USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Sutton > History of the town of Sutton, Massachusetts, from 1876 to 1950, Volume II > Part 62
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At seven-thirty on Memorial Day morning, the long line, which includes, besides the Soldiers and Sons of Veterans, the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and School Children march down to the Honor Roll on the Common, under the able leader- ship of Marshal George Picard. After prayers and remarks by the Rector of St. John's Church and a program by the School Children, firing squad Salute, Taps and the drum, the Honor Roll is decorated in memory of the two village boys, who gave their lives in World War II.
The line then reforms and proceeds to Wilkinsonville Cemetery where the names of the Veterans are read and a large wreath placed near the gate. This is followed by a gun salute by the firing squad, Taps, echo-Taps and the drum. The flags are placed on the graves, a few days before. This routine is observed in all the large cemeteries and at the Honor Roll at the Memorial School.
In the early days of Memorial Day observance, our Civil War Veterans gave a whole day and reverently placed the flags and wreaths on the graves of their comrades. Today, with the speedier transportation, our soldier dead, now num- bering one hundred forty-nine, of Civil, Spanish, World I and World II Wars, are still reverently remembered by name, with firing squad, Taps and drum accompaniment, all done in half a day and-still-be it remembered-by those who care.
THE RED CROSS
In 1917, Red Cross War work was directed in Wilkinsonville by Mrs. Louis Hall and Mrs. Arthur Merrill, in Manchaug by Mrs. Benjamin Townley and in Sutton Center by Mrs. Ernest Putnam. An unbelievable amount of knitted arti- cles were completed, socks, helmets, sweaters, jackets and scarves. It was heart- warming and inspiring to look in upon these groups working together, united in a single aim with a true democratic spirit.
Every town in Worcester County, that year, was expected to give to the Red Cross fund an amount equal to one dollar per inhabitant. The collections were to be presented at a ceremony in Washburn Hall, Worcester, on a certain day. When Sutton was called upon for its donation, the woman who had made the collection, seated in the audience with her lap full of cash, counted but not put together in
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packages, quickly rushed to the platform, the money looped in her skirt, and presented $2500, a dollar for each of Sutton's population.
THE HILLSIDE CLUB By Mrs. Harriet Wallace
"December 14th, 1906, the ladies of West Sutton met-(the records do not tell us where)-and formed a Woman's Club, to be called the 'Criterion Club.' " This is the opening statement in the first record book of this club, set down by its first secretary, Mrs. C. F. Harwood. Twenty-three women joined the club at the first meeting, thereby becoming charter members.
Now, after forty-five years, the little band still carries on, under a different name, it is true, but for the same purpose as stated on that same first page re- ferred to above, viz: "to benefit the church and to help those who are in need of help so far as we can." In 1950 there were 46 on the membership roll.
Mrs. Louise Luther was elected as the first president with Mrs. Edna Moore as vice-president and Mrs. C. F. Harwood as secretary and treasurer. A literary committee and a sewing committee were also appointed.
The first record of a money-making project is listed under the date of April 26, 1907, when a bean supper, followed by an entertainment and a sale of aprons and home-made candies, was held at the home of Mrs. C. F. Harwood. This effort added a total of $15.65 to the club's treasury. In July of that year a gift (of one dollar) was sent to the Hospital and Fresh Air Fund in New York, the first record of attempting to spread our influence beyond the home town.
In September of this year 1907, the need of by-laws was realized and a committee of three, Mrs. Luther, Mrs. George Barnes and Mrs. Louisa Plummer, was appointed to draw up the same, which they did and said by-laws were ac- cepted by the club on Oct. 25, 1907. The first motto for the club, chosen at this time was, "Serving one another in love."
In November 1907, it was decided to change the name of the club. The sug- gestions were many and varied and it was not until nearly four years later, May 31, 1911, that it was finally voted to change the name of the Criterion Club to the Hillside Club.
During the years a succession of sales and suppers have been held and other activities sponsored, which have made the club financially able to contribute many dollars to the West Sutton Church and its parish house. At its regular meetings work has been done for the Red Cross and County Extension projects.
In 1910 the club became ambitious and set itself to earn money to buy a new organ for the church. This was accomplished and the organ was set up in time for the Christmas service, Dec. 24, 1911. A silk flag was purchased for the church, and dedication services for its acceptance were held April 17, 1932.
