USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Hyde Park > Memorial sketch of Hyde Park, Mass., for the first twenty years of its corporate existence : also its industries, statistics, and organizations, together with the anniversary addresses delivered by Rev. Perley B. Davis and Rev. Richard J. Barry > Part 3
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The financial panic which swept over the country in the latter part of 1873 fell with excessive weight upon Hyde Park and almost menaced its future existence. The reasons for this result are readily apparent. The very methods which had been adopted to cause the town to fill up and build up so fast, the selling of land for a small sum down and a large sum secured by mortgage, rendered it peculiarly open to such a catastrophe as then came upon it. The greater part of the real estate was under mortgage, not a little of it to an amount nearly up to even its inflated valuation. The assessors had yielded to the craze, partly from sharing in it, partly, perhaps, to keep down the percentage of taxation by a high valuation. Then the depression in business and the destruction by fire of several mills caused the abandonment of a number of productive industries, the consequent removal of many operatives and
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families to other places, and a great falling off in the demand for residences, and for the general commodities of life. All this operated to cause the bottom to fall out of real estate, and a reduction in the apparent value of all property in the town of nearly fifty per cent. This is seen by comparing the assessed valuation of May I, 1873, to wit : real estate, $6,608,179; personal, $901,636 ; with the valuation May 1, 1880, namely, real estate, $3,701,250; personal, $421,640. This fearful shrinkage discouraged many who had been holding on to their estates by the eyelids as it were. The process of shaking things down to a substantial foundation was decidedly un- pleasant, but the outcome has been beneficial. The estates lost by their unlucky former possessors have become the property of others better able to hold, improve, and beautify them, and the town has thus gained in its outward appearance and the number of its well-to-do citizens. A greater conserva- tism is manifested in public and private enterprises, and the present status of the town is one of healthy and well-based prosperity. Its net debt, which in 1873 was $178,766, is now reduced to less than $106,000, and by means of the sinking fund, as now managed, will be entirely liquidated in a few years ; and this debt is placed on terms as favorable as those enjoyed by any town or city in the state.
Notwithstanding the pressure of the " hard times," the citi- zens of Hyde Park were fully awake on Centennial year. They were well represented at the Exposition both by products and by visitors, and they celebrated the glorious Fourth in the most enthusiastic manner. The day began with a procession, fol- lowed by a meeting of citizens in the grove, corner of Austin and West Streets, which was presided over by E. R. Walker, chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Here there was singing by chorus, prayer by Rev. P. B. Davis, reading of the Declara- tion of Independence, by G. Fred. Gridley ; singing of " The * Star Spangled Banner," by Miss M. C. Pollard ; oration, by Hamilton A. Hill ; and singing of " America," by the audience.
At four o'clock P. M. union religious services were held in the Congregational Church. At seven o'clock P. M. an immense meeting was held in Everett Square, and the new pump pre-
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sented to the town by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, of Hyde Park, was dedicated. Mr. Walker presided, and an address was delivered by E. I. Humphrey, which was followed by a fine original poem by Charles F. Gerry. A flag, the gift of N. H. Tucker, was then presented by Miss Nettie B. Richardson, accepted by Mr. Humphrey in a brief speech, and run up to the top of the flagstaff, amid the cheers of the assembled multitude. A regatta and an exhibition of athletic sports were among the other attractions, and at night a grand display of fireworks closed the stirring observance of the day. Another event in commemoration of that year was a great tree- planting, which took place October 28, when more than eight hundred and fifty shade trees were set along the streets and avenues of the town. This was brought about mainly through the efforts of Charles F. Holt, and has been the cause of many more being planted since, adding greatly to the beauty and comfort of the thoroughfares.
This same year, 1876, is also memorable in the history of the town on account of the great temperance reform movement which began here in the spring. The Temperance Reform Club, then formed, during that year and the following held weekly public meetings, at which one of the largest halls was frequently filled to overflowing, and sometimes hundreds were unable to gain admittance. The good results of this organiza- tion are inestimable. By it many were redeemed from lives of gross indulgence; many more were stopped in a downward career towards such lives ; the subject of temperance and morality was brought home to every thinking mind; and the sentiment thus awakened has placed and kept this town among the foremost in opposition to the encroachments of alcohol, and in support of all restrictive measures.
In this connection it will not be amiss to state that the ' Women's Christian Temperance Union, which has been a power for good in this community, was begun here by an organization formed by a few women, April 26, 1876. It became at once auxiliary to the state organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and worked under the direction of the national organization. Mrs. William Sturtevant
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was its first president, and until her death, some four years subsequent, was one of its most earnest and efficient members.
