USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Dedham > Tale of a Dedham tavern; history of the Norfolk hotel, Dedham, Massachusetts > Part 2
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1 Original Records of "The Detecting Society in Dedham"; in the Dedham Historical Society.
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A Dedham Tavern
Swan, Jr., Captain Jeremiah Baker, John Morse, Josiah Daniells, Moses Gay, William Phipps, Committee of said Society ; William Ellis, Jr., Cal- vin Guild, Major Abner Ellis, Paul Ellis, John Guild, Obed Baker, Reuben Morse, John Fisher, Jr., Jason Messenger, Riders for the Society.
The First Annual Meeting of this Society was "holden at Martin Marsh's" October 29, 1810, when it was voted "that the annual meetings be holden at Mr. Martin Marsh's on the last Monday in October at the time pointed out in the Consti- tution." 1
On October 31, 1814, at the annual meeting "at Marsh's Inn," it was voted "that the title of this Society shall be The Society in Dedham for Appre- hending Horse Thieves." 2
Annual meetings as well as special meetings of this Society were held at this Tavern from 1810 until 1849, when they began to be held in the Phoenix Hotel. The clerks who issued the calls for the meetings were successively Jonathan H. Cobb, William Ellis, and John Bullard.
Like most towns Dedham had its Engine Com- panies. In 1801 the first fire engine, called "En- gine No. I," or the "Hero," was purchased by vol- untary subscription of individuals and presented
1 Original Records of "The Detecting Society in Dedham"; in the Dedham Historical Society.
2 Original Records of "The Detecting Society in Dedham"; in the Dedham Historical Society.
$
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Martin Marsh
to the town. The following year Engine No. 2, called the "Good Intent," was similarly presented to the town. These two fire engines were sufficient for the needs of the inhabitants until 1826, when the town acquired a third called the "Enterprise." In 1831, at a special meeting of the town, a certain sum was appropriated for the purchase of more fire engines, and this appropriation had the effect of increasing the number from three to eleven, the two largest being called the "Niagara" and "Wa- ter Witch." These two together with the "Hero," "Good Intent," and "Enterprise," were all located in the First Parish. Each engine had its own com- pany of men attached to it and keen was the rivalry existing between the organizations. The Norfolk Hotel was often selected for the annual meetings and dinners of the different companies. In the re- cords of the "Enginemen of Engine No. I," now owned by the Dedham Historical Society, are these entries :
January 2, 1809: "The Company met at Mr. Marshes . .. Votes to except the report of their auditors on Treasurer's accompts. . . . Then the company proseded to the Chois of their officers. Elipht Baker Jr. was chosen Clark, Treas. and Col- lector. Calvin Guild was chosen Captain. Jason Messenger Ist Lieut. Jesse Clap 2nd. Lieut. Voted to pay Mr. Lebosquet & John Baker $1. for clean- ing the engine. Voted to pay Mr. Hunnewell's bill for making short hose $3.63.""
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A Dedham Tavern
January 1, 1810: "The company met at Mr. Marshes." Reelected officers. Ebenezer Hunne- well, Richard Webb, Nath'l Owens, Solomon Briggs, Jesse Clap, and James North, all absent, and fined twenty cents apiece.
January 6, 1811 : "Engine Company met at Mr. Marsh's."
January 4, 1812: "The Company met at Mr. Marsh's and partook of the supper provided."
January 4, 1813: "The Company met at Mr. Marsh's & partook of the supper there provided." For nearly forty years the various Engine Com- panies of Dedham continued to have many of their meetings and anniversaries at the tavern. Mention of them will be made later.
The Tavern was also a favorite resort of the Militia. The "Orderly Book of the Second Com- pany of Cavalry in the First Division of Massa- chusetts" 1 has these entries :
September 24, 1810: "This day the Company of Light Dragoons commanded by Capt. Artemas Newell convened at Marsh's Tavern in Dedham for the purpose of military exercise."
