USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Old-time Fairhaven; erstwhile Eastern New Bedford, Volume I > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
At this meeting of January 31, 1879, more than 68 years ago, the subject for debate for the next meeting was, Resolved : - "That the present financial condition of the Country has been brought on by the extravagance of the people."
On February 14th, instead of "John," Charles T. Akin was elected Secretary and Treasurer and initiation followed. It was voted to appoint a committee to draw up a resolution condemning and censuring "John" for his recent conduct as exhibited in his per- sistent refusal to serve as an official of the Society. The committee appointed consisted of Mr. Gillingham and Mr. Akin and it was voted to lay the matter on the table.
On March 11th it was voted that Mr. Fish be appointed a com- mittee to purchase a key. The key was purchased. In April, Mr. Tripp was appointed a special committee to purchase a chair for the president of the Society. This special committee reported the pur- chase of a chair costing, according to the treasurer's report, 59 cents. The name of Robert H. McFaunn, occupation, a nailer, was presented for membership. In May, Thomas R. Robinson was chosen Presi- dent ; Frank H. Dunham, Vice-president ; Charles T. Akin, Treasurer and Secretary. The meeting held on September 2, 1879, seems to have been the last. The record book, and the treasurer's report to- gether with the report of the secretary are in perfect condition as I view them on the desk before me.
Mr. Thomas A. Tripp, now in his 90th year, his birthday being October 8th, a member of the Young Men's Debating Society founded
тут
Rogers School - Opened in 1885
COAL TARA
...
ur 2
...
New Bedford and Fairhaven Bridge - Sixty Years ago.
177
CLUBS, SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS
in 1878 when he was 21 years of age, has experienced an exceptional career.
About the time that he became a member of the above-mentioned Men's Club, he started his life work with what became The Pairpoint Corporation, retiring from that concern as vice-president, after more than a half century therewith.
Mr. Tripp was one of the original directors of The Millicent Library in which he has always taken the deepest interest. He has served as president of the Fairhaven Water Company ; has served the town in various capacities by vote of the people, and has been president of the Fairhaven Institution of Savings for about 44 years.
Mr. Tripp probably has a more extensive knowledge of local history than any other person in town. His reminiscences should be carefully preserved.
Sconticut Neck Literary Club. - Let us mention one organiza- tion about which we learn from the contribution headed "Com- munication," printed under the date of Wednesday, February 20, 1878, reading as follows: - "To the Editor of the Standard: - A few ladies and gentlemen of Sconticut Neck, met one evening this winter, and decided to extend an invitation to the residents here to meet with them the next week. The result was the formation of a Literary Club. The meetings have been well attended, applications of admission being made almost every evening. The first half hour is devoted to historical reading, then follows reading on subjects or characters introduced; then miscellaneous readings; recitations and - compositions are next in order, some of which have been of a high order. In consequence of the closing of our school, Miss Clara B. Alden has resigned her position as Secretary of the Club."
Clubs Aplenty. - Every generation has its organizations hav- ing for their objective the general welfare of the community - the present generation being merely the link between the past and the oncoming. Fairhaven has, and has had, its share of human ag- gregations. In May, 1890, "The Mustard Seed Society," formed by the young people of the Unitarian Church, had the following officers : - Lillian E. Bryant, President; Annie Thompson, Vice president ; Mabel Potter, treasurer ; Maud Brown, secretary. This club, in 1891, had the same president and the same treasurer, but Cordie Hillman was inducted into the office of vice president and Alice M. Tallman as secretary.
Miss Lillian Estelle Bryant, president, daughter of Cyrus Bryant who lived in the house on the east side of Walnut street, north of the
178
OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
Methodist church and south of the Warren Delano estate, was a graduate of the local high school in the class of 1891. In June, 1899, Mr. Albert Swift Morse and Lillian Estelle Bryant were married.
Miss Annie Thompson, vice president of The Mustard Seed Society, was appointed assistant at the Millicent Library upon its opening, and served efficiently in that capacity for many years. She lives at the old homestead on Laurel street.
