USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Royalston > The history of the town of Royalston, Massachusetts > Part 12
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Charles H. Goodell, was born in Winchendon, May 8, 1854. His parents died when he was a young boy, his mother when he was eight years of age, and his father when he was ten. His health was poor and he was placed on a farm in Royalston. His early manhood alternated between teaching and attending schools in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Michigan. He completed his academic course at Caro, Mich., and did work on a country newspaper. In 1885 he went to Worcester and entered the General offices of the Worcester, Nashua and Roches- ter Railroad as stenographer to the general manager.
He was for a time with the Whitcomb Envelope Co., and for five years was private secretary to Phillip W. Moen; after that for ten years he was with the Mutual Life Insurance Co., chiefly in the office of the president.
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In April, 1901, he was appointed by Senator George F. Hoar clerk of the United States Senate Committees on privileges and elections, and acted as the Senator's private secretary for several years. He was Principal of the Worcester evening school for five years. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1902, and for a number of years had an office in the State Mutual building in Worcester, where he practiced his profession until his death.
CHAPTER X
RED LETTER DAYS OF ROYALSTON HISTORY
There are days in the history of nations and towns as well as individuals that stand out above other days in the memories of those who take part in and witness the events that transpire. The records of the occasions that are ob- served on these days are worthy of being preserved by the printed page and transmitted to future generations as a part of the history of town or nation.
The town of Royalston has some of these Red Letter Days which will be described in this chapter.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The question of celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the settlement and incorporation of Royalston had been discussed for some time, but' no public action was taken until April 4, 1864, when the town chose a committee of seven to consider and report upon that question.
The committee consisted of Rev. E. W. Bullard, Salmon S. Farrar, Jarvis Davis, Esq., Joseph L. Perkins, Cyrus Davis, John N. Bartlett and Luther Harrington.
This committee reported to the town Nov. 8, 1864, and among the recommendations made were the following: That Wednesday, Aug. 23, 1865, be the day for observing the commemorative services of the settlement and incorporation of Royalston; that these services be, a Commemorative Address, Poems, and a free collation, with appropriate religious exercises; that Royalston's honored son, and Massa- chusetts peerless orator, the Hon. Alexander H. Bullock, be invited to deliver the address, and Samuel C. Gale, Esq., and Albert Bryant, A.M., the poems.
These recommendations were adopted by the town, and a committeee of fifteen was chosen to have charge of the celebra- tion. That committee consisted of Rev. E. W. Bullard, Joseph
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Raymond, Benj. H. Brown, Jarvis Davis, John N. Bartlett, Russell Morse, Jr., Cyrus B. Reed, Wellington White, Cyrus Davis, Arba Sherwin, John M. Upham, Edmund Stockwell, Timothy Clark, Joseph L. Perkins and Maynard Partridge.
An historical committee was also appointed at the same time to make researches in reference to the history of Royal- ston with a view to their preservation and ultimate publi- cation; this committee consisted of seven as follows: Barnett Bullock, Esq., Daniel Davis, John N. Bartlett, Joseph R. Eaton, Chas. H. Newton, Luther Harrington and Horace Pierce.
In addition to the Orator and Poets chosen by the town, the committee chose Rev. E. W. Bullard of Royalston, Pres- ident, Rev. A. E. P. Perkins of Ware, Chaplain, Hon. Geo. Whitney of Royalston, Chief Marshal, and Benj. C. Perkins of South Danvers, Toastmaster of the day. Letters of acceptance, or the personal acceptance of these positions, were duly received from all these gentlemen, except Samuel C. Gale of Minneapolis, Minn., who was obliged reluctantly to decline. The services of the Ashburnham Cornet Band, and of the united choirs of the town were secured for the day.
The Centennial Day at last arrived; it was preceded by a stormy evening and night, but opened with one of the most perfect summer mornings, everything appearing fresh and beautiful, and Royalston in all her loveliness stood forth to welcome back her sons and daughters to their old homes. At an early hour the Common was alive with people, and all the roads were pouring in the visitors from neighboring towns. About ten o'clock A.M., the sound of martial music was heard, and the grand procession began to form under the direction of Chief Marshal Whitney, and the people were soon seated in the spacious tent where the speaking of the day was to be held, this mammoth pavilion being erected on the grounds of R. D. Ripley, Esq., immediately north of his residence. Everything being in readiness the Chief Marshal ascended the platform and introduced the President of the day, Rev. E. W. Bullard.
