USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Uxbridge > Uxbridge year by year, 1727-1927 > Part 3
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(123)
THE CENTRAL WOOLEN MILL
Moses Taft built the mill now known as the Stanley Woolen Mill, then called the Central Woolen Mill. Extensive water rights controlled by the Blackstone Canal Company were bought to gain a clear title to the water power. Em- ployees labored in the mills at this date 66 hours a week.
(124)
ST. MARY'S CHURCH
The Rev. Charles O'Reilley began to come once a month from Blackstone to celebrate mass in Taft's hall. Father O'Reilley laid the foundation 'of St. Mary's Church for which he secured the lot on North Main street.
1853
(125)
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Joseph Thayer was a delegate to the convention.
[ 46]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
1854
(126)
THE BURYING-GROUND
The use of the old burying-ground on the site of the town hall ceased.
1855
PROSPECT HILL CEMETERY (127)
William C. Capron opened his land, about eight acres adjoining the new burying-ground for a cemetery, calling it Prospect Hill Cemetery. At first Deacon Capron generously spent all the money he received from the sale of lots in em- bellishing the grounds, laying out walks and grading. After- wards he retained one half the purchase money. Dr. W. A. Mowry wrote of the Deacon, "His life should be embalmed in the memory of all the good people of the town."
(128)
ST. MARY'S CHURCH
The church on North Main street was dedicated.
THE HIGH SCHOOL (129)
In the spring of the year, the high school was established with Nathan E. Goldthwaite as principal.
1857
THE TOMB (130)
The Town paid $421.47 as "expenses for building Tomb".
1858
THE WHEELOCKSVILLE (13I)
A school building was erected.
[ 47 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
1860
(132) THE WORCESTER SOUTHEAST AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Apr. 3. This society was incorporated in Milford. Samuel Taft of Uxbridge was one of the vice presidents and other Uxbridge men were on the board of directors. In 1883, the society was being run by Uxbridge men, with Daniel W. Taft as president. In that year a fair was held in cooperation with the Uxbridge and Mendon Farmers Club. The two clubs were merged and became the Blackstone Valley Agricultural Society.
1861
THE CIVIL WAR (133)
May II. The first war meeting was held in the basement of the Unitarian church, then used for town meetings, when it was voted "to give each volunteer belonging to the town twenty-one dollars a month while in service and one dollar a day for drilling, previous to enlistment, not exceeding twenty days of eight hours a day". Fifteen hundred dollars was appropriated at the same time to purchase uniforms and one hundred dollars to defray the expense of forming a company of riflemen.
(134)
THE CHRISTIAN AND SANITARY SOCIETY
The society was started as soon as war was declared. Mrs. Wilcox, the wife of the Doctor, took charge of the work. Many entertainments were given by the ladies to raise money. Mrs. Jennie Legg Lyndes wrote of one of these patriotic occasions, "The first fair for the benefit of the soldiers was held in Robert Taft's hall. Mrs. James Taft had charge of the fancy work table and Mrs. Susan Hayward of the candy
[48]
THE S. F. SCOTT & SONS ELMDALE MILLS, 1926 The site of Day Mill, 1810
THE DAVIS & BROWN MILL, 1926 Built in 1820
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
table. The cake and flower tables, I do not remember who had charge of. They had some tableaus-'The Ten Virgins'. Ten young ladies all in white, five with lamps burning and five kneeling with lamps gone out. I can only remember one of the young ladies that took part and that was Sarah Smith Taft. She made a striking picture kneeling with the white veil thrown over her head. It reminded me of pictures I have seen of the Madonna."
1863
THE OLD BURYING-GROUND (135)
A suit was brought against the Town for trespass on the old burying-ground. "It was decided by the Supreme Court that a grant of land which is to be used for a burying-place 'forever,' 'in consideration of love and affection' and 'for diverse other valuable considerations' is not a grant under conditions, and the town gained the suit."
