Annual report of the city of Rochester, New Hampshire : for the year ending 1922, Part 2

Author: Rochester (N.H.)
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Rochester, N.H. : The Town
Number of Pages: 304


USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > Rochester > Annual report of the city of Rochester, New Hampshire : for the year ending 1922 > Part 2


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13


That for the convenience and safety of the public there is a grave necessity for the purchase of a part of the lot situate at the junction of Bridge and River streets, in said city, and now owned by Mary F. Lucey, and that the Finance Committee be and hereby are authorized to confer with the owner of said land and to purchase so much thereof as may seem necessary for the public welfare, for such price as to them may seem reasonable.


Passed July 5, 1922.


TO HIRE MONEY IN ANTICIPATION OF TAXES Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:


That the Committee on Finance be authorized to hire on notes of the City a sum not exceeding $25,-


24


ANNUAL REPORT


000.00 in anticipation of taxes. Said notes to be taken up at the earliest possible date that the balance in the treasury will permit.


Passed July 5, 1922.


REPORT AS TO PURCHASE OF LOT CORNER OF , RIVER AND BRIDGE STREETS


The Committee on Finance to whom was referred the resolution relating to the purchase of a portion of a lot at the corner of River and Bridge streets, report- ed as follows: A building has already been erected on this lot and the purchase would require quite a sum of money. This is a one way street at Fair time. The committee recommend for the protection of the public that a "silent policeman" be placed at the corner of Bridge and River streets, and at the corner of Lafay- ette and River streets, and the painting of a line in the center of the streets at said corners with arrows at each end, and the painting of the crossings at said corners. The street is thirty-eight feet wide at this corner. It is hard to eliminate all blind corners. The Highway Department has covered with hot top the streets leading to these corners.


Accepted August 1, 1922.


TO PROVIDE FOR ANNUAL VACATION


Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:


That a vacation of one week with pay be granted to the first and second auto drivers of the Fire Depart- ment. The same to be under the direction of the chief engineer.


Passed August 1, 1922.


25


CITY OF ROCHESTER


TO CLEAR MAIN HIGHWAYS OF SNOW


Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:


That the Superintendent of Streets be instructed to keep the main highways in this City, clear of snow during the winter season, so that the same may be passable for vehicles at all times.


Passed November 7, 1922.


RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE CLOSING OF ACCOUNTS


Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:


That in closing the accounts of the year, it is found necessary to transfer from a department where there is a balance to a department where there is a deficit, the Committee on Finance be instructed to make such transfer.


Passed December 7, 1922.


CITY OF ROCHESTER


Two Hundredth Anniversary Celebration


1722-1922


Tuesday and Wednesday JUNE 27 AND 28, 1922


Correspondence and Resolutions


To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of the City of Rochester:


Gentlemen:


At the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, recently held, a committee was appointed to consider the question of a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of Rochester as a town, which anniversary comes in May of the present year. This committee has now submitted its report, recommend- ing a two days' celebration to be held the last of June, immediately after the close of the schools. A copy of the report is enclosed herewith. You will note that the recommendation is that the City Council and the Mayor join with the Chamber of Commerce in the management of this event, and that the City Council be asked to appropriate a sum not less than $500 for meeting the expenses necessarily incurred in such a celebration.


This report was accepted and adopted at the meet- ing of the Directors of the Chamber of Commerce held in February, and in accordance with the vote taken, we invite the Mayor and City Council to name a com- mittee of three, of which we suggest that the Mayor be one, to act with a similar committee of three from the Chamber of Commerce, to have general charge of the arrangements. And we also respectfully ask that an appropriation be voted by the City Council, as suggested, of not less than $500.


30


ANNUAL REPORT


The Chamber of Commerce feels that this is an unusual anniversary for any American town and that it ought to be fittingly celebrated. We believe that, apart from the sentiment involved, an adequate cele- bration would prove of much value to the City and its business interests, by attracting many people here and by the advertising which it would give the City. It is for these reasons that we have made these suggestions and requests.


Charles G. Jenness,


President Rochester Chamber of Commerce.


