USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Ye towne book : two hundredth anniversary, August 25,26,27, 1934, Tewksbury, Massachusetts > Part 9
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The carrying out of present plans will make this one of the finest sportsman clubs in New England.
Page Sixty
1934
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1734
Old Organizations
THE VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
0
N SEPTEMBER 18, 1883, a small group of people met together at the home of Jacob Coggin (now the home of Mrs. Henry M. Billings) and formed a society to be known as the Village Improvement Association. These officers were chosen :
William H. Lee, Chairman, and Miss Minnie Coggin, secretary. The Executive Committee for 1883 and 1884 were Miss Mary Eastman, Mr. William H. Lee, Miss Minnie Coggin, Mr. A. F. Saunders, Mr. Benjamin Spauld- ing, Miss Lucy A. Hill, Miss M. Esther Marshall and Mr. Arthur Tingley.
During the first year, according to an item written in a paper published in Tewksbury (printed in Lowell) at that time, over one hundred trees were set out and lights installed (oil lamps). The following year more lights were added, sidewalks made, old ones repaired and a new drain added at the Center. They provided adequate means for the lighting of the lamps and installed more during the second year.
On February 6, 1884 the village paper of that date contained an advertisement for a Fair to be held in the Town Hall with a most elaborate program.
It may be of interest to the people of the present era to know that all improvements in the center part of the town were not only carried out by the Village Improvement Association but all expenses were raised and paid for by this organization. March 2, 1891 the town, realizing the importance of the work carried on by the V. I. A., appropriated the sum of $200 for lighting and care of lights at the center of the town. On this date the Town also voted $150 for a Band Stand. Lights were then installed by the town in different sections and gradually the town took over and added to the programn advanced and worked for by this very efficient association.
In 1934 there are still twenty members remaining of the old V. I. A.
TEWKSBURY GRANGE NO. 20, P. of H.
I N THE YEAR 1893, a club was organized known as the Farmers' Club. This club grew and after a short time its members wanted to organize a grange which they did on March 8, 1895. This was known as Tewksbury Grange No. 20, Patrons of Husbandry. Members from An- dover Grange installed the officers. Mr. George Crosby was elected its first Master and served for several years. Mr. George D. Foristall was the first Lecturer. Other officers were Joel Phelps, Treasurer ; Susie C. Whittimore, Secretary ; Mr. Howard W. Foster, Overseer ; William Trow, Chaplain ; Mrs. Marcellus Patten, Flora; Mrs. George Trull, Ceres; Mrs. Frank Fitz- gerald, Pomona; and Mrs. George D. Foristall, Lady Assistant Steward.
Among other masters were George Trull, Howard W. Foster, Albert Blaisdell, Walter Pills- bury and Harold J. Patten. The last master was Maud G. Griffin. Their work among the agri- cutural people of the town for better farming conditions, co-operative buying, educational and social advantages were widely spoken of for many years. and much good work done.
This grange disbanded after 25 years and gave up its charter June 21, 1921.
TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB
A CLUB known as the Twentieth Century Club was organized on March 20, 1901 by Rev. J. Herbert Yeoman, then pastor of the Congregational Church. Mr. Henry M. Billings was chosen as its first president and held that office for ten years. Its members were from all parts of the town and the organization was known as a cultured and social club. Their slogan was 'Get Together".
Programs consisting of organ recitals and outstanding speakers from many localities were heard here. Among which were Edward Everett Hale. Dr. Asher Anderson. R. Perry Bush, Judge Henry Shute, Miss Mary E. Wooley of Mt. Holyoke College, Arthur D. Prince, Rev. J. Harold Dale. Hon. George Marden and many other splendid speakers. Their banquets were con- sidered one of the most social events of the season. Members of the first council were Rev. Mr. Yeoman, George W. Trull, Henry M. Billings and John Fleming. Meetings were held monthly in the Congregational Church vestry and later alternated between North Tewksbury and the Center.
The organization ceased its activities in 1926.
