USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > History of Wakefield (Middlesex County) Massachusetts, compiled by William E. Eaton and History Committee > Part 15
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The familiar brown uniform, the courses of instruction and all services previously undertaken, remained; the only change being the closer co- operation between the corps and the State Guard, with the women's organization supplementing the men in various military duties; making possible the relief of men from canteen, convoy, medical detail and com- munications.
The corps has become an important link in the welfare of the town and state. In every emergency during the war period the corps has re- sponded to every local and regional demand. A completely outfitted can- teen trailer and an ambulance fully equipped and ready for service, are a part of the Wakefield unit. Surely the watchword of this Wakefield organization is, "Service for Town, State and Nation."
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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Patriotic and Veteran's' Organizations
Brief History of Each Organization Since Its Formation
Wakefield, as a town, is intensely a community where civic, philan- thropic, patriotic, social and fraternal societies are an important and in- tegral part of the community life. Owing to space limitations, conden- sation of many interesting details have been imperative. The lists follow- ing in service chapters present the "round the table" facts of names, organi- zation, objects, etc .:-
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
Post No. 12, Grand Army of the Republic is no more! Its last sur- viving member, Benjamin I. Day, passed away on May 16, 1936. For long years this was a notable local organization of men who served in the Civil War of 1861-65. Its members represented patriotism in its highest sense, and the organization one which the town held in high honor. When the old Academy building on Crescent Street was no longer of use, it was removed to Foster Street where it became the home of Post 12. This building is now owned and occupied by the First Methodist Episcopal Society.
H. M. WARREN CORPS NO. 69 WOMEN'S RELIEF
This auxiliary to the H. M. Warren Post No. 12, G. A. R., was organ- ized March 17, 1886 with Mrs. Juliette H. Anderson its first president. There were 76 charter members. This body of faithful women warmly commended itself to the community over many years, for its devotion to the objects for which it was formed.
In April, 1937, the Corps surrendered its charter to the state, after a successful existence of 51 years, the last Civil War Veteran of Wakefield having passed away.
H. M. WARREN CAMP 34, SONS OF VETERANS
This organization of the sons of men serving in the War of the Rebel- lion, was instituted in 1890 with 17 charter members. Its first captain was
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
the late Emery W. Rolfe, and its declaration was: "We hold ourselves in readiness to take up the work of that great body of men, the Grand Army of the Republic, when its last survivor shall have broken camp and pitched his tent in the field beyond."
AUXILIARY 13, SONS OF UNION VETERANS
Auxiliary 13, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, was insti- tuted on September 28, 1892.
Their object was to assist the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in all their principles and objects; to aid the members and families of the Grand Army of the Republic and give aid and protection to their wives and orphans; to perpetuate the memory and history of the heroes of the Civil War by the proper observance of Memorial Day; to inculcate true patriotism and love of country among all the people of our land, and to sustain equal rights with liberty and justice for all. The first president was Mrs. Ray E. Lane.
Years ago the Auxiliary gave money and supplies to the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea. In 1917, they raised a large sum of money to help the Massachusetts Department buy 17 ambulances to be sent to France. The Auxiliary has given many flags to the Sons of Veterans, schools, churches, organizations, boy and girl scouts. They also placed a memorial plaque in memory of H. M. Warren Camp Post 12, in the Warren School. They have bought war bonds in both wars and are now raising money for blood plasma for the Red Cross. The Auxiliary has been honored by the Mas- sachusetts Department by having two national presidents, three depart- ment presidents, one chief of staff, one historian, one patriotic instructor, and two department secretaries. In 1942 they celebrated their 50th anni- versary with a banquet, speeches and entertainment. -
DAUGHTERS OF UNION VETERANS
Julia Ward Howe Tent 49, Daughters of Union Veterans was insti- tuted April 29, 1911 in Grand Army Hall. There were 26 charter mem- bers. Mrs. Emily Wilkins was the first president. The object is to aid and assist the Grand Army of the Republic. Monthly visits are made to the Soldiers' Home at Chelsea, bringing cheer to its veteran inmates. A ward named "Daughters of Veterans' Ward," with twenty beds is always occu- pied.
The 1944 president is Mrs. Edna Smith.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
FANEUIL HALL CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Fanueil Hall Chapter was organized in 1896 by Mrs. Ida Farr Miller who served as the first Regent. Of the charter members, four are still living. The Chapter has had two real daughters, Mary Hopkins Pratt and Lucretia Hopkins, both of Wakefield. Members of the Chapter are from Reading, North Reading, Wakefield, Stoneham and Melrose.
