USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > The history of Wilbraham, Massachusetts; > Part 26
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"We understand that others are on the easel, representing the Nine-mile Pond, Glen, etc. The paintings attract much attention, and have been highly commended in the Transcript and the Gazette. We hope they and their forthcoming kindred will be engraved. The first, at least, should be as many a child of the Old Wesleyan will wish it, on his walls. The thanks of all her ten thousand children, more or less, will assuredly be given to the munificence of the gentleman who ordered the works, as well as to the artist who executed them."
THE WILBRAHAM CELEBRATION
The newspapers of Springfield and Boston gave generous space, both before and after the anniversary, to the accounts of the celebration, and published many illustrations of historical places and of the floats that appeared in the pageant.
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The following is a condensed copy of some of the accounts.
TOWN HISTORY PORTRAYED IN BIG PARADE OF FLOATS
MANY OLD RESIDENTS RETURN FOR THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Chauncey E. Peck Gives Historical Address - Loan Exhibition of Much Interest
Wilbraham, Tuesday June 17, 1913. "Not one of the inhabitants of Wilbraham or any of the hundreds of outsiders who visited the town today will ever forget the day or the place. It was the real official opening of the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of Wilbraham as a town and every one from far and near turned out to do justice to the day and its significance. The population of the town for the day was swelled to double its normal size and not a single person can doubt for a moment but that today was the biggest, best and busiest day in the whole history of Wilbraham and, indeed, it may be safely asserted that no other New England town of its size has ever held an affair that could surpass it. Beginning early in the morning, when the long parade first formed, and lasting until the last speech had been delivered in the late afternoon and the farmers had filed over the hills to their homes in their wagons and automobiles, there was not a single untoward incident to mar a perfect day.
"THE COMMUNITY ENTHUSIASM
"Wilbraham truly 'did herself proud.' To many of the visitors it seemed inconceivable that a comparatively small town could arrange and execute such a program as that of today. It would have been a credit to any city, irrespective of size. Perhaps, though, the lack of inhabitants was more than made up for by the feeling of comradeship and town pride that has ever distinguished this little fastness among the Wilbraham mountains. The difficulties of the big cities in arousing universal
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enthusiasm were unknown to Wilbraham. Here every man, woman and child turned out for the celebration, and, what is more, has been working steadily for weeks in preparation for it. It was a magnificent spectacle and example of what community feeling can do when it once sets itself about it.
"Yet the credit must not go wholly to the town of Wilbraham itself, no matter how deserving it may be. Part of it belongs to the sister community of Hampden, which but a few short years ago, reckoning years in comparison with those of the town's existence, was an integral part of Wilbraham. When Hampden separated from Wilbraham her inhabitants did not lose their feeling for the older community and today they showed their gratitude, and feeling of kinship by joining in with the celebra- tion heart and soul. Many of the floats in the big parade were engineered and gotten up by Hampden people.
Then, too, there must be credit given to the former inhabit- ants who came for many miles in trollies and automobiles to see the old town once more and renew acquaintance with old friends. Court square in Springfield was a general meeting place for these, and the Palmer and Worcester cars were packed with people, each exclaiming, 'Why, there's George. I haven't seen him since we went to the Glendale school together,' or 'You haven't changed a bit, Mary, since we were in Mr. Howard's class at the old Sunday-school.' When these people had reached the point where they had to leave the cars it was a different Wilbraham and yet the same Wilbraham that met their gaze from that which they had last known. There was hardly a house but boasted gay streamers and decorations of red, white and blue in honor of the big day. The road from North Wilbraham to Wilbraham Street was a blaze of color, rivaling, if not surpassing, any attempts at decoration in the big cities on a 'safe and sane' Fourth of July. Wilbraham street, as the Center is called was perhaps the brightest as indeed it had good reason to be. Today's celebration was for the benefit of this part of the town. Tomorrow will see the festivities move to North Wilbraham and Thursday, the closing day of the carnival will give Glendale, the third sec- tion, a chance to show what it can do.
"THE PARADE
"It was promptly at 9 o'clock in the morning that the Wil- braham-street section of the parade formed for its trip to North Wilbraham. Soon it had reached that point and was joined
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by the floats that had formed at North Wilbraham. Then the parade retracing the way to Wilbraham street, down to the Mile Tree' and back, and ending at the judges' stand in front of the Methodist church, almost opposite Rich hall of Wilbra- ham academy. All along the way, in front of the houses gay with bunting, sat family groups, many of which had not been reunited for years, but the biggest crowd was around the judges' stand where several hundred people had gathered to witness the parade from the most advantageous point possible.
