USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Sutton > History of the town of Sutton, Massachusetts, from 1876 to 1950, Volume II > Part 6
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1878
March 18-The selectmen were authorized to appoint the Highway Sur- veyors in the several districts.
Voted that the annual town meeting, usually held on the third Monday in March, be held on the first Monday in April.
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ANNALS of SUTTON
1880
April 5-The selectmen were authorized to appoint highway surveyors in the several districts and that fifteen cents per hour or one dollar and fifty cents per day of ten hours be allowed to each man, and one dollar and seventy-five cents per day of ten hours for each yoke of oxen and cart and twenty-five cents per day for the use of each plow or scraper.
1883
April 2-Article 25. "To see whether the Town will by its vote or other- wise ask the Legislature to extend to women, who are citizens, the right to hold town offices and to vote in town affairs on the same terms as male citizens." Passed over by unanimous vote.
1884
April 7-Article 18. "To see if the Town will vote to erect a suitable building for the uses of the Town and its officers at an expense not to exceed eight thousand dollars and appoint committees therefor, or do anything relating to the same."
A resolve was offered by Foster Freeland, amended by J. W. Stockwell, namely --- "That the Selectmen investigate, procure estimates, plans and specifica- tions, as they can, and report at the adjourned meeting in May."
May 5-The Selectmen-Henry Batcheller, George Dudley and Henry Bul- lard-submitted their report on the proposed Town Building. They advised against the purchasing and remodeling of the Brick Block in which, at that time, the town officials had their offices. They gave an estimate of $8000 for the erec- tion of a new building. The report was accepted.
On motion of Jason Waters it was voted that a ballot be taken-"To see if a Town Hall shall be built." Result: Yes, 86; No, 81.
The following appointments were made: Locating and Building Committee- James W. Stockwell, Henry B. Bullard, Henry C. Batcheller, George J. Dudley and Luther Little. An Advisory Committee of fifteen also was named.
On motion of Jason Waters, "Voted that it is the sense of this Town Meeting that, whenever the Town Hall shall be erected, there shall be a niche prepared in the portico at the right of the entrance, or some other suitable place, to receive tablets whereon shall be inscribed the names of those persons, who lost their lives in the late war of secession, from Sutton, near which shall be placed the four brass cannon which were given by Congress to the town to com- memorate the patriotism of the regiment of soldiers, which Sutton sent to the War of the Revolution, and those who died in the service in the War of the Rebellion; and upon the opposite side a niche to receive tablets bearing the names of Master Hall, George A. Willard, the teacher of the first High School in Sutton, and the names of the founders of the Sutton Free Library and such others, who have or may contribute to it or either of its branches the sum of five hundred dollars."
June 2-The Locating and Building Committee-James W. Stockwell, Henry B. Bullard, Henry C. Batcheller, George J. Dudley and Luther Little, gave their bond to the Inhabitants of Sutton, "To erect, furnish and heat a Town Hall at a total cost of not exceeding $8000,"
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HISTORY of SUTTON
On motion of J. W. Stockwell, it was voted (121 to 37) "that the Town do raise by taxation and appropriate $1000 in the year 1884 for the building of the Town Hall and that the Town do raise and appropriate $1000 each and every year thereafter until the entire debt with interest thereon is paid."
1885
February 28-The new Town Hall was dedicated.
DEDICATION OF SUTTON TOWN HALL February 28, 1885
President of the Day Henry S. Stockwell Vice-Presidents
Hon. Wm. R. Hill E. H. Hutchinson
D. T. Dudley , Ira Darling
Leonard Dodge Geo. H. Hewett
Rev. H. A. Tracy M. W. Quinn E. J. Mills I. B. Hartwell Simeon Stockwell Asahel Newton
Building Committee
H. B. Bullard Geo. J. Dudley
H. C. Batcheller Luther Little
James W. Stockwell Architect E. Boyden & Sons
Contractor H. W. Woods
ORDER OF EXERCISES
Prayer
Introductory Remarks Singing
Presentation of the Keys to the Town
Acceptance of the Trust, on behalf of the Town Music Address Music
Rev. P. Thurston H. S. Stockwell Dedication Hymn Geo. J. Dudley H. B. Bullard Reeve's Orchestra Hon. J. W. Stockwell Reeve's Orchestra
Selection
Speeches, Letters and Songs
Benediction Sutton Choir
Presentation of the Keys to the Town: George J. Dudley, Esq. Mr. Dudley, at the beginning of his address, reviewed the actions taken at the different town meetings for the erection of the buidings, and made this comment,
"At the adjourned meeting in June, some doubts were expressed as to the validity of the bond given by the committee. It was executed in good faith, the building has been erected within the appropriation and, consequently, it will never be practically necessary to determine whether the bond was valid or not."