The work done by this body of devoted women in the promotion of Christianity and temperance cannot be detailed here. It has contributed greatly to the large majority here against the licensing of the liquor traffic, by communicating directly with every voter before election, and by the personal solicitations of its members at the polls.
The Union has also enlisted the co-operation of the younger ladies of the community, who have organized themselves into a Young Women's Christian Temperance Union, commonly designated the "Y," which has for its object the enlistment of young women in the work of making total abstinence a fashion- able social custom; and also to aid them in understanding the scientific and ethical *reasons for total abstinence and prohibi- tion. Although only started last December, it is already a flourishing organization.
The Great Flood. - February 15, 1886, is a date never to be forgotten by many who suffered from the ravages of the waters at that time. Neponset River and Mother Brook, swollen by the melting of a winter's snow and an almost unprece- dented fall of rain upon the ice-encrusted and frozen surface, were raging torrents, overflowing their banks in every direction, and carrying destruction before them. The Neponset was nearly nine feet above its usual level, and Mother Brook the highest ever known. The wooden bridge on Bridge Street was swept away, and as many as eighty families were obliged to vacate their homes. All the manufacturing and business establishments near both streams suffered a loss aggregating many thousands of dollars.
The Public Library. - Through the influence of some of the citizens of Hyde Park interested in its future welfare, the town in 1871 appointed the following gentlemen a committee to raise funds for the purpose of establishing a free public library : - Rev. P. B. Davis, Rev. I. H. Gilbert, Rev. F. C. Williams, H. R. Cheney, E. M. Lancaster, H. M. Cable, E. P. Davis, E. E. Pratt, and Theodore D. Weld.
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The committee held their first meeting at the house of A. D. Hawley, whose failing health prevented him from taking an active part in the cause in which he felt so much interest. They made personal applications for subscriptions, and arranged for a course of weekly lectures and entertainments, extending over six months, for the benefit of the fund; they also solicited donations of books, and instituted measures for a general town fair to be organized and conducted by the ladies of Hyde Park. Early in June a meeting was held in the vestry of the Baptist church, when they organized with a president (Mrs. L. B. Hunt), and six vice-presidents, one from each re-
CHAND ARMY A
ART
CORDON
MASONIC BLOCK.
ligious society, - Mrs. G. B. Parrott, Mrs. A. R. Whittier, Mrs. F. C. Williams, Mrs. H. G. Raynes, Mrs. E. D. Swallow, Mrs. A. O'Neil. An admirable fair was held which netted up- wards of two thousand five hundred dollars.
The report of the general committee made April 11, 1872, gave as the net result in hand for the library fund, four thous- and four hundred and sixty-six dollars and seventy cents, and upwards of one thousand books donated.
Theodore D. Weld was especially prominent in accomplish- ing this gratifying result. The amount was considerably augmented by subsequent payment of subscriptions.
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The library was opened to the public in March, 1874, in Everett Block, with W. E. Foster as librarian, and three thousand seven hundred volumes ready for circulation.
The first board of trustees consisted of Theodore D. Weld, Rev. P. B. Davis, Rev. I. H. Gilbert, elected for three years ; Rev. E. A. Manning, H. M. Cable, E. M. Lancaster, for two years ; Rev. W. J. Corcoran, E. S. Hathaway, C. W. W. Welling- ton, for one year.
Mr. Foster remained as librarian till his resignation in 1876, when he was followed by Mr. Reeves, who was succeeded in October of the same year by Mrs. H. A. B. Thompson, in charge at the present time, with Miss Mary Hawley as assistant.
The library has greatly increased in size and circulation the last few years. It now contains nine thousand five hundred volumes. The names of nine thousand and fifty persons have been registered for cards.
The library remained in Everett Block until Feb., 1884, when, having outgrown its limits, it was removed to rooms specially pre- pared for it in the Masonic Block, affording much more ample accommodations. The board of trustees as at present constitu- ted is as follows : H. B. Miner, D. C. Marr, F. B. Rich, G. F. Gridley, Edmund Davis, G. L. Stone, C. C. Hayes, M. D., A. H. Brainard, C. F. Jenney. H. B. Miner, Chairman, G. F. Grid- ley, Treasurer, G. L. Stone, Secretary.