The "Blue Plate Special" fund, begun in 1935 was first intended for a build- ing project, but later was voted for repairs to the parish house and kitchen equip- ment. The first supper in the new parish house was held on Nov. 4, 1928. The club had contributed $250 towards repairs and in 1948 had installed new lights in the community hall.
The highlight of 1932 was a concert, sponsored by the club, in Sutton Town Hall. The artists appearing were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Luther, vocalists, J. Ed- ward Bouvier, pianist, and Lucy Putnam Small, reader.
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An afternoon program of interest, receiving favorable notice on the Nancy Burncoat page of the Worcester Telegram, was the quilt exhibit held at the 1791 House of the Wallace estate, at that time occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Cleve- land. At another meeting Mrs. J. C. Dudley lectured and modeled her marvelous collection of shawls, some 200 years old.
The Hillside Club has made donations of money to the Red Cross, to the West Sutton Boy Scouts, to the Hillside School at Marlboro, to the Library of Sutton Memorial School, and has sent boxes to the West Sutton boys in military service. In the community, also, with gifts and remembrances, it has brought cheer to the sick and help to the needy.
THE SUTTON YOUNG WOMEN'S CLUB By Maude Ray Maclaren
During the pastorate of Rev. John M. Maclaren at The First Congregational Church, the need to organize a young women's club became apparent-a club where the young women of the community could be of service, as a group, to the church and enjoy the friendship of each other socially. With this thought in mind, sixteen young women were called together in August 1921 to form what is now known as "The Young Women's Club."
Maude Ray MacLaren was chosen to be the First President, Ruth H. Hol- brooke the Secretary and Flora W. Putnam the Treasurer.
Mrs. John E. Tuttle, one of our foremost summer residents, whose daughter Margaret was a most ardent worker, helped draw up a set of By-Laws, that have always been our guide. Mrs. Tuttle was very much interested in this club and was our constant adviser as long as her health permitted.
Our principal aim was, and still is, to help our church financially and carry on any task we may be called on to perform. Many obstacles had to be over- come, but we took a few watchwords as "Courage," "Friendship," "Watch- Work-Pray and Play," and we always came through.
For the first 15 years the meetings were held in the members' homes but, as the membership grew so fast, we were obliged to change to the church vestry. Meetings are held twice a month when business is transacted, a literary program and refreshments are enjoyed. Many people moving into Sutton, who belong to our sister churches, are invited to join and they prove to be among our most loyal members. We have incorporated into our financial work a Community Fund which may help projects outside the church; such as our New School Li- brary, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Red Cross and others.
Thus out of a small band of sixteen women in 1921 has grown a club of over one hundred members, who are working for a common cause-Service for our Church and for a better Community in which to live.
THE LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY By Grace Brigham
In June, 1852, a group of ladies, connected with the First Congregational Church of Sutton, decided to get together to see what they could accomplish for the good of their fellowmen. They called the organization the "Ladies' Bene- volent Society." Devotional exercises and readings of a religious nature gave
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the educational tone. The meetings were held mostly in the church parlors or in the homes of the members. Mrs. George Lyman, wife of the Pastor at that time, was elected the first President.
In June of 1952 this Society celebrated its one hundredth anniversary, and as we read over the history of these many years, we find that the inspiration of its charter members has lived on! Ministers' wives have worked faithfully with the society's members, throughout the years. Not only have they served church and community, but Missions, at home and abroad as well.
In its early years, the organization had a membership of between fifty and seventy members, but it has diminished to half of that number as years have passed and other women's organizations have become active within the church. Again, in its youth, we read that donations were contributed with which to buy materials for making sheets, pillow slips, quilts, men's shirts, aprons and overalls. (One pair of overalls for $1.75.) These were all sewed by hand and were given to the needy of the town.
Many entertainments were held, such as plays, speaking contests, old-fash- ioned concerts, quilting parties and apron and necktie parties. Strawberry, bean, chicken-pie, oyster stew and pumpkin suppers were given to pay for the painting of the church building, inside and out, redecorating the parsonage, laying and purchasing church carpets and furnishing the church kitchen with cabinets, silver, dishes, stoves and other equipment. It is also recorded that they helped finance the installing of electricity in church and parsonage. They gave the Memorial Window at the right of the pulpit.
