USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > History of the town of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1941 > Part 14
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY, UNIT 42
The Woman's Auxiliary to the American Legion in Holden was organized June 10, 1920.
First officers were : Mrs. Lottie J. Kohlstrom, Presi- dent; Miss Edith David, Vice-President. In March, 1921, Miss Edith M. Howe was chosen Historian.
That year, in November, the auxiliary had the honor of sending its president, Mrs. Kohlstrom, as the first delegate from Worcester county to the first national convention, which was held in Kansas City.
Each year since its organization members of the aux- iliary have worked energetically raising funds to carry on their broad program of service for World War vet- erans and their families.
There have been entertainments, dances, whist par- ties, lawn parties, an annual play, and in the spring a "poppy" sale is held.
Auxiliary members assist in the Memorial Day ac- tivities, and bring cheer to the disabled veterans in Rutland at Christmas time by providing trees and gifts for them. The patients are also remembered on Easter and on Mother's Day.
Gold Star Mothers are also remembered on special days.
The auxiliary contributed largely toward the tablets erected on the Quinapoxit and Unionville schools in honor of Holden boys who died in the World War.
In 1927 Mrs. Lottie J. Kohlstrom was the Massa- chusetts delegate to the national convention in France.
She took with her a box of soil to be scattered on a battlefield in France.
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July 20 and 21, 1928, the first Legion Carnival was held.
Since then the Legion and Auxiliary have co-op- erated in making this one of the outstanding events of the year.
The auxiliary presented a flag to the Chaffins School in 1929, and one to the Post on February 28, 1933.
October 1, 1935, they held a joint installation with the Post in the new Legion home on Main Street.
That year the Sons of Legionnaires marched for the first time in the Memorial Day parade.
May 25, 1939, a flag and staff were presented to the Senior Girl Scouts.
May 30, 1939, the Junior Drum Corps made its initial appearance.
SONS OF THE LEGION
These were organized in 1935.
Members joined in the line of march with other patriotic organizations on Memorial Day and assist- ed in other activities of the day.
As their work paralleled that of an older organiza- tion, the Boy Scouts, they were disbanded in 1941, but about thirty of the former members are now function- ing as a very promising Junior Drum Corps, whose local and out-of-town engagements have won very favorable recognition.
THE JUNIOR AUXILIARY
This was organized in 1939 with a membership of thirty. Its first chairman was Mary Ann Moroski.
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HOLDEN TROWEL CLUB
On June 1, 1920, all members of the Masonic Fra- ternity, living in Holden and vicinity, were invited to gather at the Community House to discuss the advisa- bility of forming a Masonic Club in Holden.
A delegation of Grotto Club members from Worces- ter, including H. E. Davis, H. A. Inett, W. Vernon Inett and W. R. Livingston were present to aid in the forming of the new organization.
Benjamin H. Robbins, for the committee, gave an outline of suggested plans. After these were discussed, the nominating committee presented for officers, the following names : President, Dr. Frank H. Washburn; Vice-President, Dr. John P. Rand; Secretary, Frank H. Cate; Treasurer, Henry S. Muzzy. These men were elected.
Forty-four of the number present signified their in- tention of becoming charter members and the charter being held open until September, the membership then numbered 57 active and 12 honorary members.
By-laws were adopted, and it was voted to call the club "Holden Masonic Club," and to take over the equipment of the "Town Club."
In addition to the regular entertainment furnished its members, the organization has sponsored pool tour- naments, pitch parties, an annual ball, clambakes, and Ladies' Nights.
It has contributed to Holden Hospital, Washington Memorial Fund and various other worthy causes.
BOYDEN HOMESTEAD
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
In July, 1922, the Club acquired the property hous- ing their activities which had been known as the Hol- den Community House. f
April 4, 1924, the Club's name was changed to "Holden Trowel Club."
HOLDEN CIVIC LEAGUE
This Society was organized April 10, 1928, with representatives from the following organizations pres- ent: Holden Trowel Club, Captain George Webb Chapter, D. A. R., Holden Woman's Club, Wachusett Chapter, No. 131, O. E. S., Asnebumskit Tribe of Red Men, Chaffins Sick Benefit Society, Holden Men's Union, American Legion and Holden Grange.
Mr. Frank E. Cook was chosen chairman and Mrs. Milton F. Beecher, secretary.
The object of the League was similar to that of the Village Improvement Society-the betterment of the town. It was instrumental in having sidewalks built on many of the streets in the center of town.
The last meeting of the League was held on October 17, 1932.