George P. Furbush,


Secretary Rochester Chamber of Commerce.


Rochester, N. H., March 2, 1922.


To the Officers of the Rochester Chamber of Com- merce:


Gentlemen:


The committee appointed at the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to formulate general plans for a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the incor- poration of Rochester as a town respectfully submit the following report :


First. We would suggest a two days' celebration, to be held the latter part of June, following the closing of the schools.


Second. A sum of at least $1,000 should be raised for the financing of the undertaking, which your com- mittee feels should be well done, if it is to be carried


31


CITY OF ROCHESTER


through at all. Of this amount, perhaps the city coun- cil would appropriate $500, the Chamber of Commerce might set aside such of its funds as it deemed proper, and the balance should be raised by popular subscrip- tion.


Third. For the first day it is proposed that a picnic party be held from noon or early in the afternoon, at Rochester hill, the site of the original town of Roch- ester. Following picnic lunch and such reunions of former residents as might be held informally, a pro- gram could be given, consisting of band music, singing by school children and an oration to be delivered by some citizen to be selected. Inspection of the old cemetery, where are buried the remains of the original settlers of the town, would be an interesting feature of such a gathering.


Fourth. In the evening of the first day, a meeting in the opera house is suggested, at which there should be musical numbers, a historical address, and ster- eopticon pictures of old scenes and persons connected with the early days of Rochester. We feel that the possibilities in connection with the display of such pictures are very great.


Fifth. In the forenoon of the second day there should be a big parade, with all the orders of the city, the manufacturers and the merchants invited to enter floats, illustrative of their business, with especial reference to a comparison of past days with the pres- ent. Other floats might be representative of historic local scenes and incidents. Prizes to be awarded for the best floats.


Sixth. In the afternoon of the second day, a band concert and a baseball game at Cold Spring park, with a certain sum set aside for the competing teams.


32


ANNUAL REPORT


Seventh. The celebration to conclude with a ban- quet in Masonic banquet hall in the evening, with post prandial exercises, at which it is hoped former Rochester men who have attained distinction might be present and give brief talks.


Eighth. Your committee would recommend that the Chamber of Commerce appoint a committee of three to 'act jointly with a similar committee of the City Council, of which the Mayor should be the chair- man, to have the general direction of the entire cele- bration; this committee to appoint sub-committees to have charge of the various features, to the end that the work may be efficiently and promptly attended to in all details.


Respectfully submitted,


Willis McDuffee, Frederic E. Small, W. K. Kimball,


Committee.


Resolution to appropriate $500.00 to assist the Committee in the celebration of the 200th Anniver- sary.


Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester: That the sum of Five Hundred Dollars be placed at the disposal of the Committee, having in charge the exercises in connection with the celebration of the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the founding of Rochester, the same to be paid from any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and that a


33


CITY OF ROCHESTER


committee of three of which the Mayor shall be one be appointed to represent the city in the carrying out of the plans for such celebration.


Passed March 7, 1922.


Voted that the Mayor appoint a committee to act with him in carrying out the plans for such cele- bration.


Communication from Rev. F. W. Merrick read in council meeting April 4, and voted accepted.


Rochester, N. H., March 24, 1922.


To the Honorable William K. Kimball, Mayor, and the members of the City Council, Rochester, N. H.


Honorable and Dear Sirs :-


In connection with the proposed celebration of the founding of the town of Rochester, 200 years ago, I beg the privilege of inviting you, and any others associated with you as the City Government to attend Divine Service at the First Congregational Church, this city on the Lord's Day next preceding the be- gining of this memorable anniversary, the hour being that of morning worship 10:30 o'clock. It seems fitting that the ancient colonial church whose life is almost identical in extent with that of the Civil Gov- ernment of this town, should open its doors to the official attendance of the present representatives of our fair City's Government.


It will be pleasant to know at an early date that you have accepted this invitation. If you will name


34


ANNUAL REPORT


the exact date of the Sunday preceding the day of the celebration it will help me in making desirable arrangements.


