USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Uxbridge > Uxbridge year by year, 1727-1927 > Part 4
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The Town voted to become the owner of the property of the Uxbridge Water Company.
(224) THE FATHER MATHEW TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY
Oct. II. The society was organized.
[66]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(225)
THE FREIGHT DEPOT
Jan. The new freight depot was finished. A new road was constructed to lead to the depot with an iron fence along the bank wall.
(226) THE FIRST EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The history of the church, written by the Rev. Frank Louis Bristol, was published.
THE UXBRIDGE CREAMERY (227)
May The creamery with a capacity of one thousand pounds butter per day was put in operation. This company was a factor in Town business for a number of years. The farmers, however, were not in agreement regarding its support.
(228) THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
For many years in the summer, the Union sent flowers every Saturday morning to Boston for distribution in places where cheer was needed. Mrs. Charles W. Scott conducted the work. The North Uxbridge W. C. T. U. was formed in June.
1892
THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING (229)
This year there was agitation among the citizens regarding the site for a new high school building. The Capron site- the present location-and the Hayward site-Dr. W. L. Johnson's estate-each were favored by determined voters. The town hall rang to much oratory. At the April 16 meeting, the Hayward lot received one hundred and sixty votes, the Capron lot, two hundred and forty votes.
[67]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(230)
THE LIQUOR QUESTION
At this time, the Town had voted license. There was a salon at Calumet and one in the Goldthwaite building. Each of the proprietors paid a license of $1800.00.
(231)
THE HARDWARD BUSINESS
Henry S. Farnum purchased the hardware business from Henry G. Taft. In 1895, Mr. Farnum moved the little store, that had been a social center for years, back into Mechanic square, and erected the present brick block.
(232)
THE WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS, NO. 153
Sept. 7. The corps was organized with Mrs. Louise Hol- brook as president.
LABOR LAWS (233)
The fifty-eight hour labor law was first put in effect in the mills.
DRINKING FOUNTAIN (234)
. A drinking fountain was erected by the W. C. T. U. on the south end of the Common.
(235)
A DEMOCRATIC VICTORY
Nov. 15. The Democrats celebrated the election of Grover Cleveland. The jollification included a torch light procession, brass band, red fire, and illuminated houses. The accom- paniment of a drizzling rain was, perhaps, a forerunner of the hard times to come.
1893
(236)
HARD TIMES
A hard year for the Town. There was so much unemploy- ment that by December the overseers of the poor were aiding
[68]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
fifty families, outside of those resident at the almshouse. The water in the reservoir was most inadequate, twice running completely dry. The water from Mumford river, necessary for fighting fires, was dangerous to drink. Force pumps from the Capron Woolen company's mill yard pumped this water into the mains in October.
(237)
THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING
The building was erected on the Capron lot at a cost of $25,000.
(238)
THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
The union with Douglas for the purpose of hiring a school superintendent was dissolved.
(239) THE UXBRIDGE AND NORTHBRIDGE ELECTRIC CO.
From the plant of the company, located in North Uxbridge, street lights were furnished to the Town on a "moonlight" schedule.
"There is something wrong with the contract between the town and the Electric Company or in some other way, for there is not light when there ought so be. Before a new con- tract is made see that light is given on a 'moon night' if it happens to be cloudy and dark. They are needed as much then as any time."
(240)
THE PASSENGER DEPOT
May A bill was presented to the legislature to compel the Providence and Worcester railroad company to furnish suitable depot accommodations at Uxbridge. The bill became a law, but the company were given an extension of time before building the new depot until the question of highways and the possible elimination of one or more grade crossings had been decided.
[69]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
TRAMPS (24I)
Sept. "Owing to the present state of the country, num- bers of unemployed men are roaming through the town night and day, and are bound to get a living somehow, either 'by hook or crook' as the old saying is. Many are becoming desperate and it is unsafe for travel at night even within the bounds of the village."
The Town employed its first night watchman.
1894
THE FISCAL YEAR (242)
The fiscal year of the town was changed to end Dec. 31. Previous to this date the town reports had been from Feb. I to Jan. 31.
(243)
THE LIQUOR QUESTION
The Town voted license and there were three salons, each proprietor paying a license of $1800.
SIDEWALKS (244)
Numerous concrete sidewalks, most of them at private expense, were laid.
THE POSTMASTER (245)
Mar. 5. Charles E. Cook was first appointed postmaster.