HOLDEN TEACHERS' CLUB
In the spring of 1931 James R. Childs, superintend- ent of schools, called a meeting to consider forming a club to be affiliated with the State Teachers' Federa-
+ Located at the corner of Main and Maple Streets, opposite the Baptist Church.
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tion, and October 11, 1931, the club was organized with the following officers :
President, Mabel N. Smith, Chaffins School; Vice- President, Mary L. Cawley, Rice School; Secretary, Loretta C. Rice, Jefferson School; Treasurer, Herbert Grayson, High School.
The Club has sponsored various projects for the ben- efit of the schools, conducted entertainment programs, and has had approximately 100% membership in the National Education Association.
HOLDEN OUTDOOR SPORTS CLUB
Holden Outdoor Sports Club was organized Octo- ber 7, 1931, and Article 2 of their Constitution states that "The object of this Club shall be to advance in- terest in out-of-door sports and to promote the spirit of fellowship among the women of Holden and to co- operate with other organizations having similar ob- jects."
The first officers to serve were: President, Mrs. Mabel Smith; Ist Vice-President, Mrs. Winifred Rose; 2nd Vice-President, Mrs. Helen Spofford ; Treasurer, Mrs. Edith Handy; Historian, Mrs. Helen Spofford.
For ten years this club has provided a varied pro- gram of outdoor activity which has been a source of healthful enjoyment to its participants.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
CHAFFINS SCHOOL AND HOME CLUB AND CHAFFINS PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
This club was organized May 5, 1931, in the Chaffins School by a group of mothers and friends having a keen interest in the welfare of the school and the com- munity.
Its object was "to bring home and school into closer relationship." Officers elected were: President, Mrs. John R. Wentworth; Vice-President, Miss Frieda Parker; Secretary, Mrs. William H. Mason; Treas- urer, Mrs. Carl A. Carpenter.
Through the members' efforts many valuable addi- tions to the school equipment were made. Among these were two pianos, drinking fountains, and library books.
They also sponsored canning and 4-H Clubs.
The club held its last meeting in June, 1933.
The group reorganized in the fall of 1933 as Chaffins Parent-Teacher Association with Mrs. Carpenter as President, and Mrs. Wentworth as Treasurer, and with aims and activities similar to those of the first organi- zation.
They were disbanded in 1937 or '38.
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JEFFERSON PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The first meeting of the Association was held on Wednesday evening, October 7, 1931, in the Jefferson School building.
The following officers were elected : President, Mrs. F. Boyden Kelton; Vice-President, Mrs. James Arm- strong; Secretary, Mrs. William Converse; Treasurer, Mrs. Edward Dickman, Jr.
It was voted to hold a meeting the first Wednesday of each school month.
Members held whist parties, motion picture shows and cake sales, using the proceeds to sponsor Dental Clinics, Christmas Parties, Class Trips and playground equipment. The substantial steel flag pole which stands in the school yard was given by the Association.
Francis L. Coe aided generously these projects whereby parents and teachers united their best efforts to train the children to be good citizens, and a help to their fellow men.
Members feel that much has been accomplished by the association in promoting greater friendship between parents and teachers, and this in itself is of great benefit to the children.
HOLDEN PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The Holden Parent-Teacher Association was organ- ized September 26, 1932, in the auditorium of the High School, and the record of that first meeting states that "The Holden Parent-Teacher Association has
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federated with the Massachusetts Parent-Teacher As- sociation and has adopted the by-laws and policies of the national organization.
The following were the first officers : President, Mrs. William W. Peabody; Vice-President, Mrs. Henry S. Muzzy; Secretary, Mrs. Mary L. Drawbridge; Treas- urer, Mrs. H. W. Rowell; Historian, Mrs. Harold B. James.
Following the election, Mrs. Joseph Beals led a dis- cussion on "What to Do with Our Emotions."
The association was organized with the following objectives in view: (1) To promote child welfare in the home, school, church, and community; to raise the standards of home life; to secure more adequate laws for the care and protection of women and children. (2) To bring into closer relation the home and school that parents and teachers may co-operate intelligently in the training of the child; to develop between educa- tors and the general public such united efforts as will secure for every child the highest advantage in physi- cal, mental, and spiritual education.
With these goals in view, many splendid programs have been presented each year, and this association has held an important place in the betterment of the com- munity life.
THE HOLDEN GARDEN CLUB
Holden Garden Club was organized at the home of Mrs. Nason H. Arnold on June 5, 1933, where they elected as their first officers Mrs. J. G. Leighton, Pres- ident, and Mrs. J. Quincy Dix, Secretary.
