USA > Massachusetts > The story of western Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 20
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During World War I Mr. Damon joined the United States Army, becoming a member of the IOIst En- gineers, an outfit which was attached to the Twenty- sixth Division. His religious affiliation is with the First Church of Christ, of the Congregational de- noniination. He is a member of the Country Club of Pittsfield.
On November 15, 1922, Philip A. Damon was mar- ried to Ruth Van Buren, a daughter of Arthur G. and Maude S. Van Buren. Of this union there are two children: I. Philip A. Jr., who was born on August 15, 1923. 2. Verna Stewart, born on Septem- ber 22, 1929.
EDWARD J. CERRUTI, O.D .- A native of Northampton in Hampshire County, Dr. Edward J. Cerruti finds Western Massachusetts to his taste not only as a place to live, but as the field in which he is achieving a notable career in his chosen profession of optometry. Among the younger members of the profession, Dr. Cerruti is also the only eye specialist located in the beautiful Berkshire Hills city of Lee. Edward J. is a son of Eugene and Celestine (Rolan- do) Cerruti, who were both natives of Italy, but came to the United States and settled in Northampton when they were young. Eugene Cerruti was a weaver by trade and found ready employment in that indus- try in Western Massachusetts. To Eugene and Celes- tine (Rolando) Cerruti, who are both now deceased, the son they named Edward J. was born on February 16, 1908. His schooling began in his native city and he graduated from the Northampton High School before entering the Massachusetts School of Optometry, where he took his degree of Doctor of Optometry with the class of 1938. Since opening his office in Lee, Dr. Cerruti has by his skill and con- scientiousness won a well-deserved success.
Dr. Cerruti takes a lively interest in public affairs, and serves on the board of education of the city of Lee, being a member of the school committee. He participates in civic and business councils also as a member of the Lee Rotary Club, and enjoys fraternal life as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In the line of his professional interests
he holds membership in the Massachusetts Optometric Society, and for recreation and social enjoyment he belongs to the Greenock County Club of Lee, being a member of the board of directors of that organiza- tion. In religion Dr. Cerruti is a Roman Catholic, and a communicant of St. Mary's Church of that denomination in Lee.
At Boston on April 19, 1936, Edward J. Cerruti was married to Abigail Farrell of Northampton, a daughter of John and Mary (Denlien) Farrell, both of whom were born in that college city. To Edward J. and Abigail (Farrell) Cerruti two children have been born: I. Peter Edward, at Lee on October 9, 1941. 2. Linda Jane, on July 24, 1944.
EUGENE O. BRIELMAN, D.V.M .- In the field of veterinary medicine, Eugene O. Brielman is one of the outstanding representatives in Western Massa- chusetts, and together with his son, operates the Abby Lodge Veterinary Hospital, located on Holmes Road in Pittsfield.
Dr. Brielman was born in Pittsfield on March 22, 1885. His father, Arnold Brielman, was born in Lee, and married Alma Fieldler, a native of Saxony, Ger- many, who came to Pittsfield as a girl of sixteen. Brought up on his father's farm, Eugene Brielman at- tended public schools in Pittsfield and graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College in 1917. In that year he established himself in practice in Pittsfield, and has continued to the present, building up through the intervening years a tremendous practice. The only interruption in his practice worthy of note was World War I when Dr. Brielman served in the United States Army Veterinary Corps, holding the rank of lieutenant.
Perhaps Dr. Brielman's most conspicuous contribu- tion to the profession has been his conquest of the dreaded Bang's Disease in cattle. One of his first objectives when he started in practice was to bring this disease under control. Dr. Brielman's present headquarters, operated in partnership with his son, also a doctor of Veterinary Medicine, is the Abby Lodge Veterinary Hospital. Here, treatment facilities are available for over one hundred and forty animals.
Dr. Brielman also manages and owns a three-hun- dred-acre farm adjoining his estate, where he has fifty head of registered Guernsey cattle. He is active in both agricultural and professional organizations, being a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Massachusetts Veterinary Asso- ciation, the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, of which he was a director, and the Berkshire County Farm Bureau, of which he is a director and past president. He is former meat and slaughter inspector for the city of Pittsfield. As a writer on professional sub- jects, Dr. Brielman has contributed to national maga- zines numerous articles dealing with cattle and other veterinary subjects. He is a member of the American Legion and the Pittsfield Kiwanis Club.