Very Sincerely Yours,


FRANK W. MERRICK


Pastor.


DR. MERRICK'S SERMON


Mayor Kimball and other members of the city gov- ernment, to the number of nearly 50, attended the morning service at the First Congregational church, by the invitation of the church and pastor. Thus was begun the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the town of Rochester. Special music had been provided, and it was finely rendered by a mixed quartet.


A portion of Dr. Merrick's sermon is as follows :


Mayor Kimball, and Other Members of the City Gov- ernment :-


We of the First Congregational church and society are very pleased to welcome you in your official capa- city, to this house of worship, for your own sakes and because this church and society are almost, if not quite, identical with the institution of town government, the 200th anniversary of which we are all to celebrate this week. It seemed most appropriate to our parish and its pastor, that you should worship with us this morn- ing, the Lord's day next preceding the significant anniversary. Other churches and other organizations in our fine little city will unite just as heartily as we of


35


CITY OF ROCHESTER


this church will do, in making this celebration count for the upbuilding of the best civic life among us, but no other church or society can have the same reason for hearty participation in the proposed festivities as we have, who are responsible for the maintenance of the worship of God and the service of men through this church.


Other minds better informed and other lips more eloquent than mine, will tell the noble history, and recall the heroic lives of the people who laid the foun- dation of the super-structure of representative govern- ment for the present city of Rochester. My duty is very simple, but very important, to call your attention to the necessity and value of those facts and conditions, and especially to that spirit, out of which comes the best life of any city or town, now, earlier, or later; for after all, you will agree with me, that the spirit of the people is more important than anything else in the maintenance of what is best in any institution, civic, social or religious.


Let me call your attention to Psalm 89: 14 and to I Peter 2: 13, 14, as a Scripture text, learning from it the subject, "Just Government, a Divine Function." In the jeweled prose of Richard Hooker, back in the sixteenth century we have a conception of law that ennobles authority, especially as expressed in govern- ment, and which was like that ideal of law held by the old Hebrew prophets and lawgivers, and by many in our own town, which dignifies the profession of the law and gives to those who have the function of creat- ing, interpreting, or executing it what they can get in no way, other than from the same idealistic conception of the law's place as the foundation of government.


36


ANNUAL REPORT


This has been the Christian attitude, and it is the foundation of that loyalty to government, and its representative, the magistrate, which the Christian church in all its forms has taught.


My subject is not to be argued, but merely illus- trated. Government is nothing artificial, accidental or external. It is the affirmation of law through normal and constituted processes, whereby the sover- eignty of the nation, the state, or the city is main- tained. It is the popular will affirming the rights of the one or the many in the realization of their just desires, or in refusing the unjust, capricious, or selfish wish of the one or the many in their anti-social expres- sion.


From time to time political housecleaning seems to be necessary, as when Dr. Parkhurst led in the creation of public sentiment sufficient to start a wave of reform in New York city many years ago; but in the main the function of the church is to teach the Christian ideal of justice and righteousness, in social as well as in personal matters, to back up the law's representative in any good effort he may make, and not the least, to refrain from unjust censure of the magis- trate.


We do not permit ourselves to think that you, members of our city government, will be remiss in any of those features that belong to an efficient, clean and strong administration of our city's affairs. To do this is your high privilege and duty. The public good, not cheap politics or personal advancement, will be your ideal; and we of the electorate will try to sustain you in needful and praiseworthy efforts. Keep before you the New Testament ideal of a perfected human


37


CITY OF ROCHESTER


society, a city, but a city let down from God out of Heaven to earth. Let us make Rochester something like that, through the practice of the personal virtues and the enthronement of the social ideals of Jesus Christ.


PROGRAMME OF OPENING EXERCISES


Tuesday, June 27, at Haven Hill


Prayer


Selection


Rev. F. W. Merrick The City Band


Singing by 250 School children and the Girls' Glee Club, under the direction of Miss Lois Ricketts, Su- pervisor of Music in the Public Schools.


