USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Lancaster > History of the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts : from the first settlement to the present time, 1643-1879 > Part 48
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In a later generation, when the main road to South Lan- caster was fixed in its present location, the store was moved to the corner opposite to the Ward house, and placed on the land of the late Col. Fay. This store was occupied by Levi Willard and Samuel Ward, alone or in company, for a period of nearly sixty years. The garrison-house of Rev. Mr. Whi- ting and Rev. Mr. Gardner was between the store and the house of Mrs. Col. Fay. Still later in origin was the store on John Bennett's corner, occupied long ago, by Elijah Wilder and others.
Going to the Old Common, there was a store at the farm house of the Industrial school. The north and south road formerly crossed at this spot. There was another store op- posite to the school-house corner. The store was where the Parks house, now occupied by Mr. J. A. Messenger, stands. Oliver Carter carried on the business, and had an assortment of books.
Coming to the Center, the first store of which we have any knowledge, was at the corner east of Charles L. Wilder. All travel, north and south, and east and west, converged to this place. Col. Samuel Willard, grandson of the renown- ed Major, bought the property of his grandfather, and lived in the house now occupied by Sewell Day. He carried on the business at the corner store for many years. It is sup- posed that his son, Col. Abijah, succeeded him. Another son, Col. Levi, was a trader, and perhaps was a partner, in early life ; but he was afterwards associated with Capt. Ward. Josiah Bridge and his brother, traded at this place, several years. The house and store were then owned in succession by Ebenezer Torrey and Davis Whitman, retired merchants
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LARGE COUNTRY STORES.
from Boston, but they did not engage in business here. The travel by the Neck having fallen off by reason of change of roads and bridges, a new store was erected on the corner by the house of Mr. Stowell, on the west side. Dea. Wales had liberty from the town to build on common land. Here busi- ness was carried on by him for many years, and down to a time remembered by some now living.
The brick store on the corner opposite the Evangelical church was built by Gilman B. Parker. It was occupied forty years ago by Wilder S. Thurston. Among his successors were W. S. Thurston, George Dodge, Solon Wilder, George Green, and again Mr. Wilder, the present owner.
Sewall Carter had a store, half a century since on the cor- ner opposite to Thomas Blood's, where the road turns up by the Washburn place. The above were the chief centers of mercantile business in former generations. There have been many other stores, large and small, in the town. Notably, the one on the ground now occupied by William G. Wilder, in South Lancaster, where John G. Thurston, during many years, kept the largest store in the county.
The same was true of other Lancaster stores, at different periods. For example, the store of Mr. Emerson, on the Old Common, had an assortment of everything wanted in the country. It is said that a young woman, preparing for marriage and house-keeping, could obtain in Emerson's store, all articles necessary for clothing, bedding, and furnishing the house from bottom to top. Crockery, tinware, hardware, earthenware, spinning wheels, looms, in a word, everything needed in starting a family. In addition, the store supplied East and West India goods. It is needless to say, that there was a full supply of various liquors. This was, in its time, the most extensive store in the county. The same is report- ed of the store of Willard & Ward.
In the North Village Levi Lewis kept store many years, and did a large business. He commenced about fifty years ago.
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
Josiah and Charles Bridge moved from the store on the corner of the Neck road, to the Rand house, now occupied by Jeremiah Moore. Their business was extensive.
At the Dyer place was a store which accommodated the north- east section of the town. It was kept by Eben Francis. Nearly two generations have passed away since it was in full operation.
MILLS, SHOPS AND FACTORIES .- The first mill, as is well known, was Prescott's, in Clinton. Coming within present town limits, there were mills at Deers Horns in very early times, and the limited water power there has been improved to the present time. The mills at South Lancaster were started more than a century since. Col. Oliver Wilder, who died in the year 1765, owned this privilege, and improved it, many years. After him came Bennett, Wilder and others, till it passed into the hands of Samuel Carter. There was a saw and a grist mill, and at one time, a fulling mill. The grist mill re- mains. A cotton factory was built about thirty-five years ago. The property is now owned by George W. White.
The Ponakin water power was used, as stated on a former page, far back in the last century. Col. Joseph Wilder owned this when Col. Oliver improved the South Lancaster privilege. Saw and grist mills were here at first, to meet pressing needs. Then came iron works, nail making, etc. Successive own- ers have been Joseph Wilder, Gardner Wilder, Maynard, Jones, Knight, Charles L. Wilder, senior and junior, and others. The mills gave place to a cotton factory about 1861. It is now in the possession of the Lancaster Savings Bank, of whom Frank Sargent rented it a few years since. The water now runs by, unused, though capable of moving much machinery.
