USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Princeton > History of the town of Princeton in the county of Worcester and commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1759-1915, Volume I > Part 28
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Joseph Gibbs
1769, 1770.
James Mirick
1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773.
Eph. Woolson
Wm. Thomson & Boaz Moore may have been in 1766.
Joseph Phelps
1771, 1772, 1773, 1776.
Robert Cowdin
1771, 1772, 1773.
William Richardson
1773, 1776, 1779, 1787, 1788.
Caleb Mirick
1773, 1776, 1779. Mr. Mirick had a bill of £45 for entertainment furnished at the sale of Timothy Ruggles estate which was con- fiscated by the Government.
Josiah Davis
1779.
Abraham Gale
1780 & 1783.
Thomas Parker
1779.
William Dodd
1779.
Michael Gill
1784.
Eben™ Parker
1788.
John Russell
1787, 1788, 1791, 1792.
Jonas Beaman
1785, 1787, 1788.
Amos Gale
1785.
David Rice
1795.
Caleb Mirick
1791, 1792.
Some of these were licensed as "Retailers".
The first public house for "entertainment of man & beast" was that of Joshua Wilder to whom a plot of land was granted by the Court in 1742 upon the condition of erection of such a house. This was on the road between Lancaster and Barre and the towns north and west, - the highway to Petersham the newly formed town.
Mr. Wilder kept the tavern here for several years perhaps until about 1762 when he disposed of the place to Benjamin Houghton and it has re- mained in the possession of his descendents until the present day. There is no evidence that Mr. Houghton kept a public house.
Abijah Moore purchased in (1748?) the estate on the Sterling road known as the Major J. A. Reed place near Russell's and before 1750 opened tavern.
In this house the first meeting of the district was held and the first public religious service. In 1765 Mr. Moore sold to Joseph Sargent, whose license is above recorded. He was licensed down to 1780 and perhaps later and died 1797.
Dr. Z. Harvey who seemed willing to take any office in the town was licensed in 1760 as an Innholder. He lived at that time on the Ebenezer Parker place, and Mr. Parker is recorded as entertaining the public in 1788.
Thomas Parker perhaps in 1779 took it of Dr. Harvey.
Wm. Thompson who lived in the west part near Hubbardston in 1766 (Lincoln place west of Warren Griffins) and
Boaz Moore in lot No. 32 in west part, both licensed
357
Miscellany
Joseph Gibbs the elder 1769 & 70 possibly in #30, and this is probably the same spot where Lieut. Abraham Gale of Shays Rebellion fame dis- pensed food and drink in 1785.
James Mirick lived in #4 of Rutland East Wing, perhaps where G. O. Skinner now lives, licensed 1769-73, perhaps taking part of the business formerly given Col. Sargent on that highway. (Capt. of a Company in Revolution and died in Boston 1775.)
Ephraim Woolson one of the early physicians and probably the only one at time was licensed 1770-71 (See deeds 41/56 and my plan) He lived between Gibbs and the place where line of "B" crosses the road back of Library. The lot extended to the Wachusett House (Gleason place). Dr. Woolson afterwards lived near G. O. Skinner's (the Boyle place).
Joseph Phelps whose whereabouts are not determined 1771-6.
Robert Cowdin in lot #27? 1771-73 (or lot south of #27).
William Richardson between D. H. Gregory's and Wilder's 1773-76-77 1787, 1788.
Caleb Mirick early kept tavern in his house. No license until 1773 but his place is referred to in town books earlier?
Son Caleb followed him and house discontinued about 1816.
Caleb Mirick said to have given up keeping tavern selling and drinking rum 1818 to 1821. Cut down his sign post.
Josiah Davis in 1779 he lived on the road to Rutland now owned by Goddard (near Capt. Davis').
Wm. Dodd on road to Westminster 1779 &c.
Michael Gill 1784 and later but no record of his abiding place. He moved from place to place in later years, once living where Silas Fay did (Kenney).