Page Sirty-one
19.34
Ye Towne Bank
Facts of Interest
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1734
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1934
This petition was referred to the next session of the General Court, but there is no record of any action upon it. It was probably abandoned as Chelmsford had also petitioned for annex- ation of that part of the Wamesit Purchase that lies on the west side of the Concord River. This petition was granted to Chelmsford June 13, 1726.
The friends of the earlier project did not, however, abandon their efforts, and were so far successful that the General Court. April 9. 1129 considered favorably a bill to establish Wameset Parish, with these bounds: "the line to begin at Concord River, between the lands of John Rogers jr., and Enoch Kidder, and so on that line to the Way leading to Winthrop farm, so called" thence on a "strait line to the S. E. end of Prospect Hill. six score rods north of the House of James Kittredge, continuing the same line to Andover Line", then following that line and Mer- rimack River to "Chelmsford Old Line, keeping said line to Concord River to a stake called Pa- tucket or Wamasset ; thence crossing Concord River to the bound first mentioned, which includes Wamasset or the whole Indian Purchase".
In December, Wamesit Precinct was favorably considered and acted upon by both Houses, "the former order of this Court referring to Wamasset Purchase Lands notwithstanding". The Precinct was required, within three years, to erect and finish a good and suitable house for public worship "where the committee that have already viewed the said lands shall appoint", and settle a learned orthodox minister of good conversation, and make Provision for his comfortable and honorable support".
This was not done, and Wamesit failed to secure a place among the municipalities of the State.
THE OLD HAND PUMP
A volunteer fire department was or- ganized in 1998 in Belvidere Vil- lage. The apparatus and equipment was bought by private subscription.
In the Town Records of March 4. 1833 the town took over the maintain- ance and appropriated the sum of $150 to purchase hose and other equipment.
When Belvidere was annexed to Lowell this fire engine was taken over and for many years was stored in the Central Fire Station in Lowell.
WAHESIT
The General Committee appointed to conduct the 200th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town, believ- ing that it was proper to request the return of this original piece of Tewks- bury fire apparatus, communicated WAMESIT FIRE ENGINE with Hon. James J. Bruin, Mayor of Lowell and with his recommendation a letter was forwarded to the City Council and it was un- aminously voted to return the Wamesit Hand Pump to the Town of Tewksbury.
THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET
L OCATED on the Bridges Homestead near the Shawsheen River, this Old Well for many years provided ice-cold water for weary traveller, bicycle rider and thirsty animals. The bicycle riders of the nineties for miles around, made this spot a gathering place to meet and rest. At one time a fund was raised to build a bicycle path from Lowell to this famous spot.
THE POW-WOW TREE
A T a meeting of Old Bay State Chapter. D.A. R., a number of years ago. Miss Jennie Clark of Clark Road, read a most delightful paper about the Pow-wow Tree. The story was in the form of a word pageant, telling the Tree's own story of the wonderful happenings and people who passed before it, beginning with the Pow-wows, or councils of the Indians held under its broad branches and from which it took its name.
Page Sixty-three
1734
Ye Towne Book
1934
At the present time a marker erected by Molly Varnum Chapter D.A. R., marks this historic spot. The inscription follows :
"Under this oak, the Wamesit Indians met for their Pow-wows, their peace conferences, and their councils of war. At the time of the Revolution of the colonies, the men of this vicinity passed by this tree to Tewksbury Center to join a Company which fought in defense of Concord and Lexington. Tradition claims that this Pow-wow Oak was standing as early as 1:00."
OLD GARRISON HOUSE
T WO of the first houses built in the early days were used as a Fort House or Garrison House, where the settlers gathered for protection against the hostile Indians. The present home of the Collins Family on Shawsheen Street was the site of one of these Old Garrison Houses. The ell of this home is the only remaining evidence now standing. The charred timbers tell us that the old house was destroyed by fire.
HUNT GARRISON HOUSE
O NE of these Ancient Block Houses was erected off Clark Road. The map of 1831 places the site between what is now Andover Street and the Deacon Thomas Clark Homestead, but it is believed to have been nearer Butman Road, overlooking the farms.
