USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Monson > History of Monson, Massachusetts > Part 16
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of LaBrecque was added in honor of Paul LaBrecque who lost his life in service.
August 1957, the World War I veterans organized the Monson Barracks of Veterans of World War I, U.S.A. No. 1003.
On April 5, 1921, a group of women composed of mothers, wives and sisters of the veterans of World War I, met to form the organization known as the American Legion Auxiliary.
The purpose of the Auxiliary is to aid the American Legion in carrying out its great programs of peace-time service to America, to which the Legion is dedicated. The major projects of the Auxiliary are caring for the disabled veterans, who are still hospitalized; the care of their children, and education of the youth; also serving our community.
The first president was Mrs. Nellie Holdridge. The Gold Star Mothers at this time were: Mrs. Julia Purcell, Mrs. Rose Gaouette and Mrs. Addie Giffin. In 1936 Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Ella Walker became a member, and in 1951 Mrs. Nina Thompson.
The Gold Star Mothers of World War II are Mrs. Thaddeus Burgiel, Mrs. Maria Osborn, Mrs. Rose LaBrecque, Mrs. Eva Palen, Mrs. Conchitta Verlotta, and Mrs. Clara Bogerson.
PAUL LEBRECQUE
HISTORY OF MONSON
Page 161
MONSON HONOR ROLL
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WORLD WAR I HONOR ROLL
The Korean Conflict added two more Gold Star Mothers: Mrs. Mary L. Beauche- min and Mrs. Amy Miller.
In 1947 Mrs. Veronica Heintz became District Director of Hampden County Coun- cil of the American Legion Auxiliary. She is the only member of the Monson unit to hold this office.
World War I Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Rose Gaouette, presented $500 to the Aux- iliary, the interest to be used each year to buy a scholarship medal to be presented to the outstanding girl student in the 8th grade. This is given in memory of her son, Alfred Naon Gaouette.
World War II Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Maria Osborn, presented $500 to the Aux- iliary to be used as a memorial to her son, Gilbert Wayne Stansfield. On February 15, 1953, a Spinet piano was purchased with this money and presented to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in memory of her son, and all other Monson boys who lost their lives in World War II.
The American Legion Auxiliary has presented a magazine rack and several books to the Monson Library in memory of its Gold Star Mothers. Two volumes of the History of the American Legion Auxiliary were presented in memory of Mrs. Addie Giffin, by her daughter, Miss Harriet Gif- fin. In 1959, the Auxiliary presented a book to the Library in memory of the de- ceased veteran, Francis Wytas, who lost his life in the flood of 1955.
WORLD WAR II
By 1939 the war cloud had settled over Europe. The idealism of World War I was missing. Everyone realized that this war was one for the preservation of our civiliza- tion.
The news of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on Sunday afternoon of December 7, 1941, was received directly, over radio, by every village in the nation.
Gradually more and more men left for the service either via the draft or as vol- unteers. More and more mail was received at the Post Office bearing "A.P.O. 925 San Francisco" and "A.P.O. 717 New York." War ceased September 2, 1945.
Shortages developed in consumer goods. Sugar, meat, gasoline, and other products were rationed, and a board was set up in each town to administer the system. Red and blue ration points were carried in every pocketbook along with the individual's ration books.
Thomas Faulkner Veterans' Service Agent
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Page 162
HISTORY OF MONSON
The Draft Board was No. 120 of Palmer with George Seymour as Monson chairman. Some headlines showing Monson events :
1943 - State Guard Parade.
1943 - Oct. - thirty-two members of the Canteen Corps of Monson Red Cross gave nine hundred fifty hours feeding the searchers for the 'Lost Pilot' in the Holland woods.
1944 - Benton survives Atlantic sink- ing.
1946 -- Veterans' Welcome Home Cele- bration.
A Veterans' Service Center is maintain- ed at the Town Hall Annex. Thomas Faulk- ner is the Director of Veterans' Services for the District of Eastern Hampden County which includes the towns of Monson, Hamp- den, Brimfield, Holland and Wales. In this position he handles all State and Federal benefits. The director is appointed by the District Board each year.
Mr. Faulkner also is the Veterans' agent for each of the five towns. He is appointed by the Selectmen of each town. This divi- sion handles all monetary aid to needy vete- rans of this district and their dependents. He also is Veterans' Burial agent, obtaining markers from the Government for veterans' graves.
Aldrich, George A. Aldrich, John D.
Aliengena, Harry E. Alden, Richard F.