John Russell (and later son Charles) on N. E. corner Sterling road and lower Westminster road, house now standing. Charles took it 1824 (Albert C. Howe says the first traveling Buffalo was entertained here).
Cyrus Smith before 1824. Estabrook's place. Washington Estabrooks. Jonas Beaman 1785-8 old Beaman place.
Amos Gale in #20 on Capt. John Jones' place.
David Rice near Hubbardston line.
Dr. Eph. Wilson-Grimes house. Dr. Bagg bought of Wilson but did not entertain.
Peter Richardson took it about 1825, then 1832 Col. Moses Gill, then Aaron Flowers in 1833.
Capt. Edw. Goodnow did not keep tavern until about 1824 in the old house.
Prospect House, -
I. F. Thompson 1861. Geo. L. Bliss 1874. W. C. Davis 1883-1901. Several parties 1901-1913 H. C. Braman 1913 -
Summit House, -
Wm. G. Morse. Gilbert Derby (of Fitchburg).
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History of Princeton
Wachusett House,
Page
1822.
Cyrus Smith
1824
Joseph Davis I826
Major Lamb
1833 to 1835
Ivory Wilder
1835-38
Josiah D. Howe
1838.
Miranda Page
1841
William Clifford
1843
Samuel Carr
1845
Old house moved off and new one built by John Brooks opened in 1849 by M. Marsh
John Brooks, Jr. till 1854
James Boyd
1854 to 1856
John Brooks, Jr
1856-57.
P. A. Beaman & I. F. Thompson 1857-59.
I. F. Thompson
1859-60.
P. A. Beaman bought in
1860
(Notes by late Albert C. Howe in 1906.)
Old Stores. The first store building in Princeton was built by Wm. Richardson, with a tenement in the rear for the family. It stood on the Common between the present D. H. Gregory store and Ivory Wilder's (now Daniel Davis') but nearer the Gregory's. Mr. Richardson died in 1814 and W. N. Boylston bought all the land on the Common to the top of Meetinghouse Hill. About 1826 the building was moved to the site now owned by Daniel Davis.
In 1839 or 1840 Mr. Ivory Wilder bought the store building with the land on which it stood, but later tore it down and built the present house which was originally twice as large as now; a double house, with one tenement for himself and one for the minister, Rev. Willard M. Harding. Rev. Alfred Goldsmith succeeded him. It was later let to others.
The old store was used as such till about 1830. William Richardson from Lancaster built and occupied it until he died in 1814. Then Reuben Brooks, Broker John Brooks and Pynson Blake successively hired it until the latter moved into the building now owned by D. H. Gregory Co. He then took as a partner Jonas B. Allen.
359
Miscellany
This first old store was occupied for two or three years as a shoe manufactory and then used as a wheelwright shop by a man by the name of Russell. The tenement part was occupied by Fortunatus Buss and family. He was a shoemaker and was the last occupant.
The Gregory store was probably built by Gov. Gill, whose executors sold it to Rev. Mr. Murdock (fourth minister) who in turn sold it to Col. Jacob W. Watson. Luther Nash lived there for a while and afterwards it was let as a tenement until Mr. Pynson Blake bought it about 1830, removing from the old store and taking Mr. Allen into partnership.
D. H. Gregory next bought out the store in 1840 which has continued since in the Gregory name. (Mr. Boylston had the old store moved to the site now occupied by Daniel Davis.) Calvin Bullock of Royalston built the store building in the west village. He died in 1819.
Town Hay Scales. The first weighing machine or hay scales was a tall narrow building with the weighing appar- atus or scales in the top of the building. The team was driven under the building or scales and the load lifted or raised by chains attached to the wheels and raised by a windlass situated below to the beam of a large steelyard that weighed it by registering below near the windlass. The chains attached to the wheels after being lifted were attached or hung on to the steel yard (as we call it).