He referred, also, to the sessions of the committee, which were frequent- often held weekly-marked by harmony, and to the pleasant relations with the committee, architect and contractors.
In presenting the keys,
SUTTON TOWN HALL
sorrys
------- - --
----
الحالة الـ
ANNALS of SUTTON
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HISTORY of SUTTON
"And now, Mr. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, as the proper representa- tive of the people of this town,
I PRESENT YOU THE KEYS OF THIS BUILDING.
With this act, there passes to the possession of the Town of Sutton, this building, in which for generations, if it shall be providentially preserved from disaster, its citizens are to assemble, to perform the duties of American citizen- ship, and to decide matters of a common local interest. May each be ever actuated by the high motive of advancing the common interest of all; and as the heart by its pulsation sends blood to every part of the body, imparting life and heat, so from this spot may there go forth an influence that shall permeate every part of this town, eradicating jealousies, dispelling factions and inspiring every one with loyalty to his town, his state, his country and his God."
Acceptance of the Trust on Behalf of the Town: H. B. Bullard, Esq. Mr. Bullard said in part:
"It gives me great pleasure to accept this trust in behalf of the Town. I per- sonally know the many hours you and your associates have given for the comple- tion of this beautiful structure.
"This town is one of the oldest in the country, and we have long felt the need of such a building. We have held our town meetings in meeting houses since 1720, about one hundred and sixty-five years. The increase in population has not been as rapid as in some towns adjoining, the numbers being about thirty-three hundred.
"Our appropriation for schools have increased from an average of fourteen hundred dollars, yearly, for the past seventy-five years, to an average of nearly four thousand dollars for the past eight years.
"A word about this beautiful Hall. I cannot but feel happy at the thought of our officers-our town-soon occupying it for town purposes. I have spent many happy hours with my associates, in a little dingy room, about nine by fifteen, in yonder brick building. The furniture consists of a desk or table, of ancient design, a dilapidated settee, four antiquated chairs, a superannuated stove and large broken boxes in which to keep our papers, books and receipts. And we have laughed and joked about our Parlor, when by ourselves, and many have been the times we have talked New Town Hall. Yes, I repeat, it does give me great pleasure to accept this trust, personally and in behalf of the town, and it will be with heartfelt joy that I deliver these keys, this building into the hands of my successors in office, and I hope and trust it will ever be used for Town purposes, and as a Memorial Hall, in remembrance of those who were near and dear to us, who volunteered to fight our battles and restore to us a United Nation."
Address by the Hon. James W. Stockwell. Extracts:
"To me is left the task of saying the last words with which we, as a com- mittee, leave this building in your hands, fellow citizens of Sutton.
"That it is a beautiful hall, commodious and convenient as could be well devised, and built for the small amount of money we have had to expend, is, perhaps, not becoming in us as a committee to say, and yet, there is a sort of pleasant content, which is also a reward, as we look on the labor of our hands and are satisfied.
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ANNALS of SUTTON
"One suggestion right here, nothing less than the best of its kind has been used in the construction of this edifice. From the foundation walls, laid two feet below the surface of the basement, the ground is perfectly underdrained with tile pipe to far down the hill, to carry away the moisture that is inherent to our clay subsoil; and from this, reaching to the very top, the best of timber, the best of lumber, the best in every line of material has been used; nothing for the day but all for your best interests has been our aim and our endeavor.
"One criticism has been heard and one only by the committee, in regard to the design, and as it was a fair one, I will suggest the answer. It was that the roof seemed large for the building. The member of the committee to whom the criticism was made replied, that it was sufficient to cover the building, which was always necessary; a reply which was conclusive, and yet the different ways of covering a building, we could have had less roof, but it would have given us a flat ceiling, or nearly such, with an increase of cost-sweeping away at one blow, the beauty of this room, and its perfect acoustic properties. One more point and our explanations as a committee close. This is erected for a Memorial Hall. As you entered yonder door, you saw the panels brought out for that purpose, but you saw no tablets to the memory of the patriotic dead. It is not through any forgetfulness of their services, or of the designers of the Hall that you see not their names. It is because after consultation with those whose lives have lost somewhat, that will never come back to them, it was decided that the memorial tablet should be a free gift.
