USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > History of the town of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1941 > Part 16
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"Dr. Joseph Stamford Ames, graduate of Berkshire Medical College (now discontinued), an ardent stu- dent of varied scientific subjects practiced here continu- ously for forty-four years from 1858 to the beginning of his fatal illness, dying in 1902. The essayist recalls a personal statement of Dr. Ames that he had visited professionally in every house in Holden with one ex- ception.
"Dr. Clifford W. Stickney, graduate of the Medical Department University of the city of New York, lo- cated for practice in 1881, and was active to 1923, in which year he died. He served the town in various capacities among which were Superintendent of Schools, and Town Clerk.
"Dr. Frank H. Washburn, Tufts, 1899, located in 1902, still in practice. Dr. Frank F. Carr, Harvard, 1893, active to near the time of his death in 1920. He was father of Dr. F. Benjamin Carr, heart specialist
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of Worcester; Dr. Henry A. Hoit, Harvard, 1905, lo- cated here in 1908 and was active until 1913, when he moved to Pasadena, California. Dr. William F. Far- mer located here in 1906 and practiced for a few months; Dr. John P. Rand, New York Homeopathic Medical School, 1883, while in practice in Worcester moved to Holden in 1919. He was in active practice here, also maintained his city office until death in 1923.
"In 1918, Dr. G. Arnold Rice, Tufts, 1916, Captain in the Air Service with the American Expeditionary Forces in France during the First World War, located in Holden in 1919 and became associated with Dr. Washburn. Later, other physicians became associated with them and group practice has been continued to the present under the name of the Holden Clinic. The following have at some time been or are now asso- ciates of the group : Drs. Seth F. H. Howes, Harvard, 1918; Theodore L. Story, Tufts, 1907; Rockwood H. Thayer, Tufts, 1926; Henry W. Elliott, University of Vermont, 1893; Joseph P. Muller, University of Bud- apest, Hungary, 1919; William F. Knowlton, Albany Medical College, 1899; Edward J. Crane, Tufts, 1930; Paul T. Hayes, Tufts, 1935; and Leroy E. Mayo, Tufts, 1935. Drs. William B. Davidson, Baltimore Medical School, and Harry W. Trask, University of Vermont, have been part time associates.
"Josiah Warren Ball, D.D.S., Boston Dental Col- lege, 1870, became a lieutenant in the Civil War, was later Instructor in Dentistry in the College from which he graduated and became President of the Massachu- setts Dental Association. Dr. Ball practiced in his native town of Holden. We find no record of other
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dentists whose exclusive practice was in Holden until Dr. Daniel A. Nason located here in 1933. He died in 1940. Dr. Samuel A. Zaritt, University of Pitts- burgh Dental School, 1939, located here is now in prac- tice.
"Several physicians and dentists have chosen Holden for residences but have not had offices here. If time allotted permitted we should like to mention their names as well as those of the several Holden boys who have gone into the profession of medicine and den- tistry, and those of the many Holden girls who have entered the nursing profession.
"In 1913, the Holden Visiting Nurse Association was formed and incorporated in 1915. Margaret E. Doyle was the first visiting nurse and was succeeded by Flor- ence E. Howe, and Ruth Hazelton (Mrs. Harry Bart- lett). This society was discontinued after five years and visiting nursing was carried on by the Holden Hospital. As time went on, school nursing supple- mented school medical inspection in a group of towns of which Holden was a component, and a public health nurse was employed by the town, she also taking over the visiting nursing.
"The Wachusett Medical Improvement Society was given birth in Holden. Although its membership has increased ten fold and includes doctors from a wide area, the majority of its meetings continue to be held here. . . .
"With the obvious medical and sanitary progress since the days of the pioneer physician who 'after a few months of study' afforded himself as a practitioner of medicine, we should keep before us the knowledge
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that in this ever changing world, in this mechanical era, new problems are constantly arising and new dis- eases appearing. To insure a continuance of our good reputation in the field of health preservation, there must be a determination to keep our weapons of de- fence up to date, and in the hands of able workers- our watch word may well be health preparedness."
This address was followed by the singing of "Amer- ica."
The Re-dedication program, which was broadcast by Radio Station WTAG, was arranged by the follow- ing committee: William J. Jamieson, chairman, George C. Johnson, secretary, Mrs. David Cook, Miss Ella M. Harrington, Mrs. Elmer J. Johnson.
About June 16 the Committee on Invitations, of which Mrs. Frank J. Knowlton was chairman, issued about 400 invitations to former residents and inter- ested friends of the town, to return for the series of special events which were being arranged for the week of June 30 to July 4.
Guests arriving in Holden to participate in the fes- tivities could not but note the attractiveness of its appearance.