At Pittsfield, June 26, 1920, Dr. Eugene O. Brielman married Gladys Mundell, daughter of William F. and Florence A. (Winchell) Mundell. From January, 1941, to January, 1948, Mrs. Brielman was chairman of the Girl Scouts of Pittsfield. She is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and has been treas- urer of the Young Men's Christian Association Auxiliary since 1945. Her parents, formerly residents
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Leon mohill
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of Springfield, settled in Pittsfield in 1910, and Mrs. Brielman is a graduate of the Pittsfield High School. Her understanding and competent assistance has been of great value to her husband in the shaping of his successful career.
Dr. and Mrs. Brielman are the parents of two chil- dren: I. Marguerite Brielman, born in Pittsfield, May 10, 1921. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1937 and from the University of Massachusetts with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1941. De- termined to follow the profession of her father, she attended the veterinary school of the University of Pennsylvania, where she took her degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1944. She is married to Dr. W. C. Gulick, also a Doctor of Veterinary Medi- cine; and they have one child, Donald, who was born at St. Luke's Hospital in Pittsfield. 2. Winthrop E. Brielman, born at Pittsfield, July 30, 1922, a graduate of Pittsfield High School. He attended pre- veterinary courses at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School in 1944, receiving his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He is now associated with his father both in the management of the Abby Lodge Veterinary Hospital and in farming operations. He married February 6, 1942, Marie Geoffrieon, and they are the parents of three children: . i. Joan Carolyn, born in Philadelphia. ii. Elaine Cyn- thia, born in Pittsfield. iii. Russell, also born in Pittsfield. Both children of Dr. Eugene O. Brielman are members of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Massachusetts Veterinary Asso- ciation. Dr. Winthrop E. Brielman was a second lieutenant in the Medical Administrative Corps of the United States Army. His brother-in-law, Dr. W. C. Gulick also served in the Medical Administrative Corps as second lieutenant. In 1943 both were trans- ferred to active service of the Army Specialized Train- ing Program.
EARL C. SUITOR-A New Englander by birth, breeding, education and experience, Earl C. Suitor fittingly and ably directs the educational progress of several of the finest communities of the Berkshire Hills region, as superintendent of schools for Hinsdale, Berkshire County. Mr. Suitor came to this post with a background of practical experience as a teacher and an administrator in three of the New England States.
Mr. Suitor's father, the late Fred Suitor, was one of the leading citizens of Barre, Vermont, having served as mayor of that city, as well as holding the office of secretary-treasurer of the Quarry Workers International Union of North America, an organiza- tion of vital importance in the great granite industry of the Green Mountain State. Fred Suitor, who died in 1933, married Helen Lawrence, and to them the son they named Earl C. was born at Graniteville, Ver- mont, on July 1, 1906. After completing his elemen- tary schooling, the young Earl C. Suitor attended Spaulding High School at Barre, and upon graduating entered the University of Vermont, where he was a student from 1924 to 1927. In 1928 he was enrolled in the Plymouth, New Hampshire, Normal School, and subsequently completed his preparation for his chosen profession by attending the Rhode Island College of Education, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Education with the class of 1934. As a
result of postgraduate studies, Mr. Suitor in 1947 was awarded the degree of Master of Education from the State Teachers College at Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
Mr. Suitor's active career in teaching began with his employment both as instructor and as principal of the school at Sandwich, New Hampshire. In 1929 he went to Chelmsford, Massachusetts, where he served as teacher and principal until 1930. In that year he became school principal at Dartmouth, and this position he filled until 1944. In 1944 he accepted the position of superintendent of schools on Block Island, Rhode Island, but in 1945 came to Western Massachusetts to assume the superintendency of schools of Hinsdale in Berkshire County, also known as Union Number 39, which comprises the schools of Hinsdale, Peru, Windsor and Washington.
