USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Harrison > Centennial history of Harrison, Maine > Part 18
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TOWN OF HARRISON.
take the chances, and to lend a helping hand. A boom started at once, and rapid growth followed, the member- ship increasing from thirty-two to ninety-six in a little more than a year.
The quarters became suddenly crowded, and Mr. Bailey fitted up the old Peirce Hall for a meeting place. This answered for a time, but the crying need of a new hall became more and more apparent as the new members con- tinued to come in. The members were fairly driven to procuring larger and better quarters in order to prevent the Grange from going to pieces on account of the lack of a suitable place for the meetings. After much dis- cussion they resolved to do a job that would be a credit to the Grange, and that would be regarded with pride by all of the citizens at the Village.
The building and dedication of the new Grange Hall was one of the great events of the Centennial Year. The site selected for the building was the most convenient and accessible that could be found in the Village. It was ded- icated in due form on Saturday, December 2nd, which was the anniversary of the organization of the old Grange thirty-one years before. State Master Obadiah Gardner was the Dedicating Officer, and made a stirring address, as did also State Lecturer W. J. Thompson. There was a big "Grange Dinner," and the literary exercises made a prominent feature of the program. A lengthy poem read by the Lecturer of the Grange contained much Grange his- tory and many matters of local interest. It is given in full at the close of this chapter.
This Grange seems now to have become a permanent organization, has made a large increase of membership since the dedication of the hall, the total number being one hundred and thirty-three. Its meetings always call out a large attendance, and never fail to be interesting. The new hall, which many hesitated in regard to building, on account of the large debt which it would be necessary to incur, has become the headquarters of entertainments
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of all kinds, and is paying beyond the most sanguine ex- pectations. All classes recognize in the Grange an organi- zation that is striving to make the world better, and to make the homes of the people happier and more attractive. They recognize the fact that it has given to Harrison Vil- lage a fine hall that supplies a long felt want, and are ready at all times to lend it a helping hand in all of its enter- prises for the uplifting of the common people.
The Masters of the old Lakeside Grange were as fol- lows: George H. Cummings, Nathaniel H. Seavey, Al- phonso Moulton, Howard M. Thompson. As the records of the old Grange have been destroyed it is impossible to give their different terms of service.
The following are the Masters of the new Grange since its re-organization in 1901:
1901-1903- W. O. Breed.
1904 - George H. Greene.
1905 - Quincy M. Chute.
1906 - Alphonso Moulton.
1907 - Walter C. Chadbourne.
1908 - John W. Nevers.
The officers for the present year (1908) are as follows : Master - John W. Nevers.
Overseer - J. Arthur Chadbourne.
Lecturer - Ethel E. Thomes.
Steward - Lewis F. Briggs. Assistant Steward - Harry E. Smith. Chaplain - Clarence Yeaton. Treasurer - James P. Blake.
Secretary - Mrs. Bertha M. Nevers.
Gate Keeper - Lewis N. Howard.
Ceres - Mrs. Etta A. Thomes. Pomona - Mrs. Melissa D. Chute. Flora - Mrs. Lilla Marr. Lady Assistant Steward - May L. Purington. Chorister - Mrs. Lucia Lakin.
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LAKESIDE GRANGE, AND ITS NEW HALL.
A Poem read at the Dedication of the New Grange Hall at Harrison, on December 2, 1905.
BY ALPHONSO MOULTON.
When, more than thirty years ago, This Grange first saw the light, The opposition was so strong For life it had to fight. For a few years it lived along, Then pined away and died,
And its remains were laid away In grave both deep and wide.
The years passed by, and then there came A resurrection morn, When, by the help of Patrons true, The child again was born. It was rather weak and sickly, In size so very small, That room there was in plenty In Bailey's little hall.
Now, of a good man for Master, They sorely were in need, And, after due consultation, They chose good Brother Breed. He was so faithful to his trust, And did his work so nice, That, as the leader of the Grange, He was elected thrice.
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Still the Grange was weak and puny, And struggled hard for life, But true and faithful Patrons Were helping in the strife. In Faith, in Hope, with Charity, They labored long and well, And of their final victory 'Tis pleasant now to tell.