NORTH TEWKSBURY POST OFFICE
FEW people of this gen- eration will remember when there was a Post Of- fice in North Tewksbury. The building at the left of the house was a General Store and Post Office. The first Postmaster was War- ren Wood. The store was owned by Jonas Clark who later sold the property to Henry Kittredge. It is un- derstood that Mr. Kit- tredge was the last Post- master in the North Vil- lage.
JONAS CLARK HOMESTEAD The residence for many years of the late Deacon John Moore who died at the age of ninety-nine years and one month.
THE WHIGS AND FEDERALS
A BOUT 1818, the two parties, known as the Whigs and Federals passed through a crisis de- scribed as being of most bitter character. Dr. Israel Hildreth of Dracut, an ardent Federalist. made several effective speeches. "Soon after repeated in Tewksbury before a much larger au- dience, where, if possible, the enthusiasm it created exceeded that on its first delivery in Dracut".
A paper read before the Old Residents' Historical Association of Lowell, by Dr. N. D. Pat- terson says: "With no disrespect to any who have in the past, or may in the future, practice the healing art in the ancient Town of Tewksbury, we venture to affirm that it is doubtful if there ever was, or ever will be, within its borders a greater than Dr. Henry Kittredge, son of Dr. Benjamin Kittredge of Tewksbury". The early Kittredges of this branch came from England at an early period, settling in Billerica, "were eminent in the same line". Dr. Jonathan Brown at the death of Dr. Kittredge came to Tewksbury from Wilmington. He was the first resident physician at the State Almshouse.
Page Sixty-four
1734
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1934
Statement of the Expenses of the Town of TEWKSBURY, from March Ist; 1832, to March 1st, 1833.
SCHOOL EXPENSES.
Paid District No. 1, for
1830
$29 80.
To Wm. Rogers for 17 1-2 days taking Valuation
. Making Highway & Town taxes & list of voters, together with other town business.
17 50
Two days spent as one of the Board of Health, 2 00
To Jona. Clark 2d for 20 days taking Valuation, Making Highway & Town taxes together with other town business.
To George Brown for 20 days taking Valuation Making Highway & Town taxes & list of voters, together with other town business.
20 00
TOWN PAUPER EXPENSES.
To Purchases made by Mr. Putiir, viz. 39 bushels Rye, 26 do Coma, 43 1.2 do Potatoes.
23 52
Sou Shad,
18 95
3 1-2 bartels Pork, &c. of J. Brown,
59 19
Lot Manure,
9 36
Sundry articles as per bills from April 1st, 1832, 2 to March 1st 1833. 5 112 87
To Purchases made and bills paid by Wam. Rogers,
303 1-2 yıl .. Sheoing. SWirting, Bed Ticking &c. §35 16 Jesse Trull for sawing, 412
29 3-1yds. ( low and 21 1-2 vd, Sattinert, 16 79
Juhọ Pompey's B.Il for'cloth 12 39
3.4-2 B Boans & 1-2 box chocalate
45 60
0%+ 0: 30 11D. Com, & 4 B. Rve 15 60 Jesich Brvon's 1:4 . +1 61
Mary Kittredge for cow
Cach poul S. P.Ger
20 00
2 .write 23 50. 10 B. Potatoes IG (W) 39 50
Pasunng oven 22 works 11 00
( Winebester - bil 0 00. Exchange of exen 5 00 11 00
Gen. Brown's bill stedried :1 01
Losni Saundersfor keeping Pamper 26 00
Far Lasjons Wi. Katridge 23 00
Pr of Stovrs 46 00 Sandry firms 2 30 15 50
Gro. Brown's bill sundries 12 91
T'astie hired of Jona. Clark 2d. 1- 00
One eow $17 Duc for J. Hardy's board ≤19 65 00
Wd Frosts board $32 Marrey's clulil 2 50 31 30
Wd Kittredge board $1 Dr. Kittredge's bill $00 51 00
Geo. French and others for wood 1500
Mr. Puffer on settlement up to March 1st 1533 170 00
1167 96
CREDIT.
