USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Royalston > Reflections on Royalston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, U.S.A > Part 21
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"I felicitate you in gifted sons, able and willing to discharge the sacred trust, -a Bullock, upon whose lips the college, senate and people alike, delighted hang, and to honor whom with her highest gift the commonwealth impatient waits; and a Bryant, early smitten with the love of song, and still allegiant to that early love. "You wait to hear them; and I, not less eager, this welcome spoken, give place to their labors of filial love and fraternal entertainment."
The united church choirs, led by George F. Miller, then sang, to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne," a Hymn written for the occasion by Mrs. Amelia Greenwood (Chase) Woodbury.
almira
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Then came the Commemorative Address, by Hon. Alexander Hamilton Bullock. In recording it the Memorial said:
"Mr. Bullock's address, as delivered, occupied about one hour and a half, and held the undivided attention of his large audience to the last. Very much had been expected of him; but no one could take in that sea of expressive faces, during any part of the discourse, and doubt that expectation was more than realized. A style and manner so happily adapted to the theme and the occasion, such hearty good will and filial tenderness breathing through the whole performance,- so much, both of beauty and of worth, drawn from the simple story of a rural town, far back in the interior, and all made so real and important, and so naturally suggest- ing the eloquent and instructive sentiments with which the orator varied and enriched his discourse, could not fail to satisfy the largest anticipation."
The band rendered another selection, and then came the Commemorative Poem, "Memorials and Garlands," by Albert Bryant, A. M., filled with apt allusions to the transitions of human life and the perpetuity of nature; humorous and serious remi- niscences of old-time customs, traditions and events; tender references and tributes to the people of the past; and graceful compliments to some of those living and present.
The choirs and audience united in singing the 117th Psalm, to the immortal tune of "Old Hundred," which closed the exercises at the tent on the Bullock grounds.
Chief Marshal Whitney re-formed the procession, and the company marched to the dinner tent on the steam-mill grounds (location indicated near 10N on map on page 73), where about 800 partook of an excellent dinner, while the children were served on one of the floors of the steam-mill building.
The Chaplain invoked the divine blessing; and when the feast had been en- joyed to the satisfaction of all, the President introduced Toast Master Perkins, who gracefully called forth responses to the following sentiments:
"The President of the United States," by the band, with "When Johnnie Comes Marching Home;" "The Sons of Royalston," by Edwin Pierce, of New York; "The Metropolis," by George C. Richardson, of Cambridge; "Worcester County," by Hon. Artemas Lee, of Templeton; "Our Sister Towns," by Rev. Abijah P. Mar- vin, of Winchendon; "The Olden Time," by the choirs, with a piece of ancient music; "The West," by Charles Augustus Gregory, Esq., of Chicago; "The Clergy," by Rev. Ariel E. P. Perkins, of Ware; "The Battlefields of Our Coun- try," by the band, with "The Star Spangled Banner;" "The School-Masters," by Rev. Sidney Holman, of Goshen; "The Fellows who Stole the Hearts of Our Daughters," by Rev. Charles L. Woodworth, of Watertown; "The Flag of Sum- ter," by the choirs, with an appropriate selection.
The exercises closed with "Auld Lang Syne," by the choirs, the audience, and the band.
THE GENESIS AND EXODUS OF NEW BOSTON.
Comparatively few people know the story of the origin of the little settlement called New Boston, in the edge of Winchendon, and about a half a mile from the easterly line of Royalston. The following, gleaned mainly from an article in the Fitchburg Sentinel, gives information which is especially interesting because the New Boston church has always been sustained in part by Royalston people.
The Winchendon and Royalston Baptist Church at New Boston observed its 100th anniversary, Friday afternoon and evening, Oct. 29, 1920. The exercises in- cluded addresses by Rev. C. E. Spaulding, of Worcester, and Rev. William Shaw, of Gardner. The church history was given hy Prof. Louis C. Flocken, of Gardner, and there was singing by a chorus of children. The committee in charge included Mrs. Louis C. Flocken, Mr. and Mrs. Alpheus.W. Neale, Mr. and Mrs. George E. Day, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver L. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Millard W. White, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Sibley, and Morton E. Mann.
The church was founded about 1818, and at that time it was expected that this village would be the center of a new town, to be formed from parts taken from Winchendon, Templeton, Phillipston and Royalston. The main line of the old stage route from Worcester to Keene, N. H., and Vermont was through this village.
