USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Old-time Fairhaven; erstwhile Eastern New Bedford, Volume I > Part 16
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The Jenney Mansion. - The location of Memorial church was once described as follows: -- "AUCTION SALE. The princely residence formerly owned and occupied by William P. Jenney, Thurs- day, December 13, 1866, at 12 o'clock. The above residence is finely situated, artistic, and highly finished, built of the best material and is, in fact, one of the finest pieces of architecture in the State, and cost when built over $25,000; 11/2 acres of land, thickly studded with the best of fruit and ornamental trees, flowers, evergreens, etc."
The Church Mansion. - Mr. David D. Hammond who had purchased the Nathan Church property on the northeast corner of Center and Green streets, in February, 1865, for $10,000, was seized with apoplexy on March 12th of the following year, which resulted in his death within a few hours, aged 54 years.
This was followed by another sale: - "REAL ESTATE. The brick dwelling house on Center street, Fairhaven, formerly the resi- dence of Nathan Church, has been purchased by George F. Tripp, Esq., for $6,500. Saturday, February 9, 1867." The brick house, erected in 1840, was constructed for $22,000, sold to David Ham- mond for $10,000, to George F. Tripp for $6,500, to Walter P. Winsor in October 1879, for $4,000. The main entrance was then on Center street, we infer from the preceding notice. This was re- moved and a conservatory substituted.
The Winsor Family. - Here let us pause and retrospect ; it will be positive proof that "tempus fugit." We remember, somewhat hazily, when the Tripps lived in the mansion, on the northeast corner of Center and Green streets, but we recall more clearly when the Winsors lived there. Then, the forty-year-old house was astir with
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comparatively young parents, the oldest child being born in 1879. and the youngest in 1892.
Changes transpired ; the children were educated ; marriages took place; deaths occurred. Walter Pellington, Jr. was graduated at Harvard University and Law School; Anna Bancroft Winsor and Carl Clapp Shippee were married ; Bancroft Winsor, a graduate of the Fairhaven High School, pursued studies at the Worcester Poly- technic and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Bancroft, and Beatrice, daughter of Crawford and Anne Dunham, were married ; Allen Pellington Winsor received the A. B. degree at Harvard in 1914 and the M. D. degree in 1918.
The family, a cultured and educated one, began to disintegrate :
Walter Pellington Winsor, 1846-1911 Mary Bancroft Winsor, 1856-1921 Walter P. Winsor, Jr. 1879-1911 Bancroft Winsor, 1889-1939
Anna, born in 1881, is living in New Jersey. Allen, born in 1892, is a physician, in Cambridge.
A Tribute to Mrs. Winsor was a contribution to The Fair- haven Star of May 6, 1921.
Building Boom. - Within a period of twenty-five years, the following dwelling houses, with the names of the owners, and ap- proximate dates of construction, were erected in Fairhaven.
1874. Charles P. Maxfield, Cor. Bridge and Adams streets.
1876. George W. King, Cor. Green and Rodman.
Joshua R. Delano, Spring street.
Baker Bros., Pleasant street. Joshua H. Delano, Cor. Center and Pleasant.
E. G. Paull, Cor. Green and Union.
William S. Guild, Main street.
Lysander C. Gurney, Cor. Fort and Church.
John Gurney, Bridge street. Charles S. Morse, Madison Square John Morse, Madison Square
Charles E. Hammond, Madison Square
Martin Hammond, Madison Square
George Howard, East Fairhaven
1877. Joseph Pope, Laurel street.
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1878. Seth H. Keith, Fort street. James Loomis, Fort street.
1879. Warren Lorenzo Braley, Green street.
1880. Alfred Nye, Cor. Main and Washington (Store).
1881. Joseph B. Peck, Laurel street.
1882. Lorenzo Shurtleff, Fort street. Edwin Stowell, Cor. Fort and Church.
1885. Walter Day, Cor. Green and Spring.
1886. Benjamin F. Cottelle, Fort street.
1887. James F. Terry, Middle street.
David N. Kelley, Green street.
David T. Hathaway, Green street.
1890. Mrs. H. W. Pope, North Main street.
1891. Joseph K. Nye, Main street.
1893. Rollin A. Wells, Chestnut street.
1894. Henry B. Gifford, Cor. Main and Cowen.
1895. Holder A. Harris, Green street.
Mary Babbitt, Church street.
John A. W. Burgess, Middle street.
Albert Jackson,«Green street.
Charles E. Lumbard, Laurel street.
1896. Samuel S. Bumpus, Cor. Water and Washington. Mrs. Waldo Rounsville, Laurel street.
Horace K. Nye, Green street.