By cash for llay from April 1st, 1533 to March 14 :. 1833 131 01
By cash for cider 10 67
By cash for swine 17 17
By cash of Miss Kittredge for labor 20 00
By cash for suntiries sokl 13 70
By cash due from the town of Lowell for support of ? Paupers from April 1, 1832 to March 1, 1833, 5
1259 00
1153 61
Amount of Dr. brought over
116% 96
Amount of Income over and above the Expendi- ?
315 65
-51 60
For Books, Paper and Quillls, 4 50
For taking Level on Worcester Ifill, 1 50
Wm. Rogers for 3 days time on Andover road, 8 00
do. do. for Powder and making Cartridges, 4 45
do. do. for sawing wood for T. & M. House, 62
". E. C. Purdy for Printing expenses, 6 25
401 48
MINISTERIAL EXPENSES.
Paid John Chandler for 8 cords of Wood delivered to Mr. Coggin. $7 90
Jacob Coggin for 8 cords of Wood delivered to
Mr. Coggin. 437 60 Jacob Coggin's salary for 1832 cash Lewis 520 00
$595 50
SELECTMEN'S EXPENSES.
67 56.
1892
30 00.
183]
67 21
1832
43 00.
8.
4: 1930, '31, & '32,
1828
42 73.
37 00.
183]
=
1839
40 00.
1898
18 37.
1830
23 74.
62 72.
35 00.
. .
G.
1830
1831
20 00.
15 00.
1832
=
1828
1831
60 00.
701,57.
EXPENSES OF ROADS & BRIDGES.
Paid Charles Levingston for work on Andover rond, $$89 53 " Som" Worcester Eng. for work on Worcester rond 125 22
for services with C. Com-
missionera on Andover road, 1 00
Jeser Trull for services with C. Commissioners 1 00
on .Andover rond,
Aaron Monsur in part for making oew road in Bel- videre,
300 00
U. H. Kindge for service" against the Position of
Worcester and Goodluxe.
Gen. Brown, to pay for Lumber and Timber for nw Bridze.
250 00
Life Shed, for work ou Andover road, 65 71
Gilbert Former, for work on Worcester road, . 36 00
Aaron Mansur, for work on new Bridge,
6. A. Willeche, for work on Andover rød,
..
Gen. Hun, to pay in part for workam new bridge, 210 (0)
Win. Brown, for muwing 194 squares of ground. 281 00
2229,18
TOWN EXPENSES.
Paid Job Kittredge, for collecting tax for 1830 $ 5 55
Ziba Saunders, for collecting tax for 1830, 31 27 for Abatements, G GR. 440 95
4. Josiah Brown, as a Witness between Jaques and' Hardy,
For Endictinent on the Belvidere Road in 1828, 23 07 Henry Eaton, for Ringing Bell and care of the town House,
J. H. Ashman, on trial between Hardy & Jaques, 40 00 HI. Kittredge for wood for M. House and Town House for 1531, 1 13
To those who Equiped themselves according to Inw for Military Duty, $6 75
Loami French, for wood for town House and M. House for 1833, 7.67
For the Abatement of Granvill Kimball's Taxes for 1828,
1 17
Eldad Worcester for Abts. on tax list for 1831, 95 70
for collecting taxes for 1831, 38 73 Ziba Saunders for Abts. and collecting of Taxes for 1831,
tures from April Ist, 1832 to March 1st, 1833 §
N. B .- The foregoing statement of the Pauper Expen'es is made with as much accuracy as the nature of the case will admit of. It is to be understood that there are some small bills against the town, that have not been received ; likewise, some small bills due the town which have not been collected- probably, a small balance stands in favor of the town,-a full report of which will be laid before the town at the April meet- ing. Submitted by
WM. ROGERS, 1 SELECTMEN JONA. CLARK. 2d. OF
GEO. BROWN, S TEWKSBURY.
1
80 00.
20 00
4.
1831
1833
6 51.
$ 10 10
14 50
t €
422 93.
