USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Sutton > History of the town of Sutton, Massachusetts, from 1876 to 1950, Volume II > Part 54
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IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO SERVED AND IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THOSE WHO DIED, THE TOWN OF SUTTON DEDICATES THIS MEMORIAL SCHOOL CHERISH THE FREEDOM FOR WHICH THEY FOUGHT
Joseph A. Sullivan, Principal, wrote in the 1947 Report, "If the pupils could leave school with their intellectual curiosity aroused, with an ability to think more deeply and to discriminate among values, and with the belief that their real education had just started, then the small high school will have pulled its weight in its own little corner of this country."
In "Education for the Modern World" by Sir Richard Livingstone of Oxford University are these lines, "A common fault" is that education "fails to provide perspective; diffuses itself over a multiplicity of enormous problems, contents itself with a cursory view of them. The true faith is that education should send us out into life, knowing thoroughly something which is itself first- rate, knowing how to learn and be interested in life. These subjects should bring the pupil face to face with something great. Nothing educates like the vision of greatness, nothing can take its place. How are you to give the mind this train- ing, to teach it to judge rightly its own age and itself? Only by showing it the greatest things which men have achieved or dreamed. So and only so it will have a standard, an example, an inspiration. Achievements of men can be found in history, their dreams in literature."
SUTTON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The earliest Alumni Association of the Sutton High School is thought to have been formed in the 1890s. The annual meetings were informal and no records are available. The records of the present association go back to December 15,.
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1932, when a group met to reorganize. At this meeting Clyde Putnam was elect- ed President, Claire Casey, Secretary and Norman Shaw, Treasurer. Annual meet- ings have been held since that time.
The first graduation of the Sutton High School was in 1876. The members of that class were: Frances J.W. Freeland, Charlotte E. Lackey, Sarah King Bennett, Mary Sibley Andrews and Sarah Waters Sherman. The Diamond Jubilee for that class was held, in 1951. Mrs. Sarah A. Sherman sent greetings, and flowers were given to her, as has been done annually. Miss Frances J.W. Freeland, who con- tributed much information to the present Town History Committee, died in 1945. Sarah King Bennett copied in pen and ink the manuscript for Volume I of the Sutton History.
The Class of 1927 celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in 1952. There were six members graduated, five girls and one boy. Three of the members had daughters, who were graduated in 1952 from High Schools. Lenice, daughter of Harriet Batcheller Gibson and Elizabeth, daughter of Theresa Frieswyck Keeler, from Sutton Memorial School and Ann, daughter of Julia Johnson Rid- lon from Greenwhich, Conn., High School. Elmer S. Ridlon, Ann's father, was Principal of Sutton High School from 1927 to 1930.
The Class of 1914 was the first class to earn money for a trip to Washington, D.C. The members were: Dorothy Barrus, Myrtle Donaldson, Eunice Perry King and Wilder S. Smith.
The first class to have a war casualty was the class of 1935. John Holbrook Dudley, 1938, was killed in action, in 1943. John Valach, 1938, has a distin- guished war record.
The class of 1910 was the first class to be graduated from the Sutton High School, which opened in the fall of 1907, in the new building on Singletary Avenue; the class of 1950 was the first class to be graduated from the new Memorial School.
In 1951, the Association sponsored the formation of a Junior Basketball League, consisting of teams from Manchaug, Sutton Center and Wilkinsonville. Games were played in the Memorial School and at the conclusion of the season, a banquet was given the players and a trophy awarded to the winning team from Wilkinsonville.
The Alumni Association established a Scholarship Fund, in 1946, and awards a hundred dollar scholarship each year to a member of the graduating class who is completing the four-year college course. The present officers of the association are: Walter B. Shaw, President, Miss Dolores Stopyra, Vice-president, Mrs. Marjorie Knapp, Secretary and Gordon King, Treasurer.
THE SUTTON PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
In January 1949, some of the parents and teachers of Sutton met in the home of R. F. Nunnemacher to discuss the advisability of starting a Parent-Teacher Association. On January 31st an open meeting was held at the Town Hall. At this time it was voted to establish a Sutton PTA. Bylaws were decided upon with the assistance of Mrs. Walter van Hagen and Mrs. M. J. Mathews, both promi- nent and active in Massachusetts Parent-Teacher Associations. Officers elected were Rudolph F. Nunnemacher, president; William Flanagan, vice-president; Mrs. Frances Conley, secretary; Mrs. George Crosier, treasurer; and three dis-
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trict chairmen: Mrs. Lawrence Tebo from Wilkinsonville, Mrs. Kenneth Seiberth from Manchaug, and Mr. Donald Schwab from Sutton Center. One hundred and thirty-two people became charter members.
