USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Rowley > The tercentenary celebration of the town of Rowley, 1639-1939 > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
109
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
for boys, first Harlan Savage and Thomas Burke, Jr., second William Mehaffey and Donald Cressey, third Earle Macleod and Albert Smith ; pie eating contests, first Albert Smith, second Arthur Savage, third Robert MacRae; bicycle race for girls, first Marion Swasey, second Frances Foley ; bicycle race for boys, first Edward Ricker, Jr., second William Jahnke, third George Brown.
After the sports program the Rowley firemen demonstrated the old and modern methods of extinguishing fires. Two shacks had been erected on the Common and the inside of each had been soaked with fuel oil. The smaller one was ignited and the old hand pump was used. An alarm was blown in when the larger one was set on fire and the fire engines were rushed from the fire station to the scene where the modern methods were demonstrated.
The Firemen's exhibition of old and modern methods of fire fighting proved interesting and instructive, comparing the bucket- brigade of former years with our present day motorized equipment, making a novel feature for the day's program.
PARADE
Through the courtesy of the Board of Essex County Commis- sioners, when the matter had been brought to their attention, the committee received an offer from the Essex County Training School to furnish their band free of charge, except entertainment here, and it was suggested having them at the banquet. This band covered a part of the parade route and played at the banquet.
The Parade Committee laid out the following route for the parade on August 26: Line to form on Haverhill Street, proceed down Main Street to Burke's corner, turn left on Jellison Road, through Cross Street to Central Street with halt on Cross Street ; up Central Street to Wethersfield Street, through Wethersfield Street to Bradford Street, through Bradford Street to Summer Street, down Summer Street to Main Street, down Main Street to Central Street, down Central Street to point of dismissal, the whole covering about four miles. The judges who awarded the parade prizes were: Mr. Henry S. Bowen of Ipswich, Mr. Charles M. Bradstreet of Bridgeport, Conn., a Rowley native, and Mr. Stanley N. Shultz of Lawrence.
110
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
THOUSANDS WITNESS PARADE
Saturday afternoon the streets along the four mile route were thronged with townspeople and visitors who witnessed one of the finest parades ever held. in the historic town of Rowley. State troopers assisted the entire Rowley police force in handling the crowd, which was estimated to be twenty-five thousand.
The vessel representing "The Country's Wonder," a float sponsored by the Rowley River Boat Club was awarded first prize of $25. The second prize of $15 was given to Mr. Emery A. Les- sard, who sponsored the float representing "The Three Hundredth Birthday Party." The Colonial Ball float, representing the King and Queen and her suite, sponsored by Mrs. Frederick Daggett, was awarded third prize of $10. The prize offered by Georgetown for the best float in their division was awarded to the Shoe Industry float of Georgetown.
The parade formed on Haverhill street and at 2:30 o'clock started down Main Street, past the reviewing stand on the Com- mon from where it was broadcast over Station WLAW of Lawrence, and continued to the East End section of the town where there was a rest period on Jellison Road. The parade then continued through Cross Street to Central Street to Wethersfield Street, branching off on Bradford Street and going down Summer Street to Central Street.
The parade was headed by Chief Marshal Everett F. Haley, wearing a helmet and appropriate costume and riding a horse. His aides were Edward F. MacDonald and George S. Porter, both dressed in Puritan period costumes and riding horses. Charles F. Foley of Rowley, Muriel Hicks of Newbury, George Patterson and John Callahan of Ipswich, dressed in Indian costumes, followed on horseback. The local police and officials, including Chief Wood- man H. Jewett, and officers Marshall F. Jewett, Alexander Good, Selectmen Frank W. Fletcher, Rupert S. Morrill and Samuel F. Knowles, Jr., Road Surveyor Anthony Sheehan, Rep. Harland Burke of Ipswich and Selectman Brainard C. Wallace of Ipswich, marched behind this group. Next in line was the Andover Brass Band headed by a young girl as drum major, followed by Ipswich Post No. 80 of the American Legion.
