USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > The history of Wilbraham, Massachusetts; > Part 27
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"Miss Ida F. Farrar, assistant at the Springfield City library, brought greetings from the Springfield library and told of the benefits derived from libraries in some of the towns that she had visited. She advised the children to look forward in appreciation of what the library might do for them.
"REV. MR. LEGG APPLAUDED
"Rev. H. F. Legg of Wilbraham Center created applause by his fervid sentiment that 'Wilbraham is the best town in the best state of the best country in the world.' He said that he was more proud each day of the fact that he lived in Wilbra- ham and he was thoroughly confident that a bright future awaited the new library.
"Rev. William R. Newhall has many friends in Wilbraham through his long and successful connection with the academy
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and was heard with pleasure. In opening his address on 'The Place of the Library in the Country Town,' Dr. Newhall expressed his delight to be home again and to look back over the old trails with his friends and former neighbors. He said
HENRY CUTLER.
that he thanked God that the history of a New England town is always essentially a religious history and instanced as one of the best types of a New England town, the late Henry Cutler, donor of the library, whose compact figure, keen eye, pleasant smile and kindly sympathy, he said came before him. He was a good neighbor and a public spirited citizen and this
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library, his gift, this 'house by the side of the road' was like himself, a friend to all the land.
"Coming to his subject, Dr. Newhall said he was glad of that most New England institution, the country town. He loved the country, he said, and particularly old Wilbraham, which decorated with her 150 years, never looked so beautiful. The public library is to have a permanent place here because the country town is to have a permanent place in the land. The great changes that have come are not altogether for the worse nor peculiar to the town. True the children who play over the stone wall perchance now speak a language learned over the sea and everywhere there is change, but the immigrant is our guest, and is to be welcomed. The country town will be able to maintain its place. For example Wilbraham has main- tained in the 150 years of her existence certain institutions indispensable to a free people-the school which stands for instruction, the church which stands for righteousness, the state which stands for rights and the home which stands for affection. Here, the speaker referred to the leadership of the veteran pastor, Rev. Mr. Howard and his leadership in righteousness.
"The library is the institution of intelligence. It does not compete with the church, the school, the town meeting, the home. The library in modern life is an indispensable institu- tion; it is not the fifth wheel in the coach but like the fifth wheel in the auto, it must necessarily be provided. All four institutions reach their best life as the library is opened. The library does largely help the schoolhouse. It reaches out a helping hand to the school and as the pupil reads the best books he wins promotion in study. The library helps the home and the man who studies books along his line of work is fitting himself thereby for a higher, more lucrative position.
"LIBRARY A YANKEE NOTION
"Tracing the growth of the library, Dr. Newhall reminded that the modern library is a Yankee notion and the effort of Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia to start a real library for the good of the people was described and praised. Libraries were scarce indeed up to 1800 and about that date in Hartford gifts for a public library were asked because books helped and should be circulated. The American library leads the world and two great words stand out prominently in its vocabulary -accessibility and accountability.
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"In closing Dr. Newhall said that while the North Wilbra- ham library was not a pretentious building and not crowded with books, it was a modern library and better fitted to quicken the intelligence than the old libraries such as were found on the banks of the Nile.
"At 12 o'clock in a large tent across from the library the Barr catering company served dinner to about 200 persons, and at 2 o'clock Prof. J. T. Bowne spoke on 'The Indians of Wil- braham.' In his address Dr. Bowne used as illustrations for accurate descriptions of the implements and articles made by the Indians, a large case of collections of Indian relics gathered for the most part by B. F. Greene of Wilbraham, who for many years has been collecting curiosities of this character. Dr. Bowne described the life that the Massachusetts Indian led nearly 300 years ago along the old Bay path where he had his villages or camps. An interesting description of a journey undertaken by John Winthrop, Jr., from Boston westward in 1645 was given, and the kindliness of the Indians met with. Their houses or huts, apparel, ornaments, food, utensils, weapons, hospitality to strangers were all accurately portrayed and also the astonishment with which they must have witnessed the evidences of civilization as given by the whites.