Allen, Alva Jr. Allen, Bernice B. Amberzon, Alexander
Anderson, Edward H.
Anderson, Frederick C.
Anderson, Harold E.
Anderson, John E. Alonzo, Angelo J.
Alonzo, Antonio, Jr.
Appleby, Frank Lloyd
Authier, John Robert Authier, William H. Jr.
Bacon, Raymond C . Ball, Carlos H. Barrett, Hugh J. Barry, Richard J.
WORLD WAR II VETERANS
Barsaleau, Arline M. Battige, Carl S.
Battige, Herbert A. Jr.
Beaulieu, Clarence W.
Beaulieu, Sidney J. Beauregard, Albert J.
Beauchemin, Joseph A. Wilfred
Beauchemin, Joseph Clement
Beauchemin, Joseph Peter Rene
Beckwith, Donald E.
Benton, Henry W. Bergeron, Clarence F.
Bergeron, Clyde J. Berube, Victor E.
Billodeau, Richard N. Birmingham, William J. Blakeborough, Donald W.
Blakeborough, Francis J. Borgeson, Charles R. Jr. Bouchard, Russell E.
Bradway, Carl H.
Bradway, Frederick C. Bramble, Dwight A. Bren, Gordon A. Bridges, Harold E. Bristol, Earl I. Brisard, Alfred P. Broderick, James W.
Broderick, John R. Brothers, Alfred E. Brow, Earl D. Brow, Richard Brown, Albert R. Brown, Herbert C. Brown, J. Leland
Bryant, Raymond O. Buffington, Charles R.
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HISTORY OF MONSON
Buffington, John F. Burgiel, Edwin E. *Burgiel, Thaddeus S. Burke, Arthur C. Burke, Raymond L.
Callahan, William E. Cantwell, James F. Jr. Cantwell, Richard F. Capen, Erdix W.
Entwistle, Ralph T. Jr. Farquhar, Arnold S. Farquhar, Douglas A. Farr, Duncan L. Faulkner, Thomas J.
Fay, Robert S. Jr.
Fegan, Donald D.
Felton, Roland J.
Field, Pearl B.
Finnegan, Edward C.
Finnegan, William F. Fischer, Karl Folkins, Harold A.
Freeman, Robert G.
Fritz, Waldemar N.
Fromme, Frederick W.
Fromme, Thomas J.
Fuller, Leslie W.
Galas, Albion H.
Galas, Benedict F.
Galas, Theodore J.
Galasso, Antonio
Galasso, Lawrence J.
Galasso, Luigi F.
Galica, John H. Galica, Matthew D.
Gaouette, Dudley W.
Gates, Phillip H.
Gelina, F. Stuart
Gernon, Arthur P, Jr.
Gilbert, Earl M.
Gola, Alfred G. Gola, John E. Gola, Stanley J.
Gould, Edward P.
Kellerian, Louis
Kellough, Donald M.
Kellough, George E. Jr.
Kenerson, Walter F.
Kibbe, Marvin R. Kisiel, Frederick J. Klisiewicz, Edward R.
Klisiewicz, Frank
Klisiewicz, John Jr.
Gustafson, Ethel H.
Gustafson Evert W.
Gustafson, James W. Gustafson, Oscar W. Guy, William G.
Hale, Charles F. Hale, Edward J. Hale, Forrest P. Jr. Hale, Henry S. Jr. Hall, Gordon E.
Hall, Robert G. Hammond, Walter P. Hanifan, John J.
Hanley, Edward A. Jr.
Hanson, Raymond F. Hanson, William C. Haraghey, John H. Haraghey, William Heck, Kenneth R. Heintz, Francis E. Hellig, A. Clinton Henrichon, Clarence L. Henrichon, Irene L. Hermanson, Ernest W.
Hermanson, Harold E. Hermanson, Gunnar A.
* Hirst, Howard Hirst, Robert G. Hirst, Thomas R. Hodge, Russell L. Hodskins, Morgan B. Jr. Holda, Bernard J. Holda, Chester S. Holda, Matthew J.
Holda, Mitchell F.
Holda, Stanley W.
Holda, Walter F. Holley, Wayland J.
Hubert, Lewis L. Hughes, George E. Hull, Edmund W. Hull, John E.
Ingraham, James E.
Jameson, Charles L. Jasiak, Frederick S. Jaworski, Stanley A.
Kearns, Francis E. Keeley, Thomas H. Jr.