The President then announced the following Vice-Pres- idents and Secretaries:
Vice-Presidents. - Capt. Samuel Lee of Templeton, Rev. Ammi Nichols of Braintree, N. H., Hon. Geo. C. Richardson
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of Cambridge, Benoni Peck, Esq., of Fitzwilliam, N. H., Harrison Bliss of Worcester, Chauncey Peck of Boston, Rev. Henry Cummings of Newport, N. H., Rev. Sidney Holman of Goshen, Rev. Daniel Shepardson of Cincinnati, Ohio, Rev. Ebenezer Cutler of Worcester, Thomas Norton of Portland, Me., James Raymond of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Hon. Davis Goddard of Orange.
Secretaries. - John P. Gregory of Cambridge, and Joseph E. Raymond of Boston.
The exercises commenced with music by the Ashburnham Cornet Band, after which the Chaplain, Rev. A. E. P. Perkins read appropriate selections of Scripture and offered prayer.
REV. E. W. BULLARD'S ADDRESS OF WELCOME
"Ladies and Gentlemen: I am charged with a welcome for the assembled children and friends of Royalston. It shall be briefly spoken. Welcome to this Centennial Day! Welcome to these commemorative services! Welcome to the fast rising memories of the past, and the fresh joys of the present hour! Welcome to the reunion of kindred, neighbors and friends, recalled by this occasion to tread once more together the old familiar paths, and recount the varied experiences of life! Welcome to this jubilee, gratefully harmonious with the public joy in the triumph of government and law over treason and rebellion, of unity over disruption, liberty over oppression! Indeed, a redeemed and vindicated country, methinks, welcomes this natal day of a loyal town, gives you joy in the keeping of it, and, with a significance larger than ever before, pledges you security in the possession and enjoy- ment of the birthright of freemen. And the old flag, too, baptized anew in blood, and consecrated afresh to American liberty and life, welcomes you to this festival beneath her ample and glorified folds. She, too, remembers the sires, whose counsel and courage gave her birth; and proudly does she salute the sons, who have now given their voice to say it, and their blood to seal - 'Let her be perpetual! Let her remain entire!'
"We meet to commemorate the history of a hundred years - to recall and honor the names and the deeds, both of the living and the dead, that have made this history worthy of commemoration.
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"A hundred years ago, and these hills and valleys were covered with the primeval forest; these streams, streamlets, and waterfalls wasted their song, as did the wild flowers, their sweetness upon the desert air. All was a waste of Nature, awaiting some plastic hand to evoke her latent powers, and bid the wilderness rejoice.
"A hundred years have past since the advent of that hand; and to-day the air is full of the memories, and our eyes behold the substantial records of what that hand has wrought. To give these memories tongue, these records form, and beauty, and enduring life is the grateful office of the hour.
"I felicitate you in gifted sons, able and willing to dis- charge the sacred trust, - a Bullock, upon whose lips the college, senate and people alike, delighted hang, and to honor whom with her highest gift the Commonwealth im- patient waits; and a Bryant, early smitten with the love of song, and still allegiant to that early love.
"You wait to hear them; and I, not less eager, this wel- come spoken, give place to their labors of filial love and fraternal entertainment."
The united choirs of the town then sang, to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne," led by Geo. F. Miller, an original hymn, written for the occasion by Mrs. George Woodbury, of Royalston. Following the hymn, came the address of Hon. Alexander H. Bullock.
Mr. Bullock's address occupied about one hour and a half in delivery, and held the undivided attention of the large audience to the end, as he rehearsed the history and achievements of his native town. Referring to its disadvan- tage of remoteness from the sea, and of a northern frontier, he told of the compensations it enjoyed - "of an atmosphere that inspires youth and enlivens age, -of territorial possessions simple indeed, but glistening with the authority of the names of the fathers of American independence, - of a planting in the mountain air, of a history studded with patriotic associations, of a religious connection that shall bear your children to heights of a happy remembrance of the names of their fathers, - of a place on the sweet, broad plain of this civilization of Worcester North, stars encircling overhead, and a simple robustness of character sustaining the people."
