USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Bernardston > History of the town of Bernardston, Franklin County, Massachusetts, Volume II, 1900-1960, with genealogies > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
Under the Federal Highway Act of 1957, a new north-south highway was planned to follow the Connecticut River Valley. It was given the number 91 and is a part of the Interstate Highway System. It is a dual highway, with limited access-no entrance or exit except at interchange points. It enters Massachusetts from Vermont at the Bernardston north line, runs southerly and south- westerly through Bernardston, and west of the center of Green- field, thence southward. In Bernardston, all the northerly part is on the east of Fall River; it crosses to the west side opposite the Miller house on River Road. At several river bends, cutoff chan- nels were opened to keep the river west of the road.
Southward from the Vermont line, Route 91 skirts the western foot of East Mountain and Bald Mountain. It runs between Bald Mountain Road and the Old Cemetery; this location necessitated a new access road to the Cemetery, running south from the Burke Flat Road. The road is appropriately marked "Dead End." Con-
52
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
tinuing southward, Highway 91 intersects the Northfield Road (Route 10) about where the Ashley house stood. Here is now an interchange, with big circles on the north of Route 10, two curves on the south, and Route 10 passing over Route 91. To make room for this interchange, the southerly end of Bald Mountain Road was swung eastward, to enter the Northfield Road near the west end of Parmenter Road (Old Northfield Road). The houses af- fected were moved to the relocated road.
Thence Highway 91 continues southward through the former town dump area, crossing to the west side of Fall River as noted above. It passes over River Road a few hundred feet south of the Miller barn, and continues straight toward Yetter's Curve on Bernardston Road (Routes 5 and 10), crossing the town line into Greenfield on the way. In 1960-1962, there was a temporary con- nection between the old and new roads at Yetter's Curve, but Highway 91 is finally to pass over Routes 5 and 10 with no con- nection.
The section of Highway 91 from the Vermont line to a point just north of Route 10 (4.5 miles) has an asphalt surface, standard in Massachusetts for many years. The next southerly section, how- ever, with 1.3 miles in Bernardston and 0.53 mile in Greenfield, has a cement concrete surface, a design previously unused in Massachusetts since 1946. This is an experimental section of pave- ment; it uses a new method of joint construction, designed to allow for expansion and contraction, while eliminating the traffic "bump-bump" of the old-style joint in concrete. Time will tell whether this new joint design will work out as planned.
In Bernardston there are five bridges on Route 91 itself, and also two new accessory bridges. The former are: (1) Burke Flat Road over Highway 91, (2) Route 10 over "91," (3) railroad over "91," (4) "91" over Fall River, (5) "91" over River Road. The accessory bridges are Burke Flat Road over Fall River, and Route 10 over Fall River.
Following Massachusetts law, there are to be no billboards within the right-of-way. The normal width of the right-of-way in Bernardston is four hundred feet, compared with three hundred feet across the line in Vermont! The lanes, north and south, are twenty-six feet wide; the shoulders ten feet; the median grass strip one hundred feet. The cost of the northerly section in Bernard- ston was $2,400,000 with the two bridges. The cost of the southerly section, extending into Greenfield, was $2,150,000 including the five bridges. The northern section was started September 3, 1958,
53
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
and finished (roadway and paving) on June 30, 1960. The south- ern section was started on May 11, 1959, and finished on Novem- ber 15, 1960.
Important economically is the loss of agricultural land taken for the road. Every one hundred nine feet along the normal right-of- way means another acre of land used; more than three hundred acres were taken altogether in this section, of which at least sixty percent was agricultural land. The owners received pay for their land, but these acres are out of production now. The other advan- tages of this highway doubtless far overshadow the loss to agricul- ture. Some landowners in North Bernardston were cut off from access to their land on the east side of Highway 91. They received some reimbursement, and there the land remains unused, inac- cessible. Most of this land is steep, rocky hillside.
The construction of Highway 91 is generally welcome in all the Connecticut Valley, giving as it does a route for quick and easy passage and transport north and south. Old Route 5 is a patched-up relic of what was pretty good in 1922, but it still serves very well if one wants to go more slowly and enjoy the scenery. If one wants to make time, with a smooth ride, it can be done on Highway 91.
The advent of Highway 91 in Bernardston is regarded with mixed feelings. Its construction has done some damage, as has already been noted; it is hoped that completion will benefit Ber- nardston in various ways.
