USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Spencer > Historical sketches relating to Spencer, Mass., Volume II > Part 9
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But Washington his own account Freely and tersely wrote, And from his journal now and then Some passages we'll quote.
He "met four drove of cattle," Well fatted, large and sound With thirty in each drove, For New York market bound. The roads were rough and stony, But the "land did freely yield Luxuriant corn and pompions, Yet ungathered in the field."
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And on nearly every hill-side, He finds the farmers keep Not only many cattle, But immense flocks of sheep " He "scarcely passed a farm house That did not abound in geese" And thirty miles he rode that day, The wonders did not cease.
He dined at Kingsbridge with one Hoyatt, And as the eve drew nigh They reached the "neat and decent inn" Of Mrs. Haviland at Rye. On Friday morn, through rough Horse-neck, Six miles, up hill and down, Then six miles more ere they partook Breakfast in Stainford town.
To Norfolk ten -- to Fairfield twelve, And here, he speaks of finding The farmers busily employed In apple gathering-grinding And pressing out the rich, clear juice For winter's cheer, and housewife's use. From here, he says, the chief export Is horses, cattle, beef and pork.
He passed the night at Fairfield, Rose early in the morn, And breakfasted at Stratford, Some ten miles farther on. And here the happy people made "Effort to honor with parade." Three miles to Milford village, West Haven he passed through, Arriving at New Haven Before the hour of two.
He dined, and heard addresses From the clergy of the place, And committee of assembly, Who did his escort grace. It was here he spent the Sabbath, That day, with reverent mien, Twice in the house of God His noble form was seen ;
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The Governor and noted men Escorting him each time ; Then by his invitation These worthies with him dine.
On Monday morn, the nineteenth, At early dawn of day, By cavalry escorted, He started on his way. Rode thirteen miles to Wallingford, They reached at half past eight, With an appetite for breakfast, Of which they there partake.
They took a walk about the place, See "mulberry grown from seed," For the greedy silk worms that they raise With white mulberry leaves they feed. Then Middletown and Wethersfield, Where there was great display Of citizens to honor him, Escorting all the way.
To Hartford, where he passed the night, Left after ten next day- He wished to leave at early morn But rain caused great delay. The woolen factories at this place With pleasure he did view. Ordered some broadcloth for a suit, Some cloth for servants, too; A kind I think the present day Makes no great effort to display, But at that time acquired a fame For "everlasting " was the name.
The morning rain had made the roads Muddy and hard to travel o'er; Windsor and Enfield he pass'd through Reached Springfield glad to stop at four. As on the conquering hero came Booming of guns the fact proclaim. Here on the hill above the town Were buildings which the nation owned. Here continental stores he viewed, And found them kept in order good, Powder and balls, muskets and guns, In case of need to arm her sons.
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October twenty-second Of seventeen-eighty-nine, From Springfield unto Spencer ; It was a day so fine, Although a century ago, Its radiance still doth shine. It was glorious Indian summer, And the foliage by the road With colors of the rainbow In gorgeous beauty glowed.
Each brook did sing a pean, All nature seemed to raise In sweet harmonious music Songs of exultant praise. And our nation's noble ruler In every little thing Discerned the wisdom and the power Of his Almighty King.
The day was full of beauty- We find he noted down The impression here received Of every little town. We can only give in general way Account of what he saw that day. I wish his journal all might read- He nothing lost worthy of note, But to advantage used his eyes And full account of all he wrote.
He there describes the average farm, The style of fences by the way, And how the horse and oxen worked Which "had no other feed but hay." How many churches in each town, Whether or not they had a steeple; How many mills and factories, The number, he should judge, of people; And that there seemed few opulent, And none he would .consider poor ; While honest ways and good intent Their happiness and peace secure.
The general fashion of the house, They "showed a great similitude" With "one large chimney, stone or brick," The building chiefly made of wood
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Thirty to fifty feet in length, Entry and stairway which divide The parlor from the living room, A kitchen and an L beside.
But you've all seen just such a house There's one just like it on the hill ; As Washington then saw it, You can see it standing still. But I am traveling on too fast ; His chariot wheels we see Are drawing near to Brookfield- I think there then were three.