11
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
ROWLEY DIVISION
The first float was the Colonial Ball float with the king and queen, Francis E. Harriman of Groveland and Miss Helen Chur- chill of Portland, Me., also the eight women, Mrs. F. Payson Todd, Mrs .B. Harris Hardy, Mrs. Charles Pickard, Miss Stacia Egounis, Miss Elizabeth Dummer, Mrs. Wilfred Devarenne, Mrs. Edward MacDonald, Miss Martha MacDonald. They were all dressed in the beautiful costumes which they had worn at the ball and made a very lovely float.
OLDEST RESIDENT PRESENT
Thomas Prime, 93 years of age, the oldest resident of Rowley, was riding in the next car.
Next in line was the Congregational Church float on which there was a church patterned in Gothic architecture because it was the feeling that Gothic architecture most truly typifies the atti- tude and atmosphere of worship. It represented man's eternal hope and faith in the Church as the medium of the worship of God. Those on the float representing the Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, the first pastor and founder of Rowley in 1639 and his band of early settlers, were F. Payson Todd, Miss Eleanor Haley, Miss Elsa Emmons, Kenneth Todd, Jr., Elliott Kent, Randolph Emerson, Grover Gibbs.
The original cannon, "Old Nancy," followed, escorted by Curtis Haley dressed in a colonial military costume and riding on horseback.
The "Old Nancy" cannon was hauled in the parade by a magnificent team of horses owned and driven by Mr. Clement Egounis of Rowley.
Mr. Egounis, James C. Hirtle and Harold E. Bartlett accom- panied the cannon, all attired in the uniforms of the Revolutionary Army.
Then came the Baptist Church float which was the scene of the inside of a Baptist church with an open Bible on the pulpit, signifying "The Open Bible." There was also a cross signifying "the necessity of the Cross." Rev. Stanley Gregory stood behind
112
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
the pulpit. Everett Bradstreet was seated at the organ with Mrs. Frederick Jahnke, Mrs. Wilbur Pickard and Miss Doris Reed in the choir which sang hymns along the route.
The St. Mary's Church float was a lovely monastery garden with a monk and two boys, George Gallant and Edward Gallant.
The Rowley Historical Society entered four vehicles repre- senting the four periods - 1639-1739-1839-1939.
The 1639 period was represented by a one horse hay wagon driven by Herman Worthley, on which the following children were riding : Phyllis Maker, Ann Barrett, Evelyn Seaver, Madelyn Ricker, Helen Barrett, Barbara Newell, Delberta Leavitt, Joan Janvrin, John Worthley and Miss Barbara Hall.
The period of 1739 was represented by a historic room on a two horse wagon in which were seated Mr. and Mrs. John Brad- street, Mrs. Carleton Brown, Miss Betty Hale, Miss Barbara Hale and Mrs. John Beauvais, all dressed in Puritan costumes.
The 1839 period was represented by a one-horse chaise driven by Reginald C. Kent, carrying Mrs. Knight Dexter Cheney. Miss Alice B. Smith, driving her modern automobile, represented the 1939 period.
The Town float followed, representing light and music from 1639 to 1939, with a candle, a kerosene lamp and electric lamp; a spinet, music box and phonograph. Riding on this float were Miss Ruth Pike, Mrs. William Rockwell, formerly Katharine Lam- bert Richards, and Miss Elizabeth Thorstenson.
Next in line was the Grange float representing degree work. The members, dressed in their robes, riding on this float were: Mrs. Tillie Morong, Mrs. Elizabeth Rust, Mrs. Mary Cook, Mrs. Florence Haley, Mrs. Ada Segee, Mrs. Bertha Peabody, Mrs. Georgiana Boynton, Mrs. Alice Marshall, Mrs. Chester Anthony, Mrs. Lena Smith.
The 300th birthday party float followed. This float was beau- tifully decorated with blue and white crepe paper. The scene was a garden, with many lovely flowers. At the front was an arch- way as the entrance to the garden, where the children of today were having a birthday party, with a Puritan girl standing above
113
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
them under a canopy, and a group of Indians at the rear watching as invited guests from 300 years ago. A huge birthday cake with candles was in the center of the float. Miss Ruth Foster was the Puritan girl and the Indians were Mr. and Mrs. Emery A. Les- sard and son Emery F. Lessard, and Odbrey Lessard. The chil- dren were Susan Haskell, Jean Manthorn, Jean Goodwin, Barbara MacDonald, Louise Tenney, Norma Perley, Lorraine MacDonald, Joyce Grover, Mary Turner, William Haskell, Henry Haskell and Roger Grover.