Davis, Charles B. Davis, Howard A. Defoe, Francis P. Deltour, Robert J.
Gould, Gordon Q.
Gould, R. Kenneth
Gould, Robert J. Graves, Edward J.
Guilmette, Florimond J. Gunther, Ernest W. Gunther, Joseph A. Gustafson, Edward L.
Klisiewicz, Raymond E.
Knight George C. Kowal, John S. Kowil, Samuel W. Kozikowski, Edward A. Koziol, Walter R. Kwasnik, Joseph Kwiatrowski, Frank
LaBrecque, George A. *LaBrecque, Paul S.
Carew, Ralph N. Carpenter, Austin W. Galas, Albion H. Carpenter, Ernest C. Carter, Howard V. Cascella, John G. Cascella, Thomas D. Chaffee, George E. Chaffee, Robert E. Charwick, Frank W.
Church, Durward J. Cieplinski, Stanley J. Cole, William C. Colleton, John V. Jr. Columbia, Francis D. Comeau, Dennis J. Constantino, Anthony J.
Constantino, Joseph M. Cook, Robert C. Coolong, Joseph J. Corish, John R. Jr. Corish, Phillip D. Costa, John F. Couture, Alfred J. Jr. Couture, Armand N. Crowley, Richard B. Crowley, William G. Cruse, Calvin C.
Davenport, Floyd L. Jr.
DeMartino, Joseph M. DeMartino, Marie A. Dempsey, Phillip E. Dempsey, Verner S. DePace, Victor L. Derrig, Francis T. Donovan, Joseph E. Donovan, William F. Drake, Clement B. Jr. Drake, Francis H. Dudar, Eli F. Jr. Dudar, John C. Dugay, Charles W. Dugay, George F. Dugay, John R. Dugay, Robert J.
Dugay, Walter A. Duggan, James M.
Duggan, John M. Duggan, Thomas J.
Duncan, Walter H. Dziergowski, Frank P. Ellis, Dwight W. Jr.
Page 164
HISTORY OF MONSON
LaFlamme, Joseph A. LaFlamme, Herve R. LaFlamme Normand A. LaFond, James J.
Monaghan, George E.
Raymond, Darwin L.
Monty, Armand E.
Moore, Lauriston B.
Moore, Kenneth C.
Richardson, Warren A.
Richardson, William D.
Moores, Lyman T.
Moran, James J.
Ricketts, John P. Robbins, Allan B. Robbins, Andrew R. Robbins, Douglas
LeMay, Lester J. Leveille, Archie E.
Moriarty, John P. Jr.
Robichaud, Leo G.
Leveille, Thomas G. Litz, William E. Jr.
Morris, Harold K.
Robichaud, Raymond P.
Looney, James P. Lynch, Eileen R.
Mosher, Robert C.
Ross, Carl B.
Moulton, Ralph R. Jr.
Ross, Raymond A.
Lynch, James P. Lynch, John J. Lynch, Martin P.
Lynch, Matthew J.
Needham, Ralph C.
Sagan, Edwin M.
MacRae, William W.
Nelson, Charles F.
Salinger, Arnold C.
Santy, Barbara A.
Scannell, Wilfred J.
Scannell, William F.
Schneider, Benjamin
Manzi, Charles, J.
Marciniec, Frank S. Marinelli, Joseph R.
O'Connor, Daniel F.
O'Connor, Henry M. Orpin, William J. Osborn, Charles Wendell
Shields, John F. Shields, William F.
Mayers, Norman S. McCahey, James T. Jr.
McClosky, Joseph W. McClosky, Peter J. McClosky, Theodore F.
Pasco, Robert C.
Pease, Elvie W.
Skwark, Peter A.
Pease, Winfield M.
Peck, Dwight A.
Peck, Francis F.
Peck, Horace T.
Pierce, Russell B ..
Smith, Warren W.
Pincince, Marcellin J.
Pincince, Norman T.
Pincince, Raymond L. Pincince, Robert L.
Pincince, Roger R. Piontek, Stanley A. Platkin, Harold
Platkin, William Plato, Stanley R.
Potemski, Henry J.
Potkai, Chester J.
Potkai, Edward P.
Potkai, Walter J. Potkai, Stanley F.
Prendiville, Thomas E. Proulx, William G.
Steele, Harold Stevens, Richard I. *Stansfield, Gilbert Wayne Jr. Stanton, Kenneth A. Stockwell, Bryce G. Stockwell, Earl L. Suchoki, Frank
Stone, George H.