October 5, 1812 : "This day Capt. James Tisdale's Company of Light Dragoons met at Mr. Martin Marsh's Tavern in Dedham for the purpose of mili- tary exercise." There are similar entries in 1813 and 1814.
The Norfolk Repository, published in Dedham by
1 In the Dedham Historical Society.
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Martin Marsh
Herman Mann, senior, and the successor of the Columbian Minerva, has several, references to Marsh's house:
March 22, 1808: "To be let and entered upon the first of April next, a farm in Dedham, within one mile of the Court House. For further par- ticulars apply to Martin Marsh, near the Court House."
April 27, 1809: "Jabez Chickering, Jr. has re- moved his office a few rods south of the Court House, adjoining Mr. Marsh's tavern."
May 25, 1809: "Martin Marsh, near the Court House, Dedham, keeps constantly for sale Bricks, Tile, Lime, and Brads of all kinds." This notice is evidence that Marsh continued to be a mason as well as a taverner.
November 2, 1809: A lost bundle is requested to be sent to Mr. Marsh's Tavern, in Dedham, and receive his own with the thanks of the owner.
November 9, 1809: "The Annual Meeting of the Union Musical Society stands adjourned to meet at Mr. Marsh's Hall, on Wednesday the 15th in- stant. It is hoped a general attendance of the mem- bers will be given, as it is expected some interest- ing propositions will be made to the Society."
The Dedham Gazette succeeded the Norfolk Re- pository. It was established by Jabez Chickering, with Theron Metcalf as editor. The following is an advertisement of the Dedham Stage, February II,
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A Dedham Tavern
1814, which was started by Martin Marsh 1 and continued for many years :
" Dedham Stage
"Martin Marsh respectfully informs the public that he has commenced running a Stage from Ded- ham to Boston. The stage will start every day, Sunday excepted, from his tavern adjoining the Court House in Dedham, at 7 o'clock in the morn- ing in the summer, and at half past eight during the winter season, and puts up at Mr. Davenport's tavern, Elm St., formerly Wing's Lane, Boston. Seats may be taken at Mr. Davenport's, Elm St., or at Mr. Boynton's, Sign of the Lamb, Newbury St., Boston and at Marsh's Tavern, Dedham. Fare each way 622 cents.
"Neat and convenient carriages, fleet and gentle horses, civil and obliging drivers, will constantly be provided and every exertion made to accommo- date the public. Small bundles carried and errands punctually done for the usual price."
The same issue also advertises his tavern:
" Welcome & Good Cheer!
"The subscriber informs the public that he con- tinues to keep a Tavern in the brick house adjoin- ing the Court House in Dedham. He flatters him-
1 See also Nathaniel Ames's Diary, February 2, 1814, ante.
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£
Martin Marsh
self that his accommodations are such as will give general satisfaction to all who visit his house. He is constantly provided with the best provisions which the season affords, with pure Wines and good Spirits. He has a convenient stable, with a care- ful and obliging hostler. Every exertion shall be used to render the situation of Travellers and others who favor him with a call, easy and agreeable.
"Parties of Pleasure are informed that he has a large and convenient Hall for Dancing. MARTIN MARSH."
Twice again the same year does Marsh advertise his stage in the Dedham Gazette:
June 10, 1814:
"Dedham Stage, Summer Establishment
"The Dedham Stage, during the Summer season, will start from Mr. Marsh's Tavern in Dedham every morning at seven o'clock and put. up at Davenport's tavern, Elm St., Boston. Starts from Boston at half past four in the afternoon, and re- turns to Mr. Marsh's in Dedham. . . . Letters, packages and small bundles carried as usual. Every exertion will be made to accomodate the public. " MARTIN MARSH " JOHN ELLIS Proprietors."
November 25, 1814:
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A Dedham Tavern
" Dedham Stage, Removed
"The stage which has formerly put up in Elm St., now puts up at Clark's Tavern, Brattle Square, Boston. During the winter it will start every day (except Sunday) from Marsh's Tavern in Dedham, at 8 o'clock A.M., and from Clark's Tavern in Boston at 3 o'clock P.M.