"When the procession did come in sight it was worth any kind of a wait. Down the long street, well in advance, came the automobile of the marshal, J. M. Perry of the Cutler com- pany, and directly behind him appeared the Brightside band of 31 pieces, each small boy tooting away for dear life and helping to create a decidedly favorable impression. Then on horse-back came the assistant marshals, Harold Bolles, William V. Baldwin, Peter Gebo, and Mr. Stevens, with the aid of their prancing horses, holding the floats at the proper distance apart, and generally superintending the affair to see that all went well. And then came the great body of the parade, decorated automobiles in the lead, and followed by the historical floats, decorated floats, decorated carriages and some miscellaneous floats. Truly it was a great sight.
"THE AUTOMOBILE SECTION
"Among the automobiles that led the procession were those containing the guests of honor, former Senator W. Murray Crane of Dalton, members of the town governments of Wil- braham and Hampden, and for the city of Springfield, the mother colony, five members of the city government, Alderman Henry Lasker and John G. Maxfield and Councilmen George W. Pike, William B. Sleigh and Nelson W. Haskell and also Emmett Hay Naylor, secretary of the Springfield board of trade, and Charles C. Spellman of the board of Hampden County commissioners. There were about 20 of the automo- biles in the parade, each decorated with paper streamers and flowers and with the chauffeurs sitting up straight and stiff in the hope of doing what they could to win the prizes that the judges awarded to this part of the exhibition. The first award for decorated automobiles went to J. M. Perry, whose car presented a beautiful appearance with streamers and festoons of light blue with wreaths of blue and white flowers draped along the side. Almost as lovely as this was the appearance
ONE OF THE FLOATS IN THE PARADE.
We have not been able to secure pictures of the floats that were awarded prizes, and insert a few that are available.
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presented by the car owned by Ernest Thompson, which was handsomely decorated along the same lines with pink and white. Not one of the cars but stood a good show for a prize, and it was only after long deliberation that the judges arrived at their decision.
"THE HISTORICAL DIVISION
"It was the aim of the historical division of the parade to trace the history of the town of Wilbraham and incidentally of Hampden by the floats used. This they succeeded in accom- plishing in excellent manner. At the head came an automobile containing Anson Soule in the guise of an old town crier, and the executive committee. Mr. Soule's six feet three inches of hight, 230 pounds of weight, and eighty-two years of age, all clad in the garb of an ancient pilgrim, and his constant ringing of a big bell and proclamation of 'Hear ye, hear ye' attracted to him the considerable notice and appreciation that was his due. A mere glance at him carried one back 300 years and it was only the sight of the automobile that made one remember that this is the 20th century and not the 17th.
" 'Purchasing the land from the Indians,' the first float in the division of the parade, represented the purchasing of the mountain part of the town from the Indians. It was a master- piece from start to finish, and no one could have raised a dis- senting voice against the opinions of the judges who awarded it the first prize. Myron Luther Bruuer conceived the float, which was drawn by six horses driven by Raymond Pease. In the background stood a realistic wigwam surrounded by pines and in front of this were grouped a number of men in colonial clothes, clinching the bargain with several Indians, all of whom looked good enough to be real. The hand of the old blind chief was guided by his daughter as it traced the characters giving the land to the settlers, for tradition says that the chief was blind and that his daughter was both his hand and his eye. Among those who were on the float were F. A. Gurney, Miss Katherine Beebe, Allen Robb, and Wilbur Gebo.
" 'The first settlers,' the next float in line, depicted the first settlers of 1731, their rude log cabin with the pot containing the dinner steaming away in front of the hut. Two men were just returning from their work, and their wives waited for them in front of the cabin, while a small child played on the ground, apparently oblivious of anything except the fact that he was
INDIAN ORCHARD. S R SPRINGFIELD 10 MM
ONE OF THE FLOATS IN THE PARADE.
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really and truly the child of those early inhabitants who built the foundations for the Wilbraham of today. Charles Hitch- cock was the originator of this float, and one of the women on the float was Mrs. Charles Hitchcock.