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His closing words were a beautiful and eloquent tribute to the grand old town: "Friends and fellow-citizens: This imperfect tribute to the qualities and the labors of our ancestors must be brought to a close. At the end of one hundred years, we, their descendants, have assembled to contemplate in brief review their lives and achievements. I submit it to impartial judgment, that their conduct in the early settlement, in the management of the town, in the cultivation of the fields, in their relations with the great events of the country, in all the duties of church and state, in the salutary examples which have passed from one genera- tion to another, - in religion, industry, politics, and daily life, - has been such that we may rehearse it with pride and commend it to those who shall come after us. This congrega- tion of the living is equaled in numbers by those who sleep in this town in the quiet enclosures of the dead.
"They speak to us out of their silence and repeat the lesson of their lives. As they were bound together by the ties of friendship in the primitive period of their trials, and have kept the counsels of peace and unity through all the stages of this history, so let that spirit control another age and the felicities of social life go hand in hand with public stability and prosperity. As they adapted themselves to the changing requisitions of the general industry and economy, so let the tides of occupation, as they come and go with you, bear onward a community never behind but always advancing.
"As they never failed to uphold the honor of their country by their hearts, by their declarations, and by their arms, so let the American Union and the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts find in this town forever most constant friends and most gallant defenders. As they have transmitted to our keeping the institutions of worship and education, by them at all times well endowed and well supported, so let the en- dowments be multiplied and the support be enlarged till the bells of the churches and the schools shall sound a welcome in every ear. And when, after the passage of another century, your successors shall meet over your dust to celebrate their day, may it be the happiness of the intervening generations to have provided for them as little for reproach and as much for devout thanksgiving as we ourselves have received from our fathers."
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Following the address, the band gave another selection, after which the poet of the day, Mr. Albert Bryant, delivered a commemorative poem, entitled "Memorials and Garlands," which rehearsed in verse the Memorials of Royalston in a charming manner, as the gifted orator preceding him had eloquently described them. These exercises closed by the choir and audience uniting in singing "Old Hundred." The procession was then re-formed by Chief Marshal Whitney and marched to the dinner tent which had been erected near Colonel Whitney's residence, and where about eight hundred guests sat down to the tables. After abundant justice had been done to the feast, the president called the company to order and introduced the toastmaster, Benj. C. Perkins, Esq .; the sentiments proposed and responses elicited were reported by the Barre Gazette as follows:
"The President of the United States" - was responded to by the band with-"When Johnnie Comes Marching Home." Edwin Pierce of New York responded for the "Sons of Royalston"; Geo. Richardson of Cambridge for "The Metrop- olis"; Hon. Artemas Lee of Templeton for "Worcester County"; Rev. Mr. Marvin of Winchendon for "Our Sister Towns"; the choir - in a piece of ancient music-for "Ye Olden Time"; Mr. Gregory of Chicago for "The West"; Rev. Mr. Perkins of Ware for "The Clergy"; the band for "The Battlefields of Our Country," with the "Star Spangled Ban- ner"; Rev. Sidney Holman for "The Schoolmasters"; Rev. Mr. Wordworth for "The Fellows who Stole the Hearts of Our Daughters"; the choir for "The Flag of Sumpter"; and closed with "Auld Lang Syne."
Thus passed into history one of the Red Letter Days of Royalston.
THE GREAT WHIG GATHERING OF 1840
One of the greatest political gatherings of Northern Worcester county took place in Royalston during the Log-cabin campaign of 1840 and was reported by the "Boston Atlas" as follows:
"The Whig Association of Royalston - a Whig fortress on the frontier - had invited General Wilson to address them on Saturday, May 30th. Notice had been posted in a few of the
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adjacent towns, and the people soon began to threaten a general attendance.
"The Whigs of Royalston, on old election day, put up their log-cabin of white birch, as indicative of a sound flogging for the enemy in the autumn; also, as symbolical of that other white house which is to be entered by a new occupant on the fourth of March.
"At sunrise on Saturday the national flag was streaming in playful triumph over the platform and the awning of green boughs. At the firing of a heavy gun in the distance about 9 o'clock, a fine body of seventy horses, mounted by as many young Whig voters of Royalston - the first company of Whig cavalry which has been raised in Worcester County - was seen hurrying towards the New Hampshire line, to re- ceive the artillery from Fitzwilliam, who were on the march to do escort duty to their old general. This elegant com- pany of brave men, in beautiful uniforms, under the command of Captain Brown, being joined by the cavalry, proceeded on the Keene road and received General Wilson and a rich brass band from Keene, with military salute.
