USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > The history of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, from the year 1876 to the year 1916 > Part 34
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This absence of such prolonged disturbances in Pittsfield social life as vexed the secluded rural town is partly due also to the fact that the modern city is not secluded and stands in closer touch than did the town with other communities. The improved methods of communication, the influx of new residents from many different states of the Union and from many different countries of the world, the broadening of mental outlook by better news- papers, a better public library and museum of art, and better schools have combined to break down the physical and social isolation of the town among the hills. A century ago it was said of the towns in central and northern Berkshire that they belonged to Massachusetts only by virtue of a surveyor's boundary, that the political, social, and even religious influences from the other counties of the Commonwealth became exhausted by an attempt to cross the barrier of the Hoosac range, and that Pittsfield, find-
376
HISTORY OF PITTSFIELD
ing the most convenient outlet for trade and travel to be through the Taconics and down the Hudson River, might in a certain respect be considered a New York, rather than a Massachusetts, town. While this is, of course, no longer true, the city today, so far as it is affected at all by any great metropolitan center, is subject to the influence and attraction of New York, no less than to those of Boston.
Our first chapter suggested that such democratic institutions as the town meeting and the volunteer fire department tended to eliminate caste distinctions in old-time Pittsfield. The de- velopment of such distinctions in the modern city is opposed by the workings of the cosmopolitan spirit which the present chapter has attempted to indicate. It was the pleasantry of Oliver Wen- dell Holmes which described the sacrosanct dominance of a "Brahman class" in the Boston of his generation. The doctor's vivacious fancy would probably have been put to the exercise of less ingenuity in discovering the ascendancy of any class of that sort in the village than in the city of Pittsfield. The conjecture may at least be hazarded that the people, in matters political, social, and intellectual, are led not so often now as once they were by individual men and women, but rather, for better or worse, by ideas. Although the form of city government adopted by Pittsfield has not constantly enlisted in the conduct of mu- nicipal affairs the interest of so many able men as did the govern- mental systems of the town and fire district, there is probably a less amount now than formerly of the personal control of public proceedings by a few individuals.
On January third, 1916, the city's twenty-fifth birthday was observed at the Colonial Theater by some additions to the cere- monies of the inauguration of the twenty-sixth municipal admin- istration. Addresses were made by Charles E. Hibbard, the first mayor, and Walter F. Hawkins, the first city solicitor. The audience was large and attentive. Many of the older people were moved to recall the story of the first quarter-century of the city, to assure themselves that the story was not discreditable, and to confront without misgivings the query expressed in the noble lines of the poem by Morris Schaff, their fellow townsman,
377
PITTSFIELD IN 1915
which he published in 1890 and called "A Word to Pittsfield, on her change from town to city government".
"Proud town! Aloft in splendor thou hast borne Supreme through languid peace and war's red flame The refulgent glory of a spotless name. That radiant gem by queenly Rome was worn Till civic change; and then-Lo! hear her mourn From Cato's grave !- its light was quenched. Hot shame
Suffused her face. Truth fled. Corruption came, And by her fangs that mighty heart was torn.
And shall her fate be thine? Thy doom to see Thy sons grow cheap? Bold courage leave their eyes Spurned by the laureled hills that round them rise? Or will they like the mountains valiant stand, Each breast a soaring peak and beacon be, Whose fires shall burn with breath of Glory fanned?"
