USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Dedham > Tale of a Dedham tavern; history of the Norfolk hotel, Dedham, Massachusetts > Part 6
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November 24, 1837: Meeting of the Shooting Company at "Alden's Hotel " to arrange for the Annual Company Shoot to be held "in the Ames Clearing, near Sandy Valley, a fourth of a mile from the house of Mr. Briggs."
Further references to "Company Shoots" are noted in the next chapter.
Mann, as has been stated, was a member of one of the Engine Companies, and their meetings con- tinued to be held at "Alden's Hotel":
January 5, 1829: "Engine Anniversary. The several engine companies in this village held their anniversary at Alden's Hotel. The supper was in Alden's best style. The toasts were tolerable. The number which sat down at the tables was about 80. The Masons and Anti-Masons present ex- changed a few shots by way of trying their metal; no serious charge was made by either party, con-
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sequently no blood, but some wine only was spilled in the skirmish. The company separated at an early hour in peace and harmony. J. Richardson, Esq., presided, assisted by H. Mann."
January 17, 1829: "The subscribers for a new fire engine met at Alden's this evening. J. W. Ames Esq. was chosen moderator and E. Foord Esq. Sec'y. The Soliciting Committee made their report by which it appeared that they had obtained from the citizens the very liberal subscrip- tion of $656.50, the inhabitants generally being well disposed towards the object in view. Maj. J. Clark, Joel Richards, and Capt. P. Bingham were ap- pointed a committee to purchase a first rate en- gine, with section hose and such other apparatus as the monies subscribed will allow. A committee was appointed to solicit further aid, it being de- sirable to raise $1000. if possible."
May 6, 1834: A meeting of the Engine Company at Alden's Hotel.
January 9, 1836: "The Annual Meeting of the several Engine Companies was held at Capt Alden's Hotel on the 5th inst. There were present in addi- tion to the invited guests 120 members." Dinner, toasts, etc.
The Dedham Fire Society met at "Alden's Hotel" January 1, 1832.1 This Society had its meetings here until 1848, the officials issuing notices being John Dixon, William H. Mann, and John King.
1 Dedham Patriot, December 23, 1831.
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The Firewards of the several Parishes also met here.1
Preparations were also made for a Fire Depart- ment at "Alden's Hotel." 2
It was well that Dedham was provided with En- gine Companies, Fire Societies, and Firewards at this period, for fires and incendiarism were rife. Mann, November 20, 1828, says: "Incendiaries. An attempt was made last night to set fire to an outhouse adjoining the sheds rear of Mr. Alden's."
In 1832 (October 30), we have seen that Bride's Hotel together with its stable, was burned, and in 1835 a man named John Wade was tried for setting it on fire. The Dedham Patriot of November 5, 1835, gives an account of the trial. Justices Shaw, Putnam, Wilde, and Morton presided. James Tre- cothick Austin, Attorney-General, and Pliny Mer- rick, District-Attorney, prosecuted for the Com- monwealth. The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to death, but later the sentence was commuted to one of imprisonment. "On the night of the fire Wade was stopping as a guest at the Nor- folk House, and during that night, as he after- wards confessed, he got up, dressed himself, went down stairs into the barroom, took my father's coat from a hook therein, put it on and coolly pro- ceeded to the Phoenix stables, set them on fire, and then as coolly returned to the Norfolk House,
1 Norfolk Advertiser, August 20 and 27, 1836.
2 Dedham Patriot, January 20, 1832.
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slipped upstairs and into bed, having of course first hung the overcoat where he had taken it from. Later, however, he was at the fire, a seemingly innocent spectator of his own villainous act." 1 His room was in the attic story of the hotel.
