USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Shelburne > History and tradition of Shelburne, Massachusetts > Part 18
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The centennial anniversary of the Library was ob- served on December 16, 1954. In the afternoon an appropriate birthday party was held for the juvenile patrons, complete with motion pictures, story telling by Miss Gwendolyn Vannah of the State Regional
Library Center, and birthday cake for all. In the evening there was a brief historical talk by the Presi- dent of the Trustees, Edward A. Milne; an address on "The Public Library in a Small Community" by H. B. Hatch, Assistant Librarian of the University of Massachusetts; and shorter talks by Miss Van- nah and by Charles de Grasse, also of the Regional Center. As a high light, Mrs. Mary Hall Davison was presented with a gift in honor of her thirty years' service as Assistant and Librarian, the longest of any term.
Mr. Milne had been very active and influential in the formation of the State Regional Library Center in Greenfield and his work there and at Arms won him the 1954 award as "Trustee of the Year" among the libraries of the State.
In 1957, the last full year before this book went to press, the circulation was 21,256 volumes. The purchases totaled 262 volumes, including 90 juve- nile and 45 adult non-fiction. Gifts added 72 more volumes, and nearly 1000 were loaned to the Library by the Regional Center, each to be included for a few weeks in the books to be circulated from here. Included also were several volumes on Art and Science purchased with the income of a fund of $500 given for that purpose. The total budget for the year was $3,475.43.
Fifteen librarians have served during the past 103 years :
Stephen T. Field
Charles P. Hall
Royal Packard Mrs. Mary Hall Davison
Zebulon W. Field Mrs. Helen Williams
Eliza Maynard Miss Lois Griffin
MIrs. A. Kellogg NIrs. Dorothy Geiger
Mrs. Ellen A. Miller
Mrs. Jennie Milne
MIrs. Flora Halligan (acting)
Rev. Daniel W. Wilcox Mrs. Marguerite C. Allen
S. T. Field also served as Trustee for fifty years. Rev. Wilcox, who had returned to his native town after retiring from the ministry, recatalogued all the books according to a system that was continued in use for many years. Mr. Hall had previously been superintendent of schools here for a long term; his daughter, Mrs. Davison, was his assistant in the Library for three years and then served as librarian for twenty-seven years. Mrs. Milne, for several years assistant librarian, served as acting librarian from Mrs. Geiger's untimely death until Mrs. Allen was elected.
Twenty-five men and women have served as Trus- tees for periods ranging from ten years each up to fifty. Many more have served for shorter terms.
An oil portrait of Major Arms hangs over the fire- place in the children's alcove, a crayon of Mr. Mirick is in the librarian's office; and a bronze plaque over the circulation desk commemorates Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Pratt and Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Pratt.
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SHELBURNE FALLS MILITARY BAND
THE Shelburne Falls Military Band has had the longest continuous history of any of our organizations. For this comprehensive account we are indebted to the history compiled from old records by Frank H. Chand- ler, Band Historian. The first leader of the band, and its founder, was Solomon Fellows Merrill, who was leader from its beginning until 1853. It all began when "three farmer boys, in Yankee trading. acquired two C Clarinets, and one C Bugle and com- menced to torment all the neighbors, for a mile or more, on both sides of the river." By spring of the following year they had added another C Clarinet and a bass drum, and having learned eight tunes, met their first professional engagement, playing for the May meeting of the Heath Rifle Company.
As the membership of the band increased, they hired a teacher and held a "Band School" during the winter months, and then each spring toured the sur- rounding towns to play at musters or to give con- certs. Indeed, nine years after beginning, the business and territory covered had so increased that they ordered a bandwagon to carry them from one town to another. All through the years of the nineteenth century the band played for dances, political rallies of both parties, and for musters. After the Civil War they were much in demand at G.A.R. rallies, and always marched to the cemetery on Memorial Day, as they still do.
In 1892 the band reached one of the high moments of its history, when it went to Washington to march with the Ozro Miller Post of the G.A.R. at the National Encampment. The members of the band were resplendent in new uniforms, "red coats, cut Prince Albert style, with black trousers and a black helmet. with white horsehair plume." No wonder they felt "some big" as they stepped out on Pennsyl- vania Avenue in the big parade.
In 1910 the towns of Shelburne and Buckland each voted $150 for concerts and five were given on each side of the river, with two each at Buckland and Shelburne Center. This arrangement still continues, and the summer band concerts have proved popular throughout the years.