JOHN ELLIS."
The following references to the Tavern are found in the Dedham Gazette:
January 21, 1814: " Lost. At or near the tavern of Mr. Marsh, a bundle containing nine pairs of worsted stockings." Reward offered.
March 14, 1814: A notice to the members and stockholders of the Dedham Bank to meet at the house of "Martin Marsh, innholder," signed by Elijah Crane, Willard Gay, Samuel Haven, John Guild, Jabez Chickering, Horatio Townsend, Jere- miah Baker, and Martin Marsh. From this date until 1849 the annual and special meetings of the Dedham Bank were held in this Tavern, Jabez Chickering signing the notices as Cashier until about 1820 and E. Fisher, Jr., his successor, for the balance of the period.
July 15, 1814: The Tax collector notifies certain citizens to pay their taxes "at Marsh's Inn."
September 23, 1814: "Notice. The Friends of Peace and Commerce in Norfolk Congressional
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Martin Marsh
District are requested to meet at the house of Mar- tin Marsh October 3d. next at two o'clock P.M. to confer together respecting the choice of a Represen- tative to Congress, at the election in November next."
December 12, 1817:
" Public Sale. To be sold at public vendue at the house of Martin Marsh in Dedham, on Monday the 15th. instant at 2 P.M. the tools that have been used in building the Jail.
"CALVIN GUILD, Auctioneer."
As early as 1814 Marsh endeavored to dispose of his tavern, but it was not until 1818 that he was successful.
Dedham Gazette, May 6, 1814:
" A Good chance for a Tavern Keeper 1
"For Sale. That large and convenient brick House, with stables and outhouses, now improved by the subscriber as a Tavern, adjoining the Court House in Dedham. The stand is one of the best in the County of Norfolk, and has a very great run of customers. As the present occupant intends to change his line of business, the premises will be sold, a great bargain to the purchaser. For par- ticulars inquire of the subscriber.
"MARTIN MARSH."
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A Dedham Tavern
By this time Marsh's tavern had become one of the most popular taverns in the County. Its close proximity to the Court House brought it distin- guished patronage, and it had the honor of enter- taining and lodging many prominent jurists. Judges Thomas Dawes, Samuel Sewall, and Theophilus Parsons, and lawyers Samuel Dexter, Fisher Ames, and James Otis were among those who frequently attended Court in Dedham in the early days of the century and doubtless partook of Marsh's hospi- tality.
AN
FRANCIS ALDEN
III Moses Gragg and Francis Alden, Landlords, 1818-1821
J UNE 6, 1818, Martin Marsh at last changed his line of business and conveyed his land on Court Street with all its buildings to Moses Gragg and Francis Alden for $5000.1 Both of these men were of sturdy, old New England stock and commanded the respect of everybody. A short sketch of their lives is added later. .
They undertook to make their tavern a success. They called it for the first time the "Norfolk Hotel," and from this time to the middle of the century this tavern, together with the one at the corner of High and Washington streets, Dedham, later the Phoenix, became the principal and best- known public houses in that portion of Norfolk County. For the next thirty or forty years the Norfolk Hotel became a centre for all sorts of meet- ings and social gatherings.
Gragg and Alden celebrated the birth of the new Norfolk Hotel with a grand dinner on the 4th of July, within less than a month of their joint owner- ship. The Dedham Gazette of July 10, 1818, de- scribes the dinner and also mentions for the first time the tavern with its new name:
1 Norfolk Reg. of Deeds, Book 58, p. 203.
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1
A Dedham Tavern
" Anniversary
"Until this year there has been no general notice of the Fourth of July by the Citizens of this town since 1812. On Saturday last a large number of our respectable citizens assembled at the Norfolk Hotel for the purpose of celebrating the anniver- sary of the birthday of our Independence. Hon. James Richardson presided at table, assisted by James Foord, Esq., as Vice-President.