Charles F. Dillingham, Chestnut street.
1897. Capt. Alexander Winsor, Fort street.
Many more structures than those listed were erected during this quarter-century period ; some were remodelled ; barns and stores con- verted into dwellings, etc.
Another period of equal length made resplendent the name of Henry Huttleston Rogers due to the gifts to his native town, be- ginning with the purchase of the square for the Rogers School and closing with the erection of the High School building.
Horse Chestnut Tree House. - Every house has its history. On the 6th of September, 1862, Lydia H., widow of the late Capt. Owen Reynard, died, aged 47. The funeral was at 67 Center street. Then we find : - "HOUSE AND LOT AT AUCTION. On Mon- day, December 1, 1862, at 2 o'clock P. M., will be sold the dwelling
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house and lot, No. 67 Center street, in the village of Fairhaven, the lot containing 23 rods. Terms at sale."
This property passed into the ownership of Lucy A. Reynard who sold to Warren Delano, in 1863 ; Mr. Delano sold to Benjamin F. Beetle on July 7, 1871.
Here Walter F. Beetle, the son, spent a part of his boyhood days. This house was destined to go, to make way for the Unitarian property, but the horse-chestnut tree on Center street still remains pointing the way up the outside stairs to the front door. The re- moval of this house took place years ago, in fact Mr. Beetle had launched upon a lifetime career elsewhere and never knew what dis- position was made of the old home. In the summer of 1940 Mr. Beetle arrived in town, and learning that his usual room had been taken by unexpected guests, was directed to Mrs. Foster's on Laurel street. Upon his arrival there, he saw to his utter amazement, that he was approaching his former boyhood home. One can, perhaps, image his delight upon being permitted to roam, after the lapse of many years, over this house, the whereabouts of which, as we have said, had been unknown to him. Mr. Beetle, 90 years of age, makes periodic visits to the town, enjoying every minute of his sojourn. He was born in the house on Washington street, known in my boyhood days as the William C. Ford house. Then his family removed to the Tucker Damon house, on the east side of Water street, near Union, going thence to 67 Center street. His father purchased the homestead of Capt. Joseph Taber, on Center street, corner of Green, in 1886, removing there in 1890. The Fairhavenite who does not chat with Mr. Beetle misses much. Mr. Beetle was born on February 2, 1857.
CHAPTER XIV
Clubs -- Societies -- Associations
Temperance Society; Cold Water Army. - Our main source of information is the Autobiography of Elder Joseph Bates, a resident of Fairhaven for many years. This book of about 300 pages, pub- lished in 1868, tells of "a long life on shipboard, with sketches of voyages in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Baltic and Mediter- ranean seas." In addition, he gives us glimpses of early experiences in reform movements together with mention of the great Advent movement, 1840-1844.
Joseph Bates was born in Rochester on July 8, 1792. In the early part of the following year, the family moved to that part of New Bedford incorporated as Fairhaven in 1812. In the latter place he resided until he removed to Michigan in May, 1858.
"I remember when I was a lad the great reformation of 1807 in New Bedford and Fairhaven. During the spring of the year 1827, we were blessed with a revival of religion in Fairhaven, especially in the Christian church. The same day while we were changing our clothes, I solicited Elder M., who baptised me, to assist me in raising a Temperance Society. Failing with him I moved out alone. Soon a meeting was called, and the FAIRHAVEN TEMPERANCE SO- CIETY was organized." Capt. Stephen Merrihew was chosen president and Charles Drew secretary. "If any Temperance Societies had ever been organized previous to the one at Fairhaven, we were unacquainted with the fact." "The Society struck out in time the words 'ardent spirits' and inserted instead 'all intoxicating drinks.' This reform gave us the name of TEETOTALERS."
"Before this, our Temperance Society had become exceedingly popular. Our meeting-houses in their turn were crowded with all classes to hear lectures on the subject." Societies organized in New Bedford. A Bristol County Temperance Society was organized. This was followed by the Massachusetts State Temperance Society. Temperance papers, tracts and lectures multiplied throughout the land, and opposition began to rage like the rolling sea. Then came the COLD WATER ARMY of little children from four years on- ward. "As I examined my papers the other day, I saw the book con- taining the names of nearly three hundred children who had belonged to our COLD WATER ARMY at Fairhaven."
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"Thus in four years, or from 1827 temperance societies had progressed from our small beginnings, in Fairhaven, so that in 1831 there were 3,000 temperance societies formed in the United States."
"Up to 1832, the Christian Church, in Fairhaven, with which I had united, had occupied a rented hall. Four of the brethren united together and built one which was called The Washington-street Christian meeting-house."
