History of the town of Milford, Worcester county, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1881, Part 49

Author: Ballou, Adin, 1803-1890
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Boston : Rand, Avery, & co.
Number of Pages: 1328

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > History of the town of Milford, Worcester county, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1881 > Part 49

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Here and there one in those days was privileged to acquire a liberal education, or a partial academic one ; but many of the enterprising first settlers could not write their own names, and had to make their mark in subscribing legal documents. And there were men of strong natural ability, holding responsible official trusts, down to and through the Revolutionary War, who had to borrow the skill of the better educated in casting interest, and making out problems in the rule of three. This detracts nothing from the just respect due them for solid worth. It only impresses us with a keener sense of the intellectual progress from their times to our own.

I believe that I ought to mention one gentleman, whose name I did-

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not at first recall, - Gideon Albee, - a natural mathematician, who could carry any problem in his head, almost, and could beat all schoolmasters for many miles around.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.

When we reach the commencement of the centennial period, whose glorious completion we this day celebrate, Milford was still a mere parochial precinct, with less than seven hundred inhabitants. They had thus far multiplied by natural increase and influx from the older colonial settlements. They inhabited comparatively lowly dwellings, situated here and there on more than fifty legally laid town-roads, ways, and bridle-paths. Most of these were crooked and cheaply- constructed thread-lines of communication. The main thoroughfare through our centre was known, in early days, as "the Sherborn road." It led from Mendon Town to Holliston, originally a part of Sherborn, and was a rustic bridle and cart path long before being sanctioned as a regular public highway. It will astonish the present generation to be told the fact, that down to 1800 there were not above twenty-five residences on this Sherborn road, from Mendon line to that of Holliston. Yet it has always been the most populous road within our nearly nineteen square miles of territory.

The inhabitants generally subsisted, before the Revolution and for years afterwards, mainly on the products of their diligent husbandry. There were only a few mechanical craftsmen pursuing their respective avocations, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, tanners, shoemakers, tailors, clothiers, etc. Manufactures were so primitive and crnde, that smart wags of neighboring localities contemptuously nicknamed the " Easterly Precinct " Broomshire; implying that it throve by the manufacture and sale of splint brooms, wrought Indian-fashion from ash and birch saplings. But when they saw Capt. Samuel Warren raise thirty resolute minute-men, and march them well drilled to Rox- bury, before the sun had set on the bloody field of Lexington, most of whom served through the war; and that Dr. William Jennison, a chosen delegate to the famous Provincial Congress, was so fired with patriotism as to give the town of Mendon a brass field-piece, - even Broomshire commanded their respect ; for Milford never lacked mar- tial patriotism or physical enterprise. So its nickname soon fell into oblivion, and at length it outgrew its early superiors.

Here, then, we may briefly contrast our past with our present. One hundred years ago Milford was a small precinct, having a sparsely settled population of less than 700 souls; to-day it is a flourishing town, with almost 10,000 inhabitants. One hundred years

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ago it probably had about 110 families ; to-day it has 2,000 families. Then, perhaps, 100 dwelling-honses; now more than 1,500. Then not more than 150 legal voters ; now over 2,000. Then not over 150 ratable polls ; now more than 2,600. Then a valuation probably not exceeding $350,000; now one of over $5,000,000. Then little or no public schooling ; now almost 2,400 children and youth liberally provided for in schools of higher and lower grade, at an annual ex- pense of over $23,000. Milford reports an investment in schoolhouses of $64,300. It has over a dozen, several of them, beginning with the high-school edifice, eminently substantial and commodious. These significantly confront the cipher of a hundred years ago.

SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.

The town supports one high school, with an accomplished principal and two competent lady assistants ; six grammar schools, in charge of select principal and assistant lady teachers to the number of fifteen ; six district schools, each conducted by a capable mistress ; and no less than thirteen primaries, under some seventeen instructresses. These privileges of onr rising generation are surmounted by an ample and expanding town-library. How overwhelming the contrast between these advantages and the pitiable ones of departed parental genera- tions !

One hundred years ago our little body politic had one church edi- fice, 40 feet long by 35 in width, with 18-feet posts ; which, down to 1819, served as its precinct and town hall. Now we have six sacred structures, the humblest of them far transcending the old sanctuary, and one of them rising almost to the dignity of a cathe- dral. Meantime, this spacious hall has succeeded its humbler prede- cessor, and now affords respectable accommodations, not only for the convenience of civil affairs, but multiform assemblies of every de- scription.

