Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 86

Author: Nelson, John, 1866-1933
Publication date: 1934
Publisher: New York, American historical Society
Number of Pages: 700

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A renowned classical scholar, Father Dolan is also vice-president of the New England Classical Association. His entire career has been a prepara- tion for his present office and his previous service at Holy Cross has given him an insight into the special problems of the college which is now very valuable to him. He has proved himself an able administrator and by his dignity of character and dedication to the highest ideals has preserved the finest traditions of the presidency and of the col- lege. He is a very human man, much loved by those with whom he comes in contact. He com- mands the unfailing loyalty of all who are asso-

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ciated with him and his leadership insures a proud position for Holy Cross in the front rank of Amer- ican colleges.

THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS was founded in the year 1843 by the Rt. Rev. Benedict Joseph Fenwick, second Bishop of Bos- ton, and is the oldest Catholic college in New Eng- land. It had long been a cherished desire of Bishop Fenwick to establish in his diocese, which then included the city of Worcester, an institution for the higher education of Catholic young men. In bringing about the realization of this desire he was aided by the Rev. James Fitton, who had, as early as 1838, established the Seminary of Mount St. James on the hill which now bears that name. This institution Father Fitton presented to the Bishop in 1843, and on this site the distinguished prelate determined to build his college. He gave it the name of his Cathedral, with the motto and emblem of the Boston Diocese-a cross in the heavens as it appeared to the Emperor Constantine, with its historic legend.

In order to secure for New England students the benefits of that unique plan of collegiate instruc- tion, the Ratio Studiorum, which had been for two centuries the invigorating pattern of continental education, Bishop Fenwick invited the founders of that system, the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, whose missionary and educational activities on the North American continent began as early as 1610, to organize the courses of study according to the curricula of their college at Georgetown in the District of Columbia and to take entire charge of the teaching. On the second day of November, 1843, the first classes were organized and were held in the seminary structure until the completion of the first college building in January, 1844. The generous patronage and zealous interest of Bishop Fenwick continued unfailingly and a few days before his death on August 6, 1846, he ceded to the Fathers full possession of the institution, land and buildings unencumbered.

A disaster that threatened its existence visited the young college in July, 1852, when the whole of the central building was destroyed by fire. Through the sympathetic cooperation of the Rt. Rev. John B. Fitzpatrick, who had succeeded to Bishop Fenwick's see, only a single scholastic year was lost, for the college, enlarged and remodeled, reopened on October 3, 1853. Since that time it has grown steadily.

Holy Cross College today comprises a campus of sixty acres, situated at a healthful elevation in the extreme southern end of the city of Worces- ter. It commands a beautiful view both of the city and of neighboring peaks and mountains. The physical plant and equipment of the college are in every respect adequate. The chief buildings are Fenwick Hall, which is the oldest, housing the administration offices, faculty living quarters, stu- dent dormitories, students' refectories, the infirm- ary and the Sodality Chapel; O'Kane Hall, built in 1895, containing the Students' Recreation Hall, a capacious assembly hall well equipped for dramatic productions, several corridors of students' quar- ters and the laboratories and lecture halls of the department of chemistry; Alumni Hall, devoted to private living rooms and the activities of the department of physics; Beaven Hall, which con- tains the biology department and more living quar-

ters; and the four newest buildings of the college, all erected within the last decade: Loyola Hall, a dormitory and classroom building, Dinand Library, St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, and the Refectory.

Dinand Library, a beautiful building, exemplify- ing the best traditions of the architecture of the Italian Renaissance, contains the library collec- tion of the college amounting to more than 100,- 000 volumes, together with the main reading room, the card files and catalogues, the Browsing Room, the Periodical Room, the Leonard Memorial De- bating Hall, the College Museum and the offices of the library staff. Although it was dedicated as recently as November, 1927, it is already ac- corded a prominent place among establishments of its kind in the country.

St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, the center of the students' spiritual life, rears its colonnaded façade above the scene at the eastern extremity of the campus. Known for its architectural beauty and purity of design, it is a fitting symbol of the ideals that permeate and dominate the culture of Holy Cross.