Oration Hon. Frederic E. Small Original Poem Selection James C. Pringle City Band


Following the exercises at the stand was the dedica- tion of a tablet presented by members of the Congre- gational church and placed on the First Parsonage now owned by John F. Quinlan.


Presentation Burt R. Cooper, deacon. Acceptance Lewis B. Tuttle, warden Originial Poem written by Mrs. William Wright


Rev. F. W. Merrick


Exercises in the evening at the City Opera House: Welcome address Mayor Kimball


38


ANNUAL REPORT


Selection Old Time Songs


Hanson American Band Mrs. Dora McDuffee


Accompanied by Mrs. Grace Gunnison and Erlon H. Neal Historical address Willis McDuffee


Historical pictures of Rochester shown on a screen by a stereopticon and explained by Louis H. McDuffee.


Wednesday, June 28. Morning.


Parade nearly two miles long, comprising seventy floats, civic and fraternal organizations.


SECTION ONE


SOCIETIES, CHURCHES AND LODGES


Chief Marshal, Edward L. Kimball American Legion Hanson American Band City Government


1. G. A. R.


2. Daughters of Pocahontas


3. Rochester Grange


4. W. C. T. U.


5. Banner Grange


6. Naomi Rebekah


39


CITY OF ROCHESTER


7. St. Jean Baptist


8. M. E. Church


9. Elks


10. Red Men-Paraders


11. District Nurse


12. Hope Temple-Pythian Sisters


13. St. Rosary C. O. F .- Paraders


14. D. A. R.


15. Odd Ladies


16. Moose


17. Gonic Baptist Church


18. Div. 2, A. O. H .- Paraders


19. Congregational Church


20. Kimball Horne Fortress, L. A. P. M.


21. Hermione Temple-Pythian Sisters


22. Ladies' Auxiliary, Canton Warren


23. Modern Woodmen-Paraders City Band


24. Modern Woodmen Float


25. Bethany M. E. Church, East Rochester


26. Bethany M. E. Sunday School


27. Knights of Columbus


28. Odd Fellows Float


29. Odd Fellows-Paraders


30. Knights of Birmingham


31. Baptist Church Ladies' Aid


32. Woman's Club


SECTION TWO


SCHOOLS, BOY SCOUTS AND JUNIOR ORGANIZATIONS


Juvenile Band 36. St. Charles Orphanage 37. Gonic School Float


40


ANNUAL REPORT


38. Girls' Club, Congregational Church


39. Boy Scouts, Congregational Church


40. High School Glee Club


41. School Street School


42. East Rochester School


43. Wakefield Street School


44. Volley Ball Girls


45. Allen School


46. Gonic Boy Scouts


47. Boy Scouts, M. E. Church


48. Holy Rosary School


SECTION THREE


MERCHANTS AND MANUFACTURERS


Drum Corps


51. Fred P. Meader


52. Postoffice


53. Rochester Fair Association


54. W. H. Carll & Sons


55. Rochester Grocery Co.


56. Cocheco Laundry


57. Standard Oil Co.


58. Public National Bank


59. M. H. Dustin


60. C. P. Daley


61. Lothrops-Farnham Co.


62. Rochester Trust Co.


63. Twin State Gas and Electric Co.


64. Ainslie Drug Store


65. Globe Store.


66. Feineman Bros.


67. Bergeron Bakery


41


CITY OF ROCHESTER


68. Chas. Fenton


69. Mrs. Bradbury


70. John Blair


71. Inez Blaisdell


72. Leo W. Crossley


73. H. D. Smith


74. Rochester Lumber Co.


75. Langer Electric Co.


Fire Department and City Equipment Music furnished by four bands: Hanson American, City and Juvenile Bands of Rochester and Somers- worth Band and Drum Corps.


AWARD OF PRIZES AS FOLLOWS


Judges: William H. Roberts of Dover; Edwin H. Thomas of Farmington; Louis G. Cate of Portsmouth.


Business Men's :


Rochester Trust Co., first,


$15.00


Rochester Lumber Company, second,


10.00


M. H. Dustin, third, 5.00


Societies, Churches, