History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 64

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 64

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The Enterprise began with the best modern equip- ment in steam-power presses. It has grown from the first size to an eight-page, forty-eight column paper, with a circulation of 1200. It has also added other towns to its list, so that its combined weekly issue is over 4000. Its Christmas issue has always been a novelty, has attracted much attention and received many flattering notices. September 3, 1889, they began a four-page daily, with a circulation of four hundred. In six months it has increased so that the edition varies from 800 to 1200, according to the quality of the news. These papers are all alive, and devoted to the best interests of the town.

With this narration of Hudson's material interests, it is a pleasure and a relief to turn to another and different aspect of its people's growth. While devot- ed to all possible advancement in worldly affairs, the citizens have not forgotten religious matters, nor failed to cultivate the social side of their natures.

CHURCHES .- There are four churches in a vigorous and healthy condition, occupying handsome and com- modious structures, which are paid for. The Baptist, Methodist and Unitarian are situated together on Church and Main Streets, while the Catholic is situ- ated on the next street to the east, Maple, indicating a bond of unity and good fellowship not always existing among rival denominations.

The first Methodist in Hudson was Phineas Sawyer in 1800; he introduced Methodist preaching, but, owing to his early death by accident, it did not seem

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to flourish until some years later. There were many warm adherents of the Methodist faith in Hudson from 1860-65, but no continuous preaching was had in town until Mr. George Houghton generously fitted up a hall near the Fitchburg depot for the use of this people, and on Sunday morning, April 9, 1865, Rev. W. W. Colburn preached the first sermon to a good- sized audience, Mr. Colburn was a young, energetic man, full of the faith and zeal of Methodism, and he worked untiringly, "in season and out of seasou, " for the good of the church. So successful were his efforts in this direction, that in August, 1866, the foundation of the church edifice was put in, and the work so rapidly pushed to completion, that in the following winter services were held in the new building. From this time forth the new society grew rapidly, and is to-day in a most flourishing condition, with a large membership, and a wide-awake Sunday-school, ably conducted, and intent on keeping alive the same spirit which has ever characterized it. The church is situated on Main Street, in the centre of the town. Directly opposite it, on a slightly elevated site, stands the edifice used by the First Unitarian Society, for- merly called Union Society.

The movement which culminated in the organiza- tion of this society may be traced to the anti-slavery agitation in Feltonville, and to the religious services held in the engine-house, Cox's Hall and Manson's Hall in 1848 and 1850. In 1854 the School. Street School-house was built with a small hall in the base- ment, and Rev. Mr. Stacey was engaged to preach at five dollars a Sunday. This hall was named Freedom Hall. In June, 1860, when Feltonville had one thou- sand inhabitants, steps were taken for the erection of a church, which, when completed, including furnishing, organ and bell, cost $8400. The house is called Law- rence Church, in honor of Amos Lawrence. .

In 1862 Mr. Stacey closed his services for the soci- ety, and Rev. W. S. McDaniel was called to the pas- torate. He resigned in 1864, and Rev. H. C. Dugan took his place, serving until 1867. He was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Heywood, and he by Rev. Hilary By- grave, who resigned in 1879. Rev. E. P. Gibbs was installed in 1880 and resigned in 1883. He was fol- lowed by Rev. Clarence Fowler in 1884. In an anni- versary address delivered by Rev. Mr. Fowler, in speaking of the religious freedom and tolerant spirit manifested by the early founders of this society, he related an instance in 1862, when there were some misgivings about allowing Wm. Lloyd Garrison to speak in the church, and Francis Brigham voiced the convictions of the society when he said he would rather Lawrence Church were leveled to the ground than that Garrison should not be allowed to speak from that pulpit. Many founders of the society are still living.

The Sunday-school, which is the pride and inspira- tion of the society, has a very large membership, and great interest is manifested in it by teachers and pu-

pils. The Ladies' Social and Benevolent Society and the Unity Club are powerful auxiliaries in the work of this society, and could not well be dispensed with. A new and commodious chapel is soon to be added to the accommodations of the church.