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The stage route following the Indian trail from Greenfield to Fitchburg and Boston, crossed the other route at this point; and in the most flourishing days of the village it was a common thing to have a hundred or more teams put up for the night at the local hostelry, known as the "Pond Tavern." But with the coming of the railroads there was a great change; the Tavern went out of business, the stores closed, the plan for a new town was given up, and the community settled down into a farming district.
ISAAC ROYAL BROUGHT SLAVES TO BOSTON.
On pages 47-48 I stated that Mr. Caswell had published a picture of the old "Royal House and Slave Quarters" at Medford, and raised the question whether Sir Isaac Royal, who gave his name to Royalston, might not have been a slave- holder. I have gathered an interesting bit of information on this matter from a book entitled "A Handbook of New England, 1921," an annual publication, by Porter E. Sargent.
Describing Medford, Mass., it says: "The Royall House, to the left on Main Street, when built in 1737, was 'the grandest in North America.' It is a fine old example of Colonial architecture well kept up, and may be visited in the after- noon, or at other times by appointment with the curator (fee). The slave quarters are an interesting reminder of old slavery days in an abolition state. Isaac Royall was a West India merchant who came to Boston bringing his family and 20 slaves. * * His son, Isaac, who inherited the property [probably including the slaves], favored the colonists, but feared the king, and so fled to England."
WOODBURYS DISTURBED SERVICES.
Members of the Woodbury family interrupted religious services at the First Church on three different occasions. The Memorial states that Captain Peter Woodbury, probably on the occasion of the Burgoyne alarm, marched into the meeting-house in time of divine service, and gave out this military order: "Every man belonging to my company, turn out!"
On the afternoon of Sunday, June 28, 1863, George Woodbury stepped into the auditorium of the First Congregational Church, and having been recognized by the pastor, Rev. E. W. Bullard, said: "Dr. Willis is dead." Mr. Bullard closed the Bible on which lay the notes of his unfinished sermon, and said: "Let us pray." And then he poured out from his heart, in words and tears, the great sorrow which he, and his audience, and the whole community shared.
Somewhat later, Daniel Woodbury stepped into the church in the midst of an afternoon service and announced that a forest fire was raging on the Woodbury place and help was needed. Mr. Bullard closed the service briefly, hastened to his home, and was soon driving to the scene of the fire, accompanied by one of his sons, and with his buggy loaded with shovels, hoes, buckets, and other apparatus which might be useful for fighting fire in the woods.
THE PARSON SMILED IN "MEETING."
A little story which had come down from the time when Rev. Joseph Lee was pastor of the First Church, was given to me by Mrs. George Woodbury; and as the Woodbury family was prominently identified with the church from its beginning, the story may be regarded as authentic.
It was the custom in the early times to take very young children to "meeting," and one Sunday a thoughtful mother brought in a pitcher of milk to be used as nourishment for her infant, during the all-day services, and placed it on the floor. The day was warm, and a little dog wandered in through the open door, and with nose to the floor he explored the place. His sense of smell soon led him to the pitcher, and he proceeded to feed himself with its contents. He easily pushed his head into the vessel, but when he tried to lift it out he found it couldn't be done; so there was nothing for him to do but to scamper around in that meeting-house wearing the pitcher, much to the amusement of the children; and even the usually sedate Parson Lee could not suppress a smile when he beheld doggie trotting up the main aisle toward the pulpit, bonneted in that earthen jug.
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SESQUI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
At its annual March town meeting of 1915, the Town of Royalston voted to celebrate the one-hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, and appropriated $500 for the expenses of the occasion.
It was also voted that the Moderator of the meeting, Levvens G. Forbes, ap- point, within one week, a committee of 11 members, including himself, to make all arrangements, with power to expend the funds appropriated.
This Committee of Arrangements so named consisted of Dr. Frank W. Adams, Charles H. Brown, Charles A. Stimson, Fred W. Cross, Walter N. Farrar, Lynn M. Crumb, Clarence H. Deland, Levvens G. Forbes, Luke B. Shepardson, Myron E. Stockwell and William B. Lovewell.
The Committee of Arrangements met March 13, and organized, with Dr. Frank W. Adams as Chairman, Charles H. Brown as Secretary, and Levvens G. Forbes as Treasurer.
It was decided that the celebration be held on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, August 1, 2 and 3, 1915, with Tuesday as the principal day, with a public dinner, music and oratory, and such other festivities as might be arranged.
Adequate Sub-Committees, for the various parts of the arrangements, were designated, as follows:
Speakers-Fred W. Cross, Dr. Frank W. Adams, Frederic C. Nichols.
