USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Lancaster > History of the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts : from the first settlement to the present time, 1643-1879 > Part 39
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The Assets of the Charitable Fund, in 1871, June 2, amounted to $2,301.51.
487
ADDITION TO THE TOWN HALL.
February 5, 1872, " At a meeting of the Trustees of the Charitable Fund in the town of Lancaster, holden this day, it was voted to accept of the trust or donation from the sub- scribers of the Soldier's Relief Fund, amounting to eight hundred dollars." The Fund on the second of March, 1878, amounted to $3,083.67.
The annual donations have been made to about twenty per- sons, in sums varying from two to twelve dollars. In 1851 the amount paid out was $112. In 1860, it was $118. In 1870, twenty-one persons received $124. In 1877, the sum of $160 was divided among twenty-six beneficiaries.
The trustees, in addition to those first chosen, have been Dea. Charles Wyman, Col. Francis B. Fay, Messrs. George W. Howe, Caleb T. Symmes, Spencer R. Merrick and Levi P. Wood, jr.
In 1851 a proposition came from the general court to hold a convention for the revision and amendment of the Consti- tution. At the November meeting for the election of state officers, this town gave fifty-seven votes in favor and one hun- dred and ninety-three against the measure. But as the peo- ple of the commonwealth in 1853, decided in favor of the convention, the town, March 7, on the third ballot, chose Joel Wilder delegate. When the result of the convention was pre- sented to the people for approval or rejection, every amend- ment or alteration was voted against by Lancaster. The average vote was seventy in favor, and one hundred and seventy in opposition. However, at different times, when pre- sented to the people by the legislature, most of the amend- ments which the convention had recommended, were adopted by large majorities.
Action in relation to enlarging the town hall was taken, May 5, 1852, when it was voted to proceed according to a plan made by W. J. Whitaker. The expense was not to exceed $2,000. Dr. Thompson, Capt. Fisher, Dea. Humphrey, Henry Wilder and Rev. B. Whittemore were the committee. The upper story was added to the hall, and other improvements made, the cost of which was $2,539.67.
488
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
March 7, 1853, the fire wards were directed to put the fire hooks and ladders in order. Probably their duties were not very onerous.
This year the town began to make a discount on taxes when promptly paid. The discount for those who paid by Septem- ber 1, was five per cent., and one per cent. less each month to the first of January.
The question of a new pauper establishment came before the town, from time to time, chiefly because the poor farm was in a remote section, but no action was taken.
As the time drew near when the town had been incorpo- rated two hundred years, measures were taken to commemo- rate the event. November 29, 1852, a vote was passed to have a celebration in the coming year. A committee of seven, _ in addition to the " clergymen of the town to head the com- mittee." The following were the general committee : Rev. Charles Packard, Rev. Benjamin Whittemore, Rev. George M. Bartol, Messrs. William Townsend, Ephraim C. Fisher, John G. Thurston. Jacob Fisher, John M. Washburn, George Cummings and Charles Humphrey. The day fixed upon for the celebration was the fifteenth of June, and the committee were directed to invite all the towns which had sprung from Lan- caster, to be present as guests. These were Harvard, Bolton, Leominster, Sterling, Berlin, Boylston, West Boylston and Clinton. Money was appropriated to carry out the design, but as funds were raised by subscription, the vote was rescind- ed. As the proceedings were printed in a handsome volume, including the very able oration of Joseph Willard, Esq., the orator of the day, it is not necessary to give the particulars in this place. It is sufficient to say, that the day was cele- brated in a manner highly honorable to the town. The peo- ple gave up the day to the occasion, and a great number came from the towns invited. The church was thronged, and the tables spread on the lawn, since owned by Col. Fay, were load- ed with viands, and surrounded by an immense multitude. Speeches and letters gave a zest to the occasion. The whole
489
FREE USE OF TOWN HALL. - CATTLE DISEASE.
of a long June day was too short for the crowded and inter- esting services.
In July, 1855, action was taken in reference to the loca- tion of the State Industrial School for girls. It was voted to straighten the road from Capt. Orice King's to the Emerson place ; and also to discontinue the road from the Stillwell house to the Emerson place. The Stillwell house is now in ruins in consequence of a fire. The Emerson place is now occupied by Frederick Whitney. This arrangement improv- ed the broad and pleasant avenue across the Old Common, and left the land on the north of it in the yard of the school.