The Baptists are the oldest organized society in town. It was through the earne-t efforts of some of the ladies of Feltonville, assisted by Rev. Henry Fittz, that it was organized. In 1844 sevices were held in Cox's Hall and at the houses of those interested. Later on, various students and ministers followed up the good work, until, in 1851, a church was built on the site of the present edifice, and Rev. E. L. Wake- field was ordained as its minister. His services with the church lasted until 1864, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to resign. He was an earnest and eloquent preacher, and greatly loved by all. In 1865 Rev. E. H. Page was called to the pas- torate and resigned in the following year, his place being filled by Rev. H. G. Gay. After four years' faithful service Mr. Gay gave way to Rev. W. H. Ventres, who was ordained in 1871.

During Mr. Ventres' engagement the present attrac- tive edifice was erected at an expense of over $23,000, and all paid for, giving this people one of the finest churches in town. Mr. Ventres concluded his minis- trations in 1876, and soon after Rev. Francis S. Bacon was called to the place, filling it with marked success and almost unanimous satisfaction for nine years, when he resigned to accept a call from Marblehead. Rev. H. F. Perry, a student of the Newton Theological School, was asked to supply the pulpit, and the peo- ple were so favorably impressed with his ability that he was given a unanimous call. He was ordained in 1890. Thus this society has grown from eight mem- bers, at the time it was constituted, to a vigorous and flourishing church, sowing much good seed and ad- ding continually to its membership.

St. Michael's Society (Catholic) was organized by Father M. T. Maguire, in 1869, and a church was built on Maple Street. It supplied all their needs, until the rapid growth of the society made a new and larger structure imperative. This was begun in 1889, and will cost $30,000. The corner-stone was laid Sunday afternoon, August 25, 1889, at three o'clock, with the full ceremonies of the Catholic ritual. The services were in the open air on the site of the new church. In a receptacle of the stone were placed a parchment containing a Latin inscription, copies of the Hudson Enterprise, and the Boston daily papers, coins of the period, etc. The ceremony was one of the most impressive possible. The preacher on the occasion was Rev. Charles W. Currier, C.S.S.R.

Besides these older societies, in the year 1887 the formation of a Congregational Church began to be agitated, but with no immediate result other than to keep the subject in the minds of the members of that denomination who had not united with either of the other churches in Hudson. In 1889 the subject again

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received attention and a canvass was made for mem- bers of churches of this denomination whose homes were here, and they were invited to attend a meeting for prayer and conference in a private dwelling. The evening being a very cold one, but few came, but those who were present deemed it best to repeat the invita- tion for another evening and the interest and attend- ance at this second meeting justified their action. Not long after this small beginning a Sabbath-school was organized and the Enterprise parlors were se- cured for the use of the growing society. Following close upon the organization of the Sabbath-school came the establishment of Sabbath preaching ser-

of exclusiveness-the outgrowth of older growth and sectional jealousy-so common in larger towns, to be found within the social environment of Hudson. A hearty cordiality and good fellowship pervades the place. The " stranger within her gates " is made wel- come-how welcome can be judged from the fact that some of her leading men are those who came to visit friends for a day, were enchanted by the attractive- ness and cordiality everywhere found, and have stayed on, until they are now represented by second and third generations. It is this spirit which is the secret of the flourishing societies to be found in her midst. They are manifold. The Mason will find entertain-

ST. MICHAEL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

vices, the pulpit being supplied by pastors of neigh- boring Congregational Churches, who kindly offered their services to the young society. At the present time the outlook is very encouraging, and there is every reason to believe that a strong church will, in a few years, result from this small beginning. In 1890 their first pastor was settled, Rev. J. C. Hall. The first enrollment of membership was thirty. The Sab- bath-school has an average membership of fifty, a good library and pleasant rooms, and the attendance upon the preaching services averages about seventy. A Ladies' Sewing Society has also been formed, and is in a flourishing condition. The society has pur- chased a site on Central Street and hopes to erect a church at no very distant day.

SOCIAL ADVANTAGES .- There is none of that air 18-iii

ment in Doric Lodge or Trinity Commandery in the halls in the Town-Hall building ; the Odd Fellow, in Odd Fellows' Hall ; the G. A. R., in Cochran's Block ; the Granger, in Jefts' Block ; the Knight of Pythias, in Lewis' Block ; the Red Men, in Odd Fellows' Hall, and all others in some one of these halls which are sub-let to them.