" 'The last of the race' came directly behind 'The first settlers' and contained the old squaw who made famous Wigwam hill by living there long after her race had taken the long trail to the West. C. C. Beebe was the squaw and acted the part in realistic fashion. He sat crouched in front of his wigwam, his eyes turned to the ground and brooding over the glories of the dead past. Round after round of applause greeted this float, for it was well known that Mr. Beebe had conceived and carried out the idea almost at the last moment, when everyone else had given up the problem, despairing of getting anything that would be adequate to what was wanted. The setting was worthy of a professional stage manager, and Mr. Beebe showed himself an accomplished actor in his part. Back of the wigwam were the skulls of two steers, and in front was all the paraphernalia that goes to make life in an Indian camp. Very deservingly the judges awarded the second prize to this float.
" 'The first meeting house' came next. This float was the work of Edwin C. Powell and was a triumph of itself. The meeting house stood at the rear of the float and in front of it was the good old parson, who on ordinary days is George Capen, exhorting his flock, which consisted of Mrs. F. A. Bodurtha, Mrs. Mandana Moseley and Mrs. John Pease. A little behind this float, came another 'first minister' the rôle being taken by Henry Green, who was driving to church with a chaise that looked every day of 1000 years old, but only guaranteed some 100 years or more.
" ' Past and present,' the next float, represented the 17th century and the 20th. Nearly everything was found here, including all industries from the old hand spinning to the modern methods of today. The Puritan women aboard found themselves in strange company for beside them was a Wilbra- ham academy youth in striped blazer coat and white flannel trousers making ardent love to a debutante of the date of 1913. Among those on the float were W. H. McGuire, Mrs. Eva Gurney, Miss Maud Hubbard, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy and Miss Marjorie Bolles.
" The 'minutemen of 1913' brought the recollection of spectators to recent years when these same minutemen did
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yeoman service in putting out the forest fire that threatened the town a year ago.
"One of the most interesting floats was the one depicting the old home industries with a cheese press and shoemaking establishment going at full speed, and women engaged in the old arts of knitting and braiding at the sides of the wagon.
"Wilbraham academy likewise had an interesting one with the goddess of learning in the guise of Mrs. Alfred Gustafson, wife of one of the teachers, mounted on a purple throne and disseminating knowledge to two youthful pupils in cap and gown.
"Every school in Wilbraham and Hampden was repre- sented. District No. 7, once taught by A. J. Blanchard, had an excellent float and a number of Mr. Blanchard's old pupils had gathered from far and near to ride in it, and thus do honor to the memory of their old master. On the side was an old blackboard 75 years of age which was the only one used in the early days. Mary Newell's school was also represented by a fine float, and No. 5; 'the smallest but most important' and the second oldest in the town, had a placard on the side stating that it had been taught by Master Ezra Barker.
"There were several old chaises dating back as far as 1793, and 1811. One labeled 'Ancient Days' enabled the Day family to act out a pun on their name, for in the old carryall sat Clinton C. and Morton L. Day and Mrs. Elvira C. (Day) Blanchard.
"F. W. Green's old stagecoach attracted much attention and was well loaded with passengers, inside and out.
"The manner in which wives used to ride behind their husbands was represented by two boys riding a pony, Wallace Ripley and Ellery Gebo in the guise of the first minister and his bride on their way to church.
"BUSINESS FLOATS
"One of the best was that of the Ludlow manufacturing associates which won first prize, by a float with a 'breaker card' machine in full operation showing how sacking and other products are manufactured from jute.
"Second prize went to the Cutler company with a float heaped high with barrels and bags of flour.
"The Collins manufacturing company also had an attractive float decorated mostly in white, and showing a huge pyramid of their fine papers.
ONE OF THE FLOATS IN THE PARADE.
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"' To Church-1741-Wigwam Hill.' Oxcart, driven by Amos Merrill with gun over his shoulder, carrying Florence Lee, Allena Kibbe and Melba Moore.
Dec. 16, 1773.' The British ship Dartmouth, with William Vyne Sessions, Robert and Paul Sessions, and Robert Vizard throwing the tea overboard, all descendants of Robert Sessions, South Wilbraham's representative at the Tea Party. Driver E. J. Thresher.
The First Schoolhouse.' Arranged by Kenia Carew after the plan of the first Scantic school; teacher, Herbert H. Thresher; pupils, Kenia Carew, Ruth Pike, Hazel and Mildred Pease, Austin Harris and Neil Kibbe; driver, Arthur Pease.