The float of Nokomis Rebekah Lodge was a tableau cen- tering around the dove which is an emblem of peace. Three offi- cers, Mrs. Willard Worthley, Mrs. Everett Hiller and Miss Ruth Pace, were seated in front with Mrs. Hazen Jewett, Mrs. Gorham Jewett, Mrs. Frank Hodgdon and Mrs. Charles Mooney, charter members of the order, holding the streamers from the dove.
One of the old George E. Daniels five-seat wagons followed, conveying Mr. and Mrs. Winford Keay, Eulalie Keay, Robert Keay, Adaline Lynds, Eva Chase, Alfred Smith, Muriel Ricker, Ralph Warner, Robert Kellie, Herbert Diamond, Warren Thurs- ton and Herbert Snow.
The next in line was the display of Masconnomet Lodge, I.O.O.F. This was a float with the members depicting a scene of David appearing before King Saul. The characters were portrayed by William A. Hiller, Wendell S. Pace, B. Harris Hardy, John A. Marshall, J. Robert Marshall and William C. Bates. The guards who marched three on each side of the float were Carl G. Peabody, Willard K. Worthley, Olle D. Olsen, Fred R. Segee, Ronald P. Perley, Newell C. Short. Arthur K. Gordon drove the truck. Marching behind this float was a large representation of the North Shore Odd Fellows Good Fellowship Association, some of whom carried a huge American flag.
The float of Rowley Mutual Benefit Association, Driver Harry H. Haley, represented the home of an early settler with Hon. Cornelius F. Haley and Palmer S. Perley standing outside in Puri- tan costumes.
The Essex County Training School Band was next in line.
114
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
€
"COUNTRY'S WONDER"
Bow and Stern views. First prize float in parade, August 26, 1939. Lawrence R. Bishop, designer and builder.
WONDER
.
115
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
The huge vessel representing "The Country's Wonder" built near the Rowley Common in 1814 was drawn by four oxen repre- senting the 100 yoke of oxen which hauled it to Rowley river. This float was sponsored by the Rowley River Boat Club. Riding on this float were Joseph Hirtle, Francis Knowles, Dana Hiller, Richard Hirtle, Joseph O'Brien and John P. Curtis.
The next in line was the Good Cheer Club float representing "The Spirit of Good Neighbors." This club was organized in 1919 and there were 20 flags in front representing the 20 years of its existence. It was a lovely garden scene. Riding on this float were: Mrs. Fred Hardy, the first president; Mrs. Grover Stevens, the present president ; and Mrs. Myron Wood, Mrs. William Edgerly and daughter, Martha Jean Edgerly.
The Knights of Pythias float came next representing "The Senate," the rank of Knight of the Order. Riding on this float were the King, Alfred Langmaid, Samuel Langmaid, Elmer A. Durgin, Ernest B. Mason, Fred A. Hanson, Richard Mason, Charles E. Marshall, Elmer Glynn, Percy Dort, Irving Lipoldt ; the color bearers, Chester Wadden, Ernest McIntyre; guards, Everett Smith, Forrest Ellsworth.
Following in line were John Perley's old-fashioned one-horse ice team with old type ice box and tools and his two modern trucks with modern refrigerator and tools.
A one-horse wagon with the back filled with groceries was the next in line representing Prime's store, the oldest store in America to be owned by the same family. This store was started by Mark Prime 232 years ago. Riding on the float were direct descendants of Mark Prime, John D. Perley and son Barrie and Sheila Perley, daughter of the present manager.
Following the wagon was George Blodgette's oil truck.
The two Rowley fire engines and the small truck carrying the hand pump were at the end of the Rowley Division.