Market Wagons. Sometime in the early 20s Samuel Randall of this town began to run a market wagon to Boston. One horse and covered wagon. Later on he went with a two horse team. After a few years, he sold to Moses Copeland who sold to Willard Temple (all of Princeton). After running a short time he sold to Blake & Allen, who continued it until about 1840 when the line was discontinued. Blake and Allen put on a four horse team and carried great quantities of dressed veal, lamb, butter, and other farm produce, returning bringing goods for their store, etc .: Joel Hapgood drove a one horse market wagon to Boston in the 20s.
360
History of Princeton
About the year 1830, Ezra B. Keyes of Princeton ran a one horse market wagon to Boston for about two years.
About 1835 or 1836, Erasmus D. Goodnow & Co. of Princeton began to run a four horse market wagon. They too carried large quantities of farm products and brought back goods for their store and also leather for their shoe manufactory. They also transported their shoes to Boston. This team was run by different owners until about 1850 when it was discontinued.
In 1851 John A. Rice ran a market wagon to Boston one year, then sold to Henry Fairbanks who continued the business until about 1863.
From 1865 to 1870 John Adams of Princeton ran a one horse wagon to Worcester. He was succeeded by Levi H. Howe who continued for several years in the business, since which time there has been no regular market wagon from Princeton.
Stage Lines Through Princeton. The first Stage route through Princeton must have been established a little time subsequent to 1820, by a man by the name of Bassett. It ran from Royalston, through the towns of Gardner, Westminster, Princeton and West Boylston, to Worcester. It made but one trip a week. I think it never carried the U. S. mail; only passengers; but during the early part of its runs, it supplied subscribers on its route with the Massachusetts Spy, throwing it out at each house as it passed along. After running thus a few years the route was shortened, running only from Gardner to Worcester; always a small coach with two horses.
It continued to run until the opening of the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, through Gardner, the last pro- prietor and driver being John Edgell of Gardner. The second stage route through Princeton ran from Barre through the towns of Hubbardston, Princeton, Sterling, Lancaster, Bolton, Stowe, corner of Sudbury (near May- nard), corner of Lincoln, Weston, Waltham, Watertown, and Cambridgeport, to Boston.
The changes of horses were made at Princeton, Bolton
36I
Miscellany
and Lincoln, and stages were run upon this route until the completion of the railroad from Boston to Fitchburg. The first driver through Princeton, was Abel Lakin, and the last, Joe Maynard; they stopped to change mail at each Post Office of each town. This route was established about 1823.
The third route was established in 1849, running from Princeton Center to Oakdale. Upon the opening of the Worcester and Nashua Railroad, the Oakdale and Prince- ton Center coach and four horses and carrying the U. S. mail, continued to run until the opening of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Rail Road, in 1871. D. Frank Smith who had been driving to Oakdale commenced the new route between the Depot and Center. He was succeeded by P. C. Doolittle who purchased the line in 1883 and contin- ued its manager 26 years, having had associated with him at different times Willis H. Clark and Herbert A. Jackson. In 1909 John Perkins, the present proprietor purchased the line. Now a stage is running from East Princeton to Oakdale and carrying the U. S. mail. This was established in 1849, the coach meeting the Princeton coach at the so- called Richardson Tavern, the latter taking the mail to Oakdale, until the discontinuance of the latter.
Postmasters and Post Offices. The first Post Office was in the store built about 1800 by John Trowbridge Dana. It stood near the house formerly owned by Thomas Kivlon, South of Mr. Frank Skinner's. The store is now gone. The Kivlon house and this old store building were owned and occupied by Mr. Dana three or four years until his death in October, 1802. Then Stephen P. Gardner kept the store three or four years, then Samuel Stevenson bought the store. He was the first appointed Post Master in town. Mrs. Stevenson was a sister of Charles Russell Esq. Mr. Russell about 1816 succeeded Col. Stephenson in the store and Post Office. The store building of Mirick & Russell now the Russell Mansion House was built in 1823. Mirick & Russell commenced as partners in this little old store for two or three years until the new store was built.
