USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Templeton > The story of Templeton > Part 3
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Goulding Village, a part of Phillipston, was a center for many activities. The White Sewing Machine manufacturing was started there by the descendants of those pioneers who lived in the cave on White hill. Afterward this sewing ma- chine business was moved to Cleveland, Ohio.
Also, the Derby Chair Shop began business there and later was moved to Gardner; and so business grew in all parts of the town.
Frank Baker of Phillipston states that at one time there were a cotton mill, a woolen mill and two chair shops in this village. One shop was carried on by Frank Whitney, who made children's wood-seated chairs. Damon & Parker made cane-seated chairs. A small business is now (1946) being operated by Melvin Dunn, making the wooden part of the time recorder clocks.
Mr. Dawson at the Center (Phillipston) is sawing lumber
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for chairs. Trucks going through towns now make it simpler for a small business to market its products.
Mr. Baker told of one incident at the town's centennial celebration. Some men attempted to set up a fakir's stand near the cemetery, and the town constable, Charles Barton, told them to leave. One man said: "What can you do? You have no lock-up." Mr. Barton, never at a loss for words, replied: "There's a tomb over there that no one ever got out of." And the men departed.
The Business of Bourn, Hadley & Co.
The business of Bourn, Hadley & Co. is the outgrowth of the furniture business carried on by Benjamin Hawkes and his three sons, George, James and Edwin. They formerly made furniture by hand at a shop located where the public library now stands.
About 1820, a man by the name of Withington built an "up and down" sawmill at Trout Brook, near Pine Grove Cemetery. Later Benjamin Hawkes transferred his business to the mill where it was carried on by Colonel George P. Hawkes.
Isaac Bourn and John Brooks, after sixteen years in the lumber trade, bought the manufacturing business of Colonel Hawkes. In 1865, Bourn and Brooks enlarged the shop, em- ployed more men and made, first, pine furniture and later, chestnut and ash. In 1879, John Brooks sold his share to Lucian N. Hadley and George W. Bourn. The new com- pany went by the name of Bourn, Hadley and Co., Isaac Bourne being the senior partner.
In February 1885, William H. Kilner and George W. Bourn started the finishing business in the storehouse and continued it for several years. Later they dissolved partner- ship, and Bourn and Hadley Co., continued to carry on this business. Nearly all the furniture was finished, only a small
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part remained in its natural state. In 1905, a second store- house was built, much larger than the first. It was opened on December 11, with more than two hundred people present. There were speeches, music, dancing, and an oyster stew sup- per. On the fifth of August, 1890, a fire broke out in the night and all the buildings were burned. The loss amounted to $35,000, with only $8,000 insurance. The townspeople, to show their appreciation of the value of the business to the community, purchased and presented to the company the land where the present factory stands. Two weeks after the fire, the erection of a new three-story building was begun, and in November of that same year it was ready for occupancy.
In March, 1899, Isaac Bourn sold his share to his sons, Rob- ert T. and William E. Bourn, who retained the same company name. They employed fifty to sixty men. In addition to some local trade, they had between two and three hundred regular customers in New England and New York who ex- ported part of their stock to Europe.
They bought timber lots and sold large quantities of lum- ber. In 1900, they furnished a large share of the lumber for the Templeton Inn.
Note: (This information was obtained from an article written about 1900 by Mrs. Jeanette Hadley, wife of Lucian Hadley.)
Robert Bourn, who became a partner before 1900, was an inventor and, among other things, produced postoffice equip- ment which was manufactured at the shop and used widely throughout the United States.
At one time, George Hadley became a partner of the firm, but later opened a factory in Athol.
In September, 1929, Bourn, Hadley and Co., sold their plant to Conant and Ball of Gardner, who are doing business now (1946) in the same shop, employing a large number of Templeton men.
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Gardner, between 1785 and 1832, was in its infancy and the inhabitants came to Templeton to do shopping, as we now go to Gardner. For additional information, read the little pamphlet entitled "Historical Sketch of Templeton Com- mon" written by Captain V. P. Parkhurst. In it will be found a map of the common giving the location of important build- ings. This document will be found in our Historical Building.
In 1832, the Trinitarian Congregational Church was built on the opposite side of the common from the First Parish Church.
Templeton was growing, but we have more to tell about its development and the coming of railroads.
