USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Proceedings of the Worcester Society of Antiquity, 1877, Volume I-5 > Part 21
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Thus far every step taken was attended with success, and promised a favorable result. But the labors of Mr. Brown and his coadjutors were brought to a premature end, and the hopes of those who lived adjacent to the Blackstone were blasted. at a moment and in a manner not anticipated at the commencement of the enterprise. The Legislature of Massachusetts, which had been distinguished for its liberality and for a prompt encourage- ment of individuals in all that related to public improvements. withheld its assent, from local considerations, to a corresponding Act of Incorporation ; and the plan thus failed, for a time. for want of power to execute it. It is a cause of deep regret that an enterprise from which a large section of our Commonwealth
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would have been reaping the most signal advantages, should have been thus unfortunately defeatedl. Much time which would otherwise have been employed in improvements, was wasted : and much capital which would have been amassed. was thus lost to the State.
Since that period the mill-privileges upon the Blackstone have. to a great extent, been occupied by large manufacturing estab- lishments, which, by adding greatly to the value of the land, have caused embarrassments that could not now be overcome, were not the proprietors favorably disposed towards the plan. Such was the discouraging effect of the vote of the Legislature of Mas- sachusetts, that, from the time the bill was negatived, the project remained till subsequently revived, unattempted, and its failure was deeply lamented. The subject, however, as business expan- ded, acquired fresh interest from the daily want of communica- tion by water, which was long and severely felt.
The opinion had become so general in favor of a renewed effort. that meetings early in the spring of 1822. both in Providence and Worcester, were held. The subject was disenssed in the latter place among many of the most intelligent citizens and the senti- ment was unanimous that the time had arrived when the exigen- cies of the population in the Valley of the Blackstone required that Canal Navigation should be opened with all possible expe- dition. Committees were appointed to further investigate the subject, by ascertaining the probable expense of constructing a Canal, whether the supplies of water were sufficient, and whether the amount of tonnage annually would justify an investment of funds necessary to accomplish the design. The committees en- tered without delay upon the duties assigned them ; and with the funds subscribed by individuals were enabled to engage Benja- min Wright, Esq., (Chief Engineer upon the middle section of the great Erie Canal, ) to make a topographical survey of the route-to examine the character of the soil-to ascertain wheth- er the supplies of water were sufficient -- to estimate the expense of construction, and to report thereon. The survey was accor- dingly commenced, the levels taken ; and the whole completed in September, 1822, by Mr. Wright, with the aid of two assist- ant engineers, from the result of which they made the following;
REPORT.
"Mr. Hutchinson, accompanied by some of the gentlemen committee, has completed a level over the route for the proposed Canal : and they find the distance, by measure. 45 miles, as a Canal would run, and the descent 151 1-2 feet from Thomas street in Worcester, to tide-water in Providence. The ground is remarkably favorable. The soil generally easy to excavate ; the embankments neither large nor extensive : very little solid rock to be removed : the aqueduct and enlverts are not mmnerous or expensive. On viewing the country intended to be benefitted by this Canal. taking into consideration its probable future gro- wth and increase of trade. I have come to the conclusion that a C'anal 32 feet wide at top. I8 feet at bottom, and 3 1-2 feet depth of water. would be the proper size to be formed ; and that Locks of 70 feet between the Gates, and 10 feet in width, would be sufficiently large for the trade intended, bearing in mind a proper economy in use of water and in the erection of the Locks. In the examination of this important work, an object of primary and indispensable importance was to ascertain whether a sufficient supply of water conkl be obtained without injury to the valuable hydraulic works now erected on the Blackstone river and its branches. The summit level being most deficient in water, it was found that North Pond, lying two miles northerly from the Court House in Worcester, was the principal source of the Wor- cester branch of the Blackstone river ; and the Pond is said to contain or cover a surface of about 100 acres ; and at an expense of 81000 would make it cover 180 acres, by raising a dam eight feet high, and thereby retaining the flood-waters of the Spring for Sunnuer use. Admitting these premises, it is reduced to math- matical calculation that a superficial surface of 140 acres and eight feet deep, would give 48.787.200 cubic feet of water."
From the commencement at Thomas street, in Worcester, to the ontlet of Dority Pond, in Millbury, a distance of about 7 miles, Mr. Hutchinson very properly located Locks of six feet lift each. These Locks would require 4200 cubic feet of water each time they were filled ; and admitting that the casual falls of rain would make good the evaporation of the North Pond, this reservoir would give 21.616 Locks full of Water, of six feet each.