In 1951 the band played for the dedication of the
covered bridge at Charlemont. The band has played at other important events in surrounding towns, in- cluding the Franklin County Fair, Jacksonville, Vt. Old Home Day, and the 200th Anniversary of Green- field in 1952.
During the last ten years the band has lost some of its "Old Timers." including Joseph Shaw, Carl Mitchell. Martin Binder, Arthur "Dutchy" Walters, and Charles Sommers, who had been with the band since he was 12 years old with a record of 67 years of continuous playing.
The last few years a "Pops Concert" in conjunction with the Buckland Male Chorus has been the out- standing winter event.
The present regular local membership is fourteen, with out-of-town players increasing the number to twenty. The present officers of the band are Marvin Shippee, President; Wayne Oates, Manager; A. F. Shippee, Secretary and Treasurer; and the Director since 1946 is Herbert E. Grueling of Northfield. Band leaders have been as follows: 1835. Solomon Fellows Merrill; 1853, Dan P. Foster; 1869, R. W. Carley ; 1874, H. O. Scott; 1878, Henry E. Sweet; 1889, Jacob Yetter; 1892. William Stemple; 1898, Clarence L. Brigham; 1903, William Stemple ; 1916. Frank H. Chandler; 1917, Clarence L. Brigham ; 1923. Warren Brigham: 1924, Leonard A. Bemis; 1938, Frank H. Rainey; 1940, Colin B. Richmond ; 1946, Herbert E. Grueling.
The One Hundredth Anniversary of the founding of the Military Band was celebrated for a week in July 1935, opening with a service in the Baptist Church on Sunday, and coming to a climax with a huge parade of floats and featuring seven bands in three large divisions, and finally a gala concert pre- sented by the combined personnel of the seven bands.
The purchase of new uniforms for the complete personnel, perhaps not as striking as those red and black outfits, but certainly as good-looking, with con- tributions from townspeople and merchants interested in the band, was much appreciated in 1945.
In 1947 sixteen members went to Exeter, N. H., by chartered bus to participate in the 100th Anniver- sary of the Exeter Brass Band.
THE SHELBURNE FALLS WOMAN'S CLUB
THE Shelburne Falls Woman's Club was a direct development from the class of sixty women which was addressed for ten lessons each season by Miss Eunice Avery of Springfield. Mrs. Mary Potter of Green- field was personally helpful in the organization of the club as was Mrs. Emily Davison.
The stated aims were to meet socially, to promote culture and cordial personal relations among women, and to contribute to the welfare of the community. The club was admitted to the State Federation in July 1925 and formally presented by the President
at the fall meeting in Springfield. It was admitted to the General Federation February 6, 1953.
In the early days of the club, homes were generously opened for teas, lectures, and musicals. Other social events included children's parties, mother and daughter groups, and gentlemen's nights. In later years teas have been a feature after the meetings, with attractive settings and refreshments.
The membership has varied from time to time, both as to members and sources, reaching two hundred and six members at one time.
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Cultural efforts have included classes for study and reading groups. Legislation was studied and dis- cussed. The only two bills actually endorsed were the Kellogg Peace Pact, December 3, 1928, and the Bill for the Conservation of Wild Life, January 12, 1929. Prominent in this work were Mrs. Sidney Wood, Mrs. Eugene Benjamin, Mrs. Frank Chap- man, and Mrs. Stanley Cummings.
Many musical events have added to the life of the town. Mrs. Robert Mills, Mrs. Esther Crosier, Mrs. Philip Eldridge, Mrs. Guy Downer, Miss Florence Amstein, Mrs. Lewis Rush, and Mrs. Richard Field, have contributed their talents. Mrs. Roy Turton, Mrs. Harry Chamberlain, and Miss Amy Ward have frequently aided or arranged programs.
Literary contributions written by members of the club have been placed on file in our library. These all concerned Massachusetts topics.
Artistic ventures have included exhibition of paint- ings by Mr. Robert S. Woodward ; Hobby Shows; and displays of treasures and handwork owned by families in town. Two programs especially worthy of mention for their beauty were arranged by Mrs. Neale Carley, Mrs. Stanford Perry, and Mrs. Francis Streeter - "A Dream of Fair Women"; and the exhibition of miniatures by Mrs. James Ward Thorne. The exten- sive exhibition held in Cowell Gymnasium attracted visitors from many sections.
Theatricals featured Mrs. Howard Cross with re- created scenes, delightful and comic, from Midsummer Night's Dream; short plays with Mrs. Thomas Wat- kins, Mrs. Guy Downer, and others.