"CANTATA IS GIVEN
"A large crowd assembled at 3 o'clock to witness the beauti- ful cantata, 'The Flower Queen,' by 30 young girls, all prettily attired in gay costumes and carrying flowers of the season. The cantata was given on the spacious grounds adjoining the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Cutler and Mrs. Cutler was in charge of the cantata, which was a most complete success. A young woman representing a recluse disgusted with the world was depicted as finding in a garden where fragrant flowers grew, helpful lessons of unselfishness and purity. As the young woman beheld the crowning of the queen of the flowers she was led to see that true preferment comes unsought and through service to others. Esther Bell was the May queen, Verena Griswold took the part of the recluse, and Mrs. Alice Hoyt was mistress of ceremonies. Among those impersonating the flowers were Esther Calkins as a dandelion; Edith Roberts the crocus; Mrs. Lillian Dickinson, the lily; Ruth Bell a violet; Dora LaBroad, the sunflower; Mrs. Ethel Bradway, the chrysanthemum, while many little girls acted the parts of poppies and fairies.
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"The loan exhibit which was held in the library all day, while naturally not as large as the one seen in Wilbraham the day previous, was large and decidedly interesting, completely filling three rooms on the ground floor. There was a sideboard handed down in the Warren family from Col. John Bliss, who was born in 1727, a fireplace presented to the library by Miss E. O. Beebe, pots and kettles of old-fashioned make, many articles belonging to Mrs. W. F. Morgan, tapestry coverlets, school books, bills of ancient date, old trunks, guns, china, pictures, pikes carried by John Brown's men, medicine chest, wearing apparel, and Indian-made buckskin coat loaned by Miss Beebe, kitchen utensils, chairs, chests and old looms.
"Among those who contributed to make the exhibit such a success were Mrs. Maria Baldwin, the Woodward family, G. M. Greene, Mrs. N. I. Bradway, the Collins family, Mrs. A. L. Bell, Mrs. D. C. Griswold, Mrs. H. M. Green, Mrs. Stephen Fiske, Mrs. Carlos Alden, J. M. Perry, Mrs. Emma A. Mowry, Mrs. C. F. Fuller, Lila Atchinson and others."
THIRD DAY OF CELEBRATION
VETERANS UNVEIL MASSIVE BOULDER
Wilbraham Pays Tribute to War Heroes in Closing Day's Exercises
FINE LOAN EXHIBIT
Beebe Collection in Old Mixter Tavern Attracts Many Visitors
"Wilbraham, June 20, 1913-Glendale with its grassy glen and dale, its historic church, ancient homes near by, gay with bunting, and its massive boulder, on which were lettered in bronze the names of its war heroes, presented a scene not soon to be forgotten. To add to the charm of the picture a goodly
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company of Civil war veterans came to lift the Stars and Stripes from their comrades' monument, school children from district No. 7 sang, and recited patriotic selections, or assisted in the pageant and a large number of former residents by their kindly words of greeting helped to give a real old home character to the celebration. Springfield, the mother of Wilbraham, was well represented by Dr. Marshall Calkins, a former resident, who though 85 years old in a few days, is wonderfully well preserved, and by William R. Sessions, also formerly of Wil- braham. There were many from Springfield drawn to the celebration by ties of kinship. Many distinguished men and women have come from Glendale. Close by on the Munsell place was born Chief Justice Marcus P. Knowlton, and Dr. Calkins was born very near the humble district school. Many others might be mentioned who, now scattered widely, are proud to acknowledge Glendale as their birth place, as their letters of regret read by Miss Beebe after dinner testified.
"The exercises of the morning opened at. 11 o'clock at the boulder with selections by the local band. Then the school children of district No. 7 assisted by A. M. Seaver and Miss F. M. Moore, teacher of No. 7, sang a welcome. B. F. Greene, the presiding officer, said that he wished to thank the women especially for their part in furnishing meals and in other ways encouraging the men of the neighborhood in getting out the boulder and in setting it in place. Rev. W. L. Jennings offered prayer and as the two flags that covered the boulder were lifted the children sang 'The Star Spangled Banner.'
"The first speaker to be introduced was William R. Sessions, who expressed his regret that Dr. George Fuller of Monson, who was to have given an address, was ill.
"Mr. Sessions said in part: 'This is the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the old town of Wilbraham. You people of Glendale have arranged to celebrate the time by a neighbor- hood observance and have coupled with it the unveiling of a tablet to the memory of soldiers of the war that gave to these United States their independence, and also of the soldiers of the war that preserved the union of states. This is certainly a wise and patriotic arrangement. Wilbraham has always been conspicuous for its readiness to do its full share in the support of the government, particularly in the time of war.
