USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1936-1940 > Part 17
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 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
Over 150 daily and weekly newspapers were steadily supplied with editorials and news material. The re- leases sent out totaled more than 2,000, at times from 150-200 at each mailing. An important feature of the campaign was the radio broadcast from Station WHDH, given every Friday over a period of six weeks. In both releases and broadcasts the charm, picturesqueness and historical flavor of Duxbury was presented in a way that must have interested thousands who could not hope to see the anniversary celebration. The Old Colony Memorial, with the assistance of Dr. Peterson, made a splendid contribution in the form of a finely illustrated special edition.
On the Parade Committee were Eben N. Briggs, Parker B. Chandler, Isabelle Freeman, secretary; John Flannery, Thomas Murray, Roderic MacDonald, David L. Patten, Ralph E. Thompson and Harry L. Tinker. Mr. Patten was chosen marshal, Mr. Briggs chief of staff and Mr. Murray float chairman. To Mr. Murray's experience with such pageants and his untiring en- thusiasm much of the credit for the fine display on July
1
1 f
1
·
20
5th was due. He personally visited every town on the list and where persuasion was needed he convinced the doubtful.
So far as the general public was concerned the suc- cess of the main day of the celebration depended on the spectacle given by the big parade. In other words, it rested on the shoulders of the Parade Committee.
It was their job, first to rouse the interest of the vari- ous organizations of Duxbury and the neighboring towns to the point where they were willing to spend money to participate; to see that the floats kept to the desired type; to arrange for fitting military and naval units and obtain the right number of good bands; not an easy task since on that day of all days of the year bands are most in demand. Through the generosity of Mr. Charles McAlleer, the committee was promised the services of the Caledonian Club Bagpipe Band.
Two flyers were printed and sent out broadcast in ad- dition to the constant correspondence and repeated per- sonal contacts. Negotiations that seemed almost com- pleted sometimes broke down at the last moment and efforts had to be begun in new directions. Even after the publication of the special directions for the pro- cession, a few days before the parade, certain par- ticipants sent word they were unable to come.
When the make-up of the parade had finally been set- tled so far as possible the second phase af the Commit- tee's work began : Arrangements for the gathering points for all floats, units, etc .; for the general order in which they should be placed when in line; pace and distance between units; disposition of bands; police regulation and control of spectators and traffic; luncheon for the marching units; first aid and comfort stations, etc., etc.
Limitations of space allow only a brief summary of the work, and it should be remembered that the same is
21
true of the activities of all the other committees. That the Parade Committee carefully arranged and skillfully handled a fine show spoke for itself on the afternoon of July 5th.
Mrs. H. Parker Whittington, appointed head of the Information Committee, organized her department with speed and energy. Under her direction a group of more than 50 women from all sections of the town acted somewhat as free-lance advertisers. A series of con- veniently located bureaus of information were arranged for, with a relay of women attendants. A list of rooms to let with the prices asked was prepared for the con- venience of visitors wishing to stop in town. Also for their convenience Mr. Paul Cushing and Mr. Charles R. Crocker arranged for the placing of guide and other official signs where necessary, including the different highway approaches to Duxbury.
The Reception Committee for the exercises at the Wright estate was composed of Harry B. Bradley, chair- man; Fisher Ames, Miss Mary W. Boody, Mrs. Charles S. Clark, Miss Louise Coburn, Mrs. James S. Conant, Howard B. Converse, Mrs. Stephen W. Gifford, Jr., B. F. Goodrich, Edward Kelly, Jr., Ralph Lawson, Mrs. Atherton Loring, Jr., F. W. Mattheis, Thomas Murray, Mrs. David S. Patten and Percy L. Walker.
Miss Louise Coburn and Miss Mary Boody were put in full charge of all the luncheon arrangements for the several hundred invited guests. Mrs. David S. Patten and Mrs. Atherton Loring, Jr., were appointed a com- mittee of two on the decorations at the Wright estate.