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INDEX
INDEX
Academy of Music, 24, 101, 104, 323 Adam, Robert W., 348 Adams, Dr. J. F. A., 219
Agricultural National Bank, 260 Agricultural Society, Berkshire, 13, 93 Ahavez Sholam, Society of, 173 Allen, Thomas, 185 Residence of, 6 Allen, John F., 306 American Congress of Churches, 26 American House, 327 Amusements In 1876, 12 In 1915, 374 Anniversary Celebration, The 150th, 352
Ansha Amonim, Society, 173
Anti-tuberculosis Association, 225
Associated Charities, 231 Athenaeum and Museum, 175
Atwater, Charles, 267 Axtell, William D., 308
Backus, William G., 61 Bailey, Dr. Charles, 333
Balance Rock trust, 120 Balloon races, 100 Banks, 259
Bank deposits, growth of, 1876- 1916, 259 Baptist churches, 162
Barker, Charles T., 251
Barker, J. and Bros. Mfg. Co., 251
Barker, James M., 340
Speech at inauguration of first city government, 75 Barker, John V., 251
Barker, Otis R., 251
Bartlett, William Francis, 46
Bel Air Mfg. Co., 252
Berkshire Agricultural Society, 13, 93 Berkshire Athenaeum, 175 Loan art exhibition, 176
Renewal of circulating library, 177 Enlargement of building, 178
Gift of museum by Zenas Crane, 181 Reorganization of corporation. 182 List of officers, 1872-1916, 185 Berkshire Brewing Association, 247 Berkshire County Eagle, 307
Berkshire County Home for Aged Women, 224
Berkshire County Savings Bank, 262 Berkshire Evening Eagle, 309 Berkshire Hills, The, 312, 314
Berkshire House, 328
Berkshire Life Insurance Company. 264 Berkshire Loan and Trust Co., 261 Berkshire Manufacturing Co., 250 Berkshire Musical Festival Associa- tion, 102 Berkshire Mutual Fire Insurance Co., 263 Berkshire Post, No. 197, G. A. R., 238
Berkshire Resort Topics, 314
Berkshire Street Railway Co., 81
Berkshire Sunday Record, 313
Berkshire Woolen Co., 252
Bishop, Henry W., 230
Bishop Memorial Training School for Nurses, 211
Blodgett, Benjamin C., music school, 145 Boards of Public Works, members of, 118 Board of Trade, 367 Boat Club, 320
Boltwood, Edward, 264
Bowerman, Samuel W., 58
Boylan, Rev. Charles J., 158
Boyle, Rev. James, 157
Boys' Club of Pittsfield, 198
Erection by Zenas Crane of new building, 199 Camp Russell, 200 Briggs, George P., 55 Briggs, Henry Shaw, 278
Brown, Nathan Gallup, 57
382
INDEX
Burbank, Abraham, 59 Last will of, 39
Burbank Hotel, 328 Burke, Charles Eugenc, 281 Burke, Rev. R. S. J., 156
Business Men's Association, 318 Business Women's Club, 202
Campbell, George W., 50 Casey, Michael, 240 Casino, 325 Catholic churches, 154 Celebrations :
Of the Fourth of July in 1881, 17 Labor Day in 1887, 18
Regimental reunions in 1887, 18 Of the Fourth of July in 1898, 97 Regimental reunions in 1912, 98 The 150th anniversary celebra- tion in 1911, 351 25th anniversary of the inaugu- ration of first city government, 376
Cemeteries, 174 Chamberlin, William H., 237 Charities, 221 Charity balls, 102 Chickering, Henry, 307 Chief engineers of fire department, 292, 300 Churches, 148 In 1915, 373
City charter, 64
Of 1875, 64
Of 1886, 66
Proposed charter of 1888, 68
Passed by legislature in 1889, 69 Discussion of, in 1890, 70 Approved by town, 71 Changes in 1895, 125
Proposed new charter in 1904, 126 Agitation for revision in 1910, 127 Vote on change of form in 1911, 128 City clerks, list of, 120 City government, 108 Inauguration of first city govern- ment, 74 City hall, 118 City Savings Bank, 262 City solicitors, list of, 120 Clapp, Edwin, 56 Clapp, Thaddeus, 253 Clary, David A., 332
Clubs, 318 Clymer, Rev. John F., 170
Collins, Dwight M., 257
Collins, D. M. and Co., 256 Colonial Theater, 101, 325 Company E, Second Battalion, 6th Brigade, M. V. M., 234 Company F, Second Infantry, M.V. M., 98 Mustered in, 244 List of officers, 244 Duty on Mexican border, 244 Colby, John L., 234
Colt, James D., 50
Colt, Henry, 60
Colt, Thomas, 49
Colt, Thomas G., 235
Coliseum, 18
Congregational churches, 168 Coogan, Owen, 58
Coogan, Owen and Sons, 250