=
10 00
1> 25
1891
1734
Ye Towne Book
1934
WANNALANCET
W TANNALANCET was born probably in 1619. Wannalancet and his tribe were peaceful ludians. In 1669, fearing an attack from the Mohawks, Wannalancet and his people came down the Merrimack and erected fortifications on Fort Hill. Jn 1676 Wannalancet was captured with about four hundred other Indians and taken to Boston, where many were executed or sold into foreign slavery but he with his tribe were set at liberty. In the same year Wannalan- cet and sixty of his people were removed to Tyng's Island.
In 16:1, he with his people, except two, upon being visited by a party of Indians from Canada, was persuaded partly by persuasion, partly by force, to accompany them to their country". He was not heard of after. Before going he went to the Rev. Mr. Fiske, of Chelmsford, and inquired of him concerning the welfare of his former acquaintances, and whether the place had suffered much during the war. Mr. Fiske answered they had been highly favored in that respect and for which he thanked God. "Me next." said the chief, thereby intimating that he was conscious of having prevented mischief from falling upon them.
As late as 1683 there were numerous Indians in this section. Wamesits and other strange In- dians. No trouble apparently developed from their presence for it is known that as late as the early 1800's that they visited the families, slept on the hearths and were curious to learn the ways of their white brethren.
ISLANDS IN THE CONCORD RIVER
THERE were several islands in the Concord River, part of the land purchased by Samuel Hunt from the Winthrop grant. Here was located the saw and grist mill as early as 1750. These islands were one of the dwelling places of the Wamesit Indians. May 4, 1821, Moses Tyler Jr., of Dunstable. N. H., and George Tyle: of Tewksbury sold the entire island territory for $2800, "together with the mill and fish privileges in said river".
ACADIAN EXILES IN TEWKSBURY
TIIE most tragic and brutal outrage that mars the annals of the New World was perpetrated upon the Acadians in 1455, which is called unto this day "The Great French Derangement" by the natives of Nova Scotia. A peaceful and friendly people through whose persistent efforts great areas had been developed into a highly developed farming area, they become the envy of the English who, through trickery in 1155, by proclamation assembled every man, woman and child and with such household effects as were allowed them, loaded them on the ships that bore them away to distant and unfriendly territory. On the fifth day before sailing, gathered in groups on the shore of their Island, they raised their voices and sang with tremulous lips :-
Sacred Heart of the Savior O, inexhaustible fountain Fill our hearts this day with strength And submission and patience.
Quite a number escaped, the rest, seven thousand in number, were scattered from New Hampshire to Georgia. Of those AAcadians that were landed in Boston, 156 were apportioned in Middlesex County. Of this number eleven were cared for in Tewksbury. June 10, 1757, the Selectinen submitted a bill for the care of Francis Meers, wife and nine children for board at three dollars per week. Later this appears: We have removed all the French Neutrals that were it our town to the town of Redding on the 31st of July 1760".
The tragedy of the Acadian exiles is almost forgotten and only the faded pages of early records show that once among us, a few of the ill-fated Acadians found not a home, but a stop- ping place.
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
THE first Meeting House was located, as near as can be ascertained, near the location of the present Band Stand and extending toward the flag pole, almost directly in the Main road. It faced North as the old road passed on that side.
Page Sixty-six
1734
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1934
TAVERNS
THESE were of the greatest im- portance in the old days, here all travelling people stopped, particularly the countrymen from New Hampshire enroute to Boston, to exchange their crops for all things they were unable to raise or make themselves. If the walls could only talk, interesting in- dleed would be the stories of historic -- significance. Browns Tavern, now the residence of Dr. Larrabee's Family, in the Center; Enoch Foster Tavern, at the corner of Shawsheen and Main Streets; and the Jonathan Brown Tavern, corner of Main Street and Salem Road. At Belvidere, the Thomp- son Tavern was very popular. At one BROWNS TAVERN time there was a Half-way House, now the residence of Mrs. Alice Pike near Wamesit. There may have been several other -. but these mentioned were the most familiar ones.