Many other contributions could be named, and because of these untiring and devoted efforts, the joy of service has been created within the hearts of the members of the "Ladies' Benevolent Society" of the First Congregational Church of Sutton.
ST. JOHN'S PARISH GUILD OF WILKINSONVILLE
In 1859, on December 21, the Ladies' Charitable Society was formed to "aid in the cause of benevolences at home." This group was the early ancestor of the present St. John's Guild. The meetings began in the afternoon at the homes, and continued through the evening. The men came to supper and were considered members.
One of the subjects discussed at the first meeting was the trimming of the church for Christmas and this custom was continued until about 1922. The cosy little room behind the altar, then called the "chapel," was heated by an airtight stove and used for years for Lenten or other midweek services. The trimming was scheduled to be in this room on an evening a few days before Christmas.
The men were asked to bring laurel and other greens to the church and a happy, congenial group of parishioners came together and wound long laurel garlands which reached from the windows to the chandelier, and huge wreaths were made for the windows. The sanctuary was also decorated and everyone present felt the thrill of the Christmas spirit and a pride in the final result.
In 1867, the hour for the meeting of the Society was seven o'clock and it was to be closed usually with the Doxology at ten o'clock, "unless invited by the lady of the house to remain longer." Dues were five cents a meeting. In September,
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1869, at the home of Rev. T. L. Randolph, the Ladies' Charitable Society was reorganized and the men were expected to pay fifty cents and the ladies twenty- five cents, if they were to be considered members. In 1876 another reorganiza- tion changed the name to the Ladies' Sewing Circle of St. John's Parish. Purpose -- "to help the needy of our Parish and to promote our Christian interest."
On January of this same year, there were sixty members present and Daniel Anderson was made a member. At this time, the meetings were held monthly and money was raised for the Bishop's Fund and the church treasury by many activities.
The next reorganization was in September, 1914 when Rev. Preston Barr was Rector. The name again was changed to St. John's Parish Guild. On January 8, 1930, a group of Millbury Ladies formed a Ladies' Aid to help defray the ex- pense of the bus which was used for several years to transport parishioners from Millbury and the valley villages. This was found to be an expensive venture and the bus was discontinued after a few years.
The members of St. John's Guild from the early days to the present time have worked faithfully to raise money for the church expenses. Suppers, sales and many other efforts have been tried, with sometimes almost unsurmountable difficulties, to make good the yearly pledge to the church. In Lent, the ladies have sewed for Missions, one day a week, and boxes of garments have been sent to Alaska, where St. John's Missionary, Deaconess Kathleen Thompson, was stationed for twenty years.
The Guild sends welcome gitfs to shut-ins during the Christmas season and provides a party for the children of the Sunday School. They make donations to the Red Cross and other worthwhile causes. At present, there are twenty-four members and the monthly meetings are usually held at the homes, in the evening.
GENERAL RUFUS PUTNAM CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION By Pauline King Johnson
On December fifteenth, 1909, a group of twenty-one eligible women formally organized the General Rufus Putnam Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Sarah Brown, organizing regent, was responsible for this seventy-sixth chapter in Massachusetts. The name was chosen from the fact that Sutton was the birthplace of General Rufus Putnam. The picture of his home is at the center of the Town Seal.
Mrs. James Dunning, then State Regent, outlined the threefold object of the association in her address to the newly formed group, "as commemorative, patriotic and educational; commemorative, in the rearing of monumental tablets to the heroes of the Revolution and loyal women of that period; patriotic, in honoring the flag of our country, as an emblem to cherish, protect and defend and ever keep aloft, protesting its use to base purposes; educational in instruct- ing the foreign born in the history of their adopted country, and keeping before them, the inestimable rights and privileges of this free land, and that to 'Obey the law is liberty.' "
It was at the town meeting, March, 1910, that the old school building in Sutton Center was leased to the Chapter for the period of ten years at the sum.
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of one dollar per year. This proved a fine solution for a meeting place and being an early nineteenth century building, it made a splendid background for the interesting antiques donated by several families. Painted on the wall of the Chapter Room was the motto of the organization, suggested by Miss Frances J. W. Freeland, "GET THY SPINDLE AND THY DISTAFF READY AND GOD WILL SEND THEE FLAX."
In the following years, the records show the diligent work and thought that went into making the school an attractive chapter house. In 1929 the Chapter received a legacy of $210 from Mrs. Louella Keigwin, its first treasurer, the interest of which was for the use of the chapter. It was not until 1934 that the growth of the town necessitated the use of the building again as a school. At that time, most of the antiques were either returned to their original owners or their descendants.