"The committee are ready now to receive four gifts, and recognizing that the soldiers of Sutton, and those who represent them, should have a voice and a part here, we ask the following gentlemen to join us in this work: Wilder S. Holbrook, Henry T. Dudley, Henry W. Putnam, 1st, J. M. Hodgdon and E. H. Hutchinson.
"No money is wasted in this edifice to you farmers of Sutton. Wherever your farms are located over these beautiful hills, or nestling among our valleys, your farm is more valuable today and will ever be more valuable for the prosperity, the enterprise and thrift, which this building indicates and declares. Your homes will be happier and your children more contented because of it.
"Under the guidance of such thoughts, and with the inspiration of such deeds, and such results, brought freshly to mind, we dedicate this hall to all purposes that shall elevate the character of the citizen; and we would guard it from every thing that would take from its strength. Let us not forget that the true riches of a town are not its beautiful scenery, and balmy air, be nature never so lavish in her gifts; not in the busy manufactures and thriving villages skirting its borders; not in the comfort and luxuries of its homes; not in the fertile soil which gives us a farmer's pride, as we glance from hill to hill, clothed with the beauty of productive return and summer's wealth. Not any of these, nor all of them combined can make a town desirable and sought after and honorable. It is something higher than these, and deeper than these. It is the character of its citizens. Not forgetting this, we dedicate this building to the public uses of the town, for which it was especially built. May its beauty, its neatness, and its finish have an influence in our work, and act as educator, and an uplifter in our public labor. May the spirit of unity, which combines to make this hall perfect in all its parts, and each part equally necessary to the symmetry and strength of the
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HISTORY of SUTTON
whole structure, work into our councils and ennoble our action, and our laws, that they may be higher and better, and nobler for our surroundings."
1885
April 6-On motion, on question of privilege by Jason Waters: "That coming together to transact the business of the Town in this hall for the first time and deeming it a fitting occasion to remember the heroism of our soldiers, who lost their lives in the service of the National Union, I move that we consecrate this hall to their memory by naming it Memorial Hall, and to honor the memory of our departed teachers and educators, we give to the other hall the name of Lyric Hall, and that the vote be taken standing." The vote was unanimous.
1886
April 5-On motion of Wilder S. Holbrook voted "That the Town accept the cannon donated by Congress and hereby return a vote of thanks to the Senate and House of Representatives for them, and that two of the cannon be placed near or at the side of the entrance of Memorial Hall building in Sutton Center, one to be placed in Manchaug and one in Wilkinsonville, under the direction of the selectmen."
1888
March 12-Monday, the day of the great storm, "The Blizzard of '88"!
The storm, beginning with light snow in the morning, suddenly increased in violence with strong northeast winds and heavy snow and sleet, practically stopping all traffic by four in the afternoon. The West Sutton stage found it impossible to go beyond the Sutton Center Post Office, the driver and passengers spending the night in nearby houses. Men struggled for hours in the storm to reach their homes, walking on stone walls and crawling over the snow, arriving quite exhausted.
On Tuesday, the road men began the work of clearing the highways, using, in some cases, "two four-horse teams". Quantities of snow, two and a half feet on the level, had fallen and had drifted badly. Some roads, closed for many days, were blocked with drifts more than fifteen feet deep.
The Town Clerk, to serve a summons, abandoned the highways and drove from Sutton Center to the Eight Lots on open fields of snow, riding above the stone walls and fences that were buried underneath. The snow was coated with a crust of ice, thick enough to support the small horse and sleigh.
1892
October 12, Columbus Day, the 400th Anniversary of the discovery of America, "was observed in a fitting manner by all the schools in town." At the Center, "the pupils of the High, Center Primary, Putnam Hill, Eight Lots and West Sutton schools were under the direction of Wilder S. Holbrook until they entered the hall." J. W. Stockwell then took charge of the exercises, which consisted of recitations and music by the pupils from the different schools.
The Uxbridge Compendium gave a good account of the day's celebration at Manchaug. It said: "Columbus Day has come and gone, and the big celebration in this village is over. It was a gala day and participated in by all the people.
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ANNALS of SUTTON
At 7:30 a.m. High Mass was celebrated at St. Anne's church by Rev. A. Delphos, and was attended by St. John Baptist society in a body."