Coogan, William J., 334
Coolidge, Dr. Frederic S., 226
Country Club, 99, 319
Courts, police and district, 277
Crane, Zenas, Gift of Muscum of Natural His- tory and Art, 181 Gift of building for Boys' Club, 199 Crane, Zenas Marshall, 224 Crosby, John, 288 Cutting, Walter, 240
Daily News, 312 Daughters of American Revolution, Peace Party Chapter, 242 Davis, Dr. Wm. V. W., 150 Dawes, Henry L., 336 Public reception of, in 1893, 95 Day Nursery Association, 226
District Court of Central Berkshire, 277 Dope Club, 315 Dowling Camp, Spanish War Veter- ans, 244 Dunham, Jarvis N., 332 Dutton, George N., 331
Eagle, Berkshire County, 307 Eagle, Berkshire Evening, 309 Easton tavern marker, dedication of, 358 Eaton, Crane and Pike Co., 84, 245 Electric lighting, introduction of, 23 Electrical manufacturing, 255
383
INDEX
Elm Street Baptist Chapel, 164 Empire Theater, 325 England, Moses, 334 Evening Journal, 310 Evening Times, 313 Executions by hanging, 289 Explosion of boiler at Morewood Lake 102
Farnham dam and reservoir, 114 Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society, 195 List of presidents, 195 Erection of new building, 197 Ladies' Aid Society, 197 Feeley, John, 350 Financial institutions, 259
Fire department, 290 Fire district, 41 Last fire district officers, 73 Fires : Weller block in 1881, 20 Academy of Music in 1912, 103, 301 Between 1876-1891, 299 Between 1891-1916, 301
First Baptist Church, 162
First Church of Christ, Congrega- tional, 148
First Church of Christ. Scientist, 172 Flynn, Daniel P., 287
Fosburg, Robert L. Jr., trial of, 103 Francis, Almiron D., 334
Francis, J. Dwight, 253
Fraternal orders, 318 Frothingham, Louis A., remarks at laying of corner stone of Morningside Baptist Church, 354 Fuller, Charles W., 289
Gamwell, Lorenzo H., 333 Gamwell, William W., 273
Garfield, Harry A., extracts from ad- dress at 150th anniversary celebration, 355
General Electric Co. Pittsfield works, 82 Purchases Stanley Electric Man- ufacturing Co., 272 Expansion of Morningside plant, 274 Gimlich, Jacob, 350 Girls' League, 203 Goodrich, Alonzo E., 53 Goodrich, Chauncey, 59
"Government mill", 28 Grand Army of the Republic in Pitts- field, 234 Institution of W. W. Rockwell Post, No. 125, 235 List of commanders of Rockwell Post, 235
Women's Relief Corps auxiliary to Rockwell Post, 235 Institution of Berkshire Post No. 197, 238
Commanders of Berkshire Post, 238
Organization of Berkshire Wo- men's Relief Corps No. 129, 238 Grand Theater, 325 Greylock Hook and Ladder Co., 298 "Greytower", 6 Gunn, Samuel M., 284
Haeger, Rev. John D., 168 Hall, Miss Mira H., school for girls,
146 Hall, Timothy, 284
Harding, James, 305
Harrison, Rev. Samuel, 153
Hawkins, Walter F., extracts from address at dedication of Eas- ton tavern tablet, 359
Hibbard, Charles E., extracts from address at 150th anniversary celebration, 355
High school, 140 Principals, 1876-1916, 142
Hillcrest Hospital, 228
Hinsdale, Frank W., 344
Historical pageant of 1911, 360
Historical sites marked in 1911, 353 Hotels:
1876-1891, 24, 327 1891-1916, 82, 327
Housatonic Engine Company, 296 Houses: Conspicuous houses in 1876, 6 Old houses in 1915, 372 House of Mercy, 205 Bazar of 1874, 207
Incorporation, 207
Opening of new building in 1878, 210 First training school for nurses, 210 Henry W. Bishop third Memorial Training School for Nurses, 211
384
INDEX
Erection of new building in 1902, 212 List of medical directors, 213 Growth in 1915, 215 List of officers, 215 Hull, James W., 349
Industries, 245 Insurance companies, 263
Jacobson and Brandow Co., 250 Jenkins, Rev. Jonathan L., 148 Jewish religious societies, 173 Jones, Edward D., 340 Jones, E. D. and Sons Co., 247 Journal, Evening, 310
Kellogg, Charles W., 345 Kellogg, Ensign H., 54 Kenescth Isreal, Congregation of, 173
Kernochan, Francis E., 56 Kindergarten Association, 225
Kindergartens, 143 Kittle, James, 239
Labor unions, 367 Laflin, George H., 339