Eight monthly meetings are held during the school year to further friendly relations between parents and teachers, and to help the parents understand the newer methods of education. Some particularly successful meetings have been panel discussions on controversial subjects, and meetings in which the students participated. Presidents have been R. F. Nunnemacher until the fall of 1950, Mr. Francis White in 1950-1951, and Mr. Howard Watson in 1951-1952. Meet- ings have been held at the Sutton Memorial School since its completion in 1950.
The purposes of the association are: to promote the welfare of youth in home, school, church and community, and to secure for them the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education. The group is noncommercial, nonsectarian and nonpartisan. While the organization does not primarily serve the purpose of raising funds, some of the money that has been obtained through dues and special projects has been used to supplement the library funds in the three different schools, to further the visual aid program and to help such state projects as the Webber-Fiske scholarships for the training of young teachers.
With the aid of the Worcester Natural History Society through Mr. Luke S. Barton and with the particular assistance of Mrs. Edward Maclaren and Mr. David Kubly, a Nature Training School has been established to foster and further an interest in Nature among the school children. About three hundred children participate in this program, which continues during the summer months. It is hoped that three scholarships to the Paxton Nature Training School will be available to Sutton children in the summer of 1952. One scholarship has already been donated by the Sutton D.A.R. The other two scholarships were given by the Parent-Teachers Association.
OLD STONE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
It was quite by chance that the organization which became known as the Old Stone School Association was formed. In the year 1894, Mrs. Ellen Redfield Thompson of Bellefontaine, Ohio, while visiting her old home, met Mrs. Maria Bates Barnes of Mendon, who was one of her old schoolmates a half century be- fore. Neither had been in touch with old friends for many years. Mrs. Barnes sent out invitations to all those who had gone to the Old Stone School in her day to meet at the Hicks' farm for a reception in honor of Mrs. Thompson. The old friends turned out in large numbers, and so, together with the scholars then going to the old school, and friends and neighbors, a gathering of 100 as- sembled. Among those attending that first meeting were George Armsby, Ben- jamin Redfield of Northbridge, Dr. P. S. Redfield of Providence, R. I., Mrs. Thompson, Bellefontaine, Ohio, Edward Anderson, Auburndale, Jesse Lincoln, Providence, R. I., Timothy and Asa Lincoln, Henry J. Batcheller, Joseph Hicks, Champney Hicks, Henry Hicks, Mrs. I. L. Barnes, Boylston, John Burnap, Jane Hall, Mrs. Delia Stockwell, Mrs. Julia Batcheller and Miss Melissa Burt, all of Sutton. Also two teachers who had taught in the district school, Mrs. Amos Stockwell of Sutton and Mrs. Lucy Stevens, of St. Louis, Mo. Three unbroken families of children who went to the old school 50 years before were present at
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OLD STONE SCHOOL HOUSE
that first gathering. They were the Burnaps, the Hickses and the Redfields-ten in all. Such a general good time was had by all in reminiscing and renewing old acquaintances that there was much enthusiasm to have it an annual affair.
The following year, a committee composed of Mrs. Maria Barnes, Mr. Reuben Dodge, Mr. Newell Wedge and Mr. Reuben Lincoln was instrumental in form- ing the organization of the Old Stone School Association. The first officers elected were Pres. Newell Wedge, Vice Pres. Mrs. Isabel Barnes, Sec. Mrs. P. Dwight King and Treas. Dexter A. Brigham. From being a reunion of the heads of the families who had attended the school a half century before, invita- tions were sent to all who had ever lived in the district, attended or taught at the school. The second Wednesday in August became the established date for the gatherings, and so it became an annual event, looked forward to by old and young with great anticipation.
For nearly 50 years the association met annually in the Old Stone district. The first three meetings were held at the Hicks Homestead at the home of George Bates. Thereafter, the homes of Dexter Brigham and Tyler Stockwell were opened alternately for nearly forty years. The Wedge Homestead was the site of three of the gatherings with Mrs. Lizzie Wedge Wells as hostess. Once the re- union was held at Purgatory but the genial hospitality of the home was lacking so this plan was not repeated.