Post Office. - No other institution shows more forcibly the growth of our town, and it may be interesting to trace its progress briefly. In the early days, David Higgins brought the mail from Boston. The first postmaster was J. Russel Story, the first mail arriving in August or September, 1857, consisting of one letter and two or three papers. The office was in the corner of a country store, in the same building with Union Hall, opposite New York and New England depot. Mr. Story was succeeded in 1858 by Amos Angell, and he in turn by E. E. Blake in 1861. He in turn was followed by E. E. Williamson in 1863. Keeping the office for about one year, he resigned, and Barney Connor, as assistant postmaster
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took charge of it for another year. Then Thomas Hammond, in 1865 was appointed and kept it until 1868, to be followed by H. C. Adams, who was in charge at the time of incorporation. Upon his retirement Wm. J. Stuart was appointed, October, 1871, serving until August, 1873, and giving place to Silas P. Blodgett. During his term the office was destroyed in the fire of Neponset Block, May, 1874, but phoenix-like it rose from its ashes and was ready for business next morning. Under Mr. Blodgett it prospered and underwent many important changes to meet the demands of increased business. July 1, 1878, it was made a money-order office, and since that time upwards of 9,200 orders have been issued. Aug. 1, 1885, Mr. Blodgett resigned, and H. C. Stark, our present efficient official, was appointed. During his administration the office has increased rapidly in size and importance, being raised to the second class, and we hope soon to be accommodated with the free delivery system. A new lease for five years of the present quarters in Neponset Block has been taken, the office entirely remodelled, and furnished with the newest and most approved boxes and lockers.
Sumner Hall. - The old manse on East River Street, known as the Sumner House, one of the oldest in town, was built in 1790, by Mr. William Sumner, father of the late Miss Sally R. Sumner. It was a well-built structure, with a frame- work of massive beams, and finished in the style of the day with panelled wainscoting and fluted cornices. It contained twelve rooms which were amply filled by Mr. Sumner's thirteen children, nine of whom were girls, who, with slight exceptions, spent their entire lives here. They were confessedly a family of unusual beauty, wit, and intelligence, and the broad hall ex- tending through the house was the scene of many a festive oc- casion.
Mr. Sumner was a descendant of William Sumner, of Dor- chester, who came from England in 1636. He was a soldier in the revolutionary line, and was often in active service. He took part in moving to Dorchester Heights, in the secrecy of night, the fascines used for the fortifications there, by aid of which the
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British were compelled to evacuate Boston. These were cut from Pine Garden, a portion of the Sumner estate in- Hyde Park, a spot chosen on account of its obscurity by General Washington himself, who rode more than once over the ground on horseback.
Mr. Sumner was engaged in paper making for more than thirty years, owning the mills and water privilege on the site now occupied by the Tileston & Hollingsworth paper-mills. He was a generous, warm-hearted man, in belief a Universalist, and the old flagstone is still at the hall door where " Father"Bal-
1 BARIN CO DOSTON
SUMNER HALL.
(From a sketch by Miss Sarah M. Vose.)
lou," the apostle of Universalism, loved to place his chair and discourse upon the principles of his faith to his friend and host.
The house, the old barn with its mows and swallows' nests, the fields, woods, and tranquil river, were familiar scenes to the Hon. Charles Sumner, who spent many happy vacation hours here. At the time of the incorporation of the town of Hyde Park two daughters of Mr. Sumner, the Misses Clarissa and Sally R., were with their niece, Miss Eliza Fessenden, the only representatives of the family left at the house. With them lived also a brother-in-law, Col. Nathaniel Crane, who was one of "Nature's Noblemen," a true-hearted old-school gentleman
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beloved and respected by all. A year ago the last of the group, Miss Sally R. Sumner, passed away.
The homestead remains almost untouched by the hand of man, while the hand of time has borne heavily upon it. The original clapboards are there, the first window sashes, the old knocker, and many of the great square iron locks, with their brass handles worn by the touch of so many hands now turned to dust. The inside finish is the same, and in many respects the old house is as it came from the hand of the builder. It stands a " silent witness " of the mysteries of life and death which for a century have revealed themselves within its walls.
The religious societies claim a more extended notice.
First Baptist Church .- The first prayer meeting ever held on Fairmount was suggested by the late Mrs. John Wil- liams and was at the house of Mr. David Higgins, near the top of Fairmount, in 1857. This meeting became a " circular feast," visiting at several houses and preparing "the way of the Lord."
