USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Dedham > Tale of a Dedham tavern; history of the Norfolk hotel, Dedham, Massachusetts > Part 5
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
[ 73 ]
A Dedham Tavern
nately refers but briefly to matters of local Ded- ham interest. He was a bachelor, without much business occupation, and from 1828 to 1846 1 lived at the Norfolk Hotel, a good part of the time in a small, cheerless, north room on the third floor, the first to the right of the stairway.2 In 1846 he moved to the Phoenix, where he resided for many years. Of quiet, unassuming manners, and much respected, his chief pleasures consisted in long, solitary walks and frequent visits to Boston, Cambridge, Lowell, Springfield, and Brattleboro to see his relatives and friends. He once thus described himself: "I am like my room, neat and clean, but solitary." 3
Not only dances but concerts and other amuse- ments were given in the hall of the Tavern:
Dedham Patriot, August 14, 1834: "Second Comic Concert. Mr. Comer and Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Smith, highly gratified by the patronage of their Dedham friends on the occasion of their first Concert are induced (by particular request) to offer a second and positively the last this season, on Thursday evening at Alden's Hotel."
Same, December 25, 1834: Notice of a meeting at Alden's Hotel for the purpose of forming a Lyceum or Debating Club in the village.
Same, February 19, 1835 : William H. Mann gives notice of a concert at Alden's Hotel by the Dor-
1 Diary, April 26, 1854.
2 Statement of Mrs. Horace Bacon.
' Diary, July 30, 1858.
[ 74 ]
Francis Alden
chester and Milton Glee Club. Tickets, 25 cents, "to be had at the Bar." "The pieces went off with a good deal of applause and some of them were called for a second time."
Mann's Diary, March 22, 1839:
"Old Billings once more!
"A very full meeting of lovers of 'sweet sound' was held at Alden's Hall this evening. A full and effi- cient orchestra was present and the different so- cieties in the town were well represented. Mr. Calvin Ellis presided this evening by request. About 80 partook of the supper after the sing. A toast offered by Abijah Smith, an old veteran singer, was well received: Billings Music - half century singers- may the rising generation hold fast to old times - eat, drink and sing with mod- eration, temperance and perfection - and each one be at liberty to license himself."
ANDREW JACKSON
Andrew Jackson was reelected President of the United States in the fall of 1832, and the following year we find him in Dedham on his way to Boston, making a tour through the New England States. The President with his suite embarked from New York June 15, 1833, and landed at New Haven. After visiting Hartford and Norwich he reëm- barked at New Haven and was conveyed to New
[ 75 ]
A
A Dedham Tavern
London in the steamboat General Jackson, and thence to Newport. He tarried two days in New- port and Providence, and on Friday, June 21, 1833, passed through Dedham, the Norfolk Hotel being honored with his presence, together with that of the Vice-President, Martin Van Buren; Governor Cass, Secretary of War; Governor Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy; Governor Marcy, of New York; General Williams, of Mississippi; Mr. Poinsett, of South Carolina; and several gentlemen of dis- tinction from different cities.
The Norfolk Advertiser, June 22, 1833, describes the occasion :
"The President and suite arrived here [Dedham] yesterday about 12 o'clock. His approach was announced by a salute from the Walpole artillery, of 24 guns. He was met at the southern entrance of the village by the assembled citizens. He de- scended from his carriage, as did also the Secre- taries of the War and the Navy, and received the following address from Hon. James Richardson, Chairman of the Committee chosen to arrange and execute the civic proceedings of the day :
"'Sir - The Citizens of Dedham and its vi- cinity feel honored by the presence, among them, of the Chief Magistrate of the Nation, and with great pleasure tender to him their respectful considera- tion, and with it the plain and simple hospitalities of the place. And this as a tribute, not only to exalted, but to important public service rendered
[ 76 ]
Francis Alden
to our common country; particularly in the brav- ery and military skill displayed in defense of a sec- tion of the Union against the attacks of a public enemy - and recently in the recognition and ap- plication of sound constitutional principles, and in the firmness and energy manifested when the integrity and security of the Union, the Palla- dium of our liberties and the only safeguard of general prosperity and of internal peace and tranquility, were threatened. We, one and all, respond to the sentiment that " The Union must be preserved."