John G. Thurston and Wright Cummings, M. D., a com- mittee on the almshouse, presented an elaborate report, in which, among other things, they insisted upon kind treatment of the insane, and recommended that they should be sent to asylums for insane persons.
The Act of the legislature respecting shade trees was ac- cepted by the town, April 5, 1858.
The town has always been liberal in letting the town hall for the convenience or advantage of the citizens. In 1858 the use of the lower hall was given to Charles Safford, Jeremiah Moore and Dr. Thompson, a committee, for instruction in mu- sic. The next year the town warmed and lighted the hall for the use of singers. In 1860 the Brass Band and the Sons of Temperance were allowed the free use of the hall, warmed and lighted, " but not more than twice a week." This has been the uniform practice until recently.
The cattle disease spread consternation among the farmers of the state in the spring of 1860, and strenuous measures were everywhere taken to arrest the distemper, or prevent its outbreak. The legislature authorized certain commission- ers to slaughter animals liable to communicate the contagion, at their discretion. This town gave the selectmen authority to deal with the matter as circumstances might require.
It appears that certain persons had subscribed, to raise money for enlarging the town hall, to the amount of $463.52.
490
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
The town having paid for the enlargement, these subscribers were allowed seventy-five per cent. on that sum, " whenever an appropriation shall be made." Perhaps there was an ap- propriation, but there is no record of it. This was in 1861. In the same year, April 1, lamps for the town hall, the cost not to " exceed fifteen dollars," were obtained.
April 3, 1865, the selectmen were empowered to open a door on the south side of the basement of the town hall, near the west end, and a year later, were directed to prepare a room for the convenience of the ladies, with a cooking stove, closets for crockery, etc. The town voted to accept a pres- ent of crockery, and a stove.
The old road on the west side of the river to the Neck bridge, so called, had been out of use for many years, but it seems that the town had some rights pertaining thereto, be- cause the selectmen, April 3, 1865, were instructed to " vin- dicate the rights of the town to hold a certain tract of land near the barn of C. L. Wilder."
The Freedman's Aid Society was allowed the use of the town hall, in 1866, to give entertainments, the proceeds of which were to be given for the benefit of the newly enfran- chised colored people of the South. This was one of the beau- tiful manifestations of a spirit which then animated the public heart, and filled the freedmen with hope and gratitude.
The town voted, March 2, 1867, that the selectmen should close their books on the twentieth of February, each year, in time to print their annual report, and circulate it through the town previous to the March meeting. Subsequently a similar vote included other officers or committees, but the school com- mittee have not been able to comply with it strictly, because the schools do not close in season to be reported before the last week in February.
In 1869 there was considerable interest in relation to the Massachusetts Central railroad, and efforts were made to have the line run through the town. A committee was raised in January to have the matter in charge, consisting of George
491
SIDEWALKS. - FISH PONDS.
A. Parker, Charles L. Wilder, Caleb T. Symmes, Calvin Hol- man and Lucius L. Farwell. At a meeting held in March the committee were directed to do all in their power to perfect surveys and get a charter for a road from Gardner to Boston. This was in pursuance of a plan to bring the Vermont and Massachusetts road from Gardner to Boston, avoiding Ash- burnham and Fitchburg. All these efforts failed.
In 1871 the town undertook to abate the nuisance of bills, notices and signs on the shade trees and bridges in the town, but the perseverance of those interested in these has proved worthy of a better cause.
Previous to this year there were patches of sidewalk in the villages, but at the spring meeting the town voted to " accept and maintain sidewalks built by citizens." At present there is a tolerable walk on the west side, from the North Village to the south end of South Lancaster street, between two and three miles. In the villages there is a walk on both sides of the main street.
There being no fire-engine in the town, resort has been had to the fire companies of Clinton, in case of emergency, and they have always been prompt to respond to any call in case of fire. In April, of this year, the town presented the fire department of Clinton with $200, and thanks for efficient aid. Similar action has been taken on several occasions.
At the same meeting the town treasurer was directed to deposit the town's money in the Lancaster National Bank, and also to give bonds for the faithful discharge of his duties. In old times the treasurer received no pay, but made use of any surplus money in his hands.