"In March, 1841, William Miller commenced a course of lectures in the Washington-street meeting-house. The house was so crowded that a great portion could not be seated, and yet all was quiet and still as night." Mr. Miller, as we know, was an exponent of the Second Advent doctrine. "About this time the church elected a pastor, which was a source of deep trial to those who were more deeply interested in the Advent movement. Several of those interested ones sought and obtained their dismission. I withdrew and notified the trustees of the meeting-house that I was ready to dispose of my interest to them which I held in the premises. They declined the offer. Four of us, members of the church, had united and built the meeting-house at a cost of over nine thousand dollars, nearly three-fourths of which belonged to us at the time I withdrew."
This autobiography of Mr. Bates should be read from cover to cover to learn the claim that Fairhaven was in the fore rank of the temperance movement in America.
Seamen's Friend Society. - In the Autobiography of Elder Joseph Bates we find this sentence "A few friends of the cause (The sailors' wants) came together, and we organized the 'Fairhaven Sea- men's Friend Society.' "
Under the date of Fairhaven, September 15, 1832, we find: - "NOTICE. The undersigned hereby give notice that a meeting of all persons who have associated as members of the 'FAIRHAVEN SEAMEN'S FRIEND SOCIETY,' for the moral improvement of seamen, is required to be holden at the Academy Hall, on Monday, the first day of October next, at 6 o'clock P. M. for the purpose of organizing said Society under the Act of Incorporation. (Signed) Joseph Bates, Enoch S. Jenney, Asa Hill."
Labor Unions. - The demand for higher wages has ever been . with us. We learn of this in the 20th Chapter of Matthew, where we find that wages depended upon the agreement made between the individual employee and the employer.
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Let us note what has happened in our midst during the last 115 years. Under the date of Tuesday, February 14, 1832, we find : "WORKING MEN'S MEETING, in Fairhaven. A meeting of mechanics and working men, will be held at the Academy Hall, in Fairhaven, this evening, at 6 o'clock, for the purpose of organizing a Society auxiliary to the New England Association of Mechanics and Working Men. Those friendly to the purpose of the meeting, in Fairhaven, and the adjoining towns, are invited to attend."
On Saturday evening, May 20, 1841, a meeting of ship carpen- ters and other mechanics interested to take into consideration the propriety of establishing ten hours as a day's work, was held.
More than a century ago, the Morning Mercury gave us this information : "NOTICE. The caulkers, of New Bedford, give notice that on Monday the 15th instant (May, 1843) the wages will be established at $2.00 per day."
On Wednesday, March 13, 1850, the carpenters demanded $1.75 per day.
"At a meeting of the House Carpenters, in Fairhaven, held May 13, 1850, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : Re- solved; That we, the House Carpenters, are dissatisfied with the present compensation paid for our labor, and think the present a favor- able time to raise our wages. Resolved; That on and after the 15th of this month, our wages be advanced 25 cents per day on the regular price now paid. Resolved; That we will not do another day's work after this specified time unless our reasonable demands are complied with. Per order, (Signed) Jeremiah West, Pres .; William H. Handy, Sec."
In April, 1853, toilers were seeking an increase in wages, their demand being $2 for a day's work. The strike fever spread. On May 4th of the same year, the caulkers struck for higher wages. They demanded $2.50 per diem. In June, 1853, the riggers imbibed the spirit, demanding an increase, and then abandoned their strike, go- ing to work at the old scale of $2 per day.
Soon, we find this: "SHIP CARPENTERS. The journeymen ship carpenters will demand $2.50 for a day's work on and after Monday next, April 10, 1854." On the 24th of that month and year, this is observed : "THE JOURNEYMEN MASONS. On and after Monday next, April 24, 1854, the journeymen masons demand $2.00 per diem." The following month the Stevedores Holdmen demanded $2.50 per day. In March, 1854, the house carpenters raised their pay to $2.00 per day.
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Ninety-three years ago, the following was published : "DOCTORS ON A STRIKE. The physicians of Worcester (and it spread) have unanimously resolved to increase their fees, and will hereafter charge for an ordinary visit $1.00; for a night visit, $2.00; and for a consultation, $3.00." The newspaper adds : "A decrease in the amount of sickness will no doubt be the result. January 27, 1854."
The journeymen Mechanics, of New Bedford, held a meeting on February 16, 1856, and resolved: That from and after April 1, 1856, we do require from our respective employers the payment of our wages monthly. In November, 1859, hod carriers, who received one dollar for a nine-hour day, struck for $1.12 per day.