"Immediately after the arrival of the general on the Common, the procession from neighboring towns, preceded by the company of horses, began to come in. Petersham, Barre, Athol and Phillipston, having united their lines of carriages in one, presented a triumphal procession one mile and a half in length, some of their vehicles containing from 20 to 30 men. There was the coach from Barre, drawn by eight fine horses, crowned by its band of music vieing with the Peter- sham band, which in like manner, and in the same common cause, filled the air with the brazen breath of its music. Almost simultaneously, came in the line from the east, composed of the gatherings from Hubbardston, Templeton, Winchendon and Gardner, with music from the last of these towns. This procession was more than one mile in length; one of the carriages from Winchendon, containing a small army of seventy Whig voters, and another from Templeton having fifty. Most of the carriages were refreshed with a good supply of green boughs; and any friend of the adminis- tration who watched appearances, must have had some of the apprehensions that struggled in the breast of poor Macbeth, when in the hour of his overthrow he looked out and saw the
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revengful army approaching Dunsinane, with branches of Birnem trees waving over them:
- ""'And now a wood Comes toward Dunsinane.'
"The pictorial insignia of the occasion, though hastily prepared were forcibly expressive of one zeal animating all. The banners of such seasons are nothing but proof sheets of the fall editions.
"There was 'Athol right side up,' always admitted to be.
"'Petersham for Harrison,' a change in her position from that of the last two elections, which is certain to be ac- complished.
"'Union,' a fine flag of several towns combined.
"'The Currency too hard already,' a true sarcasm on the government - and besides several others, 'Templeton Her- self Again,' an assertion which her citizens can prove only by vigorous exertions.
"It must not be forgotten that the ladies (whose heads are always clear, hearts always true) having walked in procession to the spot, listened to the addresses with much interest.
"There were more than 400 of them present. A little past noon the multitude having gone in order through the log- cabin, presented an attentive, intelligent and enthusiastic audience of 3000, at a moderate computation; there being to all appearance, at least that number of voters present.
"Messrs. Lee and Mason of Templeton, Stevens of Athol, Parkhurst of Petersham, Bryant of Barre and Davenport of Mendon, all spoke briefly but happily of Whig principles and Whig prospects. They were frequently interrupted by the enthusiastic cheers of an excited audience, and by the deep toned cannon. General Wilson followed, and for two hours and a quarter beguiled the people of all consciousness, except that of the presence of the orator, his eloquence, and his subject. This address was highly judicious. It was a masterly analysis, running through the whole history and policy of the National Government for 12 years - luminous in exposing the progress of political error, brilliant in im- passioned eloquence, and extremely forcible in appeal for union and action. It was just the thing. The time and the place called for it, and no more and no less. This address, with the other addresses and other incidents of the occasion,
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DEDICATION OF NEWTON LIBRARY
will give an impulse to the great cause of Harrison and Reform, in Worcester North, which will utter itself in swollen majorities in November.
"The spirit of untiring effort is now aroused in that portion of the county. The thousands of Whigs who were present pledged themselves for a result which their activity will, beyond all doubt accomplish, to let no enemy to Harrison and Relief, find his way to the next Legislature from a single town in Worcester North, and to give their due pro- portion of a Whig majority of 4000 in the county.
Petersham, Barre, Athol, Royalston, Templeton, Winchendon, Phillipston, Gardner, Ashburnham, Westminster, Hubbardston, Rutland, and their neighbors, will give a praiseworthy account of themselves in the fall.
"At the close of the exercises, it was announced that Mr. Webster would speak at Barre on the 4th of July.
"Worcester County from the north line will be present. The excellent artillery from Fitzwilliam, of sixty-five good men and true, it is understood, will also attend. Whether the Barre folks will or not, the people will be there; for here, though we would at first have had only a town affair, yet having invited others to come, much to our joy the people came in and made it a pageant. An abundant entertainment of crackers, cider, cheese, and a few accompaniments, closed the day."