" 'At the time of the old French war the neighborhood furnished a generous quota of men. Twenty years afterward
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UNVEILING BOULDER.
SOLDIERS' BOULDER AT GLENDALE.
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when the town was only 12 years old came the war of the Revolution. At least 36 men of Wilbraham turned out on a minute's notice at the Lexington alarm and marched on foot to the scene of conflict. More than 50 marched to the Bennington alarm. Wilbraham had in 1860 a population of 2081: she sent to the war 223 men or just about one soldier for each nine inhabitants. These 223 men from Wilbraham were 26 in excess of all calls, so that when the war closed this town had furnished all the men called for by the government and had a credit of 26 already in the service. The town with a valuation of $842,000 expended $25,000 for war purposes. Besides the $25,000 expended by the town there were large sums raised by women's soldiers' aid societies.
" 'In this hasty manner I have tried to give an idea of conditions during the Civil war. The war was in full blast at the time of the centennial of Wilbraham 50 years ago and little space was given to it in the historical address on that occasion; hence I have deemed this effort to be not out of place.'
"Referring to some of the men from Wilbraham who have been most. conspicuous, Mr. Sessions first instanced John Bliss, who came into Wilbraham from Longmeadow about the year 1750, served in the old French war, was selectman many terms, member of the provincial Congress, representative in the General Court, judge of the court of common pleas and had a fine Revolutionary war record. Col. Bliss has only one descendant living in Wilbraham. One of his daughters married the first minister of the South parish, Rev. Moses Warren, and Fred A. Warren of North Wilbraham is his great-great-grand- son. Mr. Bliss left no son but one of his daughters married Edward Morris, whose son, Judge Oliver B. Morris of Spring- field, the long time judge of probate for Hampden County, was John Bliss' grandson and Henry Morris, son of Oliver B. Morris, who was judge of Mass. court of common pleas, was his great-grandson. George Morris, son of Oliver B., who was clerk of courts of this county for many years, was his great- great-grandson. `He served as clerk of courts until his death, when he was succeeded by his son, the present' clerk of courts, Robert O. Morris, who is a great-great-grandson of John Bliss of Wilbraham. E. B. Maynard was born in Wilbraham and served for years as judge of the superior court.
" 'Our most conspicuous real son,' said Mr. Sessions, 'is
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Marcus P. Knowlton, who was born in this neighborhood of Wilbraham, of Wilbraham born parents. He was for years a justice of the superior court, promoted to the supreme court and then to be chief justice.'
"Dr. Marshall Calkins whose name is a household word with Glendale people, followed, and in a short address showed how fitting it is that nations should honor their dead with monu-
DR. MARSHALL CALKINS.
ments. He closed by reading a list of the names of the soldiers from Glendale as they appear on the boulder.
"DR. MARSHALL CALKINS' SPEECH
"Dr. Calkins said: 'The study of evolution and history shows a gradual progress during thousands of years and the most intelligent peoples have erected monuments and artistic tombs to perpetuate the memories of those who have been of
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great service to their country. Monuments as well as history show that the English people have been in the advance. In colonizing they have the best success-in the Western hemi- sphere the Pilgrim and Puritan have shown their mental and physical superiority-this fact is shown by our genealogy at the present time, as most of our ancestors and soldiers are descendants of the English and Anglo-Saxon stock. Heredity shows its power. The names on our boulder are reliable witnesses. Most of them are descendants of the Puritans and trace their pedigree back to periods between the 12th and 18th centuries. As illustrative fact, the number of soldiers serving in our wars under the Calkins name is 430 during our short history. This fact is established by the military records. No doubt under other names the proportion of soldiers to popula- tion may be even greater. The names on our boulder show this probability.'
ANTI-SLAVERY DEMONSTRATION.
"ANTI-SLAVERY DEMONSTRATION
"The children then sang 'The Prison Cell' and as they were closing, the audience was surprised to see coming down the hill, pursued by men, old time slaves, who, just as they were about to be seized by their masters, were rescued by Glendale people and borne away in safety. This was intended to typify
MAPLEHURST, FORMERLY MIXTER HOUSE. Home of Miss Evanore O. Beebe.
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just such scenes as occurred in the North 60 years ago when Glendale was said to be a famous underground railroad station. Then there were recitations and more singing by the children, and at 12 o'clock the women of Glendale served a most excellent dinner in the church, which was partaken of by 200 people. Miss E. O. Beebe was toastmistress at the after-dinner speaking and among those who spoke briefly were representatives of the Connecticut Valley Historical society, former residents, the resident pastors and summer guests.