Finances-Levvens G. Forbes, William B. Lovewell, Walter N. Farrar.
Music-Charles A. Stimson, Myron E. Stockwell, Mrs. Leota M. Richards.
Evening Entertainment-Charles A. Stimson, Eri S. Stewart, Mrs. Addie G. Heath.
Sports-Clarence H. Deland, Lynn M. Crumb, Sumner C. French.
Publicity-Levvens G. Forbes, Richard Bullock, William A. Frye.
Dinner-Charles H. Brown, Luke B. Shepardson, Walter N. Farrar.
Transportation-Willard H. Newton, Miss Edith Metcalf, Herbert O. Smith.
Parade-Ernest L. Graves, Charles E. Richardson, John T. Cowick, Walter N. Farrar.
Decorations-Mr. and Mrs. Colin Mackenzie, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin H. Wilcox, Jeremiah E. Rich, Arthur C. Kendall.
Grounds-Charles H. Brown, Sumner C. French, William B. Lovewell.
Antiques and Curiosities-Levvens G. Forbes, Colin Mackenzie, Mrs. Walter N. Farrar.
School Exhibits-Charles E. Richardson, Eri S. Stewart, Mrs. Walter N. Farrar.
Drinking Water-Willie W. Davis.
Later, Officers of the Day were designated, as follows:
President, Dr. Frank W. Adams; Secretary, Charles H. Brown, who selected Mrs. Colin Mackenzie and Miss Bessie J. Mackenzie as Assistant Secretaries; Treasurer, Levvens G. Forbes.
Chief Marshal, Walter N. Farrar; he secured as his Aids, Levvens G. Forbes and Charles A. Stimson.
Vice-Presidents of the Day-Phinehas S. Newton, Caleb W. Day, Hon. George E. Whitney, of Burlington, Vt .; George D. Bolton, John S. Moore, Everard B. Hanson, Col. A. George Bullock, of Worcester; Franklin H. Goddard, Rev. Francis J. Fairbanks, Hon. Hamilton S. Peck, of Burlington, Vt .; Frederic C. Nichols, of Fitchburg; George Everett Pierce, Benjamin Alexander Frye, William H. Leathe, Ex-Mayor Thomas Norton Hart, of Boston; Adriel C. White, of Orange; Welling- ton White, of Owosso, Mich.
Reception Committee-Phinehas S. Newton, Mr. and Mrs. Luke B. Shepard- son, Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Cross, Dr. and Mrs. Frank W. Adams, Thomas Norton Hart, Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Stimson, Mr. and Mrs. Frederic C. Nichols, Rev. and Mrs. Francis J. Fairbanks, Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred J. Raymond.
Frederick C. Nichols was chosen as Toastmaster.
Fred W. Cross was selected to give a Historical Address.
Starrett's Band, of Athol, was engaged for Tuesday's performances.
The Choir of the North Congregational Church, of Winchendon, volunteered its services in song.
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The exercises of the first day, Sunday, August 1, 1915, consisted of a union service at the First Congregational Church, at 11 a. m., with Rev. Clarence Pike, the pastor, Rev. Harold W. Curtis, pastor of the West Royalston Baptist Church, and Rev. Francis J. Fairbanks, pastor of the Second Congregational Church, par- ticipating. There was chorus choir singing, a response by a male quartet, and a solo by Mrs. Addie G. Heath. The sermon was by Rev. Asher Anderson, D. D., pastor of the Calvinistic Congregational Church, Fitchburg, taking for his text, Psalm 102: 28. More than 300 people attended this service, filling the church.
An evening service began at 7.30, the features of which were an address by Rev. Clarence Pike; an address by Rev. Francis J. Fairbanks, on "The Three Insti- tutions-The Home, the Church and the School;" an address by Dana M. Dustan, of Worcester, a former teacher in Royalston, on "Education of our Public School System of the Past Fifty Years;" a solo by Mrs. Jennie D. Richards; and a talk by Lilley B. Caswell, the official historian, on church history, and the character of the founders and early settlers of the town. The service was well attended, although a downpour of rain which began before the time of opening restricted the number somewhat.
No extended program was arranged for Monday. The weather was showery. Calling and visiting occupied much of the time of some of the friends who were "back home" for the occasion.
The exhibition of the work of the pupils of the public schools, at the Center schoolhouse, and the collection of antiques, relics, ancient documents and curiosi- ties, at the Phinehas S. Newton Public Library Building, were inspected with great interest by many visitors, and townspeople as well.
