USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > History of the town of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1941 > Part 6
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The following was placed on record by the town, Sepetmber 26th, 1888, in recognition of the gift:
"The Town of Holden, in accepting the gift of books belonging to the Holden Library Association, desires to express its appreciation of the desire for culture which has made that Association so successful, and its gratitude for the liberality with which the whole Library has now been placed at the service of all our citizens."
As soon as the establishment of a public library was assured, Mr. John Wadsworth of Chicago sent a check for one hundred dollars, to be used in the purchase of books. The following is the recorded expression of thanks of the town :
"The Town of Holden would respectfully express its thanks to Mr. John Wadsworth of Chicago, for the gift of one hundred dollars for the purchase of books for the Gale Free Library. The town is grateful to be remembered by a former citizen, and to receive a gift so well-timed and useful."
While the Damon Memorial was building, Mr. Gale gave the town the sum of $3,000 for the purchase of books. In accordance with the conditions of the gift the town appointed trustees to manage the estate and library, who voted unanimously that the library should be known as "The Gale Free Library."
When the Gale Library was opened for the circula- tion of books on November 30, 1888, a native of Holden, and one of its school teachers, Miss M. Addie Black, who in 1889 became the wife of Henry H. Holden, had applied for and received the appointment
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
as librarian, and in 1941 she is still giving the same helpful service to young and old that she has given for the past fifty-three years.
According to records of the State Library Associa- tion Mrs. Holden is the oldest librarian in point of continuous service in one position and probably the oldest in years.
Her duties have greatly increased, as, year by year, many new books have been added, until the number now listed is approximately 12,000 volumes, and with the steady growth of the town, the demands are in- creasingly great.
In 1938 she was invited to a meeting of the library trustees, where they presented her a bouquet of fifty red roses, and a framed testimonial which reads as follows :
1888-1938
"M. Addie Holden, 50 years of service as librarian, and so recognized by the trustees of the Gale Free Library. May the memories of these golden years be brightened by the appreciation of those whom you have faithfully served and may this testimonial as it hangs on the walls of this historic Damon Memorial be an inspiration to all who may follow."
Thomas E. Babb, Frank J. Knowlton, Olof Lund- strom, Bertram S. Newell, William J. Powers, Wil- liam H. Warren.
Chapter V
Holden District Hospital
The Holden District Hospital is located on a hill at the right, as one enters the town, coming from Worcester, and from this beautiful location one may view the town and countryside for many miles around, and, not so far away, the ever-changing beauty of our well beloved Wachusett Mountain.
The hospital, which today holds such a very im- portant place in the town and community, stands as a monument to the interest and loyalty of the citizens of this and other towns, and to a group of men and women who, with this objective in mind, were willing to give unsparingly of their time and effort, that the goal might be reached.
The interesting beginning of the hospital was in the town of Rutland, when Mrs. Ethel M. Jenkins learned of the ambition of Dr. Frank H. Washburn, a Holden physician and surgeon, to have a hospital established in Holden.
This idea strongly appealed to Mrs. Jenkins, and she discussed the matter with her husband, and they de- cided to undertake the venture.
Accordingly, they sold their farm in Rutland, and September 1, 1914, purchased the Emory Rogers place, located on Pleasant Street, in Holden.
This was renovated, and beds for five patients made available, and, with Dr. Washburn as resident physi- cian, and one nurse secured by him, and Mrs. Jenkins as superintendent, and her husband in charge of other
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work, the Holden Cottage Hospital was opened Octo- ber 1, 1914.
Dr. Washburn was born in Falmouth, Maine, grad- uated from Tufts Medical School in 1899, and had practiced in Jamaica Plain before coming to Holden.
During the first four and a half years three hundred and thirty-one patients received treatment at the hos- pital, but Mrs. Jenkins' health was breaking under the strain, and she could continue the work no longer.
To lose the hospital with Dr. Washburn and his staff was not to be thought of, and immediately a group of citizens decided to form a corporation. This was done on February 20, 1918, with the following persons present :
Henry W. Warren, Dora L. Warren, James H. Kendall, Clifford W. Stickney, M. D., Claude A. Gray, Robert I. Bramhall, Bertram S. Newell, Frank H. Washburn, M. D., Harry A. Creamer, Rev. George E. Cary, Rev. James W. Leonard, Walter H. Welch, D. D. S., William H. Swenson, Rev. James M. Pren- dergast, Jefferson W. Coe, Willaim H. Warren, Wil- liam J. Jamieson.