Mr. Suitor is a member of the National Association of School Administrators, of the Massachusetts State Superintendents Association and of the New England Superintendents Association. In local community affairs he is particularly active in the work of the Hinsdale Grange. During his residence on Block Island he became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a Mason, belonging to the No- quochoke Lodge of Westport, which is now affiliated with the Globe Lodge of Hinsdale, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Still in early middle age, notably successful in his professional field, widely popular and civic-minded, Mr. Suitor is one of Hinsdale's leading and most useful citizens.
In August, 1929, Earl C. Suitor was married at Derry, New Hampshire, to Thelma Boynton of Plym- outh in that State. Mrs. Suitor is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Boynton of Plymouth. She is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and with her husband is affiliated with the Congregational Church. Earl C. and Thelma (Boynton) Suitor are the parents of two children: I. Earl C., Jr., who was born at New Bedford on November 19, 1930, and is now a student in the Pittsfield High School. 2. Robert F., born on July 4, 1937, at New Bedford.
LEON MOHILL-An active figure in the civic and social life of Pittsfield, where he has made his home for over a score of years, Leon Mohill is the proprietor of the Pittsfield News Company, engaged in general publication distribution. Basically a hu- manitarian, he has taken and is taking part in most of the local endeavors for cultural and social improve- ment.
Leon Mohill was born September 28, 1900, in White Russia, and, as a child, he was brought to the United States by his parents to settle at New Britain, Connecticut. He received his public education in New Britain, after which he entered into the business that ever since has been his life work; publishers' distributor. In May, 1926, Mr. Mohill established the Pittsfied News Company, at Pittsfield, and it has been consistently one of the more successful and satis- factory services. Formerly situated on New West Street the concern now occupies new quarters at 27 Reed Street.
Service would seem to be the watchword of Leon Mohill in all his activity, vocational and avocational. He has been a consistent contributor to the Com- munity Chest. He is a director of the Boys' Club and of the Boy Scouts of America. He is serving within
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the executive committees of both the Berkshire Athenaeum and the Berkshire Museum. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Young Men's Christian Association, of the Kiwanis Club, and of the Anshe Amonim. All these are of Pitts- field. Affiliated with the order of Free and Accepted Masons he has attained membership in Mystic Lodge, in Berkshire Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and in Berkshire Commandery of Knights Templar, all three of Pittsfield, and in Melha Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Springfield. He is an independent in politics.
Leon Mohill married, October 24, 1933, Sonia Hal- perin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Halperin, of Pittsfield. Mrs. Mohill is a graduate of Boston Uni- versity and a member of the League of Women Voters. Mr. and Mrs. Mohill are the parents of three children: 1. Malka, born November 8, 1937. 2. Lenore, born September 15, 1940. 3. Abby, born October 15, 1943.
ROBERT GEORGE NEWMAN-For more than decade prominently connected with the Berkshire Athenaeum, Robert George Newman has since 1946 served as librarian of this Pittsfield institution. Mr. Newman has demonstrated unusual ability in library science and administration, and under his leadership the library is making rapid progress and is adding to its already excellent reputation as a source of learn- ing and information.
Robert George Newman was born at Garden City, New York, son of George Augustus and Rosetta (Goldstone) Newman. His father, a native of Pitts- field received his preliminary education in this city, in 1903, was graduated from Harvard University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and, in 1905, received the degree of Bachelor of Laws at Harvard University Law School; since then he has carried on a general practice in Pittsfield with much success and promi- nence.
Robert Newman recived his early training in the Pittsfield public schools, and, in 1929, was graduated from Pittsfield High School. He entered Dartmouth College, and, in 1934, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, at that institution. The follow- ing year he gained a degree of Master of Arts at Harvard University. Twelve years later, in 1946, he received a Bachelor of Science degree, with honors, at Columbia University School of Library Service.
In 1935, Mr. Newman became a staff member of the Berkshire Athenaeum. This institution, founded in 1872, elected its first librarian, Edgar G. Hubbel, the following year. He began a collection of local ma- terial which since has been augmented by his succes- sors. The Athenaeum, in 1888, was led by a new librarian, Harlan Hoge Ballard, who had a long term lasting until 1934. A leader in the intellectual life of his community, Mr. Ballard made valuable contri- butions toward the growth of the Athenaeum. Dur- ing his long tenure of office the collections of rare books and important publications increased, due large- ly to the generous contributions of many public- spirited citizens. In 1895, one thousand books from the library of Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes were do- nated to the library by Justice Holmes. William R. Plunkett, for thirty years, until his passing in 1903, spent his life in devotion to the progress of the library.