"Promptly at nine o'clock the procession started from St. John's Hall in the following order: Chief Marshal J. D. Darling, mounted; St. John Baptist society drum corps, seven pieces; St. John Baptist society, seventy-five men; Samuel Sibley Post drum corps, four pieces; Samuel Sibley Post G.A.R. of East Douglas, forty men. The route of march was up Main Street to the old parson- age, countermarch to the corner of Main Street and Whitins Avenue, by the new mill and through the New Village to the school building." After the reading of the President's proclamation by Master of Ceremonies H. A. B. Peckham, a detail of veterans raised the flag; the pupils and veterans saluted the flag and sang "America". The return parade to the Hall included from "the Manchaug Grammar School, 20 scholars; Intermediate School, 35 scholars; Primary School, 70 scholars; Torreyville School, 10 scholars; South Sutton School, 15 scholars: Union School, 15 scholars."
At the hall there was a program of recitations and songs by the pupils. "The decorations in the hall were the finest ever seen there; the school building was profusely decorated with bunting and flags. Nearly all the public buildings and private residences were trimmed with bunting and flags in honor of the day."
1894
Town Report. Items from Report of Selectmen:
Arrangements have been completed with the Blackstone Valley Electric Railway Co. for an electric road through Wilkinsonville.
Plans also were made for a State Road through that village.
A well was drilled at the Town Hall to supply water for the school and hall. April 2-Voted to change the time of holding the annual town meeting from the first Monday in April to the third Monday in March.
Voted that the selectmen be instructed to erect a Tank and Windmill that will be sufficient to furnish the Town Hall Building, Center Schoolhouse and Watering Trough in the center of Sutton (so called) with water and that $600 be appropriated for the same.
1895
March 18-On motion of Fred C. Dudley voted that the town appropriate the sum of $280 per year for the term of five years, beginning May 1, 1895, for the purpose of lighting the streets of Wilkinsonville with electricity and that the selectmen shall confer with a committee of two to be appointed by the moderator of the meeting now in session in locating the poles in the village and making contract for said lighting. Fred C. Dudley and Henry C. Phillips were appointed on that committee.
1896
From Selectmen's Report: "In that hard blow in the first part of January, the windmill and tower at the Center blew down." Though the warrant for one year had expired, the firm that put it up agreed to replace it for $85, the Town to furnish help to erect the same.
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HISTORY of SUTTON
1897
Dr. Edward Welch died in this year. In an appreciation from the School Board, written by Jason Waters, is this tribute:
"The Chairman of the School Board, Edward A. Welch, M.D., died sud- denly, November 29, 1897, at thirty-five years of age, thus closing life in early manhood's prime when hopes and anticipations brightly lighted the future.
"At a meeting of the Board, a few days prior to his death, after transacting the usual routine of business, he informed his associates that physicians advised a change of climate for the benefit of his health, and he had concluded to make a few months sojourn in the South, and spoke of the propriety of resigning his office; but he was persuaded not to do so, and we parted with friendly clasp of hands and expressions of cheerful hopes that when spring should come, he would meet us again with health restored. This was our last meeting!
"Dr. Welch was an intelligent, unobtrusive gentleman; a kind-hearted, noble- souled man. He was interested in the public questions of the day, and took a deep interest in the 'cause of education. He loved his profession, and the tender care he bestowed upon his patients won a love for him, that cannot be obliterated while life endures."
1898
March 21-Voted to appropriate a sum of money, not to exceed $1000, for completing the basement of the Town Hall.
1899
From Selectmen's Report: "We regret very much that it has been necessary to increase the liabilities of the Town from $7,000 to $10,500, on account of the extra cost, amounting to $2,000, on Manchaug Schoolhouse and the unusually heavy snowstorms the past winter, costing the Town nearly $1,800, with the $630 on account of Yellow House grade crossing paid into the State treasury and abatement of taxes, amounting to nearly $500, making a total of nearly $4,000 extra expense.
"We believe that by conservative appropriations at the coming Town Meeting the rate of taxation can be reduced to $12.50 on the $1,000."
June 29-Voted that the Selectmen of the Town of Sutton be authorized to take a contract from the Massachusetts Highway Commission for the construc- tion of a section of State Highway from the Millbury Town Line towards the center vil- lage of Sutton. Provided that the selectmen sublet a portion or whole of said contract at a less price than they receive from the State Highway Commission.
NM
ETTS+R4
+LOCAT
BIRTHPLACE
GEN. RUFUS PUTNAM OF
170
SE'
1900
March 19-Voted on motion of Benjamin Townley that the Selectmen acting with the Town Clerk be authorized to provide a de- sign for a Town Seal, said design to be
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ANNALS of SUTTON
submitted to the town at a future meeting for their approval.