The Holden Hospital Incorporated was the title given under the Act of Incorporation, which stated its purpose as "acquiring and maintaining a general hos- pital, and of furnishing therein medical and surgical treatment to the sick and ministering to their wants, and for such charitable service as it may be able to render."
The following officers were elected : President, Wil- liam J. Jamieson; Secretary, Harry A. Creamer ; Treasurer, William H. Warren; Directors, Bertram S.
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Newell, Rev. George E. Cary, William H. Swenson, Walter H. Welch, D.D.S., Rev. James M. Prender- gast, Jefferson W. Coe, William H. Warren, James W. Leonard, Harry W. Creamer, William J. Jamieson.
In April, 1919, the District Nursing Association was absorbed by the Hospital, which assumed any obliga- tions contracted by the Association before that time.
At the December meeting that year the increasing need of more room and equipment was voiced, and a committee consisting of Bertram S. Newell, Dr. Wash- burn and William J. Jamieson was appointed to in- vestigate possible sites for a new hospital building. At a meeting of the directors in April, 1920, arrangements were made with Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins for the Hospi- tal to continue in their building as "tenants at will" under the terms of the lease, and Mr. Newell an- nounced at that meeting the purchase of the Milton Holden lot on Boyden Road, consisting of nine and one half acres as a site for the proposed new Hospital.
With this matter decided, the question of raising funds for lot, and building, if erected, became an ab- sorbing problem. This was solved, in part, by the gift of the lot to the Hospital Corporation by Mr. and Mrs. Bertram S. Newell, many times the town's benefactors.
At the same time came another gift, that of five hun- dred dollars for the building fund, from Miss Ade- laide Howe, in memory of her late brother, Nathan Howe, and the same amount was also given by Miss Harriet Howe in his memory.
In May, 1920, a Woman's Auxiliary was organized with Mrs. William H. Warren as president.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
At the annual drive in May, 1921, about three thou- sand five hundred dollars was subscribed apart from the sums pledged by nine organizations.
August 29, 1921, a public meeting of the corporation was held to obtain the opinion of the townspeople as to the advisability of continuing the enterprise in the face of many obstacles.
The sentiment of the meeting was for its continu- ance, if possible. One member, C. Arthur Marsh, was especially optimistic, and he was made chairman of two committees, the first to investigate concerning the possibility of finding a more adequate building, and the second to consider ways and means for raising funds for the balance of the year.
In September, 1921, Mr. Marsh exhibited plans for a new building, and stated drives for the hospital were to be made in Rutland and Princeton, and in No- vember he reported that with the value of the land considered, the fund had reached practically $30,000.
January 30, 1922, it was voted that the firm of Fuller & Delano be chosen architects for the new building and that the Building Committee, Messrs. Newell, Jamieson and Marsh, be elected to complete plans and specifications.
March 1, 1922, it was voted that the name of the corporation should be changed to Holden District Hos- pital, Incorporated. In accordance with the plan of the campaign for funds the following memorials have been established :
Newell Surgery.
Fletcher-Putnam Anesthesia Room.
Frank H. Washburn X-ray Laboratory.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Jefferson Worcester Coe Room. Marion Alice Bascom Room. James Prendergast Room. Nathan Howe Room. Edward Kendall Room Thomas Henry King Room
Marion Larkin Warren Room. Annie W. Newell Room. Henry Waterman Warren Ward.
Martin Van Buren Jefferson Ward.
Josiah D. Gregory Delivery Room. Edward Phelps Johnson Nursery.
April 19, 1922, was celebrated in a manner never to be forgotten by a group of busy citizens, business men, representatives of the profession, and the clergy, many in overalls, with pick and shovel, gathered on the hill- top to break the ground for Holden's new hospital.
The first sod was turned by Dr. Frank H. Wash- burn, hospital chief, whose untiring efforts had had so large a part in its organization. When the enegetic workers laid down their implements at the end of their day's work, their weariness was forgotten in the thought that they were to realize the fulfillment of a long cherished hope.
Another not to be forgotten day was June 4, 1922, when several hundred people gathered at four o'clock in the afternoon on the sunny hilltop, where a large American flag was flying, there, to witness the laying of the cornerstone of the hospital.
The program included musical selections-Kiwanis Quartet.
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Remarks by the President, William J. Jamieson. Responses from the Staff and District. Address-Congressman Samuel E. Winslow. Laying of the Cornerstone-Bertram S. Newell. Prayer-Rev. Thomas E. Babb.
During the remainder of the spring and summer the work progressed as rapidly as possible. A number of the contracts were awarded to local concerns.