Stone, William P. Jr. Taft, Edwin R.
Martell, Lester R. Martell, Walter A. Mason, Kenneth L. Maxwell, Charles A. Maxwell, Elliot L.
*Palin, Edmond J.
Parady, Ranson D. Jr. Pascale, Michael F. Pascale, William E. Pasco, Harold L.
Sierakowski, Joseph L. Skomro, Chester J. Skomro, Stanley W.
Skomro, Theodore P. Skwark, Ferdinand S. P.
McCray, Robert C. McEwen, James O. McKenna, Charles *McMahon, Neal R. McMahon, Robert A. McMahon, Ruth M. Meacham, Grant L.
Pincince, Jane. A.
Soukup, Jerry A. Souliere, Richard E. Stacy, Clifford E. Stacy, Ernest E. Jr.
Stebbins, Donald E. Stebbins, Winifred C.
Meacham, Lloyd H. Medicke, Charles L. Miller, Frank E. Miller, George A. Miller, Herbert C. Miller, Ralph B. Miller, Raymond K. Miller, Robert E. Mills, Blair P. Misiaszek, Frank E. Misiaszek, Joseph J. Misiaszek, Konstanty Misiaszek, Stanley E. Mitchell, Frank
Moffett, Donald W. Moffett, Warren V.
Mulcahy, Edward B.
Murphy, John R.
Ryan, Francis J.
MacRae, Sydney L. Magrone, Paul F. Malo, Normand F.
Nones, Ralph R.
Norcross, Charles F .
North, Edgar G.
Nothe, Gilbert C.
Nothe, William F.
M.D. (Doctor) Scott, Clifford P. Serrato, Albert J.
Shaw, Robert F.
Shelly, Frederick J.
Malo, Rene N. Malo, Robert A.
Mulcahy, Andrew J. Jr.
Ross, Robert W. Royce, Mayne D.
Moran, John D.
Moran, Raymond H.
Morris, Francis W.
Robichaud, Louis H.
LaMountain, Amos P. LaPierre, Francis N. LaPierre, Joseph T. LeCours, Gerard D.
Moore, Stanley F.
Raymond, Theodore Raymond, Winfred
Smiraglia, Calogero J. Slam, Walter F. Smith, Edward S. Smith, Maurice M. Smith, Walter J.
HISTORY OF MONSON
Page 165
Taft, Phillip F. Tait, David H.
Verlotta, John
Young, Richmond E. Jr.
Verlotta, Nicholas M. Jr.
Talmadge, John A.
*Verlotta, Patsy Vight, Eugene W.
Tassinari, Alfeo R.
Tassinari, Remo L.
Vight, Lloyd B.
Thomas, David R.
Walker, Francis J.
Thomas, Leslie
Wallace, James L.
Thomas, Lloyd H.
Webster, Ethelbert J. Jr.
Thomas, Robert H.
Webster, George H.
Thorin, Harry
Welch, Robert E.
Doherty, Eleanor F.
Tobin, John C.
Welch, William M.
Hladky, Mamie H.
Tonon, Mario A.
Whitaker, Francis J.
Maynard, Ruth E.
Tucker, Cedric O.
White, Howard R. T.
Moore, Phyllis E.
Tucker, George O.
White, Thomas A.
Whitfield, William D.
Wilbur, John W.
Scott, Virginia M. Squier, Priscilla
Wood, Charles W.
Stewart, Constance M.
Uliana, Venanzio D.
Wood, Emily V.
Sullivan, Mary E.
Vadnais, Henry E.
Wytas, Edward J.
Walker, Rita B.
Wytas, Francis W.
White, Constance J.
Young, Caroline L.
KOREAN CONFLICT
On June 25, 1950, when the North Kor- eans attacked their southern brothers, Pres- ident Harry S. Truman lost no time in send- ing troops to stifle the threat of world domination by the Communists. Thus the
"cold war" with the Russians was continued until an armistice was signed on July 22, 1953.
This Korean war saw the following cit- izens involved:
Aldrich, Edward C. Aldrich, William H. Allen, Bernice B. Allen, Richard W.
Barnes, Theodore V. Beauchemin Jean F
*Beauchemin, J. Clement Beauchemin, J. Rene Beauchemin, J. Wilfred Bouchard, Clyde W. Brisard, Richard J. Beaulieu, Thedore T. Beaulieu, Francis H. Bolaske, Joseph F. Brunelle, Bernard J. Buffington, John F.