He came to Brookfield town Hoping to pass the night ; But good old Mrs. Bannister Was in a sorry plight ; She had a dreadful headache, The landlord was from home, She thought 'twas from a college, A president had come.
And so without inquiry She sent the message down She "could not well accommodate He must go to the next town." But when a little later And he had passed from sight, She heard 'twas General Washington Who wished to pass the night --
With sorrow and dismay And great chagrin she said : "Bless me! one look at that good man Would have cured my aching head." We thank old lady Bannister And will prize her memory For letting our first President Try Spencer's hospitality.
The messenger in haste rode on To announce the coming guest, For cool and chilly was the air, The sun low in the west. His ride that day was forty iniles- - He surely needed rest. 8
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And Spencer was the proper town, The apex of his tour; Of Worcester county she's the Hub Or ought to be we're sure.
Her seven grand hills are higher land Than any town can show On what was called the "old post road To Springfield" years ago. And going east it's just the same, There's less up-hill than down To go by rail or go by road Till you reach Boston town.
The glory of the setting sun Upon these grand hills shone And as the horseman came in sight And made his errand known, Good Landlord Jenks with courtesy And ready speech replied, "An honor to this house 'twould be If they would there abide."
And then in haste he gave commands To servants, children, all, Michael and Lydia, Isaac, John, Soon answered to his call. Quickly the parlor fire-place A cheerful blaze did show, Its andirons of polished brass Reflect the ruddy glow,
Its huge arm chairs inviting stood, The weary guest to charm, Its mantel trimmed with golden-rod, And gentian, phlox and balm.
And Madam Jenks in her best cap Was very soon arrayed, Lydia and Hannah, charming girls, Their Sunday garb displayed, And baby Otis six months old In embroidered robe was dressed, For all desired to honor give And do their level best.
Now Landlord Jenks was keen and bright, For wit had great renown ; Three years in legislative halls Did represent the town,
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Had converse held with learned men Who wore powdered wig and gown And therefore could with courtly grace Welcome the travelers to the place.
Isaac and John, the landlord's sons, Soon spread the news around, And every crony in the place Within an hour was found. The three Pope boys, Joe, Charles and Will, Joe Mason, Nathan White, The Muzzy boys, Sardine and John, Each had the word that night.
Good Landlord Jenks a messenger Unto the pastor sent, Thinking that he might wish to call On our first president. The minister was very glad A welcome to extend; For General Israel Putnam Was to each a well-loved friend ; To Washington an ally he, Whose prowess oft was tried, To Mr. Pope made relative By Hannah Pope his bride.
Now Parson Pope was loyal man And had as chaplain served To Spencer's forty minute men Who ne'er from duty swerved, But April nineteenth, seventy-five, Their country's call obey For eight months service in the ranks, To Cambridge marched that day.
And some of them we know did fill A patriot's place at Bunker Hill. The noble general they had seen Review his troops at Cambridge green. Longfellow's house in Cambridge then Was his headquarters, near his men. The travellers, their day's journey o'er, Did ample justice to the store Of wholesome food and viands sweet, A well cooked culinary treat ;
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For Madam Jenks, good thrifty soul, Her larder kept well stored With flesh and fowl and potted meats She had an ample hoard.
Such flaky pastry, apple, mince, And pumpkin pie and cheese, With cake and tarts and quince preserve Would any palate please; And fragrant coffee, rich with cream, And good old Bohea tea, -- She always kept a canister For her choice company.
And then her bread, both brown and white It was so nice and sweet, Our nation's first great president Did compliment the treat. And Mistress Jenks with harmless pride, -.- She was both wise and dutiful- Would oft repeat his pleasant words, "Madame, your bread is beautiful."
And that spare room with bed of down, And linen white as snow, Acquired a grandeur on that night A century ago; Which four score years, though many hosts Its open door had kept, That room, was always known as one Where Washington had slept.
Refreshing sleep, a quiet night In our clear bracing air; The General wakened with the light, The day was bright and fair. And here he did a different way From what he'd done before: He liked Dame Jenks' bread so well He wished to have some more ; And said, "we'd better here abide, While they our breakfast can provide."