"A most elegant and sumptuous dinner was pre- pared by Messrs. Gragg and Alden, which did great honor to their taste, and which had never been equalled in any previous entertainment. Every- thing was harmonious and pleasant, and formed an agreeable contrast with the divisions and aliena- tions of former times. The following toasts were given:
"The Day we celebrate - When the sons of the Republic assemble round the altar of patriotism to sacrifice to the memory of their Fathers.
" The President of the United States -- Supported by the affections of the people he fears not the intrigues of any rival.
" The Governor and Lieut. Governor - The Sword and Bible of the Commonwealth.
"The Judiciary of the United States - The Priests that minister round the sacred ark of the Constitution.
"Agriculture, Commerce and Manufactures -
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Moses Gragg and Francis Alden
Like the Ohio, Illinois and Missouri, pouring their united streams in the mighty current of natural wealth and grandeur.
"Civil and Religious Liberty - To be enjoyed only while the majority are without a persecuting spirit, and the minority without a factitious one.
"The Memory of Washington.
" The Memory of James Otis - The earliest and most efficient promoter of the spirit and measures which led to our Independence.
" The late General Putnam - Whom no one dared to call a coward while he lived.
"Henry Clay - The ambitious statesman of the West. We hope the potter hath not made him a vessel of dishonor.
"Our relations with Spain - May not the pride of the Dons make them blood relations.
" The Town of Dedham - Were not Ames and Dexter her children.
" The Temple of our Liberties - May its sacred halls never be profaned by the intrusion of party spirit."
Later in the year 1818 is the second reference to the house as the "Norfolk Hotel." 1
Nathaniel Ames refers to the Tavern as "Grag & Alden's" in his Diary, July 4, 1818: "Capt. Bingham's Co. in new uniform make good parade. And Federal opp" get a contemptible minority at Grag & Alden's."
1 Dedham Gazette, October 2, 1818. (Dedham Bank meeting).
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L
A Dedham Tavern
We are indebted to the Diary of Herman Mann, the editor, and son of the Herman Mann referred to before, for much information relating to our Tavern. He was born in Walpole, Massachusetts, in 1795 and died at Dedham in 1851. His Diary, preserved in the Dedham Historical Society, and written between the years 1819 and 1851, gives a valuable history of Dedham during that period. The following are some extracts from the Diary:
December 6, 1819: "At a meeting of the singers (of the First Parish) this evening at Gragg and Alden's, Edmund M. Richards was chosen Clerk, Capt. J. Fales, J. Chickering Esq., Wm. Fairbanks, Capt. P. Bingham and I. Whiting were chosen choristers for the ensuing year. J. Guild, P. How- ard and J. Chickering Esq. were requested to play on the viol. An invitation was received from the Abbey or opposition singers to join them in learn- ing pieces for the dedication of their meeting house; when it was voted that the singers act according to the dictates of their conscience with regard to sing- ing in the new meeting house at the dedication." The singers of the First Parish assembled several times afterwards at the Tavern.1
June 24, 1820: "St. John's Day. It was cele- brated in this town by Constellation Lodge, who were joined by a large number of the fraternity from neighboring towns; nearly 200 masons in the
1 H. Mann's Diary : January 19, 1820, March 15, 1820, April 7, 1820, November 27, 1820, February 7, 1821, December 10, 1821.
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Moses Gragg and Francis Alden
procession, besides a large number of 'fair sisters.' The whole, by invitation, were escorted by the Dedham Light Infantry. . The Infantry dined at Gragg & Alden's."