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Each year their programs are given over to topics relating to some phase of floriculture, and at least one fine flower show is held annually, and occasional visits are made to places of especial interest to flower lovers.
HOLDEN JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB
This Junior Club was organized January 18, 1934, with Mrs. Myrtle Hemenway as Advisor. There were 42 charter members.
Its object was to promote friendship among its mem- bers and to render service to its community.
The first officers elected were: President, Cynthia Harrington; Vice-President, Marion Bemis; Secre- tary, Eleanor Joslin; Treasurer, Ruth Boyden. Com- mittee Chairmen were Louise Piper, Iris Howes, Eliz- abeth Kingdon, and Marjorie Hodges.
This group of young women sponsored some ex- cellent programs and their organization continued its activity until 1935, the last meeting being held on June 4 of that year.
HOLDEN GIRL SCOUTS
The Girl Scouts were organized January 30, 1934, under the direction of Florence L. Holton, Captain, and Elizabeth Kingdon, First Lieutenant.
Assisting them was a troop committee consisting of Mrs. Ernest H. Meyer, Mrs. Raleigh Bubar, Mrs. Laurence Cross, Mrs. James Childs and Mrs. A. Kirke Warren.
There were forty-eight members at the time of or- ganization.
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1
In 1941 there are two Scout troops, Number 1, The White Rose, with Miss Marjorie Hodges as Captain, and Number 2, The Thistle, with Mrs. Milton F. Beecher as Captain.
HOLDEN MERCHANTS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
In October, 1940, through the efforts of Leslie Gray and Willis Rowell, this club was organized as a boys' movement, in the Y.M.C.A.
There were eighteen original members, all high school graduates, and the first officers were as follows :
President : Leslie Gray Vice-President: Willis Rowell
Secretary : Bernard Powers
Treasurer : Benjamin Holden
The aim of the club is to bring about friendly com- muication among the younger people of the town and to teach them to assume civic responsibilities.
Meetings are held each month in the High School Building.
CHAFFINS MOTHER'S CLUB
This club was organized January 8, 1941, in the Chaffins Grammar School Building. "Its purpose is to serve Chaffins Grammar School through financial help, and to work for a better understanding and co- operation of school and community."
The first officers to serve were: President, Mrs. Marshall H. Paquette; Vice-President, Mrs. Wilfred E. Potvin; Secretary, Mrs. Alice L. Humes; Treas- urer, Miss Catherine MacDonald.
Chapter XVI
Old Houses
The old houses mentioned here are but a few of the the many homes in Holden which were built when the town was young, and, were there time to search out the history of all, the result would be an accumulation of facts of much interest.
REV. JOSEPH AVERY HOUSE
On the hillside, up Avery Street, stands the house built by Rev. Joseph Avery, pastor of the Congrega- tional Church from 1774 to 1824.
The house built by Mr. Avery in 1774, faces the east, and from its sightly location one may look over the town to the blue hills of Princeton, and on a clear day Mount Monadnock, in New Hampshire, may be seen.
It was for many years the home of Charles W. Phil- lips and from him it passed to Miss Mae Fitman, the present occupant.
BOYDEN HOUSE
This house, located on Boyden Road, nearly oppo- site the entrance to the Holden District Hospital, was built in 1780, on what was then the main road leading into Holden Center, from the south.
A store of very early date occupied the two front rooms where today may be seen the beautiful hand-
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wrought flower design which tops the wainscoting and fireplace in the living room.
Six generations of the Boyden family have lived in this house, the present owner being Mrs. Lucy (Boy- den) Kelton.
DR. ISAAC CHENERY HOUSE
This occupied the site of the present Damon Memo- rial Building, and was built by Rev. Horatio Bard- well, pastor of the Congregational Church from 1823 to 1833.
ASA AND IRA BROAD HOUSES
The substantially built brick house at the junction of Broad and North Main Streets, built in 1730, was the home of Ira Broad.
Its next owner was Horace B. Morse, and in 1884 the property was purchased by Edwin J. Miles and it is today the home of his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Delia T. Miles.
The beauty of the early type of architecture of the house, with its spacious grounds attractively land- scaped, make it a landmark to persons passing through that section of the town.
The second house from Park Avenue, on North Main Street, now owned by C. Arthur Marsh, was the home of Asa Broad. It is said that this house was built of lumber from houses formerly standing on Ken- dall Road, which were demolished by the cyclone of 1871.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
. Asa and Ira Broad built and operated the mills on Broad Street which were later owned by Waldo E. Austin.
A number of houses in town were built by them.
Both brothers represented the town twice in the Legislature, and Ira Broad held important offices in the town for twenty-five years.