362
History of Princeton
Before the establishment of the first post office in 1812 the inhabitants were dependent mostly on private in- dividuals for their mail. Miss Elizabeth Fuller the minis- ter's daughter, in her diary in 1791 reports, "Father's gone to Worcester, to get the papers." One can find by search- ing the columns of the Worcester Spy, advertisement of unclaimed letters for Princeton people. The earliest date at which a stage coach carried the mail has not been as- certained but there are evidences that some stage line ran through some part of the town, perhaps on the way to the Connecticut River. It is thought there must have been some line on the old North County road, coming down Justice Hill from Sterling, and on to Westminster, and perhaps farther north to Barre. It has always been a surprise to me that I have not been able to find a direct road from Lancaster to Rutland, through Princeton. Very few towns in this vicinity were accommodated with post office facilities previous to 1800, except Worcester, which office was opened in 1775, with Isaiah Thomas as post- master.
At first, the post office business in Princeton was run on a very limited scale, as is shown by one report of Postmaster Russell. At the end of March 1813, $2.65 was due the general post office. At the last quarter of March 1830, there was due $27.61.
RATES OF POSTAGE 1813.
For single letters, composed of one piece of paper. Miles. Cents.
Any distance not exceeding
40
8
Over 40 and not exceeding .
90
IO
Over 90 and not exceeding.
150 I22
Over 150 and not exceeding
300
I7
Over 300 and not exceeding .
500 20
Over 500
25
Double Letters.
Or those composed of two pieces of paper, are charged with double those rates.
MOUNTAIN BORSE
0
AHY
THE NINE O'CLOCK MAIL
1887
•
363
Miscellany
Triple Letters.
With triple those rates.
Quadruple Letters.
With quadruple those rates.
The first gummed envelope was made in Worcester by Dr. Russell Hawes in 1848; improved by James A. Arnold in 1859, and perfected in 1865 by H. D. and D. W. Swift, of Logan, Swift and Brigham (U. S. Envelope Company).
The Washington Post Office department has record of a contract made in 1815 for mail carried from Worcester to Keene, N. H., via intermediate offices. This appears to be the only route serving Princeton until 1825 when mail from Boston to Albany was received daily. In 1828 and later there was considerable correspondence with the General post office in regard to the removal of our post- master, by someone who wished the appointment. The office at that time was located at the junction of all the main roads that pass through the town, probably identical with the present Russell's corner; and kept in a brick building, in which was a store and large hall for public gatherings.
The remonstrants spoke of the present postmaster Charles Russell who has been in the office as clerk, and postmaster since its establishment, as " an efficient, faithful and accommodating officer, who gives entire satisfaction to the inhabitants, especially those who transact the most business through this office."
No change was made, and Mr. Russell continued in service. Among his reports to the General Office we read "Two lists are made out each week and sent to the different meeting houses each Sunday, to be posted; and letters and papers delivered free to those who live within a mile of the office, who are in the habit of paying their postage, quar- terly, semi-annually or annually. This seems to be first and only notice of Rural Free delivery in Princeton.
At the present time the work of the post office is largely increased, especially because twenty-nine post offices have
364
History of Princeton
the name of Princeton; that in New Jersey is probably the oldest one. Confusion often arises from the delivery of Provincetown mail here. Mail of this description is often so large our postmaster feels obliged to keep a Provincetown directory.
PRINCETON POST OFFICE ESTABLISHED 20 NOV. 1812.
Postmaster.
Date of Appointment.
Samuel Stephenson
20 Nov. 1812
Charles Russell .
21 Nov. 1817
Moses G. Cheever
25 June 1846
George F. Folger
I June 1849
Ivory Wilder
18 April
1854
Moses Gill .
II Dec.
1856
Alphonzo Brooks
15 Feb.
1859
Ivory Wilder
19 Dec.
1862
Alphonzo Brooks
7 Mar.
I865
David H. Gregory
27 Sept.
1866
Leonard Chandler
18 Sept.
1886
Josiah D. Gregory
14 May
1889
Raymond J. Gregory
1915
EAST PRINCETON POST OFFICE ESTABLISHED 29 MAY 1849.
