USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > History of the town of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1941 > Part 13
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The Society at present, when duly organized, con- sists of a President; the duties of Secretary and Treas- urer are performed by the same person; a standing Committee and a Pursuing Committee.
This was one of many similar societies which were organized for the same purpose in the towns of this region. This society flourished for sixty years or more, and during this period of almost two generations, it included within its membership nearly all the leading citizens of the town.
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
"The Worcester County Encampment of Knights Templar was constituted at Holden, December 17, 1824, working under dispensation until June 16, 1825,
7 Damon History, P. 24
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when it received its charter. At that time a public address, which was printed, was given by Rev. Ben- jamin Wood, of Upton.
"The place of meeting was the hall, connected with the Abbott Hotel. Holden, at that period, was rel- atively one of the most important of those thriving business centres which surrounded Worcester, and which were not far behind the shire town in enter- prise and progress. The Encampment remained in Holden until January, 1831, when it removed to Wor- cester."
I. By-laws of the Worcester County Commandery, Knights Templars, 1878, p. 21.
In 1869, the name was changed from Encampment to Commandery.
"On the 24th of June, 1875, the Commandery cele- brated the Fiftieth Anniversary of its organization by a visit to the old Asylum at Holden, a public parade in Worcester, and a banquet at the hall. The hall was in the second story of the rear part of the old Abbott Hotel."
Negotiations were made with the owner, Chenery Abbott for the transfer of the original chandelier used in very early days, together, with one of the old bench- es, and a pair of well used "loggerheads" to the Wor- cester apartments of the commandery.
A substantial repast was provided by Brother Chen- ery Abbott, who catered for the Sir Knights at the ban- quet of the organization fifty years before.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
In 1924 a boulder was dedicated at the junction of Reservoir and Main Streets, across from the old Ab- bott tavern and inscribed as follows:
1824 1924
Worcester County Encampment of Knights Templars was organized on December 17, 1824 in the Hall of the Abbott Hotel, near this spot
Petitioners
Sir James Estabrook, Jr.,-Ist Commander
Sir George Estabrook-Ist Generalissimo
Sir Merrill Davis,-Ist Captain General
Sir Benjamin Wood
Sir William Newell
Sir George Willard
Sir William C. Capron
Sir Samuel Stratton
Sir David Holman
This tablet erected by Worcester County Commandery, No. 5 Knights Templars December 17, 1924
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES
The constitution of the first Temperance Society in Holden, was adopted, September 15, 1829. The Rev. Horatio Bardwell and Ethan Davis, Esq., were active in its formation. The 3rd article reads as follows :
"The members of this society believing that the use of intoxicating liquors is, for persons in health, not only unnecessary, but hurtful, and that the practice is the cause of forming intemperate habits and appetites, that while it is continued, the evils of intemperance can never be prevented; do therefore agree, that we will abstain from the use of distilled spirits, except as a medicine, in case of bodily infirmity, and that in all suitable ways we will discountenance the use of them in the community.
"If, however, individuals shall deem it necessary to make any use of ardent spirits, they shall report the same at the annual meeting of the Society.
"In 1841, a 'Washington Total Abstinance Society' was formed. In 1835 the town voted (one hundred and fifteen to forty-five) that the Selectmen be in- structed to withhold their approbation from any per- son as an inholder to sell ardent spirits. In every way, during the decade from 1830 to 1840, temperance was an exciting and devisive topic."
THE FARMERS' AND MECHANICS' CLUB
The Farmers' and Mechanics' Club was organized in the Town Hall, November 20, 1860, its object be- ing to "promote the interests of agriculture and the welfare of the Farmer and Mechanic, and to dissem-
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inate such Knowledge, practical and scientific, as shall conduce to that end."
Fifty-four names were signed to the constitution. Joab S. Holt was chosen president, and Joseph H. Gleason, secretary.
All day meetings were held in the Town Hall twice each month, during the winter, and they were largely attended by people from all parts of the town. The morning session opened at eleven o'clock and closed at twelve-thirty. A committee then served dinner with an abundance of home cooked food.
At two o'clock the period of sociability ended, and members and friends took seats in the "upper hall," the ladies with "fancy work" in hand, and the men prepared to discuss the topic of the day.
Many subjects of much importance to the town were first discussed in these meetings.