Chapter VI
CHURCHES
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BERNARDSTON
T HE BAPTIST SOCIETY was first organized in 1789 and reorgan- ized March 13, 1806. There was nothing further of interest except the regular order of business in the records until March 4, 1815, when it was voted to build a meeting house thirty feet by forty feet, two stories high and the same as Vernon Meeting House.
There was some controversy as to where to build and, on April 10, 1815, according to old records, it was voted "the meeting house should be built on the road between Fall River and that road that runs from Mr. Thomas O. Snows to the South and on Nov. 6, 1815 it was voted to set the meeting House a few rods East of where Mr. Joseph Warner now lives on the spot where the said Committee hath appointed it on the North side of the road between Fall River and the turn of the road that leads to the meeting house that is now built." Again on February 27, 1817, a vote was taken to set the meeting house "opposite the place that was first voted on land now owned by George Alex- ander on South side of the Highway," and finally on July 14, 1817, vote was taken to "set the meeting house on land owned by Job Goodale, Esq. opposite the contemplated place on the North side of the highway." The meeting house then built on the site known as the Ashley Place, was used until March 1, 1851, when it was voted to sell it.
The present structure on Depot Street was dedicated Wednes- day, December 10, 1851, and was erected by Deacon S. S. Wright, the work being done by John Sawin of Greenfield.
An interesting account of the churches was contained in "The Happy New Year," a paper published by the Ladies Circle of the Orthodox Congregational Society of Bernardston, January 1, 1874.
On March 14, 1895, John E. Davis was chosen church clerk, and for twenty-five years, he penned the records of the church with a very legible hand. Mr. Davis was a man of sterling charac- ter who always had the best interest of the church and the com- munity at heart, and who could be depended on to do the right
54
55
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
thing at the right time. He was sworn into office each year from 1896 to 1900, by a Justice of the Peace after which time no men- tion was made of clerks being sworn in. It is interesting to note that the Baptists disbanded as a society and organized as a church the first Wednesday of April, 1896.
At the meeting April 7, 1897, it was voted that two persons be elected to pass the contribution boxes, and Forest Thayer and Walter Davis were duly elected. These same boxes are used at the present time.
At a Covenant Meeting held August 31, 1899, a vote was taken to invite the association to meet with the church the next year choosing Mr. and Mrs. Daniel C. Willard, Mrs. Emma M. Frank- lin and Mrs. George W. Grant, a committee on arrangements, and Myron L. Corbett, care of horses. The seventy-first annual meeting of the Franklin Baptist Association was held in Bernard- ston September 11 and 12, 1900.
At a special meeting Wednesday, August 29, 1900, the vote was carried to accept the horse sheds which were formerly owned and donated by Mrs. Mary A. Green, Deacon Pascal Marvel, Joseph S. Green and Clarence Ryther. There was a subscription paper circulated to raise money for repairs and upkeep of same.
May 2, 1901, Miss Maria C. Sanderson, at a roll call service, presented the church with church service books containing read- ings. September 15, 1903, a proposition was made by Miss Sander- son in regard to making some changes in the church building. Myron L. Corbett made a motion that a committee consisting of John Davis, Myron Corbett and Frank L. Cory, be appointed to confer with Miss Sanderson.
A resolution entertained at a rededication and roll call February 25, 1904, actually shows what transpired in 1904.
"Whereas, The lower rooms of the edifice of the Bernardston Baptist Church were not adapted to the convenience and best working conditions and the members foresaw no prospect of any alterations therein.
."Whereas, It was made possible to raise the entire building, rearrange the rooms, construct convenient closets and drawers, procure heater and thereby add to the beauty and attraction of said rooms, as well as to their convenience and comfort.
"Whereas, The members of the Church are fully convinced that a work of permanence and skill has been accomplished, to
56
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
be enjoyed and used by them and their descendants in future years.
"Whereas, Miss Maria C. Sanderson of this town, who, under God, we believe, has so freely opened her heart and her hands to make this change possible, a change in which she figured as the chief contributor.
"Therefore, Resolved, That we extend to Miss Sanderson our deep appreciation of her kind interest, and generous gifts, and of our gratitude to her for planning such liberal things for the church with which we are identified.
"Resolved, That the memory of her deeds shall be transmitted to others; and the interests of our young people which she had in view shall be borne in mind, that the original idea prompt- ing her actions may not be forgotten.