About ten years since measures began to be taken for stock- ing our ponds and streams with fish. April 5, 1869, Dr. J. L. S. Thompson, William H. McNeil and George A. Parker were chosen a committee to consider the practicability of re- stocking Nashua river with salmon. The sum of $200 was put to this use. In March, 1871, encouragement was given to the plan of introducing certain kinds of fish into several
492
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
ponds. In March, 1873, $300 werc voted for the use of the town commissioners on fresh water fish, and they employed it in stocking one or more ponds. This has been followed up from year to year, Rufus Eager having been added to the committee. Spectacle pond has been stocked with black bass. In 1854, the commissioners were authorized to petition the commissioners of inland fisheries to open Nashua river for the passage of salmon.
At the March meeting, 1873, the question of selling the old " pauper establishment," and purchasing a new house and farm, was referred to a committee, consisting of John Ben- nett, Jeremiah Moore, Henry Wilder, Dr. Thompson, and the selectmen for the year, Messrs. Holman, Farwell and Day. Without going into particulars it may be stated briefly, that the old establishment was sold, and the farm and house of Edward Phelps, (formerly the property of Calvin Carter, M.D.) was obtained at the cost of $6,500. The farm contained about sixty acres of very excellent land, and the house of three sto- rics, was ample for all the purposes needed in an almshouse. In 1874 a new barn was crected, which cost $3,876.21.
. At the April meeting the selectmen were directed to pro- vide the " best system of drainage for the main street in South Lancaster."
The Hon. Charles Sumner died on the cleventh day of March, 1874. The following extract from the Records, dated April 6, give the action of the town in view of that event. " Voted, by a unanimous rising vote to adopt the following resolution, relating to the death of the Hon. Charles Sum- ner. Whereas, in the unerring Providence of God, the Hon. Charles Sumner has recently been removed from earthly scenes and labors, the inhabitants of Lancaster in town meeting as- sembled, desire to put on record some testimonial of their ap- preciation of his character and services, therefore
" Resolved, That in the deccase of Mr. Sumner our com- monwealth and the world has lost one who was a model as a scholar, a statesman, a philanthropist and a man. As a scholar,
493
HONOR TO CHARLES SUMNER.
he was diligent, patient of labor, various in culture, studious in every worthy branch of human knowledge, enriched with all that science, art and literature could add to his nature, while holding his vast acquisitions in readiness for instant use ; as a statesman, sound in judgment, acquainted with the va- ried wants, interests and achievements of his countrymen, ruled by great principles yet familiar with details, above par- tisan, or personal, or sectional aims ; proud of his native state, yet embracing his whole country in his heart, while seeking to bind his own country in amity with all other peoples on the truc ethical basis of international law ; as a philanthropist, guided by the precepts of the Christian religion, above pre- judice, pitying the prisoner, breaking the fetters of the slave, and protecting the rights of the alien and the stranger ; and as a man, pure in life, rigid in integrity, a fast friend and placable enemy, enduring slander, violence and wrong with- out revenge, brave, resolute, aggressive, but courteous and regardful of others. As such a man, philanthropist, statesman and scholar, we hold him up as an example for our youth, and for such a gift we render devout thanks to the great God who made him, gave him to us and to all humanity, and who has now taken him in the fulness of his undying fame to himself."
An unusual and perhaps unprecedented vote was passed, April 5, 1875, under an article in the warrant "to see if the town will pay Joel Wilder the sum of two hundred dollars for services rendered the town in years past." No special services were mentioned, but probably the fact that Mr. Wil- der had served the town in many offices and on various com- mittees, during a period of nearly fifty years, was effective in procuring a unanimous vote in favor of the grant.
At the same meeting a permanent rule was made in relation to overdrawing orders. The selectmen were instructed " in no case to draw orders in excess of appropriations, beyond the sum of one hundred dollars." At the ensuing March meeting, 1876, the following orders bearing on the same subject, were adopted. Ordered
494
HISTORY OF LANCASTER ..