One hundred years ago our poor were let out, either at public auction to be kept by the lowest bidder, or distributed by official arrangement among mercenary care-takers who could promise the cheapest decent treatment. Now they have a spacious and comforta- ble asylum, under an excellent superintendent and kind matron, where they are better provided for than many who boast a home of their own.

RAPID TRANSIT.

Shall I refer to our three railroads, whose snorting steam-horses take us to Boston, Worcester, or Providence in less time than for-

J.F. Euton

The Heliotype Printing Co Boston

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MR. BALLOU'S ADDRESS.

merly we could ride a few miles into the neighboring towns? Our ancestors were happy to foot it over hill and through dale, wherever occasion called, or to ride on horseback, single or double, or, rising in the scale of luxury, to enjoy conveyances in their memorable springless, hard-jolting, open wagons. Later, the famous old square- top chaise awoke the envious admiration of non-possessors, and then the bellows-top, and so on to our present genteel vehicles. Herein and all about us we behold the strides of progress.

At the beginning of the century we had no post-office. There were but seventy-five in the Union. Old Mendon had one of these, and thence we received all our mail matter. But precious little there was of it, compared with the daily cart-load of letters, newspapers, magazines, books, pamphlets, etc., which now surfeits the reading appetite. In process of time an office was established at South Mil- ford, then one here in the Centre, and now we have three. In 1776 we had one newspaper in the county, -the old " Worcester Spy," --- and no other periodical, not even Thomas's Almanac once a year. Now we have a weekly " Journal " in our midst, far statelier than the early " Spy." And besides thousands of newspapers from all over the land, it is deluged with periodical publications of every description.

HOPEDALE.

In whatever direction we look we are reminded of astonishing changes and growths. There is the thriving little village of Hope- dale, not yet thirty-five years of age. Its fine waterfall, first utilized by a colony of beavers centuries ago, and later by the sawmill of the oldest Jones, had long run to waste when, in 1842, a human commu- nity, with beaver-like co-operation and industry, commenced the improvements which now command the admiration of beholders. That old farming district, with its four or five landholders and rural dwell- ings, was a respectable one from the beginning, yea, a historic one !

Thither came the stalwart and pious Elder Jones, closely followed by the enterprising Capt. Seth Chapin, about the year 1700, and hewed them out goodly homes in the wilderness. There dwelt their posterity, and the intermarrying Thwings and Nelsons, people of renown in our early chronicles. Give due credit to the beavers, if you please, who instinctively built the original dam and in it their phalanstery ; for they bequeathed a nice meadow to Elder Jones, who thence derived for his hungry cattle their first hay, - probably not the poor hog-grass of these days; rather the nutritious blue- joint of aboriginal times. But however you antedate the more con- spicuous recent improvements, a remarkable progress distinguishes

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that section of our town. More striking indeed is it here in the Centre. Hither came Benjamin Godfrey, trader, and Pearley Hunt, and John Claflin, jun., also traders. Between 1790 and 1800 they began their career with penny-like capital, but made their mark and flourished. They rendered Milford, even then, a popular mart for a considerable surrounding region. Nowhere out of Boston and Provi- dence could such a variety of articles be bought and sold, whether heavy agricultural produce, groceries, or curious knick-knacks and notions. As we saunter up and down these sidewalks, glancing into elegant stores, kept in stately structures, we wonder how the Mil- fordians of former generations could be proud of two or three clut- tered trading shops, and the comparatively rustic enterprise of their proprietors. But, really, it was more to them than the grander pres- ent is to us : they enjoyed it with a keener relish. Nevertheless, the upward march has been wonderful.

We gaze at half a score of commodious boot manufactories, and can hardly realize, what the oldest of us well remember, that little more than a half-century ago the founders of this great manufacture here carried on their business in petty one-story cribs, twelve by sixteen feet in dimensions, or in contracted apartments of ordinary dwelling-houses ; and it amazes us to be told that such men as Arial Bragg, Rufus Chapin, Lee Claflin, and others, commenced their career by peddling, even partly on foot, their shoes and boots in single pairs and half-dozens. But such were the facts ; and those men were thought " mighty smart " in comparison with the mere primitive cord- wainers, who, like the tailors, carried their "kits" once or twice a year from house to house, far and wide.

MODERN COMFORTS.