At Shoeshank, so called, there was a mill, many years since. This was on a little brook which runs into the Nashua just east of the present factory. Next a dam was built across the river, and a larger mill was erected. This property has been in the hands of Sewall Carter, and the Shakers. It is
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STAGES AND HOTELS.
now owned by the Shoeshank company, who make leather board and shoe shanks. The water power near the mouth of Wikapeket brook has been used a long time, by successive owners. It is now the property of Barney Phelps of Leo- minster, and annually turns out a large quantity of lumber. The lesser streams have also, in former times, worked their passage to the river. There was a fulling mill and clothier's shop near the mouth of Canoe brook, between Ponakin and Shoeshank. Rugg's saw mill was farther up stream, half a mile, in the woods. Small mills on Cumbery brook, and on the brook running through the North Village have already been noted. These smaller privileges have been long aban- doned. .
For several generations before the opening of the Fitch- burg railroad, about 1845, Lancaster was a thoroughfare of travel from points west and north. In consequence, certain branches of business grew up, or were much enlarged. A stage route from the direction of Petersham and towns be- yond, went through South Lancaster. But the main lines of travel were through the north and the center of the town. Previous to 1845, the travel through the North Village and the Center was very great. Besides the long strings of teams, passing back and forth, there were, at one time, 1838, thirty- two stages weekly, carrying on the average, forty-eight pas- sengers daily, going from Boston to Albany, to Brattleboro' and to Keene; and also from Lowell to Worcester. This gave business to hotels, of which there were three in North Village, besides the great hotel in the Center and a smaller one in South Lancaster. Cart, wagon and sleigh makers found ready employment. Abraham Mallard and brother were wheelwrights in North Village. Blacksmiths, harness makers, and other mechanics were in demand.
One kind of business leads to the introduction of other kinds. Major Fisher was a cabinet maker and watchmaker; Capt. Jacob Fisher was a cabinet maker and painter. The business was carried on, at first in North Village, and after-
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
wards at Lane's crossing, where Capt. Anthony Lane con- tinued it. He was succeeded by Charles Safford. Capt. Carter Fisher was a gunsmith. A little west of Lane's factory was the hatter shop of John Hyde. Hats were also made in South Lancaster in considerable quantity by Luke Rugg and a Mr. Dean. There was a comb factory near Capt. John Maynard's house. It was the property of Gard- ner Maynard. Hannibal Laughton and William Ballard had a comb shop on Ballard hill. Oren Holman did a larger business in the same line, at his house, sometimes employing a dozen hands. Dea. Ward Cotton, son of Rev. Mr. Cotton of Boylston, lived on the Old Common from about 1825 to 1855, and made combs. Afterwards he manufactured comb- maker's tools.
Between thirty and forty years ago the business of mak- ing piano keys was prosecuted by Charles L. Wilder in the large shop on the corner of the Neck road. This was con- tinued several years, and gave employment to quite a num- ber of workmen. The copper pump factory of Stratton & Eager, now Eager & Rice, in South Lancaster, has been for years, and is now in prosperous condition.
The late Mr. Cobb began the pocket-book making business as early as 1835. In 1852 George A. Johnson entered into the business. He became sole proprietor in 1866, and continued the business in the large building now occupied as a dwelling by several families, till 1875.
The making of brick was begun, it is believed, soon after the rebuilding of the town, in the latter part of the seven- teenth century. This was at the Whiting place. The Phelps family had a brick-yard not far east from the railroad at Lane's crossing. Jonas Lane owned the property many years. Hol- lis Eaton held it a short time, and then sold to the present proprietor, S. R. Damon. The works have been much en- larged in late years.
Back of Jacob Willard's in the northeast section of the town, was a brick-yard worked by Aaron Johnson, in ancient
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BRICK-KILNS. - PRINTING.
times. Robert Townsend made bricks at the old clay pit on the land of Emery White, before this century came in, and with them built the old Lancaster House, or Hotel Lancaster.
The Burbank brick-works, in the low lands between the house and Pine hill, were in full operation sixty or seventy years since, if not earlier. The first superior bricks were made at this place. The Brick church was constructed of materials obtained from the Burbank brick-kiln. The walls of this ancient meeting-house show no marks of the corrod- ing tooth of time. The Burbank clay-pit has not been work- ed for many years.