In the Mercury, we find the following: "HOUSE CARPEN- TERS' NOTICE. At a meeting held on Saturday evening, it was unanimously resolved : That on and after Wednesday, November 11, 1863, we, the journeymen house carpenters demand twenty-five cents per hour for our labor."
Then the hair Dressers, of New Bedford, met, and agreed on the following prices for their labor; "owing to the extremely high prices of every article and necessity of life, on and after November 20, 1863, the price of shaving will be ten cents ; haircut, 20 cents ; children's haircut, 15 cents."
In 1865, the "EIGHT HOUR LEAGUE" was active in this vicinity, demanding that number of hours as a day's work.
At a meeting of the journeyman masons, held on Saturday evening, it was voted that their wages be 35 cents per hour, the same as last year, to take effect on and after this date. New Bedford, April, 24, 1876."
In April, 1882, the ship carpenters struck for an advance in wages, from 25 cents to 30 cents per hour.
A contributory factor in the ever-increasing cost of living con- tinued, and in July, 1890, the local decision was nine hours for paint- ing, at 35 cents per hour.
Union Association for Christian Work. - "The first regular meeting of the Fairhaven Union Association for Christian Work was held last evening (Thursday, July 7, 1870) in Phoenix Hall." This organization was honored by having as stereoptician lecturer our own townsman, William Bradford who gave his services for the betterment of the Society and its work. Mr. H. C. Crane was the president of the Society .. In September of that year, William Brad-
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ford was chosen president to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Crane.
The Union for Christian Works of Fairhaven embraced a membership of persons of all shades of religious belief. The officers were: - President, H. C. Crane; Vice-president, Mrs. Isaiah West ; Treasurer, Miss Mary Wood; Recording Secretary, Miss Minter ; Corresponding Secretary, Frederick H. Hitch; Librarian, Miss Sarah Tripp ; Directors, William Bradford, E. G. Paull, Mrs. A. G. Tripp, Mrs. M. H. Delano, Miss Lizzie Atwood ; Finance Committee; Eben Akin, Jr., L. S. Judd, Job C. Tripp.
This Association started with 80 members. A meeting was held in the Unitarian Vestry on Monday evening, July 11, 1870 when 16 new members were added. The organization secured the Union Hotel for the season. The rooms were open to the public on Sunday, July 17th at 6 P. M. at which time they were dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. There was singing by all; the President of the organ- ization read the Scriptures and Rev. I. H. Coe of New Bedford ad- dressed the gathering. There was a large attendance. Thereafter the rooms were open every evening until 10 o'clock. The Association sponsored a course of lectures with well-known speakers participating, beginning Monday evening, November 28, 1870. Tickets for the course, $1.00. The Fairhaven omnibus was at the service of the New Bedford attendants.
The Colonial Club. - A series of items concerning matrimony set the town astir : - Wednesday, October 15, 1873. "FAIR- HAVEN is destined to have a sensation one day next week. Cards of invitation have been circulated for the wedding of one of its fair- est belles, at the Congregational church. We hear that a young New York merchant is to be the happy man. Flowers, music and beauty will add to the interest of the scene."
Thursday, October 23, 1873. "MARRIAGE IN CHURCH. In the Congregational church, Fairhaven, this afternoon, Mr. John E. Coggeshall, of New York, formerly of New Bedford, and Miss Mattie G. Jenney, of Fairhaven, were married by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Hawkes. The church is very prettily trimmed with evergreen and flowers, and the attendance was very large. The happy couple leave for their future home in New York this afternoon."
From an historical sketch by Lemuel D. Eldred, through whose suggestion the Colonial Club was formed, we quote: "The Colonial Club, of Fairhaven, was organized in 1912 from a nucleus consisting of the "Colonial Dames" - those who took part in the centennial
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celebration of the town, commemorating and becoming a part of its history."
"The original Colonial Dames were as follows : Mrs. H. K. Nye, Mrs. Zenas Winsor, Mrs. Sarah Goodnow, Miss Emily Allen, Mrs. I. N. Babbitt, Miss Helen Maxfield, Mrs. Frank L. Wilde, Mrs. W. B. Studley, Mrs. George L. Hiller, Miss Susan Damon, Miss Mary E. Akin, Mrs. Frank Blossom, Mrs. Frank H. Church, Miss Helen B. Copeland, Mrs. Sarah Jordan, Mrs. Henry D. Waldron, Mrs. C. L. Dunham, Miss Mabel L. Potter, Miss Maria F. Tripp, Mrs. E. G. Tallman and Mrs. George D. Hammond."
Mrs. Martha G. Coggeshall died in the spring of 1916. The Colonial Club voted, in 1916, to accept the gift of the Coggeshall Memorial, at Oxford, willed to the Club by Mrs. John E. Cogges- hall. The home of the Club up to this time had been the "Academy Building." Both Mr. and Mrs. Coggeshall were charter members.