Dividing the Town-March 28, 1878.' Third prize winner; prepared by C. L. Kibbe; Russell Kibbe and Harry Lyons sawing a log in two before a map of the two towns; driver, Ralph Lyons.
" 'Old Agriculture' prepared for the Hampden Grange by Mrs. McCray and Mrs. Sessions; drawn by two yoke of oxen; driver, D. L. McCray: other participants, Mrs. Lena Keeney, . Willie McCray, J. J. Flynn.
" 'New Agriculture' a grange float prepared by Mrs. Bolter and Mr. Wait; a small orchard planted on one of W. J. Mackay's Mt. Vision fruit farm wagons; attendants Mrs. Bolter and Mrs. Dickinson; driver, Harry Dickinson.
"Two floats with Grammar School children carrying the flags of Hampden's 42 college graduates. Float for No. 2 decorated with daisies by Miss Fay and Grace Pease. Driver W. W. Leach. The other schools were carried by E. P. Lyons.
"Primary children on F. T. Kellogg's auto truck. A. G. Corey's store planned by Frank Perry; Mr. Corey in charge; clerks, Mabel Davis, Arlene Howlett, Mary Williams, Esther Bradbury, Frank Perry, Eddy Leddy and Raymond Kibbe; driver, C. N. Whittaker.
"H. L. Handy, auto truck carrying 'Sir Mustard' a prize ox, whose father and mother came from Guernsey. Ruth Merrill beside the driver.
Spotted Float'-Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Isham, driving a wagon loaded with different kinds of spotted animals.
White Poultry.' Driven by George Chapin, decorated with hundreds of his prize ribbons, with the help of Miss Fay and Miss Pease.
"Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Kibbe in an old two-wheeler, Mr. and Mrs. C. I. Burleigh in Deacon Sumner Session's old carriage, and Francis Eldridge and Florence Loomis and Helen Kibbe in
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another vehicle of the olden times, all dressed in costumes of 150 years ago.
"At 12.30 o'clock dinner was served to about 500 in the academy gymnasium by the Barr catering company. As guests of honor, on either side of Chairman C. C. Spellman, sat former Senator W. Murray Crane and Principal Douglass of the acade- my. Also at that table were the Springfield City officials and the anniversary committee.
"After the dinner a large audience assembled at 2.30 in the Methodist church, which was handsomely decorated. Marshall
MEMORIAL M. E. CHURCH
J. M. Perry introduced Charles C. Spellman, chairman of the County Commissioners of Hampden County, as the presiding chairman. Mr. Spellman spoke briefly in appreciation of the honor conferred upon him, paying tribute to former Senator Crane, who, while himself a native of Dalton, has always taken an interest in Wilbraham, because his grandmother, Lucinda Brewer, was born here. Prayer was offered by Rev. Martin S. Howard. Then the school children sang 'The Breaking Waves Dashed High.'
" Alderman Lasker, in behalf of Mayor Denison of Springfield, who was unable to be present, brought the greetings of the Mother Springfield to her Daughter Wilbraham. He pointed out that the interests of Springfield are the same as those of
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the towns roundabout. Wilbraham he deemed to be one of the most beautiful of these, and it was with due appreciation of the privilege that he counted himself among those present. Brief remarks of a congratulatory character were made by one of the selectmen of Hampden, and by William R. Sessions. The chairman then, with some complimentary remarks, intro- duced the chairman of the historical committee, to give the Historical Address, which occupied more than one hour and a half, and is included in the foregoing History.
"The Address closed with these words;
"SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF WILBRAHAM
"We enter upon a new period of fifty years. Let us so live that those who come after us will honor our memory as we honor that of our fathers'. Let us strive to make ourselves better, to make Wilbraham better, and so help to make the world better.