Of this occasion the Village Register of June 30, 1820, says: "Agreeably to public notice the Festi- val of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist was celebrated in this town on Saturday last by Con- stellation Lodge. The Boston Encampment of Knights Templars, the Council of Royal Masters and St. Paul's Royal Arch Chapter, and a large number of brethren and companions attended in their due order and rank, and with their proper badges. The procession was formed at Mason's Hall, under the escort of the Dedham Light In- fantry, which had politely tendered their services to the fraternity on the interesting occasion. The procession proceeded to Mr. Marsh's 1 where it was joined by a large number of fair sisters, and then proceeded to the parish meeting house, where the services were performed, we do not hesitate to say in the most satisfactory manner, to a crowded audience. The Rev. Mr. Richardson's Sermon, showing the intimate connection between masonry and religion, did equal credit to his head and his heart. Mr. Knapp's Oration, conquering many of the popular objections to the fraternity, displayed the ingenuity of the man of talents, the classical taste of the scholar, and the zeal of the philanthro-
1 "Gragg & Alden's" may be meant.
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A Dedham Tavern
pist. We have heard with pleasure, that these gentlemen have consented to let their productions be published by the lodge.
"After the public exercises of the day, the pro- cession returned to Mr. Marsh's,1 where the ladies, the fraternity, a number of the clergy, the select- men of the town, the parish committee, and a num- ber of gentlemen of distinction partook of an ele- gant dinner. We have never witnessed a more splendid procession, or one distinguished by such order and decorum. In one word, everything dis- played elegance, taste and regularity."
The following toasts were given: "The Day," "Our Country," "The Governor of the Common- wealth," "The Memory of Washington," "The Barque of Masonry," "The Opposers of Masonry," "The Clergy," and "The Ladies." After the cloth was removed, the following among other toasts were given:
"Our three late Presidents, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe - Their names and their works shall be hallowed, while grass grows, or water runs.
" The Female Sex -The best and handsomest piece of domestic furniture is a virtuous, an ami- able woman.
" Party Distinction - May he who boasts. of better blood in his veins than that of his neighbors, be tied up to his own pedigree by his heels, till his
1 "Gragg & Alden's."
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Moses Gragg and Francis Alden
brains if he has any settle where they ought to be.
"John Quincy Adams - The North Star of the United States - to him we look with confidence.
"Old Maids - May they never suffer from the neglect of old or young bachelors.
"Fire - like a wife - good in its place, but when it gets the upper hand, the devil take it."
In addition several other toasts were given.
The Dedham Light Infantry, alluded to before, had their dinner the same day at "Gragg & Al- den's." The Village Register describes it:
"The Dedham Light Infantry, commanded by Capt. Jesse Farrington, by invitation, formed a handsome military escort to the Masonic Proces- sion in this town, in the celebration of the nativity of St. John the Baptist, on the 24th. inst. Previous arrangements having been made the Company par- took of an excellent dinner at Gragg and Alden's Hotel. After which, amidst much harmony and conviviality, the following Toasts were drank:
"St. John's Day- If that celebrated Saint had a secret more valuable than the worship of one Su- preme Deity, universal benevolence to man and charity to all - that secret is worth knowing.
"Massachusetts - Though its great Northern Limb is amputated from its original trunk, may it take deep root and flourish - and the fruits of both stock and branch continue mutually inter- changeable in the common market.
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A Dedham Tavern
"Dr. John Brooks -Governor of Massachusetts - may his prescriptions have the most salutary effect on all its citizens."
The other toasts given were "The Arts and Sciences," "The Whole Fraternity of Masons," "The Citizens of Dedham," "The Tree of Lib- erty,""Demolition of the Inquisition," "The Sum- mer Solstice," "Kings, Tyrants, and Hereditary Knaves," "Piracy on the High Seas," "Peace and Plenty," and "The American Fair."
The Village Register, first published in 1820 by Asa Gowen, continued by Jonathan H. Cobb and Barnum Field, and later passing into the control of Herman and W. H. Mann, has various notices that show the importance of the Tavern:
July 7, 1820: One Edward H. Robbins in a " No- tice to Pensioners" states that "he shall attend at the house of Messrs Gragg and Alden, Dedham, and as long during the setting of the Court as he can be useful to his meretorious & suffering fellow citizens, who are to be the subject of judicial en- quiry, for the purpose of attaining justice, - and tenders them his services in aid of their claims, so far as same can be supported by law, free from charge or expectation of reward."