The next Master was a Greene one, But he proved, all the same, That he was green in nothing, Excepting just his name. With dignity he filled the place, With just a little fun,- And if he would have stood again, He'd surely been the one.
The Grange had now begun to grow, As any one could see, --- In fourteen months its members Were multiplied by three. Surely this was a wondrous start- The growth was very swift, But everything seemed then to help To give the Grange a lift.
We twice outgrew our quarters, And knew not what to do; A larger hall would cost much cash, And lots of labor, too. A new one, such as we needed, Would plunge us deep in debt, And such rash and hasty action We dared not take as yet.
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Could we not fix up some old one That would answer quite as well, That would furnish quarters roomy, And house us for a spell ? We'd thus avoid a dreadful debt,- A fearful bugbear to us,- And have a place in which to meet, Which for a time would do us.
The "Sampson Store," the Baptist Church, The "Old Grange Hall" as well, Were all examined by the Grange, And owners asked to sell. Yes, all of these, the "Temple," too, Were passed in our review, But of them all, to make a hall, No one of them would do.
We looked around us, and we saw Where other Granges dwell; They for themselves had built their homes, And paid for them as well. And were we less enterprising,- Were we not just as smart? Did not we simply lack the nerve Required to make a start?
One pleasant day about this time, One Thompson came to town, - The Lecturer of the State Grange, And man of much renown. He told us how to build a hall, And how to pay the debt,- How other Granges had done this, And were prospering yet.
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He inspired us all with courage, And calmed our many fears, And showed us how a debt, though large, Is less than it appears. Brother Chute was the new Master, And when he took the trust, He quick decided that the Grange Must build a hall, or "bust."
A lot was bought, but soon we found That it would never do; In size it was so much too small We had to purchase two. And soon the work we did begin,- Went at it with a dash,- Some gave labor, others lumber, And others gave some cash.
The workmen all were faithful men, And never tried to shirk; Though one there was whose name was Marr, He never marred his work. Still another, a good brother, Was something of a Guy, But he kept always busy, And tried to satisfy.
And a busy man was Nevers,- Yes, our John W.,- If you came in to look about, He'd seldom trouble you. Still one more there was, named Foster, Who came in at the last, And always did his work quite well, Though not extremely fast.
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And some there were came from the ranks, Who helped along the work,- So very earnest were they all They labored like a Turk. Some there were who did the stone work, And others laid the floor ; No matter how much some brothers did, They'd willingly do more.
Chute and Thomes and Yeaton Were heroes in the strife, While others buckled on the armor, And worked for dearest life. The work went on so glib and well It filled them all with joy, And some who thought they couldn't work, Would loudly shout "ster-boy."
Now, of this crew so tried and true, One Edwards was the boss, And to find work for all to do Was seldom at a loss. And he could do all kinds of work, Lay floor, or lay the brick, Could set scenery on the stage, Or make plastering that would stick.
The sisters, too, have writ their names All glowing on the page, For they have raised a goodly sum, To help fit up the stage. If any thought we'd have no light, They all may calm their fears, For Sister Thomes has given cash To buy the chandeliers.
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Stuart's crew did all the painting, And needless 'tis to tell,
With Charles and Leman helping Sam, ,
The work was all done well. The job is all so very good It does attract attention, And so, to give the credit due, Of it I here make mention.
The name and symbols of our Grange Were painted in the gable, By "Cad" Mead, the noted painter, Who is so amply able. The letters, and the emblems, too, Emblazoned there by Mead,
Are all so very clear and plain That he who runs may read.
I ought not to pass unnoticed Our fine sidewalk committee, Which was surely quite a large one For so small a city. They were always there on duty, No matter what the day, And gave a heap of good advice Without a cent of pay.
Friends, the work is here before you, And very near complete, We all are feeling satisfied, And think it very neat ; And most surely there is reason Why we should be quite proud Of a hall where we can meet, And entertain the crowd.
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The building fine which we have here, The object of our pride, Has store and dining room below, And kitchen large, beside ; With hall above that's fairly large, And stage of ample size, With scenery upon the same That will delight the eyes.
