banks, after- houses and the subjects discussed by wards Governor of the State; Speaker Henry Wilson the Natick cobbler, of the National House of Represen-
and other men of note were of spe- cial interest.
tatives, and a General in the Union Army in the Civil War, attended balls here. Aaron Miller (for whom Miller Hill was named ) was a sic for such occasions. The Williams Tavern had the reputation of fur-
Forty years ago or so the Chau- taqua Reading Circle with its all the year round course had its members noted violinist and furnished the mu- here. This course included the read- ing of a monthly magazine and books on science, art, literature and history. nishing the best ball supper in the Miss Amy Sullivan, (Mrs. J. W. Hig- county. gins) was the first person to complete On the occasion of the Cattle the course in Dover. The old-fash- Show of the Norfolk Agricultural ioned Chautaqua has disappeared, yet its spirit remains and its leaders to- day are engaged in an out of doors en- lightenment, through an institution, behind which are the best thought and spirit of the community.
Society at Dedham (or the South Middlesex at Framingham) each of which drew from a radius of about 15 miles, while today in automobiles per- sons go several hundred miles to such shows, the town was nearly deserted. Every member of the family found
Courses of lectures at Natick and Medfield were attended by residents something of real interest in these of the town during the winter months. annual fairs, which were conducted The most popular lecturers in the by farmers for farmers and with the country appeared on the Natick plat- co-operation of farmers. They went form. I recall hearing Wendell Philips to see the yellow honey and the gol- in the Medfield Course and Henry den butter and the prize embroidery Ward Beecher at Natick. Women and the reddest apple, the biggest did much afternon visiting during potatoes, the most succulent melons, the winter and early spring. At such the fattest steers, wooliest sheep, the times a fire was kindled in the best proudest roosters, and the noblest room, which under ordinary circum- horses. stances was used only for weddings
The farmers of the time were in- and funerals. The best china was terested in the horse show, live stock brought out and a bountiful supper show, farm machinery and domestic was served. In the evening the hus- machinery. This was the beginning bands came in and with apples and a of the use of power farming.
From early winter until
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The young people of the town en- and enjoy the comradeship of their joyed sleigh rides which included a neighbors. In the winter time spel- turkey supper at some hostelry. Per- ling matches were held in the District haps the favorite ride was through schoolhouses. Sometimes the pupils the Newtons to Brighton where a of one District challenged the pupils of another District to see which could spell the other down. supper was served at the Cattle Fair Hotel. After the opening of the rail- road young people on the Fourth of At the close of the winter term of
July went into Boston to see the fire- school a public examination was held. works on Boston Common. Fishing In oral recitations, songs, dialogues was always in order and many "fish- and declamations the pupils exhibited ing holes" in Charles river, where their ability. Members of the school hornpouts were sure to bit, were committee were present with parents known. Ice fishing was great fun and and friends who filled the little all the necessary traps were found on schoolhouses to the doors. I had my many farms of the town. Farm pond first pair of rubber boots when 16 at Sherborn was the favorite fishing years of age. With the melting of ground. The boys who lived near the first snow, I had wet feet until Charles river enjoyed boating. While the ways were settled in the spring. baseball had not been introduced, During the winter my cowhide boots round ball and "hilly over" were were greased with mutton tallow and favorite games on school grounds. set to dry over night by the open Those who kept hounds engaged in fox hunting; they followed the real thing not the anise bag. fire or the kitchen stove. For my red- topped copper-toed boots my father usually took me to Isaac Fiske's store at Medfield, or George Clark's store at Sherborn. Having selected the size or number, the pegs were re- moved on a stationary rasp which was attached to the counter, and if some remembered when the boot was tried on they were removed by a hand rasp made for the purpose.