STORES
B RAVITY GRAY'S Store and Preston's Store were the largest and most important. Like all old stores they carried all articles which might be in demand at that period. Preston's Store had the U. S. Post Office and today, owned by the Fairgrieve Family. still remains a store and Post Office. Bravity Gray's was later moved across the street and is used as a store by Adolph B. Moore.
BRIEFS
Directly opposite Browns Tavern at the Center. in the open field of that period. were a long row of stables. This was equally true of the other Taverns, as many as one hundred horses at a time have been housed and their owners entertained on this. the most direct road to Boston and Salem from the north.
It was the custom in the older days when one built a new home, to have all the neighbors come and assist in the raising. Medford rum was served in liberal quantities to the workers be- fore the raising began; raising the home of had to be postponed to a later period as it was impossible to raise the large beams ; evidently man power was lacking.
The oldest string orchestra was composed of Joshua French, Edmund French and Aaron Frost, Violinists; Nathan Jaques played the Bass Viol. They provided music in the church. and at the fairs and old-time dances.
Of the Civil War Soldiers enlisting from Tewksbury, it is believed but two still survive .- Dudley L. Page of Lowell and Albert B. Stackpole of West Lebanon. Maine. Both are expected to be in the Reviewing Stand during the Parade and Pageant.
General Andrew Jackson (Old Hickory). President of the United States, visited Lowell June 22. 1833. He remained in Andover about an hour then proceeded through Tewksbury into Low- ell. The order of the Parade stated that he would be received at the South end of Nesmith Street.
"The Committee of Arrangements and the Cavalcade will form on Merrimack Street. Lowell. precisely at half-past seven o'clock, to proceed to Tewksbury Meeting House. or Andover line. to escort the President to the place designated for his reception". The parade passed over the Tewksbury Bridge, over the Concord River.
"The artillery was stationed on Chapel Hill-near to and overlooking the Concord River. their position commanding a view of the road beyond the Rogers farm, on which the distin- guished stranger was to come".
In the Reminiscences and Recollections of Lowell, since 1831, by George Hedrick appear these extracts : "I resided in Belvidere (then a part of Tewksbury). I with others went town- meeting days five miles, to old Tewksbury Village. We used to charter all the teams. haycarts and all kind of vehicles, and go down and disturb the good people of the town. as we neared the village a "Hurrah" gave them warning of our approach.
Page Sixty-seren
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Ye Towne Book
1934
"We took extra pains to have a full turnout. make all the trouble we could, and have for one day in the year a good time. Josiah Brown Esq .. was chairman of the meeting. We usually kept up such an uproar that the moderator pounded lustily upon his desk and commanded peace. At twelve o'clock we adjourned to Brown's Tavern to dinner, and the hot flip and other favorite beverages were freely partaken of. Logger-heads were in use for warm drinks.
"The last time we met, before we were annexed we kept doubting the votes and at eight o'clock carried an adjournment to Thompson's Tavern. There was great opposition to adjourning to Belvidere. Old Mr. David Rogers hoped the motion would not prevail, as such a thing would be disgraceful ; he had never heard anything like it since the town was incorporated".
In a paper written by Charles Hovey, read February 12. 1819, the following is noted: "In the Town of Tewksbury, just beyond the easterly boundary line of Lowell, there is now in suc- cessful operation an iron foundry which probably has no superior in Massachusetts. A mile further on (Wamesit) there have been erected and are now in practical use permanent brick buildings for the production of chemicals.
"About 1816. the Gedney Estate or the Old Yellow House, near the confluence of the Merri- mack and Concord Rivers (about 200 acres) was bought by Judge Livermore. The beams and interior woodwork of this estate were prepared in England and brought to this country for a Mr. Brown about 1:50
"In 1802 the land of Ebenezer Hunt located on Butman Road was known as the "Lynde Hill Estate" (About fifty acres).
AAbout 1870 a local paper called the Tewksbury Gazette, written and edited in town (printed in Lowell) contained many local advertisements and items of local interest.
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