DEDICATION OF THE PHINEHAS S. NEWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
One of the Red Letter Days of Royalston history which will always be remembered with pleasure by the present generation was June 28, 1911, when the Phinehas S. Newton Public Library was dedicated. It was a proud day for this little hill town, for while other public buildings have been dedicated in town, this was the first time a building had been presented to the town by one of her citizens, not as a memo- rial, but as a gift from the living. When the morning of the day dawned the appearance of the clouds gave rise to fears of rain, but before noon the clouds had cleared away, and by the time for the exercises the Common was thronged with
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more than five hundred people. Starrett's Band of Athol gave a band concert on the Common from twelve to two o'clock. Caterer E. M. Read of Fitchburg provided dinners for upwards of two hundred, tables being set in both the upper and lower halls of the town hall building. At 2 P.M., the exercises began in the church, which was filled to over- flowing. The exercises opened with an organ voluntary by Miss Cora E. Stockwell. Dr. Frank W. Adams, as master of ceremonies, in a few well chosen words extended a cordial welcome to all, and prayer was offered by Rev. Charles O. Fogg, pastor of the Congregational Church. Dr. Frank W. Adams gave a historical sketch on "The Libraries of Royal- ston" from the forming of the first library in 1778, only thir- teen years after the incorporation of the town, up to the present day when the beautiful building bearing the name of the Phinehas Newton Public Library marks a new epoch in the history of Royalston's public libraries. Following Dr. Adams' valuable and interesting paper came a duet by Mrs. Leota Richards of this town and Mrs. Jennie Richards of Fitchburg. The first address of the afternoon was by one of Royalston's "boys," Frederic C. Nichols, Treasurer of the Fitchburg Savings Bank, upon "The Library and the Town from the Standpoint of a Business Man." He paid a high tribute to the town of Royalston, Miss Lizzie Chase, a former librarian, and also to the donor of the building. He urged upon the sons and daughters loyalty to the town, and to each other. Fred W. Cross of South Royalston followed with an address upon "The Library and the Public School." Then followed a vocal solo by Mrs. Jennie Richards, and the presentation of the deeds and keys by Warren M. Hill of Boston, eldest son of William H. Hill, who presented the spot upon which the library stands in memory of his deceased wife, Mrs. Sarah M. Hill. These were accepted in behalf of the town by Charles H. Brown, Chairman of the Selectmen, who read the following resolutions of thanks adopted by the town of Royalston on the acceptance of their new public library building :
Whereas, a need for several years has existed of a suitable and commodious building for the Public Library whose volumes have been overflowing the shelf room allotted them in the Town House; and
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DEDICATION OF NEWTON LIBRARY
Whereas, Mr. Phinehas S. Newton, recognizing this need, has erected a library building, which in architecture and equipment has added to the beauty of the Common as well as the welfare of the town; and
Whereas, Mr. William H. Hill of Brookline, has generously given a suitable corner lot on his estate for the said building; now therefore,
Resolved, that the thanks of the town be conveyed to Mr. Phinehas S. Newton for his generous gift, which is certain to be of incalculable benefit to the town in the coming years, and a lasting memorial to his name; and also,
Resolved, that the thanks of the town be conveyed to Mr. William H. Hill for the beautiful site he has provided for the library building as a memorial to his wife, Sarah M. Hill, whose interest in the Royalston Public Library was notable, and which continued unabated during her lifetime; and fur- ther,
Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be presented to each of the donors, and a copy also be published in the Athol papers, the Fitchburg Sentinel and the Worcester Telegram. Drawn and forwarded to the donors in conformity with the instructions of the town at their meeting of acceptance held June 17, 1911.
Frank W. Adams, Rev. Chas. G. Fogg, Colin Mackenzie,
Committee on Resolutions.
Rev. F. J. Fairbanks responded in behalf of the trustees of the library. Dr. Adams then read a letter from Miss Bertha Lee, presenting to the town for the library, a very beautiful clock, the gift of Miss Bertha Lee, Mrs. Evelyn Converse of Newton and Wallace Pierce of Boston, in memory of J. Howard Lee, who for a number of years spent the summer seasons here. Rev. F. J. Fairbanks responded in behalf of the town. Miss Cora E. Stockwell gave a vocal solo, and Dr. Adams then introduced the eminent surgeon, Dr. Maurice H. Richardson of Boston, who gave a brief address. Hon. Herbert Parker of Lancaster gave the last address of the day, which was a rare literary treat and held the close attention of the audience to the end, after which the audience rose and
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