After arriving at the outlet of Dority Pond in Millbury, near the Goodell Manufacturing Company's works, Mr. Hutchinson so formed his plan as to take the water of Dority Pond. and located
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Locks below that point of 8 feet lift each. These Locks require 5,600 cubic feet of water to fill them each time ; and in order to obtain a full supply, resort must be had to making Dority Pond a reservoir. It is believed that an expense of $150 would form a dam to raise Dority Pond ten feet higher than its then summit surface, and it would then contain or cover, according to estima- tion, at least 140 acres, which at ten feet depth. would give 60, 984,000 cubic feet of water. This added to the water of North Pond, would give lockage water for 19,602 Locks of & feet lift each. From Thomas street in Worcester to the point where a branch would probably go off to Long Pond, a distance of 11 miles, there would be 26 Locks. and 176 feet descent.
The expense was estimated at $88,748. From the last men- tioned point to the north line in Rhode Island, 17 1-2 miles, 15 Locks and 107 feet descent. The expense was estimated at $105,739. From the north line in Rhode Island to the south end of Scott's Pond to tide-water in Mooshassuck river, 4 1-2 miles, 8 Locks, 50 feet descent, expense $29,699, making 45 miles dis- tance, 62 Loeks, 451 1-2 feet descent, and an estimated expense of $323,319.
The Charter of the Blackstone Canal Company was executed by the Legislature of Massachusetts in March, 1823, and appro- ved, and by Rhode Island at its June session of the General Assembly the same year.
In 1824 the excavation was commenced in Rhode Island. and and in the year 1826 the first earth was removed in Massachu- setts, near Thomas street, Worcester. The first boat which was completed was the canal packet, called the "LADY CARRINGTON." built in Providence, and finished June 28, 1828. It was titted up in the best style for the accomodation of passengers.
On July 1st, 1828, the Lady Carrington started from tide- water, Providence, on an excursion up the Blackstone Canal, the first trip that had been attempted. The boat passed the first Lock nearly opposite the jail on Canal street, Providence, about 10 o'clock A. M., and the Lock at Mill Bridge at 11 o'clock, under salute of artillery, with great rejoicings on the whole route, to Albion factory, ten miles.
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I will here introduce an abridged account from the Rhode Island American, of Providence, of July 1st, 1828 :-
"At about 10 o'clock in the morning. the . Lady Carrington' started from the first lock above tide-water (opposite the jail. ) on Canal street. A salute of artillery announced her departure, seconded by the cheers of those on board, and the shouts of him- dreds of spectators who crowded the banks and surrounding eminences. to witness this novel spectacle. The boat is of the largest size that can be admitted into the locks, being about sev- enty feet long. nine-and-a-half wide and as high as will admit of a safe passage under the bridges crossing the canal. She is cov- ered on top. having below a cabin nearly the whole extent of the boat, conveniently and neatly arranged. Her draft. when filled with passengers, does not exceed eight or nine inches. Among the passengers were His Excellency the Governor, two of the Rhode Island Canal Commissioners, and about fifty citizens. The Boat was drawn up the Canal by a tow-line attached to two horses. that travelled with rapidity on the straight levels (of which there are some very beautiful ones before you come to the Black- stone River. ) She might be conveyed with ease at the rate of four or five miles per hour. Between tide-water and the Albion Factory, nine granite locks, of most substantial masonry, were passed. Just before entering Scott's Pond. a beautiful basin of deep water, there are three continuous locks. by which you ascend an elevation of twenty-four feet. The novelty of ascending and descending from the different levels was particularly gratifying to those who had never before witnessed the operation. The boat glides into a solid iron box (so to speak. ) in which she is enclosed
by the shutting of folding gates. The water is then admitted through wickets in the upper gates, and the Boat is rapidly raised to the level she is to ascend ; the upper gates are then opened, and she passes on. In descending, the lock is filled and the boat glides in on the level and the upper gates are closed, and the water drawn from the lower gates until the water is depressed to the level below. This operation occupied. in passing up. about four minutes, and in descending about three minutes. The aver-
age height of the locks is about ten feet. There were men hired for lock-tenders, whose duty it was, for Boats ascending to see the lower gates opened, and after the Boat glided into the lock. to close the lower gates. and draw the water from the upper level until the lock was full. and then open the upper gates and let the Boat pass out on the level ; and when Boats were descending. locks were to be filled and upper gates opened. so the boat would glide in. On the 1th of July the . Lady Carrington' carried ex- cursion parties to Scott's Pond. six miles, amid great rejoicings."