Mechanical business seems at present to be centred mainly in South Lancaster, where the tin-shop of Leander Rowell, and the blacksmithing and carriage-making establishments of George W. Wellington and S. H. Turner give some life to the place. Among the carpenters have been Samuel A. Hastings, Stedman Nourse and Arba Estey.
Mention should also be made of the mill of the Willard brothers, at which apples are converted into cider, vinegar, boiled cider and jelly, in great quantity. The latest enter- prise of any magnitude is the hennery of Arthur Hawkins, where eggs, chickens and hens are counted by thousands. The above is a hasty glance at the business of Lancaster. It does not claim to be complete, and must be accepted with all its imperfection. Of course, the great pursuit, in every gen- eration, has been the cultivation of the soil.
PRINTING AND ENGRAVING.
Mention has already been made of the Lancaster Gazette which was published in 1828-30. This paper was connected with a large printing and publishing establishment, which brought much business and many people to the town. One who learned his trade in the printing office, states that as many as four or five hundred were connected, in some way, with the different branches of the business. The following items are furnished by a person who was employed here,
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on- pt. he's Fre by ear rd- ad er ng on to
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
when the enterprise was in full blast. "I do not remember with sufficient distinctness to specify any maps which were printed at Lancaster during the years 1830-4, the period of my stay in the town." It is known, however, that maps in great numbers were made, colored and mounted here and were sent out into different parts of the country. The writer, Mr. P. A. Ramsey, proceeds : "We had a copperplate printing establishment, but I think it was chiefly employed on illus- trated plates for works printed in Boston. Mr. Joseph Andrews, and one or two other persons were engaged in copper and steel plate engraving, but I cannot certainly say what works they produced, except a steel plate of Swedenborg, etc.
" In the printing department we had several editions of the Child's Botany, and of the Girls' Own Book, by Mrs. Lydia Maria Child. Also, one or two editions of Paxton's Anatomy, edited by Dr. Winslow Lewis, of Boston. These two last mentioned works were fully illustrated by wood-cuts engraved at Lancaster. Up to this time there had been only the most indifferent wood-cut engraving in this country, and the Girls' Own Book, the engravings for which were made by Mr. Hall, was doubtless the harbinger of the new order of wood engraving which since that day has been the chief attraction in so many American books. Besides these three works, the Lancaster Press, so far as I can remember, was- chiefly employed on the various and then highly popular works of Peter Parley, a History of the United States, and some standard school-books. It should be borne in mind that all our printing at that time was done upon hand presses.
" Besides the printing establishment, there was a stereotype foundry in operation in 1833-4. Besides some smaller works. stereotyped here, two large ones were undertaken : The En- cyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, and the Comprehensive Commentary. The latter is in several [five] large octavo volumes. Connected with this department, there was also a type foundry for the manufacture of movable types. We had a book-bindery, of course, without which the book
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PRINTING. - BANKS.
manufacturing establishment at Lancaster would not have been complete. The stereotyping department was removed to Boston in the fall of 1834, by Messrs. Shepard, Oliver & Co., to whom it had been transferred."
The Gazette already referred to, was published by F. & J. Andrews. The first number was dated "Tuesday Evening, March 4, 1828." In this number, is found an advertisement of H. & G. Carter, booksellers. Their store had quite a large assortment of valuable works, not only for schools, but for professional men, and for general readers.
F. & J. Andrews were succeeded by Carter & Andrews, in the business of publication. During the term of its ex- istence, this establishment was among the leading enterprises of the country, in the line of type-founding, printing, engrav- ing, illustrating, binding and publishing works for the press. The Comprehensive Commentary was an immense work, pub- lished by Fessenden & Co., of Brattleboro', Vt., but it seems that much of the work was done in Lancaster. The Encyclo- pædia of Religious Knowledge was another work, containing the learning of the time on religious subjects. The smaller books, like those of Mrs. Child and Peter Parley, would do credit to any publishing house. The valuable work entitled " General Register of the First Settlers of New England," by John Farmer, was another issue of the Lancaster press.