A donation of almost one hundred thousand dollars by Phinehas Allen, Jr., made possible the building of a large annex to the main building.
In 1934, Francis H. Henshaw became librarian, and transformed the outlook of the Athenaeum from the academic and historical to that of progress and mod- ernization. He radically remodeled the building's in- terior, which included relocating bookshelves, chang- ing departments, completing an inventory, and install- ing a new card system. Outside library agencies were established. Newspapers were microfilmed, made pos- sible by the contributions of Mrs. Samuel G. Colt. In 1938, an inspired group, known as "Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum," began functioning for the good of the institution. They organized into com- mittees to study the needs of the city and the needs of the library. The music committee raised funds to start a Music and Art Library. These are but a few of the individuals and organizations contributing to the progress and development of the Berkshire Athe- naeum.
Robert George Newman took over the active, pro- gressive program that Mr. Henshaw had been carry- ing on. Prior to assuming the position of librarian, Mr. Newman had served in the circulation, reference, and school library departments, as executive assist- ant to the librarian, and, at the time of his entering the military service, in 1942, as high school librarian.
Mr. Newman enlisted January 19, 1942, in the United States Army. After completing basic training in antiaircraft artillery, he attended Officer Candidate School in Army Administration at the University of Florida. In March, 1943, he was commissioned a second lieutenant. From then until the following June he acted as assistant camp personnel adjutant at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, and from then until his discharge served as chief of the Military Personnel Branch at the same station. In October, 1943, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and in January, 1945, became a captain. In January, 1946, he became a member of the inactive reserve as a captain in the Staff and Administrative Reserve.
After having returned to civilian life, Mr. Newman took over his new position at the Athenaeum. Since then he has served in the capacity of librarian con- scientiously and efficiently. A forward looking man, he anticipates many technological and cultural de- velopments in the field of library science. In the future, special collections will be emphasized, ar- ranged according to community interest rather than in bibliographical systems. Pittsfield will develop a strong music and art collection and a large business and technology library. Mechanical devices will en- able library staff members to circulate among the readers to a greater extent. Libraries will be built for the complete comfort and service of the reader. In the world of tomorrow, respect for the idea-rights of others must become as natural as is respect for the property-rights of others in our time.
In addition to his work at the Berkshire Athenaeum, Mr. Newman takes part in the professional life of national and community organizations and the civic and social life in college and city spheres. He holds memberships in the American Library Association and the Western Massachusetts Library Association. He belongs to the American Legion, the Reserve Offi- cers Association of the United States, the Berkshire County Chapter Reserve Officers Association, of
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which he is secretary, the Rotary Club, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Monday Evening Club, the Harvard Club of the Berkshires of which he is secretary-treasurer and the Dartmouth Club of Berkshire County of which he is a past president. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, the Pittsfield Lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is a thirty-second degree Mason. In politics he is an independent voter, and in religious affiliation he adheres to the Jewish faith.
KENNETH THAYER MILLER-An expert in the tool industry of Springfield, Kenneth Thayer Miller has risen to a position of importance in this city through his efforts, and has earned an excellent repu- tation as an executive of note.
Mr. Miller was born June 2, 1891, at Springfield, son of Fred Alden and Mary (Thayer) Miller. His father, who was born in 1862, served as assistant deputy sheriff, and is now retired. His mother died about 1900.
Kenneth Thayer Miller received his education in the local public schools and the Central High School in Springfield.
After having completed his formal training, Mr. Miller became associated with several local tool- making plants, first as an apprentice toolmaker, and then as toolmaker and foreman for twelve years. In 1927 he organized the K. Miller Tool & Manu- facturing Company, Inc. This enterprise prospered, and, in 1942, Mr. Miller purchased a plant on Cass Street, where he has operated since. The firm makes tools, fixtures and special machinery, and it has ex- perienced good success, today being one of the most widely-known enterprises of its type in the city. Recently he purchased the Federal Tool Company, makers of nationally known screw drivers.