Among many questions receiving consideration were (1887) "Are the municipal expenses of Holden suffi- ciently economical for the good of the town?" (1889) "Would the cause of temperance be promoted by wo- man suffrage?" (1893) "Does our large outlay for school pay?" Later, the matter of state roads, town lights, town water and many other subjects were care- fully studied and discussed. An estimated three hun- dred persons were present at the Ladies' Day meeting on February 3, 1909. The club met for the last time on March 13, 1918.
In combining pleasure and profit, these gatherings for many years played a definite and helpful part in the community life of the town.
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THERON E. HALL POST, NO. 77
Theron E. Hall Post, No. 77 Grand Army of the Republic was organized January 19, 1869, with the following charter members :
Samuel W. Armington
Phineas R. Newell Artemas D. Bascom
Edwin Chaffee James Peacock
Emory Rogers
Isaac Damon
Thaddeus S. Clark
Marius S. Cooley Austin E. Skiff
That year, 1869, Samuel W. Armington, was Com- mander from January to July-and Emory Rogers from July to December.
The Post was named in honor of Major Theron E. Hall, who was engaged in the manufacturing business and held numerous town offices, in Holden, until he resigned in order to devote himself to the service of his country during the period of the war.
He became a member of the State Legislature and Secretary of the Soldier's Home, at Tougas, Maine. He died in San Diego, California in 1880, and was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Leicester, with Masonic honors.
Each year the Post arranged the annual Memorial Day services, with the various patriotic organizations in the line of march from Town Hall to the ceme-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
teries, where graves were decorated by members of the Post.
In the afternoon the program usually consisted of a patriotic address given in the Town hall, with music on the common, where many former residents came to greet old friends and towns people.
For many years, at Memorial time, members of the Post gave patriotic addresses in the various schools in town, and later this work was carried on by members of the Sons of Veterans and the Woman's Relief Corps.
The last survivors of that brave company of men who went out from Holden to serve the country they loved were George S. Graham who died in 1933, and Charles E. Farrar in 1935.
HOLDEN GRANGE
The Holden Grange, No. 78, Patrons of Husbandry, was organized February 9, 1875, with thirty-one char- ter members.
Ethan Davis held the office of Master, that year, and Joseph H. Gleason that of Secretary.
For sixty-six years it has continued the high ideals embodied in its formation, and with its splendid ed- ucational and social programs, it holds an important place among the organizations functioning in town today.
Occasional meetings with county, state, and national groups are an added source of enjoyment to its mem- bership, which now numbers more than two hundred.
MYRICK HOMESTEAD 1841-1941
MYRICK HOMESTEAD
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
NONDESCRIPT CLUB
This was organized as a social club, in 1881, but after a few meetings it was decided to work for the public good and its "object" as stated in its consti- tution should be "to promote social feeling, and es- tablish a fund for the public benefit."
To obtain funds they held picnics, lawn parties, sup- pers and in 1882, a fair was held.
The club secured the digging of the well on the common, and introduced water into the Town Hall. They bought dishes for use at the Hall, and a desk for Memorial Hall, and also provided many of the street lamps in town.
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
This society, organized October 12, 1885 was active in town for some years.
The departments of work taken up were: juvenile, Sunday-school, legislative, and scientific temperance instruction.
Among its leading members were, Mrs. Israel Man- ning Ball, president of the society for more than ten years, Mrs. Samuel Warren, secretary, Mrs. Joseph H. Ames.
CHATAUQUA CLUB
During the period between 1880 and 1890 this so- ciety, which was associated with the National Asso- ciation, was active in this vicinity.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Mr. Henry H. Holden, Mr. Gustavus S. Holden and Rev. Thomas E. Babb were instrumental in or- ganizing the club which offered a four year course of reading and serious study to persons desiring the advantages of a higher education.
HOLDEN CLUB
Organized July, 1889.
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY
This society was organized in November, 1889, by a number of public spirited citizens in Holden center. Soon similar societies were organized in Jefferson and Quinapoxet.
Fairs were held in each village, and the money raised was expended at the Center and Jefferson for sidewalks, and at Quinapoxet for street lights.
Besides the building of sidewalks, the societies caused the planting of many shade trees, and planned other ways of adding to the beauty of the town.
WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS
The Theron E. Hall Woman's Relief Corps No. 140, Auxiliary to the G. A. R., was organized April 13, 1891, with the following charter members. Martha E. Graham, Mattie L. Holden, Sophronia R. Hubbard, Mary P. Newell, Mary N. Rogers, Mary E. Mat- thews, E. Maria Hubbard, Hattie A. Farrar, Eliza- beth A. Whitney, Emma S. Mulit, Lucy A. Stearns, Addie R. Brown, Lucy S. Allen, Margaret B. Whitte- more, Jessie Seaver, Mary J. Holden, Alida A. Chen-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
ery, Sarah A. Allen, Theresa McGrath, Martha G. Hubbard, Mary C. Hill, Jane Hubbard. Mrs. Mar- tha Graham was chosen the first president.