We wish to emphasize in song At but one place he stopped as long, Excepting where he spent the Sunday- And then he left ere breakfast, Monday.
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But here to be historian true
I'll tell what he had planned to do : Remain at Brookfield Thursday night, Arriving here at morning light; Breakfast, and rest an hour or two, Refreshed, his journey then pursue. The President that Friday morn Was loath to go away ; So restful was his sojourn here He would gladly longer stay. No "effort" here the people made To honor him with great parade, He liked the quiet, simple way Our townsmen their respect did pay. In fancy's eye we see that Inn : A grand old elin stood near the door, A grateful shade for man and beast, Friendly alike to rich and poor ; From the huge branches which o'er hung The path, a sign-board gently swung; By the same zephyr all the trees Wafted a matin in the breeze.
Here stood our first chief magistrate, Our Washington, wise, good and great, First in all hearts, through our wide land His memory ever to abide, First in war, and first in peace Our nation's hope and joy and pride, His manly form, tall, nobly built, His calm, attentive, thoughtful mien. Always polite and dignified, And to be loved, need but be seen. When on that morn a little band Of citizens respectful stand, He gave each hand a friendly clasp, Which was returned with hearty grasp. Their grateful hearts obeisance pay, And watch his chariot roll away.
The village boys keep with him still, And follow him quite up the hill ; And with another smile are paid -- For here his chariot wheels are stayed While he can take another view Of the charming country just passed through. Forty miles west they plainly see
Mount Tom and Holyoke clear and free.
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And to the north the sun's bright rays Lighted Monadnock for his gaze. And north by east some eighteen miles, He saw our own Wachusett smile, He turned and said, "I like it well,
A charming place for man to dwell.""' And this is all that's noted down About that visit to our town.
The theme deserves a poem fine, I give you only simple rhymne ; I'll let some abler pen relate His journey through the old Bay State.
Of all the pomp and great parade Her citizens so gladly made, One says-this presidential tour "Was one prolonged triumphal march, Unparalleled in history,"
By the great man who won all hearts.
Spencer, Oct. 22d, 1889.
Early Spencer Patent for Drawing Wire.
A patent was granted by the United States Government in January 1822 to Russell Prouty for an improved method of wire drawing. Mr. Prouty at that time was operating a wire mill at Proutyville in company with his brother Liberty, father of Jonas R. and Joel E. Prouty. The mill stood near the northwest corner of the present lower mill dam. The patent must have been valuable as one deed at least is on record in which he grants the use of his invention for a money consideration to Robert Watson of Leicester, who operated a wire mill on Shaw pond brook. Mr. Prouty saw, or thought he saw, greater oppor- tunities for money-making as a farmer, sold out his wire mill in- terests and went to Steubenville, Ohio, where he became wealthy raising castor oil beans. A number of his descendants are still living at that place.
Mr. Prouty used to make occasional visits to the home of his childhood and is remembered as spending his vacation time here chiefly in trolling for pickerel in the numerous ponds in this vicinity. He was a most enthusiastic fisherman for this particular kind of fish, a sport he could not enjoy in that part of his adopted state where he lived, as but few ponds or lakes are to be found in that section.
SPENCER AS WASHINGTON SAW IT
BY JOSEPH W. TEMPLE.
The charming aspect of the average New England town is found in the diversity of its scenery; consisting of picturesque mountains, in miniature, finely rounded hills joined at long or short intervals by well watered valleys or plains. These beauties in nature are the pride of the New Englander of the present, although he mourns the loss of the magnificent forests that cov- ered these hills with their beautiful foliage and tall swaying branches, as they added so much to the grandeur of the landscape from any point of view. This devastation, however, is no more noticeable in the town of Spencer than in many other towns and villages in New England, as probably all have shared the same fate and have been subjected to like changes, to make way for the various internal improvements that have followed.
The first inroad into this wilderness for the purpose of plant- ing a habitation here, was made by one Nathaniel Wood, who purchased one hundred acres of land near the Brookfield line and built a dwelling upon it for himself and family, and this was the first house in town. The second was erected by Samuel Bemis and was near that of Mr. Wood, while a third was built in 1726 by John Graton in the southeasterly part of the town. From this time on little by little the forests were cut away and new homes located, but it was not until after the close of the Revolu- tion, or more particularly as affecting this vicinity, that local dis- turbance called Shay's rebellion about 1787, that the town started upon an onward, and what has proved to be, a prosperous march.