GEORGETOWN DIVISION
Georgetown's division followed headed by three officers, the sons of the Legion and two legionnaires. The Salem Kiltie Band was furnished by Georgetown. Georgetown's cannon, "Old Nancy," two fire engines and a car carrying officials were next in line. This was followed by a float representing a bowling alley. Next in line
116
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
was the Shoe Industry float attractively decorated with modern and old-fashioned shoes and machinery. Other floats which fol- lowed were the Townsend Club, Hope Council D. of A., the Bethany Rebekah Lodge, the Boy Scouts. There were two camels followed by a quaint donkey and cart and the Hickory Tree Animal Farm truck.
The Georgetown contingent formed at Georgetown Square be- fore leaving for Rowley at 1:30 o'clock. Previous to their leaving a concert was enjoyed by the townspeople given by the American Legion bagpipers of Salem, who were hired by the townspeople to furnish music for thir unit, in front of Odd Fellows Hall on East Main Street. Accompanying the local contingent when they started for the gala occasion was a line of automobiles fully two miles in length. Floats and all those participating in the parade were brought to a halt on Haverhill street in Rowley where they awaited to take up their respective places in the line of march.
The local division was headed by Chief of Police Louis M. Holt as chief marshal of the contingent with officers Charles New- combe and Richard Greenleaf. Next came the colors carried by Captain James Gray and Robert Robinson, sons of the Legion, with color guards Henry Dea and Marshall Boutwell, members of Rene J. Gagnon Post, American Legion; next came the banner inscribed "Georgetown Division" carried by the sons of the legion Paul Wilmarth, David Dea and Aime Blouin. This was followed by the American Legion Kiltie bag-pipe band of Salem with George- town's original cannon, "Old Nancy," the old relic mounted on a new gun carriage drew considerable attention. The cannon crew was Ellsworth Tidd, Robert Cook, Henry Witham and Richard Rogers. Next in line of march was the new fire truck combina- tion No. 1 from the Central fire station headed by Fire Chief Alton L. Cook, Deputy Chief George Moffitt, Captain William Illsley and members Albert Tidd, John Hoyt, Harold Spofford, Merle Spaulding, Frank Tidd, Stillman Baril, John Palmer.
The Erie Fire Association truck was headed by Captain Walter Hardy and Deputy Fire Warden Ernest Brown with members Carl Watson, Harland Floyd, Roland Peatfield and Maurice Knee- land. This was followed by float representing the Georgetown Bowling Alleys with Lewis N. Pingree and Miss Winifred Gra- ham.
1838
GEORGETOWN
SAGE INDUSTRY
1838 - 1939
SHOE INDUSTRY
Georgetown's first prize float in parade, August 26, 1939, in charge of Albert Meader and John Marston, depicted the shoe industry from incorporation of that town in 1838 to 1939. From photo by Mr. Dwight L. Minchin, Georgetown. (Rowley Town Hall in background.)
118
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
The next float was the large shoe industry float representing the town's industry from 1838 to the present day. This particular float was in charge of Albert Meader assisted by John Marston. It clearly depicted the shoe industry from the incorporation of the town in 1838 up until 1939. Starting with the old-fashioned type small shoe shop the old industry was capably portrayed by Wendell Brocklebank and John Robinson of East Main Street, two of the town's oldest shoe makers. In the collection of these old-time shoe- maker's kit were two cobblers' benches loaned by Mrs. Belle Rogers of Andover Street and Ellwood Wildes of Central Street. Many of the tools and knives used in the making of these peg shoes are the personal property of Mr. Meader. A cobbler's stand up bench was loaned by Miss Ruth Weston of West Main Street. Among the many interesting peg shoes was a knee high pair actually worn by Dr. Edward M. Hoyt, now retired, of East Main Street, when a child. Other pegged boots and material was loaned by John Molloy, 2nd, Mr. Gurst of Boxford, Mrs. Olive Paquette, Clar- ence Adams and Harry Perkins. Also on display was the first pair of peg shoes made by Mr. Pillsbury of Georgetown, the inven- tor of the first pegging machine. To make the old-time shoe shop appear realistic there was an old-fashioned stove loaned by Roy Brown of West Main Street.