During the years since that day, the Corps has rendered much service along patriotic lines. For many years its members made all the wreaths used for dec- orating the graves at Memorial time, served dinners, and joined in the Memorial Day Parade.
They have presented many schools with flags, and given freely of their funds for the relief of the needy.
This year they celebrated their 50th anniversary.
ALPHA SOCIAL CLUB
The Alpha Club was organized May 30, 1896. At that time, many out of town people came to Holden to pass the summer months, and for years these visitors, and the townspeople, enjoyed the weekly evening pro- grams of this club, which were varied with the best local talent and that from other sources. The meetings were held in the lower town hall. In August 1924 the club by-laws were changed to include residents of Pax- ton, Rutland and Princeton. The membership was then more than 130.
A. O. U. W. HOLDEN LODGE, NO. 201 Organized January, 1897.
ECONOMIC CLUB
This club was formed in November, 1899, by a group of leading citizens who met regularly for the
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
study and discussion of current events and world affairs.
Rev. Thomas E. Babb, active in the formation of the club, was its first president, and continued to serve for some years.
Many of the meetings were held in the home of Wil- liam D. Chenery on Main Street.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS, HOLDEN LODGE, NO. 148
Organized January 27, 1902. Meetings held at Town building first and third Tuesdays of each month. Officers elected quarterly.
HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
This was organized in 1902 and once each year a reunion of past and present members of the school was held.
In 1917 it was voted that only graduates of the school should be entitled to membership in the asso- ciation.
Meetings were held in the town hall where an en- tertainment was provided, followed by refreshments and dancing.
Miss Clara K. Bascom was an early secretary of this organization.
After a time meetings were discontinued but in 1926 there was a renewal of interest. Newly elected officers were: Dr. Walter H. Richardson, President; Mrs. Sarah Muzzy, Secretary. Upon the completion of the
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
new High School Building in 1926, a banquet was held there which was largely attended.
Speakers were chosen who had been attendants at the school. Since then yearly meetings have been held, and on alumni evening, June 30, 1941, two hundred members were present at the banquet which was fol- lowed by interesting reminiscences given by former instructors and alumni members.
DAMON CAMP, NO. 122, SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR
Damon Camp, No. 122, was organized August 10, 1906, with the following charter members: Frank H. Stevens, Harry L. Green, Albert A. Graham, Lewis S. Toombs, John W. David, Winslow H. Rogers, Frank C. Hubbard, Arthur L. Kirby, Walter A. Stevens, Herman E. Jefts, Merle E. Stevens, Charles S. Graham, Charlie B. Jordan, Benjamin W. Toombs, Fred J. Toombs, Winfred H. Stearns, Leslie A. Cole, George W. Pierce, Louis Bepro, Eugene W. Cole, Harry C. Damon, Louis A. LeBlanc, Dennis H. Nawn, H. Everett Green, Henry A. Holt. Frank H. Stevens was active in the organization of the Camp, and was its first commander.
Their work was to assist the Grand Army in their Patriotic activities in every way possible, and this they did from year to year until the thinning ranks and fail- ing health of the G. A. R. members left to the co- operation of the Sons of Veterans and the American Legion and their Auxiliaries, the patriotic work and
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
yearly decoration of the graves of comrades who now "lie asleep."
WACHUSETT CHAPTER, NO. 131, ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
Wachusett Chapter, No. 131, was instituted March 23rd, 1911, and was constituted October 30, 191I.
Among the first officers chosen were: Worthy Ma- tron, Bessie M. Washburn; Worthy Patron, Edward E. Howe; Associate Matron, Susie L. Austin; Associ- ate Patron, Arthur E. Haley; Secretary, Mary C. Bas- com; Treasurer, Ella A. Hayden.
There were thirty-eight charter members, seven of whom are still active in the work of the chapter. They are Mrs. Charles E. Adams, Miss Mary C. Bascom, Mrs. Henry E. Bemis, Mrs. E. Frank Kelton, Mrs. Charles C. Paine, Dr. Frank H. Washburn, Mrs. Frank H. Washburn.
Social gatherings are held, and the chapter renders helpful service to its members whenever such is needed.
It celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in October, 1941.