Each year flags are placed on the graves of 46 Revolutionary soldiers in the Old Burying Ground in Wakefield.
Several old houses in this vicinity have been marked, and contribu- tions made toward the restoration of the Colonel Hartshorne House in Wakefield, and the Parker Tavern in Reading.
The Society was created for patriotic, historical, educational and civic purposes.
Educational work is carried on in connection with approved schools in the South and Hillside School for Boys in Marlboro, Massachusetts.
Prior to the present war, work was carried on at Ellis Island for the immigrants detained there.
In 1942, a notable piece of work was done by Mrs. Peter Y. Myhre in forming a Faneuil Hall Chapter Junior Group, with eight charter mem- bers. The Chapter Regent for 1943-1945 is Mrs. J. Hubbard Jones of Melrose. The membership is 67.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
Chartered by an Act of Congress, its membership is limited to men who have seen active service, "in campaigns or expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters" service which has been recognized by the United States Government by the issue of a campaign medal, badge or ribbon.
The purposes of this organization are fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its mem- bers; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of the dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegi- ance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies.
Wakefield Post No. 2106 was instituted on May 16, 1931, and imme- diately became one of the leaders in the fraternal and patriotic life of the community. The first Commander was Charles F. Young, and all twelve of the successive Commanders are still residents of Wakefield.
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS
Corp. Charles F. Parker Camp 39, United Spanish War Veterans was instituted in 1905. It is a semi-military organization and membership is open to officers and enlisted men who served in the various branches of the United States armed forces in the Spanish-American War and later in the Philippine Islands and the Boxer Relief expedition in China prior to July 2, 1902. The principles are freedom, patriotism and humanity. The object is to perpetuate the memory of the war with Spain and the Philip- pines and the China expeditions. Col. Edward J. Gihon was the first commander. The present membership is 51.
MRS. EDMUND RICE AUXILIARY NO. 14 UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS
Mrs. Edmund Rice Auxiliary No. 14, United Spanish War Veterans was instituted October 6, 1906, by the national officers, assisted by Col. Edward J. Gihon.
The first president, who served three years, was the late Minnie Gihon, wife of Col. Edward J. Gihon.
The object of the auxiliary is to extend aid to veterans of the Spanish- American War and their dependents; to promote patriotism and the proper reverence for the Stars and Stripes, and to inculcate everywhere, and at all times, lessons in good citizenship. The auxiliary has donated beds to the Soldiers' Home, given entertainments, candy, smokes, etc., to all veterans in soldiers' and sailors' hospitals in Massachusetts.
It has assisted in the present war by blood donations, Red Cross work. and bond selling.
Mrs. Maude Baxter of Greenwood is president.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
Corp. Harry E. Nelson Post 63, American Legion was organized in the Spanish War Veterans' rooms in the old state armory (now the Hodg- don Block) on lower Main Street, Wakefield Square, May 27, 1919, with Major Edward J. Connelly (now Lt .- Col.) as its first commander.
Over the years (May, 1919 to May, 1944) 26 men, prominent in civic and county affairs, and various walks of life, have successfully guided the destinies of this Post through an unusually active career, through many fields of endeavor, from money-raising projects, membership drives, dra- matic performances, band concerts, dances, bazaars, patriotic rallies, and other events, to public Memorial and Armistice Day observances.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
Valuable backing and aid have been given by the Legion towards town, county, state and national legislation, also many public endeavors- some of them of distinct benefit for the service man, his family or orphans, with generous consideration, always, for the disabled veteran, through cheer, employment, rehabilitation or his many other needs. Americaniza- tion and other betterment programs have been fostered and close co-opera- tion given wherever and whenever needed.
Intimate details of Corp. Nelson Post's activities are carefully chronicled in the Post historian's valuable scrapbooks, which contain nearly 600 4-column pages of interesting news clippings from the Daily Item. These, with the records of the Post's bi-monthly business meetings and all intervening civic, social and patriotic activity, tell only a small, but authentic story of the Post's enviable and prominent part in the up- building of "Better Wakefield" since 1919.
The record of Post members on the home-front and engaged in the war effort during World War II also is being carefully kept, and the assist- ance being given active service men, as well as those of all past wars, is outstanding, both as to its present value and for the continuation of the spirit of goodwill which exists in Wakefield for the common good and gen- eral welfare of organized society.