Learned, Edward, 57
Learned, George Y., 334
Learned, George Y., Engine Com- pany, 296 Lenox Life, 314 Leonard, Michael, 288
Library, public, 175
Long, John D., extracts from anni- versary address, 1911, 361 Lutheran Church, 168
Manning, John H., 346 Majestic Theater, 327 Manufacturing, 27, 245
Manufacturing, electrical, 265 Maplewood Hotel, 329
Maplewood Institute, 144
Mayors, list of, 121 Memorial Day, first observance of, 234
Mercer, Dr. William M., 345 Merrill, John E., 333 Merrill, Justus, 49 Methodist Episcopal Church, 169 Epworth Mission, 171 Military organizations, 233 Miller, Kelton B., gift of Abbot Park, 119
Minahan, Luke J., 330 Mink, William, 306 Monday Evening Club, 321 Morning Call, 313
Morning Press, 313
Morningside Baptist Church, 163 Laying of corner stone, 354 Morrissey, Rev. P. W., extracts from anniversary address, 1911, 356 Morton, S. W., Engine Company, 298 Munyan, Dewitt C., 62
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Museum of Natural History and Art, 181 Opening of building, 182 Enlargements of, 183 Resolution of thanks to Zenas Crane, 183 Contents of Museum in 1915, 184 Musgrove Knitting Co., 258 Musical events, 25, 102
News, Daily, 312 Newspapers, 303 Newton, Rev. William Wilberforce, 165
North Street: In 1876, 4 Building on, 1876-1890, 19
Building on, 1891-1916, 85 Description of, in 1915, 370
Notre Dame Church, 160
Oatman, Hiram T., 312 Oman, Thomas A., 347 Orchard Street school house, 136
Osceola mill, 256 Outdoor sports, 99, 374
Paddock, Dr. Franklin K., 217 Park and Playground Association 227 Park Club, 319
Parks, 118
Parker, John C., 53
Peck, Jabez L., 122
Peck, J. L. and T. D. Manufacturing Co., 252 Peirson, Henry M., 332 Pilgrim Memorial Church, 154 Pingree, Thomas P., 333 Pittsfield Anti-tuberculosis Associa- tion, 225 Erection of Coolidge Memorial house, 226
Pittsfield:
In 1872, 2 Residences in 1876, 5
385
INDEX
Social life in 1876, 10 Town government, 32 Growth 1890-1916, 79 Strain of expansion of, 84 Census of 1910, 90 In the Spanish War, 97 City government, 108 Description of, in 1915, 365 Social life in 1915, 375 Pittsfield Bicycle Club, 321 Pittsfield Boat Club, 320
Pittsfield Coal Gas Co., 258
Pittsfield Co-Operative Bank, 263
Pittsfield Day Nursery Association, 226
Pittsfield Electric Co., 29, 259
Pittsfield Electric Light Co., 258
Pittsfield Electric Street Railway Co., 80 Pittsfield Illuminating Co., 259 Pittsfield Journal Co., 311
Pittsfield Kindergarten Association, 225 Pittsfield Manufacturing Co., 252
Pittsfield National Bank, 261
Pittsfield Publishing Co., 312
Pittsfield Shakers, 94
Pittsfield Sun, 303 Pittsfield Symphony Society, 102
Pittsfield Theater Co., 326
Pittsfield Veteran Firemen's Associa- tion, 300 Pittsfield Visiting Nurse Association, 230
Playgrounds, 119
Pleasure Park, 98
Plunkett, Charles T., 345
Plunkett, Mrs. Thos. F., 216
Plunkett, William R., 186
Police force, 38, 284
Police stations, 283, 287
Pomeroy, Edward, 62
Pomeroy, Theodore, 52
Pomeroy, Robert, 61 "The Homestead", 6 Pomeroy Woolen Co., 251 Pontoosuc Woolen Co., 253
Manufacturing
Poor relief, 38
Postmasters, 372
Post office, 372
Discussion of site for new post office, 105 Power, John T., 62
Presidential elections in Pittsfield, 23, 129 Protectives Company, 295, 298
Purcell, Rev. Edward H., 154
Quackenbush, Cebra, 328 Quevillon, Rev. Joseph, 160
Railroad station, building of new, 106
Railways, street, 22, 81
Read, Franklin F., 343
Record, Berkshire Sunday, 313
Redfield, Charles B., 49
Renne, William, 336 Rice, A. H. Co., 249
Rice, William B., services on school committee, 134
Richardson, Henry H., 236
Robbins, Oliver W., 335
Roberts, Dr. Oscar S., 347
Rockwell, Julius, 261
Rockwell Post, No. 125, 235
Roosevelt, Theodore, injury to, 95 Root, Graham A., 288
Root, John Allen, 336 Russell, Franklin W., 346
Russell, Hezekiah S., 124
Russell, Solomon Lincoln, 54
Russell, Solomon Nash, 254
Russell, Zeno, 53
Russell, The S. N. and C. Manufac- turing Co., 254