A good number of the buildings on the main street were decorated with bunting in the national colors; this work being done by the Mclaughlin Awning Company of Worcester.
Antonio Zottoli was chairman of the local Decora- tions Committee.
Freshly painted, the century-old Town Hall gleamed snowy white against a background of tall
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green trees, and everywhere smooth lawns and lovely flowers gave evidence of the pride taken by Holden citizens in maintaining the home-like atmosphere of the town.
The Landmarks Committee, with Mrs. Gertrude K. Holden, chairman, had placards placed on the public buildings, and on many old houses, throughout the town, bearing the date of their erection, as nearly as could be learned.
Opposite the common a large sign across the street informed passersby that celebration of the town's bi- centennial was in progress.
The first event of the week occurred on Monday evening, June 30, when two hundred members of the High School Alumni Association gathered at 6:45 for a banquet in the Congregational Church.
This was served by a local committee, with Mrs. John S. Rose as chairman.
The "fifty year" class of 1891 were especially invited guests, and the following members were present: Miss Lois M. Hubbard, Mr. E. Frank Kelton, Mrs. Lucy Boyden Kelton, Mr. Harris W. Moore, and Mrs. Lucy Putnam Dodge.
Mr. Charlie B. Jordan, Alumni President, opened the meeting and after a brief business session invited those present to join in singing "God Bless America."
He then presented in turn, the following, who re- lated interesting facts and reminiscences of former days in Holden. Miss Lizbeth Larned, a former teacher in Holden, Mrs. Rena Putnam, class of 1884, Mr. C. Clifden Agar, Mrs. M. Addie Holden, a former teacher in town, Mr. Harris W. Moore, class
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of 1891, and Mr. Robert I. Bramhall, Superintendent of Schools from 1913-1917. Mr. Bramhall responded as follows :
"Mr. President, Members of the Holden High School Alumni Association and Invited Guests :
"It is indeed a great privilege to gather here with so many old friends and to participate in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of this good old town. May I take the few moments that have been allotted to me to address my remarks to the youth who have recently been graduated from this high school. May I urge them to affiliate themselves closely with this Associa- tion in order that those ties of friendship which they have formed during their school years may not be sev- ered but made stronger and more helpful.
"As we face the future so full of uncertainty may I urge upon all of us that we aim to remain true to that great Democracy under which we have enjoyed the liberties that have been ours. May we cheerfully and loyally assume the duties that accompany those liber- ties. May we all be true to the American way of life, to the ideals of democracy. May our youth of today learn to respond to the call to duty, whether it be in civil life or in the armed forces of our country, and labor loyally and faithfully for our country. May we all, both old and young, do all in our power to help our country meet successfully this emergency in order that the democratic way of life may be saved for the generations which are to follow. May we hope that the American school has produced an American citi- zen, who will be loyal to both obligations and oppor- tunities in America."
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The message of the last speaker, William H. War- ren, Jr., was as follows :
"The class of 1941 is the fifty-eighth graduating class to join the Holden High School Alumni Association and may I take this occasion to express the apprecia- tion of our class for the opportunity which we have to join such an organization and for the warm welcome which we are receiving. As time goes on, each year we may look forward to the Alumni Banquet as a spe- cial date on the calendar-an occasion when we may meet old friends, renew old acquaintanceships, and re- call to mind the outstanding events of our high school years. May I also bring from the members of the class of 1941 their hearty congratulations to the class of 1891, which held its graduation fifty years ago this month.
"From the date of its incorporation the Town of Holden has provided schooling for its young people and during these two centuries the subjects taught have advanced from the three r's-reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic-until at the present time the high school curriculum contains all the college requirements. This is a record of which all those connected with the Hol- den schools may well be proud, but the world today needs more than people with a working knowledge of mathematics, science, and the languages ; it needs more than people with an appreciation of great music, art, and the classics. If democracy is to survive we need men and women of character who will not sacrifice their ideals for wealth; broadminded men and women of wisdom and discretion who will take upon them- selves the responsibilities of self-government, unselfish
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men and women who will sacrifice their own whims and desires for the good of others. If that form of government which we cherish is to endure it is our task to be these men and women."
After the singing of Alma Mater the company ad- journed to the Town Hall where about 300 persons assembled to witness an exhibition of dancing by the pupils of Miss Delores Magwood, and to enjoy music by the Genovesi Brothers.
The remainder of the evening was passed in danc- ing, with music by Len Mort's Orchestra.
Tuesday evening, July 1, at 8:00 P.M., in the Town Hall, an Old Folks' Concert, sponsored by the Holden Woman's Club, Mrs. Harold B. Hunt, chairman, was presented.