The facilities for sports and physical recreation, largely indulged in by the student body, have not been neglected and the athletic fields of the col- lege include the football gridiron, the baseball diamond, the quarter-mile track, tennis courts, handball courts, basketball courts and equipment for all other outdoor sports. Many baseball and football fields are available for intra-mural con- tests, while the varsity gridiron is surrounded on three sides by stadia seating approximately 20,000. In 1933, after the college farm had been abandoned as such, the barn, erected some seventy-five years ago, was transformed into a temporary gymnasium, greatly adding to the college's athletic facilities.

The Refectory, plans for which had been pro- jected in the fall of 1929, was in the process of building in 1933, work on it having been started late in the summer with funds raised through the General Alumni Society. The new building faces the main entrance to the grounds, midway between Alumni Hall and Loyola Hall. It will satisfy not only a very important functional need, but will also add greatly to the physical attractiveness of the college. Besides a huge dining hall, seating from nine hundred to one thousand students, it contains a cafeteria, kitchens, store rooms, offices, locker rooms, and various recreation rooms.

Holy Cross College offers complete curricula in English and English literature, the classic and modern languages, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology and their branches, religion, philosophy, psychology, history, economics, sociology and edu- cation. All classes and seminars are under dis- tinguished instructors.

The underlying principles of the educational sys- tem in effect at the college are set forth in the catalogue of the college and the following quota- tions are made from that source:

The system of education is the one common to all the colleges of the Society of Jesus and is guided by the principles outlined in the famous Ratio Studiorum. It is a system based on studied experience and centuries of observation. In this system the principle of unity in education is of prime importance. It makes the education of a youth from his entrance into college to the com- pletion of his course a graded, related and sys- tematic unit directed not to the mere accumulation of facts, but to the development of his faculties and the training of his character.

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This system invests education with all the sanc- tity and serious responsibility of religion itself. . It proceeds on the theory that genuine edu- cation calls throughout for the supervision and con- trol of trained, experienced educators and is not to be regulated by the inexperienced student him- self. Keeping in view the essential distinction between collegiate and university education, as that of a general as distinguished from a special or professional education, the studies are for the most part prescribed. Its immediate object makes this course imperative. It aims at the preliminary development of the whole man as the essence of education and its only legitimate meaning. After this is had, specialization along particular lines may properly follow.

The college is in its method of teaching primarily tutorial, not professional. The formation it pro- poses to give is effected by personal and intimate relations between small groups of pupils and a teacher, whose duty comprehends guidance, advice and encouragement as well as instruction. In order that this tutorial method may be pursued most effectively, a number of instructors are assigned to each hall, and in every Student-House teachers reside to whom the students may have recourse for guidance in studies.

The supervision over the student's moral life is as systematic as the direction of his mental life. Education, as understood in this system, is, as has been said, the training of the whole man, in which training the supreme element is growth along the lines of Christian morality. The whole system rests on the principles that men cannot truly advance in knowledge unless they advance more closely to God. The truth expressed in bold letters over the entrance to the College Library emphasizes the ultimate purpose of education as understood in this college, "Ut Cognoscant Te Solum Deum Verum Et Quem Misisti Jesum Christum."

While recognizing in its fullest extent the ad- vantages of a liberal education in the purely secu- lar order, the college at the same time understands that education itself contains no power that can form or sustain character. Only when it is occupied with the entire man, Body, Intellect and Soul, and with man's entire life, the present and future, does education attain its ultimate end.

Rightly, therefore, does Holy Cross College insist that in every stage of intellectual development reli- gious instruction be interwoven with training in the secular branches of knowledge. This instruction aims at planting in the heart such principles of rectitude as will afterwards serve as a guide, a warning, a stimulus. Since Religion is the highest concern of man, as well as the strongest defense of a nation, Religion is made a prescribed subject. Men, long trained in the world's best wisdom, whose consciences have been formed to the law of God by years of self-discipline, are the expounders of the eternal truth.

JOHN T. McMANUS-From office boy, John T. McManus, one of the best known textile mill executives in this section of New England, worked his way up through various grades until he was appointed vice-president and general man- ager of the Slater Company, of Webster, a widely known corporation in the industry. He is a vet- eran of the World War, serves the town of Web- ster as a member of the advisory board, and is much interested in promoting the welfare of the community.