Horace V. Pratt.
29 May 1849
Joseph Whitcomb
13 Jan.
1855
John A. Mirick .
19 April 1870
Warren H. Whitcomb
II Mar.
1878
Samuel J. Jewett.
18 Sept. 1886
Warren H. Whitcomb
25 May
1889
PRINCETON DEPOT POST OFFICE ESTABLISHED 29 Jan. 1877.
George F. Wetherbee.
29 Jan. 1877
John K. Boyer
18 Sept. 1886
Gilbert A. Bigelow
28 May
1889
BROOKS STATION POST OFFICE ESTABLISHED 17 Jan. 1877.
Charles R. Bartlett
17 Jan. 1877
Charles Winship.
22 Oct.
1877
W. K. Parker
12 Mar. 1888
Daniel Davis Jr.
13 Sept.
I888
George F. Pratt
16 Jan.
1893
Edward W. Sheldon
13 Jan.
1894
Alec St. George
3 July
1896
M. H. Warner
Io May
1910
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Miscellany
MOUNT WACHUSETT POST OFFICE ESTABLISHED 28 JULY 1873
Darius A. Putnam.
28 July 1873
Moses H. Bullard
25 May 1875
Walter S. Bigelow
26 June 1884
Moses H. Bullard .
II Mar. 1886
Gilbert H. Derby
29 Mar. 1895
Discontinued .
14 Oct.
1903
LIST OF PRINCETON POST OFFICES IN THE UNITED STATES
Princeton, Jackson Co., Alabama Princeton, Millelaes
Co., Minnesota
Dallas
Arkansas
Mercer
Missouri
Colusa
California
Granite
Montana
Dade
Florida
Lancaster
" Nebraska
Latah
Idaho
Mercer
New Jersey
Bureau
Illinois
Johnston
" N. Carolina
Gibson
Indiana
Harney
" Oregon
Scott
Iowa
Lawrence
" Penn.
Franklin
Kansas
Laurens
" S. Carolina
66
Caldwell
Kentucky
Collin
" Texas
Bossier
Louisiana
Mercer
W. Virginia
Wash'gton " Maine
Green Lake "
Wisconsin
Marquette " Michigan
Mercer
" New Jersey
Railroads. The population of the towns in the central and western parts of the State had rapidly increased. This, and the demands of trade, showed the necessity of better methods of travel and transportation and the matter had for several years attracted the attention of legislators and engineers. As early as 1825 a survey was made for a rail- road from Boston to Worcester and on to the Hudson.
At first the project met with little favor with the people. The Boston Courier, indeed, under date of June 27, 1827, called it "a project which every one knows, who knows the simplest rule in arithmetic, to be impracticable, and at an expense little less than the market value of the whole terri- tory of Massachusetts: and which, if practicable, every person of commonsense knows, would be as useless as a railroad from Boston to the moon."
The sentiment however gained strength and in 1828 the legislature of Massachusetts appointed a Board of Directors of Internal Improvements to report on the practicability and expediency of a RAILROAD from Boston to the Hudson River and from Boston to Providence.
366
History of Princeton
The Board reported Jan. 1829, in print, with a plan pre- pared by eminent engineers for several routes but the only one we are interested in followed the line afterwards selected by the Massachusetts Central as far as Holden, through Cambridge and Sudbury, and then evidently adopted part of the line used subsequently by the Boston, Barre & Gardner railroad, now the Peterboro Division of the Boston and Maine. This road entered Princeton's southerly bor- der, passing Mason's Mills and the Widow Woodward's place, which is noted on the plans as being the highest elevation of the survey. After passing the well-known Savage factory, the line ran on to Hubbardston and west- ward to where the present road runs. The report was voluminous and was accompanied with plans of the differ- ent routes surveyed and elaborate estimates of the cost of building and operating the road. Some particulars given in brief may be found of interest.