BANKS AND RAILROADS .- These are facilities to business, and will be noted under this general division. The Lancaster Bank was established in 1836, with a capital of $100,000. The capital was increased at different times till it amounted to $200,000. The first president was James G. Carter. In a few years he was succeeded by Jacob Fisher who continued in office till 1874, when he resigned and George W. Howe was chosen. The cashiers have been Norman T. Leonard, G. R. M. Withington, Caleb T. Symmes and William H. Mc- Neil. Mr. Symmes held the position about thirty years, from 1843 to 1874, when he resigned. Spencer R. Merrick was assistant cashier from 1874 to 1878. The title of the bank
39
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
was changed under the national bank law to Lancaster Na- tional Bank. A profitable business was done by this institu- tion, and during several years after the rebellion, dividends of five and six per cent. were paid semi-annually. A large surplus had accumulated. By the stringency of the times following the " panic " of 1873, the bank met with losses, but the stock sells at par, and now dividends are regularly paid. The capital stock has been reduced to $100,000.
The Lancaster Savings Bank was organized in 1845, and continued in operation till 1876, when it was put into the hands of receivers, owing to heavy losses, by the shrinkage of real property and the failure of debtors. At one time the deposits amounted to about $1,000,000. Fifty per cent. of the deposits have already been paid, and it is expected that the depositors will receive one or more additional installments. The presidents have been, Henry Wilder and Caleb T. Symmes, and the treasurers, Caleb T. Symmes and William H. McNeil.
The Worcester and Nashua railroad was opened in 1849, and has furnished ready connections with all parts of the country. Three or four trains run to Worcester, Lowell and Boston, daily, and via Clinton, the means of reaching Boston and Fitchburg are doubled. The Lancaster railroad, extend- ing from South Lancaster to Hudson, on the way to Boston, was built several years since, but has never been operated. It is hoped that this road may yet become the most ready and short means of transit to Boston.
MUTUAL BENEFIT, PATRIOTIC AND MORAL REFORM SOCIETIES.
The earliest society in Lancaster, of which we have rec- ord, was the Young Men's Religious Association, formed in the first year of Mr. Harrington's pastorate. This has been noticed already. This was a strictly religious society, and seems to have ante-dated by a century the Young Men's Christian Associations of the present time. Passing this, the
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MASONIC LODGE.
first mutual benefit society was formed January 30, 1778. This was a masonic institution, styled
TRINITY LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. The following facts in relation to it have been furnished by the editor of the Clinton Courant, Mr. William E. Parkhurst. It appears that Patrick, Earl of Dumfries, was the head of the grand lodge of free and accepted masons of the kingdom of Scotland, by which body Gen. Joseph Warren, afterwards killed at Bunker hill, was appointed provincial grand-master over the lodges in Boston, in 1772. Joseph Webb followed him as worshipful master in March, 1777. The charter of " Old Trinity Lodge No. 6," of free and accepted masons, was signed by grand-master, Joseph Webb, senior grand-war- den, Samuel Barrett, and junior grand-warden, Paul Revere. This document is " preserved with zealous care." The char- ter members were Michael Newell, Edmund Heard, James Wilder, Jonas Prescott and Richard P. Bridge. The lodge had "communications " on the first Tuesday evening of each month. The meetings were held, for a time in the tavern hall at North Village, and later in a room fitted for the pur- pose in the hotel in the Center.
Curiosity may be gratified by seeing the names of the offi- cers in 1800. Worshipful master, Amos Johnson; senior warden, Eli Stearns; junior warden, Jacob Fisher ; secre- tary, Abel Atherton ; treasurer, Jonas Lane; deacons, Ed- ward Gordon and Oliver Pollard; stewards, John Ballard and Solomon Carter ; tyler, John Moor. The lodge in com- mon with the people throughout the country celebrated the birth of Washington, February 22, when the masons in Lan- caster listened to a discourse, in the meeting-house, by Rev. Nathaniel Thayer, " delineating in a comprehensive manner, the virtues and excellencies of the deceased, and enjoining on the brethren to imitate as much as possible his great and unequalled virtues."
Here follows a partial list of the grand-masters. Michael Newell, Edmund Heard, Isaiah Thomas, Timothy Whiting, jr.,
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
Ephraim Carter, Abijah Wyman, John Maynard, Abraham Haskell, Moses Thomas, Amos Johnson, Joel Pratt, John G. Thurston, Luke Bigelow, Calvin Carter, M. D. The secretaries for many years were Josiah Flagg and Jacob Fisher.