Mann has already alluded to the Masons and Anti-Masons, between whom a bitter feeling pre- vailed at this time. I quote from his Diary:
June 24, 1829: " Masonic Festival. A large com- pany of the Fraternity (about 320) assembled in this village to celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Towards noon they were marshalled in splendid array opposite Alden's Tavern. . . . After parading a short time through the street, they ar- rived again at the tavern, when, behold, out poured about 120- ladies! - who crowding into the midst of the procession followed into the meeting house where they were conspicuously placed in the galleries."
Although Alden, as well as his predecessors, Marsh and Gragg, were Masons, he did not object to the Anti-Masons meeting at his tavern:
Dedham Patriot, August 29, 1833: "Anti-Ma- sonic Notice." The Anti-Masonic citizens of Ded- ham were notified of a meeting at Alden's Hall August 30 at 7 o'clock, to choose delegates to the Anti-Masonic Convention to be held at Boston. Per order of the Town Committee.
1 Samuel McIntire's "Echoes of the Past"; Dedham Transcript, November 22, 1902.
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Same, October 10, 1833: Notice to the Anti- Masonic citizens of Dedham to assemble at Alden's Hotel to nominate candidates for Senators. This was a large meeting, the various towns of Norfolk County sending delegates.1
SECOND CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE SET- TLEMENT OF DEDHAM, SEPTEMBER 21, 1836
This Anniversary was a notable episode in Ded- ham's history. Elaborate preparations had been made for it by various bodies of the people. The Manufacturers and Mechanics of Dedham had met in August at the Norfolk Hotel to consider meas- ures for celebrating the occasion.2 Their committee consisted of Thomas Barrows, Ezra W. Taft, Joel Richards, Captain F. Guild, Joseph Day, Edward B. Holmes, Captain R. Guild, 2d, Colonel Josiah N. Bird, Ira Russell, and Stephen Barry.
The following were the Assistant Marshals who met at Alden's Hotel on September 17, for consult- ation: John Morse, Theodore Gay, 2d, Luther Eaton, Reuben Guild, 2d, James Downing, Ezra W. Taft, Francis Guild, Joseph Fisher, Austin Bryant, N. A. Hewins, John D. Colburn, Benjamin Boyden, Nathan Philips, Joseph A. Wilder, Stephen Barry, Ira Russell, Merrill Ellis, Samuel C. Mann, Edward B. Holmes, E. D. Weld, Joseph Day, Josiah Dean, 2d, E. G. Robinson, Theodore Met-
1 See also Norfolk Advertiser, September 6, 1834.
2 Norfolk Advertiser, August 13 and 27, 1836.
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calf, and R. G. Trescott. The Chief Marshal was Nathaniel Guild.
The Day of Celebration. The procession was in the following order:
Military Escort, Band, Aide - Chief Marshal -- Aide, Committee of Arrangements, President, Orator and Chaplain, Clergy, Vice-Presidents,
Governor and Suite, Marshals, Invited Guests, Sheriff of Norfolk, Selectmen of Dedham, Marshals, Subscribers to the Dinner, Marshals, Citizens and others who join the Procession.
Francis Alden worked hard to make the cele- bration a success. "Mine host of the Norfolk Hotel [Captain Alden] is engaged with indefatigable in- dustry in preparing his part of the arrangements." 1
The Norfolk Advertiser 2 describes the events of the day as follows: "Wednesday last was a proud day for Dedham. The Second Centennial Anni- versary of the settlement of the town was cele-
1 Norfolk Advertiser, September 17, 1836.
2 September 24, 1836.
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brated in a style of tasteful elegance and rich display rarely excelled. The arrangements of the Town Committee were very extensive and afforded a grand entertainment for the numerous body of Dedham's sons, who returned once more to the home of their childhood - to our honored invited guests, and the large collection of people from Bos- ton and adjoining towns, who assembled on the oc- casion. The day was ushered in by a grand salute of 100 guns and a merry peal from the village bells.