The general contractors, James Miles & Son, sublet the excavation and foundation work to Axel Pearson. Other contracts were awarded as follows: Plumbing, Edward C. Viner. Building the road from Boyden Road to the Hospital, Frank C. Parker. Electric work, Bancroft Electric Company, Worcester. Heat- ing, Brosnan Heating Company, Worcester.
On October 11, 1922, the Directors held their meet- ing in the surgery of the new hospital, and on Novem- ber 18 the building was open afternoon and evening for inspection, and more than 700 persons registered and many others were in attendance.
November 20, 1922, was moving day, and patients were transferred from the old to the new building which was to begin its service, not only to the citizens of Holden and surrounding towns, but to many from more distant places.
The treasurer, Mr. William H. Warren, in his re- port for the twelve months ending February 28, 1923, gave the cost of the building as $60,181.29, of which $8,466.53 was for equipment, and $675.61 for grading. This did not include the land valued at $3,500.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Each year many gifts are received which are greatly appreciated, new equipment is added from time to time, and improvements are made in the building and to the grounds.
The response given the annual drives, nurses balls, and the Donation Day contributions, show the whole- hearted support that is being given this institution. In 1926 the number of patients cared for since its open- ing was 3193. In 1930 it was placed on the approved list of hospitals of the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons.
The report of February, 1940, shows that 843 ad- missions were made during the year ending on that date. There are now 38 beds in the hospital.
The present district comprises the towns of Holden, Rutland, Princeton, West Boylston, Barre, South Barre, and Oakham.
Surely, Holden owes much to its citizens who have served so faithfully as officers of this institution throughout these years.
The President, Mr. William J. Jamieson, has served continuously in that office since 1918. Three directors, William H. Warren, Bertram S. Newell and William J. Jamieson, have served continuously since 1918, with C. Arthur Marsh and W. Goulding Warren since 1922.
Those who have acted as clerk are: Harry A. Creamer, Bertram S. Newell (18 years) and William H. Warren.
The treasurers have been William H. Warren, Harry A. Creamer, W. Goulding Warren (15 years), Joseph Beals, Hastings Hawkes.
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Others who have given long faithful terms of serv- ice at the hospital are :
Miss Cecelia V. McCarthy, R. N., superintendent since 1920.
Miss Muriel V. Spinney, R. N., supervisor, 1920.
Mrs. Nellie Judge, 1917.
Mrs. B. Irene Oliver, 1922.
Mrs. Gladys Stevens, 1922.
Miss Jane C. Zaleska, 1929.
Mrs. Mary L. Drawbridge, 1929.
WOMAN'S AUXILIARY TO THE HOLDEN DISTRICT HOSPITAL
May 24, 1920, Mr. William J. Jamieson, president of the Holden District Hospital Corporation called a meeting of the women of Holden to discuss ways in which they might be of assistance to the Hospital. He appointed Mrs. William H. Warren, chairman of the meeting and Mrs. Walter H. Welch, clerk.
After discussion, the motion was made and seconded that a permanent auxiliary be formed, to be known as the Holden Hospital Auxiliary. In October the name was changed to Woman's Auxiliary to Holden District Hospital.
The first officers to serve were : President, Mrs. Wil- liam H. Warren, Vice-President, Mrs. William J. Prendergast, Secretary, Miss Ella M. Harrington, Treasurer, Mrs. Frank J. Knowlton, Directors, Miss Helen Warren, Mrs. J. Quincy Dix, Miss Jennie
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Veitch, Mrs. Elmer Johnson, Mrs. James Warren, Miss Jennie Swenson, Mrs. E. Cleveland, Miss Dagny Lindgren.
Committees were appointed at once to take charge of monthly sewing meetings.
Throughout the years members have given gener- ously of their time and energy for the support of pro- jects which would replenish their treasury, from which source very frequent contributions of money and gifts of hospital equipment have been most gratefully re- ceived by the hospital staff. The members have con- ducted food sales, whist parties, fairs, and various en- tertainments, and each year sponsor an annual Do- nation Day, in which townspeople show their interest in the hospital by generous gifts of food supplies.
A service much appreciated by the patients at the hospital has been the flowers regularly provided for them by members of the Auxiliary.
In 1930, By-laws were adopted and in 1941, a Trav- eling Library was established which has already given enjoyment and relaxation to many persons.
Chapter VI
Cemeteries
FIRST BURYING GROUND
One acre and ten rods of land for a burying ground was deeded to the town December 11, 1758, by Samuel Pierce of Holden.