William H. Condon is the present commander.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
The American Legion Auxiliary was formed in 1920 by the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of the valiant men of Wakefield who fought in the first World War. For 24 years it has given service to commemorate and perpetuate the actions of members of Corp. Harry E. Nelson Post No. 63, American Legion, and has given service and devotion to patriotic organ- izations, and to Gold Star mothers and fathers of World War I and 11. Its varied activities deserve more extended review.
Mrs. Rose L. Findlay is the 1944 president.
SERVICE MEN'S AUXILIARY
This group was organized for the sole purpose of bringing cheer to the men and women serving in World War II. Up to March, 1944, 1450 boxes, 1000 birthday cards and many letters have been sent to all parts of the world. Money is earned to supply the boxes, and any surplus is deposited in the Wakefield Trust Company to make a gift to the soldiers on their return.
Mrs. Clara Meuse is president.
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
THE COLONEL ALLEN C. KELTON UNIT OF THE WOMEN'S MARINE CORPS LEAGUE AUXILIARY
The first meeting of the Wakefield Unit of the Women's Marine Corps League Auxiliary was held on June 11, 1943.
Miss Marion Harper, the state president, presided. It was voted to name the unit for Colonel Allen C. Kelton, born in Pennsylvania. He went to Phillips Andover Academy in Massachusetts, and then served as a drummer boy in the Civil War.
The first installation of officers was held July 9, 1943 with Mrs. Natalie Earsome, president.
A charter was presented to the Unit on August 27, 1943, by the State President.
The organization's activities, aside from money-making endeavors, are as follows:
Twice every month the members visit Chelsea Naval Hospital to entertain and serve refreshments to the convalescent marines at the Red Cross Hut.
The Women's Marine Corps League Auxiliary have a booth in Loew's Orpheum Theatre in Boston for the sale of war bonds and stamps, each Unit doing its share. Over one million dollars worth of stamps and bonds have been sold in little less than one year.
Every member's marine in service receives a birthday package from the Unit.
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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
- Memorials to Veterans
Four Wars Recognized by Memorials Recalled in Yearly Exercises
SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT
Wakefield's Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, situated midway in Common, was made possible by a bequest of $10,000 in the will of Mrs. Harriet N. Flint, late of Wakefield: "I give and bequeath to said Town of Wakefield, the sum of $10,000 to be held in trust by said town, and by them invested until said town may, by public appropriation, or private contributions, or both, add a sum sufficient to erect a soldiers' monument. Then both principal and interest are to be devoted to this object. And it is my wish, and I desire that said monument, when completed, shall cost not less than $10,000; that it may be grand in itself, symmetrical in architecture, beautiful in design-a monument worthy of the true men to whom we dedicate it."
The town accepted the bequest in March, 1898, and appointed a committee to carry its provisions into effect. On March 4, 1901, the design of the Van Amringe Granite Company was accepted at a price of $10,715 above the foundation. Later the town appropriated additional sums. The total cost was $13,845.08.
On June 17, 1902, the monument was appropriately dedicated, with Col. E. J. Gihon as Chief Marshal, and the Department of Massachusetts, G. A. R. performing the dedicatory exercises with a grand parade through the principal streets, of veterans, military and civil organizations. Among guests were Governor Crane and members of his staff. Harvey B. Evans was President of the day, Miss Ruth Emily Evans unveiled the monu- ment; Selectman George M. Tompson accepted the monument for the town; Congressman Samuel W. McCall delivered the oration, and chil- dren of the public schools sang. This monument and what it stands for is an inspiration to all present and future generations-a constant public reminder "that sacrifices had been made and should be, to maintain our country's honor."
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
THE GREENWOOD BOULDER
This memorial to the men and women of Greenwood who served in the World War, and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice, was placed in front of the Greenwood School and dedicated May 23, 1920, with an impressive service. Various organization groups gathered at the school grounds on Main Street, forming a guard of honor. The exercises opened with the unfurling of a new American flag from the school house staff by Leon A. Blanchard, a veteran of the famous 104th Regiment of the Yankee Division. Miss Helen Arnold rendered the "Star Spangled Banner," on the cornet. The salute to the flag by the children was fol- lowed by a stirring address by William E. Arnold, master of ceremonies. Major Edward J. Connelly conducted the unveiling and read the list of names on the tablet. The exercises closed with a memorial service for Robert Gibbs, the only Greenwood soldier who died in service.