Salisbury, Miss Mary E., school for girls, 146
Saturday Blade, 314
Schaff, Morris, poem on change from town to city government, 377 Schools, 39, 130
Building of new schoolhouses, 1883-1891, 137
St. Joseph's parochial school, 143 Building of new schoolhouses, 1895-1915, 139 Private schools for boys, 146 In 1915, 373
School committees, chairmen of, 138
School districts, abolition of, 131
School superintendents, 132, 138
Second Adventist Christian Church, 172 Second Congregational Church, 153 Selectmen, list of, 1876-1891, 36 Sewers:
1876-1891, 43
Building of new system of sewers, 109 Sheriffs of Berkshire County, 288 Shire City Club, 321 Shoe manufacturing, 248
Silk manufacturing, 249
386
INDEX
Sisters of St. Joseph, building of con- vent and academy, 156 Smart, Rev. I. Chipman, extraets from anniversary address, 1911, 356 Smith, Dr. Abner, M., 62
Smith, John S., 239
Smith, Joseph E. A., 315
Smith, Rev. Terence N., 156
Smith, Walter B., 282
Sons of the Revolution, Berkshire Chapter, 243
Sons of Veterans, Gen. W. F. Bart- lett Camp, 241 South Congregational Church, 152 Spanish War Veterans, 244 Spear, Rev. Charles V., 145 Springside Park, 119
Stanley Eleetrie Manufacturing Co., 30 Growth, 83 Early officers of, 267, 270
Sale of, to F. W. Roebling, 271
Sale of, to General Electric Com- pany, 272 Stanley Laboratory Co., 268
Stanley, William, 275
Stearns, D. & H. Co., 250
Stevenson, John M., 263 Stores: In 1876, 4 In 1915, 370
St. Charles' Church, 158
St. Joseph's Church, 154 Parochial school, 143 St. Mark's Church, 159
St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 168
St. Mary of the Morning Star Church, 159 St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 165 Stock farms, 94 Streets, 37 Paving of, 110
Street lighting: 1876-1891, 44 1891-1916, 117 Street railways, 22, 81 Sunday Morning Call, 312, 314
Sun-dial in Park, presentation of by Peace Party Chapter, 243 Sun, Pittsfield, 303 Sun Printing Co., 305
Tack manufacturing, 248 Taconic mill, 255 Taft, Henry Walbridge, 339
Teeling, William H., 292
Telephonc, introduction of, 22
Tel-electric Piano Player Co., 250
Terry Clock Company, 28 Textile manufacturing, 250 Theaters, 322
Third National Bank, 261
Thompson, Rev. John W., 171
Tillotson, William E., 257 Tillotson, W. E. Manufacturing Co., 84, 256 Tornado of 1879, 19
Town clerks, list of, 1876-1891, 36 Town government, 32 Last town officers, 72
Town meetings, 21 Character of, 34
Last town meeting, 72
Town treasurers, list of, 1876-1891, 36
Training school for teachers, 143
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, 171 Triumph Voting Machine Co., 250 Tucker, Joseph, 280
Union Co-Operative Bank, 263 Union for Home Work, 25, 221 Presidents, 223
Union Square Theater, 327 Unity Church, 164
United Spanish War Veterans, or- ganization of Richard Dowling Camp, 244
Van Sickler, Martin, 252 Vermilye, Dr. W. E., 220 Visiting Nurse Association, 230 Volunteer fire companies, 290, 296
Warriner, John R., 260 Waterman, Andrew J., 335 Water supply: 1876-1891, 42 Additions to waterworks, 111 Building of Farnham reservoir, 114 Wednesday Morning Club, 321 Weller, Israel C., 237 Wendell Hotel, 329 Wentworth, Dr. Walter H., 347 West's block, 3 West, John C., 331
Whelden, Charles M., 237
Whiting, William W., 124 Whittlesey, William A., 342
INDEX
387
Wilcox, Marshall, 344 Willis, George S. Jr., 292 Wilson, James & E. H., 255 Wood, Edgar M., 343 Wood, Oliver L., 239 Working Girls' Club, 201
Young Men's Association of 1865, 191 Young Men's Christian Association: Formation of Pittsfield branch, 191
Camp Merrill, 193 Erection of new building, 194 Women's Auxiliary, 192 Young Men's Society of 1831, 190 Young Women's Home Association, 202 Announcement of new building for Working Girls' and Busi- ness Women's Clubs and Girls' League, 203
Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 168
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