"'Sir, -The people of Massachusetts inhabit a territory rough and comparatively barren, bor- dering on the ocean; they were therefore early in- spired with a spirit of enterprise, and compelled to practise the virtues of industry and economy, and to place their sole reliance, under Providence, on their own exertions. This necessity generated in them a love of liberty and independence, and a de- sire to establish institutions favorable to the moral and civic virtues - to science and sound learning. It is hoped, sir, that an acquaintance with the habits, manners and institutions of our people will not lower our character in the estimation of our Chief, and that, returning, he will carry with him some information not entirely useless in guiding his views as to a course of public policy. Finally, we wish him health, and all the enjoyment that such an excursion and the respect of the people in the
[ 77 ]
A Dedham Tavern
various sections of the country are calculated to afford - and that on retiring from his high station, the evening of his life may be cheered by the recol- lection of all that he has done to promote the se- curity and prosperity of his country.'
"To which the President made a brief and ap- propriate reply. The President was then conducted by the committee, through a throng of spectators, to the open space in front of the first Parish Meeting House, where he received the salute of Col. Eaton's regiment of Militia, and after reviewing them, was conducted to Alden's Norfolk Hotel, where he and his suite dined. The President afterwards appeared on the portico, and shook hands with each officer of the regiment. The President rode in a barouche drawn by four spirited steeds. He left our village at one o'clock, and was followed by a train of horse- men and carriages, some of the latter containing gentlemen of distinction."
The President was handsomely received in Bos- ton. At the State House he was welcomed by Governor Lincoln and other important officials. Later he visited Faneuil Hall and reviewed the Boston Brigade on Boston Common. On June 24, he visited Bunker Hill, where he listened to an address by Edward Everett.
Another account of the President's visit is given by the Dedham Patriot, June 27, 1833 :
"The President [Andrew Jackson] and suite arrived in this village at 12 o'clock noon, on Fri-
[ 78 ]
Francis Alden
day last [June 21, 1833], from Providence. At the southern entrance of the village he was met by the assembled citizens and received an ad- dress from Hon. James Richardson, Chairman of the Committee appointed by the citizens to ten- der him their respects and welcome him to the place.
" The reply of the President was brief and ap- propriate. He was then conducted on foot by the Committee through the throng of spectators, who were ranged in two lines nearly the whole length of Court St., bowing gracefully to the people on either side as he passed, to the open space in front of the meeting house, where the first regiment commanded by Col. Eaton was paraded. After receiving the salute of the military and reviewing them, he to- gether with his suite were conducted to the Norfolk Hotel, where they dined. At one o'clock he took his seat in an open barouche, together with the Vice President (Martin Van Buren) and the two aids of Gov. Lincoln, and departed on his journey to Boston amid the cheers of the assembled multitude, and followed by a numerous retinue in the car- riages. The President was accompanied by Vice- President Van Buren, Gov. Marcy of New York, Secretaries Cass and Woodbury, and several other distinguished gentlemen." It is said that the President also made a speech from the portico of the Norfolk Hotel.1
1 Dedham Transcript, March 6, 1909.
[ 79 ]
A Dedham Tavern
An eye-witness of the occasion gives this account of the President's visit: 1 "Andrew Jackson, Presi- dent, and Martin Van Buren, Vice-President, both stopped in Dedham for dinner. All hands quit work and went up to see the President's party. They came in stages and walked through a double line of citizens up to the brick hotel. Jackson, hat in hand, bowed alike to friends and enemies, if he had any. He sat upstairs afterwards and smoked his pipe very constantly until after dinner, when he and his party were met by Bostonians and taken to their City."