From Jan. 1, 1937, to the time of the celebration the Tercentenary Committee held 25 meetings. After bids from several printers were considered and the question of illustrations (an expensive item) was decided, pub- lication of the "Story of Duxbury" was eventually
22
handed over to the Norwood Press and the Folsom En- graving Co., the book to retail for $2.00, though actual cost was somewhat more. Mr. Edward C. Turner was appointed official photographer.
The U. S. Post Office Department could not grant the town a special stamp and the Committee itself gave up the idea of a commemorative half-dollar, compromising on a seal-sticker designed by Mr. O. L. Barker, bearing the reproduction of the ship Hope, built in a Weston yard in 1841, and souvenir medals with the Alden House on one side and on the other a facsimile of the town seal. Paul C. Peterson was made chairman of the souvenir medal arrangements.
An illustrated souvenir program was planned, to be published at no cost to the Committee, but paid for by the advertising and the small fee charged purchasers. Mr. Walter G. Prince, as chairman, was put in charge. With the aid of various collaborators he produced an attractive and informative little booklet, full of anec- dotes and atmosphere, with an excellent chronological history of Duxbury. It is worth adding that it not only paid for itself but contributed a profit of almost $200 to- wards the expenses of the sports program.
A contract was made at this time between the Com- mittee and the Harvard University Corp., which kindly permitted the use of the lower floor and the grounds of the William J. Wright estate for the day of the main celebration. This involved the erection of a reviewing stand along the street front. For the necessary Tercen- tenary headquarters the selectmen granted the use of the Dr. Porter, or Abbot, house on St. George St.
Dr. Charles E. Park, of the First Church in Boston, was formally invited to give the address of the day, July 5th, and arrangements were completed with Con- gressman Gifford, Rev. Alfred R. Hussey of the First
23
Church of Plymouth, Rev. Carl B. Bihldorff and Dr. Harry A. Garfield to take part in the ceremony. Dr. Garfield kindly consented to preside at the afternoon exercises on July 5th.
Through the efforts of Mr. David L. Patten, Congress- man Gifford and Capt. Charles C. Soule, chief of staff to Rear Admiral W. H. Gherardi, Charlestown Navy Yard, permission was given to the U. S. Destroyer Schenck to visit Duxbury Bay for the duration of the celebration. The Duxbury Yacht Club agreed to act as host to the naval detachment, Lieut. George Nold in com- mand.
Duxbury Post American Legion, Eben N. Briggs, com- mander, was given charge of the concessions at Train Field for the three days of the celebration. This in- cluded the sports and the bonfire. Mr. Briggs and Mr. Harry F. Swift were put in charge of the fireworks dis- play on the night of July 5th. On the recommendation of the Legion committee it was decided to ask a parking fee for cars not carrying Duxbury registration.
After some correspondence Governor Hurley had notified the Committee he would be able to be present on July 5th. Judge Arthur C. Beane was appointed civil aide to the Governor and the official salutes for His Excellency and party were provided for. Mr. W. B. Coffin was asked to act as contact officer for the De- stroyer Schenck. A camp site was chosen at Train Field for the 250 men of the 101st Regiment, National Guard, Major A. C. Dunphy in command.
Invitations were sent out to neighboring Old Colony and Plymouth towns to enter floats of an historical nature. Later, local organizations received the same request. Mr. Oliver L. Barker was made chairman of the Town Float Committee. The subject selected was: "The Sultan of Turkey, in 1830, grants to the Brig
----
24
Smyrna of Duxbury, Seth Sprague in command, permis- sion to pass through the Dardanelles: The first vessel to carry the American flag into the Black Sea."
Mr. Roy Harlow, Mr. Robert A. Patterson, Mr. Roderic N. MacDonald and Mr. Richmond Arnold were put in charge of band and orchestral music, Mr. Patterson later composing a Tercentenary march. With the as- sistance of Mr. Mugford, leader, it was arranged for Boy Scout members of the Duxbury Troop to serve as guides during the anniversary celebration. The com- mittee on music had a good deal of work to do. Their program covered all three days and was excellently selected.