The weather was never a handicap, so that rain or shine, a company of from 100 to 300 would appear at one of these homes each year on the second Wednes- day of August. In the earlier days, a steady line of carriages, farm wagons, sur- reys and democrat wagons formed a procession, bringing the people to the appointed place by ten o'clock in the morning. But gradually, as the years
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passed, the automobile made an occassional appearance, until, finally, the horse- drawn vehicle disappeared entirely and all arrived by the more modern convey- ance. Besides the enjoyment of renewing acquaintances, one of the most enjoy- able features of these reunions was the bounty of the noon repast. Everyone brought sandwiches, pies and cakes which were put together and served by a committee who had supplied watermelons, bananas, lemonade and coffee in abundance. Early in the afternoons, the president of the day conducted brief busi- ness meetings, calling for reports and electing new officers and committees for the following year. The toastmaster presided over the program of the afternoon, calling on the old and young members and often a distinguished guest for an extemporaneous speech or remarks. The stories of bygone days, current events, a wise bit of philosophy or witty anecdote were enjoyed by the company. Inter- spersed were recitations, readings, songs-both community and solos, and instru- mental music. Occasionally the Brass Band of Wilkinsonville added to the spirit of the gathering.
Among the names occuring over and over in the earlier annals of the associa- tion, and to whom the success of these reunions must be attributed in large part are: Mrs. M. M. Barnes, Mrs. Henry Dudley, Sarah E. Wedge, Mrs. Anna Wal- ters, Herbert W. Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Stockwell, Mrs Sarah Brigham, Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Brigham, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Warner, Frank Bates, George Bates, John Dudley, Mrs. Mary Dudley, Mr. and Mrs. Adin Lowe, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hall and Frank Day. The boys and girls enjoyed many a program of games in the afternoon, competing in potato, bag and wheelbarrow, sack or three- legged races. Baseball games between married and single men became a routine event.
In 1918, the 100th anniversary of the building of the Old Stone School was observed at the home of Dexter Brigham, with the largest gathering of the asso- ciation. The 25th anniversary of the founding of the association was held at the home of Tyler Stockwell in 1919. The 47th reunion, held at the Stockwell Homestead, in 1941, proved to be the last. Because of World War II, restrictions were put on the use of gas and it seemed best to omit the reunions for the dura- tion of the war.
Several reasons may be attributed to the fact that the reunions were never resumed. Since the Old Stone School was closed in the year 1914, and the pupils transported to other schools new members were no longer coming into the asso- ciation from that source. The older charter members were gradually passing on or unable to attend. The new residents of the district had little or no interest in carrying on its traditions, thus leaving but two or three second generation fam- ilies in the district to carry on making arrangements and providing accommoda- tions.
It is with longing that many remember those gay, happy, summer days, when old friends, neighbors and guests united in the gala occasion of the reunion of the Old Stone School Association.
THE EIGHT LOTS DISTRICT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
The Eight Lots District School Association, sponsored by General Rufus Put- nam Chapter D.A.R., was organized September 2, 1911. Approximately 150
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EIGHT LOTS SCHOOL
people gathered at the Eight Lots Schoolhouse on that day and were most en- thusiastic about forming an association to include teachers and pupils of the old school, also all residents, present and past, of the district. Since early history of the town centers around this area, and includes the birthplace of General Put- nam, it seemed fitting that the patriotic organization bearing his name should be interested in sponsoring such a group.
The first officers chosen were: President-James W. Stockwell, Vice President -Charles N. Woodbury, Secretary-Mrs. Frank Batcheller, Treasurer-Mrs. Charles Hutchinson, and it was voted that a reunion be held annually. It is pleasant to report that except for the years 1942-3-4-5, when conserving of gaso- line was a patriotic duty, and no meetings were held, there has been a reunion each year. For several years successful meetings were held at homes in the dis- trict, at the Welsh homestead, the Edward Welshes, the Fred L. Batchellers, the William Moores, the Nelson Gerbers, the Freeland Homestead and at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest MacDonald. Since 1938, all gatherings have been at the schoolhouse.
Eleven of the sixteen presidents were born in the district; the others all lived in the district except Frank Dodge, whose mother's family lived here for many years. Mr. Fred L. Batcheller has been president for eleven consecutive years besides serving a three-year term earlier. Mr. George Putnam has been vice president since 1939. Miss Katherine Welsh has been treasurer since 1915 and Mrs. George Freeland has been secretary since 1916. The Eight Lots School was
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closed in March 1918; Miss Ruth Putnam (Mrs. Reuben Moore) was the last teacher.
At the town meeting, February 6, 1928, the town voted to sell the land and building to the Eight Lots District School Association for one dollar. This was paid by Miss Frances J. W. Freeland, a former teacher, who had been the lead- ing spirit in the organization of the association and whose interest in all that pertained to the district and school never flagged. It took some time to have all legal matters adjusted but the deed, dated August 27, 1930, gave to the organiza- tion the property which held so many happy memories for its members.
Mr. Edward Welsh was appointed custodian of the building and faithfully cared for it. The Association owes much to his loyal interest and care. He made many repairs at his own expense and kept the property in fine condition. When the building needed major improvements, the members of the Association raised funds by sponsoring whist parties both in Worcester and Sutton, also barn dances at the Gerber farm; all of these brought good results. In 1932, Mr. Mar- tin Roach gave a piano which was placed in the schoolhouse. The building was modernized with electricity and a new ceiling and is kept painted.
For a number of years a group of women of the district met in the school- house weekly to play whist. The friendliness and sociability made these meetings outstanding for those who attended.
There has always been a question as to the age of the schoolhouse but no rec- ords can be found. James Freeland, who thought that it could be proved to be the oldest schoolhouse still standing in the United States, looked into the matter quite thoroughly but there was no proof. Mr. Ffed Merriam, a Civil War Vet- eran, said in 1927 that his father and mother attended school here more than one hundred and twenty-four years before then. A reward of merit given Adeline Freeland in 1811, by her teacher, Nabby Leland, is owned by the Association.
Each year, former teachers are welcomed at the reunions. Three teachers are now living who are over ninety years old. They are Mrs. Sarah Waters Sherman of Worcester, Mrs. Flora Putnam Weeks of Auburndale and Mrs. Cora Hum- phrey Mansfield of Worcester.
Several of the old residents of the district lived to an advanced age. Mrs. Caroline Freeland lived to be one hundred and six and had lived seventy-eight years in the district. Mrs. Mary Dewitt died on her ninety-fifth birthday. Mrs. Martha Stockwell, who died at ninety-three, never missed a reunion, until the last before her death in 1941. Miss Sarah Putnam lived to be one hundred, and at- tended a reunion at ninety-eight, when she told of going to school here more than ninety years before. The oldest person now living in the district is Mrs. Nellie Moore who is ninety-three. She lives with her daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. William Gilbert.
The Association has always honored the memory of Eight Lots residents who have been outstanding at home or abroad. At an early meeting Mr. Henry S. Stockwell said that eight deacons and five ministers were raised here. Mr. Fred Merriam said that six of his mother's and father's schoolmates attended college from the old school in the early 1800s. Seven men connected with the district have helped to make our laws as state representatives: Edwin Hutchinson, Solo- mon D. King, Henry S. Stockwell, Henry C. Batcheller, B. L. Batcheller, Alonzo Davidson and John F. Freeland. Mr. James Stockwell served Massachusetts as
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State Senator also as Secretary of Agriculture. He was also a state officer of the State Grange at one time.
The Eight Lots residents have always been patriotic; Revolutionary and Civil War records show this and the roll of honor of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War II bears mute witness to the patriotism and bravery of our young men. Lieutenant Robert Morey lost his life when his plane crashed in Labrador as he was serving his country. Troy Stricklen, Jr. went from his Eight Lots home to die in France. Albert Chrobak of the Navy went down in the Gulf of Mexico. Walter Bulaski, who lived for several years with Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Shappy, was lost with his ship in the Pacific. Staff Sergeant John H. Dudley, whose family has been interested in the district for years, went down with his plane while on a mission over Sicily. The Association honors their memory.