BOY SCOUTS
In 1912 or 1913 Rev. George E. Cary was instru- mental in organizing Boy Scout Troop Number I, in Holden, and for some years he continued as their leader.
He was followed by Henry S. Muzzy. From 1923- 1926 Freeman Hawley and Nathan Matthews were in charge, and then Benjamin Johnson became leader. During this period the troop had no connection with the Worcester Council Organization, and its activities
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
were entirely under the direction of the scoutmaster and his helpers.
For a few years the troop was abandoned, but in 1930 the Congregational Church became its sponsor with Randall Piper as scoutmaster. This was known as Troop Number 140. Windsor W. Peterson was the next leader, and then for about four years Lawrence C. Gaunt was in charge. During this time the increase in membership warranted the formation of a second troop, 140B, with Thomas Smith as its leader. A little later this was merged with Troop 140.
The boys have enjoyed camping and hiking and have provided Parent's Night entertainments. A Min- strel Show was given in 1940.
In 1941 Troop 140, with 38 members, is being spon- sored by the American Legion, and a newly formed troop, Number 180, with 22 members, has the Congre- gational and Baptist Churches for its sponsors.
The latter Troop is under the leadership of Benja- min Holden and Warren White.
CAPTAIN GEORGE WEBB CHAPTER
Daughters of the American Revolution
The Captain George Webb Chapter was organized March 27, 1913, in the Congregational Church. The chapter was organized and the officers installed by Mrs. Sarah E. Brown of Auburn. Mrs. Anna P. Fay was the first regent.
Captain George Webb, for whom the chapter was named, was born in Barnstable. At eighteen he served as a soldier in the French War, and was one of the first to enlist in the struggle for independence. He
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
came to Holden during that time and was the only one of the thirty-five who served in the Continental Army to become a commissioned officer. He was a fearless soldier and a high spirited officer.
His first home in Holden was a house opposite Bul- lard Street, in Chaffins. Later, he made his home on Boyden Road. He served the town as assessor in 1783, and as town clerk and selectman in 1792-93.
He is buried in the grave yard opposite the common.
Each year the Chapter holds a series of meetings with topics of educational, patriotic, and historic in- terest, and some of the projects sponsored by them have been, the support of a French war orphan, regular work for the Red Cross and for the Holden District Hospital. After the death of Miss Marion Bascom a room at Holden District Hospital was furnished by them in her memory.
Scholarships in Maryville College, Tennessee, have been given, and medals to pupils in Holden schools for excellence in U. S. History.
July 4, 1916, the chapter presented the town a gran- ite boulder marking the acre of land given to the town in 1789 by Gov. Hancock, "to be forever used as a common."
Hon. Henry W. Warren was historian of the day. Miss Marion A. Bascom, regent of the Chapter, at that time, presented the boulder to the town, and Mrs. Anna Fay, their first regent, unveiled the marker. The gift was accepted for the town by Rev. Thomas E. Babb.
March 9, 1938, the chapter celebrated its 25th anni- versary.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
CAMPFIRE GIRLS
A group of Campfire Girls was organized about 1913 by Mrs. George E. Cary and Mrs. Howard A. Newton. A little later Mrs. Charles T. Hawley be- came their leader.
Their activities were continued for about ten years, when the organization was disbanded.
ASNEBUMSKIT TRIBE, RED MEN
The Holden Tribe of Red Men was organized De- cember 7, 1913, with Charles G. Carlson as Sachem, and William B. Gain, Keeper of Records.
ONOWA COUNCIL, NO. 101, DAUGHTERS OF POCOHONTAS
This order was organized April 1, 1924, with 70 charter members. Mrs. William Lindstrom was their first Pocahontas.
These organizations provide programs of social in- terest for their members during the year, holding their meetings in Red Men's Hall which is located on Hill Top Avenue, Jefferson.
HOLDEN WOMAN'S CLUB
In 1915 two social groups in town, the Tuesday Club and the Fifteen Club, feeling that "in union is strength," decided to merge their memberships, in order to enlarge the scope of their work, enabling them to carry out a broader program of social and educa- tional interest.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Accordingly, on the afternoon of April 22nd, mem- bers of the two clubs met in the Community House to discuss the advisability of forming a Woman's Club in Holden. After all had expressed their views a tem- porary organization was formed, with Mrs. George E. Cary, president, and Mrs. Henry H. Holden, secre- tary.