Miss Mabel Louise Potter, treasurer of the society, was graduated at Brown University in June, 1897, receiving the A. M. degree the following year. Miss Potter has been in educational work or work pertaining thereto, since graduation from college, teaching in Provi- dence, R. I .; Palmer, Massachusetts; LaCrosse, Wisconsin; and Boston, Massachusetts. She was instructor in Physical Culture at the Women's College in Brown University, in 1898-99, and has since made an enviable reputation as landscape designer. Her interest in all projects for the betterment of Fairhaven is well recognized. Mr. Daniel C. Potter died in September, 1928, at the age of 84, and Mrs. Ellen H. Potter, wife of Daniel C. Potter, died in January 1925, at the age of 80. It is gratifying to state that both were widely known and consistently loyal to every worthy undertaking.
Miss Maud Brown who lived in her girlhood days on Water street, afterwards removing to the house (now on the west side of Laurel street, south of Union) which stood on the south side of Center street, next east of the corner of Walnut street, or opposite the horse-chestnut tree in that locality, was the secretary of The Mustard Seed Society in 1890. Her engagement to Mr. Walter Jay Osborne of Norwell was announced in January, 1904. They were subsequently married.
Miss Alice Tallman, secretary of the Club in 1891, graduated from the Rogers School, Center street, in 1888, and from the local high school in 1892. We remember her as a bright, enthusiastic and scholarly pupil. In October, 1900, Norman M. Paull and Alice M. Tallman were married. Mrs. Paull died in May, 1918.
Another club was the Crocus Club, often meeting at the residence of Mrs. D. A. Caldwell in 1880. Mr. Caldwell who had been princi- pal of the local high school and of a Grammar school in New Bedford, died in February 1886. Then there were the Unity Club, the Thalia Club which was formed in 1884, the Ragnaroc Tennis Club, the U. M. S. Club, the Empire Club, a literary association which gave a social dance at the Phoenix Hall in January, 1855, the S. Q. C. Club which was existent in 1892, etc.
179
CLUBS, SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS
Two worthy organizations might be mentioned here: - The Independent Order of Good Templars and The Sons of Temperance. The I. O. of Good Templars differed from the Sons of Temperance inasmuch as ladies were admitted to full membership on an equality with gentlemen and were eligible to hold office, at least we find this so in October, 1859. This fraternity made use of mystic signs and grips.
Fountain Division, No. 89, Sons of Temperance, was instituted in Fairhaven on February 16, 1872.
At the regular meeting of the Fairhaven Lodge, No. 187, I. O. of Good Templars, held on Monday, August 7, 1871, the following officers were installed : - Obed F. Hitch, Emily Bailey, John Akin, Ansel G. Bourne, James G. Card, Frank Warner, Cyrus D. Hunt, Adeline Paul, James Severance, Jennie Leavitt, Lucy Harris, Ellen Potter, Abbie Alden, Isaac W. Thatcher. The installation at East Fairhaven took place the preceding Saturday evening.
CHAPTER XV
Fort Phoenix -- Phoenix Hall -- The Harbor - The Islands
The Old Fortification. - Visiting Fort Phoenix today, with perfect freedom, is quite in contrast with former times, as will be observed by the following : - "FIVE DOLLARS REWARD. Any person who will give information to the subscriber, of the name of the person or persons who made a fire near the flag staff of the United States' Fort in Fairhaven, shall be entitled to the above reward by proving the same. (Signed) Cha's Hathaway, Overseer of the Fort. July 17, 1816." Under the same date, a sweeping order of exclusion was issued. "TAKE NOTICE. All persons are hereby forbid go- ing within the limits of the United States' Fort at Fairhaven without permission from the Overseer of said Fort. And any person or persons found within the palisade or ramparts of said Fort, will be prosecuted, and two dollars reward is offered to any person who will give information and proof of trespass. (Signed) Cha's Hathaway Overseer of the Fort."