Well, we look up at the telegraph-poles, and lo ! their wires offer to dart our messages, for a few dimes, with lightning celerity, to far distant cities. No ancestral dreamer ever conjured up such a prodigy. The coal of the Alleghanies, glowing in our stoves all through the wintry months, politely asks us to think of the huge stone chimneys, yawning fireplaces, monstrous backlogs, and blazing wood-piles of our great-grandparents. And what says the brilliant gas that illu- minates our houses and streets ? It discourses eloquently to the more elderly of us concerning pine-knots, lard saucer-lamps with rag wicks, tallow candles, and their more respectable whale-oil successors. At the same time our dulcet instruments of music bid us not forget the hum of the old superseded spinning-wheels. Finally, we turn to the sombre vale of death. We enter the house of mourning. There we

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behold the artistic casket of the dead, decorated with wreaths and bouquets of flowers. We gaze on the elegant and costly hearse, drawn by a splendid span. We move in procession to Pine Grove or Vernon Grove. There we glance at the monuments of the wealthy departed, those polished shafts of American granite and far-fetched Italian marble. Then the dim shades of our forefathers seem to whis- per in the breeze, " Such were not our coffins, our burials, our last earthly resting-places !" No, indeed, ye reverend ancestors ! Riches have increased, fashions have changed, and luxuries have multiplied, even in the valley of death. They respond with no bitter reproaches ; but methinks I hear them say, " Please yourselves ; yet remember you are soon to join us in a world where there is no wealth or poverty, save those of mind and moral character." Let us accept their admo- nition, and profit by it.

I must refrain from the multitude of reminiscences and reflections which throng around me for utterance, but I cannot repress the few whose theme is moral progress. I have dwelt chiefly on physical, pecuniary, political, and intellectual advancements. These, indeed, have been most prominent and striking. " Yes," says the lugubrious critic, " and behold ! the world is growing worse every year, more extravagant, vain, dishonest, rascally, and profligate !" Are we sure of this? I prefer the ancient exhortation, "Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this." Howbeit, I have no time to argue. I grant that the world is deplorably bad, at best, and that our own town is no exception ; yet have we no moral progress on our record to rejoice in? What was the public sentiment of this town thirty-five years ago, when the apostles of anti-slavery rung out their first clarion notes here? Contemptuously pro-slavery ! What is it now? The very reverse. What were the temperance doctrines, customs, and habits of our population less than fifty years since? Universally lax and demoralizing, even inside of our religious organ- izations. Has there been no reformation? Alas, that its triumphs are still. incipient ! but by resolute and persistent efforts, its friends have achieved incalculable good. Multitudes rejoice in its march of salvation, and have become its pledged promoters. Shall we account all this as nothing ?

Even the proud barbarism of war, whose life-lease on the blood, treasure, and devotion of civilization boasts of centuries yet to run, has been partially meliorated, and forewarned to vacate its long undis- puted tenancy. Milford has had its heralds of Peace, few indeed, but resolute, crying, " Prepare ye the way of the Lord," and re-echoing

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the ancient prophecy, " He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people ; and they shall beat their swords into plough- shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks ; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

Small and imperfect as our moral progress has been in this com- munity, it deserves creditable recognition, at least as the beginning and preparation of noble ultimates. Low as we may stand in the scale, I am sure that our religion, philanthropy, charity, and morality, · viewed in all their bearings, will compare favorably with those of de- parted generations. But granting the worst and utmost delinquency that can justly be alleged, what is to be done about it? Are we to content ourselves with effeminate wailings or cynic sneers over the moral degeneracy of our age, and dolorous glorifications of departed virtues? For what remedies do we sigh? Nostrums of hard neces- sity and privation, such as our forefathers had to endure? Must we go back to their coarse diet, dress, lodgings, and general regimen, - ay, and to their schoolless destitution and unkempt religionism, - in order to be holy? I think not. Let us emulate their real vir- tues, their fidelity to their light and privileges, and their indomitable energy in overcoming the difficulties of their lot.

They exterminated the wolves and rattlesnakes that infested this territory, and turned its rugged forests into fruitful fields. Be it ours to subdue our own wild animal natures, -the ravenous lusts and venomous propensities and crude passious of the carnal man. Let us dwell less in the basement, and more in the upper story of our natures. If we cannot wholly shun or remove the temptations which are incident to material, intellectual, political, and social progress, let us manfully resolve to overcome them by the cross of rational and Christian self-denial. Herein lies the remedy for the present threaten- ing distempers of our whole nation.

