USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Shelburne > History and tradition of Shelburne, Massachusetts > Part 21
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The Buckland, Colrain and Shelburne Teachers' Club was organized in 1931 with forty-five members. The late Mr. Frank P. Davison was superintendent at the time, and due to his keen vision and friendly personality, the club became a vigorous organization.
Over the years the Teachers' Club has been an important factor in the activities of the local school area. This association has been of great assistance in fostering every movement that stood for an advance in education. Not only has it been interested in local educational advancements, but it has also been alert to those in the State and national fields.
The members of the Teachers' Club have partici- pated in college extension courses that were held in the Western Massachusetts area. The teachers have done much to carry out the aims of the school super- intendent and members of the school board, as well as those of the State administrative personnel who periodically visit our schools in an advisory capacity. In fact, these same supervisors have spoken most highly of the type of work observed in the schools of this union.
One of the most important outcomes of the Teach- ers' Club is the friendly, social fellowship that exists among the members. In recent years the club meet- ings have started with a supper, followed by the regular routine of reports and discussions pertinent to school problems. A program followed when many speakers of prominence in their specific fields were heard.
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1938 - FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA
The Future Farmers of America, an organization for boys studying vocational agriculture in high school, was started at Arms Academy in 1938 by John Glavin, the head of the Agriculture Department. Since then the young farmers of the community have had the training of leadership, public speaking, record keeping, and fellowship as proposed by the F.F.A.
Not only in the classroom, but in judging contests, field trips and conventions, the F.F.A. boys get experi- ence which will help them for the rest of their lives. We must give a great deal of credit to our fine agri- cultural instructors for the success of the Mohawk Trail Chapter of the Future Farmers of America.
Many of our boys have received the honor of be- coming Star Farmers as well as officers in the State organization. Several have won national recognition by receiving the American Farmer Degree. In 1950 Russell Davenport was selected, one of four boys in the nation, to go to England for the summer as a Foreign Exchange Student. While he was there a young English farmer, Theodore Albone, visited the Davenport farm in Shelburne and other farms in the area.
1939 KIWANIS CLUB OF SHELBURNE FALLS
This club was organized in June 1939 with Guy Downer as first president. The original membership of forty-four remains about the same each year. The purpose of the club is civic interest. The Boys and Girls Committee's duties constitute the furnishing of eyeglasses and dental care to the youth who are in need of the same, and a party at Christmas with a tree and a Santa Claus, and substantial warm cloth- ing and toys for those in this and neighboring towns.
The club has developed temporary skating rinks for winter sports at the Cricket Field and a paddle pool in summer at Mechanic Street Brook. The Public and Business Affairs Committee's duties are to try to bring new industries to Shelburne Falls and the find- ing of jobs for individuals. The Agricultural Com- mittee's duties are to work with the Future Farmers of America in soil conservation and farming. The Vocational Guidance Committee works with the school faculty. Kiwanis stands for, and urges attendance and support of, each member's own church.
Each winter Kiwanis sponsors basketball for gram- mar school boys at Arms Academy Cowell Gymnasium. A basketball tournament at Cowell Gymnasium is sponsored, with teams from larger towns participat- ing. These are social as well as fund-raising events, usually with fun-making acts between games. The funds are used for Boys' and Girls' work. The gym- nasium is always filled to capacity, so keen is the interest.
In 1953 money was raised in Shelburne Falls for
a community ambulance, a project sponsored by Ki- wanis. It has proved of great benefit; trips having been made with sick to Brockton, Mass., Bennington, Vt., and Pennsylvania, as well as frequent trips to Franklin County Hospital in Greenfield, and Farren Memorial Hospital in Montague. At the time of the purchase it was hoped there would be no charge for ambulance service, but it was found necessary to make a fifty-cent-per-mile charge for first thirty miles, then forty cents per mile for the remainder of the trip.
The Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta group, originally sponsored by Buck- land Grange. Each summer the group produces an operetta which is almost professional, and which has been exceedingly popular.
1935 - BOY SCOUTS Troop 22, Shelburne Center
Troop 22 was organized and registered in March 1935. Troop committee consisted of Roger Peck, Rev. Frank W. Hemingway, Lewis Goodnow, Charles Kelly, and Ralph Bassett. Edward Moore was Scout- master and James Perkins was Assistant Scoutmaster. Thirteen Scouts registered were: Verne Richardson, William Bilger, George Dinsmore, Kenneth Jenks, Arthur Gould, William Ayres, Donald Hartwell, Winfield Peck, Allen Cress, Daniel Shields, Richard Mitchell, George Strong and Robert Goodnow.