THE TELEPHONE (246)
Mar. "Hello! A new telephone has been put up in town, divided into two divisions. The first division includes C. C. Capron's residence, Capron Woolen Co's office, freight and passenger depots and E. B. Hayward's store. The second, Hotel Windsor, C. W. Scott & Co's store, Creamery, Rawson
[70 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
Bros' market and Whitmore Bros' store. Probably others will get connected in time and the arrangement prove very handy all around."
PATRIOT'S DAY (247)
Apr. 19. "The new holiday, the 119th anniversary of the great battle of Lexington, appointed to supersede Fast Day, was not generally observed in this town. . . . Employees in the mills have had so many holidays in the past few months that it was the general wish among them to work if they could. The schools closed and some slight recognition was the only manner in which the day was observed."
(248)
THE WATER WORKS
May The water in the reservoirs of the water works was so low that another water famine was predicted. In September the water from the well in the Capron Woolen Company's mill yard was again pumped into the mains. An analysis made by the state board of health found the water unfit for drinking. (249) THE THAYER MEMORIAL BUILDING
June 20. The building, a gift of Edward C. Thayer to the Town, was dedicated. "The site selected comprised in part common land and in part land belonging to the Capron family, a garden of charming loveliness, removed from the street and separated from the common by an arbor vitæ hedge and a white picket fence, both low enough for the passerby to note in its box bordered parterre a bush of Christmas holly, rare in this section, and clusters of the gay and fragrant flowers our grandmothers grew. 'A garden is a lovesome thing God wot', and it is a pleasing fancy that in its metamorphosis this old time garden still retains its lure and charm for old and young alike."
The proceedings of the dedication were later published.
[ 7] ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(250)
THE PASSENGER DEPOT
Jul. The new depot was started, stakes being driven into the ground to locate the site. The depot was completed in 1895.
(25I)
THE GRADE CROSSING
Jul. The findings of the commissioner regarding the abolition of the grade crossing in the center were published. A private crossing owned by the Caprons had delayed this finding. Of the total expense the Commonwealth was to pay twenty- five per cent, Uxbridge ten per cent, and the Providence and Worcester railroad, sixty-five per cent. The railroad was to do all the work and furnish material.
(252)
BICYCLES
Aug. 24. "Uxbridge has but few bicycles riders, but the few, we are pleased to say, sit up straight and do not present the appearance of a baboon walking a tight-rope on all fours as many riders do. The stooping is not only ungraceful and devoid of all dignity, but it is said to be injurious to the rider. The males could follow the style of the lady riders and show horse sense."
1895
(253)
THE LIQUOR QUESTION
The prohibition officer was especially active in raiding supposed liquor sellers. Shuttle Shop, a rendezvous for hard characters, was pronounced "as big a nuisance as there ever was located on that pleasant throughfare, Douglas street, and that is saying a heap".
(254)
THE PASSENGER DEPOT
The depot was completed and replaced the dilapidated
[ 72 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
structure, a combination of freight and passenger depot that had been in use since 1849.
(255)
TRAMPS
"The Town put up and fed in the eleven months ending Dec. 3Ist nearly 2,000 tramps. . Isn't it time to take up the subject for consideration and isn't the usual election the time to do it?"
In April, Lawson A. Seagrave, janitor of the town hall for fifteen years, in his farewell letter of thanks to the people, speaks of having housed 11,000 tramps.
(256)
THE WATER SUPPLY
Mar. I. The legislative committee on water supply reported a bill giving the Town the right, under certain conditions, to take water from Mendon Pond. The bill later became a law. The Town then had three years and the right to hold nine town meetings to accept the provisions. The question was one that caused many heated debates and much hard feeling.
(257)
A GREAT FIRE
Mar. 19. A fire was discovered in the center early in the morning. The old Macomber building, Goldthwaite's brick block, and the roof of Gredig's three story block were burnt. Charles E. Cook tells this story of his experience:
"My sleep was broken on the morning of Mar. 19, 1895, by the arrival of a friend at my home in Wheelocksville with a team to take me over to the center where the post office was on fire. The office was then located in the north end of the Macomber building in an addition (a small two story affair). I was able to secure the books but did not save the supplies. I went up to Whitinsville and at four o'clock roused the post-
[ 73]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
master there and secured stamps and necessities to do busi- ness. On the street I made arrangements with Harry T. Hayward to take possession as soon as it was daylight of the lower part of his father's store-the building now owned by Dennis Daley. There I opened for regular business as soon as people were about."
In this fire volunteers distinguished themselves by efficient work. The loss was a little over $25,000.
(258)
THE RAILROAD BRIDGE.