Cady, Eugene H. Calkins, George H. Cantwell, David M. Carpenter, Harold D. Carpenter, C. Kenneth Cascella, Thomas D. Chalue, Arthur E. Church, John H.
KOREAN VETERANS
Cireagis, George T.
Clark, Walter
Cleveland, Elmer L. Cody, George E.
Corish, Sherwood P.
Curtis, Arthur L.
Czapla, Stanislaw J.
Davey, Robert H.
Dewey, David E. DiGeorgio, John S.
Donovan, Robert J. Drake, Wilbur R.
Elliot, Walter J.
Farquhar, Arnold S.
Farquhar, Edward H.
Finnerty, John F.
Finnegan, William F.
Francis, Edward W. Jr.
Fromme, Frederick W.
Gaouette, Dudley W. Gauthier, Henry W. Gauthier, Louis R. Jr. Gernon, Alfred
Gould, Rev. Howard D. Gould, Robert K.
Haley, Gerald F. Hammond, Walter P.
Haraghey, William Haraghey, Robert G. Hatton, William B. Jr. Heath, Freeman B. Heintz, Henry A. Hickey, Robert E.
Hobson, Edward S. Honea, Howard F.
Hopfe, Robert L. Hull, Stanley P. Hunter, Merton W.
Jacobs, Albert J. Jacobs, Robert F. Jacobs, Santo L. Jacobs, Stevenson C. Johnson, Edward C. Jr.
Kane, Albert D. Jr. Kane, William J. Kendall, Carl L.
Toner, James H.
Wheaton, Gabriel D.
Parker, Evelyn V.
Uliana, Antonio A.
*Uliana, Gildo J. Uliana, John H. Uliana, Nisio F.
Wood, Bernard M.
Wood, John W.
Swartz, Kathryn F.
Vaill, Stanley H. Verlotta, Anthony Verlotta, Carmen L.
Young, Lucius E.
Zollett, William S.
NURSES
Bragiel, Lillian E.
Carew, Jessie E. Citoski, Anna M.
Page 166
HISTORY OF MONSON
Kittel, William A. Klisiewicz, Edward R. Knight, George E. Knight, Richard F. LaBrecque, Robert
Muller, Charles L.
Murphy, Ralph C. Jr.
Nash, Richard M.
Nichols, William
Smith, Edward S. Smith, John E.
LaRoche, Anthony H. Letendre, Laurier J. Jr.
North, Harold E.
Soukup, Jerry A. Stebbins, Harold W.
Leal, August G. Long, Nelson W.
O'Connor Henry M.
LeGrand, Donald G.
Page, Clair S.
Taft, Robert J.
LeMay, Ronald F. Lemelin, Martin J. Letter, George F.
Pascale, Roger A.
Teale, Edward F. Thomas, David R.
Lolas, Alexander V.
Peck, Horace T.
Underwood, Marjorie E. Underwood, Patricia A.
Malo, Albert G. Martell, Francis J.
Picking, John G.
Walker, Charles L. Jr.
Malo, J. Henry
Plumley, Richard R.
Weldon, Ralph S. Jr.
Martin, Joseph W.
Poulin, Dwight W.
Wheeler, Harold E.
McClosky, Edwin A.
Proulx, Edmond J.
Whitaker, Harold J. Jr.
McCleary, John E.
Reed, Lawrence N.
Wood, Roscoe K.
Wright, Kenneth I.
Wytas, Robert E.
Young, Andrew H.
*Miller, Harry J. Miller, James R. Misiaszek, Walter J. Moulton, Harold F.
Robbins, John F. Royce, Gordon C. Ryan, Francis J.
Scannell, John P. Schetzel, Edward J. Smith, C. Russell
North, Daniel R.
North, Robert E.
Stanton, Kenneth A.
Syrenne, Harry F. Jr.
Stebbins, Kenneth E.
Parker, Eveyn V. R.N.
Pascale, William E.
Paul, Norman A.
Page 167
HISTORY OF MONSON
Looking To The Future
One of the first important events of Monson's second two-hundred year span is to be a gigantic celebration honoring our forefathers and paying tribute to the heri- tage they have passed on to us.
It was voted at the 1959 Town Meeting to appoint a committee of five to plan a suitable celebration. Frederick J. Sullivan, Jr. was appointed chairman, to be assisted by Thomas Hilliard, Albert Jordan. Mrs. John Hanic, and Mrs. Milton Makepeace. Several hundred people have been appointed to various sub-committees to plan and exe- cute the many events scheduled. After pre- liminary plans were submitted at a special Town Meeting in December 1959, ten thous- and dollars was appropriated to carry out the program.