The modern shoe industry of Georgetown, the making of shoe skates, was depicted by Miss Ivanelle Steeves. Number three float was the Townsend float decorated in red, white and blue, showing conditions before the Townsend plan and conditions after. This float was sponsored by the Georgetown club but represented all Townsend clubs in this district.
Next came a decorated automobile of the Daughters of America driven by Merton Roberts with Councillor Mrs. Helen Moore, Past Councillors Mrs. Bessie Kneeland and Mrs. Merton Roberts, Deputy National Councillor Mrs. Sabrina Gerald of Groveland and Mrs. Arthur Wood of Amesbury. Number five float was the Bethany Rebekah float beautifuly decorated in pink, green and white, symbolic of that order. Banner bearers were: Mrs. Ruth Trefethen and Mrs. Gertrude Wilmarth and on the float were Noble Grand Mrs. Marion Hemeon, Vice Grand Miss Natalie Poore, Miss Molly Root, depicting an angel and Miss Marion Bailey. Next came the rustic Boy Scout float displaying a large emblem of a
119
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
First Class Scout with a large banner inscribed "Building Character Through Scouting." The emblem was made by Assistant Scout- master Keith Winthrop assisted by Norman Winthrop, Kenneth Lee and Alfred Minchin. The float was made by Scoutmaster Bruce Andrews and Assistant Scoutmaster Armand Soucy. This was followed by a representation of the Hickory Tree Wild Animal Farm, two camels in charge of Gustave Tramer, manager of the farm, and Wavey Cline with Elmer Tedford dressed as a clown and Richard Phelan driving a pony cart. Winding up the divi- sion was Leslie Merrill's sound truck.
The town officials also rode in the Georgetown contingent and were guests at the banquet that was held in the evening. They were Selectmen Edward S. Nelson, Edward J. Watson and Barney Camenker, accompanied by Town Assessor Henry Adams.
Sunday morning Selectman Nelson was notified of the awarding of the Georgetown trophy to the float depicting the shoe industry of the town, the awarding of the prize having been left in the hands of the Rowley committee. Edward MacDonald and William Dummer, members of the committee, who journeyed to Georgetown to announce the committee's decision and also to return the trophy to Georgetown.
Mr. Nelson said that the cup would be placed in the window of Andrews' News store until Tuesday when the cup would be presented to Albert Meader, sponsor of the float, at a regular meeting of the Selectmen on that evening.
Also in the line of march was a large delegation of Odd Fel- lows from Protection Lodge, No. 147, who joined with Rowley members in the parade. The local delegation was headed by Noble Grand Charles S. Pickering, Vice Grand William B. Rogers, Chaplain Attorney Robert F. Metcalf, Arthur Russell, Fred H. Brown, Herbert H. Palmer, Chester Brown of West Newbury; Benjamin Dresser, Alvah Morse, Roy Spaulding, Francis Bartlett, Gile Williams and Everett Bailleau.
120
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
GROVELAND DIVISION
Groveland Fife and Drum Corps: Henry Gerald, George Hanscom, Robert Foote, William Goutier, Ralph Wood, Walter Littlefield, Thomas H. Woodworth, Paul Smith, Edward Beal, Richard Wood, David Lay.
Boy Scouts of America: Raymond Wood, Richard Gordon, William Hartung, Noel White, Kenneth Bilodeau, Robert Huebner, William Wood, Ralph Gordon, John Hartung, William Goutier, Earl Aiken, Reginald Mugford.
Old Handtub "Veto": Richard Wyatt, Clifton Smith, Allan Dowkens, Byron Jones, Jr.
Fire Apparatus "Seagraves": Malcolm Wyatt, Allen Parker.
Float with Replica of Liberty Bell: Harry Haigh, driver ; on float, Charlotte Elliott, Pauline Pierce, Ruth Woodworth, Marion Ricker ; bellringer, Herbert Smith.