In 1841, a few thousand dollars were expended by the Govern- ment for the improvement of the fortification under Lieutenant Isaac Stevens who afterwards became the Governor of Washington Ter- ritory. At present there are 24-pounders which remain dismounted. The only time that these guns were used was in the celebration of our National Anniversary in Fairhaven, in 1849. This was printed in The Daily Mercury of October 17, 1859.
In Ithaca, New York, Capt. Jeduthan Taber, formerly of Fair- haven, died on August 10, 1855, aged 84 years. He was captain of the Fort, at Fairhaven, during the War of 1812.
"Who Goes There?" - Saturday, May 9, 1863. "ATTACK ON FORT PHOENIX. There has been considerable skirmishing in the woods in the vicinity of Fort Phoenix the past few days, and several times unknown persons have, very late in the evening, ap- proached near to the gate, but have been careful not to answer to the call of 'Who goes there?' On Wednesday night, May 6th, they appeared as usual, and threw several stones at the guard. At about 10 o'clock on Thursday evening a large stone passed very near to the sentry who immediately fired his gun in the direction from whence it
181
FORT PHOENIX, PHOENIX HALL, HARBOR, ISLANDS
came. What the effect was is not known, but nothing was heard afterwards. It may be considered sport but the parties may be mis- taken."
"AMMUNITION FOR FORT PHOENIX. The schooner Henry Gibbs brought from New York, July 19, 1864, fifty boxes each containing three Parrott shot for the rifled guns, and seven bar- rels of powder."
The magazine was 28 feet wide, on the entrance end, by 51 feet long, the doorway being three feet wide and six and a half feet high. This end of the magazine was 12 feet in height. The magazine was completed by Captain Roberts in May 1865, and was intended to hold 25,000 pounds and capable of holding 50,000 pounds of powder.
Our generation remembers the Magazine of Fort Phoenix, with the door on the northeast. Through this doorway we lads entered to explore the dark recesses of a region once filled with shot and shell. The outline of the doorway, now stoned up, can easily be discerned by the discriminating eye. And in 1865 there stood the two-story garrison house a few feet to the east. Cedar groves could be seen in the vicinity of Fort Phoenix a generation ago. Mere rem- nants of the past remain today.
Fairhaven Recruits. - In April, 1861, recruits from this town to the number of 60 paraded in New Bedford with fife and drum to the tune of Yankee Doodle, and were tremendously cheered. In May, six 24-pounders were mounted at Fort Phoenix. The barracks were renovated, and a vigilant watch, day and night, was kept of all vessels approaching the harbor. It was in this month and year that a Union flag was raised at the Post Office with patriotic speeches, the ferry- boat "Union" leaving New Bedford at 7 P. M., returning after the ceremony. The Fairhaven recruiting office, in charge of Charles H. Morton and James N. Cox, was located at 40 Center street in 1863. This was the number now east of Phoenix Block, formerly north of Fountain Hall.
On Monday noon, August 26, 1872, incendiaries set fire to the barracks at Fort Phoenix. The wife of Sergeant Wetzel, keeper, attempted to extinguish the flames, but they spread, and one building was destroyed before the engine from the village could reach the scene of the conflagration. A second building was partially destroyed. The old house, the last remaining one, at Fort Phoenix, was burned to the ground in November, 1918.
182
OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
Muskets For Sale. - Fort Phoenix, in charge of Sergeant Wetzel, was abandoned in 1876. Sergeant Wetzel, a United States ordnance officer, who had been retired from active army service, had been stationed at Fort Phoenix as Government custodian.
As soon as the ordnance and munitions were removed, the mus- kets used by the Home Guards and owned by the town were packed away. In "The Fairhaven Star" of 1889 occurred the following :
"MUSKETS FOR SALE. The muskets used by the Home Guards in the late Rebellion, are now for sale at the town treasurer's office. (Signed) John I. Bryant, chairman of Selectmen."
Much more may be learned concerning the Fort by reading articles in "The Fairhaven Star" under the dates of October 21, 1893 ; December 14, 1923; June 8, 1933.