Mr. McManus' father and mother, John W. and Bridget (Moran) McManus, were born in Ire- land and in their youth came with their respective parents to the United States, settling in Danielson- ville (now Danielson), Connecticut. His father was employed as a mechanic at the Slater Com- pany until his death, which occurred in 1903.

Born in Danielson, Connecticut, December 18, 1889, John T. McManus attended the public schools of Webster and there completed his education. Discharging the duties of office boy at the Slater Company in a highly satisfactory manner, he was made the subject for merited promotions from time

to time. Each succeeding position he filled with unusual ability, always having the best interests of the company in mind. It was in June, 1931, that he was elected vice-president and general manager, being given immediate oversight of the finishing plant and the dyeing and printing divisions. In normal times the company provides employment for about six hundred and fifty people.

Mr. McManus is a member of the Southern New England Textile Club. In addition to his excellent service to the town of Webster as a member of the advisory board, he is a vice-president of the Webster Five Cents Savings Bank. He is a member of the Rotary Club and the Webster- Dudley Golf Club. Golf is his principal form of recreation. His service in the World War began in February, 1916, when he enlisted for the Signal Corps. He was transferred to the 816th Aero Squadron in the Air Service and was on duty at different forts until honorably discharged.

Mr. McManus married, April 29, 1917, Ger- trude Thornton, of Worcester. They have three children: I. Betty, born March 16, 1919. 2. Jane, born May 29, 1922. 3. John T., born January 18, 1928. The McManus residence in Webster is at No. 135 East Main Street.

CHARLES L. BURLEIGH-Having begun service in the Worcester Mechanics Savings Bank in the capacity of messenger thirty-six years ago, Charles L. Burleigh, now treasurer of this insti- tution for a quarter-century, has the distinction of being the chief fiscal officer of the second oldest savings bank in the city and one which in its long and honorable history has never passed a dividend. Mr. Burleigh is known as the originator of the savings insurance plan, which is now universally in use by mutual savings banks.

Born in Worcester, November 3, 1877, Charles L. Burleigh is the son of Charles Hartwell Bur- leigh, of Oxford, Massachusetts, an architect, who died in 1929, and who became one of the best known patent attorneys in Massachusetts, and Emily (Freeman) Burleigh, a native of this State. He received his education in the public schools here and, after leaving his textbooks, entered the employ of the Norton Company, one of Worces- ter's greatest corporations. Here he remained a short time and then accepted the offer of a posi- tion on the staff of the Worcester Mechanics Sav- ings Bank. That was in 1898, and he was as- signed duties as a clerk and messenger. He was apt and willing, eager to get on, ambitious to learn thoroughly every detail as presented in his tasks. These he mastered in his usual capable manner, and rapid promotion came to him on his merits. Advancing from one grade to another, he found himself at the end of ten years, in December, 1908, treasurer of the institution, having been elected the successor of Frank W. Cutting. He is also a director of the Morris Plan Bank of Worcester.

A brief account of the Worcester Mechanics Savings Bank contains these interesting items: It was founded in 1851 by a group of business men of the city, and the location of its bank building on Main Street has always been the same. Its first president was Isaac Davis, who was succeeded in that office by Alexander Witt, 1855-59; J. S. C. Knowlton, 1859-62; Harrison Bliss, 1862-63; Francis H. Dewey, 1863-68; J. Edgar Smith, 1888- 1900; A. B. R. Sprague, 1900-II; John H. Coes,

John T. Mc manus

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1911-22; George M. Bassett, 1922-30; and Leander F. Herrick, who has been president since 1930. The first treasurer of the bank was Parley Ham- mond, who was succeeded in 1859 by Henry Woodward; Frank W. Cutting, 1859-December, 1908; and Mr. Burleigh, since the latter date. In 1871 the deposits totaled $2,047,463; in 1891, $4,- 733,724; in 19II, $13, 164,668; and in 1932, $26,- C19,096.62.