Dover farmers being much on the road and often stopping over night in Boston were early patrons of the theatre. For twenty-five cents a bal- cony seat could be purchased and a play enjoyed. After haying resi- dents often made excursions to Gloucester and suffered attacks of sea sickness which were long remem-
With the harvest moon came the bered. Excursions for bathing were husking party which was especially made to Squantum.
enjoyed by the young men and the
Children were numerous and at maidens. After the pile of husked home in every house, barn or shed corn had been heaped high, all were within a mile. They especially en- invited into the house to partake of a most bountiful supper consisting of baked beans and a great variety of pies and cakes. The real New Eng- joyed coasting, skating and snow- balling. The boys made elder pop- guns, which made a ringing report.
They set figure four traps for land pumpkin pie was most in de- squirrels and box traps for rabbits. mand.
They made windmills, weather vanes
After about 1860, Christmas cele- and little water wheels that went in brations were held in the churches the brooks. In imitation of archers and schoolhouses with well laden they made bows and arrows. Some trees.
I well remember my first will remember the years before lawn Christmas present, a litle China soap tennis was born when everybody dish given me in 1859 by my Sunday played croquet.
school teacher, Mrs. Barker, wife of
Raisings were not uncommon and the minister of the First Parish at such times all the men and boys Church. My next Christmas gift of the district turned out to assist was a box of paints hung on the
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Christmas tree in the West School- ton, Cambridge, Watetown, Newton house, when the school was taught and Roxbury, but with the surround- by Miss Lizzie Dowse, daughter of ing towns as well-Natick, Wayland, the Rev. Dr. Edmund Dowse of Sher- Holliston, Sherborn, Framingham, Medway, Medfield, Walpole, Dedham, Needham, Brookline, West Roxbury and the territory since incorporated as Wellesley, Millis, and Westwood. born, for so many years the chap- lain of the Mass. Senate. It was many years afterwards when Christ- mas wreaths were first used for deco- rative purposes in Dover homes and later made for sale.
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I knew every church, school and place of historic interest in the whole territory. Dover in all the years since its separation from the mother town has never had especially inti-
It was long a custom to exchange presents on New Year's day and in New England the day has been much longer observed than Christmas. mate relations with Dedham. The situation is not explained by the top- ography of the country alone.
New Year's is the World's oldest Holiday of which gift giving has been a feature. January 1st has been kept
Through many years the residents Parish were forced to attend church at Dedham, although in so doing
as New Year by all civilized people of what"later became the Springfield since 1752. The young folks, espe- cially the boys, got great fun out of skating. With the opening of the some had to travel more than twenty winter school, the first Monday after miles. Bearing this in mind we may Thanksgiving, the boys of the West trace a feeling of prejudice which ex- School dammed Fisher Brook and isted. at least through the early years flowed the meadow of Bradford Cur- of the town. We find residents turn- tis, making a skating pond.
Here ing to other adjoining towns rather when the skating was good, the little than to Dedham for many things, pond was literally black, during the except official County business which noon hour, with the pupils of the had to be transacted at the County school. Here on moonlight nights seat.
was held many a skating party. Coasting was a pastime in which both the boys and girls engaged. Starting at the top of the hill at Farm and Wight streets, the double runners with their human freight sped along Farm street past the house of Noah Fiske, and down the long hill, over Fisher Brook, and half way up the hill opposite Juniper Knoll.
There is nothing enumerated in this list of farm amusements and forms of entertainment that were not participated in by the boys and girls of the town in the years succeeding the stage coach, the spinning wheel and the tallow candle.
Dover boys had a wider acquaint- ance, with the surrounding country than those of many other towns. My Christian Science Monitor took the father always took one of his boys trouble to measure by inches the with him whenever called from home space given to the Dempsey fight and on business. In this way I was made to the meeting of the National Edu- familiar with not only Boston, Brigh- cational Association, which were in
This spirit, however, was not as manifest in the East part of the town where the farmers, in going to Boston, drove to Dedham and put their horses in the sheds of the First Parish Church, where they remained, unmolested, until their return in the late afternoon when they drove home.