THE INDISPENSABLE REMEDY.

To be mighty, and yet meek ; rich, and yet not luxuriously effemi- nate ; learned, and yet not pedantic ; enterprising, and yet just to all ; devotees of liberty, without licentiousness ; custodians of reve- nue, with 'scrupulous fingers ; plenteous in resources of pleasure, yet abstemiously tempcrate ; industrious, plain livers, in defiance of evil fashions ; humbly uscful, yet self-respecting ; patriotic, without blus- ter ; philanthropic, without puffation ; compassionate to the suffering classes, without encouraging their vices; reformatory in all direc- tions, and yet studiously conservative of every ancient good ; re- ligious, without superstition or bigotry ; liberal in faith and practice,

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without nothingarian laxity; and, finally, righteous, without being self-righteous ; children of the All-Father, and sympathizing fellow- members of the great human family.

CONCLUSION.

This is the sublime march of moral progress that opens before us. It comes next in order to the splendid material, intellectual, and political progress we this day celebrate. Say not it is impos- sible, unattainable. I tell you it is the will of God, -our duty, our privilege, our destiny. Therefore, let us gird up the loins of solemn resolve, of reason, faith, hope, and charity. Our fathers were the heroes of the past; let us be the moral heroes of the coming age. Let gratitude and sense of responsibility inflame our ambition to achieve a glorious and God-approved future.

Thus, Time's appointed fulness shall unfold The wondrous scenes by ancient seers foretold; Which reverend bards in sacred song declare, And all the saints have sought in prayer. Our world by Christ-like righteousness renewed, All hearts with love and peace imbued, And God's sweet will, with holy gladness done, By heaven and earth in choral anthem one.

The oration occupied forty-two minutes, and received the closest attention of the audience during its delivery. At its close, the ven- erable speaker was enthusiastically cheered. Rev. J. B. Robinson pronounced the benediction, and the meeting adjourned from the hall. The procession was re-formed at the town-hall, consisting of -

Police Escort. Chief Marshal and Aids. Cavalcade. Fitchburg Cornet Band. Mayhew Guards. Hibernian Band. Carriages.

The line was up Pearl St., Walnut St., down Congress, St., to the park.

ON THE PARK.

DINNER IN THE TENT. - THE TOASTS. - PLAYING BALL. - ATHLETIC CHAMPIONS. - IMMENSE CROWDS PRESENT.

The Yale tent, located near the Congress St. side of the town- park, was supported by four centre poles, and had a seating capacity

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of one thousand persons. It was placed in position on Saturday ; and from that time until open to the public, was visited by very many curiosity-seekers. The culinary department occupied a tempo- rary building just east of the tent, and proved itself capable of satis- fying the hungry processionists who were present.

A new and permanent band-stand was also erected in the park, paid for by citizens about there. The grass being trimmed down, and free rein given to the boys to amuse themselves, the grounds were the great rendezvous of the juveniles ; and the cracking and whizzing of the festive fire-crackers, and other amateur pyrotechnics, were continuously heard from early morn until the before-mentioned juveniles were safely tucked in their little beds, "tired 'most to death," and dreaming of our next centennial.

Arrived at the tent, Rev. P. M. Vinton asked divine blessing ; and dinner was then partaken of by four hundred or more persons, and was a repast not calculated to reflect discredit upon the caterer, S. Mathewson. Clams and clam-chowder, cold meats, vegetables, pastry, tea and coffee, comprised the bill of fare.

After dinner the double quartet sang Millard's "National Song," and the Fitchburg Band played a patriotic piece. President Mayhew then announced the following

REGULAR TOASTS.

1. Our Centennial Birthday. It dawns on a race of freemen forty- four millions strong, as thrifty, intelligent, and happy as the sun in its course shines upon.

" God bless our native land."

" Hail Columbia," by the Fitchburg Band. .

Responded to by A. A. Putnam, Esq., of Blackstone.

2. The President of the United States. Borne into power as the great captain of the age; the hero of Donaldson, Vicksburg, and Appomattox ; for eight years he has fostered peace instead of war, and at the end of his time he will lay down his high office with the submission of the humblest civilian.

By Gen. A. B. Underwood.