THE TERCENTENARY OBSERVANCES SATURDAY, JULY 3
The opening day of the celebration was typical of the season, fair and warm, but not too hot to handicap the contestants in the sports program to which the day was mainly devoted.
From 10.00 A. M. to late in the afternoon Train Field was the scene of various athletic events. Juvenile sports headed the list, then the juniors had their turn. A base- ball game between Duxbury Semi-Pros and Allston A. C. began at 2 P. M., followed by a 100 yard dash, won by Frank Masciana of Boston; an 880 yard run, won by George Kelley of Dorchester; putting the 16-pound shot, won by Howard Buckley of Lowell.
The athletic program, including the climax of the day, the Marathon Run, was arranged and capably managed by a sports committee composed of Mr. Walter G. Prince, chairman; Mr. Albert Geiger and Mr. Ralph Blakeman of Duxbury; Mr. Walter Haskell and Mr. Romeo Carletti of Plymouth. Mr. Geiger was the
25
official starter of the famous Boston Athletic Ass'n Marathon runs for many years.
The Myles Standish Marathon covered the rolling 10- mile course between Plymouth and Duxbury. The 50- odd runners assembled at Plymouth Rock at 3:00 P. M., then moved to the starting point at the junction of Samo- set and Court streets, thence along Samoset to Standish Ave., to North Spooner, to Court, along Route 3 to Kings- ton, to Landing road, to Bay road, Duxbury, to Hall's Corner, to Washington St., to St. George St., to Alden St., and so to the finish line at Train Field.
Contestants from more than 30 New England towns took part, among them the nationally famous runner Clarence De Mar, and the equally noted marathoner, Ellison "Tarzan" Brown, a Narragansett Indian from Bradford, R. I.
"Tarzan" Brown carried a message of greeting from the Selectmen of Plymouth to the Selectmen of Duxbury as follows:
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Duxbury
Sirs :
We send you Greetings on the occasion of your 300th Anniversary, and wish for you and your Town many happy returns on this, your Birthday.
It is with great satisfaction that we recall having the honor of welcoming your Town at our celebration in 1920. We rejoice to have this opportunity of giving expression to the feelings of friendship and goodwill which have for so long bound together our two towns and to express the confident hope that our association will ever be cherished to the great advantage of both towns.
26
In conclusion, we hail our sister Town of Duxbury, and hope that her future may be one of prosperity.
JAMES A. WHITE, Chairman for the Board of Selectmen,
Town of Plymouth.
Michael Mansulla, of Brockton, won the event, which was witnessed by thousands of spectators along the course. Mansulla moved up into the lead shortly after passing the Kingston-Duxbury line and held it easily thereafter for the remaining three and one-half miles to the finish. Actually the best time was made by the Indian, "Tarzan" Brown, starting from single scratch of six minutes.
Time of the first ten runners to finish :
time
time
Summary of the race:
Elapsed Corrected
Michael Mansulla, Brockton Y. M. C. A.
60:41
57:41
Ted Stergios, Providence, R. I.
61:32
58:17
Mynard Alden, Middleboro
62:15
62:00
Ellison Brown, Bradford, R. I.
62:44
56:44
Walter K. Ray, Salem
62:46
57:01
Clarence Parsons, No. Medford Club
62:47
62:32
Clarence DeMar, Keene, N. H.
63:24
62:39
Leo Giard, Brockton
63:30
63:30
John Anderson, Norfolk, Y. M. C. A.
63:51
61:21
Fred A. McGlune, Natick
64:11
62:11
Prize awards for the race, which was held under the auspices of Duxbury Post, No. 223, American Legion, were: Cups for the first three to finish; medals for next seven to finish; cup for best time prize; cup for team prize (three men to team); Tercentenary souvenir medals for all runners finishing. The team prize was won by the Medford Club, Medford, Mass.
This most interesting running contest owed much of its success to the fine co-operation of the Selectmen and police departments of Plymouth, Kingston and Dux-
27
bury. Without their permission and assistance it would have been impossible to keep the 10-mile course unim- peded by traffic.