Apr. In the center the railroad tracks were elevated upon a bridge built across Mendon street. The John Capron house, before the coming of the railroad the most beautiful residence in Town, was further spoiled for a dwelling by this encroach- ment of the steam railway. For a description of the Capron estate consult Some Old Houses written by Mrs. W. L. Johnson.
(259)
THE SIDEWALKS
In the summer, 2,500 square yards of concrete sidewalks were laid on the main thoroughfare of the Town.
THE TELEPHONE (260)
The telephone at this date was located in E. B. Hayward's store, Taft's block.
THE WAUCANTUCK LODGE, A. O. U. W. (261)
Jun. 14. The lodge was organized.
PAY DAY (262)
Aug. 9. At this date, all the mills but one-the Capron- paid help weekly.
ICE (263)
A visiting bacteriologist ordered that no more ice be cut from Shuttle Shop pond, on account of the danger of contagion.
[ 74]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
The ice was henceforth cut by members of the Dandridge Taft family off ponds in North Uxbridge.
DRAWING SUPERVISOR (264)
The first drawing supervisor, Miss Elizabeth H. Treadwell, was employed for the schools. The supervisor was necessary in order to fit graduates of the high school for the normal school examinations. Part of the expense for her salary was met by funds raised at entertainments.
(265)
THE MACOMBER ASSOCIATION
An association that was formed that included anyone who had at any time been a pupil of Dr. J. Mason Macomber. Reunions, which were of historical and fraternal interest were held for a number of years. Dr. W. A. Mowry was an im- portant member of the association.
THE SUNDAY LAW (266)
Complaint was made in the Compendium of the Providence and Worcester railroad running freight trains through the Town on Sundays. The article mentioned that the railway people had a short time previously been summoned before the state commissioners for running similar trains.
(267)
POPULATION
The population of the Town was 3,546.
1896
THE UXBRIDGE BRASS BAND (268)
Jan. The band fair was held during this month. For a number of years similar fairs enlived the winter season. J. Walter Day was the director.
[ 75]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(269)
THE MENDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Feb. 18. The society was formed, with a membership composed of the people resident in the towns that were origin- ally a part of old Mendon.
(270)
NORTH UXBRIDGE SECESSION
Mar. Linwood citizens agitated the question of being annexed to Northbridge. The distance from schools and the absence of a water supply were the reasons for dissatisfaction. Later a legislative committee gave A. C. Slater and other petitioners leave to withdraw their annexation bill.
MALARIA (27I)
During the warm months there was a great prevalence of malaria, several deaths occurring from the disease. Among the causes suggested for the epidemic were the removal of large amounts of earth in raising the railroad tracks; the presence of still ponds that were offensive at low water; the use of water from the well in the Capron Woolen Company's mill yard. Leonard D. White, M. D., at the time chairman of the board of health, was most active in taking measures to safeguard the health of the townspeople.
(272)
A GREAT FIRE
Dec. 20. The midnight freight saw a fire in Uxbridge center; going on to Worcester, the train later returned with a fire engine and horses. By the time the train was back four blocks and part of another had burned. Taft's block, an old landmark built by John Capron for a mill, was burned. Gunn's block, on the east side, built about three years before was destroyed. Two of Christian Gredig's blocks were burned. E. M. Goldthwaite's three story frame block had the side and roof burnt. "The loss by fire at Uxbridge
[ 76 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
teaches the lesson that no town can afford to be without either modern apparatus or a well organized fire department. Uxbridge is without either and the folly appears in the smouldering ruins of five large business blocks entailing a loss of $100,000."
The fire was on Sunday morning; Monday morning Horace E. Gunn, the druggist, started business in the Audsley building with the sign, "Old Gunn with a New Stock".
1897
(273)
THE WATER SUPPLY
The Town voted by large majorities at the town meetings of this year not to take Mendon Pond for a water supply. The question had been continuously agitated since 1894. Much valuable and reliable information was supplied by engineers during the controversy. The need of an adequate water supply was too great to let even these decisive votes close the question. Uxbridge still talked of Mendon Pond as the only possible source of pure water.
(274)
THE H. H. LEGG POST ASSOCIATES
An associate membership of the post was instituted to assist the old soldiers in carrying on the work of the organiza- tion.
(275)
BICYCLES
"The bicycle craze which has struck Uxbridge in conjunc- tion with almost every town in the country has been one of considerable magnitude and bicycle dealers have been so well patronized of late that it almost seems that everyone, male and female, young and old, have or are trying to acquire the knack of propelling the silent steed."
[ 77]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
"Riders of bicycles are getting more and more negligent every day of the rights of pedestrians upon the sidewalks of this town and especially in the evenings".