1865
THE HAPPY HOLLOW MILL (136)
The mill was erected on Emerson Brook on the site of a former saw and grist mill by Zadok A. Taft and D. M. Lee.
THE BLACKSTONE NATIONAL BANK (137)
The bank ceased to be a state bank and became allied with the National Bank system as the Blackstone National Bank.
THE GRANITE QUARRY (138)
Bradford J. Blanchard went into the business of quarrying granite on Williams Hill. His first contract was for the stone of the Linwood mill.
[ 49]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(139)
CLOTH FOR THE SOLDIERS
The Central Woolen mill (now the Stanley Woolen com- pany), run by Messrs. Taft, Weeden and Company, was engaged from July 1, 1859 to Jan. 1, 1864 in "the manufacture of indigo blue goods for officers and suitings, all product being contracted direct to the United States government and re- ceiving the highest commendation. The mill was run day and night upon this line of goods, requiring sixteen blue vats for coloring the wool". Other mills, notably the old Capron mill run by Robert and Jacob Taft, made cloth for the soldiers. (140) THE CIVIL WAR
The Town furnished two hundred and ninety soldiers, seventeen more than their quota as called by the state.
"The whole amount of money expended for war purposes was $20,200; for state aid to families about $14,600, about $10,000 was contributed by citizens in addition to the above. Large quantities of clothing, stockings, and shoes were also contributed by the Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society and other patriotic workers, and many hundred dollars worth of articles intended for the comfort of the boys at the front were for- warded of which no estimate can be made."
1866
(14I)
THE STAGE COACH
The last stage line between Uxbridge and Milford which connected with the Milford branch of the Boston and Albany railroad was discontinued. James D. Perry was the driver of this line.
[ 50 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
1867
(142)
THE HIGH SCHOOL '
The center school building, then used for a high school, was erected at a cost of $17,000.
(143)
THE H. H. LEGG POST, G. A. R.
May 21. The post was instituted with A. A. Sherman as commander. The meeting place was in a building on the site of Daley's store. In 1873, the post was named for Henry H. Legg, of whom the following account was written by Gustavus B. Williams :
"On Saturday I learned that Henry Legg of Uxbridge, a member of the 25th regiment is dead. Knowing him well I can say with confidence that few men superior to Mr. L. can be found. Of fine form and noble presence, with cultivated mind and manners, pure principle and devoted patriotism, he volunteered in the war as a private. Leaving a comfort- able home, parents, brothers and sisters, he cheerfully entered the ranks in obedience to the evident call of duty. He escaped death at Newbern and Roanoke only to meet it on a sick bed in a hospital. There will be great sorrow in his native town at his loss, for he was known everywhere as a true man. His was a pure life and an honorable death."
1869
THE SCHOOLS (144)
The school districts were abolished by the state. The Town bought of the several districts property aggregating by the appraisal of the committee something over $23,000.
[5] ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(145)
THE TOWN CLOCK
An anonymous donor presented the clock to the Town through his attorney. It was purchased of the Howard Watch and Clock Company of Boston. The only condition attached to the gift was that the Town should keep the clock in repair. Upon the death of Willard Judson, it was announced that he had been the donor. Though Mr. Judson was a Deacon of the First Evangelical Congregational Church, he asked that the clock be placed upon the Unitarian steeple as it could be more generally seen there than elsewhere.
1870
(146)
THE UXBRIDGE SAVINGS BANK
The bank was incorporated with Moses Taft, president, Charles Taft, treasurer.
1872
(147)
A FARMERS' CLUB
The first club of the farmers of Mendon and Uxbridge seems to have been formed in this year.