In 1948 a Boy Scout House was built near the swimming pool in Shelburne Center on Grange prop- erty by the people in the community.
Men who have served as scoutmasters are Edward Moore, Rev. Fred Duplissey, Charles Roberts, James Williams, Daniel Shields, Carl Shields, Jack Badger and Fred Lowd.
Paper and scrap drives have been principal sources of financial income. Two boys have received the Eagle Award William Lee in June 1945 and Webster Bates in August 1951.
The troop has had boys at the council camp every year. They have taken part in district and council camporees. In 1936 and again in 1942 they took part in a signalling project, where a message was started in Northampton and was relayed from troop to troop throughout Hampshire and Franklin Counties back to Northampton.
In 1950 Dana Cromack and Webster Bates attended National Jamboree at Valley Forge. In 1953 William Peck attended the Jamboree at Irvine Ranch, Cali- fornia, and in 1957 Arthur Green attended the Jambo- ree at Valley Forge.
It is estimated that one hundred boys have been in this troop in the past twenty-three years.
In October 1957, Pack 82 of Cub Scouts was organized with thirteen boys enrolled, Arthur Bishop as Pack Committee Chairman, Harold Gould as Cub- master and Gladys Richardson and Betty Van Guilder as Den Mothers.
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1948 - EAGLES
The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Number 2758, was organized in Shelburne Falls January 15, 1948, with an original charter of one hundred members. The membership, at this date, has risen to two hundred and fifty, and continues to rise, due to the increased popularity of club projects.
F.O.E. members work for community betterment, and are recognized for their recreational projects for children. They meet in their hall on State Street.
Annually, the F.O.E. holds polio and Damon Runyon Cancer Fund dances, contributing all pro- ceeds. The annual clambakes for the public have be- come anticipated events in the fall season. Originally all outdoor events were conducted on rented locations, but the increased membership and constant activity have made it possible to purchase and maintain a thirty- acre camp in Conway.
Many plans to enrich community living, to work for recreation facilities, and to add to the aura of sociability, will be the Eagles' prime purposes in the future.
Liberty, Justice, Equality, and Fraternity are the standards to which The Fraternal Order of Eagles are dedicated, and by striving to maintain these stand- ards, the F.O.E. has taken its place in the community.
1953 - PIONEER VALLEY CAMERA CLUB
Twenty-three persons interested in photography, from Shelburne Falls, Shattuckville, Griswoldville and Colrain, met in Griswoldville on January 21, 1953, and formed a Camera Club. There was so much interest shown at this meeting that the following offi- cers were elected : President, Beulah Gammell; Vice President, Henry Patterson ; Secretary, Mrs. Luella McCloud ; and Treasurer, Roland McCloud.
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Kendrick, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Young, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Roland McCloud and Philip Miller, all of Shelburne Falls, were present at this meeting.
The second meeting was held January 28, 1953, and at that time the name "Pioneer Valley Camera Club" was chosen. It was also decided to conduct meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Community Rooms at Shelburne Falls.
In October 1953, the Camera Club held their first display at the Shelburne Falls Art Center. Both black- and-white prints and colored slides were shown. This was followed by an exhibit of colored slides at Arms Library and also at Griswold Memorial Library in Colrain.
In 1954 the members prepared an exhibit for the Franklin County Fair. This has now become an annual event. In that year the Pioneer Valley Camera Club and the Franklin County Camera Club were responsible for the largest photography exhibit in the 106 years history of the Fair. Four members won awards.
The club has become affiliated with the Photographic
Society of America and the New England Camera Club Council. Both of these organizations sponsor contests to which our members contribute.
At the time this is written, in 1957, there are forty- three members in the club.
SHELBURNE FALLS JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
On November 2, 1956 several of Buckland and Shelburne's young men met for the purpose of organ- izing a chapter of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. The local organization became officially chartered on November 30. Officers elected were: President, John H. Schultz; Vice President, Donald A. Furlong; Secretary, John O. Woodsome; Treasurer, Russell M. Davenport; and Director, James F. Williams. Other members whose names appear on the original charter are: Eric Sahlberg, Leo Trumble, George Needham, William Crofton, Richard Dinsmore, John Kelleher, Charles Johnson, James Scott, and Ralph Phillips. The total membership by April 1957 was eighteen.