CHAFFIN HOUSES
Names of various members of the Chaffin family appeared frequently in the early history of the town.
The large white house on the northeast corner of Shrewsbury and South Main Streets, now the home of William H. Swenson, was formerly owned by Alfred Chaffin, who was active in town affairs nearly a cen- tury ago.
Down the hill to the east were the homes of C. Knowlton, Royal H. Chaffin, and Charles R. Hill. The mill business begun here in 1817 by Royal H. Chaffin was, in the 70's, being continued by his son, Alfred H.
Many of the finely executed early maps of Holden are the workmanship of Charles Chaffin, who held va- rious town offices for many years, including that of postmaster in 1853.
tA Chicago collector, Alden Scott Boyer, president of the Boyer Chemical Company, is owner of a license
ยก Thanks is extended to Mrs. Walter F. Hopkins for calling at- tention to an item which appeared in the September, 1941 Hobbies Magazine.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
issued in 1814 which may be the forerunner of the present-day automobile license.
It reads : "No. 804-
"This is to certify, that John Chafin-of the town of Holden, in the County of Worcester, in the sixteenth Collection District of Massachusetts, has paid the duty of two dollars for the year to end on the 31st of De- cember next for and upon a two wheel carriage for the conveyance of persons hanging on wooden springs- called a chaise, owned by him.
"This certificate to be of no avail longer than the aforesaid carriage shall be owned by the said Chafin unless said certificate shall be produced to the col- lector by whom it was granted, and an entry made thereon, specifying the name of the then owner of said carriage, and the time when he or she became pos- sessed thereof.
"Given in conformity with an act of the Congress of the United States, passed on the 24th day of July, 1813." "Worcester, Jan. 22, 1814. Wm. Eaton, Col- lector of the Revenue for the sixteenth Collection Dis- trict of Massachusetts."
This license was formerly in the collection of Thomas B. Jeffery, builder of the Rambler Bike and Auto.
John Chafin was selectman in Holden from 1812- 1816 and representative in 1831.
CYRUS CHENERY HOUSE
This old colonial house on the southerly side of Shrewsbury Street, a short distance below Doyle Road,
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
was built more than one hundred years ago by Cyrus Chenery, grandson of Dr. Isaac Chenery.
Substantially built "double" stone walls enclosed its fields, and the house was surrounded by the numerous buildings considered necessary at that time for the op- eration of a large farm.
Stage coaches stopped here on their trips to and from Boston, and tradition states that money was hidden in the cellar during Civil War Days.
Two seventh generation descendants of Isaac Chen- ery, Ist, are living in Holden today. Miss Mary Fran- ces Chenery and Mrs. Frank H. Cate.
In 1872, the Chenerys sold the place to Albion K. P. Lougee, who sold it in 1881 to Elnathan Truesdell, in whose family it remained until sold by his son Car- roll E. Truesdell in 1939.
DAMON HOUSE
Directly after the removal of the first meeting house from its position on the corner of Highland and Main Streets in March, 1791 the original Damon house was built with a store adjoining.
The east end of the house was built of brick, but even tradition does not suggest a reason for this.
The house was first occupied by one Miles, who sold to Samuel Damon about 1800, and since that time the site has been occupied by some member of the Damon family, the last one being Harry Chenery Damon, who died July 28, 1935. In 1941, his widow, Annie C. Damon continues to reside in the house built on the same location directly after the original buildings were destroyed by fire on May 16, 1901.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
DAVIS-FLAGG HOUSE
The brown house west of the Baptist Parsonage was built by Ethan Davis, Senior, in 1879.
It then contained but four rooms, each one with a fireplace.
In 1819, he gave the place to his son, Thomas Jones Davis upon his marriage to Silence Clapp. They had one daughter, Isabella G. who married Rev. James F. Clarke, and went as a missionary to Turkey.
The two southern spruce trees standing today on either side of the front door were brought from Tampa, Florida by Mrs. Clarke, while a missionary there.
In 1863, the house was purchased from Mr. Davis by Charles Flagg who increased the number of rooms to fifteen.
Mr. Flagg was the son of Deacon Silas Flagg and grandson of Benjamin Flagg who settled in 1680, on a large farm (now part of Worcester Reservoir) at the foot of Stone House Hill.
Benjamin Flagg took a very active part in the early wars and held many important town offices in Wor- cester and in Holden.
His son, Richard Flagg, was representative in 1779 when the constitution was framed.
The early school in the Flagg district was held in his home, and he gave land for the first school house here.