Mrs. Horace Bacon, daughter of Francis Alden, as stated before, remembers this occasion. So great was the crush and so eager were the populace to get a glimpse of the President that even the roof of the portico was covered with young and old.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Norfolk Hotel during the era of Alden's ownership became a centre of political activity in Dedham, but the violent political passions and the bitter, partisan feeling of the early days of the cen- tury had pretty much disappeared. The new, en- larged building with its spacious hall became an admirable and convenient place for political and other public meetings. The Village Register of October 16, 1828, alludes to one:
1 Dedham Transcript, January 29, 1887; signed by "A. D. W."
[ 80 ]
Francis Alden
"Norfolk Administration Convention
"At a meeting of the delegates from the sev- eral towns comprising the Norfolk Congressional District friendly to the National Administra- tion at Alden's Hotel in Dedham on the 15th. inst. . . . the following resolutions were adopted, viz:
"Resolved, that our confidence in the integ- rity, patriotism and talents of John Quincy Adams and in the purity and wisdom of his adminis- tration, continues unabated; and we heartily con- cur with his friends elsewhere in recommending Mr. Adams to the undivided support of our fel- low citizens for the next Presidency of the United States."
Committees were chosen consisting of Hon. Jairus Ware, Ebenezer Fisher, Jr., Jonathan H. Cobb, Erastus Worthington, William Ellis, and Abner Ellis. At this convention Hon. John Bailey was endorsed for Congress.
Again, a few days later in the same paper, October 23, 1828: "Those free citizens, who are not sup- posed to submit to the dictation of self-created District Managers, and who are opposed to the reelection of John Bailey Esq. are respectfully invited to assemble at Alden's Hotel on Oct. 28th at I o'clock P.M. to select some Independent inhabitant of the District to represent them in Congress."
In 1830 a Republican Caucus was held in "Alden's
[ 8] ]
A Dedham Tavern
Hotel," 1 and the next year is this notice: 2 "The citizens of Dedham friendly to the present State Administration are invited to meet at Alden's Hotel ... for the purpose of electing delegates to attend the County Convention, to be holden at Shepard's Tavern in this town on Monday next."
A few months later is a "Notice to the Republi- cans of Dedham to meet at Alden's Hotel to choose delegates to represent the town in the National Republican Convention." 3
Henry Clay was now a national figure and we find these references to him:
Dedham Patriot, September 21, 1832: "Notice. The citizens of Dedham friendly to the election of Henry Clay and John Sargeant as President and Vice-President of the U. S. are invited to meet at Alden's Hotel," etc. "NATHANIEL GUILD, Chair- man."
Same, September 28, 1832: "At a meeting of the National Republican citizens of Dedham friendly to the election of Clay and Sargeant at the Norfolk Hotel on Sat. evening, Sept. 22, 1832, Hon. Jas. Richardson was called to the chair, and Edw. M. Richards, Sec'y." Theron Metcalf, Thomas Bar- rows, Horace Mann, Esquires, and Colonel Josiah N. Bird were elected delegates to attend the State Convention at Worcester.
1 Mann's Diary, March 20, 1830.
2 Dedham Patriot, March 18, 1831.
' Dedham Patriot, October 28, 1831.
[ 82 ]
-41
VT
1
5
Francis Alden
Norfolk Advertiser, October 5, 1832: "At a meet- ing of the delegates from the several towns in Nor- folk County, friendly to the General Administra- tion, holden at Alden's Tavern, in Dedham, on the 4th inst. ... it was voted, unanimously that we cordially approve of the nomination of the Hon. Marcus Morton for Governor, and the Hon. John Mills for Lieut. Governor."
Bride's Hotel burned down October 30, 1832, the year previous to Jackson's visit to Dedham, and the Phoenix, arising from its ashes, was not finished for two or three years; so the Norfolk Hotel, for a while at least, had pretty much of a monopoly of political meetings.