In 1759, a deed from Daniel Henchman, Esq., of Boston, gave "Unto the Town of Holden and their successors forever One Hundred and Twenty Rods of Land for a Buriring place scituate near ye publick Meeting-House." This was dated April 13th, "One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Nine and in the Thirty Second year of his Majestes Reign."
This lay opposite the present common. Among the graves of the early settlers who lie buried here are:
Lieut. Simon Davis, 1763
Capt. Amos Heywood, 1814
Lieut. John Abbot, 1799
Rev. Joseph Davis, 1799
Dea. Elisha Hubbard, 1814 Doc. Isaac Chenery, 1822
and his wife Susanna, 1820
Rev. Joseph Avery, 1824 Mrs. Mary Avery, 1842.
In the warrant for the town meeting held March 7, 1742, there was an article reading, "To see if the Town will clear up its burial place," but no action was re- corded. May 24, the next year, it was "Voted, that Mr. Samuel Thomson be the person to procuer an acre of land on ye south west side of ye highway tordes
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Rutland takeing ye land on which we have buried on as a bureing place for ye Town."
In early days a row of tombs occupied space on the south side of this burial ground.
"April 6, 1795, it was voted to procure a 'carriage to carry the dead.' For many years it was the custom that coffins should be furnished by the undertaker at public expense, in part, at least.
"This early grave yard sufficed for the needs of the people for a long time, but in 1826, the following record appears : 'Voted a Committee to buy a spot or spots of land, for a graveyard and prepare it in a suit- able manner for the purpose of burying our dead at the expense of the town.' In August, the sum of four hundred dollars was appropriated to defray the costs of this action. This carefully laid out plot is now known as the Park Avenue Burying Ground."
In 1902 and 1906 Town Clerk Samuel W. Arming- ton had the inscriptions on the stones in these grave- yards carefully copied and recorded in the exquisite handwriting of Miss Helen C. Johnson, in two sub- stantially bound volumes, which he presented to the Antiquarian Department of the Damon Memorial. These books have become increasingly valuable, as time gradually erases the lettering on these stones of early date.
In 1909 the town voted to cause a hedge to be set out along the front line and a short distance on the east and west sides of the Park Avenue Cemetery.
It appropriated $100 for the purpose, and voted that the Village Improvement Society be a committee to carry out the provisions of this vote.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
In 1918 the town voted to dispose of the old hearse house, located on the south side of the Park Avenue Cemetery, and that year Normandy poplars, Norway spruce and red pine were planted on each side of the main drive and at the sides of this cemetery.
GROVE CEMETERY
As the town grew, the two early "graveyards" be- came inadequate for its needs, and a new one bearing the name "Grove Cemetery" was acquired, and dedi- cated August 24, 1854. At this service addresses were given by Dr. Paine, the Hon. Isaac Davis, and Rev. Elnathan Davis, and hymns by Mrs. D. Walker and Rev. Elnathan Davis were sung, and a hymn written by Miss Sarah C. Paine was read.
This cemetery is controlled by the Grove Cemetery Corporation.
More land has been added from time to time, until in 1941 the cemetery comprises about five acres of land.
The cemetery for St. Mary's Parish joins Grove Cemetery on the west side.
The beautiful stone entrance, built at a cost of $1,800, was the gift, in 1888, of two daughters of Holden, Mrs. Lucinda R. Cutting and Mrs. Abigail Coes, and, in a valley between two steep banks, an ellip- trical water basin with a fountain was the gift of Charles Flagg and William Howe in 1889. This basin has since been filled in and graded.
In 1925 a Memorial Chapel of seam-faced granite was built with money from a fund left for that pur-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
pose by Nathan Howe, of Holden, a retired thread manufacturer.
The chapel, finished in hard wood, with tile floor, will accommodate thirty-six people.
At the rear is a crypt, to take the place of the old re- ceiving vault.
On a slope overlooking one of the valleys is a tall monument surrounded by an iron fence.
This marks the grave of a much beloved school teacher.
The inscription is as follows :
Sylvanus B. Roel
Born in
Dummerston, Vt., Nov. 3, 1827-A graduate of Amherst College-A member of Andover Theol. Sem .- consecrated to missionary labor among the heathen-A teacher of a High school in this place for three successive
autumns, died, while thus employed,
September 17, 1854. aged 26 years.
He was loved most by those who knew him best.
As a slight expression of their respect and affection for their beloved teacher, his pupils have erected and enclosed this monument in this new cemetery, where never before man was laid.