Perhaps it would not be uninteresting to the generation of today to note, in a general way, the condition of Spencer as it appeared one hundred years ago and to make some few compari- sons between the "then" and "now." There were then but nineteen buildings (exclusive of barns) along the entire line of road, between Leicester and Brookfield boundaries. The "Cen- ter" was then designated as "upper" and "lower" villages, and the only dwellings in the former were the "Pope Mansion," built in 1744, now owned and occupied by Mrs. L. H. Upham, and the
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house of Josiah Carey, now standing at the west corner of Mail and May streets, and better known to the present generation as the Oliver Morse house. (In 1815 a part of this house was occu- pied by "Honest" John Davis as a law office. He was after- ward Governor of this state four years and United States Senator two terms.) The meeting house and a small school building oc- cupied a portion of the ground then used as a "training field," and is the same upon which the Congregational church and High school building stand at the present time.
In the lower village were three dwellings kept as taverns and owned by Capt. Ebenezer Mason, Isaac Jenks and James Liv- ermore. The latter stood upon the site of the present residence of J. W. Temple. Standing in any part of these "villages," but two other dwellings were visible, one was that of John White, the present residence of Alford Wilson, and the other that of Capt. Samuel Lamb, better known as the Thos. B. Clark place, John Muzzy's, near the Catholic church, and the Wm. Drake house on the site of Harvey Sibley's house.
This, then, was the condition of the central portion of the town at the beginning of the century of which we write, and if one could close his eyes and in imagination see this "new village in the midst of the woods," as a traveler of that day styled it, the contrast between the "then" and "now" would be clearly apparent. It certainly has been a marvelous growth, situated as it has been away from railroad facilities, and in this respect it stands almost at the head of the column of country towns through- out the state.
The early condition of the roads was intolerable. They were, in many instances, not equal to the cart path of this day, as the rock or stump that could not be conveniently removed with an ordinary iron bar, was suffered to remain. These paths, for they were nothing better, followed the general contour of the hill or valley through which they passed, crossing the stream over fallen logs, or possibly by fording it, and up hills that could only be ascended by "main strength."
The great post road, (now our Main street) from the Brook- field line ran past the Amasa Bemis tavern, near Westville, now so called, in a direct line to the "Sumner Hill," and took the same general course through the village that it does at the pres- ent except from the "Mason house" it passed south and the origi- nal road bed lies under the houses of Mrs. S. C. Marsh and Dr. Norwood. From the house of Aaron Watson it was south of the present road and came out near the house of Edward Proctor, thence down through "Hemlock Gutter," and in a direct line over the hill to the Leicester line. This gutter was a terror to teamsters, as it was very difficult to pass at any season of the
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year. The difference between this primitive road and the high- way of today is, that the hills have been cut down, the valleys filled and the stones and stumps removed, making traveling by wheel now comparatively easy.
The barns were situated upon the opposite side of the street from the houses, the one belonging to the Rev. Mr. Pope stood where the house of F. E. Dunton now stands and the Mason barn, stood upon the site of Mr. Marsh's hardware store, and it is said that at the close of a "training day," nearly every male inhabi- tant of the village was laid away in it from the effects of too much toddy.
There were stately elms planted at nearly every house, but those now standing in front of the Mason house are the only ones that have survived the march of improvements.
The schoolhouse for the use of the scholars of the lower village was situated at the foot of "Sumner Hill" near the house of T. J. Bemis and was known as the "Old Red." This was No. 9. That for the upper village was of the same style of architect- ure and was situated on the hill southeast of the house of Aaron Watson, on the old road before mentioned. This was afterwards removed to a site about equal distance between the houses of Ru- fus Sibley and Aaron Watson. This was No. 3. The size of the school building standing near the church was one-story high, 16x20 feet with 612 foot ceiling. This was used for a higher grade than those in the outer districts. In 1788 the appropria- tions for schooling purposes amounted to £20 or $100. During the century this item has increased as the growth of the town has demanded until the round sum of $150,000 has been expended, while in the place of the miserable buildings, the best that could be afforded in those days, the town has schoolhouses, from fair dimensions to palaces in size and comfort, at a cost of more than $100,000.