In 1833 the Jackson Republicans met at "Al- den's Hotel" to choose delegates to the Jackson State Convention to be held at Worcester. Elisha Thayer, Committee. These delegates were chosen : Timothy Gay, Captain Pliny Bingham, Richard Ellis, Martin Marsh, and Colburn Ellis.1 The Na- tional Republican Citizens 2 also met there, and other political bodies as well.3
In 1834 we find the Norfolk Whig Convention, 4 the Democratic Republicans,5 and the Whigs of the Town of Dedham 6 holding meetings there.
1 Dedham Patriot, August 29, 1833.
2 Dedham Patriot, September 26, 1833.
3 Dedham Patriot, April 25, 1833.
4 Dedham Patriot, October 9, 1834.
5 Dedham Patriot, October 9, 1834.
6 Dedham Patriot, February 12, 1835.
[ 83 ]
1
A Dedham Tavern
In 1835 two conventions were held at Alden's Hotel to nominate candidates for County Com- missioners.1 The Norfolk County Whig Convention also met there, when it was resolved to support Edward Everett for Governor and Daniel Webster for President. Theron Metcalf was present.2
By 1836 the Norfolk Hotel had become a Whig centre in Dedham, while its rival, the Phoenix, catered to the Democrats. At the former the Whigs of Dedham met to choose delegates to the Worces- ter Convention. Hon. James Richardson, Hon. John Endicott, Samuel Swett, and John Baker, 2d, were chosen.3
Later in the year the Whigs of Norfolk County,4 the Whigs of Dedham 5 and the Republicans friendly to the election of Edward Everett for Governor 6 assembled here.
Norfolk Advertiser, November 12, 1836:
"At a numerous meeting of the Republican citi- zens of Dedham, held at Alden's Hotel on Nov. IIth it was unanimously agreed to support for Representatives, Joshua Fales, Jr., John Morse and Daniel Covell.
"The following persons were chosen vote dis- tributors : E. B. Holmes, Wm. K. Gay, Jabez Coney,
1 Dedham Patriot, April 23, 1835.
2 Dedham Patriot, October 22, 1835.
" Norfolk Advertiser, August 20, 1836.
4 Norfolk Advertiser, October, 1836.
Norfolk Advertiser, October, 1836.
6 Norfolk Advertiser, October, 1836. .
[ 84 ]
Francis Alden
Jr., Francis Guild, John E. Boyden, Samuel C. Mann, Charles Richards, Joseph Day, F. A. Taft, E. W. Taft, James Downing, Willard Everett 2nd, Josiah N. Bird, Nathaniel Clap, Joseph Onion, Epraim Soule.
"The Dedham Democratic candidates for re- presentatives are Wm. Ellis, John Dean 3rd, Daniel Marsh."
From 1837 to 1840 there is a record of many meet- ings of a political nature at the Norfolk Hotel. The Norfolk Advertiser, February 16, 1839, describes one of local interest:
"At a meeting of many of the citizens of Dedham assembled at Alden's Hotel on Feb. 9th, to select suitable candidates for town officers for the ensuing year, Wm. King Gray elected Moderator, and E. G. Robinson, Clerk. For Town Clerk: Richard Ellis. For Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor, etc .: Martin Marsh, John Bullard, Col. Luther Eaton, Capt. Ellis Fuller and Joseph Fisher. For Treas. and Collector: Gen'l Nath'l Guild."
Herman Mann became interested in the Whig movement and made certain interesting notes on the subject in his Diary, which are now quoted :
October 24, 1838: "Attended a convention of thecitizens opposed tothe present arbitrary License laws at Alden's Hotel. Stormy day -about 40 present. The two great political parties of the day, the Whigs and Democrats, having previously nominated candidates supposed to be in favor of the
[ 85 ]
A Dedham Tavern
law as it stands, it was resolved today to put in nomination a Liberal ticket for Senators and to support them at the polls in November next. This ticket consists of Hon. John Ruggles of Milton, Hon. Wm. Ellis of Dedham and Hon. Lewis Fisher of Franklin. ... Gen. E. W. Bradley presided at the meeting, and Jabez Bigelow and George H. French of Quincy, acted as Secretaries."