"THE LOAN EXHIBIT
"Columns of appreciation and description might be written about the loan exhibit which was held in Grange hall where a number of old and interesting relics were displayed. Com- munion sets used at the Congregational Church from the very earliest times. One presented by Dea. Nathaniel Warriner, and loaned by Mrs. Brewer. There were also sets used by the Methodist church, the Glendale church and Grace church at North Wilbraham. Old china loaned by Mrs. Nesmith, a compass belonging to Mr. Newell of Hampden which was used in 1729, a watch, still running, dated 1638, owned by G. S. Atchinson, collection of old firearms dating from the 16th century and loaned by W. A. Newton, Indian relics picked up in Wilbraham by B. F. Green, and a raised map of Hampden made by Rev. C. B. Bliss. There was a fine collection of rare old quilts and coverlets, homemade linen and flax, oil paintings, a chest 200 years old, a wooden shaving case dated 1767, a hand trunk 200 years old owned by Myron L. Bruuer's grand- father, fancy work, china and old books, a part from Hampden; an old tea chest brought here in 1776, a very old and exceedingly valuable copper luster teapot, and a hymn book dating from 1780, loaned by Mrs. C. E. Pease, a collection of ancient Bibles and other books from Rev. M. S. Howard, a leather pouch used in the Revolutionary War, two old drums, one carried in
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the war of 1812, owned by George Knowlton, and the other by Almond Laird, a hand netted tester used on a four-posted bed, and several chairs dating back more than a century.
"During the day Rich hall of Wilbraham Academy was thrown open for inspection and many took the opportunity to view the changes that have been made there. Principal Gay- lord W. Douglass was on the premises most of the day and several of the academy boys were delegated to show the visitors around. The new dining room, library and sleeping rooms for the boys were all looked over and all the visitors expressed great admiration at the changes that had been wrought.
SECOND DAY OF CELEBRATION DEDICATION OF FINE LIBRARY
NOTABLE FEATURE IN CELEBRATION OF WILBRAHAM'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
CANTATA IS GIVEN
"Wilbraham, June 18, 1913 .- Ideal weather again greeted Wilbraham residents, present and past, on the second day of the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the town. Today's celebration was held in North Wilbraham, where the Cutler public library was publicly dedicated and formally opened with thoughtful addresses by Librarian Wilcox of the Holyoke City Library and by Rev. Dr. William R. Newhall of Lynn. An address by J. T. Bowne of the Y. M. C. A. college faculty on 'The Indians in and about Wilbraham,' the presentation of the floral cantata, 'The Floral Queen,' in the gardens of Mrs. H. W. Cutler, and a loan exhibition in the library building were other features of the day.
"The attendance to the celebration proper was swelled by hundreds of automobilists, largely from Springfield, who came
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to participate in the annual outing of the Springfield Automobile club in Wilbraham. The Brightside band again gave several concerts during the day.
"The North Wilbraham library, which was formally opened today, is a handsome two-story house, with French roof, the gift to the town of the late Henry Cutler, who came to Wil- braham in 1877 and was one of its most enterprising and public-spirited citizens and business men.
"On the ground floor the front room will be used as a reading
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
room and the room in the rear for the books, of which there is already a large collection in the present library building.
"Rev. William Lewis Jennings, pastor of Grace Union church, presided at the opening of the building at 11 o'clock, first introducing the aged pastor of Wilbraham street, Rev. Martin S. Howard, who, in his prayer of dedication, besought Providence to look with divine favor upon this endeavor to provide young people with the lofty companionship of books and magazines of the best type.
"Before presenting the keys of the library to the trustees, Mr. Jennings referred to the public institutions existing in our
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own country, among the most beneficial of which he classed the public library, now considered indispensable even in the small town, which will have a traveling library even if it cannot afford a permanent one. It is a pleasing thought that in these country and social centers, boys and girls are meeting with the army of noble men who through their written words have helped to develop the world's life. One of the best adjuncts of a library is its reading room, where young people gather to read and study.
"Turning to Dr. A. L. Damon, one of the trustees, Mr. Jennings presented the key of the building in behalf of the heirs of Mr. Cutler, the donor, expressing the fond hope that the building would be placed to the best uses.
"Librarian Wilcox, the first speaker on the program, said that he could not see what he could add to the joy of those who were now about to enjoy the use of this beautiful building. He said that the happiness, comfort and joy of a good library can only be known by those who have experienced it; this is an unfailing blessing lasting from early days until the close of life. Mr. Wilcox then pictured what North Wilbraham will be 50 years from now, on the occasion of another centennial anni- versary. In closing the speaker said that he knew that every librarian in the state will be thrilled as he reads that another small town is rejoicing in the progress of its library, entering into a building of its own. He said that North Wilbraham was indeed fortunate, for not all larger places are equally blessed; for example, his own town did not have a library building of its own until it had attained a population of 40,000.
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