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The first boat which passed brough the whole length of the Blackstone Canal, arrived at the upper basin in Worcester, Oct. 6, 1828. Oct. 18th freight boats came up as far as Uxbridge.
Three Commissioners, viz : Edward Carrington, Moses B. Ives and Stephen Smith, were elected in Rhode Island. John W. Lincoln and Sylvanus Holbrook were chosen for Massachusetts.
The expense of the work was $700,000. 8500,000 were taken and paid by citizens of Rhode Island, and $250,000 by citizens of Massachusetts. The Stock was in such demand that as soon as the half million dollars' worth was taken up, mostly in Prov- idence, an express was started by some parties in Providence for Worcester in great haste, to take any balance of stock that was not sold or taken in Worcester.
The first subscription paid on the stock was $8,000. May 2nd. 1825. The second amount assessed. of $8 on a share. on 3907 shares payable Ang. 11, 1825. was not acknowledged by the Treasurer, Thomas Burgess, until Jan. 2. 1826, which amounted to $31,256. The first acknowledgment from Worcester, $3,864, March 23, 1826. The amount of the third installment, of $5 on the share, 3692 shares was due June 7, and was received Aug. 12, 1826, $18,460. The fourth installment of $5 on a share. was received Oct. 11, 817,165. On Nov. 11th, $4,330 was paid in by the Worcester subscribers. The whole amount paid in up to Dec 30, 1826, was $121,941, 75. The whole amount of subscrip- tions and interest received to July 2, 1828, was $351.368,08.
The stockholders in the Blackstone Canal Company, originally formed in Massachusetts, and the stockholders in the Blackstone Canal Company, originally formed in Rhode Island, having be- come united in pursuance of the Acts passed by the Legislatures of the two States for that purpose, held their first meeting for business at Uxbridge, July 5, 1828. The committee which was appointed to raise money to complete the Blackstone Canal, dis- posed of 77 certificates of $1,000 each, and the committee gave their personal notes for $7,200, guaranteed individually, on four months from Nov. 28, 1828. The certificates were all dated Sept. 8, 1828, payable in five years from the 19th of Oct., 1828. the interest paid in advance, to Oct. 1, 1829, and semi-annually afterwards, also in advance, commencing on that day. The whole
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amount realized was $79.486.40. The Company reserved the right to pay at an earlier period. and they were paid from the 4th to the 17th of Jime, 1831.
In a small paper published in Worcester, called The Talisman. under date of Oct. 18, 1828, may be found the following :-
.. It is expected that the whole line of the Canal will be opened for full trade in the course of two weeks. Boats come now up as far as Uxbridge, laden with cotton and other merchandise. The day of the arrival of the first boat from Providence, in this village, was a proud and joyous one to the people of this county, as well as the stock-holders and others interested in the execution of the work. The honor of this undertaking is not with one man, or any body of men. It belongs not to this town ( Worcester) , or to that town, in particular preference to others : but is due to the spirit of enterprise which appertains to the people at large. We presume that those persons who a few years since expressed a desire to live no longer than to see the completion of the Canal. have prepared their wills and made all necessary arrangements for their departure."
The Blackstone Canal proved more useful to the public than to the stockholders. as by building reservoirs it increased and equalized the volume of water very materially in the Blackstone River, and the power for hydraulic purposes was much increased, and more mills and manufactories were built. and villages sprung up and increased. The Canal was also used for many miles for trenches. The manufactories on the line, or within ten miles, were nearly doubled, and Rhode Island was much benefitted. In particular did Providence receive great advantage : while Mas- sachusetts. and particularly Worcester. were proportionately benefitted. An impetus was immediately given to trade and manufactures.
But there were three serious draw-backs to the prosperity and profits of the Canal, which soon made it unpopular with most of its stockholders and patrons. Unfortunately a portion of the Canal was located in the Blackstone River, and boats were more or less detained in high, and also in low water. and in some sea- sous for weeks were detained with goods which were wanted for immediate use or sale. In some years the Canal was four or five months closed with ice. In the season of much drouth the
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manufacturers were jealous of the boat-men drawing so much water ; and on several occasions in Rhode Island the owners of the mills and water power (notwithstanding the Canal Company had greatly increased the amount of water by building dams and thus saving back-water in Winter and Spring for the drouth in the Summer and Fall) ordered large loads of stone tipped in- to the locks. to prevent the boats from passing, which almost cansed a Riot among the boat-men ( who were a resolute set of men. ) and some mill owners were afraid their mills would be fired, as they had been threatened.