(148)
THE BANK ROBBERY
Jul. 12. "The Blackstone National bank was robbed of more than thirteen thousand dollars. . The burglars compelled teller Charles S. Weston to open the bank vaults. It was a desperate undertaking, planned and carried to a successful execution by four daring desperate professional bank burglars. At the point of the pistol, while securely handcuffed and with a 'twister' about his neck, two of the burglars marched the bank official from his home in the
[ 52 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR®
dead of night to unlock the doors of the vault upon penalty of death and open the safe containing the cash and other val- uables. Then the burglars helped themselves to all the money in sight, returned the teller to his home, and made their escape." (149) THE SECOND DISTRICT COURT OF SOUTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
The court was established with Arthur A. Putnam, justice, Zadok A. Taft, special justice.
SPIRITUAL SEANCES (150)
One of the popular forms of entertainment at this season were seances, which were sometimes held at the home of Dr. Macomber.
1873
(15I)
THE WORCESTER SOUTH COMPENDIUM
Oct. 4. The Compendium was first published in Uxbridge with George W. Spencer as proprietor.
(152)
BLANCHARD'S GRANITE QUARRY
Aug. B. J. Blanchard had a contract to supply $20,000 worth of stone for use in rebuilding the Boston burnt district.
1874
(153)
THE UXBRIDGE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Apr. The Town, influenced thereto by Charles A. Wheelock, voted to establish a free public library.
[ 53 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
THE UXBRIDGE MUSICAL SOCIETY (154)
This society was one of the many successors of the old sodality. The music performed was no longer strictly religious. Cantatas were given under the direction of A. Astor Broad, who was many years the leader in musical activity. The perform- ances were staged in Taft's hall, then described as dingy, small, and inconvenient.
THE GROWTH OF THE TOWN (155)
Between the years 1874 and 1878, there was much building done in Uxbridge. The Compendium for May 17, 1879, gives a list of the buildings erected. Some of the most pretentious houses date from this period.
LABOR LAWS (156)
A Massachusetts law forbade more than ten hours a day labor in the mills.
(157)
THE LIQUOR QUESTION
The Town ceased to run a liquor agency.
THE TAFT FAMILY GATHERING (158)
Aug. 12. The gathering was held in a large tent erected on the grounds owned by the Caprons, the site of the present high school. The proceedings of the gathering were published in a pamphlet for which Daniel W. Taft paid.
(159)
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Sept. The Methodist church originated a mission in Taft's hall, services being conducted by the Rev. William Merrill, the pastor of the Whitinsville Methodist Church.
[ 54 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
1875
(160)
THE OLD BURYING-GROUND
The last remains were removed from the old burying- ground to Prospect Hill Cemetery.
(16I) THE UXBRIDGE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Jan. 20. The library was opened in Barnes' jewelry store with Frank Barnes as librarian. Charles A. Wheelock was president of the Board of Trustees.
1876
STREET LIGHTING (162)
The Town was lighted by twenty-two lamps. Arthur Wheelock kept an account of "the Street light fund" that showed $480.19, the receipts of tableaux and wax work enter- tainments and subscriptions. Citizens also gave supplies and labor to maintain the lights. Previous to this year, Silas Wheelock had placed lamps on the road across the flats-the first street lighting in Town.
(163)
BLANCHARD'S GRANITE QUARRY
At this date Mr. Blanchard was advertising "the beautiful Red Granite that has lately come to light at my Quarry". This vein of granite was soon exhausted.
1877
(164)
DOCTOR LEVI P. WILSON
It was during this year that "Doc Wilson" began to attract attention in Town because of the marked improvements which he was making on his place in North Uxbridge.
[55]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
1878
(165) THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
Feb. 7. The union was organized with Mrs. C. W. Scott as president. Hudson's hall, until it was divided into rooms for renting, was the place of meeting.
1879
(166)
THE WORCESTER SOUTH COMPENDIUM
In the middle of the year, L. H. Balcome became the sole proprietor of the paper.
THE WACANTUCK BRASS BAND (167)
The band at this time was conducted by George W. Spencer. Under different managements with various leaders a brass band was long an important adjunct in Town affairs.