"Resolved, That as bodily infirmity prevented the donor from seeing and doing as she had hoped, that we also recognize the oversight and care given by her brother, E. Herbert Sander- son, who concerned himself in assisting his sister in the carrying out of her wishes in the work described.
"Resolved, That a copy of these deeds be placed on the records of the church, and a copy sent to the persons, herein named."
The special committee on resolutions was Rev. Fred S. Smith, Deacon Daniel C. Willard, John E. Davis and Mrs. Emma M. Franklin.
During the summer of 1905, gas lighting was installed in the church edifice by the Bernardston Gas Light Company.
Mrs. Julia Newton, Rev. Fred S. Smith and John E. Davis were the committee for the annual roll call March 13, 1906, the one hundredth anniversary of the formation of the Society. June 14, 1906, Myron Corbett presided at a special business meeting for a proposition presented by Miss Maria C. Sanderson to remodel the audience room and place a pipe organ in it. Miss Sanderson was to bear all the expense except one-half the cost of the organ and this proposal was unamimously accepted at a meeting July 5th. Myron Corbett, Daniel Willard and Nettie Davis were chosen, with Miss Sanderson as chairman, to purchase the organ.
A committee of Rev. F. E. Coburn, Miss Maria C. Sanderson and Galutia P. Newton was chosen to prepare for the rededication of the church January 29, 1907, to which the Baptist Churches at Turners Falls, Brattleboro and West Brattleboro, as well as all
57
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
churches of the association were invited and the account in the "Gazette and Courier" of that date reads as follows:
"The remodelled and beautiful structure of the Baptists at Bernardston was rededicated with public services on Tuesday the 29th. In the afternoon, Rev. Samuel P. Everett, a former pastor, made the invocation. Henry Bond of Greenfield extended greetings, Dr. W. W. Weeks of Springfield gave the sermon and Dr. W. H. Eaton of Boston offered the prayer, a special service of dedication arranged by the pastor being used. In the evening Mrs. Lucy Cutler Kellogg of Greenfield gave an organ recital, local pastors extended greetings, letters were read from former pastors and Rev. E. H. Sherwin of Greenfield and Rev. J. A. Hungate of Holyoke made addresses. Mrs. E. L. Ashley of Waterbury, Ct., a friend of the church, sang to the delight of all at both services. Delegations were present from Greenfield, and Brattleboro, and a collation was served by the women of the church.
"The alterations to the building, which has been standing since 1851, are quite extensive. In the rear an extension 16 by 24 has been built on, making room for two class rooms and toilet room below, and for an organ and choir loft above, in which a sweet toned instrument from the Estey Organ Company has been installed. The walls have been replastered and refrescoed, steel ceiling put on, swinging doors placed in the vestibule, a rack fitted with attachments for individual communion cups fastened to the pews, and all the wood work repainted in mission green. The platform has been raised from nine to 24 inches and a baptistry constructed underneath with arrangements for filling and heating easily and quickly. In addition a new carpet has been placed on the floor and a fine set of pulpit furniture to- gether with a communion table and chairs, all of mission style, added, making a house of worship rich in beauty and inspiration.
"All expenses for the work, except $500.00 on the organ, which is met by the Church, is borne by Miss Maria C. Sander- son, a member of one of the old established families of the town, who has taken this means of raising a memorial to her mother and other relatives that for several generations have been identified with Baptist interests. Rev. F. E. Coburn who came to the field last July is the present pastor and is being richly blessed in his work."
58
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
March 3, 1907 the communion set was used for the first time, having been presented to the church by Walter E. Davis, son of John E. Davis, a fine young member and one much interested in the church.
The Franklin Baptist Association met with the local church September 2, 1908. Five years later the Bernardston church united with the Association.
In February 1914, Rev. Henry Marshall Douglas passed away at a sugar supper put on by the ladies of the Baptist Church in the Town Hall. Mr. Douglas was the father of the late Mrs. William E. Field, Sr.
At the annual meeting, April 1, 1915, John E. B. Field, Chair- man, Myron L. Corbett, Ray E. Franklin of the executive com- mittee with Henry E. Newton and Rev. Nathan A. Wood, were appointed to close a contract for lighting the church building with electricity. In due time the installation was completed.