The Savings Insurance Plan, on which Mr. Burleigh had been working for some time in the perfection of a formula, was launched by the Wor- cester Mechanics Savings Bank on October I, 1922. The idea met with immediate favor on the part of Worcester people and was accepted with enthusiasm from the beginning by the mutual sav- ing banks of the State, which were quick to per- ceive its uniqueness of purpose and application. Through its operation great impetus was given the people for increasing their deposits through adoption of the Burleigh plan. The originator of the sys- tem has been widely commended for the practicabil- ity of the idea and is commendably proud of hav- ing been enabled to give it to the Massachusetts mutual savings banks. Mr. Burleigh is a member of the National Association of Mutual Savings Banks and of its executive council, the Historical Society of Worcester and the Commonwealth Club of this city. His religious affiliation is with the Church of All Saints, Worcester. During the World War he was active in the various Liberty Loan campaigns. Like many other men of prom- inence, he has his hobby or chief diversion, the designing and construction of things for his own pleasure, and for this purpose he maintains a finely appointed workshop at his home.

Charles L. Burleigh married, in 1914, Helen H. Leonard, a native of this State, and they have a son, Charles L., Jr., born January 22, 1915.

PATRICK JOSEPH MOORE-Coming to the practice of law after a varied career in busi- ness and in the field of education, Patrick Joseph Moore has risen to a position of recognized prom- inence at the Worcester County bar during the several years in which he had devoted his chief effort to the legal profession. He maintains offices both at Leominster where he makes his home, and at Fitchburg.

Mr. Moore was born in County Tipperary, Ire- land, on June 20, 1884, a son of William and Bridget (Lynch) Moore, both now deceased. His parents never left their native Ireland. Mr. Moore received his early education in the public schools of his birthplace and subsequently entered St. Patrick's College, at Dublin, Ireland, from which he was graduated with the degree in pedagogy. For five years thereafter he taught school in Belfast, Ire- land, but at the end of that time, in 1909, he came to the United States, seeking the larger oppor- tunities of a newer land. On his arrival here he secured a position as bookkeeper with the Vis- coloid Company of Leominster, where he has since continued to make his home. Through the merit of his services he won steady advancement within the organization, holding successively the positions of office manager, credit manager, employment manager and purchasing agent. In the latter office, he served until 1925. In that year Mr. Moore was appointed factory manager of the Standard Pyroxoloid Corporation of Leominster, a position

which he successfully filled until the fall of 1928. Meanwhile, in pursuit of a long-cherished ambition, he had taken up the study of law and now decided to devote his entire attention to this profession. In June, 1929, he was admitted to the bar and immediately began active practice, opening offices in Leominster and Fitchburg, which he still main- tains. Mr. Moore's admitted talents and thorough training have been important factors in his success. He enjoys an extensive practice and has won for himself a distinguished reputation through his suc- cessful conduct of his clients' interests. His office in Leominster is situated in the Columbia Hotel Building, No. 65 Main Street, while his Fitch- burg office is located at No. 307 Main Street.

Apart from his professional connections, Mr. Moore is a director of the Mutual Cooperative Bank of Leominster, and has served in that ca- pacity during the past four years. He is president of the Taxpayers Association of Leominster and has been actively interested in every civic enter- prise of value to the community. Mr. Moore is a Democrat in politics. He is influential in councils of his party and on September 20, 1932, received the Democratic nomination for State Representa- tive from his district. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Knights of Columbus, in which latter order he is a Knight of the fourth degree and Past Grand Knight of the local Council. In religious faith he is a devout Catholic, being an active member of St. Leo's Roman Catholic Church in this city and president of the Holy Name Society of the parish.

JOSEPH N. CARRIÉRE-The Franco- Americans of Fitchburg form approximately one- quarter of the population of that city, about nine thousand in number, and it is fitting that one of such ancestry, Dr. Joseph N. Carriére, a resident of Fitchburg since 1904, should have served three terms as its popular and efficient mayor. He proved himself well worthy of the high office he held, and his administration was marked by many improve- ments that promoted the progress of Fitchburg and the welfare of its citizens.