The Shelburne Falls "Jaycees" were welcomed by the townspeople on April 27, 1957 at the Charter Night Banquet. Over one hundred people attended this gala affair held at the Sweetheart Tea House. It was an evening of dedication as well as entertain- ment. Dr. Walter Simpson of Westfield, State "Jaycee" Vice President, gave a stirring talk outlining the purpose of "Jaycees" and the opportunity these young men had in Shelburne Falls.
Needless to say, the new organization had grow- ing pains. Several good projects were completed dur- ing the first year. The local "Jaycees" with the help of the Greenfield Y.M.C.A. conducted a complete survey of the recreational needs of teen-agers in Shel- burne Falls. The survey, including viewpoints of teen-agers, parents, and leaders, plus a recommended youth program, was presented to the recreation com- mittee in May 1957.
Other projects followed. A public speaking contest, "I Speak For Democracy," was run in the local high school. The Chapter joined with the Shelburne Falls Woman's Club and planted shrubbery along the banks of the Deerfield River. A campaign to "get out the vote" was conducted to get people to vote on the issue of the proposed Regional High School. The "Jaycees" joined with the P.T.A. in a forum for the purpose of getting the facts to the people in connection with the proposed new high school. A banquet was sponsored at which an award was presented to the "most out- standing young man" in Shelburne Falls. Speakers at this banquet were two officers of the Mohawk Trail Association, who explained what is being done to publicize the Mohawk Trail and the Bridge of Flowers.
The "Jaycee" Chapter is still young but there is every indication that it will grow and continue to carry on worth-while projects.
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VII. Our Part in the Wars
THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS
ALTHOUGH there are no records of skirmishes with the Indians on Shelburne soil, there was much cross- ing back and forth by the scouts and settlers defending this territory.
Probably the first Indian fighter to penetrate into the woods of Shelburne was the boy, Jonathan Wells, who, when escaping from the Indians during the Turners Falls fight, was carried by his terrified horse far up on Shelburne Mountain.
The Mohawk Trail of today follows somewhat the line of the old trail made by the Mohawk Indians of the Hudson Valley, when they made raids on the peaceful Pocumtucks of the Deerfield Valley before the coming of the first white settlers. Indians jour- neyed in single file and thus made a narrow, hard- packed path which could be seen in some places long after the Indians had disappeared from this vicinity.
This Indian trail approached Shelburne along the present "Four Mile Square." and forded North River near the present bridge. From there it continued along Main and Water Streets, passed the "Great Falls" and then followed along the east bank of the Deerfield River, finally to cross this river near the present Albany Road in Old Deerfield.
This route was used by at least two of the survivors of the Deerfield massacre of 1704 when they went to Canada to negotiate for the return of the captives. Along this trail were carried supplies to the first set- tlers in Charlemont when danger of Indian raids com- pelled them to build palisades and fortify their cabins. Here in the spring of 1744 journeyed the hardy pio- neer-soldiers from Deerfield with axes and supplies to build forts in Heath, Rowe and Adams.
During the following winters, scouts on snowshoes passed the Falls to keep watch along the ridges above
North River, and other high places, for signs of ap- proaching Indians. Hardy men were these scouts who disappeared for weeks at a time into the wilderness, carrying only a blanket, a gun, a knife, a small sack of dried peas, some corn meal and dried pork, and a little molasses. In coldest weather they dared not shoot game or light a fire for fear of being detected by the enemy. Constantly in danger, at night they found shelter under the low branches of a hemlock tree or hid within the crevice of an overhanging ledge.
When trace of enemy snowshoes was discovered. or smoke of their campfire seen in the distance, back came the scouts with all speed to warn the settlers, who fled to the protection of the forts. Martin Sever- ance, one of Rogers' Rangers, is the best known of these scouts. Others who took part in the French and Indian Wars before settling in Shelburne were, Dan Corse, Moses Hawks, John Barnard, Lawrence Kemp, Martin Kellogg, John Taylor, and David Wells.
No permanent homes were established in Shelburne Falls until after danger of Indian attacks had passed, but there were, before 1760, two families of pioneers in East Shelburne - the Lawsons and the Wilsons. who were near enough to the border of Colrain to seek refuge in South Fort when there was danger. There is a story that Nancy Lawson Long was born in South Fort during an Indian attack, and Holland describes how the Wilson family on one occasion, hav- ing been warned of proximity of Indians, waded through deep snow to South Fort, where they found the fort besieged by Indians. However, the enemy, few in number, were on only one side of the fort, so Mr. Wilson, with a baby in his arms, was able to guide his family into the fort, unnoticed by the enemy.