May 22-Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to make a contract with the State Highway Commission to build a section of the State Highway from the present terminus, near the residence of George N. Perry, to Sutton Center.
June 4-The Government closed the Post Office in Sutton Center and in West Sutton and introduced the system of Rural Free Delivery in the Town.
November 6-A circular design, with a picture of the birth place of Gen. Rufus Putnam in the center, was submitted to the voters by the Selectmen acting with the Town Clerk. This design was adopted as the Town Seal.
1903
March 16-Voted to raise and appropriate a sum of money, in connection with the State, to build a section of State Highway from the boundary line between the towns of Douglas and Sutton toward Manchaug.
Voted on motion of F. L. Putnam that a committee be appointed with the power to make such plans and take such action as they deem appropriate, to incur such expense not exceeding five hundred dollars, to celebrate the two hundredth Anniversary of the Town of Sutton, that said committee have power to add to their committee, and that they be instructed to report at the next annual Town Meeting.
Thirty-six members were appointed on the committee.
1904
March 21-Voted that the sum of $1000 be raised and appropriated in con- nection with the building of the State Road at Manchaug provided the State make an appropriation for the same.
Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1500 to defray the expense of the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the Settlement of the Town.
THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE TOWN OF SUTTON
The following Committees were appointed to make arrangements for the Bicentennial of the Town of Sutton to be held in May, 1904:
THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE
Chairman Vice Chairmen
Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Treasurer
B. Frank Batcheller
Thomas B. Stevenson Henry B. Bullard Rev. Samuel Hodgkiss Miss Sarah M. Mills
Rev. Warren P. Landers Henry S. Stockwell
COMMITTEES
Finance Henry F. Rice, Chairman
Henry B. Bullard George J. Dudley
Thomas B. Stevenson Henry S. Stockwell
Entertainment Charles N. Woodbury, Chairman Lucius L. Burdon
B. Frank King Henry F. Lombard Clinton S. White
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HISTORY of SUTTON
Music Edmund B. Barton, Chairman
J. Emerson Holbrook Charles E. Hutchinson Charles E. Lowe Henry S. Stockwell
Registration and Information Eli K. Vaughan, Chairman H. John Hinchliffe Frederick M. Barton Charles P. King
Program and Printing James W. Stockwell, Chairman
Edmund B. Barton Henry C. Batcheller
Charles H. Norcross
Ira Darling
Foster Freeland
Rev. Warren P. Landers
Transportation
Franklin L. Putnam, Chairman
Edward Adams
George Hewitt
Wallace F. King
Herbert L. Ray Fred S. Smith
Arthur B. Putnam
Reception
B. Frank Batcheller, Chairman
Dexter A. Brigham
Rev. John M. Collins
Miss Mae D. Jacques
Miss Elizabeth Welch
Lindol E. French
Joseph C. Jacques
Ball
George M. Moore
Ernest D. King, Chairman
Fred H. Smith
John E. Gifford
Mrs. Herbert L. Ray
Miss Ruth C. Clark
Miss Luella M. Dudley
Miss Grace E. Davis
E. Blake Barton
Miss Ethel M. Fletcher
Mrs. T. Burt Stevenson
Miss H. Harriet Putnam
Mrs. James W. Stockwell
Miss Anna H. Whipple
Miss Anna H. Whipple
Sutton celebrated the bicentennial of its founding May 15, 16 and 17, 1904.
It was on May 15, 1704, that Joseph Dudley, Captain General and Governor- In-Chief of the Province of Massachusetts, signed the first grant for the settle- ment of a new town to be called Sutton. The tract eight miles square, was bounded by the towns of Mendon, Worcester, New Oxford, Sherburne and Marlborough.
The formal celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of this event began Sunday afternoon, May 15, at Sutton Center, which was the important point of settlement in the early days. The first day of the celebration was devoted to the recognition of religion and its place in the founding of the town.
In the morning of the day, the churches in the town observed the anniversary at their regular services. Rev. L. E. Scharf at the West Sutton Baptist Church spoke on "The History of the Baptists." At the Manchaug Baptist Church, Rev. John M. Collins had for his subject, "The Christian Soldier". In Saundersville, at the United Presbyterian Church, which within a few years held its meetings at Wilkinsonville, Rev. Harry D. Hanna spoke on "The Days of Old". Rev. Samuel Hodgkiss, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church of Wilkinsonville, ad- dressed his people on "The Religious and Educational Development of the Town
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