January 16, 1916, it was voted that John E. Davis be made honorary deacon for life. At a communion service October 7, 1917, Henry Newton was elected deacon. John E. B. Field re- signed as deacon and was voted honorary deacon in 1921. Ray E. Franklin was elected January 5, 1922, to serve as deacon and on February 5, 1926, Bert Stoddard and Winnie G. Newton were elected deacons. It is interesting to note that Henry and Winnie were grandsons of David Streeter, a man of upright character who served as deacon of this church for many years.
July 7, 1921, a vote of thanks was extended to Miss Florence Douglas and Mrs. Helen Douglas Field for the gift of the bookcase and library belonging to their father, Rev. Henry Douglas.
June 1924, Rev. Frederick Crane, pastor of the Unitarian Church, installed a mechanical pump for the pipe organ. A vote was taken May 7, 1925, to lease a right of way to the Cemetery Corporation for the term of thirty years at one dollar per year, which included the privilege of improving the entrance to the cemetery in any way the Corporation decided was best.
During the years 1936 to 1959, improvements to the church property included: in the parsonage, a bathroom, furnace and an enclosed porch all under the direction of Winnie G. Newton. The south drive to the church was closed and filled in. A new entrance to the church was made, placing a door in the center of the build- ing instead of the two side doors. Windows were installed on both sides of the door and the church was painted inside and out. A
59
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
sixteen millimeter motion picture projector was purchased, town water, a new forced air oil burner and rest rooms were installed. An addition on the southeast side of the church was completed under the direction of Deacon Ellis N. Franklin. Due to the generosity of Dr. Henry J. Franklin a new oil burning, forced air furnace was installed in the parsonage. The Ladies Aid of the church under direction of Mrs. Ray Franklin, assisted by men, women and children, re-covered the pew cushions which had not been done since 1907, when Miss Sanderson renovated the church.
A roll call supper under the direction of Mrs. Ray Franklin was served by candle light on September 29, 1938, because of damage to the lights caused by the hurricane. Other damage included the loss of two church sheds and slate from the roof.
Raymond Crawford, a young man from the church, was or- dained to the ministry at the Baptist Church in Orange, Massa- chusetts, June 30, 1943.
April 30, 1944, a pulpit lamp was given in memory of Ruth Stoddard. It was dedicated at the same time as a United States flag, a Christian flag and a service roll.
Ellis N. Franklin was installed as deacon June 3, 1945, and again it is interesting to note that he is the great-grandson of Deacon David Streeter. Ernest Waite, June 1, 1933; Stanley Phelps, May 2, 1935; John Fisher, October 24, 1948; Laurence Newton and Guy Harwood, May 5, 1958, were elected to serve as deacons.
The ordination of John W. Lind occurred in the local church June 24, 1947. Mr. Lind served this community faithfully. After leaving Bernardston, he became a chaplain with the armed forces in Korea and has since died.
The illumination of the Baptist Church steeple on special oc- casions during recent years has greatly added to the attractiveness of the building and has been an inspiration to the community.
It seems fitting that the last record shown in this history of the church should be the passing of Mrs. Juliaette S. Newton, August 3, 1958, leaving behind a record few can attain to, and an example many can pattern after in their life work. As the "Recorder- Gazette" reported in the paper of August 4, 1958, "Mrs. Newton, Franklin County's oldest resident, being 104 years and four months old, died Sunday at the home of her son-in-law and daugh- ter, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Franklin, of South Street. Born in Bernard- ston on April 1, 1854, she was the daughter of David and Rachel
60
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
(Lee) Streeter. She was the widow of Galutia P. Newton, who died August 4, 1918. A life-long resident of the town, she was well versed in its history and also that of the church, where she was a member 84 years." "Grandma" Newton, as she was commonly known to her many friends, was of sterling character, true to her ideals and loyal to her friends, her church and her Christ.
MINISTERS OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Samuel P. Everett
Fred S. Smith
F. E. Coburn
John Mitchell
Henry M. Douglas Nathan A. Wood
G. F. Newhall
Herbert E. Buffum Alfred H. Evans Thomas Adams
B. Marcus Prangnell
Harold D. George David W. Lovett
Nathan B. Rogers John W. Lind Peter McClelland
Thomas Elliot
Elwin Blackstone
Carvis E. Tutor
December 1895-August 1901 November 1901-May 1906 July 1906-February 1908 June 1908-May 1910 December 1910-February 1914 September 1914-August 1918 October 1918-July 1921 July 1921-July 1922 September 1922-October 1923 October 1923-February 1930 June 1930-August 1931 April 1932-June 1937 November 1937-May 1941 October 1941-May 1946 December 1946-July 1949 September 1949-October 1955 November 1955-September 1956 November 1956-November 1957 November 1957-December 1961
GOODALE MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH
HE FIRST CHURCH in Bernardston (formerly known as Fall Town) was organized November 26, 1741, and the Rev. John Norton was ordained as its pastor. The first meeting house was on what is known as Huckle Hill.