THE REVOLUTION
AT THE cessation of the French and Indian Wars in 1763, the town later known as Shelburne was a small scattered community of crude log cabins. Marked trees guided the early settlers through the heavy forests which covered the countryside.
These people were poor in worldly goods but were in possession of vigorous health, industry and frugality. The meetinghouse at the Center served as an assembly place for religious worship, town meetings, and other gatherings. In spite of the difficulties of travel and communication, all were well informed as to the activities. Throughout the Colonies, travelers passed along the news of the day by word of mouth and
many a copy of the Boston Gazette found its way into the homes of this little hill town in Western Massa- chusetts.
The attitude of the mother country, England, to- ward the Colonies was discussed and resented on all sides. The passage by Parliament of several acts destructive to colonial liberty was the more immediate cause of the Revolution. The Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act of 1765 were met with great opposi- tion throughout the country. A spirit of indignation, which was expressed in the bay and seaport towns, was reflected in all the Whig families of which this town was composed. As a result of this intense feel-
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ing of resentment, there was much smuggling of the commodities in question, especially sugar and molasses.
When David Wells, with his family, came from Colchester to take over the farm of his cousin, Agrippa Wells, the people of Shelburne were much pleased. He had been captain of the local militia in Connecticut. The men of Shelburne begged him to form a company as most of the other towns were doing. So he ob- tained from the General Court a commission as cap- tain and a lieutenant's commission for Benjamin Nash.
On May 9, 1768, the petition of the town to be set off from Deerfield was granted, and on June 21st, under the reign of King George III, and by the Act of the Bay State Legislature, this settlement became a separate chartered district and was named for Lord Shelburne of England.
At the Centennial Celebration, June 17, 1868, the Rev. Theophilus Packard made an exceedingly apt statement : "Hence it appears that Shelburne received its territory from Deerfield, its first settlers from the British race and its charter from the great and general court of the old Massachusetts Province, its name from an English nobleman, who nobly espoused the cause of American Independence, and all from the kind hand of our Divine Benefactor."
The affairs of State as well as town were of great interest to these early settlers. The demand for a Continental Congress was insistent, and in spite of the marked opposition of the home government in Eng- land, the delegates from ninety-six towns met in a convention at Boston September 28, 1768.
On October 31, 1768, the first district meeting was held at the Daniel Nims house, with John Taylor as moderator, John Wells, clerk, and Stephen Kellogg, treasurer. The Selectmen and Assessors were John Taylor, John Wells and Robert Wilson. Ebenezer Fisk was constable and Samuel Hunter, deer reeve.
The years between 1769 and 1774 were years of dissatisfaction and indignation. England realized that trade with her colonies was considerable and must not get out of control. She tried new tactics. She repealed the Stamp Act, but to no avail. A climax came when in 1773, an attempt was made to enforce the tea tax, which resulted in the famous Boston Tea Party. In June, 1774, the Boston Port Bill was put into effect.
Shelburne joined the eastern part of the State in approval of Samuel Adams' statement when he said : "The liberties of our country are worth defending at all hazards." They were ready to cooperate with his suggestion that a Committee of Correspondence, In- spection and Safety be appointed.
A town meeting was held July 20, 1774, at the Center, where a letter which came through the Com- mittee of Correspondence was presented, asking the people to sign a covenant not to buy English goods. They readily agreed.
The question of contributing to the expenses of the delegates from Massachusetts to the Continental Con- gress at Philadelphia was discussed. Stephen Kellogg
made an appropriation of five pounds for that cause.
Captain Wells represented the town at a "tur" (2) day conference in Northampton, where strict observ- ance of the Non-importation Act was recommended. An agreement was made to pay no money to the royal treasurer, that men be drilled under military leaders, and that a Provincial Congress be held in Concord, October 2nd, 1774.
The Provincial Congress met in October to learn what had been done at Philadelphia. Each town was asked to organize a committee of safety to collect pow- der and military stores at once and that one fourth of the militia be ready to march at a minute's notice, which act gave birth to the name "Minute Men."