IMPORTANT DATES
1787
Buildings erected
1787 West part of town incorporated, named Gerry
1805
Rev. Ebenezer Sparhawk died
1807
Rev. Charles Wellington ordained
1811
Present First Parish Church built
1814
Town of Gerry's name changed to Phillipston
1825
John Boynton established the tin business
1829 Colonel Lee built the present store building
1830
David Whitcomb became partner with John Boynton
1832
Congregational Trinitarian Church built
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CHAPTER III. Industrial Development and The Coming of the Railroads-1832-1882
T HE population of the town was continually increasing and more houses and buildings erected.
In 1832, the Trinitarian Congregational Church was built and with its spire added an impressive mark to the landscape; and in that same year, the organ was placed in the First Parish Church. The ministers of these two churches (Dr. Welling- ton and his assistant, Mr. Adams, and Dr. Sabin) worked together to help the people of the town, not only by their spiritual leadership, but by their knowledge in legal matters and service on school committees and other town interests.
The animals in those days roamed at will; the cows were not tethered, so each house was fenced in. These fences were made, "horse high, bull proof and pig tight". They were usually picket fences and at the entrance side of the house there was a little gate, which when opened and shut gave a sharp click to announce the arrival or departure of the caller. Some of these fences were picturesque and added much to the appearance of the community. Most of them now have been taken down, but those at the Baker house and the Cham-
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berlin house still remain. Near the gate was found the hitching-post, where the restless horse was firmly tied. Some of these posts were quite decorative. One I remember repre- sented a horse's head with an iron ring in its mouth, ready for the rope or halter.
The stone walls made then were masterpieces of art, strong and firm and gave the look of prosperity to the countryside. Colonel Artemus Lee, one of Templeton's most influential citizens, was instrumental in having the trees set out around the common. This project was begun in the year 1843. Colonel Lee had the soil analyzed and decided that ash trees were best adapted to this location. Though they are late in leafing out they are sturdy and strong and withstand storms and hurricanes.
All this time roads were being built and improved.
Templeton was located at the junction of three stage lines; Boston to Albany, Worcester to Keene, Lowell to Springfield.
The Massachusetts Turnpike line extended from Greenfield to Northfield, in two direct lines which united at Athol, thence to Templeton via Brooksvillage.
The stage coach, a popular and picturesque means of trans- portation, was a big asset to the town. The passing through of these coaches to various parts of the country made Temple- ton a center for change of horses and dinners at the hotel.
The first construction of this means of travel was a curious vehicle, supposed to hold twelve people. The benches were placed crosswise and facing the driver. In order to enter, the passengers had to get in over the front wheel. These coaches had no springs or rubber-tired wheels.
After a time came the Concord coach, which some of us remember. The interior was lined with leather or carpeting and had comfortable seats. It had an iron railing around the top, where hair trunks, portmanteaus and band boxes were
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placed. Some of the coaches had seats on top as well as inside. Where this story came from I do not know, but it was told to me: "A very fat man instructed a friend to engage two seats for him, that he might have plenty of room. When he ar- rived at the starting point, he found one seat was inside and one on the top of the coach."
The Concord coach remained in operation, even after the railroads were put through the country.
The drivers of these vehicles were usually fine men, cour- teous and highly respected; always ready to do errands and commissions and were especially welcomed by the men of the town; for they brought news from the neighboring country- side. Many stories of important events were told around the box stove at the store and blacksmith shop.
It must have been exciting to stand on the hotel veranda and watch the approach of one of these coaches. Usually there were four horses, two abreast. "The driver sitting up on the high seat, wearing in winter a buffalo-skin coat, fur cap, with ear protectors, wool tippet, furlined overshoes and long red stockings, for he was much exposed and needed these warm articles of clothing. The horses seemed to know that this was the place for dinner and an hour of rest. They would dash up to the door of the hotel at full speed, and as the driver gave the signal with the reins, they would stop just at the right spot."
Then the driver would get down from his high seat, whip in hand and enter the Tavern for his refreshment.
A well-known driver of the stage coach was Genery Twich- ell, brother of Francis Twichell who kept the inn at the corner house. He began to drive the coach at the age of nineteen, between Barre and Worcester and in time became the owner of two hundred horses. During this period, he was also a pony express rider. Because of a special feat of horseback riding,
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he was given the name of "The Unrivaled Express Rider". There were no telephones or telegraphs then, so messages were sent by these horseback riders.
