USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 96
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 96
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 96
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On Cape Cod Mr. Thorndike was known almost from the beginning of his career as bank commis- sioner; here he visited frequently, and the love that he bore for the Cape grew in him. In 1888 he came to the Cape to live, and purchased an estate, the Thorndike estate, in Brewster, known as "Pinecroft." The dwelling, as it was originally on "Pinecroft," was constructed in the last quarter of the eighteenth century, by one Higgins, who, evidently confronted by a wide choice of home sites in what has become the Brewster of today, decided upon and built upon "Pinecroft." This is not difficult to understand, for the estate in its natural beauty alone surpassed any in the neighborhood; and with its cultivation, added through the scores of years, has become a show- place of supreme beauty. Thus Brewster became the legal residence of Mr. Thorndike, and after his retirement from banking, installed here most com- fortably, he undertook the growing of cranberries. at first simply as a hobby, perhaps; but his success with the berries was so sound that within a few years the acres under cultivation were many, and what had begun as a hobby or pastime, became a small enter- prise in itself. Mr. Thorndike took a great personal interest in all affairs of the township, of Brewster in particular, and the Cape in general. His name was never absent from the lists of those in support of community enterprises directed toward the public betterment. He was one of the directors of the Barnstable County Fair, and vice-president of the Provincetown Monument Association. During the period of the World War he served as secretary of the Red Cross campaigns on the Cape. A Democrat, and loyal to the principles of the party, Mr. Thorn- dike heeded the wishes of his friends and accepted nomination by the Democratic committee of the dis- trict for State office as Senator. Cape Cod has always been notoriously Republican in sympathies. and when Mr. Thorndike's defeat was announced after the polling, it did not come as an overwhelming surprise but rather as the lack of fulfillment of a hope, the hope of his friends and admirers that he would be elected against the foreordained triumph of the Grand Old Party. Mr. Thorndike himself dis- missed the matter, figurativelv, with a wave of the hand, neither professed nor felt qualms of disgruntle- ment, and in later years looked back upon his candi- dacy with pleasure, merely as an interesting experi- ence. He was never an office seeker. His attitude concerning the senatorial campaign's ending was indicative of his philosophy of life. Genial, integrity undoubted, firm, loyal. kindly, indeed Mr. Thorn- dike was possessed in liberal measure of those quali- ties which tend to enrich a man in sincere friendships. He was a great reader, but perhaps his greatest recreation was found in working around his beautiful home, doing things with his own hands. He was a communicant of the Unitarian church, of Brewster. His clubs were the Boston Athletic, St. Botolph, Algonquin. and the Brookline Country, and he was a member of the New England Historical and Genea-
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logical Society, and of the Society of Colonial Wars.
In 1885, in Boston, Mr. Thorndike was united in marriage with Cora Nickerson, of Boston, daughter of Frederick W. and Lucy B. (Howard) Nickerson, and a granddaughter of Captain Frederick Nicker- son, of Brewster, who, at the age of twenty years, became master of a vessel. Captain Nickerson was a familiar figure along the Cape, and owned shares in the ships that he sailed. When he died he left a considerable fortune, representing the event of an industrious and intelligently directed career. Mr. and Mrs. Thorndike were the parents of one child, a daughter, Louise Thorndike, who was baptized in Boston, in 1887. Louise Thorndike married Clifford Eddy, of West Newton, Massachusetts, and they were blessed with three children: Mary Louise, Jean Thorndike, and Ruth Nickerson Eddy. Mrs. Louise (Thorndike) Eddy died in 1925, and was laid to rest in the cemetery in Brewster.
Cora (Nickerson) Thorndike now (1928) resides on the Thorndike estate, "Pinecroft." She is woman of charm and refinement, in every manner a lady, and, a grandmother, most active in general and social affairs. She is president of the Brewster Library; member and director of the Cape Cod Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; member of the executive committee of the Cape Cod Library Club; director of the Red Cross on the Cape; member of the Daughters of the Revolution; and a devoted worker in the service of the First Parish Unitarian Church of Brewster. As wife, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Thorndike has been forever of assistance to her family.