. At 8 o'clock the Fire Dept. of Dedham, under . the command of their Firewards, formed in front of the Town House, on Western Avenue, and es- corted by the Boston Brass Band they moved through Western Avenue, Centre Street and Com- mon Street to the village green in front of the First Church, where the engines were placed in a double column with a space in the centre for the procession to pass through. There were 8 companies present with their engines and apparatus. Each member wore the badge of his company.
"At ten o'clock, the children attending our pub- lic schools formed in procession at the District School House, under the care of their respective teachers, and marched to the village green, es- corted by the Dedham Light Infantry, and were placed in lines within the columns of engines in front of the Church. This simple and unpretending parade wasone of the most interesting and gratify- ing sights of the day. It was a moving but speech-
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less comment upon the noble nature of our free in- stitutions. Who could witness those long lines of pretty, smiling faces, and orderly, well dressed and intelligent youths, without being proud to say: I am an American citizen!
"The General procession formed at half past ten, on Western Avenue. Escort duty was performed by the Dedham Light Infantry under the command of Capt. Wm. Pedrick, accompanied by the Band. .. . The Procession moved from Western Avenue to the Norfolk Hotel, where it was joined by his Ex- cellency the Governor, Edward Everett, and Suite, the Orator of the day, the Reverend Clergy, the County Officers and invited guests. Among the latter we noticed the Governor's Aids, Cols. R. C. Winthrop and Andrew, President Josiah Quincy, Hon. Judge Davis, of the District Court, Hon. Alexander H. Everett, Adj. Gen. Dearborn, Hon. Wm. Jackson, M.C. and the Hon. Franklin Dex- ter. The procession then moved through the prin- cipal streets to the Village Green, passed through a grand ornamental arch and the lines of Children and Engines to the Meeting House. The Arch above mentioned was a frame of lattice work covered with evergreen and flowers; on one side were the words, in bold letters, 'Incorporated 1636,' and on the other '1836.'""
Services were held at the Meeting-House with an introductory prayer by the Rev. Mr. Lamson and an address by Samuel F. Haven, son of the
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Hon. Judge Haven. The dinner was served in a spacious pavilion erected in the rear of Western Avenue. "About 600 persons sat down to the din- ner which was served up by Capt. Francis Alden of the Norfolk Hotel. It was truly the 'feast of reason and flow of soul.'" After a blessing by the Rev. John White of the West Parish there followed the regular toasts and an oration by Gov. Edward Everett, who was greeted "with deafening ap- plause." Hon. James Richardson presided.1
It will be noticed that the Dedham Light Infantry played an imposing part in this Second Centennial Anniversary of the Settlement of Dedham. Captain Alden himself was an honored member of the Mi- litia, and his tavern was a favorite resort for their meetings.2 The Dedham Light Infantry frequently assembled there, some of the notices sent out being signed by "Lyman R. Colburn, O.S." and others by him as "Clerk."3
Another anniversary which was pretty generally celebrated in Dedham was Independence Day. The Norfolk Hotel, as we have seen, was occasionally an important participant, and the following will serve as illustrations of the spirit of the occasions :
1 An excellent account of this occasion may be found in Samuel F. Haven's Address at Dedham, beginning page 72.
2 Roberts's Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, vol. 3, p. 2.
8 Dedham Patriot, May 29, 1834; April 30, 1835; Norfolk Adver- tiser, July 2, 1836; August 27, 1836.
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Politician and Advocate, July 7, 1831 :
"Fourth of July Celebration
"The 55th anniversary of our Country's Eman- cipation from foreign thraldom was celebrated by our citizens in an appropriate and spirited manner. The collection of people was respectably numerous and from various towns adjacent. A procession was formed at Alden's Hotel and thence proceeded to the parish meeting house, under escort of Dedham Light Infantry, under Capt. Eaton, where a sound and eloquent address was pronounced by Rev. A. V. Bassett. After which, the company sat down to an excellent dinner prepared by Capt. Alden, in his best style ..
"The toasts delivered on the occasion, we are sorry to state, savor rather too much of violent partyism, to comport well with the celebration of an anniversary in which men of all parties, and of every political creed, cannot but unite and ought, it seems to us, harmonize.