" 1. That no committee appointed by the town for the ex- penditure of any specific appropriation, be allowed under any circumstances, to exceed such sum appropriated, unless the written approval and consent of the board of selectmen to such proposed excess of expenditure, shall first be obtained." The second order forbade the selectmen to pay all "drafts drawn on them by any committee, in excess of the specific sum voted by the town," unless they had given their consent or appro- val, in writing, to such expenditure. The subject was pre- sented to the town in this shape, by Messrs. E. Warren Smith, S. J. S. Vose and Henry Jewell.
At the April meeting the town voted to accept the " Bet- terment Act," so called, passed by the general court in the year 1871.
The town, at the same time, took action in favor of cele- brating the one hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, on the ensuing fourth day of July. One hundred and fifty dollars were appropriated for the purpose, and the following were chosen a committee to superintend the celebra- tion. Rev. George M. Bartol, Rev. A. P. Marvin, and Messrs. Charles T. Fletcher, G. F. Chandler and Henry S. Nourse. In accordance with the vote of the town, the cel- ebration was held. The committee "besides procuring a Centennial Address, an Original Hymn, and an Original Ode suited to the occasion, further secured the services of a Band of Music, and for the evening a display of Fireworks." The whole expense, including the printing of the address, the band of music and the fireworks, was $468.42. In payment the town voted $150; subscriptions covered $131.85, and the balance, $186.42, was paid by Nathaniel Thayer, Esq. The order of exercises was as follows. Opening remarks by the chairman, Rev. George M. Bartol ; prayer by the venera- ble Rev. Benjamin Whittemore ; hymn by Mr. Benjamin Whittemore, of Boston ; address by John D. Washburn, Esq., of Worcester; ode by Mrs. Julia A. [Fletcher] Carney, of
495
NATIONAL CENTENNIAL. - FIRE COMPANY.
Illinois ; benediction by Rev. A. P. Marvin. The services were held in the Brick Church, and the choir rendered ac- ceptable aid in the service of song. All the school children of the town were present by invitation, and seated in the galleries. No public entertainment was provided, except an ample supply of lemonade. The day and evening were pleas- ant, and all the exercises of the day, and the display in the evening, from the grounds east of the street in front of the residence of Mr. Thayer, passed off without accident, and to the general satisfaction.
March 5, 1877. Dr. Thompson, Calvin Holman and Ho- ratio D. Humphrey were chosen a committee to make inqui- ries in regard to the cost of a fire-engine and necessary appendages. At the April meeting the committee reported and recommended the purchase of a small engine after trial. And at a meeting, May 15, S. R Damon and Sewall Day were authorized to build a reservoir on some part of the Center Common.
The committee attended to the duty of their appointment, and built a capacious subterranean reservoir by the roadside in front of the town hall. The first thought was to gather water from the roofs of public buildings in the vicinity, but it was found that an ample supply could be collected from the surface drainage of the Common.
A fire company was formed consisting of about twenty members. The following are the names of the officers. Fore- man, John E. Farnsworth; first assistant foreman, William H. Blood ; second do., Nathan Turner; secretary and treas- urer, Nicholas Frost; steward and section hoseman, Henry H. Stowe.
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
There have been but few important changes in the roads of the town during the last thirty or forty years ; but there has been a complete revolution in the construction of bridges. The roads will first receive our attention.
496
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
In 1843 a road was authorized by the town, on condition that it should be made at private expense, reaching from the house of Gen. Thomas Davis, (now occupied by E. Warren Smith,) to the town road leading by the house of Jonas Goss. As this place had been occupied a long time, it is probable that a private way had accommodated the families residing upon it.
The road from Clintonville to Boylston, by the west side of Sandy pond, was projected in 1845. In the same year it was shown to the town that the usual way of repairing roads was a plan by which men shirked the business, and prevented all system. It was recommended that the select- men should have the care of roads, instead of highway sur- veyors in the districts. The plan was adopted.
In 1846 an effort was made to close the road to Pine hill,. from the Harvard road, but failed. That way should ever be kept open, since it leads to one of the pleasantest resorts in all the region, to the lover of nature.
The road and bridge at Fuller's mills was widened, gravel was taken from Guttridge or Goodrich hill. The owners. agreed to keep a watering trough in running order. Fuller & Conant were paid $75 for the alterations near the mills.