When news of the death of Augustus L. Thorn- dike was announced, in 1922, the village of Brewster was cast into sadness most profound; for in his pass- ing it realized the loss wrought upon it. When serv- ices were held, one sensed the presence of thousands, in spirit, while in fact there were hundreds in attend- ance; and after the cortege had reached the cemetery, other hundreds stood with bowed heads.
PAUL DILLINGHAM-Educators of the type of Paul Dillingham, superintendent of the Falmouth public schools, are a boon to the American youth. He has without a doubt achieved a notable service to the school children of Falmouth, noted not only from an educational standpoint, but also in the light of humanitarianism.
Paul Dillingham, son of Rev. Dr. F. A. and Caro- line (Alexander) Dillingham, was born in the town of Dover, New Hampshire, on May 9, 1889. After the usual public school studies had been completed, he matriculated at Tufts College, from which institu- tion he was graduated as a member of the class of 1913, with Bachelor of Arts degree. He subsequently enlarged the scope of his knowledge at Yale Univer- sity, Brown University, New York University, and other seats of learning and culture. Mr. Dillingham took up the teaching profession in the fall of 1914, at Dennis, Massachusetts, where for a period of one year. he was retained as both teacher and principal, and at the expiration of that time, he attended the Hyannis Normal School for six months. He was next called to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to teach in the English department of the high school in that city, and from Bridgeport, went to New Britain, Connecticut, as head of the English department of their high school, where he remained for one year. His next connection was that of supervisor of ele- mentary schools for the State Board of Education,
in which position he continued for one year, or until proffered the superintendency of the schools of Litch- field, Connecticut, where he remained for four years, finally accepting his present position as Superinten- dent of the Public Schools of Falmouth. The follow- ing are but a few of the many reforms and innova- tions created by Mr. Dillingham since assuming charge of the local school system: he organized and was first president of the Parent-Teachers' Associa- tion of Falmouth; he has created special facilities for the instruction of backward children, has instituted a sub-primary system of classes, has developed the use of mental tests for all pupils, has originated a special clinic, introduced manual training and the extension of mechanical and agricultural instruction, retained an assembly teacher, and has established lunch rooms in the schools, as an aid to improve- ment in the health of the many children who suffer from mal-nutrition, improper diets, and other asso- ciated ailments.
Mr. Dillingham has at all times kept abreast of happenings in the field of education, partially through consistent study, and also through his membership in a number of educational organizations, including the National Education Association, the Department of Superintendents, the Progressive Educational Asso- ciation, the New England Association of School Superintendents, the Massachusetts School Superin- tendents' Association, the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation, the Barnstable County Teachers' Asso- ciation, the Falmouth Teachers' Association, and the National Geographic Society. Despite his neces- sarily large responsibilities in connection with his official position, Mr. Dillingham has given heed to the welfare of the community from a civic standpoint, one proof of which is apparent from the fact that he was chairman of the organization committee of the Rotary Club of Falmouth, and the first president, similar institutions having contributed immeasurably to the progress of other communities.
His interest in youth is also manifested by his activity in the Boy Scout movement, being chairman of the Court of Honor, and secretary of the board of directors of the Cape Cod Council, Boy Scouts of America. Also, Mr. Dillingham has found time for the society of his fellow-citizens, by whom he has been cordially welcomed, he being a member of the Marine Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Darius Chapter, No. 16, Royal Arch Masons; and the Buell Council, No. 20, Royal and Select Masters.
On June 25, 1915, Paul Dillingham was united in marriage to Frances B. O'Rourke, of New York City, and this union has been blessed with three chil- dren: 1. Paul, Jr. 2. John Beach. 3. Mary Rice.
ALVAN T. REED-Among the successful busi- ness men of Campello, Massachusetts, who are engaged in the shoe manufacturing business, is Alvan T. Reed, president of the Craig, Reed & Emer- son Company, Incorporated. Though this concern was established only seven years ago, it is turning out a very large number of men's and growing girls' shoes, and has grown to proportions which require fifty thousand square feet of floor space. The factory is located in Campello, and employs one hundred and twenty-five hands.