A twenty-two page booklet, The Story of Monson, was written and illustrated by Mary R. Newland. This will be distributed
to all school children at the fall session. The various women's organizations in town cooperated to have commemorative dishes designed. These dishes, together with a commemorative coin and pin-back button will be on sale throughout the celebration. The Monson Garden Club has begun a "beau- tify the town" campaign with the planting of flowers in the two fountains. A "Member of the Brush" club has been formed with over two hundred members. Cups will be awarded for the best beards.
The official Bicentennial program begins on September 24, 1960, with Children's Day including games and a bicycle and doll car- riage parade during the afternoon. The Bi- centennial Ball will be held at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall with Al Strohman's Orchestra furnishing music. The crowning of the Queen is to be the featured event.
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The Monson Bicentennial Committee has planned for the celebration. The members of the committee include, left to right, seated: Dorothy Hanic, treasurer; Thomas Hilliard, vice chairman; standing, Fred Sullivan, chairman and Albert Jordan.
Page 168
HISTORY OF MONSON
Special services have been arranged in all churches for Sunday, September 25th and a non-denominational service will be held in the afternoon. Norman Myrick, Edi- tor of Milk Review and an authority on Connecticut Valley history, has been engaged as the principal speaker.
Monday through Friday the town will be on review with special exhibits planned for store windows, and an exhibition of items of historic interest to Monson. Our three largest industrial plants, A. D. Ellis Mills, Inc., C. F. Church Manufacturing Com- pany, and Springfield Moulders, will con- duct guided tours through their plants as will Monson State Hospital.
On Monday night, September 26th, a pageant entitled "Cover Girl - 200 years" will be presented under the direction of the Monson School Teachers' group. The Monson Fire Department will exhibit their equipment in a special demonstration on Wednesday night, September 28th.
The Co-op parking lot will be the scene of two outdoor dances, Friday night, the Square Dancers with Red Bates and Fran Heintz calling, will take over. An old- fash- ioned Block Dance with prizes offered for appropriate costumes, is a feature of Satur- day night.
A Special Events program on Saturday afternoon will commence with flag-raising ceremonies and a dedication of Veteran's Field. Other events include an exhibition by Jim Nichols, famous one-armed golfer, a precision drill team, Judo contest, per- formance by the Hosago Indians of Spring- field College and a skirmish by Whitcomb Rangers from Northampton. A fireworks display will climax the Saturday night pro- gram.
The closing event, a gigantic parade, will begin at 1:30 p. m. Sunday. The parade will disband on Veteran's Field where the various bands will render selections.
FLOOD CONTROL
In order to prevent a repetition of the flood damage incurred in 1955, Army en- gineers have made a survey of this area and prepared a plan to construct a dam about three hundred feet from the present Conant Dam, nearly opposite the watering trough, the estimated cost being about two million dollars. If this plan is accepted, it will neces- sitate the expenditure of about two hundred- eighty thousand dollars for changes that will have to be made in the present water
system. This expense is included in the two million estimated cost.
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
Several housing developments: Crest Road, leading north from Brimfield Road; Cedarhurst Drive, leading west from Town Farm Road; Maple Lawn Drive, leading west from Palmer Road; Country Club Heights, leading from Palmer Road; Valley View Heights, leading north from Reynold's Avenue and a still unnamed development on the Upper Stafford Road have modern at- tractive homes which have been constructed recently. The projects are continuing to ex- pand.
Other areas, Lake Paradise formerly called Smith Pond and Pulpit Rock in Silver Street are developments for both summer and permanent residents.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
At the annual town meeting in 1959 it was voted that the Board of Selectmen es- tablish the Monson Industrial Development Commission. This year the chairman, Carlos H. Ball, reported the following :
"Although prospects of large scale in- dustries for Monson are remote, the mere creation of the commission is a definite step forward. Not since the days of World War I has there been any kind of organized effort to bring new industry into Monson."
"Attracting new industries to a com- munity is a long range activity of a perma- nent nature to be understood and supported by the whole community."
Even though predominantly a residen- tial community, Monson is both anxious and willing to do what it can do to acquire new businesses and manufacturers.
Having made the initial effort, it is hoped that favorable results may be realized.