Town of Groveland Committee: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Woodworth, Mrs. George Mitchell, Mr. Fred R. Hardy, Mr. James W. McGinley, Mr. Andrew S. Longfellow, Mrs. Myron O. Wood, Mr. Thornton E. Pike, Mr. Llewellyn W. Nelson, Mrs. Harriette Parker, Mrs. Alan E. Ricker, chairman.
121
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
REPLICA OF PAUL REVERE BELL
Groveland's outstanding parade float, August 26, 1939, Harry Haigh, driver. Original bell now in steeple of Groveland Congregational Church. One of the real historic treasures of that Town.
HISTORY OF PAUL REVERE BELL
HESSIAN DESERTER HIRED AS RINGER FOR YEARS
The use of the replica of the Paul Revere bell as a central part of the design for the Groveland float in the Rowley Tercen- tenary celebration has caused considerable interest in the original bell which is in the steeple of the Groveland Congregational Church. The bell is one of the real historical treasures in town and has been looked upon as such for years.
On Dec. 22, 1895, Rev. Louis F. Berry, then pastor of the church, delivered a sermon on the history of the bell from which a large part of the following is taken.
In the first days of the church a drum was used to call the people of the parish to worship. On Sept. 6, 1790, when the present church was being built the parish voted "to make an alter- ation in the cupola relative to fixing a place for the bell." This is the first reference to a bell and referred to an earlier and smaller bell it is thought. Tradition says that this bell was later removed to a schoolhouse when the present bell was purchased.
122
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
In 1795 the parish contracted for what is known in Paul Revere's list as bell number 11, weighing 695 pounds. According to Revere the bell was made for the town of Newburyport and then sold to the town of Bradford. The bell has the following inscription cast in the metal near the dome:
"The living to the church I call And to the grave I summon all."
while just beneath these words on one of the sides is cast, "Revere, 1795." The original inscription of this nature was cast on a bell made in England for Sir William Pepperill and intended to have been given that town by him in return for having the town named after him. This bell was captured by the British and cast into cannon. Whether Revere had seen this bell is not known. The inscription brings to mind the old custom of tolling the bell on the death of any member of the parish.
Great preparations were made by the people to receive the bell. The old records show that on April 1, 1795, the parish voted to pay :
Benj. Burbank for iron work for the bell £3/4s
Moses Parker for sundry articles towards hanging ye
bell and for Eleazar Spofford for work £3/2s/11d Samuel Tenney for latch for steeple door 2s/6d
It is assumed that this work was all completed before the arri- val of the bell from Newburyport. How it came to town is a matter of disputed tradition -- one side holding out that it came by river and was hauled by oxen from the landing near the present bridge to the church - the other, that local ox-teams went to Newburyport and hauled the bell overland from there. The latter tradition seems more reasonable for the other necessitates an extra handling of a 695-pound bell when means of lifting such a load were much more primitive than nowadays.
The next record on the parish book is:
"Dec. 18, 1795, voted that the present assessors ( Moses Parker, Niles Tilden and Samuel Harriman) to be a committee to take care of the bell and employ some person to ring the same until
123
1639-Rowley Tercentenary Celebration-1939
next March on all public days. Voted - that the bell should be rung at 12 o'clock and at 9 o'clock at night until March next."
As of March 24, 1796, the same arrangements were continued for another year.
In the treasurer's book, under the date of Dec. 17, 1796, the name of Lutus Elsas first appears. "Paid Lutus Elsas for ringing the bell, $6.75"; and on March 23, 1797, it was "Voted to allow Lutus for Ringing $5."
Lutus Elsas, whose name was mentioned, was without doubt the first bell ringer. He appears in the records as Lutus Elsas, again simply as Lutus and again as Joshua Lutus Elsarse depend- ing on the form of spelling used by the writer. Whatever the spelling there is no question that he was both a man of mystery and a man of history to the people of the little parish. Tradition says that he was a Hessian soldier brought over to fight the colonists in the Revolution, who deserted. When the war was over he wandered into Bradford to live and married Susannah, daughter of John Wool, in 1785, and died here. He always bore the name Elsarse, or Elsas, although his name was probably only Joshua Lutus. Elsas being German for Alsace. It is thought that Lutus of Alsace became corrupted into Lutus Elsas.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.