No brother or sister can apparently appear upon the scene without meeting the sign and password of his or her particular order. Of all these, Doric Lodge, A. F. and A. M., is the oldest. In the autumn of 1863 a few members of the lodge in Marlboro', wish- ing to enjoy the rites of their order with less incon- venience than the necessary traved to Marlborough compelled, applied to the Grand Lodge for a dispen- sation to work in Feltonville. A charter was granted

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Dec. 28, 1863. On January 19, 1865 the lodge was constituted and consecrated by the Grand Lodge, and a public installation of the officers was held. The lodge-rooms were over Lawrence Church, and they were occupied until 1872, when the rooms in the Town-Hall building were leased for twenty years and furnished at an expense of $2400. These rooms were ledicated Oct. 18, 1872. On Dec. 28, 1888, the lodge celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary, and one of its pleasantest features was that it had as its guest William Parkman, the Grand Master who signed the charter. The Masters of the lodge have been as follows: P. E. Millay, J. L. Harriman, Willard Houghton, A. S. Trowbridge, Lyman Morse, Parkman Nourse, Edward P. Miles, John F. Wood, Walter H. Small, Francis Howe and Joel M. Pettengill. The membership roll has grown from the original fifteen to one hundred and eighty. Occupying the same rooms with Dorie Lodge is Trinity Commandery, Knights Templar. The first meeting of those interested in forming a commandery was held March 23, 1871, and twenty- five signed the list. This was increased so that when the charter was granted, April 6th, there were forty- six charter members. Work was begun that month under command of Sir Knight F. J. Foss, of Malden, Past Commander of Hugh de Payens Commandery. It was constituted and organized in the vestry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on December 7, 1871.

Dr. N. S. Chamberlain was its first Eminent Com- mander. Those since have been, J. L. Harriman, W. E. C. Worcester, Luman T. Jefts, James T. Joslin, George B. Cochran, John Hillis, F. S. Dawes, J. Frank Chills. It began with a debt of $1600, which was cleared in 1878, and now there is a handsome surplus in the treasury. In December, 1888, elegant jewels were presented to all the Past Commanders. It has made nine pilgrimages. Its membership has in- creased to one hundred and forty.

Hudson Lodge, No. 154, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 21, 1871. This lodge, although occupying small and inconvenient quarters in Lawrence Church, had a steady growth in numbers, and accumulated a very large reserve fund, amounting at one time to about eighteen hundred dollars. The charitable provisions of this order have always been fully carried out in this lodge, and the social feature which has always been characteristic of Odd Fellowship is particularly true of Hudson Lodge. Not many years after the lodge was instituted, the wives of the members who had taken the third degree formed a ladies' branch of the order, and by their efforts in a social way gave an added and extremely pleasant side to the organiza- tion. In 1887 the members of Hudson Lodge de- cided that their rooms were too small to accommodate them properly, and an arrangement was made with Hiram W. Chase to add another story to his block on Wood Square, to be fitted up for the especial use and convenience of this lodge. The means of the organ- ization made it possible for them to fit up the new

rooms in a handsome manner without erippling their resources. The change to the new hall was made September 20, 1887.

With the removal to this hall came an increased interest in the affairs and welfare of the lodge, and an added desire on the part of many to become members. Probably no social organization has made greater strides forward during the last two years than has Hud- son Lodge. Its membership list is growing rapidly and its fund for charitable purposes will soon be larger than at any time in its past history. Since its foun- dation the following members have presided over its deliberations and attained the rank of " Past Grand ": Charles W. Barnes, Hiram P. Bean, Jesse E. Bliss, Charles G. Brett, Simeon M. Bruce, Willard G. Bruce, Reuben A. Derby, N. S. Fairbanks, James G. Dow, George T. Fletcher, Frederick P. Glazier, Ed- win B. Goodnow, Charles F. Hall, James T. Joslin, Ellsworth S. Locke, William G. Locke, Otis H. Moore, William H. McCarthy, Charles H. Moore, John Robertson, Oliver B. Sawyer, William F. Smith, Fred. W. Trowbridge (2d), Martin V. Tripp. Arthur G. Wood, John A. Woodman, Henry A. Wheeler.

The names are arranged alphabetically and not ac- cording to term of service.