Genery Twichell was not a native of Templeton (he was born in Athol), but since he was a brother of one of the town's prominent men, we will record this famous ride. The leading newspapers of New York were eager to secure dis- patches expected to arrive in Boston on the S. S. Hibernia in January, 1846, which had an important bearing on the Oregon boundary line. The New York Herald made arrange- ments to carry its own dispatches from Boston to Norwich by railroad thence by boat to Long Island and across the Island by express rider to New York City. The Tribune and other papers were excluded by the Herald from participating in this arrangement. So the Tribune engaged Mr. Twichell to bring the dispatches. He was obliged to use horse instead of steam power for most of the distance. He could obtain an engine from Boston to Worcester only on condition that it start fifteen minutes behind the Herald train. From Worces- ter to Hartford, sixty miles, he rode on horseback, with relays of horses every ten miles, through deep snow, in three hours and twenty minutes. Then from Hartford to New Haven, thirty-six miles, by railroad; from New Haven to New York, seventy-six miles by horse, and he reached New York City in season for the printing of the dispatches before the arrival of the Herald train.
So important dispatches were sent by pony express riders; long distance travel was made by stage coaches.
The doctor and the minister rode in the one-horse chaise, and the farmers' families rode to church in the carryall. One grandmother, in addition to her home work, took it upon herself to wash the carryall every Saturday ready for use on Sunday.
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A picturesques and much needed article of usefulness in the stage coach days was the watering trough. It was usually found by some mountain stream, covered with moss, with a little tin cup at one end and a lower trough for small animals, so man, horse and dog could be refreshed.
Because travel then was comparatively slow, it was necessary to have taverns as well as hotels. Brooksvillage as well as Templeton Center, had these places of entertainment. The largest tavern in town was located in East Templeton in the house now occupied by Dr. Harold Eames and family.
All this time, the north part of the town was growing. Otter River, first known as Factory village, then contained places of business and residential houses.
Several years ago, Charles Stearns Lord, wrote an article concerning Baldwinville, in which he tells something of the business of that section of the town. This article is now avail- able at the Narragansett Historical Building. "In the early days it was known as 'The North' and the name clung to it long after it was officially known by its present name.
In 1831, the postoffice was established and the village called Baldwinville for Eden Baldwin, and his father, Jonathan Baldwin, one of the first settlers.
In 1847, the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad was put through the town. The coming of this railroad was one of the biggest assets in Templeton's history, and we nearly lost this desired acquisition.
The original charter provided that it should pass through Templeton, but residents of Fitchburg and Winchendon tried to change the route via Winchendon.
A trial was held in the Baptist Church in Baldwinville, before the County Commissioner. The town had for counsel, Charles Allen of Worcester, one of the foremost lawyers in the state, and Joseph Mason of Templeton. The trial lasted
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for several days. It was finally decided in favor of our town and thus sustained the charter. This was one of the most ex- citing events in the history of Templeton up to that time."
More of the history of Baldwinville will be found in a special chapter on that village. About a mile from Templeton Com- mon, in the west section, the Ware River Railroad, was put through the town via Baldwinville and on to Winchendon, thus making Baldwinville a junction of two railroads. The first passenger train passed through October 30, 1873. This was a great advantage to the village of Templeton, not alone for transportation facilities but for the shops located nearby.
In 1848, the old town hall was built, the large two-storied building on the corner of the Athol road. The town meetings were held there, and the large hall was a center for many activ- ities, for entertainments, including vaudeville, but perhaps more especially for dancing, and throughout the day the rooms were used by the schools. In front of this building is a large stone step- three and one-half feet wide, seventeen feet long and standing one foot from the ground, the largest stone of its kind for many miles around.
In 1849, came the gold rush to California. Some of the men went across the continent to seek their fortunes. Charles Roundy started, but got no farther than Chicago. He decided he could make more money by selling tickets at a premium to those who went on that mad rush - and that proved true. He came back with more money than those who ventured further.