The Beacon. - Speaking of Fort Phoenix, one of the most pictur- esque spots along the coast, reminds us that here stood, like an eternal sentinel, the "Beacon," a welcome sight to mariners, and a landmark for several generations. On the water side, near the top, just be- neath the large, black sphere, so familiar to the frequenters of the Fort, were these words in raised letters: - "Erected on the recom- mendation of George S. Blake, U. S. Navy and Coast Survey ; Joseph Grinnell, M. C .; J. T. Adams, Collector. MDCCCXLVIII." De- ciphered into Arabic numerals we easier read, 1848. Sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers have gazed upon this substantial and seemingly immovable structure during a period of ninety years. It took the terrifying and tragic hurricane of September 21, 1938, to send this beacon prostrate to the ground, the great iron plates of which it was composed being broken into fragments, and the great, black ball that surmounted it, hurled onto the rocks below, was broken into bits.
The Rock Inscribed. - If one were to scrutinize the rock at the old base of the Beacon, which was erected in 1848 and demolished by the hurricane of September 21, 1938, he might decipher the name of George C. Merrihew, cut in the solid rock about 1870, that is, about 77 years ago. George Merrihew was the son of Phineas E. Mer- rihew, the latter born, in Fairhaven, in June, 1818. George was born in 1856, dying in February 1880 at the age of 24.
Another name discernible is that of Ira A. Reed, cut in the year 1857. Ira Reed, the friend of dogs, having many in his household, was the brother of Noble E. Reed. Ira superintended Grimshaw's
183
FORT PHOENIX, PHOENIX HALL, HARBOR, ISLANDS
bakes about a half century ago. Noble died in May 1896 in his 59th year ; and Ira died in October 1905, aged 65.
We also see the name of G. W. Bryant, 1871, and that of Leo C. Haskins, all to be read by the oncoming generations who take the pains to visit the site of the old Beacon. Among other names chiseled out of the solid rock are, Ed. Swan, C. T. Delano, W. Beetle, G. H. Luther, S. D. Read and Chas. Smith.
Phoenix Hall Dedicated. - This building, on the northeast cor- ner of Main and Center streets, was transformed from a religious to a secular structure. From a letter written about 95 years ago by Mrs. Sarah J. Irish, wife of William M. Irish, we select the following : "The new 'Hall' is to be dedicated tomorrow evening. Mr. Montague is going to make a speech. It is reported that he named it."
In a letter dated September 29, 1853, Mr. Ebenezer Akin, Jr. wrote : "On Tuesday evening Phoenix Hall was dedicated. We had an address from Mr. Montague, and several pieces rendered by Fair- haven and New Bedford singers, Miss Graupner presided at the piano. This evening there is to be a dance there, after which, I suppose, it will be considered fully dedicated."
In September, 1853, B. Ewer, Jr. & Co. advertised as follows : "Phoenix Hall, Fairhaven, having been completed, will be let for the various purposes for which the same is so well adapted."
The old meeting-house bequeathed to Phoenix Hall the old system of lighting. We can see the old chandelier hanging from the center of the circle above, and the side lamps in brackets on either side wall with their oil-burning outfit. In the spring of 1890, however, Phoenix Hall was wired for electric lights, and in the same year and season we note that a gate was placed at the entrance to the Phoenix Hall yard.
Phoenix Hall was the scene of town meetings from 1864 to 1894, although it is recorded that Fountain Hall was occasionally used for that purpose. Few remember the brick sidewalk on two sides of Phoenix Block.
The Old Historic Cannon. - It is difficult to segregate the old meeting-house from the old cannon at the Four Corners. In the year 1832, while Rev. William Gould was officiating at the meeting-house, this cannon was placed, muzzle downward, in its present location. Upon the sale of the property, which took place about fifteen years later, the cannon was removed to Union street where, throughout the major part of our boyhood days, it remained upon a pair of skids.
