History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 157

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III > Part 157

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

On Christmas Day, 1884, the new building was oc- cupied for the first time. It was built by A. Fales & Sons, of this village, P. W. Ford, of Boston, being the architect. It seats about 1000 people. A deep-toned bell was afterwards put in the tower, and a very fine pipe-organ was put into the church in 1887. A new cemetery, consisting of twenty-four acres, beautifully situated between this village and Saxonville, was pre- pared in 1888-89, and consecrated on November 8, 1889. A lot of land has been bought on Clinton Street, near the church, upon which a handsome parochial residence is to be erected at once, the plans being al- ready prepared. There are now about 3000 parishion- ers, and a flourishing Suuday-school has an attend- ance of about 450. The church has a large and well-trained choir. Connected with the parish is the Ladies' Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, with about 75 members, the League of the Sacred Heart, the St. Stephen's Cadets, an organization of about 240 chil- dren, who are pledged to total abstinence from intox- icating liquors until they reach their majority, and

666

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

who are also pledged to avoid profanity, and respect God's name. Father Cullen's assistants have been Rev. J. J. Nilan, for three years from 1879; Rev. J. A. Donnelly, for nine months following ; Rev. E. P. Allen, D.D., for two years; Rev. J. W. Galligan, for five years, until July, 1889; and Rev. D. C. Riordan, the present assistant rector, from that time. Be- sides the large St. Stephen's Parish, Fr. Cullen also has charge of St. Bridget's at Framingham Cen- tre, he and his assistant dividing the work between them, and they also conduct religious services each Sunday at the Sherborn Reformatory for Women, which is partly in South Framingham. It is probable that a second assistant will soon be needed.

Universalist Church .- The First Universalist So- ciety in South Framingham was started in Novem- ber, 1877. For one year it worshipped in Nobscot Hall (now the District Court-room) and then removed to Liberty Hall, where it worshipped two years. The pretty little church edifice now occupied by the society was built and dedicated by this people, the services of dedication being on November 9, 1882. The church, built of wood, with a tower and steeple containing a bell, has a seating capacity of about 250. The " First Universalist Parish of South Framing- ham" was organized April 28, 1878, with twenty- seven members, choosing as officers: Moderator, Adolphus Merriam ; Clerk and Treasurer, S. G. Davenport ; Standing Committee, Daniel Hewes, John Hemenway, F. P. Stearns-" these five officers to constitute the trustees of the parish." Rev. W. A. Start, of Cambridge, secretary of the Massachu- setts Universalist Convention, was the founder of the society, aud he supplied the pulpit until Rev. Albert Hammatt came, he being ordained October 13, 1880. Rev. W. W. Hayward was settled over the parish December 11, 1883, and the present pastor, Rev. W. F. Potter, took charge of the parish in May, 1889.

The Sunday-school was organized soon after the society, and for nine years Mr. B. F. Merriam has been its superintendent. Its membership is about 100. Connected with the society are a Ladies' Asso- ciation, a circle of King's Daughters, and a circle of Sisters of Bethany among the children.

Episcopal Mission .- St. Andrew's Episcopal Mis- sion was started in the Methodist Church in 1884, preaching services being held at first once a month, with Sunday-school every Sunday afternoon. Rev. Frank S. Harraden, rector of St. John's Church, Framingham Centre, was in charge of the movement. Meetings were subsequently held in G. A. R. Hall, then in Liberty Hall, and early in 1887 the mission began to hold its meetings io the Universalist Church, arrangements being made with the latter society for the use of the church for a part of each Sunday. About 1886 there was an agitation in the mission for a church edifice of their own, and Mr. R. M. Everit, of New Haven, a large land-owner in this village, made the people a present of a good building lot for

a church, but the movement for building has been abandoned for the present. Mr. Harraden departed for another field in 1889, and October 1st, of that year, Rev. Arthur Hess became rector of St. John's Church at the Centre, with the same charge over the mission at South Framingham. The mission now has about seventy-five adherents, with a membership of forty in the Sunday-school. There is a Ladies' Aid Society, and a social circle among the young people called The South Framiogham Guild.