The Templeton High School was established in 1856 and was kept in the large room in the Old Town Hall. Hosea F. Lane, a native of Ashburnham, was the principal. Some of the teachers in the grade school will long be remembered; the much beloved Maria Cutting who said she made cutting remarks, Henrietta Sawyer who later became a teacher in Washington University at St. Louis and Margaret Leland not
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only a good teacher but one of Templeton's most able mu- sicians. But more about Mr. Lane and the schools will be found in a special chapter on that subject.
In 1857, Rev. Edwin G. Adams wrote the "Historical Dis- courses", another valuable document concerning church and town history, a copy of which will be found at the public library and at the Historical Building. In that same year, 1857, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Welling- ton's pastorate was observed.
In 1859, the clock was placed in the First Parish Church, a gift of Joshua Bigelow, a Boston merchant and a native of Templeton.
In the beginning of this century, the Military Musters were started and became one of the town's important events. Just before and after the early wars, the musters were well attended, and it became the great event of the year. As Mr. Lane writes in his history: "Templeton abounded in these military gather- ings. It was the central town in a group of six from which was gathered the material for one regiment. It was well sup- plied with hotels and desirable on account of the parade ground which the Common afforded". It was an exciting day with the parade, marching and counter marching, the for- mation of the soldiers and the sham fights. The Officers wore blue uniforms with brass buttons and red plumes in their hats and carried swords. The music was thrilling and for re- freshments gingerbread was sold at two cents a sheet. Leonard Stone, Colonel of one of the regiments was noted for his loud voice. It was said that a man while working in his field, three miles away, could hear Colonel Stone give the orders to his company on those muster days. A fuller account of these musters will be found in the large scrap book at the Narragan- sett Historical Building and also V. P. Parkhurst's "Sketch of Templeton Common."
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Before the advent of the fire engine, "the bucket brigade" was the means of fighting fire. Two lines were formed, one for the full bucket and one for the empty one; the buckets being passed from hand to hand. After a time came the suc- tion hose fire engine, each village having one. The fire musters held with rival engines were exciting events. The firemen wore red flannel shirts, dark trousers and black hats. Tem- pleton Center's engine can be seen in the Narragansett His- torical Building.
The fire companies throughout the town have always given heroic service, ever prompt and ready at the call of the alarm. The fact that these companies are composed of men who are employed in shops, stores and on the farms makes their service especially commendable, and we marvel at their promptness when called upon to fight fire. It is related that once when an alarm was given, the first officer of the Narra- gansett Company was attending a dance in Memorial Hall, East Templeton. He was on the floor dancing with his wife and without the formality of taking her to a seat, he left the hall at once and went to the fire.
John H. Ryan, who gave over fifty years of service to the Templeton Center Company has left on record some interest- ing facts which are incorporated in this account.
The Narragansett No. 6 Engine Company was formed on May 13, 1843. Stephen Maynard, John W. Work and Frank Fiske were chosen as officers. The first fire was on June 15, of that same year, at Joel Richardson's house on the Otter River road and Dr. Sabin's horse drew the engine. This en- gine, kept under the old Town House, was of the rotary pat- tern, with six men on a handle, and water had to be poured into the tub, as there was no suction.
In 1845, this Engine Company voted to disband and divide the prize money among those who had paid their fines up to
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date. They also sold the bell and divided the money received.
In 1851, a new company was appointed by the selectmen. This company and its successors have been in service ever since.
The first muster on Templeton Common was held on July 4, 1860. Stephen Maynard was then the First Marshal. The engines to compete were - Narragansett No. 6, Tem- pleton Center; Tiger, Brooskvillage; Ellsworth, Baldwinville; Bay State, East Templeton; and Hero, Otter River. The com- panies were escorted to their places by the Baldwinville Band. They dined at the Twichell Hotel, where speeches and toasts were given.
These musters have always been joyful occasions, attended by many people, old and young. Often Narragansett No. 6 took a prominent part on these occasions and came off with many prizes.
After a time, the Baldwinville Company acquired the Tiger engine from Brooksvillage; East Templeton bought a new en- gine, the Rough and Ready; and Otter River replaced the Hero with the Oregon. When the East Templeton Company pur- chased a steamer, the Rough and Ready went to Templeton Center and with that Company made its first appearance on the muster field in Athol, October 9, 1896, and captured the first prize, $300 in gold. After that, the Rough and Ready was used at many musters in the surrounding towns and won nearly $4,000 prize money.