Following Rev. Mr. Norton as pastor was the Rev. Job Wright installed in 1761; then Rev. Amasa Cook ordained pastor in 1783; then Rev. Timothy Rogers ordained in 1809. Under the ministry of Mr. Rogers there came about a division in regard to certain points of doctrine and this is where the history of the church and society begins.
The First Presbyterian Society in Bernardston was formed
61
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
January 9, 1823, with nine members present. At a meeting in De- cember, 1823, it was "voted to call a council of five ministers of the Gospel, for the purpose of advising with members of said Presbyterian Society and either annexing them to some neighbor- ing church or churches, or organize them into a Presbyterian Church in said Bernardston."
The council met at the home of Judge Job Goodale, the home now owned by William Messer, west of the present church site, January 13, 1824. The Rev. Samuel Taggart was moderator and Rev. James Taylor, scribe. After due consideration, the council ad- vised the formation of a church and proceeded to organize it un- der the name of the "First Presbyterian Church." In 1831, the name was changed to "Evangelical Congregational" then in 1833, to "Orthodox Congregational," finally, in 1912, when the Con- gregational and Methodist united, the name came to be "Goodale Memorial United Church."
For about two years worship was at first maintained in the Old Baptist Church, east of the village. Before its razing in 1959 to make way for Federal Highway Route 91 it was the home owned by Bernard Fowler, better known as the Ashley Place. The Bap- tists shared their church and each denomination held services on alternate Sundays.
In the meantime Job Goodale had erected upon his own land, just east of his residence a small house of worship. It was a modest building, much like the school houses of that period. Here the young church made its home. The building and an eighth of an acre of land upon which it stood was secured to the church by the will of Job Goodale, who died October 25, 1833. He also gave to the society the present parsonage building and lot.
For nine years the church was unable to support a resident pas- tor and depended upon supplies. The plan was conceived of yok- ing together the church and the Goodale Academy and of making the pastor of one the principal of the other. The plan was kept in operation for a number of years commencing in 1833 when Rev. Vinson Gould became the first regular pastor. This plan however did not work satisfactorily and was given up after a few years.
During 1846, the church was thoroughly repaired and enlarged, some of the alterations being executed in a novel manner. The building was moved to one side and the foundations torn up and relaid for a larger structure. Then a low but substantial frame was built and cross timbers laid, and the old building was hoisted up
62
HISTORY OF BERNARDSTON, 1900-1960
and launched, as it were, upon the new frame. Then the old build- ing was split through the middle lengthwise, cutting ridge and gable, wall and floor alike, as one might saw a box in two. Then the two sections were removed apart to the outer walls and the space between them built up. The front was extended to enclose a vestibule and gallery for the choir and a graceful steeple was added. Mrs. Lydia Goodale (widow of Job Goodale) gave a bell to place within it, which after a few years cracked and was replaced by a new one.
Rev. David Humphrey Strong-1888 to 1900. Mr. Strong was the first of ten ministers to serve the church since 1900. Born in South Deerfield and educated at Williston Academy at Easthamp- ton, Williams College and Hartford Theological Seminary, he married Abbie Hardy of Colrain and his first pastorates were in Vermont. Mr. Strong came to Bernardston in 1888. A constant prosperity and interest proved his ability as pastor of the church. In 1890, through the generous gift of Mr. Richard F. Newcomb, a grandson of Job Goodale, the church was materially changed. Mr. R. L. Crowell was chairman of the building committee. An ad- dition was placed upon the north end, thus admitting arches, the pulpit, organ, choir loft and speakers' platform. Downstairs the basement was transformed from a floorless dungeon to pleasant Sunday School rooms and a kitchen. A furnace took the place of stoves. While in Bernardston, Mr. Strong was librarian of Cush- man Library. When he resigned in 1899, the church refused to ac- cept his resignation, and called him anew "to remain indefinitely." He remained a year longer, but having received a call to the Congregational Church, Williamstown, Vermont, he relinquished his work here in May, 1900, much to the regret and sorrow of his people.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.