THE DEDICATION OF THE TOWN HALL (168)
Feb. 25. The dedication of the town hall, A. P. Cutting of Worcester, architect. This event was celebrated with a grand concert and ball, the proceedings of which ($135) were used to buy inside shutters to prevent the "outside audiences on Judson's hill from looking in at the windows". D. W. Reeve's orchestra of Providence furnished music. Tillinghast of Providence catered. The new style of serving small quantities of ice cream and cake from a side table was the cause of much adverse criticism.
"The hall was brilliantly illuminated (by gas) and showed to fine advantage the elegant toilettes which are becoming a feature of our society gatherings. The floor wasn't quite smooth enough to be called perfect, but which may be ac-
[ 56 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
counted for in having recently been oiled and the dust being tracked on it gave it rather too much friction. It certainly didn't improve the many trains which swept across it."
CROQUET (169)
Jul. Croquet games were in constant practice on the Common. "The game of croquet is reduced to a positive science by Uxbridge players, many of whom handle the balls and play the game with consummate skill."
(170)
THE UXBRIDGE WATER COMPANY
A copartnership was formed by Moses Taft, A. W. Bennett, C. A. Taft, Henry G. Taft, Martin S. Brown, J. Walter Day, George F. Day, and E. B. Hayward for the purpose of buying the right to divert the water from O. C. Smiley's spring and the right to build a reservoir on the land of Mrs. Elsie Tucker. This was a private company and furnished water to the homes of the interested men.
(17I)
THE ACADEMY BUILDING
Sept. 15. The much contested title to the building was settled by a report from master, T. L. Nelson, who, upon this date, reported that the legal title to the land belonged to the Town, that the academy belonged to the Town as a part of the reality.
(172) THE UXBRIDGE AND MENDON FARMER'S CLUB
Oct. 23. The first cattle show of the club was held. In the parade Arthur Wheelock was chief marshal, Dr. Levi P. Wilson and Frank W. Barnes, aides. Charles S. Taft's trained steers were prominent in the procession. One hundred and fifty head of cattle were shown in the sheds of the churches.
[ 57]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
Dinner was served in the Unitarian vestry. The Wacantuck brass band played.
(173)
THE HISTORY OF UXBRIDGE
The History of Uxbridge, written by George A. Stockwell, was published in the History of Worcester County.
(174) DIVISION 13, ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS.
The division was formed in this year. Previous to this date Uxbridge men had belonged to the Whitinsville Hiber- nians.
1880
(175)
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
In the spring the edifice of this church was dedicated. The building was assisted by a large contribution from Moses Taft, a Unitarian. The site was a part of the old burying- ground. The Rev. George H. Perkins was the pastor.
THE HIGH SCHOOL REUNION (176)
Mar. 19. The High School Association's first ball was held in the new town hall. The Germania orchestra played. "Never was such a brilliant spectacle of a ball room scene witnessed before and indeed we believe that it is not every day when other places can boast of its equal, judging from the comments of many from out of town present." Similar balls, given annually for many years, were regarded as the Town's most important social events.
(177) THE UXBRIDGE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Mar. The library was moved to quarters prepared for the books in the new town hall. Lawson A. Seagrave became librarian.
[ 58 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
1881
(178)
MAPLE TREES
The abuttors on North Main street set out maple trees along the roadway.
(179)
JUDGE CHAPIN'S ADDRESS
The Town published An Address written by Judge Henry Chapin and delivered at the Unitarian church in 1864. The book, edited by Rev. Rushton D. Burr, a former Unitarian minister, was a valuable contribution to Uxbridge history.
THE LOCKUP (180)
Apr. The Town voted to build a lockup in the basement of the town hall. Previous to this date the lockup had been in the basement of the Hudson building. Then Samuel Hudson acted as the keeper.
(18I)
THE UXBRIDGE WATER COMPANY
Apr. 25. The company, duly incorporated, was organized with Dr. Alonzo W. Bennett as president.
THE WACANTUCK HOUSE (182)
Jun. The house was bought by Dr. Levi P. Wilson, who moved the building to Douglas street, where it is now a tene- ment house, and erected Hotel Wilson. A. P. Cutting was the architect of the new hotel.