HIGH SCHOOL
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
On the crest of ground directly above this marker is the circular plot known as the Grand Army lot, at which site patriotic exercises are observed each Me- morial Day.
ST. MARY'S CEMETERY
In 1867 three acres of land were purchased in Holden center and the first Catholic Church in town was erected on the west side of the lot which joined Grove Cemetery on the north, the state highway on the south and the railroad on the west side.
The portion of the lot west of the church was con- secrated for use as a burial place for members of Saint Mary's Parish, and it has been continued as such up to the present time.
When the new church edifice was erected in Jeffer- son the first one was sold to Mr. Marcus Moore who converted it into apartments.
It is owned in 1941 by Harrison G. Remiley.
Chapter VII
Hancock Common
A granite boulder, the gift of the D. A. R., honors the donor of this "acre of land." It is inscribed as follows :
1789 Hancock Common Presented to the town by Gov. John Hancock Erected by Capt. Geo. Webb Chapter D. A. R. 1916
The following is a copy of the original deed pre- served among the Town Records :
Know all Men by these Presents, that I, John Han- cock of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and Common- wealth of Massachusetts Esquire, for and considera- tion of the sum of five shillings and of the love, good- will and affection which I have and do bear to the Town of Holden in the County of Worcester and from a respect to the public worship of God do hereby give, grant and convey to the said Town of Holden one Acre of land in the centre of said Town of Holden for the accommodation of a public Meeting House, bounded as follows : Beginning at a heap of Stones near the Spot appropriated for the foundation of the Meeting House,
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
thence running Northeast twenty rods on Land of Rev. Joseph Davis to a heap of Stones, thence turning at right angles and running Northeast eight rods to a heap of Stones, and thence southeast twenty rods to a heap of Stones on the public Road, and thence eight rods on said Road to the first mentioned bound, the aforesaid Land to lay as a Common forever. To have and to hold the before granted premises, to the said Town of Holden, to be held and enjoyed by said Town forever and the said John Hancock, in behalf of him- self, his Executors and Administrators, doth engage to warrant and defend the before granted premises to the said Town of Holden forever against the lawful Claims and demands of all persons whatever. . .
In witness, where of I have hereunto Set My Hand and Seal this Twenty-fifth day of June, A.D. one thou- sand, seven hundred and eighty-nine. Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of
S. Holten
Nathaniel Gorham
John Hancock
Chapter VIII
Celebrations
CENTENNIAL
"November 30, 1840, the citizens of Holden assem- bled at the Town Hall at 7 o'clock, P.M., to take into consideration the expediency of celebrating the first Centennial Anniversary of the Town of Holden. Col. Samuel Damon was chosen chairman, and Charles Chaffin, Secretary of the meeting. After deliberating upon the subject, a unanimous vote was passed, to cele- brate the first Centennial Anniversary of the town. The following gentlemen were appointed a Committee to make the necessary arrangements for the anniversary exercises : Samuel Damon, Charles Chaffin, Paul Davis, William Metcalf, Jonathan Rice, Silas M. Hubbard, Lemuel Fiske, Silas Flagg, Jason Mann, Samuel Foster, John Davis, and James Winch. A vote was then passed to invite Mr. Judah Wright to join this Committee."
May 4, 1841, being one hundred years since the municipal organization of the town, by the choice of Town Officers, was chosen as the date of the cele- bration.
"The committee of arrangements invited the Rev. William P. Paine to deliver an address suitable for the occasion. He declined to accept the invitation in con- sequence of his arduous duties as a Pastor."
The invitation was then given to Mr. Samuel C. Damon, a native of the town, who signified his willing- ness to comply with their request, and it is to him that
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Holden owes so great a debt of gratitude for his com- pilation of the early history of the town.
Samuel Chenery Damon, eldest son of Samuel and Alony Chenery Damon, was born in Holden, February 15, 1815. He was graduated from Amherst College in 1836; studied at Princeton Theological Seminary, 1838 and 1839, and was graduated from Andover Theologi- cal Seminary in 1841. October 6, 1841, he married Julia Sherman Mills of Natick. They had five sons.
"While pursuing his theological studies, it was his purpose to go as a missionary to India, and he even began a study of the Tamil language. He was ordained September 15, 1841, and was preparing to carry out this long cherished purpose, when a most urgent call came from the Sandwich Islands for a seaman's chap- lain at the port of Honolulu. After careful and prayer- ful consideration, Mr. Damon surrendered his former plans and accepted this position. He sailed from New York March 10, 1842, via Valparaiso, and Callao, and after a voyage of seven months' duration, reached Hon- olulu October 19, 1842.
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