184
OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
More than sixty-five years ago the writer saw it lowered into its present resting place, and in 1885 the Improvement Association placed upon it an inscription.
In the STAR of May 20, 1882, we find the following : - "THE OLD CANNON. A REVOLUTIONARY RELIC. Capt. Alex- ander Winsor has caused the old cannon that for so many years was planted muzzle down on the 'four corners' to be replaced in its old position. This gun was captured from the English at Nassau, N. P., 1777, by Ezekiel Hopkins, Commander of the Ship Alfred, and was brought to New London, Conn., and soon afterwards was brought to this town and mounted at Fort Phoenix. On the 5th of September 1778, a fleet of British ships landed troops at Clark's Cove, who came to this town, spiked the guns in the fort, and knocked off the trun- nions."
Tugboats and Side-Wheelers. - The older citizens remember the "George W. Hunt," the "Charlie" and the "Nellie" as tug boats in the harbor. The "Charlie" was purchased in Fall River, and ar- rived in New Bedford on the evening of May 25, 1877. The new tug boat, built on the Delaware, was named the "Nellie" in honor of the youngest daughter of Capt. Caleb R. Kelley, one of the owners. The "Nellie" arrived in New Bedford on Friday, October 3, 1873.
Then there were the steamers, the side-wheelers, the "River Queen," the "Island Home," the "Monohansett" and the "Martha's Vineyard." The "River Queen" of 527 tons and 185 feet in length, costing originally $60,000, was bought on March 28, 1873, and arrived in New Bedford on Wednesday, May 7th of that year. She was built in 1864, and was sold to the New Bedford Steamboat Company at the close of the War. This boat was a private boat for Abraham Lincoln. On the third of February, 1865, a Peace Confer- ence was held on the steamer "River Queen," in Hampton Roads. President Lincoln and William H. Seward represented the North. On the twenty-eighth of March, 1865, a Council of War was held on this steamer, the "River Queen," at City Point, attended by Presi- dent Lincoln and Generals Grant, Meade, Ord, Sheridan and Sherman.
On Friday, May 30, 1862, the "Monohansett" arrived in New Bedford. In August of that year, she was chartered to the Govern- ment. On the morning of August 31, 1874, General Grant passed Fort Phoenix in the "Monohansett." At the fort the firing squad consisted of Sergeant Wetzel, John I. Bryant, Joseph B. Cushing, Field W. Thompson and William H. Bryant. John I. Bryant was
185
FORT PHOENIX, PHOENIX HALL, HARBOR, ISLANDS
delegated to fire the guns, twenty-one in number, to welcome the President of the United States.
Skating on the Acushnet. - The winter of 1856-1857 was un- usually cold, with sleighing on the river above the bridge, the ice being twenty-three inches in thickness. Skating seemed to be the principal pastime of this period, for on week-days throngs to the number of 1,500 skaters could be seen above the bridge, increased to 2,500 on Saturdays. In February, 1877, there was excellent sleighing on the upper harbor, and one was delighted to see the ex- citing race with "General" driven by L. S. Judd proudly leading the way. The bay was filled with seal disporting themselves on the ice.
Watercraft Galore. - In summer, skiffs, dories, rowboats, canoes, wherries, cat-rigged boats and other watercraft glided to and fro, across the Acushnet, encircling the islands, and down the harbor, some bent on winning races, unceremoniously planned. There were, too, tub races between the wharves, each contest having its starter, time-keeper and judge. One of these races, which took place in the early evening at the foot of Center street, in the year 1877, when excitement ran unusually high, was witnessed by about five hundred persons. These events could be advantageously viewed from Union, Old South and Handy's wharves. The distance was usually one of fifty yards, from a raft to a stake boat, to be rounded, and return. The prizes were commensurate with the times, being $2, $1.50 and a bar of Hersom's soap. The contestants were George H. Delano, John Cunningham, W. B. Rose, Samuel Hardy, Arthur Francis and Joseph Delano. On July 4th, 1888, a tub race took place in which Frank Gifford, A. Leonard Bliss and his twin brother George, con- tested, the unknown prizes being acquired in the above order. One journal stated: - "Rowing is more popular than ever, and from the canoe to the whaleboat, some seventy or eighty oarcraft were on the water last evening (Thursday, August 3, 1876)."