(183) THE NORTH UXBRIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH
Aug. 4. The church edifice was dedicated. Richard Sayles a Universalist, was chairman of the building committee. The cost was about $11,000.
[ 59 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
THE DARK DAY (184)
Sept. 7. "Considerable consternation was felt by many about town Tuesday at the remarkable appearance of the sky, which in many cases amounted to postive fright. . Clouds soon began to form and a dense smoke to rise, seemingly in all directions and the whole heavens were overcast with a pale yellowish smoke. So dark were the skies in the afternoon that the schools closed and in all the stores and some of the houses lights were burning. All day long the sky had the usual appearance of an hour after sunset on a dry hot day, and what little air was stirring seemed to add all the more to the oppressive heat".
(185) THE PROVIDENCE AND WORCESTER RAILROAD
A double track was completed to Providence.
1882
HOTEL WILSON (186)
May 22. "The doors of Hotel Wilson were thrown open to the public for the first time on Monday of this week. . .. In the course of the day and evening it is estimated that no less than five hundred visitors travelled through the spacious halls and finely furnished rooms, hardly able to realize that they were in their own town when being shown through the beautiful suite of Dr. Wilson in which money enough to build a moderate hotel has evidently been expended."
"Speaking of its size as being disproportionate to the needs of our quiet town, the assertion is open to discussion, that if a few of our capitalists were to do half for our public good as has the founder of Hotel Wilson, the capacity of the same would
[ 60]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
be found inadequate to the wants of Uxbridge in the near future."
The first proprietor of the hotel was James Barker.
THE LOCKUP (187)
Jun. The Town lockup was completed, the first prisoner being "taken off the 5:18 train 'full as a tick' and for this was granted the distinction of being first to occupy apartments at 'Hotel-de-' " .
(188)
THE UXBRIDGE WATER COMPANY
Sept. The company completed its second large receiving reservoir on Carpenter's hill. Later in the year pipes were laid up North Main street.
(189)
THE TOURISTS
The organization, that has added much to the social life of the Town, was formed.
1883
(190)
CONCRETE WALKS
Many concrete walks were laid in the center at private expense.
(191) THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
The society received its charter and "purchased extensive grounds, erected cattle sheds and pens, and built a track for the trial of farm and family carriage horses only, racing- horses for purses being expressly prohibited".
TAFT'S BLOCK (192)
This year the original building was remodeled, the mansard roof being added. The outside stairs which led to the store were left in position.
[6] ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(193)
HOTEL WILSON
Mar. The Wilson bubble having burst, the hotel was pur- chased by J. W. and G. F. Day.
(194)
OPERA IN UXBRIDGE
Dec. The first of a series of operas, The Chimes of Nor- mandy, was given in the town hall. The operas were conducted by W. Mason Broad, the second of the name to furnish musical entertainment for the Town.
1884
(195)
THE SECOND DISTRICT COURT
Judge Putnam published his book, Ten Years a Police Court Judge, recounting his experiences as justice of the district court.
1885
(196)
THE PROSPECT HILL CEMETERY
Apr. The cemetery was improved.
(197)
THE WHEELOCKSVILLE SCHOOL HOUSE
Sept. 30. The school was burned. The loss was $6,000. (198) ROLLER SKATING RINKS
Roller skating rinks were allowed on the town hall during the eighties. The rink of this year was especially popular, races being staged. "Hunt" Shaughnessy won one of these races for which he was awarded a purse of two dollars. By the next fall the rink had worn out the floor; hence when the selectmen released the hall for skating the period was limited until enough rent should have been paid to get a new floor. In January of 1886, the rink was closed and the floor laid.
[62 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(199)
THE POST OFFICE
The post office in North Uxbridge was removed to Chase's store with Miss Maria Chase as post-mistress. Later Wilfred J. Tanerell was postmaster.