Charles Flagg served the town as Selectman and Town Treasurer and was active in the affairs of the Congregational Church.
The house is still occupied by his descendents, Mrs. Walter F. Gilbert, (Emma Hubbard) being his great
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grand daughter and she is also a descendent of the Davis family.
ETHAN DAVIS PLACE
Ethan Davis, Senior, or Squire Ethan, as he was call- ed, was born in Holden, in 1766, and lived in what is the Mt. Pleasant House.
He was the youngest son of Captain James Davis, who held numerous town offices, and was prominent in the early history of Holden.
Like his father, Ethan, Senior, was an extensive land owner.
He served the town as follows: Selectman, thirteen years, Treasurer, twenty-one years, and Representative, three years, Assessor, three years.
Of his ten children, the youngest, Ethan, Jr. born in the old house, continued living there.
REV. JOSEPH DAVIS HOUSE
The "red house" as it was familiarly known and built by Mr. Davis, first pastor of the Town of Holden, stood at the corner of Armington Lane and Highland Street on the site of the present home of William W. Peabody.
This was for many years the property of Samuel W. Armington, and was then known as Pine Grove Farm. Among town offices held by Mr. Armington was that of postmaster from 1866-1885.
JOHN DODD HOUSE
The white house on the left side of Kendall Road (formerly Dodd Road) going from Main Street was the home of John Dodd.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
His father, James, was born in Ireland in 1724. Be- cause of ill treatment, after the death of his father when James was about twelve years of age, he worked his passage to America, and on arriving here without money or friends, and with all his possessions tied up in a handkerchief, he applied to William Shirley, Pro- vincial Governor of Massachusetts, for work. The Governor at once provided him with a loom and gave him work.
His fabric was of so fine a texture that the Governor sent a portion of it to England as a specimen of Amer- ican product and manufacture, the first that went from this country. He married in 1747, and his three sons James, John, and William were born in Bedford.
About 1763 he purchased a farm of 300 acres in Holden.
His son John served in the Revolution, and held of- fices in Holden as follows: Representative in the Gen- eral Court, 1792-1801, and was appointed a justice in 1793. Selectmen, 1794-1797. Town Clerk, 1790-1801.
In the old burying ground may be seen the grave- stone of Colonel William Dodd who died September 7, 1813, and that of his two sons, John, age 2, and James, 9 months, who died September 18, 1813, "both buried in one coffin."
WILLIAM DRURY HOUSE
Just over the brow of the hill on the right, going toward Worcester, on Brattle Street, formerly known as Drury Hill, stands the Drury house, built of bricks, which were made in a nearby kiln.
-- --
ABBOTT HOUSE
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
William Drury came from Shrewsbury and built here in 1767. The first house was burned and the pres- ent one of brick was erected on the site.
An interesting feature is the hand wrought panel over the front door.
Mr. Drury served the town as representative four times and for eight years as selectman.
FALES HOMESTEADS
James Fales, second, came to Holden about 1679 and built a rough hewn cabin on the present location of the Blue Plate Bar on South Main Street.
The house faced Chaffins Pond, the road being then a mere trail used by the Indians.
According to family records this was the second house to be built near Holden Center, the first being the Sawyer homestead.
It is said that Mr. Fales carried the first plow into Holden on his back. His home was burned by the Indians in 1690 and he removed to Dedham.
His son Lemuel who served actively throughout the Revolution came to Holden in 1787 and purchased three hundred acres of land and built a brick house on the location of the "Toombs" place on South Main Street, a short distance from the first Fales home. He married Elizabeth Hannah White, niece of the first white child born in America.
This Fales home was burned in 1800 and a poem describing the home life there and the burning of the house was illustrated by a series of exquisite pencil drawings by his daughter Eleanor.
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Her diary of 1836 mentions her attendance at the select school taught by Miss Martha Paine, sister of Dr. William P. Paine, in the Damon Hall. Later this school was held in the town hall.
Miss Fales was a gifted artist and taught oil paint- ing for many years. She married Cyrus G. Phelps and both were charter members of Holden Grange.
The Fales house on the south side of Malden Street was built by William, son of Lemuel, and is now the home of Roger M., a grandson of William Fales.
Some believe this to be the oldest house in Holden.
It is said to have been at one time the location of a chair factory, also, that wooden clocks were made there by Samuel S. Stratton.
Samuel Fales, a brother of William, attended school in Holden. Later be removed to Canton, where he be- came superintendent of the Paul Revere foundry. While there he cast the bell for the Congregational Church of Holden and assisted in casting the bell which now hangs in the place of the original Liberty Bell.
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