"Original poems were read by Mrs. J. E. T. Dowe and Mrs. Edith Miniter of Boston, and many letters of regret were read by Miss Beebe.
"FINE EXHIBITION OF ANTIQUES
"Following the exercises in the church a large number of the visitors present repaired to the old Mixter tavern, a mile up the road, where was displayed from 2 to 8 o'clock what William F. Adams, president of the Connecticut Valley Historical society pronounces one of the best exhibits of its kind in the state. Indeed, as an illustration of the life of the common people in the olden time it is undoubtedly the best in Massachusetts. The collection bears the name of the Beebe collection, named for Miss E. O. Beebe, who for years has been treasuring antiques used and passed on by her ancestors. At the time of Spring- field's 275th anniversary Miss Beebe kindly loaned her collec- tion to the Connecticut Valley Historical society as a part of its notable exhibit in the First church parish house.
"The exhibit yesterday was so large that it occupied prac- tically the entire space in five large rooms and the piazza. One room was filled with rare old china, another with needle craft, while in a chamber upstairs was displayed articles in use in a home of the year 1830. The articles on the veranda all came from the attic. In the first or china room stood a long table on which was arranged old china in the order of its date or years of service. Here were seen old wooden utensils used in Wilbraham, stag horn sets, specimens of wedding dishes, such as the wedding china of John and Lucia Calkins. The collec- tion of Ludlow bottles is probably the best in the state. In the typical living room of 75 years ago there could scarcely be found anything that was modern. The fireplace with its ancient foot stoves and warming pans, was decidedly unique, and scattered about the room were the Beebe coat of arms worked here and there, an old sampler of 1793, a Hancock's
VIEW OF INTERIOR OF "MAPLEHURST." Showing some of the Antiques.
ANOTHER VIEW OF THE INTERIOR OF "MAPLEHURST." Showing some of the rare crockery and antiques gathered there.
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Bible sent in by a gentleman living at a distance, a replica of a lady's sewing table, charts dating long ago, and more china.
"In an old closet was glassware of every description; this was fitted up with furnishings from an old Wilbraham house. In one of the upstairs rooms was a fine rare collection of old almanacs and anti-slavery documents. A chair near by con- tained a full gentleman's costume of the old time, with tall hat, vest, gloves, necktie and collar. On. a large, curious bed was arranged a young woman's costume of 75 years ago.
"The replica of a room of 1830 contained an old-fashioned high bed, rag carpet, wax flowers, and on the bed referred to, the entire costume of an old-time lady. The tables here and all through the house were draped in homespun and old-time fabrics used as backgrounds.
"The piazza was perhaps the most interesting of all, and here were arranged various curiosities, many hardly under- stood by the present generation, such as a bee smoker for driving out bees, queer reels and wheels, strange appearing cradles, a pedler's trunk, a picture painted by Miss Brewer, second preceptress of the academy, a large bread trough in which children could be rocked in case of emergency, queer lanterns, ladies' caps and slippers, baskets and unique examples of the photographer's art.
"The Mixter tavern," where the exhibit was held and in which Miss Beebe makes her home, is nearly as ancient as the treasures that it holds and admirably adapted for the purpose.
"Miss Beebe was assisted in her explanation of the antiques by Mrs. Edith Miniter of Boston."
And so, the three days' celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Wilbraham was brought to a close. Almost perfect weather prevailed throughout the entire time, and not an accident marred the occasion.
FRED W. GREEN, 1896 AND SINCE.
ALLYN M. SEAVER.
ALBERT A. PHELPS.
SELECTMEN OF WILBRAHAM.
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FARMS AND HOMES OF WILBRAHAM
Following is a list of the homesteads of the town, in their order, on the different roads and crossroads. The names of present owners are given, also those of former owners, beginning with the latest, and continuing in their order to the earliest, so far as we have been able to ascertain them. A dash will indicate that some names are unknown to us.
There are four roads running north and south through the town, nearly parallel with each other and about one mile apart. To assist in readily locating these places, we will call the most westerly road, the one running along Stony Hill, West Street; the next one east, Main Street; the next one east, along the top of the mountain, Ridge Road; and the one still further east, East Street.