GREENWOOD BOULDER
(In front of Greenwood School, Main Street) Dedicated May 14, 1920
A memorial to the men and women of Greenwood who served in World War I, and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
MEMORIAL TABLET ON COMMON
On Legion Sunday, November 14, 1920, Wakefield again paid tribute to her veterans of the World War, both living and dead, by unveiling, on the Common, a bronze memorial tablet, beautiful in design and appropri- ate in its sentiment.
A parade of military and patriotic organizations, which formed at the Armory and marched to the Common, was directed by Major Edward J. Connelly, commander of the Richardson Light Guard when war was declared, and prominent Yankee Division veteran. Arriving at the south- east corner of the Common, a hollow square was formed around the boul- der, with the school children on the north side, who sang "America,"
on Gommen 1923-
1
BOULDER ON THE COMMON Dedicated November 14, 1920
at the opening of the exercises and gave the salute to the flag at the close. After an eloquent prayer by Rev. Warren S. Perkins, D.D., pastor of the Universalist Church, Rev. Benjamin W. Riner, pastor of the Greenwood Union Church, chaplain of Corp. Harry E. Nelson Post 63, American Legion and an overseas veteran, responded with stirring sentiments, ex-
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"THE HIKER" (Theodore Kitson Model) Dedicated October 12, 1926
Erected by the town of Wakefield under the auspices of Charles F. Parker Camp No. 39, U. S. W. V., as a memorial to the men of Wakefield who served in the Spanish-American War
HISTORY OF
WAKEFIELD,
MASSACHUSETTS
WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
pressing the feeling in the hearts of the ex-service men, their emo- tions when they entered the service, and their realization of a duty to carry on the work so nobly begun by those in whose honor the memorial was erected.
Thomas F. Kenney, adjutant of Corp. Nelson Post, read the Armistice Day proclamation of the American Legion. Harry I. Thayer, chairman of the War Memorial- Committee, gave a short, patriotic address and un- veiled the tablet, saying "It now belongs to the citizens of Wakefield." He also read the words of the dedication on it.
The acceptance in behalf of the next of kin of the 29 heroes whose names are enrolled on the tablet was appropriately given by William H. Cartland, whose son was one of the first from the town to die on the field of battle in France.
Inscription on the tablet :
"To the honor and glory of the men and women who served in the World War and to these who made the supreme sacrifice."
The tablet bears the following roll of honored dead:
Robert F. Baker
Alvin W. Gordon
Herbert E. Biggs
Henry A. Heningar
John C. Brockbank
Harry E. Nelson
Joseph Buckley
Patrick Neville
John T. Burns
Erland F. Norton
William H. Cartland
Albert Ray Townley
Paul Cartwright
Ambrose Hughes
Nicola DeFelice
Bert L. Johnson
John P. Donegan
George W. Killorin, Jr.
John P .. Duggan
Clark R. Lincoln
Edward M. Fay
James Martino
Crowell G. Fish
Andrew P. Mclaughlin
Michael Gibbons
Edward S. Merrill
Robert H. Gibbs
Richard P. Merrill
Henry Nasella
DEDICATION OF THE HIKER MONUMENT
The Spanish War Veterans' Hiker Monument at the "Rockery" was dedicated on Tuesday, October 12, 1926, (Columbus Day) on the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Richardson Light Guard, both organizations uniting in the program of the day and evening. It was a memorial to the men of Wakefield who served in the Spanish American War and the dedicatory exercises were under the auspices of Charles F. Parker Camp No. 39, U. S. W. V.
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-WAKE FIELD. MASS.MEMORIAL HONORROLL.
LED
005
WAKEFIELD CITIZENS MARCHING TO . VICTORY
NOH Honor Roll
HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD,
MASSACHUSETTS
WORLD WAR II HONOR ROLL MEMORIAL PLAQUE On the Common, opposite the Veterans' (Lafayette) Building Erected and presented to the Town on May 28, 1944, through the sponsorship of Corp. Harry E. Nelson Post 63, American Legion, and the generous contributions of funds from the townspeople.
WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
The "Hiker" is a Theodore Kitson model and its placement on the "Rockery" facing southerly on Main Street is a distinct ornament to' Wakefield's civic center.