There's room in plenty for our work,- Yes, e'en the goat can prance, And candidates all take a ride Whene'er they shall advance. Now all the rites can be explained, And everything made plain, And let us hope, in cramped-up rooms We ne'er shall work again.
For the shows and entertainments A place is here provided, With situation that is good, As all have now decided. It is a hall, in want of which The Village long has stood, And here it has the building now, Substantial, strong and good.
With services appropriate, And rites that may seem strange, Today we dedicate this hall For use of Lakeside Grange. May it be used for purposes To benefit mankind, And shelter naught in future days To leave a sting behind.
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Brothers and sisters, Patrons all, Let us united stand, And there shall be no better Grange In all this wondrous land. If we are faithful to our trust, And do our duty well, Of how next year will end in glory, The story we can tell.
We've started on a road all bright, And smiling skies are o'er us ; If we will just exert our might, And do the work before us, Let Wisdom ever hold the reins, And Union guide our band, Then our loved Grange will surely be A power in the land.
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TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
The histories of other towns tell us how intoxicating liquors were sold in early times by the merchants the same as groceries and other articles - absolutely without re- striction - and Harrison was no exception to the general rule. In early times nearly every one drank to some ex- tent, and considered it to be right to do so. Old men who used to go on the boats of the Cumberland and Ox- ford Canal have told us of the hogsheads of rum that used to frequently form a part of the cargoes. It seems that the first thing that was done to restrict the sale of liquor in any way was to require the merchants to obtain a li- cense for its sale, the license to be issued by the town authorities, and our town records show numerous cases where these licenses were issued, in some cases to men who in after years were rigid temperance men. If the old account books could be resurrected very many of them would show by the charges in the accounts that liquor was dealt out as openly as molasses.
An old story, which was often told by the older people tells of a certain merchant prominent at one time at the village whose books contained an account against a cer- tain customer in which a repetition of the following charge formed the chief items: "To a herring, a cracker, and a glass of rum." Sometimes the last charge for the day would read: "To a herring, a cracker, a glass of rum, and horse home." It seems that the merchant finally tired of making so many charges, and began to sum up the day's business in one charge, like this: "To three herring, three crackers, and three glasses of rum." The customer made no objection to any item in the account till he came to one of these, when he stoutly declared that he never bought so many at any one time. Other account books contained larger charges for liquor than those against this
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man, and they were not objected to, either, for they were just as legitimate as any other charges.
But a change came when the temperance movement swept over the State, and such things as those mentioned above are regarded as almost impossible by many of the present generation. Temperance found many ardent ad- vocates in this town, and many of our leading citizens were very prominent in advocating it, and in advancing the cause in every possible way, - by talking, lecturing, and voting in its favor, and in favor of stringent laws for suppressing the sale of intoxicating liquors, and forming societies and clubs for its advancement.
Several temperance organizations have been started here at different times and some of them flourished for a time, and had a large membership, but for some reason all have been short-lived. Harrison has always had zealous tem- perance men and women since the movement was first started, and they have been earnest in their efforts to establish these societies, and to make them permanent, but their labors have always been in vain as far as permanency was concerned. Without doubt much good has been done by these associations in stemming the tide of intemperance, and reclaiming the intemperate, but none of them obtained a permanent existence, there being nothing of the kind in the town at the present time.
But the good seed was sown, and strict temperance in the use of intoxicating liquors is now advocated by nearly all fraternal societies, some of them going so far as to bar from membership all persons engaged in the sale of liquor, and to expel members who may be proved guilty of such an offense. The work that was made a specialty by the temperance societies and clubs seems to be thus being done by other orders, which unite it with other worthy purposes, and this is, perhaps, a prominent reason why our people have no use for organizations which have but one grand object in view.
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TOWN OF HARRISON.