"This legacy has given a new impetus to the Colonial Club. It has grown from 21 members to an association of over two hundred."
Farmers' Club. - The original Fairhaven territory was active more than seventy years ago. "FARMERS' CLUB. The farmers of the south part of Acushnet and the north part of Fairhaven, have formed a club called the ACUSHNET FARMERS' CLUB, the object being to increase interest and knowledge in agriculture and such other subjects as the society may think proper. The club meets regularly on Monday evenings, at the residence of Capt. James Dahl, in Fairhaven. The present number of members is 20. James M. Allen, Jr., of Fairhaven, is secretary, and Capt. Dahl, treasurer. December 2, 1875."
Young Mens' Debating Society. - Nearly seventy years ago, there was organized in Fairhaven the association denominated the "Young Men's Debating Society." The first meeting was held on the evening of October 25, 1878, with six persons present. These six, with two others who were absent, constituted the original mem- bers of the society. They were Albert B. Collins, Thomas R. Robin- son, Frank H. Dunham, Thomas A. Tripp, Frank A. Rand and James L. Gillingham : The absentees were Frank Burgess and Charles T. Akin. The meetings were held in the rooms of the Library Association, southwest corner of Center and William streets. Here they met on alternate Friday evenings, at 7:30 o'clock.
By carefully examining the Records, By-laws and Constitution, all of which are in a perfect state of preservation, we unwaveringly come to the conclusion that this organization, nearly all the members
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of which have passed away, must have surpassed the majority of the present day gatherings of a similar nature, and would be an excel- lent criterion for future assemblies.
At an adjourned meeting, with A. B. Collins acting as chair- man, the original members proceeded to ballot for officers, to serve three months, with the following result: - A. B. Collins, President ; Thomas Tripp, Vice-president ; James L. Gillingham, Secretary and Treasurer. The executive committee was empowered to purchase a blank book in which to keep the records. Upon the examination . of the treasurer's report the writer finds that this book cost 35 cents. The treasurer's account book cost 8 cents. It was voted that the subject for debate at the next meeting to be held on November 8th should be: - Resolved; "That the best good of the United States of America demands the issue by the government of an irredeemable paper money which shall be made a legal tender in payment of all debts, public and private, and the issue of which shall be in a fixed ratio to the number of inhabitants of said United States."
On November 8th, it was voted that Thomas R. Robinson be appointed a special committee to employ a janitor to take care of the room. At its next meeting, on November 22, 1878, George H. Taber, Jr. was unanimously voted a member. Mr. Robinson then reported that he had made an agreement with Herbert Burke to have him build the fire and take care of the lights and room for five cents per night, on the nights of the meeting. The name of Charles H. Sul- lings, age 22, occupation, a musician, and William H. Fish, age 24, occupation, a plumber, were proposed for membership. Their elec- tion took place on December 20th. Initiation, which cost 25 cents, followed. It was voted that Mr. Gillingham be appointed a com- mittee to procure a seat for the secretary as shall suit his size and desire. On the next day, it is recorded, a stool, costing 40 cents, was purchased.
For the most important decisions larger committees were ap- pointed. This time Messrs. Collins, Robinson and Gillingham were appointed a special committee to confer with the trustees of the Library to ascertain whether they would grant the request concerning the placement of two additional bracket lamps. The treasurer's re- port states that the bracket lamps were purchased on November 30, 1878, for $1.00. On December 15th, the janitor was paid, for his several nights of service, the sum of 15 cents. On February 13th following, he was paid 25 cents.
At the meeting of January 17, 1879, it was voted that the treasur- er be appointed a special committee to confer with the librarian as to
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the matter of procuring coal for the use of the Society and also for the use of the Library as compensation for the use of the room, fire and lights. The Debating Society, before its next meeting, had pur- chased the coal, 1/4 ton, costing $1.38.
On January 31, 1879, the election of officers was the order of the evening and resulted as follows: - Thomas R. Robinson, Presi- dent ; Frank H. Dunham, Vice-president ; and a member whom we shall call "John" was elected Secretary and Treasurer. "John" un- conditionally declined to accept the offices. The Society declined to accept "John's" non-acceptance. "John" then with resentful ardor demanded that either he should be excused from accepting the office to which he was elected or that his name should be taken from the roll as a member of the Society. The records state that "as this was an unexpected situation of affairs, and as the intent and purpose of the Society, IN THE MAIN, was to promote good will and exhibit a Christian spirit, the one to the other, among the members, it was voted that the matter be laid upon the table."
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