Lectures on current events have had a strong influ- ence in molding opinion among the members. Such leaders were Mr. Russ Miller, Dr. Eugene Biddle, and Mr. William G. Avirett of Deerfield Academy, Miss Eunice Avery, and Mrs. William G. Dwight.
Many community projects have been successfully carried through :
The Bridge of Flowers was started by the Woman's Club and still is sponsored by them. This is discussed in a separate article.
The Art Center was originated by the Woman's Club and then set apart as a separate venture.
Through Mrs. Downer's influence, gifts of books were made to the library at Arms Academy, and student prizes have also been donated.
Recreation has been furthered by a gift of one hundred dollars and the sponsoring of the Girl Scouts. Mrs. Walter Loomis has been active in this, and Mrs. Donald Wood has led many recreational projects. The first community Christmas tree on the Bridge of Flowers was sponsored by the Woman's Club.
Interest in a Community House was displayed early, Mrs. Chapman making extensive investigations into that project. Discussion stimulated interest and led Mrs. Lillis Sawyer, a loyal member of the club, to provide a fund, which now reaches more than a hun- dred thousand dollars.
Outstanding contributions to health were lectures by Dr. John Temple on Cancer, illustrated with charts, and a lecture on the Schick Test and Diph- theria by Prof. Benjamin White of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The records of the club during the war years are an inspiring revelation in the quick response to needy children in France, sending of monthly parcels, forma- tion of Red Cross sewing groups, selling of War Bonds, formation of classes in home nursing and first aid, and donation of four tons of warm clothing.
Charities have included gifts of money to many worthy causes. The depression years of struggle are reflected in club life and records by the intimate shar- ing with needy people in town - sending of baskets at Christmas, warm clothing, blankets and supplies. Expenses for programs were kept at a minimum in order to give money to people or causes.
At the present writing the Woman's Club has entered the Achievement Contest of the General Fed- eration of Women's Clubs under the Sears Roebuck Foundation and is competing for the $10,000 prize offered by them for community beautification. Exten- sive projects of river bank planting, art shop and pool have been undertaken.
List of Presidents :
1925-1926 Mrs. Herbert P. Ware ( founder )
1926-1927 Mrs. Carleton E. Nason
1927-1928 MIrs. Walter S. Stanford
1928-1929 Mrs. Carleton E. Nason
1929-1930 Mrs. Robert H. Mills
1930-1931 Mrs. Frank P. Davison
1931-1933 Mrs. Eugene W. Benjamin
1933-1934 Mrs. Harold E. Crosier ( Mrs. Esther S.)
1934-1935 Mrs. William L. Adler
1935-1936
Mrs. Frank P. Davison
1936-1937 Mrs. Fred B. Dole
1937-1939
Mrs. Guy W. Downer
1939-1941
Mrs. John H. Cress
1941-1942
Mrs. Kendal S. Woods
1942-1943
Mrs. John Geiger, Jr.
1943-1945
Mrs. Carl E. Libby
1945-1946
MIrs. Francis E. Streeter
1946- MIrs. Charles Roberts
1946-1947 Mrs. W. Hunter Snead
1947-1949 Mrs. Laura Lee Porterfield
1949-1951
Mrs. Carleton P. Davenport
1951-1953 Mrs. Robert Wishart
1953-1955 Mrs. Donald F. Howes
1955-1957 Mrs. Gilbert Henry
1957- Mrs. Harold E. Crosier ( Mrs. Blanche )
MEMBERS OF STATE COMMITTEES
Mrs. Ware - Legislative
Mrs. Wishart - Religion
Mrs. Henry - Veterans' Service
Mrs. Porterfield - Art
Mrs. Esther Crosier - Social Service
Mrs. Howes - Intergroup Understanding
Mrs. Downer - District Director 1940-1942
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THE BRIDGE OF FLOWERS
The development of this unique and widely known feature began when the Shelburne Falls - Colrain Trol- ley Company discontinued its operations.
The bridge was erected in 1908 to enable the trolley cars, both passenger and freight, to go to the railroad station on the west side of the Deerfield River. It was located just upstream from, and about parallel to, the iron highway bridge. It consisted of four piers and five arches. Its length, three hundred and ninety-eight feet, classified it as one of the longest concrete bridges in the eastern part of the country.
When the trolley line was discontinued in 1927. the future of the bridge became a community problem. It was too narrow for vehicles and was not needed as a footbridge. Left unused, it was an eyesore. It could not be destroyed, partly because of the expense, and partly because it carried the water main to the Buckland side of the river. The Shelburne Falls Fire District purchased the bridge for twelve hundred and fifty dollars, but the problem still remained.