Dea. Humphrey, as chairman, reported that of the hun- dred miles, more or less, of road in the town, not ten miles. were properly bounded. The selectmen were then ordered to survey ten miles of road, as laid down in the Records, and erect suitable monuments. After careful perambula- tion, they reported that it was impossible to reconcile the- present location with the original survey.
The crossing of the railroad, just north of Fuller's mill, has always been a source of annoyance. The first plan was- for the railway to cross at grade. Then the hill was cut away, and the highway was built under the railroad bridge. Since then repeated efforts have been made to induce the Worces- ter and Nashua railroad company to widen the bridge and give room for making the traveled way safer and more di- rect. Appeals have been made to the county commissioners,
497
HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION.
the courts, and the legislature, but nothing has been effected.
An alteration was made in the road above Ponakin mill, in 1847, and Wilder S. Thurston, who improved the power at what is now called Shoeshank, was allowed $25 for the improvement.
In 1848 a road was proposed from the Lancaster to the Sidney Harris mill, down the valley. This failed, but in a short time, a road was opened from the Lancaster mills, north, over the Harris hill to the road that goes from the railroad station to the Harris mill.
This year the Hon. James G. Carter, chairman of a com- mittee, presented a long and able report on the subject of roads and bridges, and closed with the following resolve : " That the selectmen be authorized and instructed to employ a suitable person to take charge, under their general direc- tion, of the construction and repair of all the highways and bridges of the town, and also purchase teams and tools." The plan was adopted and adhered to several years.
The Rigby road was altered and improved, and several streets in Clintonville were accepted. The road from the Lancaster mills south to Franklin Wilder's was altered and improved. Twenty-one guide boards were set up in 1849. The old road from New Boston to Clintonville was discon- tinued in 1850.
About this time a road was made from Clinton to Sterling, through the Deers Horns section, and another from Pratt's junction to Clinton. These roads were of no advantage to the town, but on the contrary served to take business away from the stores. The people of Lancaster rightly considered it unjust to be compelled to spend money on such highways, and appealed to the county commissioners to make them a county charge.
In 1851 the town voted to join Bolton in getting the old turnpike from Lancaster toll-house to Bolton line discon- tinued.
32
498
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
Not until August 18, of this year, was the road from the Evangelical church to the Neck road authorized. To be strict- ly accurate the road extended from the Neck road to William Nowell's corner. It was laid out one hundred and twenty- five rods. It would seem as if public convenience would have demanded such a road a hundred years before. The road was built in the following year.
The greatest flood but one in the memory or tradition of the people, occurred in 1851, and did much damage. It was necessary to construct a dry bridge, road and causeway at Still River. The bridges over the main river stood firm, ow- ing to the improved method of building on stone abutments instead of mudsills.
June 13, 1853, the road from Fuller's to Carter's mills was proposed. In due time it was built. At the same time the project of making a road from a point near the house of Nathaniel Burbank to a point near the old school-house in the third district, not far from the house of James H. Holman, was mooted. The plan was carried into effect in a year or two, and the school-house was placed where it now stands. This road was a great convenience.
In November, 1859, the old Neck road, west of the river, was finally discontinued. The bridge, about sixty rods be- low the present Center bridge, had long since disappeared. Thus one of the old highways of the town, which thousands had traveled over, was closed.
Charles L. Wilder altered the road extending from the rail- road to the corner east of his house, and the town, after a protracted difference, in which the intervention of the county commissioners was invoked, finally, in June, 1860, accepted it. It is the earliest county road, altered, and is a beautiful avenue.
At the March meeting, 1862, it was voted that thereafter, the roads should be entrusted to a superintendent or the se- lectmen, and that they should expend the highway tax. In these years the appropriation for highways was about $800.
499
SEVERAL SHORT ROADS.
April 14, 1864, the town accepted the road laid out by the selectmen in front and near the house of George A. Par- ker, provided it could be done to their acceptance, and with- out expense to the public. This was a splendid piece of work, and the town subsequently voted the sum of two hun- dred dollars to Mr. Parker simply as a testimonial to his public spirit.
In 1867, June 23, the old road from Peter Osgood's, on the top of George hill, to the road passing over Ballard hill, was discontinued. This was probably the earliest way to Leomin- ster. It was a section of the road from South Lancaster to Phelps' mill. The rights of the town in the soil were reserv- ed. Eastwood cemetery was accepted in 1870.
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