The Presbyterian Church .- It was on June 13, 1886, that the first Presbyterian services were held in town, the place being Grand Army or " Irving" Hall, in this village, where both the Methodist and Episcopal missions had previously worshiped. Rev. Edward Hunting Rudd, a Princeton student, took charge of the work for the first three months, starting the first meeting, and showing marked ability for his work. That the movement had the endorsement of the other churches in the town may be judged from the fact that at this first service the Methodist organist played the organ, and the Baptist choir led the sing- ing, while at subsequent meetings the pastors of most of the other churches participated in the services. One week after this first service a Sunday-school was started. After Mr. Rudd's departure the pulpit was filled from time to time by Rev. W. L. Cunningham, of New Jersey ; Rev. S. E. Lane, D.D., of South Framingham; Rev. James W. Flagg, of Vermont; Rev. J. A. McDonald, of Nova Scotia, and others. The church was formally organized on December 8, 1886, with twenty-three members, when the commis- sion appointed by the Boston Presbytery for that pur- pose was present. It took the name of the " First Presbyterian Church of South Framingham." On June 11, 1887, the church called Rev. James W. Flagg, of South Ryegate, Vermont, to be its pastor, and Mr. Flagg was installed over his new charge on October 12, 1887. Under his guidance the church has grown steadily, having now a membership of eighty-five. The Sabbath-school numbers seventy- five scholars and ten officers and teachers, and has had Mr. Charles W. Weller for its superintendent from the first. Up to July 1, 1887, the society worshiped in Grand Army Hall, but at that time removed to larger quarters in Pythian Hall in Liberty Block. In July of 1889 a movement was started looking to the building of a new church. Over $1000 was sub- scribed on one Sabbath by the members, and Messrs. T. L. and E. L. Sturtevant presented the society for a church site a fine corner-lot on the corner of Hol- lis and Winthrop Streets. On that site the founda- tion and under-pinning is all completed for a com- fortable edifice, having the main auditorium raised a few feet above the street, with vestry, parlors and other rooms below. It is expected the new cdifice will be built before winter. There is a Young Peo- ple's Christian Endeavor Society connected with the church, which is doing good work.

667

FRAMINGHAM.

SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS .- South Framingham, like most other large towns, does not lack for representatives of the many fraternal, benevolent and social societies. Among these societies the Ma- sonic is the oldest. Middlesex Lodge, at Framing- ham Centre, was organized in 1795, and all through the dark days of the persecutions of the order never missed holding a meeting. It still holds in its mem- bership many South Framingham men, and under the present Master, Walter Adams, Esq., has been particularly prosperous; but as the latter village grew, and before the days of horse-cars in town, it was found inconvenient for a large body of men to go two miles to the Centre to the meetings, and so it came about that

Alpha Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was instituted in South Framingham, in 1875, the first meeting for organiza- tion being on September 28ch of that year, the place being Irving, (since known as G. A. R.) Hall. There were 25 charter members, and the membership now is 107. The Past Masters have been W. H. Phipps, by dispensation, and the following by election : Chas. P. Knowlton, Chas. F. Cutler, L. M. Butler, N. L. Sawtelle, Alexander Hoyt, F. M. Pratt, L. M. Pal- mer, and the present Worshipful Master is Fred. L. Oaks. Edgar Potter is secretary. Meetings have been held the past few years in Odd Fellows' Hall; but Masonic Hall, in the new Smith Block, has just been fitted up by the lodge. The regular meetings are held the second Wednesday evening of each month.

Concord Royal Arch Chapter, A. F. and A. M., was organized at Concord in 1826, but removed to Fram- ingham in 1852. It is made up to-day of Masons from both Middlesex Lodge, at Framingham Centre, and Alpha Lodge, at South Framingham. Joseph Drew Thomas, of South Framingham, is the present Most Excellent High Priest, and Edwin Moultrop, of Framingham, is secretary. The Chapter is noted for its fine work. It meets at South Framingham. .

A Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a la- dies' auxiliary to the Masonic bodies, has recently heen formed, and has 48 members. It has been named Orient Chapter. Mrs. Ann M. Hooker is Worthy Matron, and A. J. Heath, Secretary.

Framingham Lodge, No. 45, I. O. O. F., was char- tered August 29, 1844, first meeting in Saxonville, but gave up its charter June 1, 1853. It was rein- stituted in South Framingham, February 24, 1875, since which time it has held regular meetings every Wednesday evening. It now has 180 members. Wright Summers is Noble Grand, and Charles E. Mather, Recording Secretary. The lodge has fine quarters in Odd Fellows' Block, the handsome brick block being owned by the Odd Fellows' Building As- sociation.

Waushakum Encampment, No. 52, I. O. O. F., was organized May 3, 1877, having then eight members. It now has 115 members, and meets in Odd Fellows'

Hall the first and third Fridays of each month. F. W. Bridges is Chief Patriarch, and C. H. Bridges, Scribe.

Fidelity Degree Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca, auxili- ary to the Odd Fellows, was instituted May 14, 1886, with a membership of 60. It now has 202 members, and a very fine paraphernalia. It meets the second and fourth Friday evenings in the month, in Odd Fel- lows' Hall. Mrs. E. H. Martin is Noble Grand, and Mrs. J. B. Robie, Secretary.

Pericles Lodge, No. 4, Knights of Pythias, was insti- tuted in Odd Fellows' Hall, on Nov. 5, 1885, with 25 charter members. It afterwards removed for a time to G. A. R. Hall, and in 1887 leased and fitted up Pythian Hall, in Liberty Block, which it now occu- pies and controls, and sub-leases to other organiza- tions. Albert A. Jackson is Chancellor Commander, and H. F. Hamilton, Keeper of Records and Seal. The lodge now has a membership of 110 in good standing.

Mizpah Assembly, No. 6, Pythian Sisterhood, was or- ganized March 14, 1889, with 12 charter members. At present the membership is 23. It holds meetings twice a month in Pythian Hall. Mrs. J. H. Safford is Chancellor Commander, and Miss E. L. Kittredge, Keeper of Records and Seal. This Assembly is aux- iliary to the Knights of Pythias.

Plymouth Rock Council, No. 37, Order of United American Mechanics, was instituted November 26, 1888, with 45 members, and now has 90 members, meeting every Monday evening in Masonic Hall, in Smith Block. E. A. Temple is Councilor, and H. E. Miller, Recording Secretary.

Netus Tribe, No. 43, Independent Order of Red Men, was instituted June 13, 1887, with 20 charter mem- bers. It was instituted in Odd Fellows' Hall, where for some little time it held its meetings, afterwards meeting in Pythian Hall for three years. Since July 1, 1890, it has met in the new Masonic Hall, in Smith .Block. The tribe has already shown steady growth, and now has a membership of 128. It has a good paraphernalia, and does good work in the exemplifi- cation of the degrees. Otis Cutting is Sachem, and David H. Durand, Keeper of Records.

Wauneta Council, No. 29, Degree of Pocahontas, an auxiliary to the Red Men, was instituted November 14, 1889, having then forty-seven members. The membership is now seventy-five, and it meets twice a month, first and third Fridays, in Masonic Hall. Mrs. A. D. Leland is Worthy Pocahontas, and Mrs. Mary E. Porter, Secretary.

Gen. J. G. Foster Post No. 163, G. A. R., was instituted March 25, 1884, with thirty members. It now has a membership of seventy, all well uniformed, and main- tains a cosy G. A. R. Hall, which it sublets to other societies. It meets thesecond and fourth Tuesday even- ings in the month. Capt. E. F. Phinney is commander, and Maj. J. M. Wiswell, adjutant. Previous to the organization of Foster Post, D. Brigham Eames Post,

668

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

No. 142, existed at South Framingham. It was started in the winter of 1869-70, but afterwards moved to Saxonville, and its name was changed to Burnside Post.