When Mr. Geo. Pierce built his hall, on what is now corner of Highland Street, he expected that the Union meetings would be transferred thither from the Railroad Hall. But the reluctance of some to join the Baptists in this centrally located new hall resulted in the decision to form a church to be called " The First Baptist Church in Milton." The first council relative to the church about to be formed hardly dared to rec- ognize it, and before a second enlarged council met, the church was advised to recall the invitation and thus avoid expressed non-recognition. But the "smoking flax" was not to be quenched ; rather was it a light " set on a hill."
Sept. 23, 1858, ten persons met at Mr. Hannaford's and signed articles of faith. Earnest were the prayers which went up from the hillside for God's blessing on this, the first church in the future town of Hyde Park.
Thursday, Sept. 24, Rev. D. C. Eddy, of Boston, preached the inaugural sermon in Fairmount Hall. Sept. 26, Rev. Wm. Howe, of Boston, preached twice at the first Sunday services, to about fifty persons. At noon a Sunday school was formed
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to be called " The Fairmount Sunday school "; teachers and scholars in all twenty-five ; prayer meetings on two evenings.
A lease of the hall for five years was taken of Mr. Pierce, at $75 per year. Dea. Wm. Holland, of Boston, officiated for some months,- a man of lovely spirit, who did a good work. The first year the amount raised was $110.75 ; amount ex- pended, $1 IO IO.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
June 1, 1860, Rev. Dr. Amos Webster baptized the first con- vert in connection with the Baptist interest, in the river. It was voted that the male members take turns as deacons. After seven churches had sat in council with four brethren for the church, a public recognition was given Sept. 4, 1860. In October Dr. Webster, who had come here to reside, agreed to supply the pulpit so long as mutually desired. The society was indebted for his counsel as to legal and monetary interests during those struggling days.
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In the summer of 1863 Rev. G. R. Darrow began to preach, and shortly afterwards was settled as pastor ; an open-hearted, earnest man. Though acceptable to most members he resigned in eighteen months. In the autumn of 1863 Rev. A. B. Earle held meetings in the hall for several weeks, which with after- meetings resulted in the renewal of about two-score souls ; for the size of the place, it was pentecostal. In the midst of this holy hush came an order to vacate the hall within a month. It had changed owners, but in a few weeks converting grace came into the new owner's family and the order was revoked.
Here again was an indication for an onward move, and the society decided to secure a more sure anchorage. "The Real Estate and Building Company " virtually made a gift of a lot of land, corner of what is now Davison Street. Mr. Geo. Parrott gave plans for a chapel and "every man had a mind to work." By moonlight picks loosened and shovels scooped. David Higgins gave forty-two days' carpenter work, Geo. Pierce and others gave time, and so with hired labor the work reached, - dedication.
November, 1864, Rev. A. DeF. Palmer was invited to supply the pulpit until the next spring. Rev. A. C. Skinner served the church as pastor from Oct., 1865, to May, 1866. The church in its first seven years increased to seventy members, and in the winter of 1866 removed debt by paying some $1,700,- a great achievement. It had also contributed a be- loved member as a missionary - Miss Bradbury, who went to Burmah as Mrs. Bunker.
In September, 1866, Rev. W. H. S. Ventres became pastor. The village was growing, and a more commodious edifice was desired. To effect this, great exertions had to be made. The chapel was moved to a rear lot, and finally rented. Mr. Gordon H. Nott, an Episcopalian, generously gave, unsolicited, nearly 10,000 feet of land in the rear of the original site. Mr. T. C. Evans put his energy into the work of building, which crystallized the labors of many others, among such, Mr. Chas. Pierce. Mr. Ventres resigned in June, 1870.
Many townspeople helped as to the new edifice, and in re- turn they have received the benefit of a clock facing the
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avenue. "The clear-toned Baptist bell" is one of the richest in town. But a debt of ten thousand dollars was also an adjunct. In the autumn of 1870 the pastorate of Rev. I. H. Gilbert and the people entered the audience room together, he giving the dedication sermon. Rev. Dr. Webster also gave an historical sketch of the church. After doing a harmonizing work, in view of the society's pecuniary condition, May, 1876, Pastor Gilbert sent in his second resignation, which was ac- cepted with commendatory resolves.
Early in 1877, Rev. D. C. Eddy, D. D., became his successor. His preaching was highly prized. Near the close of his ministry an effort was made to reduce the debt, which had doubled, owing in part to buying a parsonage. $5,000 was collected, and the town paid nearly $370 for a strip of land. Dr. Eddy, in 1881, accepted a call elsewhere and the society tendered him a farewell reception, large and hearty.