Our Hon. friend, Anthony Chase, was appointed agent for the collection of Tolls, at a salary of $100 per year ; but goods were sent from Providence and Bristol to sell at wholesale on commis- sion, which made a fair business. He continued about four years. Horace Buffum was agent for the collection of Tolls in Providence for a long time, and Willard Lovering was also agent and Collector of Tolls. Thomas Burgess was Treasurer from first to last. at a salary of $100 per year. Towards the close he was one of the commissioners and agents. From Dec .. 1841. to Dec., 1848, the time when the navigation nearly terminated, seven years, his salary was $100 per year. His services for the final closing, from Dec., 1848, to Dec., 1851, three years, was $100 per year, and compensation as secretary from Dee., 1849, to Dee., 1851, two years, was only $100; and in all this series of years, from the starting in 1828 to 1851, money was paid out for ahnost everything but to the stock-holders. In the year 1850 under date of April 1, by cash of George T. Rice and oth- ers for the sale of North Pond. and in closing all the concerns in relation to that Reservoir, $825,73 were received. In 1850, on the 23d of April, by the proceeds of Dority Pond or Reservoir. sold to Andrus March, for his note at six months guaranteed by his father, for $375. In 1850, Oct. 17. by the proceeds of Rams- horn Pond, or Reservoir, sold to Charles Washburn and others for $500, interest collected, $700. In 1854. May 14, by pro- ceeds of Long Pond, sold to the Grafton Company, at $400, in- terest collected $20. Dec, 15, 1846, by cash received of Prov- idence and Worcester Railroad Co., in full adjustment of all de- mands. $1000.
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The last Toll collected was on the 9th of Nov., 1848, and that was only for a short distance, as the last boat passed Woonsocket in the Fall of that year. In 1849, May 25, the Boating Honse in Providence was sold at auction to Thomas Burgess and JJoseph Veazie for notes at 2 & 4 months. for $115. The Locks and some parcels of land as far as Woonsocket. were sold in May or June, 1849. May 25, proceeds of land above Randall Lock, sold to Philip Allen & Son, for $1.150. May 31, proceeds of Randall Lock at auction, to Christopher Rhodes, for $330. Hor- ton Lock, soll at auction to Win. Randall, for $250. Mineral Spring Lock, sold to Samuel Saunders, for $217,50, Northbridge 8105,56. and prices of land as above sold to Joseph Veazie and Edward P. Knowles for $137.50. Lovell Lock and lot sold to Thomas Burgess for $1, 110. Three Locks at Scott's Pond, and. the land on which the two upper Locks stand, sold to the Lonsdale Co. for $335. Proceeds of the Arnold Lock $345 .- The middle Lock at Woonsocket, $380. half of the lower Lock at Woonsocket. $117.50. sold to Geo. C. Ballou. Whole amount $832,50. June 16. 1849, upper Lock at woonsocket sold to Ed- ward Harris, he to fit up the road and head of the Lock (Sce Bond). amount $100. The last account was andited by a com- mittee. viz : Truman Beckwith and Joseph Veazie, Dec. 15, 1849.
The last entry made on the Cash Book was Feb. 25, 1853. Whole amount paid out since the above was audited, $8.914.94. and amount received was $7,015.23, leaving a balance dne the Treasurer of $1.899,71.
The Charter for the Providence and Worcester Railroad was obtained in Rhode Island at the May session of the Legislature. 1844. and in Massachusetts, approved March 12. 1844. The pop- ulation of the towns through which it passed, including Provi- dence and Worcester. was, according to the census of 1840, as follows : -
Providence, 23,171 ; Smithfield. 9.554; Worcester. 7.497 : Cumberland, 5,225 ; North Providence, 4.207 : Mendon. 3,521 : Grafton. 2.934; Sutton. 2,379 ; Millbury, 2.171 ; Uxbridge. 2.004 ; Northbridge, 1,449 ; making an aggregate of 61.115. to which should be added. Pawtucket, 2, 184 ; Douglas. 1,617 : Up- ton. 1,466 : Milford. 1.173. making at this time, 1841. 70,555.
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At a railroad meeting, or festival. held at Brinley Hall in Wor- cester. Thursday, Nov. 11. 1847. the Canal to Providence and its failure having been referred to. one of the toasts given was- "The two Uaias between Worcester an ! Providence-The first was roule as reuter, the last is strong as iron."