Alvan T. Reed was born in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, September 23, 1874, son of William T., who was a shoemaker, and who is now deceased, and of Ella J. Reed, who is now living (1928). Mr. Reed attended the public schools of South Weymouth
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and when school days were over secured a position in the office of J. S. Fogg and Company, manufac- turers of shoes in South Weymouth. In that posi- tion, Mr. Reed remained for a period of six years, gaining valuable experience and making himself as familiar as possible with the work of the various departments of the factory. His next position was with H. B. Reed and Company, of South Weymouth, with whom he remained for nine years. After sev- ering his connection with H. B. Reed and Company, he identified himself with M. C. Dizer and Company, of East Weymouth, with whom he remained for ten years. At the end of that time he again made a change, this time associating himself with L. A. Crossett, Incorporated, of North Abington. Mr. Reed had for many years looked forward to the time when he might engage in the manufacture of shoes under his own name, and in October, 1920, the Craig, Reed and Emerson Company, Incorporated, was established, with Mr. Reed as vice-president. Mr. C. F. Emerson is not a member of the firm now, but the name of the concern has not changed. The factory is located in Campello, Massachusetts, and has already become one of the well-established and well-known shoe manufacturing concerns of this city. The company specializes in men's and growing girls' shoes, and its products go to many markets. One hundred and twenty-five men and women find employment there, and each year is increasing the output of this concern. Politically, Mr. Reed gives his support to the Republican party. He is a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious affiliation is with the South Union Con- gregational Church.
Alvan T. Reed was married, June 26, 1901, to Mary E. Vining, and they are the parents of one son, Franklin H., who is a graduate of Boston University, class of 1927, degree of Bachelor of Science.
FRED HAROLD TOLMAN-Continuing through its incorporation to its present leadership status among the printing concerns, the business of the Tolman Print, Incorporated, Fred Harold Tolman, president of the corporation, has established its high standard, and directed the success and popularity of its specialties, its trade name and its business rating. All of Brockton's civic activities and community enterprises have the cooperation of Mr. Tolman in expansion of plan and project, the financial and benevolent institutions of the city share his able directorship, and every movement for general better- ment and progress has in him a dependable factor. He is a son of Fred Sawin Tolman, who was born in Stoughton, and died in 1914, in Brockton, and Isabelle I. (Pratt) Tolman, who died in 1925; Fred Sawin Tolman, the founder of the Tolman Print, was a member of the board of directors of the Home National Bank, a pioneer in the manufacture of shoe cards and labels, and one who was identified with many civic bodies, and everywhere highly regarded.
Fred Harold Tolman was born February 7, 1886, in Brockton, and after attending the public schools in this city, and Phillips Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire, he was graduated at Harvard University in 1909 with the degree Bachelor of Arts. Mr. Tol- man then became associated in business with his father, and so continuing, he has become one of the foremost men in the lines in which his own plant has no successful competitor.
The Tolman printing business was established in 1875 by Fred Sawin Tolman, who secured a room in Brockton in the rear of his father's furnishing store
on Main Street, and with one hand press he com- menced the printing of business cards. Finding a fair degree of success in this venture, he placed ad- vertisements in newspapers, magazines, and other publications, and within a short time he had quite an extensive mart order business. It was about this time that several shoe manufacturing concerns were taking leading place in that industry, notably the George E. Keith Company and the W. L. Douglas Shoe Company; and observant and enterprising, Mr. Tolman originated the idea of printing labels and cards for shoe boxes. With a small amount of bor- rowed capital, he then secured a place of business at the corner of Main and East Elm streets. In 1896, it became necessary to find larger quarters, and Mr. Tolman removed to the present location at No. 71 Center Street, the name of the firm being changed at that time to The Tolman Job Print, and con- tinuing as such until the death of the founder, when it acquired the present title, Tolman Print, Incor- porated.
This well-known printing corporation prints prac- tically all of the labels for the shoe trade, does a large amount of trade for the textile plants, and makes successful competition for advertising projects, cat- alogues, booklets, and so forth. The product of the Print has become international in its scope; there is a well-equipped art department, and one hundred and eighty-five people are in the employ of the concern. One of the largest and oldest in its line in the United States, the plant has in force for its employees group insurance, as well as a safety committee; and its of- ficers are: Fred Harold Tolman, president and treas- urer; Harry L. Brigham, vice-president and secre- tary; George M. Rand, vice-president. Mr. Tolman is also a member of the board of directors of the Home National Bank, and of the Brockton Agricul- tural Association, and Brockton City Hospital.