Regarding fraternal organizations, residents of Dover were members of the masonic order before the Revo- lution; followed by Odd Fellowship, Good Templars and Patrons of Hus- bandry, all of which helped the mem- bers to break the monotony of farm life.
Today what a change has come over the people! In the Dempsey fight (1923) the editor of the
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session at the same time. The edi-
While the farmers of the period tor was shocked to find that the which we have considered had to be space given to Dempsey beat the Ed- economical, I very much doubt if ucational Meeting about a thousand they found it as hard to gain a live- to one; to which an editor replied :- lihood as the average citizen of to- For every person in the United day, who, living under a more ad- States that would have paid ten vanced civilization ought to gain a cents to attend the educational meet- more abundant life. I know the resi- ing, a thousand would have paid $50 dents of that day had more leisure. to see the prize fight. In the fight Each served in turn as the prudential which was held in New York on school committeeman in the district Sept. 14, 1923, more than 92,000 saw in which he lived. Each served as Dempsey knock out Firpo and the the highway surveyor and had the audience was only limited by the cap- satisfaction at least of keeping the acity of the polo grounds. The gate road in good condition near his own recepits as officially announced were house, and had the opportunity of $1,350,000. In all the history of earning something in working out fighting there has never been two the tax of non-residents of the dis- such rounds of fist fighting, which trict. Before the appointment of a means such brutality. How would the Dover of today measure up in its interest in such events ?
On Sunday all went to church to gain that goodness which the de- scendants of the Puritans sought and on Monday morning every housewife did the family washing for cleanli- ness was believed to be next to god- liness. I can remember when with the exception of a few side pews ing-house was occupied and often a
superintendent of streets, on a day set apart, all the able bodied men in the district, having been previously warned by the surveyor, gathered with their ox-teams to work out their highway tax. Very vividly in my mind's eye I see them now as they assembled at 7 o'clock in the morn- ing to engage in this work. Of all that number not one now remains.
At first, town officers served with- every seat in the First Parish Meet- out compensation, but later received small fee. George Chickering two or three families used the same served as town treasurer for $5 a pew. Two long rows of horsesheds year and felt that he was well paid. The office of School Committee, which for a century and a half was held
were filled with horses and carriages, and on pleasant Sundays many horses were tied outside. In 1865 the without compensation, is now a paid Rev. Mr. Bailey of the Dedham Church, in exchanging with the Rev. has existed here from the earliest George Proctor, expressed his aston- ishment at the size of the congrega-
office. The office of Moderator, which meetings held in the little school- house on Haven Street as early as tion in the Dover meeting-house and 1728 to the present time, and which wondered where the people had all it was always an honor to hold, is come from. Taking the population with others a paid office today. So I of the town into consideration the might go on, but it is not neces- Sunday School of the First Parish sary-the life that is lived in this old was one of the largest in the denom- New England town today is not the ination. On a Sunday afternoon last life that was lived here a half cen- summer, I saw more people on the tury ago. As Henry Van Dyke has ball-grounds at Caryl Park than were said-"Private joys grow rare and numbered in the congregations of difficult and even the capacity for the churches of the town on that them seems to be withering, at least Sunday morning. in two extremes of human society,
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where the home wears a vanishing dried apple pie, apple tart pie, cher- aspect."
ry pie, mulberry pie, blueberry pie,
NOTE :- At Thanksgiving we had huckleberry pie, blackberry pie, rasp- mince pie, pumpkin pie, squash pie, berry pie, peach pie, currant pie, apple pie, cranberry pie and custard gooseberry pie, elderberry pie, cream pie. During the year it is within pie, sour-milk pie, lemon pie, straw- bounds to say that the old resourceful berry pie, rhubarb pie, and Washing- Dover housewives, when pie for ton pie, with a variety of fillings. breakfast was an honorable tradition, made twenty other pies, as follows: Dover, Massachusetts March 23, 1930 Cranberry tart pie, stewed apple pie,
2022499
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