A forenoon game of baseball, between the Boy Scouts of Royalston Center and the Boy Scouts of South Royalston, resulted in a score of 18 to 7 in favor of the Centers. In the afternoon, a game between players of the Center and those of South Royalston, finished with a score of 23 to 7 in favor of the Centers.
Old Royalston was decorated to an extent never before seen. Flags, tri-color bunting and artistic designs were everywhere displayed in profusion, on public buildings and private residences, at the Center and South Royalston, and in all parts of the town, while at the two villages large banners across the streets bade the home-comers and visitors welcome.
The third and "big" day of the occasion, Tuesday, August 3, 1915, opened clear and cool, after the showery conditions of the two previous days; but this was not to continue throughout the day, for there was more rain in the afternoon.
The program opened with a cannon salute at sunrise.
Soon after 9 o'clock a grand street parade, headed by Chief Marshal Farrar and his Aids, and a platoon of police, consisting of William A. Loomis, Frank E. Graves, Perley Richards and James F. Holloran, under the inspiriting music of Starrett's Band, started from the vicinity of the Center schoolhouse for a tour around the Common.
Although the town lacked the uniformed organizations which in many places turn out in military form, to give eclat and impressiveness to such a demonstration, it made up in great effort to make other features interesting and commendable.
Automobiles, carrying officials, distinguished guests and war veterans, were followed by Boy Scouts, mounted cowboys and a herd of ponies. And then came a wonderful array of floats and other decorated vehicles. There were floats depic- turing ancient events and scenes, and floats portraying the best in modern achieve- ments. Many children occupied active positions on the floats and sustained their parts in a most praiseworthy manner. And the many single vehicles were very attractively and tastefully trimmed and decorated.
At the close of the parade prizes were awarded for the best features, by the judges, Dr. D. H. Gatchell, of Baldwinville, E. D. Sargent, of Winchendon, and W. G. Lord, of Athol, as follows:
Best Float-Royalston Grange; second, Ladies' Benevolent Society and Moun- tain View Farm; third, Eri S. Stewart and John Shepardson, "Pike's Peak or Bust."
Best Decorated Single Team-J. F. Stockwell; second, Mrs. Calvin H. Wilcox, Mrs. Clifford H. Wilcox and Miss Wilcox.
Most Comical Feature-Charles Simonds.
Special Feature-"West Royalston Surveyors."
The forenoon's entertainment closed with varied sports on the Common.
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The rhetorical and oratorical features of this Sesqui-Centennial were in some respects quite different from those of the Centennial of 1865. The Centennial was most eminently a historical affair, and those who were assigned parts were "Roy- alston people," by ancestry, birth, residence, marriage or business association; thus assuring and maintaining the historical atmosphere throughout the event.
The Sesqui-Centennial was different. Following the example of other towns which had already celebrated their 150th birthdays, historical features were given a second place, and the aim was to make the event one of great interest by reason of the political prominence of the speakers involved.
And so, under the leadership of Frederic C. Nichols, the Committee arranged for the appearance of a galaxy of distinguished statesmen.
His Excellency David I. Walsh, of Fitchburg, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, had consented to come, but was so far away when the time ap- proached that he was unable to meet the engagement.
But there were present and participating, His Honor Grafton D. Cushing, of Boston, Lieutenant-Governor and Acting Governor of Massachusetts; Ex-Congress- man Samuel W. McCall, of Winchester; Congressman Samuel E. Winslow, of Worcester; Congressman Calvin D. Paige, of Southbridge; and United States Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, of Nahant.
Some of the "Royalston folks" who resided in Fitchburg were informed with more detail and greater rapidity than the folks at home, of the plans, as they were matured, for these different orators, by frequent articles appearing in the Fitch- burg daily newspapers, telling how the speakers were being arranged with, how they would come to Fitchburg by train, and after being feted and entertained with all the courtesies which could be shown them, would be taken to Royalston in the automobiles of some of the most prominent citizens. It read a little like political propaganda.
The dinner and the oratorical exercises were accomplished in a tent which had been erected on the same grounds on which the morning exercises of the Centennial were held, in 1865, on the old Bullock lot, more recently the Hill estate, the loca- tion of which is indicated at 37C on our map on page 52.
A little before noon a salute of 17 guns announced the arrival of the automo- bile party from Fitchburg, bringing the distinguished orators, and the party were tendered a reception at the Hill mansion.