Mention should be made of James M. Maynard, who gave fifty years of service as foreman. Because of his good general- ship and the excellent teamwork of his men, much destruction by fire has been averted and a fine display of strength and energy exhibited on these muster days. Mr. Maynard was succeeded as foreman in 1921, by H. Edwin Hawkes, which
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position he held until he was chosen Fire Engineer in 1946, and is still serving in that capacity.
Another man of faithful service was Henry Seaver who held the office of Fire Engineer for many years.
Now the villages of the town are supplied with powerful steam engines, with modern equipment, and the arduous hand pumping is no longer necessary.
And so to all the fire companies of the town we wish to give due acknowledgment for their excellent service.
We have now come to the most tragic period in the story of our town up to this time - the Civil War, which greatly affected the development of our community and brought sad- ness and sorrow to many of Templeton's families. The war lasted four years, from 1861-1865. The town was ready and eager to do her part. Public meetings were held and patriotic addresses given throughout the town, and the ministers preached stirring sermons. The flag was displayed on all public buildings and was even seen on the corner of letter envelopes. The popular war song was often heard:
"Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching,
Cheer up, comrades, they will come,
And beneath the starry flag
We shall breathe the air again
Of the free land in our own beloved home."
Company A of the 21st regiment, composed of 56 men from Templeton was formed. The town also furnished 34 men in the 25th regiment, 31 men in the 36th regiment, and others followed.
Templeton then had a population of 2,816 and furnished no less than 200 men for service. The tallest man who went from our town was Wyman Stone of Otter River, who measured over six feet, and he was shot in the lowest extremity, the foot.
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The women at home did their part, in making articles for the comfort of the soldiers. Aside from the usual necessities, they cut and dried apples in large quantities. The men found this fruit most refreshing and not difficult to carry about. The soldiers experienced exciting adventures as the following story sent in by Kenneth Bourn reveals. "One day while on picket duty, a member of the 21st regiment was lying beside a small stream, dozing after more than two weeks of almost continual battle. Suddenly shots rang out, a few feet away - the picket made himself as inconspicious as possible and held his breath. Then he heard a group of Rebels across the stream and glancing cautiously toward them, saw them re- move their clothing and start to swim in the river, leaving their guns on the farther bank. They passed the picket so close they might have touched him. Then they fell to skin- ning a cow that they had shot with the burst of fire, a few: moments before. In his fright, the picket had been ignorant of the presence of the cow; but the sight of fresh beef, after weeks of battle fare of salt pork and hardtack, brought him into action. Cocking his musket, he captured the astonished Confederates and marched into camp with his undressed prisoners and freshly dressed cow." For many years our veterans of this Civil War have had their special memorial on the 30th of May, decorating the soldiers' graves, giving or listening to addresses, reviewing the past and marching to the beat of martial music, but now not one remains to tell his story.
The Ericson Post of the Grand Army was formed in 1869. Many of these men will be remembered. One especially stands out clearly, Prescott Cutting, whom every one loved and respected. He lived in the house now owned by Dr. Edwin St. John Ward. The following story about him may be of interest: "He was a little man with stooped shoulders, thin gray hair and pointed beard; but he always had a merry
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twinkle in his eye and a cheery word for every one. His greatest pleasure was telling stories around the stove at the store or at the blacksmith shop. The good man had one bad habit however; he was forever losing his umbrella! He was a farmer and did much of his work with oxen; and some- times he used his ox-driven cart to transport him to distant farms or to the stores in a neighboring town. One rainy day he was obliged to attend to some business several miles away. Before starting, he looked in vain for an unbrella. Since none could be found, he asked his wife to lend him her black silk one. Knowing his weakness, she was reluctant to let him have it, for it was one of her cherished possessions. But he solemnly promised to bring it back and started off in his ox cart, holding the prized umbrella over his head. He reached his destination, transacted his business, told his stories, then started on his homeward way. He had gone about two miles when he suddenly remembered the umbrella! With a sigh he got out of the cart, left the oxen feeding in the ditch and walked back to the store. As he entered, he said anxiously, 'Has any one seen my wife's black silk umbrella?' One of the men looked at him, laughed and said, 'What's that you got in your hand?' It was the lost umbrella!"
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