Mr. James T. Joslin was the first Noble Grand of the lodge and has always taken a great interest in Odd Fellowship. He was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts in 1880, and a representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge during the next two years. Since the agitation of the ques- tion of an Odd Fellows' Home he has been one of the trustees having that matter in charge.

Dr. Cornelius S. Jackson is the present Noble Grand, serving a second term in that position.

The wives and daughters, as has been stated, had a temporary organization for many years, but, except in individual cases, were not regular members of Rebekah Degree Lodges. In 1887, it was proposed that a regu- larly constituted Rebekah Degree Lodge be instituted, and this plan met with hearty favor. After going through with the necessary formalities, Magnolia De- gree Lodge, No. 55, Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted September 22, 1887, and has had a remark- ably successful career ever since. The following ladies have occupied the Noble Grand's chair since that date: F. Emma Wood, Rachel S. Bruce, Flora A. Moore.

The other secret orders of the town are strong financially and in numbers. They have a most un- doubted effect upon the affairs of the place, but a want of space precludes any more extended reference to them in this sketeh.

BOARD OF TRADE .- A town to grow must have the elements of growth within herself, public spirit, man- ifested not only in words, but in deeds. That " union is strength " is nowhere better illustrated than where public-spirited men unite unselfishly to advance tbe

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interests of the town in which they live. Such a union was effected in Hudson in its Board of Trade. Agreeable to a call issued to those who had expressed a desire to organize a Board of Trade, about one hun- dred of Hudson's wide-awake business men assembled in the lower town hall on Wednesday evening, March 22, 1887, to devise measures for the formation of an organization whereby unity of action might be se- cured for the better promotion of the public interests. Hon. L. T. Jefts presided and spoke in favor of the organization of a Board of Trade and the great good that would probably result to the town from such an organization, not only to business men, but to all classes. On motion of R. B. Lewis it was voted to proceed to the organization of the meeting, and Mr. Jefts was chosen chairman, F. H. Chamberlain, secre- tary, and R. B. Lewis, treasurer. A committee was chosen to draft constitution and by-laws and report at au adjourned meeting. Some stirring speeches were made, and the meeting was marked by unity of action and purpose which foreboded a change for the better in the business affairs of the town. The meeting ad- journed for one week to hear the report of committee on organization. The adjourned meeting was well attended. The committee on by-laws presented the same to the meeting and they were unanimously adopted. A paper was drawn up for signatures and forty names secured. At the third meeting on the Wednesday following, April 9, 1887, the membership was increased to one hundred and one, and the fol- lowing officers elected :

President, F. A. Robinson ; Vice-Presidents, L. T. Jefts, E. M. Stowe, J. S. Bradley ; Secretary, F. H. Chamberlain ; Treasurer, D. W. Stratton ; Correspond- ing Secretary, W. H. Small ; Collector, J. H. Robin- son ; Reception Committee, G. T. C. Holden, L. D. Apsley, G. B. Cochran, J. F. Wood, J. B. Clare, Caleb L. Brigham, W. H. Brigham ; Board of Directors, W. H. Moulton, C. H. Robinson, Benj. Dearborn, Henry Tower, M. Wood, R. B. Lewis, F. S. Dawes, H. C. Tower, A. K. Graves and G. A. Tripp.

Its object is tersely expressed in its preamble : " This organization is effected for the purpose of ad- vancing and encouraging the growth and prosperity of this town, aud for promoting and fostering social and business intercourse among its members." Its motto, "Stand Together."

It has stood together valiantly, giving material aid to established industries, and inducing others to locate here. It first secured the Elastic Webbing Company, then formed the Woodward Manufacturing Company and finally the Hudson Real Estate Company. The latter is a good illustration of its vim and ability. For several months efforts were made to bring to town the large shoe manufacturers, Messrs. Mawhinney & Company, having factories at Stoneham and Fayville, and doing an immense shoe business, reckoned among the soundest firms in the State, with a heavy finan- cial standing. No satisfactory arrangements seemed