We may wonder as we look over this land and see how the first few settlements have grown, to the present population of 6686, how much more growth it will be possible to attain. Yet, if we but ponder for a short time, we realize that with that spirit that permeated our ancestors, there are still many challenges for us to meet, ----
"So with efforts received from patterns set,
Let us make Monson better yet."
Page 169
HISTORY OF MONSON
Acknowledgements
The Monson Historical Society organized in April 1959 for the purpose of obtaining and preserving historical data pertaining to Monson; collecting such articles as books, pictures and documents of special interest to the people of Monson; and encouraging and developing the pursuit and expression of such interests in all suitable ways.
Plans were already underway for the celebration of the 20,0th Anniversary of Monson and as no book devoted exclusively to the town's history had as yet been pub- lished, it was voted to undertake this project. As this infant organization had no library assembled, it was deemed advisable to con- tact the townspeople and former residents for their help and cooperation. This was done through the medium of newspaper ap- peals, letters, phone calls, and personal con- tact, to as wide a group of people as time permitted.
Everyone cooperated to the fullest ex- tent and it would be impossible to list all who contributed material. They all have our deepest appreciation and thanks, for without them this book would have been impossible.
We wish to acknowledge and thank the following people for their special research efforts or extensive volume of material.
Miss Sylvia DeSantis of the Monson Li- brary; Mrs. Robert Streeter of the Brim- field Library; Mr. Henry Sanderson, Town Clerk; Mr. John Moriarty, Bookkeeper; and Mrs. Julia Spooner, Town Clerk of Brim- field, for their patience and time spent in ferreting out the many records at their dis- posal.
For the many scrap books, clippings and pictures so carefully preserved and gener- ously loaned, we are indebted to Frank Beckwith, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Noble, Mrs. Luke Shields, John Murphy, Homer Squier, Miss Harriet Cushman, Mrs. Eudocia Dewey Jones, Miss Olivia Flynt, Henry Packard, Mrs. John Nelligan, Miss Alice Carpenter, Mrs. Louis Aldrich, Mrs. Ernest Carpenter, Mrs. Perlin Soule, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tidd, Dr. Frank Maguire, Mrs. Edward Cushman, Dr. Harold Bennett, Miss Ruth Thorin, Mrs. Harold North, Miss Marcella Crowley, Michael Crowley, Mrs. Mary Moo- ney, Mr. and Mrs. William Foskit, Miss Mary
Robbins, Mrs. Richmond Young, Miss Thel- ma Bugbee, Mrs. Walter Corbin, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Kimber, Robert Johnson, and Mrs. Florence Johnson Whiton, and Mrs. Henry Sanderson.
Valuable records and information for specific chapters were received from the following sources :
Church History -- The Reverends R. Hoey, A. O'Brien, A. Sawyer, C. Straight, and Henry Pease.
Schools-Mrs. Helynn Haley and George Rogers
Monson State Hospital - Dr. Roger Osterheld
Industry - Mrs. Mary Squier Gates, D. W. Ellis, Jr., Victor Rosenlund, Daniel B. Wesson, Fred Clarkson and Heber Davis.
Utilities - Thomas Hilliard; Herman Winter; John R. Moynihan, Manager of Pal- mer Telephone Office; Mrs. Dorothy Dalton ; R. C. Ballou of the Worcester County Elec- tric Company; and S. F. Nasiatka, Assis- tant District Supervisor of the Central Ver- mont Railway.
Early Houses - Owners of the various pieces of property, and Harry Edson on the Silver Street section.
Military - Thomas Faulkner, Members of the World War II Honor Roll Committee and Warner Sturtevant.
To our advertisers we extend special thanks for performing the two-fold purpose cf providing a valuable business directory of 1960 in addition to making it possible to present this history to you at a moderate price.
The librarians at Springfield, Palmer, Worcester Antiquarian Society, Connecti- cut Valley Historical Society, Westfield Athenaeum. and Somers and Union Connec- ticut, have all been most helpful.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Copeland, Albert Minot, A History of Hamp- den County, Massachusetts, Volume 3, The Century Memorial Publishing Company, 1902.
Eddy, Charles W., Monson Illustrated with Pen and Camera, Ware, 1884.
Page 170
HISTORY OF MONSON
Everts, Louis H., History of Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, Philadelphia, 1879.
Holland, Josiah G., History of Western Massachusetts, S. Bowles & Company, Springfield, 1855.
Hyde, Reverend Charles M., Historical Celebration of the Town of Brimfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, Springfield, 1879.