At about 12.30 a procession was formed, and the people marched, to the music of Starrett's Band, to the tent, where between 500 and 550 enjoyed the excellent dinner. (Mr. Caswell's report states that "upwards of 600 sat down" to the dinner; but in the interest of veracity it may be stated that the printed official report of the finances of the event states that the town paid the caterer for "531 dinners, $531," and "received for dinner tickets, $500.")
The dinner finished, Chief Marshal Farrar called to order, and introduced the President of the Day, saying:
"Anticipation may be very agreeable, but realization is more so. The program we are about to commence is certainly both practical and enjoyable. The citizens of Royalston have been looking forward to this hour for several months; and we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to claim among the citizens of Royalston such an ideal president of the day; and it gives me great pleasure to introduce to Your Excellency, the speakers of the day, fellow citizens of Royalston, and friends, our President of the Day, Dr. Frank W. Adams."
Dr. Adams stated that Wellington White, the only surviving member of the committee of arrangements for the Centennial Celebration of 1865, was present, and asked him to rise. Then an invitation was extended to all others who were present 50 years before to rise, and 52 responded. Mr. White was accorded the honor of a place with the Vice-Presidents. Dr. Adams then voiced a welcome:
"Well, friends, the old town bids you welcome. Enthroned on these everlast- ing hills, surrounded by her faithful sentinels, Monadnock, Watatic, Wachusett, Bald Mountain, Tully and Grace, standing guard at her outer gates, she bids you enter and share with her the social interviews and reminiscences, the songs and oratory, the sports and activities of this glad day. She has waited for you 150 years. Some of your faces she beheld here 50 years ago, and there were 52 of you, a little more than one for each year. Many other of your faces she hopes to see here 50 years to come, for she herself will live on to the end of the age.
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"Royalston is proud of her record. The youngest in the large family of 59 cities and towns in Worcester County, she has nevertheless attained an enviable round on the ladder of fame, for her muscle, her brain, and her blood have given a beneficent impulse to the material, political and religious life of more than half the states of the Union. Her governors and mayors, her judges and professors, her teachers and clergymen, her missionaries and her business men, have done in the past, and are doing to-day, a noble work for the uplift of humanity. And ex- tending to you this welcome to-day, sons and daughters of Royalston, she promises to watch over you for the next half century, fully confident that your varied activi- ties will add a new lustre to the bright crown she already wears."
Rev. Francis J. Fairbanks was asked to invoke the divine blessing.
In introducing the North Congregational Church Choir, of Winchendon, with its Chorister, Mr. E. D. Sargent, President Adams told the story of the original dipper shape of Royalston, with the handle projecting across the entire northern border of the sister town; this projection was called the "Royalston leg," and the mention of how it was ceded to Winchendon in 1780 (not 1820 as stated in Caswell's record of Dr. Adams' remarks), will be found on page 41 of this monitor. Presi- dent Adams facetiously argued that this "leg" had musical qualities which had permeated the whole town, and the choir, "recognizing the original source of their musical inspiration, kindly offered to furnish the choral numbers for this program."
The choir then sang the "Anniversary Hymn," written for the occasion by Mr. Sidney G. Bosworth, a native of Royalston.
Introducing Toastmaster Nichols, President Adams said:
"Very good people sometimes make serious mistakes in choosing their birth- places. The Toastmaster named on the program of the day is a notable illustration of this fact. With the consent and co-operation of his parents he wandered away from Royalston down to the city of Fitchburg, and was born there. But Royalston claims his childhood, his boyhood, and his early manhood; and it was from Royals- ton that he went out into the larger activities of life. Royalston has always taken great satisfaction in witnessing the uniform success of his business career. They have taken a greater satisfaction in noting the love and loyalty which he has always cherished for the home of his ancestors. He has been interested always in the welfare of her citizens, and his efforts for the success of this anniversary have been intelligent and tireless. The city of Fitchburg has conferred upon him many honors in the past, and she has for him yet other and greater honors in reserve; but it is very doubtful if any honor that Fitchburg can give him will bring to him a thrill of more genuine satisfaction than the honor conferred upon him to-day of being Toastmaster for the Sesqui-Centennial feast of old Royalston. I introduce to you Mr. Frederic C. Nichols, of Fitchburg."
Toastmaster Nichols responded:
"This magnificent gathering, the climax of the 150th anniversary celebration of the beautiful town of Royalston, should be an inspiration to anyone given an opportunity to speak here. But I shall not, even to acknowledge the kindly words of our honored President, attempt a speech. Were I to do so, however, I should use for my text the words of Longfellow:
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