It will surprise the reader of to-day to learn that this railroad was to be a horse railroad, like railroads already established in England, and in some respects the construc- tion was to follow the English model. It was proposed that a stone foundation be constructed on which should be laid rails of granite surmounted by a bar of iron. The motion on such a road, if level, would be easy and pleasant, and if the inclination did not exceed 26 feet per mile, there would be no serious obstacle from friction. It was also suggested that at different grades a flat car might be provided on which the horses could stand and feed during the descent, and thus be rested and refreshed for further labor.
It was further suggested that stationary power might be used at the most difficult grades, provided a fall of water could be obtained to operate a wheel and an endless chain to draw the cars up the ascent, and let them down on the other side.
The cost of transportation of merchandise, if the road be made with stationary powers is estimated at $25.50 for 16 tons, twenty horses being required, but without station-
367
Miscellany
ary powers twenty-eight horses would be required and the expense would be $31.50 per 16 tons.
The time in each case would be four days. If to these estimates be added a dollar a ton for tolls, it would give $2.59 and $2.97 per ton. A barrel of flour could be trans- ported for 26 or 30 cents.
For the transportation of passengers by railroad greater speed is required than for merchandise and with stationary powers, 16 horses and one man would be required at a cost to the passenger of $2.82, or without stationary power, 22 horses and two men at a cost to the passenger of $3.05 for conveyance from Boston to Albany in 22 hours.
In regard to the use of steam which was having success in England, they report that the cost would be far greater in America than in England, coal for fuel, for instance, costing three times as much here as there.
The cost of building the road from Boston to Albany is estimated at $3,254,876.46. There is no record of any action taken in reference to the matter by the Legislature and ere long the attention of the people being turned to the subject of steam railroads, the whole matter was dropped.
There were at this time six lines of stage coaches, on all of which eighteen stages ran from Albany to Boston and returned weekly with passengers.
The Boston & Lowell road was the first railroad upon which work was begun, and it was followed soon by the Worcester and Providence.
The Boston & Worcester road was opened through to Worcester July 4, 1835, the others a few days earlier. The western railroad, a continuation of the Worcester road to Albany, was opened in Dec. 1861.
The Barre & Worcester Road was chartered April 26, 1847, an extension of time was granted and again in 1849, when the name was changed to Boston, Barre & Gardner.
In 1851 the time was again extended two years and the road released from its obligation to build the section leading to Barre. In 1853 and again in 1856, the time
368
History of Princeton
was extended and liberty granted to build it in sections, the first section to extend from Worcester to Princeton, the second from Princeton to Gardner and the third from Princeton to Barre. The road was completed to Gardner in 1871, but the section from Princeton to Barre was not built.
Telephone Service. The first telephone service installed at Princeton was a private line owned by P. A. Beaman & Son and connecting the Wachusett House with Prince- ton Depot and the Wachusett Coach Line then owned by P. C. Doolittle.
After two or three years 12 or 15 subscribers petitioned the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company for telephone service. This was granted and a central office was established at D. H. Gregory's store where it remained several years.
It was finally removed to the Laundry Building at the Wachusett House, where it was irreparably damaged by fire and water, when the hotel was burned Nov. 28, 1910. The central office has since been located at the residence of Mrs. Daniel Davis where excellent service has been given the subscribers who now number 90.
Ice Business in Princeton. Previous to 1903 many of the residents in or near the Centre had stored their own supply of ice. In the summer of that year, Charles U. Hubbard began supplying 20 customers with ice from Echo Lake on the Mt. Wachusett State Reservation.
The following season Mason Bros. purchased the busi- ness and it has developed so that at present (1915) Harry A. Mason is supplying 90 customers at the Centre and East Princeton.
Street Lighting. The first action taken by the Town in the matter of street lighting was at a meeting held April 6, 1903, when the Town voted "that the sum of $300 be raised and appropriated for establishing and main- taining street lights in the residential districts of Prince- ton Centre and East Princeton." Arrangements were made with the Globe Gaslight Co. for a suitable outfit
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