At 6:45 P. M. on Train Field the Coast Guard from the Brant Rock Station gave a public drill and a breeches buoy demonstration of rescue work. The day's pro- gram closed with a concert by the Norwood Legion band.
Throughout the day five points of interest attracted hundreds of visitors: The "Old Store" at the Sylvanus Sampson house on Standish St .; The rooms of the Dux- bury Rural and Historical Society; The Maritime Ex- hibit at the Tercentenary headquarters; the Bradford House on Tremont St., and the Alexander Standish House. The last four were open to the public during the three days' celebration.
The Old Store is in much the same condition as in the eighteenth century when the shrewd trader, Syl- vanus Sampson, dispensed goods to citizens and In- dians. The solid woodwork is there with the bar and counter behind which he stood, and the old books in which he kept his accounts.
Sampson built and owned a fishing fleet that plied be- tween the Grand Banks and Eagle Nest Creek behind the store. From the same creek Sampson evaporated the salt used to salt the catch of the fleet, which was then reshipped and sent to the West Indies and traded for rum and molasses, these two products being the main cargo brought back to the store for sale.
The Maritime Exhibit was like an illustrated page of the ship-building history of Duxbury. The models, all of locally built vessels collected by Mr. William H. Young over a period of many years, showed the gradual change in naval designing from the old squat, square-
28
ended types, to the racier lines of the clipper days. An item of special value was the graphic map, drawn by Mr. Young, picturing the location of the Duxbury ship- yards that flourished during the middle of the 19th cen- tury when the town was one of the important seafaring centers of New England. Old ship paintings and old naval implements completed the interesting collection.
At the Bradford house on Tremont St., where Miss Mary N. Gifford, Mrs. Atherton Loring, Jr., and Miss Rosamond Gifford were in charge, the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society had a loan exhibition of antiques and objects of historical interest. The colonial features of this old house are in perfect condition and attractive- ly illustrate some period methods of interior construc- tion.
SUNDAY, JULY 4th
During the morning of the second day divine services were held at the First Parish Unitarian Church; the Congregational Church; St. John's Episcopal Church; the Beulah Chapel, and West Duxbury Methodist Churches, with three masses at the Church of the Holy Family.
The afternoon saw one of the most picturesque cere- monies of the celebration. The stage was the summit of Captain's Hill from which the hundreds of spectators and participants overlooked the indented coast line and all the wooded expanse of the township, its details dis- tinct as an etching in the clear cool air.
Under the shadow of the tall monument to Myles Standish a Commemorative Service was held, opening with the singing by all present of the hymn "America," announced by the Rev. Daniel Lahey.
29
THE PROGRAM
Scripture reading and prayer. By Rev. Tharold Nortrup. Reading of a poem by Elder Brewster. By Rev. Carl B. Bihldorff. Selection by Norwood Legion Band. Reading of a poem by LeBaron R. Briggs, late Dean of Harvard College. By Rev. Allen Jacobs. Song: "The Breaking Waves Dashed High." Anounced by Dr. G. Edwin Woodman. Reading of the Mayflower Compact. By Rev. Gordon L. King. Song: "O God, Beneath Thy Guiding Hand." Announced by Rev. Allen Jacobs. Benediction (written three centuries ago).
By Rev. Allen Jacobs.
Their simplicity, and the perfect appropriateness of their setting, gave to the services a dramatic effect it would be hard to equal.
The Rev. Allen Jacobs, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, was in charge of the program which had been drawn up by the Duxbury Council of Churches. Though on a hill top, in the open air, the loud-speaker equip- ment made every word spoken audible to all in the large gathering. Appropriate selections by the Norwood Legion Band concluded the ceremonies. Mr. Roy L. Harlow arranged the program of band music and Mr. Edmund McClosky led the singing.
In the afternoon the bay was white with the sails of boats entered in a special race of the Duxbury Yacht Club. On Train Field a ball game between Duxbury Town Team and Canton Athletic Club, the runner-up for the State championship, ended in a victory for the
30
visitors. Later the Coast Guard gave a second drill and demonstration.