Under the direction of William S. Sargent, as Sing- ing Master, with Mrs. W. Goulding Warren, accom- panist, a mixed chorus of twenty-five voices rendered a program of the much loved old-time favorites.
All were dressed in fashions remote from those of the present day, but in accord with the period repre- sented by their songs.
Following the concert, "Old Holden in Words and Pictures," sponsored by Captain George Webb Chap- ter, D. A. R., was given by Mrs. William H. Warren.
As she read facts of interest relating to town history, pictures were shown of the town and its buildings in the earlier days.
Wednesday evening, July 2, in the High School Auditorium, a "Town Meeting" of olden days was pre- sented under the direction of Mrs. Lois P. Drawbridge.
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Of great interest was the fact that Mrs. Drawbridge, assisted by Town Clerk Walter W. Gleason, made a careful study of the earliest town records, and all arti- cles and votes used in the meeting were taken from the original documents.
Scarcely would their nearest relatives have recog- nized the group of fifteen bewhiskered, quaintly garbed men who eloquently discussed the pros and cons of the articles presented for their consideration by Charles T. Hawley, moderator of the meeting.
At its close, hearty applause ended this part of the program, and, following an intermission, a "Garden of Memories," also in charge of Mrs. Drawbridge, was given.
The stage was decorated to represent a beautiful garden. Fresh crimson rambler roses entwined the arbor in the center, while masses of vari-colored holly- hocks formed the background.
At one side of the stage a chorus of eight girls, dressed to represent various flowers, sang during the performance. Mrs. Evangeline Olson assisted, and also sang solos.
Mrs. Gladys M. Gleason served as pianist, and director.
Twenty-five old-time costumes with attractive acces- sories were shown, many of these having been made more than 100 years ago.
One at a time the "models" passed down the rose arbor, and paused before the footlights, for a moment's survey, while the chorus sang for each one a stanza from some old song, then each moved back to make room for the next comer.
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The patience and sweetness of the small children who modeled some of the quaintest costumes is worthy of note.
The little boy's suit worn by Geoffrey Drawbridge, three and one-half, was worn by Jonathan Moore about 1808. His sister Penelope, one and one-half, wore a dress which was in the Bartlett family eighty years ago. Betty and Billy Hale, two and one-half and three, and Janelle McKay, seven, wore costumes rang- ing from sixty to eighty years old.
Jane Bartlett's gown was one worn by her great- great-grandmother, Louisa Monroe, in 1817.
In the older group, Shirley Hubbard wore the "go- ing away" dress of her great-grandmother, Elizabeth Cheney, who married Charles Flagg in 1830. She wore a paisley shawl, one of three in Elizabeth Che- ney's trousseau, each one costing from one hundred to one hundred fifty dollars.
She carried a hundred-year-old brown parasol which once belonged to Vashti Flagg, wife of Silas Flagg, Jr.
Despite the fact that the mercury registered 94 de- grees, every available seat in the auditorium was taken, and an overflow audience stood in the vestibule during the entertainment.
Thursday evening, July 3, about fifty couples en- joyed dancing in the Town Hall from 9:00 to 1:00 A.M. Music was furnished by Pruneau's Orchestra of Worcester.
The Hall was attractively decorated with bunting in the national colors, and bright colored balloons.
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At 11:00 o'clock a huge bonfire was lighted in the Athletic Field, under the supervision of the Fire Department.
This illuminated the sky and surrounding streets for some time, and was visible for many miles.
The climax of the week's activities came on Friday, July 4, when, from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. enter- tainment for all ages was in progress.
Approximately 5,000 persons were about town on that day, lining the sides of the main streets, their in- terest unabated by a light sprinkling of rain, the first to fall during the week, as they watched the Bicenten- nial Parade pass.
Under the direction of William H. George and his committee, the line of march, forming on Sunnyside Avenue, moved up Main Street to Hicks', over Boy- den, Phillips and Woodland Roads to Highland Street, and down Highland Street to Holden Common.
At the head of the procession, as marshal, rode Frank K. Packard, Chief of Police, and following him came more than sixty floats and features displaying the widest variety of interests.
In eight of the different divisions there was music by an out-of-town band or drum corps, while the ninth division was led by the Holden Legion Junior Drum Corps.
Enthusiastic applause was heard as the long line passed slowly through the streets.
Churches, fraternal organizations, clubs, schools, stores, business groups, and individuals were all rep- resented, many by beautifully decorated floats in bright colors. In contrast was an ox-cart drawn by two beau-
Rogers Homestead
Saki to be oldest
houx now standing
in 1112 by village
Blacksmith Stage
passed this place
ROGERS HOUSE
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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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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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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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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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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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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, 1911.
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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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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