All the members of Old Trinity Lodge are now deceas- ed except Nathaniel Wilder, of Rockford, Ill., and Horace Faulkner, of Groton. In 1832, the anti-masonic excitement being very high, the lodge suspended work. It is said that it was not safe for masons "to appear on Lancaster streets after dark, and for twenty years the jewels and furniture of the lodge were stowed away in a place known only to two or three trusty members."
The Morning Star Lodge of Worcester, the Wilder of Leominster, the Farmers of Sterling and the Princeton Lodge were colonies from Old Trinity. The two last are extinct. The legitimate successor of Old Trinity is Trinity Lodge of Clinton, "which was chartered in 1858, and is in a flourish- ing condition." It inherits the " honors, records and relics " of the ancient lodge.
LANCASTER LODGE OF ODD FELLOWS was instituted many years since. Its meetings were in "Odd Fellows Hall " in South Lancaster. It still "exists under the same name in Clinton."
THE WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETY of Lancaster and Sterling, was instituted November 23, 1812. Silas Holman was president, and Isaac Goodwin secretary. This seems to have been an association formed for the purpose of maintain- ing the principles of Washington, with a benevolent design as subsidiary. It had public meetings and addresses. The oration in 1815, on the birthday of Washington, was by Ste- phen Bemis, and clearly held up the character, the personal example and the principles of the "father of his country " for imitation and guidance. Probably the society was form- ed partly for the purpose of promoting the interests of the federal party. One short paragraph from Mr. Bemis' address
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FIRST TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.
is in these words. "To give currency to your principles, and success to your exertions for so laudable an object, you will perceive the importance of imitating the piety and the virtues of Washington. Like him, you will revere a governing Providence, and cherish religion and morality as the basis of public happiness." The society published a lit- tle volume, in 1813, containing the Farewell Address of Washington, the Constitution of the United States with the Amendments to that time, and the Declaration of Independ- ence. Following the title page was a form of Certificate of membership.
LANCASTER SOCIETY FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF INTEMPER- ANCE. - This society was organized, January 21, 1833, by the adoption of a Constitution, and the choice of the follow- ing officers. William Townsend, president ; Peter Osgood, Stewart Hastings, vice-presidents ; L. D. Sawyer, secretary and treasurer; William Fletcher, William Toombs, Joseph Breck, C. C. Lyman, Nathaniel Lyman, directors. The pre- amble recognises the alarming prevalence of the evils of in- temperance, and the solemn duty of all to combine for its suppression. The first article of the constitution is in these words : "all persons who subscribe this constitution shall be considered as thereby pledging their honor that they will totally abstain from the use of ardent spirits, as drink, ex- cept as a medicine when prescribed by a temperate physician, and that they will not offer it to others either as a token of hospitality, as a refreshment, or as an aid to labor."
The next meeting was held on the twenty-sixth of Feb- ruary, when an address was delivered by Rev. Nathaniel Thayer, D. D. In September a committee of twelve was chosen "to visit the different school districts in town, to solicit individuals to sign the temperance pledge."
A meeting was held, January 1, 1834, when the pledge was put into another form. The signers agreed that they would "not use distilled spirits as drink, nor provide it as an article of refreshment for their friends, nor for persons
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
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in their employment ; that they will not engage in the manu- facture of ardent spirits, nor traffic in the same, and that in all suitable ways they will discountenance its use in the com- munity." If any member violated the pledge, his name was to be stricken from the roll by the executive committee.
The society seems to have been active and efficient, so far as their pledge extended. They held many meetings, had addresses from able men, circulated temperance journals and pamphlets, and sent delegates to county and state conven- tions. In 1836 addresses were given by Rev. John Pierpont, of Boston, and Rev. Mr. Rogers, then of Townsend.
The friends of temperance appear to have continued in this organization nearly twenty years, though but little was done by the society during the latter half of the time. As many as three hundred and fifty signed the pledge.
This was succeeded by other societies, and the good work has been prosecuted, with varying fortunes to the present time. All the phases of the temperance reformation have been exhibited here, and there can be no rational doubt that the evils of intemperance have been diminished. The influence of the church and the ministry has been in favor of total ab- stinence, as it was soon found that the use of any quantity of intoxicating drink as a beverage was inconsistent with a true temperance pledge. Many were reclaimed from intem- perate habits, by the Washingtonian movement ; many were saved from becoming intemperate by " bands of hope," which embodied the children and youth into efficient though tem- porary organizations. The last meeting of the old society which was recorded, bears the date of January, 1842.
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