Johnson, Clifton, Hampden County, 1636 - 1936; American Historical Society, New York, 1936.
Monson Illustrated, Carpenter, Cady & Thresher, Monson, 1897.
Peck, Chauncey E., The History of Wilbra- ham, Massachusetts, Wilbraham, 1914.
Dorcas Dishes, (Second Edi- tion), Monson, 1906.
Ely, Reverend Alfred, A.M., "A Sermon Delivered at Monson Mass., Dec. 22, 1820, on the 2nd centurial anniversary of the landing of the fathers of New England at Plymouth", Hartford, 1821.
Patrons and Patronesses
Mrs. Albert Aliengena Seffner, Florida Miss Esther Anderson Mr. and Mrs. William H. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Carlos H. Ball Dr. and Mrs. Howard Barber Mrs. Ruby Smith Blodgett Northampton, Massachusetts Joseph Hobert Bondzio Burgen Holyoke, Massachusetts Mr. and Mrs. Leslie A. Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Durwood Chase South Weymouth, Massachusetts Mrs. Mary Johnson Clark Easthampton, Massachusetts Mr. and Mrs. Earl Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Arthur K. Colling Mrs. Edward F. Cushman Palmer, Massachusetts Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Farr Mrs. Faith H. Ferguson and sons Michael and Tucker Miss Esther Holmes Flynt Winter Park, Florida Miss Olivia C. Flynt Winter Park, Florida Mr. and Mrs. William Foskit Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Grindell Mr. and Mrs. Chester S. Holda Mr. and Mrs. Henry O. Holley Miss Ruth Ingraham Portland, Oregon Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson Hohokus, New Jersey Miss Marian P. Keep Watertown, Massachusetts Mr. and Mrs. John F. Lewis Winter Garden, Florida Mrs. Mildred Lombard
Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. McCray South Hadley, Massachusetts Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. McCray Shrewsbury, Massachusetts Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Magill Miss Gertrude Makepeace Miss Lucy Makepeace Mr. and Mrs. Milton Makepeace Mrs. John E. Marshall Winter Park, Florida Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Miller Mr. and Mrs. H. Leroy Moffett East Longmeadow, Massachusetts Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Moulton Ralph and Mira K. Moulton Mrs. W. Lloyd Moulton Tampa, Florida Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. James Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Giles Parker Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Partelo Mr. and Mrs. Herman Pinand Winchester, New Hampshire Walter D. and Alyce C. Raleigh Mr. and Mrs. Warren Richardson Mr. John Robbins Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Rogers Mrs. Robert Reid (Winnie Stacy) Manchester, Connecticut Reverend Camillo L. Santini, C.P.S. Pittsfield, Massachusetts Mrs. Frank Santucci and Sylvia Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Soukup Mr. and Mrs. William P. Stone Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Whitaker, Jr. Huntington Station, New York Mrs. Florence Johnson Whiton Springfield, Massachusetts
Page 171
HISTORY OF MONSON
In Memoriam
Ralph N. Carew, Sr.
Henry S. Hale, Sr.
Helen Thompson Johnston
Charles C. Keep
Pearl Beckwith Keep
Frances Lombard
Mr. and Mrs. Orrin C. McCray
Reverend Andrew Magill
Mr. and Mrs. John F. Perkins
Charles E. Robbins Mr. and Mrs. William J. E. Sheriffs
Dr. Charles Oscar and Carrie King Thomp- son
Table of Contents
PAGE
EARLY MAP OF MONSON
4-5
GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
6
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
8
CHURCH HISTORY
12
EDUCATION
19
Public
19
Private
28
TOWN DEPARTMENTS
34
Elected Officials --- 1960
34
Road Department
37
Cemeteries
44
Police Department
48
Fire Department
49
Water Department
52
MEMORIALS
Memorial Hall
55
55
Libraries
56
Soldiers Monument
58
Fountains
59
Flynt Park
60
INDUSTRY 62
PAGE
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL
81
Professional History
81
Business Houses of the 1800's 85
Business Houses of the 1900's
92
Business Directory of 1960
93
MONSON STATE HOSPITAL
105
PUBLIC SERVICES
109
United States Post Office
109
Railroads
110
Electricity
111
Telephone
111
EARLY HOME SITES
113
THUMBNAIL SKETCHES
131
ORGANIZATIONS
145
MILITARY RECORD
147
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
167
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
169
PATRONS AND PATRONESSES
170
IN MEMORIAM
171
HECKMAN BINDERY INC.
上田
MAY 89 N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962
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