In political matters, Mr. Tolman is a Republican. During the World War, he was one of the most ac- tive factors to engage in the work of raising the Lib- erty and other loans of the time. He is a member of the Commercial Club, of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Harvard Club, of Boston; Algonquin Club, of Boston; University Club, of Boston, New Riding Club, of Boston; and of the Hatherly Golf Club, of North Scituate. His religious faith is that of the Unitarian church, and he is a member of the Laymen's League of that church. His pet hobby, as well as that of his children, is horses.
Fred Harold Tolman married, in 1915, Rosamond Grey Smith, of Brockton, daughter of Warren B. and Estelle F. (Fish) Smith. Their children: Vir- ginia Pauline, born in 1916; F. Harold, Jr., born in 1918; and John Smith, born in 1920.
T. WALTER WANNIE-One of the youngest and none the less progressive citizens of Centerville is T. Walter Wannie, who, since he first went into business independently as contractor and builder, in 1926, has taken an active part in the affairs of this community.
T. Walter Wannie was born in Haile, Florida, March 5, 1903, son of Thomas and Hilda (Wahl- berg) Wannie, both of whom were natives of Fin- land. Thomas Wannie came to the United States at the age of nineteen years. and here. in Florida. Cen- terville and other communities in Massachusetts, en- gaged in his trade as bridge builder, until the time of his death, in 1918. He is interred in Centerville, and is remembered by the people of the town as a temperate man and valuable citizen.
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T. Walter Wannie attended the public schools of Barnstable, having come to Centerville, Barnstable Township, with his parents when he was a child of four years. After completing his studies, and at the age of twenty, he worked as apprentice to a carpenter, under E. P. Williams, of Hyannis. That was in 1923, and during the next three years Mr. Wannie learned the trade and all phases of building con- tracting, thoroughly, and hence was well equipped with knowledge for the handling of his own business, which he established at the age of twenty-three, as contractor and builder. He has specialized in the construction of the types of homes familiar to old Colonial days on Cape Cod, and is indeed fairly launched into a prosperous career. A Republican, Mr. Wannie is loyal to the principles of government upheld by the party, and among the younger men of Centerville exercises a considerable influence polit- ically, always toward the benefit of the townspeople- at-large. He attends both the Congregational and the Episcopal churches, and in charity is large of heart, giving amply within his means to all worthy causes, regardless of race, creed or other limiting and non-humanitarian considerations.
On November 11, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Wannie was united in marriage with Hilda E. Coggeshall, who is a descendant in the thirteenth generation from the illustrious John Alden, and is the daughter of Chester and Cora (Hart) Coggeshall. Mrs. Wannie was born November 11, 1907, in Wes- port, Massachusetts. As is her husband, she is most popular in the circles in which she moves; a woman of great intelligence and charm, she is an admirable wife. Mr. Wannie is possessed in high degree of those qualities of character which cause one to be warm in the affections of his fellows, is temperate in manner, kindly, and enthusiastic in the projects which he undertakes.
MORGAN S. DADA-Many years in duration and broad indeed have been the business experiences of Morgan S. Dada, owner and proprietor of the Eagleston Inn, of Hyannis, who is considered to be one of the most progressive and substantial members of the community, active in all movements for its advancement.
Mr. Dada acquired the inn through purchase, from J. V. Eagleston, in 1921, and during the years suc- ceeding has improved the business and the hostelry itself, by judicious management and renovations of the property. Eagleston Inn enjoys an enviable rep- utation among travelers as a social center. It is said that when once a guest has received Mr. Dada's hos- pitality he is certain to return. During the busy summer season, while so many who love the Cape come to visit it and strike upon Hyannis, there are times when double the accommodations would be none too much for housing those who would register. Mr. Dada has built up a steady clientele upon whom he may depend, for from the first of April to the first of November Eagleston Inn is filled continually. In the comparatively few years that he has lived in Hyannis he has become a foremost citizen, and with- out doubt accomplishes more than his share of bene- fit to the community because of the manner in which he conducts the hotel. For where a' hotel is pleasing to travelers, travelers continue to come; and when travelers are present quite regularly business for the townspeople is improved to that extent.