During recent years, perhaps the most widely known of the DAR work is the presentation of the Good Citizenship Medals and the prize for work in Ameri- can History. The recipients of the Good Citizen Medal are chosen from the Senior classes at Sutton and Millbury High Schools by Faculty members with the endorsement of fellow classmates and is given to a girl for dependability, leadership, service and patriotism. The history medal is awarded to a boy or girl in the Junior class, excelling in American History.
The General Rufus Putnam Chapter has, at present, forty-five members and is a very active group, upholding the aims of the organization, by preserving the best in American Traditions-"To perpetuate the memory and spirit of men and women, who achieved our Independence, to extend, through knowledge, the institution of American Freedom, and to foster Patriotism and Love of Country."
BOY SCOUTS By Mrs. James A. Smith
The good turn done by the unkown English scout to Mr. W. D. Boyce, led Mr. Boyce, Edward S. Stewart, and Stanley Willis, on February 8, 1910, to incorporate The Boy Scouts of America under the laws of the District of Columbia.
The following official quotation from the report made on that bill by the Committee of Education from the United States House of Representatives clearly states that the purpose of the movement is to produce a civic enthusiasm for service in a nation that means to live at peace with all the world.
"The great aim of The Boy Scouts of America is to make every boy scout a better citizen and to supplement the various existing educational agencies, and to promote ability in boys to do things for themselve and others."
Scoutcraft is a combination of observation, deduction, and instruction in First Aid, Life Saving, Tracking, Signaling, Nature Study, Seamanship, Campcraft, Woodcraft, Chivalry, Patriotism and other subjects. This is accomplished by games and team play and is a pleasure, not work, for the boy. All that is needed is the out-of-doors, a group of boys and a competent leader. But it is true: "If you are going to do anything for the average man, you have got to begin before he is a man. The chance of success lies in working with the boy, not the man." -Theodore Roosevelt.
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The first troop of Boy Scouts in the Town of Sutton was organized under the very able leadership of John E. Gifford about the year 1919. Mr. Gifford carried on this work for several years. The first troop to be chartered and recorded at the Worcester Headquarters from Sutton was on October 19, 1933 with Newell P. Sherman, Scoutmaster and James A. Smith, Assistant. Newell was much interested in the work and took the boys from Wilkinsonville home in his car, after the meetings. One of this group later found the scout training he had received of great value in the service. Using these skills, not taught in military training, helped him provide comforts for himself and his buddies, while enduring the hardships in their tent on the African Desert.
This Troop 143 was sponsored by the First Congregational Church. It was dropped October, 1950. James A. Smith was Scoutmaster for several years and was followed by Wesley Marble and Rae Johnson.
Troop 104 of Manchaug received its Charter, February 19, 1936. Scoutmaster, Donat H. Gamelin, Chairman, E. Ernest Plante. Present Scoutmaster, Joseph O. Pouliot, Chairman, Alfred Bouffard. Committee, Charles Flinton, Joseph Landry, George Aspinwall, Edward Leclair and Roland Richard.
Troop 111, Wilkinsonville. First Charter, April 23, 1941. Scoutmaster, Ray- mond Small. Sponsored by Sutton Fire Company No. 3. (Troop dropped in May, 1945. Reorganized in November, 1951. Barrett Judson, Scoutmaster.)
Troop 131, West Sutton. First Charter, November, 1951. Scoutmaster, Rae Johnson. Chairman, C. N. Mathewson, Committee, Carl G. Holm, F. C. Raw- son, Richard E. Nelson, Russell Putnam. Sponsored by Baptist Church, West Sutton.
Ship 143, Sutton. First Charter, September 1, 1944. Skipper, Alvin Swindell. Sponsored by Sutton Men's Club. Skipper in 1950, Dexter Brigham. Not active.
Ship 104, Manchaug. First Charter, December 27, 1944. Sponsored by St. Anne's Parish. (Ship dropped, March 26, 1947.)