The first temperance organization in town, after the dy- ing out of the old Temperance society of 1831, and Wash- ingtonians of 1840, was known as the "Temperance Watch- men Club," of which the Hon. Philander Tolman was the leading spirit. It was organized about 1850, with head- quarters at the village, and there was at least one other organized later on, it being at South Harrison. The "Club" at the village seems to have soon become a numerous and influential body, and some now living will tell us of the meetings which were held, and the work which was done. There was a feeling, however, on the part of some of the members that the "Clubs" were being used too much for political purposes. Whether there was just ground for this feeling we cannot say, but there is little doubt that this had considerable influence in bringing about the ulti- mate downfall of the club here, and in other parts of the State, as well as of other temperance organizations which came into existence later on.
In the summer of 1851, the Harrison "Temperance Watch- men Club" signalized its existence, and showed that its lead- ers had much energy and "go-ahead" in their make-up, by projecting and carrying to a successful termination, the greatest Fourth of July celebration ever held in this town. It was a more than "Nine Days' Wonder" at the time, and certainly deserves a permanent place in the historical annals of this town. Hon. Philander Tolman was very active in getting up this celebration. For some reason it was strongly opposed by some of our leading men, but Mr. Tolman showed his accustomed energy in the matter, sparing neither time nor money, and overcoming all obstacles that were thrown in the way. Though he was the leading spirit in the move- ment, his efforts were ably seconded by other energetic citizens of Harrison and North Bridgton, and in the end all seemed to have fallen into line, and joined heartily in making it a grand success.
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At that time there were no buildings in the vicinity of "the cove," and it was all a forest. It having been de- termined to hold the celebration at this place, a small clear- ing was made where J. Wallace Caswell's house now stands, and there the tables were set for the big dinner. Another clearing was made near where Levi Harmon now lives, and in that place the stand for the speakers was erected. The Fourth was a very rainy day, but the Fifth was clear and pleasant, and the saying that a postponed meeting is never a success was proved to be untrue in this case.
Charles O. Stickney of Bridgton, the well known news- paper man, was then in his childhood, and chanced to be present at this celebration. He has retained in his memory a vivid recollection of the affair, and seems to have also made some notes at the time. Within a short time he has written up the "great event" for one of the city dailies. He has kindly furnished us with a copy of this article, and from it we condense the following account of the "big celebration."
A FAMOUS OLD-TIME FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.
I am going to chat about a famous old-time observance of the "Glorious Fourth" up here in Cumberland county, which I attended when a boy, and of which I have vivid memories. It was a big time, and many to it - several thousands, in fact. That old-time celebration was a big thing in every sense of the word. It was big in the number of people attending it, big in inception and culmination, big in enthusiasm and enjoyment. In one respect it was big with fate, for to that celebration is due the introduction into local life of that important feature, the brass band.
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This affair took place in 1851. It was a joint celebration by Harrison and North Bridgton, and was held at the head of Long Lake, beside Harrison Village. The mention of that memorable affair calls up graphic pictures of the scenes thereof to the writer. Of the great throng assembled from near and afar who took part in that famous observance there are some living today, and of this surviving con- tingent those whose eyes scan this story will look adown the vista of fifty-four years and join again the patriotic army of peaceful invaders by whom Harrison Village that day was occupied.
That year (1851) was in the heart and heat of a general temperance awakening, and the celebration was largely rep- resentative of the temperance elements, especially in the processional feature, it being chiefly made up of various organizations whose shibboleth was: "Touch not, taste not, and give not to thy fellow man the accursed drink!"
It was to have taken place July 4th, but it rained hard all day, causing a postponement to the 5th. The Charles- town Brass Band, which had come by stage coach from Portland, forty odd miles, on the 3rd, broke up into twos and threes, and these squads were entertained at the houses of citizens of "Harrison Flat" and "Head of the Pond," as the two villages were then called. It was the first time a brass band was ever in this region, and the people vied with one another in showering upon the mem- bers attention and hearty hospitality. Some of the in- strumentalists, such as played the cornet, bugle, alto horns, etc., relieved the monotony of that dark rainy day by giving selections, to the great delectation of their entertainers and callers.
But, to the general joy, the 5th was as fair and lovely as the 4th had been foul and dismal, and at an early hour the people began to pour into the "Flat" from all points of the compass, not excepting the lake, some coming in boats.