possible at first, as no available factories were suffi- ciently convenient for their work, but finally two active members of the board asked them what could be done to get them to locate in Hudson. Mr. Maw- hinney made a proposition which was that if a factory could be built for them in Hudson, 250x40 feet, four stories high and supplied with engine and boiler and fixed machinery, they would take the plant at a cer- tain per cent. for a long term of years. To do this would require about twenty-five thousand dollars. The Hudson men unhesitatingly gave their opinion that such a factory could be built for them, and returned home fully determined to make the effort. A meeting of the Board of Trade was immediately called. A large number of the wide-awake business men of the town were present and entered into the scheme with enthusiasm. It was thoroughly discussed and a com- mittee appointed to retire and formulate some definite plan of action for the acceptance of the meeting. After a brief consultation the committee returned to the meeting a proposition to raise $25,000 for the establishment of the plant by the sale of stock, the shares to be placed at fifty dollars each, and the first four members of the committee appended their names to a document pledging nearly one-tenth of the required sum. The paper was at once circulated among the members, and in less than fifteen minutes the subscriptions had reached over five thousand dol- lars. A soliciting committee was appointed to raise the remainder, and in one week the task was done. The factory, one of the largest in the State, was built and occupied by the firm, April 1, 1890.

In October, 1889, the Board of Trade published and distributed a 15,000 edition of the Hudson Enterprise of sixteen pages, containing over fifty large illustra- tions of the town, its residences and business plants. It was scattered all over the country. The work of the board is having an appreciable effect upon the town ; building is very active and yet the demands for tene- ments cannot be met; business is "booming " as thoroughly as in any Western town, without any mushroom tendency ; the stores are being remodeled and fitted with all modern conveniences ; taxable property is growing rapidly, and the census will show large gains in population. For many of the data used in this history we are indebted to the columns of this Board of Trade paper and desire to acknowledge our obligation to it, having in several instances fouud no better statements anywhere than in this paper of historical facts.

NATURAL ADVANTAGES .- Nature is often prolific in her beauties, and certainly no place east of the Berkshire Hills has been so lavishly endowed as Hudson.

Nestled in a valley through which flows the gentle winding Assabet, furnishing power and water supply to some of the largest manufactories, on every side are gentle slopes and hills affording most attractive building sites. Rising sharply from the right of the

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river bank is Bellevue, a tower of strength and beauty, its green slopes smiling down upon the town, offering rest and refreshing shade after daily toil. It commands an extensive view of the country in all directions and nearly all parts of it look directly down upon the town, with its churches, schools, busi- ness blocks and manufactories, and yet is removed from its noise and smoke and dust.

The outlook is surpassed by no other eminence in this section, particularly to the east and west, where the Assabet finds its winding way and where verdant fields, forests of green hills and vales stretch away as far as the eye can reach, presenting a charming panorama of loveliness.

Broad streets lined with beautiful shade trees, attractive dwellings, well-kept lawns and shrubbery, form a picture of comfort and prosperity which speaks eloquently for the inhabitants. The area of the town is not large, but it is compactly built, thus concentrating the efforts and interests of the inhabit- ants and inspiring each to add to the beauty of the whole. This pride in the town's growth and pros- perity has induced hundreds to own and beautify their dwellings, a larger share of whom are working- men, many holding an unencumbered title to some of the finest estates in town. The surrounding country is equally beautiful, affording pleasant drives in all directions, and opening to the view delightful scen- ery. To the west of the town is "Potash Hill," towards the north " Falls Hill," to the south " Pros- pect Hill," from each of which extensive views can be had of the surrounding country.

There are no extensive streams. The Assabet, the largest, is a small river having its rise in West- borough, and flows through Northboro', Marlboro', Berlin, Hudson, Stow and Concord, where it unites with the Sudbury River. On its passage it receives several smaller streams from Berlin and Bolton, but they are not very important, though furnishing suffi- cient power during portions of the year to run some of the mill industries. Of the ponds, the one in the eastern portion is the most beautiful. From its clear, sandy bottom, it has always been called " White Pond," now dignified into the newer appella- tion of " Mirror Lake." Few sheets of water can com- pare with it in purity.

Geographically Hudson is situated in the extreme northwestern part of Middlesex County, the western boundary being that of the county as well as the town, as has been referred to already several times in this history. Four miles west is Berlin, four miles north Bolton, four miles south Marlborough, and four miles northeast Stow. All these, except Marl- borough, are farming communities, of which Hudson is the natural trading centre. To this they have gradually been drawn, until to-day the business centre of the town is a scene of continual bustle aud activ- ity ; brick blocks have risen in place of the old wooden ones, special stores have taken place of the

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 64

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