Dr. Carriére was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, October 3, 1879. His father, now de- ceased, was born in Chambly, Province of Quebec, and his mother, also deceased, was born in St. Eustache, the same province. They later came to the United States and settled first in Millbury, Mas- sachusetts, in 1875, then went to Manitoba in 1878, thence to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1883. Here they remained until 1893, when they returned to the United States.

Joseph N. Carriére attended Mount St. Louis Academy, in Longueuil, Canada, near Montreal. He was graduated from the University of Mary- land in 1902, practiced dentistry in Holyoke for a year and then came to Fitchburg in 1904. An idea of his standing may be gained from the fact that in 1916 he was appointed a member of the State board of dental examiners by Governor Mc- Call. He was reappointed by Governor Coolidge and later by Governor Cox. For twelve years he was a member of this board and was secretary for eight years. He has always taken an active interest in local politics and served three terms in the old common council, in 1910, 1911 and 1912. In 1925-26 he served as councillor-at-large. For

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six years he served as a member of the school board. He served three terms as mayor, having been first elected in 1928 and serving from 1929 until January 1, 1934. He paid $148,000 interest on the city debt and reduced the municipal debt, during his five years as mayor, by $1,500,000 to less than one-half its former total. Dr. Carriére has taken a prominent part in Franco-American activ- ities of New England. He is a member of the St. Jean Baptiste Society, Franco-American Foresters, Franco-American Civic League, Massachusetts Dental Society, Knights of Columbus, and a direc- tor of the Wachusett Automobile Association. He is a Republican in politics, has been active in both State and national campaigns of that party, and has delivered many effective speeches during the campaigns since he became of age. He is also a member of the Republican Club of Fitchburg and of the State Republican Club.

In 1924 Dr. Carriére was nominated for mayor and was defeated by a small majority. In 1927 he made a second attempt and was again defeated by a few hundred votes. The effect of these two trials, however, had focused in the minds of the Franco-American population the possibility of electing a Franco-American mayor and it also had the effect of solidifying them in one vote. In 1928, when Dr. Carriére again presented himself, he was successful, and the significant thing was that he was elected by a majority of 2,600, the actual number of the Franco-American electors.

That their confidence in the nominee was not displaced and that Dr. Carriére demonstrated to the population at large that a Franco-American could function successfully as a mayor, was dem- onstrated the following year when he was re- elected by the population at large and given the largest plurality ever given a mayor in the his- tory of the city. During the particularly trying times of the industrial depression it was manifest that Mayor Carriére handled the administration of the city's affairs in such a way as to reflect credit on the Franco-American group and to the general satisfaction of the public at large.

Dr. Carriére is a dentist by profession and has his offices at No. 448 Main Street, Fitchburg. He has a versatile interest in many of the things which go to make a life both broad and happy. He is an enthusiastic motorist and with his car and fam- ily he has visited nearly every State and the large cities of the Union, also Canada and British Co- lumbia, and upon various occasions he has delivered exceedingly interesting lectures, illustrated by beau- tiful views which he has taken on his different trips. One of his hobbies is the collection of very rare stones from different sections of the country, and he has probably one of the largest and choicest private collections in the country. Among these are a number of petrified specimens from the forests of California, including various vegetables, clam shells and many other forms of extinct life.

Dr. Joseph N. Carriére married (first) Victoria Moge, now deceased, and they were the parents of a daughter, Clarissa, who acted as her father's secretary, while he served as mayor. Her con- duct of the office in his absence, the thorough busi- ness qualifications which she brought to bear at all times, and her unfailing courtesy to every per- son who had business with the office made her a general favorite with all. Dr. Carriére married (second), August 15, 1919, Josephine Duval.

JEREMIAH J. DONOHUE, M. D .- Trained for the medical profession, Dr. Jeremiah J. Dono- hue has been in practice in Worcester for more than a quarter-century. He holds the responsible office of city physician of Worcester, having ac- cumulated an abundance of experience through service of ten years as assistant city physician. He is a member of the organized county, State and National associations of his profession and a well-known clubman and fraternity member.

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Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 86

Author: Nelson, John, 1866-1933 Publication date: 1934 Publisher: New York, American historical Society Number of Pages: 700

Author: Nelson, John, 1866-1933
Publication date: 1934
Publisher: New York, American historical Society
Number of Pages: 700