Gen. J. G. Foster Camp 59, Sons of Veterans, was organized March 5, 1886, with thirteen members, and at the present time has forty-five. It meets the second and fourth Thursday evenings in the month, in G. A. R. IIall. Wm. O'Callahan is captain, and S. Fred. Wil- son, first sergeant. The Camp is well uniformed and well drilled.

Gen. J. G. Foster Woman's Relief Corps was organ- ized May 16, 1884, with twelve members, and now has seventy-five. It is an independent corps, and has been a power for good in its chosen work, and a most valuable auxiliary to the " boys in blue." It meets the first and third Tuesdays in G. A. R. Hall. Mrs. E. F. Phinney is president, and Mrs. M. E. Porter, secre- tary.

Garfield Council, No. 857, Royal Arcanum, was in- stituted in G. A. R. Hall, September 25, 1884, with fourteen charter members. The membership is now thirty-nine. It meets the second and fourtb Friday evenings in the month in Pythian Hall. C. J. Mc- Pherson is Regent, and E. S. Twichel, Secretary.

Trimount Lodge, No. 670, Knights of Honor, was in- stituted June 15, 1877, with fourteen members and now has twenty-six members. Meetings are held the first and third Mondays in the month in G. A. R. Hall. E. A. Johnson is Dictator, and W. M. Ranney, Re- porter.

Framingham Council, No. 1163, American Legion of Honor, was instituted September 19, 1883, with thirty- two charter members, and now numbers seventy-eight members. It meets the second and fourth Monday evenings of the month in G. A. R. Hall. A. A. Jackson is Commander, and W. K. Ephlin, Secretary.

Framingham Commandery, No. 400, United Order Golden Cross, was instituted July 17, 1889, with thirty- one members, the membership at present being twenty-eight. Meetings are held in G. A. R. Hall the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month. O. A. Hemenway is Noble Commander and H. F. Nichols, Keeper of Records.

Lakeview Colony, United Order of the Pilgrim Fathers, was instituted September 13, 1888, with twenty-seven members and now has thirty-five. Meetings are held in G. A. R. Hall the first and third Thursday even- ings in each month. Mr. F. F. Stacey is Governor, and Mrs. M. E. Newton, Secretary.

Local Branch, No. 979, Order of the Iron Hall, was instituted February 13, 1889, with thirty members. It has since had sixty members, but the membership now is forty-eight. George M. Farrar is Chief Justice, and Asa D. Forbes, Accountant. Meetings are held the first and third Friday evenings in the month in G. A. R. Hall.

Gen. Nixon Commandery, No. 33, People's Five Years' Benefit Order, was organized in October of 1889. It

had then, and still has, forty members. W. F. Rich- ardson is Worthy Commander, and Edward F. Phin- ney, Worthy Secretary. It meets monthly in G. A. R. Hall.

Linden Lodge, Independent Order of Good Templars, was organized September 16, 1889, with twenty-seven members, and now has ninety, with an ambition to be the best lodge in the State. Meetings are held in G. A. R. Hall every Saturday evening. J. A. C. Hamil is Chief Templar, and E. B. Parsons, Sec- retary.

Division 30, Ancient Order of Hibernians, was or- ganized June 11, 1884, with twenty-three members, and now has eighty-five. Meetings are held on Sun- days, in A. O. H. Hall. James W. Burk is President, and W. O'Mally, Secretary.

Morning Star, Temple of Honor, No. 28, was organ- ized in October, 1884, with twenty-five members, and now has thirty. It meets in G. A. R. Hall, the second and fourth Friday evenings of the month. Geo. C. Blades is Worthy Chief Templar, and Geo. L. Clapp, Worthy Recorder.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was or- ganized March 1, 1878. It has seventy-five members. Mrs. S. J. Wakefield is president, and Mrs. W. A. Bailey, secretary.