While we are at the water front, let us note the following which we find under the date of Thursday, June 22, 1877 : - "OUR HAR- BOR, above and below the bridge, presented a very animated appear- ance last evening. Besides the many row and sail boats, passing hither and thither, the larger vessels, numbering some fifteen or twenty, lying at anchor below the bridge, had lights displayed in their rigging, and the Azores Band embarked upon a sailboat, playing around and among the fleet with their enlivening music added much
186
OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
to the enjoyment not only of those participating in sailing but to the large number of spectators assembled on the bridge and wharves."
The Water Boat. - We should not overlook Capt. Jotham Swift who was, with his water boat "The Friends," dispensing fresh water to boats in the harbor. Many a sail with Capt. Swift has been enjoyed by many boys. We had the outing, and we did the pumping from his reservoir to the casks on board the vessels, both large and small. The word "WATER" could be seen, on the hoisted sail of The Friends, for a long distance, and there was little excuse for sail- ors to become thirsty in the New Bedford and Fairhaven harbor.
The origin of the name of the water boat of our time is more or less interesting. It seems that previously Mr. Swift's water boat was wrecked beyond repair. His friends, of whom he had many, came to his rescue, and the contributions were sufficient to purchase a new craft. Mr. Frank Davis and his father gratuitously calked the new boat, making the reservoir for fresh water impervious to the salt water of the Acushnet. Capt. Swift, because of this timely aid in his period of hard luck, christened his new boat after his bene- factors, "THE FRIENDS."
Lost! An Umbrella! - The Acushnet river has been known to freeze long distances beyond its banks, reaching at times far into Buzzards Bay. A correspondent who passed away a few years since, wrote his experiences on its glassy surface, as follows: "Do you re- member how the Acushnet river used to freeze way to the channel, even from the tack works wharf to the channel? This winter's day, which I now mention, I got my new Club skates which took the place of my wood-stock and gimlet-screw, attached to the heel. These were my Christmas skates. I had seen the ice boats skim along the ice like the albatross. Well, I thought of a new patent, being an in- genious boy like you with your 'hoss feeding machine.' I took the large family umbrella with ancient wooden 'mast.' I slipped out of the house unseen by my mother. Umbrellas were sort of holy in those days and rare as well. Under my heavy ulster I put it, folded, skates in sight - I was proud to be seen with them. I walked down to Tack Factory wharf, walked out on the little stone wharf that juts out into the water in summer, but this is a winter yarn.
"I put on my Club skates, got onto the ice, hoisted sail, (You must remember that I am speaking of my umbrella ) and glided away over the frozen sea. I kept toward shore at first; seeing it worked like a charm, I dared to go out and try the wind in my new make-
187
FORT PHOENIX, PHOENIX HALL, HARBOR, ISLANDS
believe sail. Oh. swell! This I remember. As I got beyond the Tack Shop wharf, into the wind, away I flew. I had no rudder. I had no way to guide myself. I just had to (s) tick to de boat, as Billy Washburn would say. Nearer and nearer I came to the chan- nel - death in the offing. I was too young to die. What must I do? The thought came over me to let the umbrella go and take to my skates - WHAT ! and tell my mother that I lost it on the river - NO, a thousand times NO! I was going fast, too fast, I could hear the imaginary death rattle in my throat, lungs filling with salty brine, gasping for breath -blob-blob-blob. I could see myself being sucked down under the ice - cold ice. I'll brave it and tell my mother a good spanking is better than being packed in ice till the ice breaks up, friends collect about the shore, and poor, limp me, lying' in repose. The cost of a funeral ! Heigh-ho! What an excuse to tell my moth- er ! What's an umbrella to all those sad tears and an undertaker's bill, rendered on the first of the month following the 'washup!'
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.