Accidents were frequent. The familiar name for DeWitt's witch hazel salve was the "Bicylists' Best Friend". Strong protests were made against intoxicated men riding wheels.
(276)
THE UXBRIDGE ACADEMY
William A. Mowry published a history of the Uxbridge Academy.
1898
(277)
THE SPANISH WAR
Apr. "William A. Kelly of the famous 6th Mass. regi- ment, U. S. Volunteers was the only Uxbridge boy who saw active service and got a chance to shoot the Spaniards." His history is printed in the Compendium for Nov. 25, 1898.
Uxbridge young men enlisted for service in the Philippines. Eugene S. Farnum, Jr. and Thomas F. Powers died from diseases contracted while on duty with their companies.
(278)
THE SPANISH WAR
The Massachusetts Volunteers' Aid Association, the women's organization of the Spanish War, was active during the sum- mer, with Mrs. W. E. Hayward, as president, and Miss Beatrice Putnam as secretary.
"The local branch of the association have been working on supplies for the soldiers all summer, and have sent to the warehouse in Boston 319 abdominal bands, 9 pajamas, 75 comfort bags. Money has been contributed generously by the citizens of the town, and after all bills are paid it is expected there will remain something like $100 to send in to Mr. Higgin-
[ 78 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
son, treasurer of the M. V. A. A." Individuals also contributed to the Bay State Hospital Ship.
(279)
THE JOSEPH THAYER SCHOLARSHIP
May 13. Edward C. Thayer established at Brown Uni- versity the Joseph Thayer scholarship in memory of his father.
THE CIVIL WAR MONUMENT (280)
Sept. 14. The monument to the Civil War veterans, designed by Prout Bros., of Quincy was dedicated. Private contributions and an appropriation by the Town paid for this memorial.
(281)
SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
The first supervisor of music, A. C. Saunders, was hired for the schools.
HARD TIMES (282)
George Fred Williams, speaking before a Democratic rally in the town hall, laid the prostrate condition of the woolen industry in the Town of Uxbridge to the gold standard.
(283)
THE TELEPHONE
Nov. 4. "The local telephone is now in successful opera- tion with the center office at L. F. Sumner's store."
THE COMPOSITE CLUB (284)
Dec. The club was formed at the home of Arthur E. Sea- grave. At a later date, Albert E. Jones was chosen president.
1899
HARD TIMES (285)
Jan. This was a dull period in the woolen industry. "Hecla mill is running a small part of its machinery, Sam'l F.
[ 79 ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
Scott's is now running four days a week time. All the others in town are idle."
(286) THE PROPRIETORS' RECORDS OF THE TOWN OF MENDON
The Town appropriated three hundred dollars for the pur- pose of paying its share of the expense of copying and printing the records. An additional one hundred dollars was appro- priated in 1900.
(287)
THE UXBRIDGE CHAPTER, D. A. R.
Feb. 14. The chapter was organized with Miss Katharine Capron as regent. Later the name was changed to the Deborah Wheelock Chapter.
BLANCHARD'S GRANITE QUARRY (288)
A franchise was granted to Blanchard Bros. to build and operate a street railroad for the transportation of the products of their quarries to the N. Y., N. H. & H. railway tracks. The cars were to be drawn by horses.
THE ALMSHOUSE (289)
Apr. 28. The state inspector of almshouses in his 1898 report had criticized severely the condition of the Uxbridge institution. By this date, the almshouse had been thoroughly renovated with the intent of making it a model house for the poor.
DAY AND PUFFER'S ORCHESTRA. (290)
The orchestra at this period furnished music for dances and other social occasions.
SCHOOL CHILDREN (291)
The total number of children of school age was 608.
[80]
1 000
0
20000
THE HECLA MILLS, 1926 This site in use in 1825
THE WAUCANTUCK MILLS, INC. 1926 The water power was in use here in 1825
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
(292)
DAVIS AND BROWN WOOLEN COMPANY
The company, with a mill and office on the Mumford, was incorporated with A. Otis Davis as treasurer. The mill used by this company is the original structure built by John Capron in 1820.
1900
(293)
THE C. A. ROOT COMPANY
Charles A. Root started business in the Wheelocksville mill.
(294)
THE NORTH UXBRIDGE SCHOOL BUILDING
The building was erected at a cost of $16,000.
(295) THE UXBRIDGE AND NORTHBRIDGE ELECTRIC CO.
Jul. The company bought of George Z. Taft the land still used as the site of a power station.
THE ELM TREES (296)
Work was first done on the elm trees to prevent the ravages of the elm leaf beetle.