The Loyal Temperance Legion, comprising children of from ten to sixteen years old, was organized in March, 1889, with thirty-eight members. The mem- bership is now 240, and meetings are held every Tuesday afternoon, except in vacation time. Henry Hilton is president, and Miss Evelyn Stearns, secre- tary. Mrs. W. W. Pease is chorister.

St. Stephen's Total Abstinence Society was organized Jan. 6, 1885, with thirty members and now has one hundred. Meetings are held Sunday afternoons in their hall in Liberty Block. David T. Flyun is pres- ident and John J. Gannon, secretary. An off-shoot from the society is the company of St. Stephen's Ca- dets, a handsomely uniformed and well-drilled com- pany of young men.

The Union Associates were organized in November, 1883, with twenty members for social purposes. The membership now is fifty, and new rooms are being prepared in the Tribune Building. The regular busi- ness meetings are held monthly, but the rooms are open for members every day and evening. William O'Callahan is president and Arthur Miller, secretary.

The Catholic Union was organized for literary and social improvement in February, 1890, with thirty members, and now has forty. Meetings are held on Thursday evenings in St. Stephen's Hall. James J. McCloskey is president, and Thomas R. Hill, secre- tary.

The Framingham Club, the leading social organiza- tion of the town, was organized about the first of 1890, being incorporated on March 11th, with ninety mem- bers. The membership now is 114. Chas. E. Haber- stroh is president and Chas. Bulle, secretary. The

669

FRAMINGHAM.

club-rooms are in Smith Block, and are open to mem- bers every day and evening in the year.

The Commercial Club was organized in February, 1888, its membership being limited to twenty-five. Thomas L. Barber is president, and R. L. Everit is secretary. The club's room is in Liberty Block.

The Framingham Historical and Natural History Society was organized March 31, 1888, with twenty members, and now has eighty. C. A. Belknap is president, Willard Howe, secretary, and Edgar Pot- ter, curator. The object of the society is the collec- tion and preservation of articles relating to and illus- trating the history of Framingham and vicinity ; nat- ural and scientific curiosities; specimens of natural history ; recording and preserving items of passing events that may become items of interest in the fu- ture, and the erection of a building as a safe reposi- tory of the same. The society's quarters, with its collection, are at the residence of Willard Howe on Concord Street.

The Framingham Dramatic Club is an association formed in May, 1890. Austin W. Phipps is manager and Miss Fleda Brown, secretary. The object is the presentation of local dramatics, and the club meets in Elmwood Opera-House.

The Framingham Medical Society was organized December 29, 1887, with ten members. It is an asso- ciation of physicians from this and surrounding towns, the membership, at present, being fourteen. Meetings are held monthly on the first Tuesday at the houses of members.

The Framingham Hospital is the result of some years of agitation, and the society is now incorporated under a charter from the Legislature of 1890, with the right to hold $50,000 worth of real and personal property. Active steps will soon be taken to make the organization of practical benefit to the community.

The Framingham Drill Club is an organization of young men and boys, most of whom are students in the schools of the town, and the object is chiefly phy- sical improvement. The club comprises about eighty members, and is divided into two companies, making a small school batallion. Out of compliment to Supt. Luke R. Landy, of the State muster-field at this place, who was chiefly instrumental in organizing them, the boys voted to be known as "The Landy Cadets." The boys are uniformed, have regular drills, and are allowed under the school law to carry arms. Their drill-master has been Lieutenant Hun- ter, of Company L, of the Ninth Regiment, of Natick, and under his instructions the boys have come to a high degree of proficiency in drill, with a corre- sponding improvement in their general carriage.

The Woman's Club was organized in May of 1889 with twenty-three members, and now has thirty-five. The object is mutual improvement along an intellec- tual line, and it meets fortnightly on Tuesday after- noons. Mrs. Sewell Fisher is president and Mrs. C. F. Beard, secretary.

The Framingham Art Club was organized May 1, 1890, with thirty members, and now has forty. Mrs. C. F. Beard is president and Mrs. C. U. Fuller, secretary. The studio is in Smith Block and lessons are given three times a week. At present instruction is chiefly confined to drawing and painting, but other branches of art will be taken up in time. It is de- signed to give exhibitions from time to time, and to establish an evening art school.