November 3, 1838: "At a Whig caucus held this evening at Alden's Hotel, Messrs Joshua Fales, James Richardson and George Ellis 2nd. were nominated as representatives to the next General Court. The meeting was fully attended - some who had heretofore acted with their political op- ponents were at the caucus & took a part. If their conversion to the right political faith is sincere, there can be no objection to their acting - but if their object is to deceive or create confusion, it is worthy of their Tory principles, and they are wel- come to the credit they deserve for their unprin- cipled acts."
November 10, 1838: "At a meeting of the Rally- ing Committees of the several school districts pre- viously chosen at the Whig Caucus - at Alden's this evening - the subject of the schisms among our political friends being debated, the folly of putting a new nomination list of candidates for Repre- sentatives before the citizens of Dedham was fully set forth by Dr. Stimson and others. It was pre- tended by some of the Temperance party that
[ 86 ]
Francis Alden
their objections to the candidates first nominated was because of the impertinent interference of a few of the Van Buren party in the Whig Conven- tion. But it was apparent that the real objection was that two of the candidates nominated, al- though sound Whigs, unfortunately differed from them on the abstract question of the policy of the License Laws. The question being put finally to each individual present as to uniting in support of the original nominations, it was agreed to almost unanimously - some 20 of the Committee being present - 2 or 3 were not prepared to give a strong affirmative, and some others of the temperance portion answering very faintly. The 'liberal' part of the committee had no objection to support the whole nomination, although one of the candidates, Mr. Fales, was known to be opposed to them on the question of the License Laws. If the 'Tories' do not take advantage of these dissensions to run in one or two of their candidates it will be their own blindness."
May 15, 1839: "Whig Convention. A convention of Whig Delegates for the several towns in the County was held at Alden's Hotel. The convention was organized by the choice of James Richardson as President - Thos. French of Canton, Wm. H. Sumner of Roxbury, Meletiah Everett of Wren- tham and Josiah Brigham of Quincy as Vice Presi- dents - and John M. Gourgas of Quincy and Nath'l P. Lovering of Roxbury as Secretaries.
[ 87 ]
F
TI
A Dedham Tavern
The convention was very fully attended. . Among the interesting subjects descanted upon were the Militia and License questions."
March 6, 1840: "Whig Association. Anadjourned meeting of the Whigs of Dedham was held this evening at Alden's Hotel. A Constitution was read & adopted, and a society organized under the name of the 'Dedham Whig Association.' The meeting was very full for a political meeting and a good feeling prevailed. Hon. John Endicott was chosen President of the Association. Several good and spirited resolves were passed, the last of which to support the nominations of Harrison and Tyler for President and Vice-President of the United States was received with enthusiasm and adopted by ac- clamation. Upwards of 100 citizens were present and signed the Constitution. The meeting sepa- rated for the evening after giving three hearty cheers for the Hero of Tippecanoe."
March 17, 1840: Whig meeting at the Town House. After the meeting "the Company were invited to adjourn to Alden's Hotel and partake of the customary Whig Cheer, 'hard cider and crackers.' There was a bountiful supply of refresh- ments provided of which our Loco-foco friends who were present showed themselves no slouches at demolishing, although they might not so well di- gest the arguments of the several speakers." The Town House referred to was erected in 1829.
William Ames's Diary, March 1, 1840: "Last
[ 88 ]
Francis Alden
night the Whigs of Dedham had a meeting at Al- den's Hotel to form a Whig Association. Meet again next Friday night."
As stated before, the completion of the Boston and Providence Railroad and the extension of the line to Dedham sounded the death-knell of the Stage-Coach. As early as 1831 the citizens of Ded- ham were seeking a way to introduce the Railroad to their village, for in that year "a meeting of citi- zens in this vicinity was held at Alden's Hotel at which a committee of 5 was chosen to examine a suitable route for a Railroad in or near this village." 1
Two years later on July 6, 1833, a meeting of the citizens of Dedham was held at "Alden's Hotel" and approved the proposition of the proprietors of the Boston and Providence Railroad to extend a branch from its road to Dedham, provided it should meet the approbation of the inhabitants.2 A com- mittee of twelve was appointed at this meeting to assist the engineer in locating a suitable route. It was thought the road would be ready for travel by the following November. "The beneficial effects upon the interests and trade of this town cannot be too highly estimated. Success to the enter- prise!"