"Subjoined are the regular, and as many of the volunteer toasts, as we have been able to collect:
"The President of the United States - We honor the office, we honor the Hero of New Orleans - may the days of his retirement be as happy as those of his victories were glorious.
" The memory of Washington - time cannot dim the lustre of his virtues - eternity will be the guardian of his fame.
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"The memory of Warren and those who fell in their Country's cause - To behold the fruits of the sacrifice would be a rich reward to their generous and heroic spirits.
" Robert Y. Hayne and his associates and their scheme of Nullification - may it be carried into effect when they can show how every state can enjoy equal privileges - the constitution and laws of the U. S. be the Supreme law of the land - and yet any state have a right to annul any law they dislike.
"Daniel Webster - The man most eloquent in defence of the Union deserves a place at its head.
"The Poles and their cause - may their leader possess the wisdom of Washington, the heroic brav- ery of their own Kosciusko, and may their success and prosperity equal our own."
Toasts were given to "The Day," "The people of the U. S.," "The new Cabinet if any there be," "The natural and lasting bond of Union of the States," "The late Secretary Eaton's better half," "The nations that are struggling against oppres- sion," and "The Reverend Clergy of all denomin- ations."
· There were also several volunteer toasts given at this dinner:
"By Horace Mann, Esq .: The wisdom of our ancestors ; which instead of standing armies to gov- ern the people, provided common schools, that they might govern themselves.
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"By J. H. Cobb, Esq .: Our public servants at Washington. Those who cut and run away
"May live to fight another day. Those who still maintain their stations May live for future reformations.
"By A. Tillinghast, Esq .: The Good Ship United States - her colors half mast - Union down - Signal of Distress - the wind on shore and blow- ing a gale - the Captain deficient in nautical skill - the under officers in a state of mutiny and re- volt, - the crew must rise and put Commodore Clay in command with a good Pilot at helm or the ship must founder.
"By J. N. E. Mann : Henry Clay - the would-be President of the U. S. - like Pindar's razors, made to sell."
Other volunteer toasts were given by T. Barrows, Herman Mann, George Alden, W. H. Mann, J. Richardson, L. Powers, Simeon Smith, T. P. Rider, and George Brown.
Dedham Patriot, July 8, 1831: "Our Independ- ence was commemorated (on July 4th) in this town with an unusual degree of spirit and conduct. 13 discharges of cannon announced the dawning of the day. These were followed by 24 more at sunrise, and immediately succeeded simultaneous peals upon the bells." A large procession, marshalled by Colonel A. Guild and Mr. H. Monroe, pro- ceeded to the Rev. Mr. Lamson's Meeting-House,
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where exercises were held. The' procession then "returned to Alden's Hotel where they partook of a very excellent dinner."
Same, July 10, 1834: Grand Celebration of the Fourth of July in Dedham. Procession, Oration, and services in the Meeting-House, with "an elo- quent and fervid appeal by Rev. Mr. Lamson. . . . After the services in the meeting-house, the pro- cession was again formed and repaired to the tables on the green, where a sumptuous entertainment was prepared by Capt. Francis Alden, 'mine host' of the Norfolk Hotel." Various toasts followed, Thomas Barrows presiding. The Committee of Ar- rangements, which met at the Norfolk House June 19,1 consisted of Herman Mann, Jason Guild, Joseph Sumner, Joseph A. Wilder, Theodore Gay, 2d, Enoch G. Jackman, Luther Eaton, Elbridge G. Robinson, Edward D. Weld, Jabez Coney, Jr., Simeon Smith, and Austin Bryant.
At about this period the Washingtonian Tem- perance movement swept the country and many New England taverns were forced out of business. Dedham was divided between the Liberal and Tem- perance parties. There were stirring and stormy scenes at town-meetings, and conventions of both parties were held at the Norfolk Hotel.2 Tem-
1 Dedham Patriot.
2 Mann's Diary, March 14, 1838; Norfolk Advertiser, February 17, 1838; Same, January 26, 1839.
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perance meetings were the fashion. The Dedham Patriot mentions one: 1
"Temperance meeting. A number of the citizens of Dedham met at Alden's Hotel on Tuesday even- ing for the purpose of forming a Charitable Tem- perance Society on the principle of abstaining from the use of all ardent spirits, including wine." J. A. Etheridge, Moderator; J. C. Crossman, Secretary. A few days later, December 14, the Society again met at the same place. Simeon Smith was chosen President; John A. Etheridge, Vice-President; Sabin M. Smith, Secretary; Horatio Clark, Treas- urer.
The Temperance Party triumphed for the time being, and Francis Alden, accepting the situation, conducted the Norfolk Hotel in strict accordance with the license laws, as shown by this editorial in the Norfolk Advertiser: 2 "There are some taverns in this County who have honestly banished ardent spirits from their bar rooms, agreeably to law, and there are doubtless others who still continue to lay the tempter before the unwary, dealing out spirits in spite of law and to the detriment of society. We would therefore earnestly recommend to the sober travelling public that they use means to ascertain who among the tavern keepers obeys the law and who tramples upon it, and by all means to patron- ize on all occasions the former instead of the latter. As one among the number of lawfully and well con-
1 December 12, 1833.
2 May 14, 1836.
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ducted hotels we would mention Alden's in this vil- lage. Our friends who have occasion to patronize a public house cannot do better than to call at that establishment."
Although Alden obeyed the liquor laws, there were doubtless many taverners who did not: "The County Commissioners have refused to grant any licenses to taverners to sell the ardent. It is sup- posed that many of them continue to sell contrary to the Statute." 1
About the year 1840 the Old Court House, which had been removed from its early site near the Nor- folk Hotel to the opposite side of the street in 1827 or 1828, became known as Temperance Hall.2
Despite the success of the advocates of Temper- ance the Liberal Party and the License Advocates fought Prohibition tooth and nail:
Norfolk Advertiser, April 16, 1836: A meeting of . the Taverners and Retailers was held at "Capt. F. Alden's Hotel " to consider the refusal of the County Commissioners to grant them licenses. A letter from the Hon. Rufus Choate was read to the meet- ing, giving his professional advice with regard to the Constitutionality of the license laws.
Mann's Diary, October 24, 1838: "Attended a convention of the citizens opposed to the present arbitrary laws, at Alden's Hotel."
Norfolk Advertiser, October 20, 1838: A request
1 Mann's Diary, February 12, 1838.
2 Dedham Historical Register, vol. XIV, p. 44.
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to the "citizens of Dedham opposed to the present Laws to assemble at Alden's Hotel on the 24th." At this meeting it was voted to oppose these laws, "because they closed our public-houses and im- mured many of our most worthy and industrious citizens within the cold walls of a prison." The same paper, October 27, thus comments on this meeting: "The Striped Pig Convention, the call for which was to be 'signed by 62 legal voters in Nor- folk County' met at Alden's on Wednesday. We understand that the number present was quite small. According to accounts, it was hardly a de- cent litter. Whether there were any sucking ones among them, or no, we are not informed."
This great Temperance wave had its effect on the profits of taverns and many were offered for sale, among them Alden's:
"Norfolk Hotel, For Sale or To Let
"That well known and highly eligible Tavern Stand situated in the centre of Dedham village and directly opposite the Court House, is now offered for Sale. This establishment has long been under the management of Francis Alden, the present occupier. It consists of a large and commodious house, 3 stories high, extensive Stable and Out- buildings. The buildings are mostly new and in good repair. This is decidedly one of the best stands in the County. It is located in a pleasant and thriv- ing village within 40 minutes of Boston by the Rail-
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road. It affords a delightful retreat from the city for boarders and parties of pleasure. ... For further particulars inquire of Francis Alden on the premises, or of Leonard Alden, Low Plain, Ded- ham." 1
It was two years, however, before Alden could dispose of his tavern.