Waushakum Brass Band was formed in the spring of 1888, and is finely uniformed. The membership is twenty-eight. Ed. S. Hemenway is leader. The band-room is in Union Block.

Elmwood Bugle, Fife and Drum Corps was organized Oct. 20, 1886, and numbers fifteen musicians, well uniformed. W. E. Walters is captain. Meetings are held in Alpha Rink.

The South Middlesex Driving Association was organ- ized in May, 1890, and its track is at the grounds of the Middlesex South Agricultural Association, in this village. The track is kept in good condition for practice, and occasionally trotting races are held, with liberal purses to the winners. C. J. Fillmore is secretary of the association, L. P. Sleeper is track manager. The directors are H. S. Drake, J. H. Jordan, E. L. Deschamps.

The Middlesex South Agricultural Society, which was organized in 1854, formerly held its fairs at Framing- ham Centre, but in 1869 twenty-five acres were bought on Union Avenue, in this village, and con- venient exhibition buildings established there, as well as a half-mile trotting track, the whole at a cost of $16,000. Since then a few acres have been sold, but the grounds and buildings are in excellent condition, and the annual exhibitions in September are largely attended. Each year $600 is received from the State for premiums, nearly twice that amount being offered exhibitors. The annual meetings are held the first Monday in December. N. B. Douglas, of Sherborn, is president, and Samuel B. Bird, of Framingham, secretary.

The Firemen's Mutual Relief Association was organ- ized January 21, 1889, among the firemen of the town for the objects which its name implies. William II. Burke is president, and George T. Fuller, secretary. There are about 40 members. Quarterly meetings are held on the first Monday evenings of January, April, July and October.

The South Framingham Base Ball Association, main- tains grounds on Concord Street, which are fenced in, and on which base ball and other athletic sports are held. Frank E. Farrar is manager of the asso- ciation, and Russell M. French, treasurer.

A Nationalist Club has been started, July, 1890, with C. A. Simpson, president, and W. D. Mc Pherson, secretary.

The Industrial Unions .- The industrial unions of the town are quite well organized, and hold regular meetings. Among these unions in the village are the

670

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Carpenters' and Joiners', Painters' and Decorators', Lasters' Protective, International Leather-Workers', Rubber-Workers', Brotherhood of Railroad Brake- men, Trainmen's Protective Association.

Among the organizations which have lately gone out of existence in the village are :

The Citizens' Association, a body of gentlemen seek- ing to improve the growth and prosperity of the town, was organized February 8, 1886, but died after two years, although accomplishing much good in that time.

The Literary Society was started . in March, 1875, with fifty members, and had over one hundred mem- bers afterwards. It was very prosperous for ten years, but in 1886 surrendered, giving the money in its treasury-about $50-to the Choral Union.

The Choral Union, organized in 1884, existed be- tween four and five years, aud had a marked effect upon the musical culture of the town. Concerts were given from time to time, but, like many another good thing, it finally succumbed to lack of interest.

BUSINESS INTERESTS .- As a business centre, South Framingham has already achieved considerable dis- tinction. It is the natural centre of a circle of twenty-five or thirty miles, within whose radius are a score or more of thriving towns. We have seen that it is on two main lines of railway with their branches ; being situated twenty miles west of Boston, twenty miles east of Worcester, twenty-five miles south of Fitchburg and Lowell and thirty miles north of Taunton. Most of the village is of level land, and the business part is considerably cut up with railroad tracks, affording numerous sites for manufacturing establishments. Unlike many towns, this one is not tribute to any other town or city, but is an indepeud- ent community, rapidly growing from its own re- sources. Previous to 1840 there were but a few strag- gling houses each side of the Boston and Worcester Railroad track. The development of the straw-hat aud bonnet industry in the " forties " drew outsiders in, until in war time we find that business flourishing in town, and there was practically no other manu- facturing business here.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 157

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278