Mr. Dada was born in Syracuse, New York, May 20, 1875, son of W. H. and Mary E. (Wilbur) Dada.
W. H. Dada was for many years in the hotel busi- ness in Syracuse, where Morgan S. Dada, who has followed in his father's footsteps attended the pub- lic schools and business college. Meanwhile from the age of fourteen until he was twenty-one, he worked in the offices of the American Express Com- pany, then removed to Boston, and for six years was connected with the American Express in that city. Later he removed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, forming a connection that existed for the next sev- enteen years as cashier of the Frank Jones Brewing Company. With the advent of prohibition the brew- ing business of course was stopped, and Mr. Dada returned to Boston, in 1918, this time to engage in the management of a hotel, known as the Arlington. For this he was ably fitted, due to the boyhood train- ing in Syracuse, to his extensive commercial training and experience, and to natural aptitude. After three years of managing the Boston hostelry he sought to purchase one of his own, and, having reached satis- factory terms with the owner of the Eagleston prop- erty, bought the Eagleston Inn, of Hyannis.
Aside from his commercial activities Mr. Dada is active in all major affairs of the Hyannis commun- ity. In addition to professional associations, which include membership in the Massachusetts, New Eng- land and Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vine- yard hotel men's associations (three in all), he is identified with Fraternal Lodge, at Hyannis, of the Free and Accepted Masons; Orient Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Hyannis; and New Bedford Council, Royal and Select Masters; the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks Lodge, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and the Saturday Night Club. During the World War, while Mr. Dada was manager of the Arling- ton Hotel in Boston, he took part on committees and boards in charge of the prosecution of the conflict from within this country, and was largely instru- mental in securing subscriptions to the Liberty Loan.
On June 11, 1903, Mr. Dada was united in mar- riage with Florence E. Kelley, a daughter of Eliza- beth A. Kelley, of New Hampshire. The ceremony was performed in Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Dada re- side at Eagleston Inn, and are numbered among the most popular of their respective circles in social af- fairs.
Prominent in the general progress of Hyannis, Mr. Dada has been a valued force contributing to the community's advancement. People of the town have come to regard him as a man whose judgments have been proven sound and of genuine worth.
WILLIAM HENRY PAIGE-Following the trend of the times, from the plodding farm horse to the passenger omnibus and thence into the ever widening field of gasoline and motor cars, William Henry Paige, of Provincetown, has developed a bus- iness of great value and importance to himself and to the community in which he has established himself. His early work, following a brief education in the public schools, was farm boy, with its accompanying hardships. But there was in the boy the making of the man, self-proven by the substantial position he has made for himself in the world of work.
William Henry Paige was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, September 2, 1888. His father was a fisherman, commanding many vessels sailing out of Gloucester for the Banks, sometime employed by the the Gorton-Pew Company of packers and distributors. He was John Silva Paige. The son early lived in
Morgan D. Dada
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Provincetown and there attended the public schools. He went to work on his father's farm and afterward with the constructors of the Pilgrims' Memorial Monument at Provincetown. This work led him into trucking and renting of horses and teams, in which occupation he engaged with his brother, Albert. This, in turn, grew into a bus business, in which he estab- lished a regular line of equipages and saw the proj- ect flourish. From this to an automobile garage was a natural step and he and his brother, Albert, were joined in it, in 1920, by a third brother, John. They built a garage on the site of the old Adams Market, on Main Street, Provincetown, which is now in successful operation. Mr. Paige is a Republican and chairman of the Provincetown Water Board. His church is the Roman Catholic.
Mr. Paige married, in Taunton, Massachusetts, September 27, 1915, Mary Elizabeth Grassie, a na- tive of Taunton, whose parents, Manuel and Mary Elizabeth Grassie, were natives of Pico Island, The Azores. They have one child, Harold William, born in Taunton, September 23. 1918.
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