3. God Save the Queen may rouse an Englishman, St. Patrick's Day in the Morning an Irishman, The Watch on the Rhine a Ger- man, and The Marseillaise a Frenchman ; but to stir the blood of an American, give us

" The star-spangled banner, O long may it wave

O'er the land of the free And the home of the brave!"

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PROCEEDINGS ON THE PARK.

By choral and instrumental music.

4. The Mayflower and its results. The life of a nation is the life of its individuals.

By Silas W. Hale, Esq.

5. Ireland and the Irish. She counts among her great men of the past century, Burke, Grattan, Sheridan, Phillips, Curran, and O'Con- nell. The world can boast no brighter names to adorn her history.

By Rev. William H. Lhoyd.

6. The First " Declaration of Independence," at Concord Bridge, April 19, 1775, by Capt. Davis and his minute-men ; defended there by their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

By George G. Parker, Esq.

7. Woman. Never so charming as when she surrenders her inde- pendence.

By W. H. Cook. "Our Fatherland," by the Ladies' Quartet.

The gentlemen of the double quartet were somewhat surprised by the ladies being called upon to respond by music to this toast.

8. The War Record of the United States. The war of the Revolu- tion gave her independence ; the war of 1812 gave her free ships and sailors' rights ; the war of the Rebellion gave her emancipation. Vic- torious always, she loves peace better than war ; but in defence of her rights, let the eagle scream.

By Rev. Merrill Richardson.

9. The Treaty of Washington. The greatest diplomatic achieve- ment of the century. Under its provisions sat the most august tri- bunal of the world to try the cause of the United States against Great Britain. The verdict was for the plaintiff; the judgment a fine of $15,000,000, which the defendants promptly paid. It made universal peace possible.

By George H. Ball, Esq., of Worcester.

10. The Mother Country. We forced her to surrender our inde- pendence, but she won't surrender our rogues. Let her keep them all.

By A. E. Wilson, Kentucky.

11. Our Mother Town of Mendon. With true filial affection we honor our ancestors.

" Red, White, and Blue," by the Hibernian Band.

12. Our Patriarchal Guests. "Venerable men! You have come down to us from a former generation."

By music by the Fitchburg Band.

13. The American System of Common Schools. - The bulwark of civil liberty.

By Rev. J. T. Canavan.

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HISTORY OF MILFORD.

14. Our Beloved Republic. - A government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It must not perish from the earth.

By Rev. G. W. Stacy. "Sword of Liberty," by Masonic Quar- tet.

The toasts were interspersed with music by the band, singing, and firing of cannon. Each toast, and its response, was heartily and enthusiastically applauded.

President Mayhew and Toast-master Kent announced the several toasts, adding some facetious and pleasing personal remarks as they introduced the speakers.

At the close of the toasts the Fitchburg Band rendered some good music, and the meeting was concluded.

Mr. Mathewson announced that the tables were free to all who , wished to partake of what remained, and many availed themselves of the privilege.

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT.

BAND CONCERT. - DAZZLING DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS. - A BRILLIANT ENDING OF INDEPENDENCE DAY.

At an early hour people began to return to the park, and soon it put on its populous appearance of the afternoon. The peddlers of peanuts vociferated, the cannon roared, the festive fire-cracker snapped, and the hard-hearted small boy with his excruciating tin horn was on hand; carriages and pedestrians mingled in confusion, and not pleasantly, - at least not for those on foot, who were con- tinually in imminent danger of being run over by the teams.

Never before was there such a brilliant display of fireworks in town ; the twenty-one pieces being very worthy of special notice, which we have not the space to give. P. M. Hunt had the charge of this fea- ture, and himself and assistants deserve credit for the able manner in which they performed their duty. The following comprises the pro- gramme of the -

FIREWORKS.

1. Salute.

2. Fire-balloon ascension.

12. Shield of love.

3. Rockets and Roman candles.

13. Bengolas.

4. Polka batteries.

14. Floral wheel.

5. Floral shell.

15. Flower-pot.

16. Chinese cross.

6. Double mine.

7. Chinese brilliant.

8. Gallopade.

9. Cross of Malta.

10. Saturn and satellite.

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History of the town of Milford, Worcester county, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1881, Part 49

Author: Ballou, Adin, 1803-1890 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Boston : Rand, Avery, & co. Number of Pages: 1328

Author: Ballou, Adin, 1803-1890
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Boston : Rand, Avery, & co.
Number of Pages: 1328