In 1832 the Cholera ravaged many of our Eastern States. In New York the business of the city was completely prostrated by it, and it is said that there were forty-two hundred cases there and twenty- five hundred deaths.2 Dedham early took meas- ures to prevent the spread of the disease to the village:
Dedham Patriot, August 3, 1832: "Notice. The Citizens of this village are invited to meet at Al- den's Hotel tomorrow evening to take measures for a thorough cleansing of the Village, and to adopt such other measures as may be thought expedient, in reference to the possible approach of the Cholera to this place."
Same, August 9, 1832:
"At a meeting of the citizens on Aug. 4th. at Alden's Hotel to consider measures to stay or pre- vent the ravages of the Spasmodic Cholera, should the town be visited with that fatal malady; the meeting was organized by choosing Maj. Clark, Chairman, J. H. Cobb, Sec'y. The meeting was
1 Norfolk Advertiser, May 5, 1838.
' Norfolk Advertiser, August 10, 1832.
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addressed by Dr. J. Stimson, Hon. J. Richardson and E. Worthington, Esq. On motion it was
"Voted, as the sense of this meeting, that it is the duty of each citizen and householder to see that his premises are thoroughly cleansed, and that they and each of them be requested to attend to that subject accordingly.
"Voted, that a committee of six be chosen to examine the premises of the citizens and house- holders of this village, and such others in other parts of the town as they may think necessary, with the consent of the occupants, and see that the foregoing vote be carried into effect so far as prac- ticable. . .
"Whereupon Messrs Samuel Swett, Jacob Clark, James Bride, Calvin Guild, George Dixon and Dr. Jeremy Stimson were chosen.
"Voted, to adjourn this meeting to Saturday, the 18th. inst. to meet at 7.30 P.M. at this place." 1
Various items of interest connected with the Nor- folk Hotel, or "Alden's Hotel," are now referred to:
Dedham Patriot, March 18, 1831: "The inhabit- ants of Dedham who feel an interest in the question of the mode of repairing the Highways are requested to meet at Alden's Hotel. . . . "
Same, May 27, 1831 : Notice of a meeting of the Norfolk County Committee of Workingmen at Al- 1 Norfolk Advertiser, August 10, 1832.
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den's Hotel for planning a public celebration of the approaching Fourth of July; Herman Mann, Chairman.
Same, September 2, 1831: Notice of a meeting of the directors of the Norfolk Association of Teachers at Alden's Hotel; William H. Spear, Chairman.1
Same, November 9, 1832 : Nathaniel Guild, Col- lector, notifies certain persons to pay their taxes "at the house of Francis Alden."
Same, September 18, 1834: J. R. and W. Howe & Co.'s. New York Menagerie exhibited "near F. Alden's Hotel."
January 6, 1834: "At a meeting of the Propr's of the Social Library at Mr. Alden's Tavern, Maj. Jacob Clarke was chosen Moderator, Jonathan H. Cobb, Clerk, Mason Richards, Librarian, Treas. and Collector, Joseph Fales, Fred'k A. Taft and James Farrington, Standing Committee." 2 The call for this meeting was signed by Joseph Metcalf, Asahel Smith, John Eaton, Luther Eaton, and Jesse Farrington. The annual meetings continued to be held here until 1841.
It was probably in the year 1835 that the large, fine elm tree on the Norfolk Hotel grounds and near George A. Phillips's house was set out by Abner Alden. It is said that he brought it here on his shoulders from Elm Street, where his grand-
1 See also Dedham Patriot, July 13, 1832, August 31, 1832.
2 Original Records of the Dedham Social Library.
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father lived. He was born in the Norfolk Hotel while his father was landlord, January 29,. 1821.1
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