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Promptly on time, that object of intense curiosity, the Charlestown Brass Band, was on hand at parade head- quarters, in stunning uniforms and elegant equipment, the cynosure of every eye. The services of this excellent band had been secured by the committee through the per- sonal office of the late Capt. Abram Savage of North Bridgton, the once noted old-time singing master and prom- inent Mason, two of whose sons, Lyman and Frank, were members of it. The captain had been to Boston and heard several bands of that city and vicinity, and to his musical ear, influenced no doubt to some extent by parental pride, he decided that this one was "the best of them all," and so reported on his return. *
The grand parade was formed on Harrison's main street, and extended north and south more than a quarter of a mile. I well recollect how the Marshal of the day, the late Col. James Webb of North Bridgton, rode down between the two ranks, as they stood facing each other a few feet apart, and shouted in stentorian tones: "Straighten out your lines - keep your lines straight ! Steady there !" Then he rode back to the head of the column and ordered the ranks to face to the front by twos. This was promptly done, and next came the command, "Forward, march !" The band struck up a stirring air and the long column began to march through the principal streets, thence to a pine grove at the head of the lake, where the exercises were to be held.
At that time there was no local paper published in this region, (and not till seven years later, when the Bridgton Reporter made its advent), and no representative of any city paper was present to embalm for posterity the story of the day's doings, but from a brief entry in my juvenile journal I am able to state that "the procession moved in. the following order :"
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Marshal, Col. James Webb.
Aids, Horace Billings and George Farnsworth, Mounted. Charlestown Brass Band. Watchmen Clubs in Numerical Order.
Juvenile Temperance Cadets, Secret Societies and Other Bodies. Citizens Generally.
In the intervening half century-an era fraught with dramatic vicissitudes and tremendous events to this nation -I have seen many a magnificent pageant, but as seen by my dilated juvenile eyes the memory of that procession transcended them all-it was by all odds "the greatest show on earth." The marshal, gaily uniformed, rode his mettle- some gray steed with the firmness and grace of a veteran dragoon ; Horace Billings, at that time Bridgton's tanner and business king, was mounted on his favorite gray driv- ing horse, for which he had paid $500, a princely sum in those times ; while Mr. Farnsworth, if I rightly remember, rode a handsome black horse. And the spectacle of those three officers, with military hats and red sashes, moving side by side on their richly caparisoned, prancing steeds ; the full uniformed band, with perfect alignment and exact step, discoursing soul-stirring music; the temperance "Watchmen" clubs, wearing regalia, and with beautiful banners; the juvenile "Cadets" in white duck pants and dark coats, and adorned with white crossed sash with blue rosette; the other organizations wearing regalia and badges and bearing the national flag; and the long retinue of the "common people," likewise marching in two ranks - well, well! it was a sight for the gods! I can never hope to see its like again! When, on my return home to Bridgton I entered in my diary a brief record of the great event, I, in a burst of patriotic ardor, gave vent to my pent-up feel- ings in the following original prologue:
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Like our sires before us, We will swell the chorus Till the heavens o'er us Shall rebound the loud hurrah !
The literary exercises took place on an improvised high platform in the shady grove. General Hodgdon of Stan- dish was president of the day; George S. Farnsworth of North Bridgton, read the Declaration of Independence ; Rev. L. Stevens of Norway was the orator of the day, and the band interspersed the program with choice selections. Parson Stevens' oration was a good one, as Fourth of July rhetoric and eloquence was gauged in those days, being well worded, but abounding with popular spread-eagle plat- itudes, which went to show that the great and mighty uncle Samuel, if his coat-tails were trod on, would at once proceed to lick the offender before breakfast, even if it were the most mighty nation, except ours, on the face of the globe! Of course the British lion's tail was tightly twisted, and the soldiery and citizens who loyally supported the cause of England in the Revolutionary struggle were shown to have been fiends incarnate, compared with whom Judas Iscariot was a gentleman and a scholar.
The program concluded, the crowd adjourned to the near-by, gaily decorated pavilion, where a sumptuous din- ner was served.
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