THE SUTTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
On December 2, 1874, the Farmers' Club in Sutton Center discussed the ques- tion, "Social Life and Culture. How best promoted in this town." The record of the secretary of the club reads as follows: "J. W. Stockwell wished to know if there could be twenty persons found willing to contribute one dollar each to a common fund for the purchase of books for reading this winter." Following remarks favoring such a club by several members, a committee of five was chosen "to solicit for the library and purchase of books," namely, Rev. H. A. Tracy, W. A. Wheeler, J. W. Stockwell, Ellen C. Woodbury and Sarah M. Mills. Much interest was shown and David T. Thurston offered to furnish a room and care for the exchange of books on Saturday P. M. He was therefore the first librarian. At his death in 1875, James W. Stockwell took charge. The library was located in the Brick Block and the number of volumes increased rapidly, many of the townspeople contributing generously.
Dr. J. H. Armsby* of Albany, N. Y., a native of West Sutton, was a sincere and valuable friend. "He took a deep interest in the permanent establishment of a Free Public Library in his native town, and frequently forwarded large and valuable contributions and solicited others to do so." His efforts never relaxed until his death in December 1875. A photograph of Dr. Armsby, enlarged by the kindness of the West Sutton Dramatic Club and framed by Mrs. D. T. Thurston, was placed in the library where it still hangs.
Thus far, the library was the property of the original proprietors, but at the annual town meeting held March 20, 1876, the town voted to "accept the library, on the condition that it be maintained as a free public library in the center of the town or revert to the owners." The library then contained, according to the report, 1235 volumes. The Town Report for the year ending March 1, 1877 says, "The owners of said Library by deed, dated the 21st day of March 1876, made such transfer and the Library is yours beyond question or doubt to preserve and care for." The salary voted was twenty-five dollars a year.
Many of the townspeople gave books. The report of 1878 mentions a gift of one hundred books from Mrs. Henry Ward Beecher, who thus remembered her native town.
* History of Sutton Vol. I, p. 368
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MISS SARAH M. MILLS
We quote from the report of April 1, 1880. "We would suggest that a small appropriation given directly to the Selectmen for the purchase of books would be of greater benefit to the Library and more satisfactory to those having charge of it." In 1881, the town appropriated one hundred dollars and the Librarian was paid twenty-five dollars for the year.
The 1882 Town Meeting voted that branches be established with appropria- tion as follows: "Eighty dollars to the library in the center of the town; fifty dollars to the village of Wilkinsonville and vicinity; fifty dollars to the village of Manchaug and vicinity; fifty dollars to the village of South Sutton and vici- nity and fifty dollars to West Sutton and vicinity, for the establishment of branch libraries in the four last named places. Providing, in each and all the aforesaid localities, the people shall furnish a suitable room and receptacle for the books and a librarian to take charge of the rooms. That the purchase of books aforesaid shall be confided to the School Committee, acting conjointly with a committee of three in each specified locality. If the people in any of the aforesaid shall neglect to establish branch libraries for eight months, the money shall be divided
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among those who have, excluding the Center." Apparently, all except Wilkinson- ville met the requirements and started libraries in 1882. Wilkinsonville, accord- ing to records, did not open until 1884, although the old bookplate placed in the library books says, "Established in 1883."
The money thus appropriated in 1882 was to be used as follows: "Voted that the money be appropriated for the purchase of books of science, history, biog- raphy and poetry." The library report of 1883 says very bluntly, "The result has been a falling off in readers, a loss of just those the Library should reach and benefit. The Public Library conducted on this plan has never succeeded and never can succeed!" Quotes from librarians in large cities were given to show that a "habit of reading is more necessary than a particular line of reading -. Readers improve, were it not so, reading would not be a particularly useful practice."
At the town meeting it was voted "to allow books of Art and Travels and leave out books of science, history, biography and poetry and the citizens are authorized to select books."
Miss Sarah M. Mills became the librarian April 1, 1883 on the resignation of Mr. Stockwell, who was the first librarian under town ownership.
A library committee, consisting of town clerk and librarian, was chosen in the beginning of town ownership, to aid in the managing of the library but in 1887 a board of five trustees was created, one member from each of the library dis- tricts. The first board was: Jason Waters, chairman (West Sutton), John Greg- son (Wilkinsonville), Sarah M. Mills (Center), George H. Clark (Manchaug) and George W. Albee (South Sutton) .
In 1888 it was voted that "the trustees be instructed to divide the money for the libraries, according to the circulation of each library for the past six months."
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