1 Dedham Patriot, October 28, 1831. Also Politician and Advocate, October 28, 1831.
? Dedham Patriot, July 11, 1833.
[ 89 ]
1
A Dedham Tavern
The following year the contributors for the pur- chase of land for the Dedham Branch Railroad and the citizens of the town met at Alden's Hotel on "Railroad Business"; 1 Samuel Swett, Chairman.
December 8, 1834, the Railroad was opened to the public and Dedham for the first time was con- nected by rail with Boston. Two trips each way per day. Vale the Stage-Coach!
Just before the opening of the Dedham Branch Railroad, the Norfolk Advertiser, September 20, 1834, gives this interesting bit of information re- garding Dedham, with a brief reference to the Nor- folk Hotel:
"It is often remarked by travellers, who pass in the Providence coaches, that Dedham is one of the handsomest villages in the United States. Its beautiful shade trees have always been objects of admiration; and although but few of its buildings may be denominated elegant, there is scarcely a dwelling among them which does not wear an air of neatness and comfort which is quite as fascinat- ing as elegance itself. The Court-house is a beau- tiful piece of architecture, and its style and loca- tion are often the subject of commendatory remark. The three churches make a good appearance, and there are some private mansions, such as Haven's, Dowse's, Ames', Swett's, and Richards', which are large and handsomely situated. Besides the Norfolk Hotel (a first-rate house, kept by Alden), we have
1 Dedham Patriot, November 13, 1834; December 4, 1834.
[ 90 ]
-
Francis Alden
Shepard's, and the Dedham Hotel, soon to be opened by its former landlord, Mr. Bride. This last is a splendid new house, not surpassed in size, fixtures, or elegance of finish, by any in all the villages of Massachusetts."
Mann's Diary continues to be replete with notes on interesting events in Dedham history. His pet diversions were fishing and shooting, and his refer- ences to "Company Shoots" are here noted :
December 5, 1828: "Company Shoot. . .. Paid two dolls. each with which Capt. Bingham pur- chased the turkeys. Shot at papers, 42 in number. . . . Supped together at Alden's Hotel. 312 shots were fired before the papers were hit. I did not hit one! Good chance to improve."
November 6, 1833 : "Company shoot." M. Bates, S. Lewis, W. H. Mann, G. Alden, A. Richards, and O. Pierce were on one side. On the other were P. Bingham, H. Mann, L. Shepard, J. A. Austin, E. Foord, and F. Alden. "The losers paid for the supper at Alden's."
November 27, 1835: "Company shoot. Losers paid for supper at Alden's Hotel. Fired from the old Avery House, 25 rods. Sides, A. Richards, Wm. H. Mann, L. Shepard, J. N. E. Mann, Wm. Stearns, Geo. Alden, T. T. Kimball, Th. Brown, E. Foord, 19. M. Bates, S. Lewis, H. Mann, P. Bingham, J. Bride, J. A. Austin, E. Newell, J. Chapin, Sumner D. Kingman, 23."
[ 9] ]
L
1
!
TV
A Dedham Tavern
November 25, 1836: "Annual shooting match on the grounds near the house of Josiah Smith on Dedham Island. Paid in $3. each for purchase of poultry which cost this year 16 cts. per pound. Dis- tance precisely 30 rods. Number of marks forty- five. Supper at Alden's." The two sides consisted of S. C. Mann, A. Richards, William H. Mann, Will- iam Stevens, T. T. Kimball, Samuel Whiting, Enos Foord, Francis Alden, 19. Ebenezer Newell, Samuel Lewis, H. Mann, J. Chapin, George Alden, E. W. Sampson, P. Bingham, Samuel Lewis, Jr., and H. Felton, 26.
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.