Every department of business enterprise during this period has shown the same relative increase, as the statistics of the town will show.
Writing this as a century article, we are reminded that the 22d of October, 1889, was the centennial anniversary of an event of great importance to the inhabitants of the towns a hundred years ago. George Washington, in his first presidential year making a tour through Massachusetts passed the night (Oct. 22, 1789), beneath the hospitable roof of Landlord Jenks of the old Jenks tavern which stood where the Massasoit hotel now stands. He was very much gratified at his cordial reception and spoke in terms of praise of the bread of Madam Jenks.
BIOGRAPHY OF JOSEPH WARREN TEMPLE
Joseph Warren Temple, son of Col. Alonzo and Adaline (Rider-Sibley) Temple, was born in Spencer, February 17, 1833. Received his early education in the district and high schools of Spencer, supplemented by several terms at Leicester Academy. At the age of twelve he entered the country store of Dexter and Lo-
JOSEPH W. TEMPLE.
renzo Bemis as a store boy and for the sixteen years following, his time was devoted to a mercantile life, the early portion of it in the interest of others, the latter for himself.
His first venture in this line was in Leicester, Mass., in 1850, the firm known as Fairbank & Temple. Later, with his brother,
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William Henry, he continued the business of a general store in Spencer and at Charlton Depot, as Temple & Co., and after the decease of his brother he formed a partnership with George E. Clapp, formerly of Spencer, and they purchased the stock and good will of a store in Brookfield, Mass., run in connection with the shoe firm of Kimball, Robinson & Fales. He returned to Spencer, and on April 19, 1859, married Sybil Ann, daughter of Josiah and Sybil Green.
From 1861 to 1864 inclusive, he entered the same line of business again, viz: a general store at the old stand of Temple & Co., the same store now occupied by A. G. Pease & Co., with Thomas R. Whittemore as partner, the firm being known as Tem- ple & Whittemore.
Later he took an interest in the boot business of Emory Shumway & Son of Warren, Mass., moving the works early to Spencer, occupying what was known as the Universalist church building, now Hill's block, and the firm was known as Shum- way, Temple & Co.
Next he purchased the interest of Isaac Prouty & Co. in the firm of Bullard & Boyden, boot manufacturers, where he re- mained until 1883. The closing years of this business was carried on under the style of Bullard & Temple.
In the winter of 1883-'84 he represented the town in the General Court, was appointed clerk of the mercantile committee and at the close of this session he, with Mrs. Temple, spent sev- eral months traveling through the British isles and on the conti- nent. Three years later he was elected treasurer of the Spencer Savings Bank and occupies that position at the present time.
In 1849 the town purchased a new fire engine, a Hunneman machine, and he became an active member of the company, con- tinuing in the fire department for thirty-five years as private, clerk, treasurer and member of the board of engineers; was also active in the inception, progress and completion of the branch railroad connecting the village with the Boston & Albany at South Spencer.
Has served the town several years as assessor and town clerk. In his early life he was closely identified with all the social move- ments of the young people having for their object the better- ment or improvement of the village in various ways. In musical matters he was a recognized factor. He has been a Justice of the Peace since 1875 and an ardent republican since the crea- tion of the party.
Mr. Temple has considerable literary ability and stands well as a local historian. He has written quite a number of interesting
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papers, relating to Spencer history. His most notable effort along this line was an extended article on the History of Spen- cer, his native town, published some years ago in an elaborate work on Worcester County. This was written with great care and fidelity to the truth and in a very pleasing style.
Memorial Day.
BY. W. O. BEMIS.
Once more the apple blossoms fling Their sweetness on the air; Once more the thrush and robin sing, Again the sky is fair; The earth in one exultant swell, Its joyous psalms repeat, From mountain high to grassy dell In buoyant glory beat.
But all our hearts feel sad today. While bending o'er the grave Of those who fell in deadly fray, And life to freedom gave Flowers may serve to heal the wounds Engraven on the heart; And music, with its plaintive sounds, A soothing balm impart.
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