Mr. Miller is active in the life of his community as a member of the American Society of Tool En- gineers, the Chamber of Commerce, the Old Lyme Club, the Associated Clubs of New York, the Rotary Club, the Longmeadow Men's Club, and the Trinity Men's Club. In politics he is a Republican, and is a former treasurer of the Republican city committee. In religious faith he is a Methodist, and attends the Trinity Methodist Church. For recreation and exer- cise he enjoys boating.
On October 7, 1913, at Springfield, Kenneth Thayer Miller married Nina Mitchell, daughter of Rosco and Susan (Campbell) Mitchell. Mrs. Miller, who was born January 17, 1891, received her education in the public and high schools of her home town, attend- ed the Teachers Training School at Bangor, taught school for a while, and was engaged in business until her marriage. Kenneth Thayer and Nina (Mitchell) Miller became the parents of the following children: I. Barbara Mitchell, who was born May 30, 1916, re- ceived her early education in the public and high schools of Springfield, was graduated from the Mas- sachusetts State College, and was married to Douglas Milne, an electrical engineer; they became the parents of one child, Kenneth Durant Milne. 2. Kenneth Thayer, Jr., who was born June 23, 1918, was gradu- ated from the Pratt Institute after having completed a course in mechanical engineering, in 1943 enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces, trained in North
Carolina and Texas, became a second lieutenant, re- ceived his honorable discharge from the service in November, 1945, and is now vice president and assis- tant treasurer of the K. Miller Tool Company.
H. EDWARD HAYN-Born and reared in Pitts- field, H. Edward Hayn has spent his entire life to date in his native city, there achieving notable success in the field of business before being called to public office. He is now city treasurer.
Mr. Hayn's parents, Herman G. and Hannah L. (Bohlman) Hayn, were both natives of Germany. When Herman G. Hayn first came to the United States, he settled in the State of Iowa. At the time of the Civil War he enlisted in the Union Army and served his adopted country for some four years. Later he came East and settled in the Berkshire Hills metropolis of Pittsfield, where he followed several occupations, becoming a mill operator, a gardener, an organist and a violinist. It is no reflection on his skill at the organ or with the violin that he also played the bass drum in one of the old time bands of Pitts- field. Hannah L. Bohlman was an infant of two years of age when she was brought to this country by her parents, who settled at Copiague in New York State. Subsequently, about 1865, Hannah L. Bohlman moved to Pittsfield, where she met and married Herman G. Hayn.
H. Edward Hayn, the son of this union, was born at Pittsfield on September 24, 1883. He attended public school and graduated from Pittsfield High School with the class of 1902. In that same year he entered the employment of the W. E. Tillonson Manu- facturing Company of Pittsfield. This association was destined to last for some 29 years. Starting as a clerk, the industrious and efficient young H. Edward Hayn throughout the years was advanced through various positions with the Tillonson firm, finally becoming secretary and assistant treasurer. In 1931 Mr. Hayn accepted the offices of vice president and treasurer of the Peirson Hardware Company, also of Pittsfield.
In 1934, while still associated with the Peirson Hard- ware Company, Mr. Hayn was appointed to the office of city treasurer of the city of Pittsfield, and since that time has been reappointed in each year when the law required it. In October, 1946, he resigned his offices in the Peirson Hardware concern, to be able to devote his attention entirely to his public duties.
For many years, Mr. Hayn has participated in all the business councils and important civic activities of his city. He was a charter member of the Pitts- field Kiwanis Club, and is a past president of that group. He has long been active in the Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce, and has served as a member of its board of directors. A religious man, he is affiliated with the Zion Lutheran Church, serves on its board of trustees, and is president of the church board. He is one of the best-known members of the Masonic order in Western Massachusetts, be- longing to the Majestic Lodge, Pittsfield, of the An- cient Free and Accepted Masons; to the Berkshire Royal chapter; to the Berkshire Commandery of the Knights Templar; and to the Melha Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, which meets in Springfield.
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