1886
(200)
HOTEL WINDSOR
George F. Day became proprietor of Hotel Windsor. The name had by this time been changed from Hotel Wilson to Windsor, a word as near the former as possible to make changes easy.
(201)
THE CALUMET WOOLEN COMPANY
The Hecla mill was bought and much improved by the company.
(202)
A STONE BRIDGE
A new stone arch bridge was constructed over the Mum- ford at the center. George M. Blanchard was the constructor.
(203)
THE WHEELOCKSVILLE SCHOOL HOUSE
Apr. The school house, built to replace the one burnt in 1885, was completed.
(204)
ELECTRIC LIGHTS
Dec. 14. "The Hecla mills were illuminated by electricity Tuesday for the first time, which, by the way, is the first electric lighting in town." People used to watch to see the wonder of the brilliantly lighted mill all at once becoming dark. The magic that could be worked by an electric light switch was a novelty.
[63]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
1887
(205)
ELECTRIC LIGHTS
Aug. Charles C. Capron installed an electric light plant for the use of his house and his shoddy and yarn mill. In September, the hotel was likewise lighted with electricity.
THE A. A. SHERMAN CAMP, S. OF V. (206)
Aug. 30. The camp was formed. A. A. Sherman for whom the camp was named was a gallant soldier. He enlisted in 1861 from Uxbridge and was mustered out in 1865. During his service of nearly four years, he engaged in twelve general battles, thirteen cavalry engagements, and sixty-four skir- mishes that resulted in the loss of life.
1888
(207)
ELECTRIC LIGHTS
The residents and business men of the center had the benefit of electric lights through the generosity of Charles C. Capron.
THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT (208)
The first school superintendent, George W. Hobbs, was employed for part time.
(209)
THE WILLIAMS HILL SCHOOL HOUSE
A school house was built on Williams Hill.
THE COURT OF PURITY, F. OF A. (210)
Feb. The court was organized.
[64]
THE STANLEY WOOLEN COMPANY, INC. 1926
THE UXBRIDGE WORSTED COMPANY, INC. 1927
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(21I) THE AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH CO.
Poles were erected through Main street for the telephone wires connecting Providence and Worcester. This company had no exchange in Uxbridge.
(212) THE UXBRIDGE AND NORTHBRIDGE ELECTRIC CO.
The company was established this year. In 1889, it was incorporated. The power station was at North Uxbridge.
STREET LIGHTING (213)
A large incandescent electric light was place in the center.
A REPUBLICAN VICTORY (214)
Nov. 12. The Republicans celebrated the election of Harrison and Morton. A drum corps, colored fires, old General Hancock-the cannon-and torch lights, all helped paint the Town red.
(215)
THE FLAG STAFF
Dec. A new staff was erected by the G. A. R. to replace the one that blew down in 1887.
1889
STREET LIGHTING (216)
Apr. The Town's streets were lighted with two electric and sixteen kerosene lamps. On Apr. 22, the Town voted that more oil lamps be erected.
STREET SPRINKLING (217)
A watering cart covered a more extensive territory than heretofore. Charles C. Capron furnished the water and the power for pumping the water up the hill, the water company
[65]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
not having a sufficient supply. The expense of the sprinkling was borne by the property owners by whose buildings the cart passed.
(218)
HOBB'S HISTORY OF UXBRIDGE
A history of the Town written by George W. Hobbs was published in a History of Worcester County.
1890
THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT (219)
The towns of Uxbridge and Douglas formed a union for the purpose of jointly employing a superintendent of schools in both towns. A. J. Curtis was the first superintendent.
STREET LIGHTING (220)
More incandescant lights were placed on the streets.
LABOR LAWS (22I)
The mills ceased to employ women and minors before six o'clock in the morning or after ten o'clock at night.
MEMORIAL DAY EXERCISES (222)
May 29. The first Memorial Day exercises were held in the schools.
THE UXBRIDGE WATER COMPANY (223)
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