Rev. Gorham Easterbrook was installed June 23, 1881; a superior preacher. He preached his farewell sermon May 2, 1884. In September, 1883, was celebrated the twenty-fifth anni- versary of the church and Sunday school. In the forenoon Rev. Mr. Easterbrook preached. In the afternoon at the Sunday school anniversary Miss E. A. Stone gave an historical sketch. T. C. Evans, Supt., had had three terms of office, seventeen years in all ; 2,091 different ones had belonged to the school. In the evening Rev. Mr. Gilbert gave an historical account of the church, referring to the " troublous times," polit- ically and financially, in which the walls had gone up, and paying tribute to the efforts of Mr. Evans, and the ability of Mr. T. H. Videto, treasurer. On Monday evening a "reunion " festival was enjoyed in the vestry, at which Deacon Wm. Holland and Dr. S. F. Smith, the workers of early days, were guests.
June 12, 1884, Rev. H. W. Tilden was unanimously called as pastor. He holds a goodly congregation ; beloved at home, re- spected abroad. Dec. 13, the late Rev. A. K. Potter, of Roxbury, aided the pastor in stimulating towards the removal of the society's debt, $11,800, exclusive of the parsonage. Pledges were given. In the evening, the balance was provided for.
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The Sewing Society has given $500 towards the removal of the debt, beside much other work. It is confidently expected that before May 1, 1888, the church will rejoice in being free from debt, exclusive of the parsonage.
Episcopal Church .- The first service of the Protestant Episcopal Church was conducted by Rev. Samuel B. Babcock, rector of St. Paul's Church, Dedham, in Union Hall, near the New York Central Railroad Depot, Oct. 10, 1858, at one of the " union meetings " at that time supported by adherents of all denominations. After a while the Episcopalians transferred their place of meeting to Lyman Hall, near the Boston & Providence Railroad, where services were held every Sunday morning, the various clergymen officiating being furnished and paid by the Southern District Association. When there was no clergyman forthcoming, services were read generally by Mr. Lyman. A Sunday school, which soon grew to a membership of sixty-five, was established, mainly through the exertions of Rev. John W. Nott, who was at that time passing a vacation here. For some time the family of A. H. Brainard constituted the entire number of communicants, the congregation being made up of those who only had a preference for that form of worship.
The present parish was organized Nov. 8, 1860, under the name of Christ Church, with the following officers : Wardens, A. H. Brainard and G. H. Nott ; Vestrymen, L. Bickford, Jairus Pratt, S. Fennell and Wm. H. Hoogs ; Treasurer, S. A. Brad- bury ; Clerk, J. M. R. Story. Rev. A. H. Washburn took charge of the parish in March, 1861, was elected its rector in January, 1862, and so continued till Easter, April, 1866, when he became rector of Grace Church, Cleveland, Ohio. During the early part of his ministration the present church edifice on the corner of River and Maple Streets was erected, largely through the efforts of Gordon H. Nott. This building is of Gothic style of architecture and has about three hundred sit- tings. While it was in process of construction the services were held in Bragg's Hall on Fairmount Avenue. The building was consecrated December 1, 1863, by Right Rev. Manton Eastburn, bishop of the diocese, assisted by several other di-
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vines. Mr. Washburn's connection with the parish was of great benefit to it, and his resignation deeply deplored. He was suc- ceeded in April, 1866, by Rev. Wm. H. Collins, a faithful and earnest worker, who officiated as rector till October 1, 1869, the date his resignation-which was made on the 21st of July preceding-took effect. He was succeeded on November 16 following, by Rev. John W. Birchmore, who remained till May 15, 1872. In October, 1872, Rev. Robert Scott was elected to take temporary charge of the parish, and on the fifth of Decem- ber following was unanimously elected rector, and continued as such till Easter, 1874. On the following seventeenth of June the Rev. R. B. Van Kleeck, D. D., accepted a unanimous call to the rectorship. He was a man well-known and highly esteemed by both clergy and laity in all parts of the country. He re- signed his charge at Easter, 1878. From January, 1879, to July, 188c, Rev. F. H. T. Horsfield was minister in charge. He was succeeded on November 15, 1880, by the Rev. Edwar. A. Rand, who, with unremitting devotion to duty, continued as minister in charge until Whitsunday, 1882. His successor, the Rev. John T. Magrath, commenced his labors as rector on the following Sunday (Trinity) and ended them on Trinity Sunday, 1887. In September, 1887, the present incumbent, Rev. H. L. C. Braddon, succeeded to the rectorship.
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