On May 3rd, a committee met at the home of Mrs. William S. Piper to draw up the by-laws for the new club, and Article 2 states that, "The object of this As- sociation shall be the improvement of its members and the practical consideration of the important questions that grow out of the relations of the individual to so- ciety, the basis of membership being earnestness of pur- pose, love of truth, and a desire to promote the best in- terests of humanity."
.These by-laws were accepted and adopted at a meet- ing on May 13th, and signed by the members at a meeting at Mrs. Cary's on May 23rd. On June 28, 1915, the club met in the Community House and the following officers were elected : President, Mrs. Mary E. Piper; First Vice-President, Mrs. Ethel G. Cary; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Annie M. Sanborn; Clerk, Mrs. Grace A. Stickney; Corresponding Secre- tary, Mrs. M. Addie Holden; Treasurer, Mrs. Mar- garet E. Muir; Auditor, Mrs. Agnes Powers. That year the club joined the State Federation, and their 1915-1916 program lists seventy-six active and eight associate members.
Since that day their programs have covered a wide range of subjects and each year the various depart-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
ments have brought many outstanding speakers to the meetings.
Some of the club's activities have been-organiza- tion of Red Cross work, supporting of three French orphans, as long as it was needed, sponsoring of the Parent-Teachers' Association, a generous donation of money toward the dental clinic, the gift of a library to the Holden District Hospital, a motion picture ma- chine to the High School, and sponsoring the planting of the first living Christmas tree in Holden on Sep- tember 12, 1931.
Sixteen clubs and organizations shared in the ex- pense of this, and on February 18, 1932, the tree was dedicated in connection with the observance of the Bi- centennial of the birthday of George Washington.
In 1934 a Junior Woman's Club was formed with Miss Cynthia Harrington as president.
In 1941 the Holden Woman's Club has one hundred seventy-five active members and thirteen associate members and there is a waiting list.
A number of members from the adjoining towns of Princeton and Rutland are active in the work of the club.
February 15, 1941, marked the celebration of its 25th anniversary. There were morning and afternoon speakers, and a luncheon at noon, at which ten past presidents responded at the call of the president. This meeting was largely attended, and was typical of the loyalty and enthusiasm which has marked the progress of the club from year to year, in its endeavor "to pro- mote the best interests of humanity."
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
JOHN E. HARKINS POST, NO. 42, AMERICAN LEGION
The John E. Harkins Post was organized in 1919, and the earliest records show that a meeting was held in November of that year when William Marlowe was commander and George Battye, adjutant.
A military ball and other functions were held that first year. In 1922 a set of by-laws and a constitution were adopted.
November 1, 1923, bronze tablets were erected at Quinapoxet and Unionville schools, in memory of four Holden boys who lost their lives in the World War.
Judge John J. O'Brien was the speaker and there were exercises by the school children.
In 1934 the post was incorporated, and in September that year, they met in the new quarters acquired by them for a permanent post home, a short distance from the Grove Cemetery entrance.
This was formally dedicated on September 29th and 30th with appropriate exercises.
On Hancock Common, opposite the Congregational Church, on Memorial Day, 1935, a tree was planted in memory of the five Holden boys who died during the World War. In front of it is a tablet bearing their names and the dates of their deaths. See Roll of Honor.
The Harkins plot in Saint Mary's Cemetery is so- called in memory of John E. Harkins.
Among the many activities of the Post are their spon- sorship of the Holden Boy Scout Troop, relief work, an annual clambake, Christmas party, play, and a two- day carnival which is well patronized by Holden people and those from surrounding towns.
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Following the decoration of graves, each Memorial Day, the townspeople gather at the World War memo- rial where exercises are conducted by members of the Legion, and at twelve o'clock a salute of twenty-one guns is fired.
JOHN E. HARKINS
John E. Harkins was born in Worcester, October 10, 1900
When he was six years of age his family removed to Unionville where he attended the school in that district.
He enlisted in the World War January 17, 1917, and was killed by a train on March 8, 1918, while on the march to the front.
He is buried in France.
HOLDEN WORLD WAR MEMORIAL
February 2, 1920, the following committee was ap- pointed to consider the matter of a permanent Memo- rial for the citizens who served in the World War: Bertram S. Newell, C. Arthur Marsh, James M. Pren- dergast, George C. Johnson, Frank L. Niles.
In 1925 the town appropriated the sum of $2,500 for the erection of a memorial, and this was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1925.
Located on the smooth lawn south of the Damon Memorial building, the granite base which surrounds a forty foot steel flag staff contains tablets on its four sides upon which are inscribed the names of the Holden men who served in the World War and those who lost their lives therein.
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