The full details of the exercises are told in the History of the Richard- son Light Guard 1901-1926. Col. Edward J. Gihon, as chairman of the committee, presided at the impressive ceremony of dedication, and pre- sented the monument to the Town of Wakefield. There was an evening parade. a reunion of War Veterans, and a banquet, with addresses, in the State Armory, with prominent military men and town officials as guests. Captain Thomas J. Quinn opened the exercises and the late Harris M. Dolbeare served as toastmaster. The monument is now in the custody of the Charles F. Parker Camp No. 39, U. S. W. V. This was another notable local town celebration.
WAKEFIELD MEMORIAL HONOR ROLL PLAQUE
The sponsor of this Memorial is the Corp. Harry E. Nelson Post 63, American Legion. It has been placed on the Common opposite the Lafay- ette Building. Voluntary contributions from the townspeople financed the cost. The plaque, with names, will be dedicated with appropriate exercises, in connection with the Tercentenary observances, on May 28, 1944. It bears the names of the men and women of Wakefield who have served or are now serving in World War II.
The plaque was designed by John H. Rogers, accepted by the Com- mittee and endorsed by the Board of Selectmen.
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
(Photograph by E. A. Rich)
THE COL. JAMES HARTSHORNE HOUSE, CHURCH STREET, AS IT APPEARS IN 1944 Oldest house in Wakefield, built in 1681
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Historical Societies
Wakefield Historical Society - Its Exhibition Hall -Col. Hartshorne House Association - Its Activities WAKEFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Wakefield Historical Society was formed on January 23, 1890, with Chester W. Eaton, its first president. Its name explains its objects : to rescue from oblivion ancient records, documents, portraits, implements, relics, photographs, etc. having to do with the early and later years of the town's life; and to foster local interest in the town, and its earlier history.
When the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library was built in 1921-3 one of the conditions was that the Historical Society should have a room set aside for its use. This was done, and today, in the north basement room of this imposing institution, can be seen and admired the Society's col- lection of mementoes of days gone by. The Society's exhibition room will be open to visitors during the 1944 Tercentenary observance.
THE HARTSHORNE HOUSE
The old Hartshorne House on Church Street, at the southern end of Lake Quannapowitt, is probably the oldest house in Wakefield. The west portion has been dated 1681 with conclusive evidence as to its age. It was built by Thomas Hodgman who, as early as 1688, had a small farm extending easterly to Common Street. In the deed of that year of the land from Reading Pond to the present Baptist Church, as a site for the second meeting house, it specifically stated that "Thomas Hodgman had rights of occupancy to the southeasterly portion of this lot." Hodgman in 1725 sold his house to the Widow Patterson. Later owners were Jona- than Cowdrey, Dr. John Hart for £106:10, and several others until it came into the possession of Col. James Hartshorne, who resided there for sixty-seven years, until his death in 1870. Subsequent owners were John Rayner, J. Reed Whipple and John G. Morrill, then the Morrill Ice Company, next the Milton, Porter Ice Company. On October 4, 1929, the town bought the ice company's property-land, ice houses and the Hartshorne house for park purposes, paying $14,499.90.
The old house, restored by the Park Commissioners and the earlier 1930 Tercentenary Committee, was leased to The Col. Hartshorne House Association, formed in 1937, by a group of citizens. This ancient struc- ture, due to the activities of the Association, has become a popular center for many local and neighborhood civic, social and fraternal gatherings where good food, a welcoming hostess and an atmosphere reflecting the years ago may be enjoyed. Percival B. Evans is president.
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
(WPA Photograph)
FIREPLACE IN THE COL. HARTSHORNE HOUSE
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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Transportation
Stage Lines -First Railroad Service - Upper Station - Street and Bus Lines - New Route 128 State Highway
'Tis a long way back to the days when the man of the family rode his horse to the meeting house, with mother sitting heavily on the pillion beside her husband. And yet it was practically day before yes- terday, as the scientists space off mundane miscellany.
Now, Wakefield is, in a slight degree, an important railroad junc- tion with three active stations and two flag stations.
In 1844 the Boston and Maine Railroad built, and opened the fol- lowing year, a service from Boston to its earlier line in Wilmington. Later the Danvers Branch and the South Reading Branch to Salem was built. The latter, leased to the Boston and Maine Railroad in 1892, was abandoned January 1926. The former is active but with a curtailed service. The town is on the main line from Boston to Portland, 31 in- ward and 34 outward Boston trains run daily and there is an ample
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