At this time Mrs. Walter E. Burnham of Shelburne conceived the idea of transforming this cement bridge into a Bridge of Flowers. The project was spon- sored by the Woman's Club of Shelburne Falls; and in the fall of 1928 a committee. with Miss Gertrude F. Newell as Chairman, was appointed to work out details. It was a joint project for both Shelburne and Buckland with no distinction possible as to the shares of work performed by the two towns.
In the same fall of 1928, the Club purchased 400 feet of 58-inch diamond-link fence that was put up on the north side of the bridge by the men of the two towns, who donated their services. During the winter of 1928-1929 the Sally Service department of Joseph Breck and Sons of Boston made blueprints to be used as guides in planting two flower beds along the bridge - an annual bed, 400 feet by three feet, on the south, and a perennial bed, 400 feet by four feet, on the north. In April 1929 eighty loads of loam and several loads of fertilizer were put on the bridge, all by donated labor.
To meet initial expenses, a finance committee, made up of members of the Woman's Club and other organ- izations in town, raised $1.000 in the early spring of
1929. Dr. Carlton E. Nason was chairman of this committee and the treasurer was Mrs. J. Walter Smith, who has continued in that capacity to the pres- ent time. Money for maintenance of the project in the early years was raised by rummage sales, card parties, dinners, benefit movies, etc. Expenses, which at the beginning averaged $150 per year, have gradually increased until, at the time of this writing they are $1,000. For many years the Shelburne Falls Fire District has donated $300 per year toward these expenses. The legality of this expenditure of tax funds is established by the District's ownership of the bridge. The rest of the money has been raised by a merchan- dise club, conducted for many years by the Bridge of Flowers Committee, and by individual gifts. Many people, both members of the Woman's Club and oth- ers, have shared this work, but the heaviest part of it has been borne efficiently and cheerfully by Miss Gertrude F. Newell.
In the year 1945, by the will of a visitor and admirer, Mrs. Alice Sawyer, about $1,000 was given to the Woman's Club for the maintenance of the bridge. Part of this money was used to purchase a sprinkler system, which was installed in the spring of 1951. Also, in 1956, over $500 was contributed by the friends of Mrs. Catherine MI. Perry at the time of her death, in response to a suggestion that they show their respect in this way, instead of by the more conventional floral tributes.
In May 1949 the American Legion dedicated a memorial on the Bridge of Flowers to Buckland and Shelburne men and women who served in the two World Wars, and to those who died in service. The American Legion Auxiliary, in July 1952, gave to the bridge a donation box, from which the income has increased yearly.
A register, kept at the entrance since 1954, shows that visitors to the Bridge of Flowers come from all over the United States, from South America, Canada, Australia and many European countries.
Financing the Bridge of Flowers has been a real problem. Steps are being taken at this time (1956) to obtain sufficient annual income to insure a safe future for this beautiful garden.
THE SHELBURNE FALLS ART CENTER
In September of 1945 the idea of a Shelburne Falls Art Center was born. Mrs. Francis Streeter was President of the Woman's Club that year, and Mrs. George Patch was chairman of the club's Art Com- mittee. These women conceived the idea of an Art Center for the village, to be sponsored by the Wom- an's Club. In these preliminary stages of the project, as well as during the subsequent development of plans, help and counsel came from many sources and many
individuals. Special mention should be made of the untiring interest and generous help of Mr. and Mrs. Neale Severance Carley.
A series of teas was held that fall, at which talks were given in an effort to promote interest in arts and crafts. Emphasis was placed on the value and local need for craft classes in various categories. The maintenance of a shop for the purpose of selling articles made was also discussed and considered.
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It was decided to launch the project by sponsoring and conducting a general exhibit at Cowell Gymna- sium. Hours of detailed planning for the exhibit fol- lowed, with thought given to purpose, theme, back- ground and interest. The culmination was a preten- tious three-day exhibit taking place on November 3rd, 4th and 5th of 1945. This outstanding display was viewed by approximately 1,000 people from the county and surrounding areas, with a gratifying and spon- taneous response from all. It was a varied and com- prehensive showing, including many fine antiques owned in the community, as well as exhibits designed to arouse interest in handicrafts to meet contemporary needs. Prominent in the displays, and perhaps most enjoyed, were a kitchen, bedroom, living room and dining room, all completely furnished with antiques. Attendants at these exhibits wore old costumes, add- ing to the colorful atmosphere. Other displays included Indian crafts, quilts, photographs, weaving, floral arrangements, hooked and braided rugs, varied needle- work, dolls, children's exhibits, and oil paintings by such artists as W. Lester Stevens, Robert Strong Woodward, Louis Betts, and the late Gardner Sy- monds. It will be many a year before this Coweil Gymnasium Exhibit is forgotten!