We have not been able to obtain the names of many of the "Former owners" of the places.
MAIN STREET, GOING SOUTH
Beginning on the east side of the street at the Soldiers' Monument, which is practically the exact centre of the town.
1. Monument Lot. Owned by the town, with conditions. Former owners: James B. Crane of Dalton, Chauncey E. Peck, John Brewer, Gaius Brewer, -. The John Brewer house, which stood just south of the monument, was burned about 1875. The monument was erected in 1894 by the kindly munificence of Mrs. Lucia S. Foskit.
Just south of the monument lot was a store, kept for several years, about 1860-75, by Clinton C. Leach. South of that, and north of the lane (formerly called "Burt's Lane"), is the cellar hole, which marks the site of the Allis House, where a hotel was kept for a number of years by Mrs. E. M. Allis, also by Mr. James P. Brown.
2. A few rods from Main Street, on "Burt's Lane," is the livery stable and office of the stage line which connects the
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centre village with the railroad line. The stage line and stable, are now owned by Fred W. Green, who also ownes the two lots last mentioned. The stage line business was formerly owned by W. L. Collins.
3. "Burt's Lane" (subject to some rights of way), and also the two lots in front of the livery stable and horse sheds are now owned by the North Parish of Wilbraham, which is the legal name of the First Congregational Church Society.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ERECTED IN 1912.
4. First Congregational Church. Erected in 1912-13 and dedicated May 11, 1913. The entire cost of the building, including organ and furniture was about $17,000. This building was erected to replace the one which was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire on the afternoon of July 5, 1911, and is the fourth meeting house on that location.
The one preceding it was erected in 1877, to replace one that was destroyed by fire, through the act of an irresponsible boy, on June 24 of that year, and which was built in 1857. The first meetinghouse was erected on Wigwam Hill in 1747-8, and was moved on to this ground in 1794, where it was used for
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public worship until 1857, when it was moved on to the ground now occupied by the livcry stable and converted into a barn. It served the useful purpose to shelter beasts for twenty years and was burned, with four dwelling houses, in the conflagration of 1877. Onc of the dwelling houses, which stood north of the present church, about where the road leads into the horse sheds, had been used for many years as a store and postoffice by R. R. Wright, Roderick Burt, Pliny Cadwell, Mrs. Hempstead, and others. In 1906 the Parish purchased the lot south of the church, formerly occupied by the dwelling of Monroe Pease, which was burned in 1902. Former owners: Monroe Pease, 1873, L. B. Bliss, 1865, S. Foskit, and others. A meat market and store was kept there for a few years about 1890.
5. West side of street, now owned by Mrs. Mary B. Gurney. Former owners: Heirs of E. B. Brewer, Edwin B. Brewer, William Brewer, Jr., William Brewer, Isaac Brewer, who was the first settler of that name in town. In May, 1746, the Precinct "Voated and granted to Isaac Brewer, att the Rate of three pounds, old tenor per year, for the use of his Chamber to Cary on the publick worship in." It was used for that purpose in 1746-7-8. There is a stone in the underpinning; on the north side of the house, with the date "Oct' 2, 1748," cut in it. The house was also used for a tavern, probably until about the time of the death of Isaac Brewer in 1788.
6. Now owned by Mrs. Lucia S. Foskit, who inherited it from her husband Stebbins Foskit, M.D. Former owners: Ralph W. Allen, 1865, George Bishop, S. A. and Elizabeth Cushing, Elizabeth Hale, E. B. Brewer, -, Isaac Brewer.
7. Opposite Congregational Church, owned by Mrs. Martha C. Munsell, inherited from her husband Elijah Munsell, who purchased it in 1889 from Asa Bushnell. Sold by former owners as follows; James Luke in 1860, Mark Trafton in 1858, James W. Mowry in 1857, R. R. Wright in 1851, Pliny Cadwell in 1839, Ebenezer Brown in 1826, heirs of Dr. Joel Lyman in 1819, Rachel and Elijah Work in 1803, Jonathan Merrick in 1801, William King, Jr., in 1779, Charles Brewer in 1778, Luke Bliss
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and Z. Parsons in 1777, Enoch Chapin purchased it in 1760, David Chapin in 1733.
8. The Foskit Memorial Grange Hall. Owned by Wilbraham Grange No. 153, Patrons of Husbandry. The site for the building was purchased from Mrs. Munsell in 1900.
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