July 14, 1820:
"Sheriff's Sale. Norfolk ss. Taken by virtue of writs and will be sold at Public Auction by consent
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1
Moses Gragg and Francis Alden
at the House of Gragg & Alden, Innholder at Dedham, on Monday next, 4 P.M., one bellows top chaise, & harness for same.
JOHN BAKER, JR., D. Sh'ff."
September 15, 1820: "On Monday last an American Eagle was seen perched upon a tall elm in front of Messrs Gragg and Alden's summer es- tablishment on the Island, about a half mile from the village. He was shot. He measured, when dead, 5 feet 6 inches from wing to wing." Gragg himself shot the eagle.1
September 22, 1820: 1993826
"Stolen. Two silver tea spoons, marked with the letters, D.R.D. For par- ticulars inquire at Norfolk Hotel."
October 27, 1820: Reference to Daniel Webster attending court in Dedham and Chief Justice Par- ker of the Supreme Bench presiding with Justices Thatcher, Jackson, and Putnam. Webster argued for the defendant in the well-known case of Baker et al., Deacons of the First Church in Dedham, vs. Fales. This case decided that where a majority of the members of a Congregational Church separated from the majority of the parish, the members who remain, although a minority, constitute the church in such parish, and retain the rights and property belonging thereto.2
The Rev. Mr. Lamson was ordained minister
1 See also Mann's Diary, September 11, 1820.
2 16 Mass. Reports, 488.
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1
A Dedham Tavern
of the First Church, though there was considerable opposition to his settlement, and the case above cited finally closed the controversy. Moses Gragg made some interesting notes in connection with this case for the benefit of his children, which are now in possession of his daughter, Mrs. Caroline A. Richards. He writes:
"In October, 1818, Mr. Lamson was ordained, and the ordaining Council met at our house [Nor- folk Hotel]. It was a large body being the minister and two laymen from each church. They had two days session before they got through, for there was great opposition to Mr. Lamson's settlement, but he was ordained minister of the First Parish in Dedham. This transaction gave us a large amount of business for we provided for the council and it brought us a large number of lookers on whom we had to provide for at the same time. This gave us quite a reputation for I think the council at the close of their deliberations passed a vote of thanks, saying they never had been so well provided for on any previous occasion of the kind, as at the present, by Gragg and Alden, the new and popular landlords. The settlement of Mr. Lamson divided the parish and led to a long and bitter litigation, and our house was the place for most all of the meetings, and there were many.
"During the winter there were many dances and while the sleighing lasted we had as much business as we could attend to, for our house was the new
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-
1
Moses Gragg and Francis Alden
place for the sleigh-riders - the way the mulled wine 1 was disposed of was a caution.
"The Courts were very fully attended and we had our share of the patronage.".
November 1, 1821, Francis Alden conveyed his undivided half interest in the Norfolk Hotel, land, and outbuildings to his partner, Moses Gragg, and himself became landlord of the tavern which he named the "Dedham Hotel," 2 corner of High . and Washington streets, then owned by Timothy Gay, and later the site of the Phoenix House. Here he remained landlord until 1828, when he returned to the Norfolk Hotel, buying out Gragg.
The following is a notice of the dissolution of partnership published at the time:
"Copartnership Dissolved
"Notice is hereby given that the copartnership heretofore existing under the firm of Gragg & Alden, is by mutual consent this day dissolved.
MOSES GRAGG. FRANCIS. ALDEN.
"The business in future will be conducted at the old stand of the Norfolk Hotel, by Moses Gragg. Nov. 1, 1821."3
1 The recipe is one quart Madeira, boiling hot, one half pint hot water, six eggs beaten light, sugar to taste. See Field's Colonial Taverns.
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