Local interest was now considered genuine enough to warrant the initiation of the Art Center as an organization. Quarters were rented in the Vice Block on Bridge Street, and a Christmas shop opened in late November, 1945. In addition to forming classes in such crafts as rug hooking and braiding, stencilling on tin, wood and fabrics, metal work, leather work, ceramics, etc., and holding various exhibits, the new organization provided an outlet for some 250 persons for the sale of handicraft articles and small antiques.
Following eleven months of informal operation
under the sponsorship of the Shelburne Falls Woman's Club, it was voted by members in October of 1946 to organize formally as the Shelburne Falls Community Art Center, independent of the parent club. Mrs. George Patch was elected president of the organiza- tion. Briefly, the stated purposes of the Art Center were to revive and develop the arts and crafts, to maintain a center for selling on a non-profit basis, and to promote social and educational activities along these lines. Membership was open to all. Annual dues were one dollar ; these dues and the commissions charged for selling (20%) paying the expenses of the organization.
For about ten years the Center busily and success- fully carried on its work of promoting arts and crafts in the Shelburne Falls area, by means of classes, exhib- its, demonstrations and sales. It would be difficult to estimate the extent of the cultural advantages it brought to the community through these years. In 1953 it became necessary to move to other quarters because of the expansion of the Aubuchon store. The only available space for rent was much smaller and had very poor parking facilities. This factor, as well as the opening of the new By-pass and consequent lack of "through traffic," and the increasing difficulty of find- ing enough people able and willing to give the neces- sary time to the project, all contributed to the lessen- ing of the Center's activity as the next year passed. Sales dwindled too, and finally it was regretfully but undeniably deemed best to close the shop. And so the Art Center, as we knew it, closed its doors in November of 1955. Though inactive since that time, the Shelburne Falls Community Art Center still exists as an entity and pays dues in the Massachusetts As- sociation of Handicraft Groups, and there is hope that it may become an active organization once more, and again serve to bring inspiration and cultural inter- est to the community.
OTHER CIVIC AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS ( In chronological order )
1818 - Copy of a copy. CONSTITUTION OF A PEACE SOCIETY, with its preamble,
adopted SHELBURNE, Decem. 29, 1818
When an angel of God announced the birth of our Savior as Christ the Lord: then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, prais- ing God and saying "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will towards men.
We, the undersigned, being desirous of discourag- ing the cruel custom of war, do now in a more formal manner arrange ourselves under the banners of the Prince of Peace, by adopting the following constitu- tion.
Art. I This Society shall be called the Shelburne Peace Society, and shall be considered a branch of the Massachusetts Peace Society.
Art. II The business of this Society shall be to receive and diffuse light in relation to the unlawful- ness and evils of war, and by all prudent measures promote principles of peace and good will among men.
Art. III Every person who shall pay fifty cents to the fund of the Society shall be a member, and shall continue a member so long as he shall annually pay that sum; and he shall receive one half the amount of his money in peace pamphlets at wholesale price.
Art. IV The Society shall meet annually in Sep- tember on such day as the officers shall appoint and at such other times as the interests of the Society shall require.
Art. V There shall be four officers in the Society, annually chosen, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall faithfully conduct the prudential concerns of the Society.
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Art. VI It shall be the duty of the officers to make report to the Massachusetts Peace Society of the organization of this: to make an annual report of the state and increase of the society ; to receive and lay out monies for the society; and to return one half the amount in peace pamphlets or tracts to the members ; and to distribute the remainder in such manner as they shall deem best suited to promote the general objects of the society.
Signed: Theophilus Packard, Levi Farnsworth, Martin Severance, Samuel Fisk, Aaron Long, Selah Severance, William Bull, Benoni Pratt, Daniel Fisk, Joel Bardwell, Giles Lyman, Constantine Hardy, Wil- liam Wells, Isaac Dole, Isaac T. Packard.
1856. SHELBURNE FALLS LYCEUM CLUB This club was active about 1856 and was formed for social get-togethers and for debating current issues.
INDEPENDENT FORESTERS -- This was organized in 1878 and had seventy-five members. The purpose of this group was fraternal.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS - This was organ- ized and was active during the late 1800's in Shel- burne.
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