From 10:00-12 P.M. the Norwood Legion Band gave a concert to a steadily increasing crowd that flowed on to the field in anticipation of what was, certainly for the younger element, the climax of the day-the Bonfire. Bigger than ever before the symmetrical pyramid of 268 barrels rose to a height of over 80 feet. When lighted shortly after midnight the towering column of flame was visible from many miles away.
Expert observers estimated the number of specta- tors as between 30,000 and 40,000. This estimate would probably hold true of the total number who witnessed the three days' celebrations.
MONDAY, JULY 5 THE PARADE
On the morning of July 5th the units of the various divisions formed at the street locations radiating from Hall's Corner as designated by the Marshal and his Chief of Staff. All were ready and in line when the arrival of His Excellency, the Governor, was signal- ized by a salute of 19 guns.
A Town Crier in Pilgrim costume (Herbert Packard) went ahead warning the crowds with bell and voice to clear the way for the procession. The parade began to move from Hall's Corner at 10:30 A.M. The route of march: Washington St., St. George St., Alden St. to Train Field, the point of dismissal; a distance of about two and one-half miles.
The head of the first Division, acting as escort to His Excellency, the Governor, proceeded along the dec- orated and spectator-lined course to the Wright grounds where seats on the reviewing stand had been reserved for Governor Hurley and his staff.
His
Dis
Am
C Dep Son Ban
Vet Ban
Bar Ho
Mi Ba De
I Ba
31
ORDER OF THE PARADE
Police escort-Chief James T. O'Neil and police. Marshal-David L. Patten. Chief of Staff-Eben N. Briggs. Staff-Walter G. Prince, Lawrence B. Whitney, R. N. MacDonald, Miss Isabelle Freeman and John W. Flannery.
First Division
Military-Ralph E. Thompson, Commander.
Band-300th Anniversary Band, Norwood, A. L.
Detachment U. S. Navy-U. S. Destroyer Schenck, Lt. G. E. Nold, Commanding.
Third Battalion, 101st Infantry, M. N. G., Major A. C. Dunphy, Commanding.
Batterly E, 101st F. A., M. N. G., Captain A. L. Latham, Commanding.
Band-Boston Consolidated Gas Company Band.
Honorary Staff-Escort for the Governor of the Com- monwealth. The Selectmen, elected and appointed town officers.
His Excellency Governor Charles F. Hurley and Staff. Distinguished Guests.
Second Division
Veterans' Organizations, P. B. Chandler, Commanding. Band-West Roxbury Post A. L.
American Legion-Ralph Ryan, Kempton Baker.
S. U. V. C. W. Uniforms as Color Guard, Elias R. Sweet, Commanding.
Department Officers of S. U. V. C. W.
Sons of Union Veterans.
Band-Caledonian Club Bagpipe Band.
58
d
His ec- ads red
d) to to of to out
us m lis he al-
a- Id d
a 0 le
d
32
Third Division
Civic Organizations, Harry L. Tinker, Commander.
Band-Boys' Club of Boston Band.
1-Boys' Club Marching Unit.
2-Accomack Tribe of Redmen, Plymouth.
3-Mattakesett Lodge No. 110, I. O. O. F. Duxbury, E. S. Glover.
4 Massasoit Lodge No. 69, I. O. O. F. Brockton.
5-Pilgrim Lodge No. 75, I. O. O. F. Abington.
6- Colfax Lodge No. 206, I. O. O. F. East Bridgewater.
7-Girl Scouts of America, Mrs. Philip Covell, Leader.
8-Boy Scouts of America, L. R. C. Mugford, Leader.
Fourth Division Historical Floats
1. The Mayflower. Entered by the Town of Plymouth. A one-third size reproduction of that historic vessel. The cast, which contributed greatly to the effectiveness of this striking float comprised Rev. Carl Knudsen, as John Robinson; Adrian Whiting, as Myles Standish; Mrs. Sadie Sharkey and daughter Lilian, as Mrs. Fuller and her daughter; Eleanor Peterson, Bettina Jones, Warren Girard, James Goodwin, Hugh Maraghy, Lawrence La- hey and Roger Whiting, as Pilgrims; Karl Bittinger and Clarence Woolson, as sailors.