(297)
THE AUTOMOBILE
This year Christian Gredig had a Stanley Steamer, the first automobile in the Town.
POPULATION (298)
The population was 3,599.
1901
ST. MARY'S CEMETERY (299)
The St. Mary's cemetery, the site of which was a pasture bought of Sullivan Seagrave about 1852, was much improved
[8I ]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
under the direction of the Rev. Edward L. Judge. At this time the society already had on hand a small fund raised for the cemetery, which fund was added to the amount raised by Father Judge. After the improvements were made the ceme- tery was incorporated.
(300) THE UXBRIDGE GRANGE, P. OF H.
Jan. The grange was organized.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT (30I)
A union with Douglas for the purpose of hiring a school superintendent was again formed. Charles A. Bates was superintendent.
(302) THE MILFORD AND UXBRIDGE ELECTRIC ROAD
Dec. 20. The electric road was completed and "about 1:05 o'clock a special car, containing many Milford men, among them the board of selectmen of that town, left music hall for the first trip to Uxbridge. When the car arrived in Mendon a general jubilation was going on, cannons were fired, bells rung and numerous other methods were adopted by the people of that heretofore isolated town to show their appreciation of the new enterprise. Many houses were decorated and the people ceased their labor in order that they might be present to give the first car over the line a royal send- off. Here the party was joined by the Mendon selectmen and the run continued to Uxbridge. When the latter destination was reached the party was given 45 minutes to take in the sights of Uxbridge, and they did if for fair. The local business stores were visited and the public library. When the car returned to Milford it carried in addition to the Milford and Mendon party the following Uxbridge men: Selectmen, F. J. Hamilton, C. W. Scott, and E. A. Mansfield,
[82]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
Vice President and Director Arthur R. Taft, C. A. Root, J. R. Scott, G. W. Hobbs, H. G. Sessions, H. E. Gunn, Arthur Wheelock, A. S. Allen, and B. J. Blanchard. The run back to Milford occupied an hour".
Later in the week a trip was made over the road by the children of the Wheelocksville school as the guests of Arthur Wheelock.
"About 70 happy young pupils made merry in these two special cars which were very prettily decorated with flags, and nothing escaped their observation. Many of these little ones had never before had the pleasure of riding in an electric car and this first experience was a genuine novelty that was greatly appreciated."
1902
(303)
THE TELEPHONE
All night service began at the telephone exchange in Gunn's block.
TAFT BROS. BLOCK (304)
A brick block built on the site of the old Taft's block (the original Capron building) was opened.
THE SHUTTLE SHOP (305)
Feb. About 10.30 one night in February the old Shuttle Shop was gutted by fire.
LAKE NIPMUC PARK (306)
May 30. The park was formally opened to the public.
BLANCHARD'S GRANITE QUARRY (307)
Since 1899 B. J. Blanchard and Sons had been running a railroad to carry stone quarried at their works to the tracks of
[83]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
the steam railroad. The cars had to cross Main street near the Baptist church. When the company began to haul these cars by a steam engine, there was a strong protest from citizens who drove spans of blooded horses, against such a horror on the highways. The Blanchards tried to disguise the engine by hitching horses on for the trip across the road. The complaints brought inspectors, one from the railroad reported that, while the company was in direct violation of the law, yet the opera- tion was being conducted with the greatest possible care. The B. J. Blanchard and Sons were encouraged to apply for a fran- chise to use steam. This franchise was granted in 1902.
(308)
THE SAMARITAN SOCIETY
Jul. 16. The society was organized with Mrs. W. E. Hayward as president, Mrs. Kate Thom, custodian, and a membership of one hundred and fifty-three. One hundred dollars worth of supplies were bought and a store room pro- vided in the town hall.
A forerunner of this kind of a society was maintained by Dr. L. D. White. Notice in the Compendium of July 1, 1898, shows that while people were ready to borrow they were not always prompt to return. "Notice-All persons having books and sick room appliances belonging to me, will please return same. Leonard D. White." Dr. White's medical library was of the very best and his surgical instruments were complete in every department.
(309) THE UXBRIDGE AND BLACKSTONE STREET RAILWAY
The railway began running at this date. The position of the tracks on North Main street opposite St. Mary's church was a subject of much controversy. The road at this point was finally widened.
[84]
UXBRIDGE YEAR BY YEAR
1903
(310)
THE NORTH UXBRIDGE FIRE STATION
The town erected an engine house on Main Street, North Uxbridge, and fitted it with suitable apparatus. Expense, $2,403.75.
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