Records show that it was voted that "the 'Minute Men' have one shilling lawful money for every half day and that they exercise two half days in a week." It was also voted that "if the 'Minute Men' were deficient they must pay a fine of two shillings for every half day."
Captain Wells received a letter from his brother, Rev. Noah Wells of the First Church of Stamford, Connecticut, which shows the spirit of the times. He wrote: "I heartily condole with your Province and especially Boston, the Capitol, suffering under the cruel hand of arbitrary and tyrannical acts of the British Parliament. You have many cordial friends in these parts who consider you as suffering in the common cause of American Liberty."
In February, 1775, soon after the news of the action of the British Parliament to exclude fishermen from the banks of Newfoundland, and the address of George Ill, declaring Massachusetts to be in rebellion, the militia was called to the Shelburne meetinghouse, where a huge bonfire was blazing.
Captain Wells made a brief address, saying he could no longer hold a commission from King George, after which statement he tore his commission paper in bits. Lieutenant Nash followed his example. But Cap- tain Wells agreed to continue drilling his men.
The opportunity to use their military training soon came to this little group of patriots. When on April 19th, word came that General Gage had sent troops to Lexington and they had fired on the American Militia, the "Minute Men" hastened to join the army which was gathering from all quarters. On April 20th, all were on their way. The following is the list of "Minute Men" from this section who were under Captain Hugh McClellan and enlisted for either ten or fifteen and a half days:
Lieut. Jacob Pool Corp. Elisha Ransom Pvt. William Anderson Pvt. Jabez Ransom Pvt. Benjamin Nash
Pvt. John Long Pvt. John Taylor
Pvt. Lawrence Kerrys Pvt. John Burdick Pvt. Benjamin Allen
Pvt. Job Colman Pvt. Stephen Kellogg
Pvt. John Heaton Pvt. William Hilton Pvt. David Hunter
Sgt. Amasa Kemp
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Two Shelburne men enlisted as "Minute Men" with a company of men from Charlemont and Rowe led by Colonel Hugh Maxwell. They were Sergeant Levi Kemp and Corporal Abraham Blodgett.
A list of the male residents and town officers on March 6, 1775, is as follows:
Daniel Wells John Butler
Aaron Skinner
Reuben Nims
Samuel Fisk
Ebenezer Ellis
Samuel Fellows Jonas Rice
David Wells
John Burdick
Robert Wilson
Nathaniel Merrill
Roger Haskell
Lawrence Kemp
Elisha Hinsdale John Boyd
Levi Kemp Samuel Dodge, Jr.
Joel Coleman
Thomas Anderson
Capt. John Wells
Samuel Boyd
Samuel Wilson
Enoch Bardwell
Newton Ransom
Ebenezer Fisk
John Ransom Job Burdick
Ebenezer Bardwell
John Bates
Alexander Thompson
While the husbands and sons were in camp, the women worked hard, spinning, weaving and carrying on the farms with the help of the children. Large quotas of supplies were asked of each community and, of necessity, the women had to see that the quotas were raised.
In May 1775, and later, twenty-two men enlisted for various periods up to three months and eight days. They were under Captain Agrippa Wells in Colonel Asa Whitcomb's Regiment. Eight had served as "Min- ute Men":
Lieut. Jacob Pool
William Hilton Stephen Kellogg
1st Sergt. Amasa Kemp
2nd Corp. Benjamin Nash
Jabez Ransom
Benjamin Allen
Noah Wells
The others were:
John Grant Eli Skinner
John Fellow's Samuel Fellows
William Choat
Matthew Barber
William Hale James Corse
Hazael Ransom
Ephraim Potter
Daniel Belden
Joseph Osborn
Nathaniel Merrill
Jake Porter
From this comparatively small group of families an amazingly large number of enlistments came through- out the remainder of the war.
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Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys easily captured Fort Ticonderoga and took a quantity of much-needed supplies. A group of local men went by oxcart over Hoosac Mountain and brought back some of these stores for the army which was encamped
in the eastern part of the State. As they passed through Shelburne on their return trip, more supplies were added to their load. Food, blankets and clothing were piled high and fresh oxen were secured to con- tinue the journey. They found the Shelburne men in camp at Cambridge and learned that young Noah Wells had died of camp fever, due to privation and hardship.
Later in the winter of 1775, Lieut. Poole died of smallpox.
In May, 1775, Deacon Samuel Fellows and Major David Wells were chosen to represent the town at the Provincial Congress at Watertown.
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