CUB SCOUTS
Cub Pack 110. Sponsored by the Wilkinsonville Community Club. Cubmaster, Clarence Gendron. Den Chief, Philip Smith, Den Mother, Mrs. Rzewuski; Den Chief, Norman Minor, Den Mother, Mrs. Roderick Levallee; Den Chief, Lyn- wood Eaton, Den Mother, Mrs. Hazel Eaton. Once a month the groups met together for parents' night. The Cub Pack was disbanded. Other cub mothers were Mrs. Mary Gendron and Mrs. Bernier. The main purpose of the Cub Scouts was to provide activities for the younger boys in and around their own homes.
4-H CLUBS
At the Annual Meeting, February, 1927, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate $100 to be used by the Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture for the support of demonstration work in the Township, under the direction of the agents, instructors or of the Trustees along Agricultural, Home or Junior Club Lines.
Mrs. Maude Maclaren was chosen as director for one year. Miss Minnie Brigham followed for 1928, Mrs. Maclaren in 1929, Mrs. John White in 1932
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and Mrs. Janice Shaw from 1933 to 1941, when the program was more or less under the direction of the Worcester County Extension Service. Appropriations were made by the town, from year to year, in amounts from twenty-five dollars to one hundred dollars, until 1944, and the contributions were shared by the different clubs.
In 1925 Mrs. Ruth Holbrooke had a cooking class of ten members meeting at her home. She continued the work with different groups until 1931. In de- scribing the routine, she writes, "We met once a week and always baked, each one taking part. Then we ate the food cooked and discussed ways of improving our work." A pleasing picture of the training for future homemakers.
At this time, in Wilkinsonville, Miss Rhoda Small was directing a group in arts and crafts and in sewing. Miss Jennie Chase had charge of this work in 1934. Mrs. Michael O'Mara taught a class in dressmaking for three years, begin- ning with fundamentals, such as the use of patterns and machine-stitching. One of these girls received a prize at the Uxbridge Fair, in 1934, for a dress which she had made. The 4-H work for boys was under the supervision of the Worces- ter Extension Service and included farm and garden projects.
Meanwhile Hortense Taylor was conducting similar activities in a South Sutton Clover Club. Miss Doris Sylvester served many years in Manchaug, and Miss Lydia Kasewurm assisted clubs in more than one district. Miss Janice Shaw, in Sutton Center, had charge of a club for ten years, undertaking a different project each year, one of these being the canning of fruits and vegetables. Others interested in the home economics courses were Mrs. Ralph Aspinwall, Mrs. Fred Clark and Miss Mildred Aldrich.
Aside from the practical training of the 4-H groups, entertainments were undertaken by the members, the districts often combining. These were enjoyed by the parents and the public.
GIRL SCOUTS
In 1940, at the request of mothers, the Girl Scouts were organized. To be a Scout, a girl must be at least twelve years of age. The Girl Scout Promise is: "On my honor, I will try: to do my duty to God and my country; to help other people at all times; to obey the Girl Scout Laws." There are ten laws of conduct, a guide to a girl's everday living, teaching helpfulness to others and kindness to animals.
Mrs. Laura Fulton had charge of an Intermediate Group. Their undertaking was the earning of badges, which covered eleven different fields with from six to seventeen badges in each field. Of course these, when awarded, were proudly worn on the uniforms.
Mrs. Townsend's Troop were given instruction in many lines, including art, nature work and community interests.
Between 1944 and 1949, the Scouts were directed by Mrs. Margaret Potter in Troop 111 of the Intermediate Group, assisted by Miss Ruth Sundquist and Miss Vera Johnson. The Troop Committee were Mrs. Helen Aspinwall, Mrs. Belle Smith and Miss June Holbrook. There were fourteen members in 1945 and seventeen in 1949. It was a very active group through the years, interested in a variety of projects in addition to the regular programs. There were camp
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trips, demonstrations in weaving and work in hooked rugs by Miss Ruth Put- nam and Mrs. Mary Benjamin, together with charitable undertakings. Mrs. Leona King gave instruction in painting. Mrs. Marjorie Knapp sponsored a Senior Troop and a Senior Patrol in the years from 1947 to 1949.
BROWNIES
Girls who are seven years old may become members of the Brownies. This Troop corresponds to the Cub Scouts in the boys' group. From 1944 to 1949 the Brownies were in charge of Mrs. Hazel Eaton, assisted by Mrs. Margaret Potter and Mrs. Theresa Keeler. Instruction is given in home activities. In this undertaking the matter of transportation is a serious one, since the little ones must be taken to the meetings and returned home.
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