[From the Massachusetts Spy. of Der. 29. 1847.]
"In our list of deaths will be found the name of Abner Cooper. of Northbridge. About twenty-five years since he was a post- rider, carrying papers from this office on the route from Worces- ter to Providence. For some time he went in a one-horse wagon. once a week : then he added the second horse, and after a further lapse of time, went twice or three times a weck. He carried the mail, and his carriage was the only public conveyance for passen- gers between Worcester and Providence. Less than a quarter of a century has passed by, and we find on the same route a rail- road constructed at an expense of more than a million and a half dollars, with two long passenger trains running twice a day both ways, and so well patronized that the stock promises to be one of the best in the country. During this time the population of Providence was increased from 12,000 to near 40.000. while that of Worcester has increased from 3,000 to 15,000. Such an in- crease of population and business in so short a time, in the midst of the oldest settled portion of the country, is remarkable. It shows what can be accomplished by free labor, under free institu- tions. Notwithstanding the gain has been so great, it is still going on, and we look for a greater growth in the next fifteen years than there has been in the past, unless it should be checked by the unwise legislation of the General Government."
The cars on the Providence and Worcester Railroad.commenc- ed running Oct. 25, 1847, and at this time, Oct. 4, 1878, Provi- dence contains one hundred thousand inhabitants, and Worcester fifty thousand.
The monthly meeting succeeding the Summer va- cation, was held Tuesday evening Sept. 3, 1878, at the usual place. The minutes of the previous meet- ing having been read and approved, on nomination by the Standing Committee, R. Hovenden, of Surrey,
.
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England, was elected a Corresponding member, and Norton L. Cook, of Worcester, an active member.
The following letter From J. F. D. Garfield, of Fitchburg, was read by the Secretary :-
FITCHBURG MASS. JUNE 29, 1878. Daniel Seagrave Esq., Secretary ;
Dear sir :- I am in re- ceipt of your favor of the 13th informing me of my election as corresponding member of The Worcester Society of Antiquity.
I need not assure you of the interest I feel in the objects of your institution, and if I can aid in any manner in the promotion of those objects it will afford me pleasure to do so. In accepting membership, allow me to thank the Society for its action, and yourself for the complimentary manner in which you have seen fit to communicate it.
With high regard. I remain,
Very truly yours. J. F. D. GARFIELD.
Franklin P. Rice, in behalf of the Librarian, who was absent on account of other engagements, reported that 110 volumes of Public Documents had been re- ceived by the Society from Hon. W. W. Rice, M. C., also, several other books and pamphlets from various sources.
Mr. Albert G. Mann of this city presented a huge Bear Trap, which has a novel and interesting his- tory, and for which a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Man.
On motion of Franklin P. Rice, the thanks of this Society were voted to Hon. W. W. Rice for his val- uable contribution to our library.
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Hon. Clark Jillson then read a very interesting Biographical sketch of M'Donald Clarke, the "Mad Poet" of New York, a small edition of which, with a portrait of Clark, has been printed in pamphlet form by the author.
At the regular meeting Tuesday evening, Oct. 1, 1878, there were present nineteen members. A let- ter from Rev. Silas Ketchum, President of the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society, was read by the Secretary. The Standing Committee on nomina- tions made a report, nominating Stephen Salisbury Jr. Esq., of Worcester, for Honorary membership, and Rev. Silas Ketchum of Windsor Conn. for Cor- responding membership, and they were duly elected.
On motion of Mr. Crane it was voted to invite Rev. Mr. Ketchum to read a Paper before this So- ciety at some future meeting.
Mr. Crane then favored the Society by reading an Historical account of the Obelisks and monuments of like character in Egypt, special mention being made of Cleopatra's Needle, which has recently been removed to the city of London.
Mr. Jillson read an interesting biography of the late Ransom Mills Gould, the same having been printed by the author in a pamphlet of thirty-two pages.
The next regular meeting occurred Tuesday eve- ning, Nov. 5th, 1878, when the following letter from Stephen Salisbury Jr. was read by the Secretary :-
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WORCESTER OCT. 17. 1878.
Daniel Seagrave. Esq ..
Sec. Wor. Soc. of Antiquity :
Dear sir :- Your letter informing me of my election as Honorary member of The Worcester Society of Antiquity has been duly received. I am grateful for the hon- or of the appointment, and shall hope to be able to express the interest I feel in the Society and its purposes in some personal and practical way.
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