2. The Good Ship Charity. Entered by A. R. Parker Co. A colorful float of the landing of the first three cows brought to America.
3. Ye Village Choir. Entered by Helping Hand Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. A pretty grouping of choristers singing old tunes.
4. Duxbury School of 1800. Entered by the Ameri- can Legion Auxiliary, Duxbury Post. Amusing with- out exaggeration; well designed and costumed.
33
5. Historic Moments. Hingham official float. Cleverly combined tableaux, 1635-1681-1775-1865, with some of the famous characters involved.
6. Homework of Early Duxbury Women. Showing them at their household tasks of weaving and spin- ning. Entered by Mrs. William Ferrell.
7. Early Stage Coach. Entered by Marshfield Board of Trade. That ancient vehicle as built and used in 1654.
8. First Parish Pulpit. Entered by Unitarian Church. Duxbury. One of the most beautiful floats of the par- ade. A mass of lovely flowers.
9. Girl Scout Float. Charmingly decorated with ev- ergreens. Contrasting Pilgrim girls with the Girl Scouts of today.
10. Rose Standish. Entered by the Duxbury Young Women's Club. The daughter of Myles Standish posed in a charming old garden against a screen bearing the colorful Standish arms. The float drawn by three splen- did horses lent by Mr. White of Marshfield.
11. Townsend Club, Duxbury. A beautiful float in red roses with an American flag of red, white and blue flowers. A solid mass of bloom.
12. Before the Throne of the Sultan. An elaborate and colorful design showing the Sultan of Turkey grant- ing the Brig Smyrna of Duxbury, 1830, permission to pass through the Dardanelles. Entered by Town of Duxbury.
13. They Keep the Faith. Entered by the Kingston Civic Assn. A log cabin with a group of Pilgrim leaders in conference with an Indian chief. The treaty with the Wampanoag tribe in 1621.
14. Myles Standish Monument. Entered by the Dux- bury Grange. Pictured the summit of Captain's Hill
1
1
d
r
€
34
crowned by the monument, with settlers gathered about its base.
15. Deborah Sampson. Entered by Town of Plym- ton, incorporated in 1707. Deborah Sampson of Plym- ton, one of the famous heroines of 1776, fought during the Revolution as a man.
16. Founding a Home in Pembroke. Entered by that Town. A graphic representation of early settlers leav- ing their homes in Duxbury to found new ones in Pem- broke. One of the specially striking floats.
17. Ship Independence. The first American war- ship, built in 1776, was the historic subject of this fine float. Entered by the Town of Kingston.
18. Arrival of George Soule. The settling of Pilgrim Soule on what is now Powder Point, in 1638, was por- trayed by Camp Chappa Challa's float.
19. Sunday School. Entered by the Town of Halifax. A very attractive design of the first organized Sunday School in America, started in March 1736.
20. The Town of Hanover's float depicted a black- smith's shop, bearing the date of the incorporation of Hanover, 1727.
21. East Bridgewater's official float portrayed the sale to Duxbury of the Bridgewaters, at Sachem Rock, in 1649.
22. The official entry of West Bridgewater was an historical float of Pulpit Rock in 1861.
23. Landing of the French Cable. Entered by the Church of the Holy Family.
24. Taking Home the Pilgrim Bride. Entered by the Garden Clubs of Duxbury. Artistically posed and cos- tumed. Drawn by a yoke of oxen.
35
25. The Rockland official float showed appropriately the making of shoes, since that Town was the first place in America where these articles of apparel were manu- factured.
The American Legion Band of Braintree brought up the rear of the procession.
PRIZE AWARDS
The judges for the floats, Mrs. John D. Adams, Mrs. Arthur E. Beane, Mrs. B. F. Goodrich, Mr. Oliver L. Barker and Mr. John R. Abbott, made the following awards at the conclusion of the parade:
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.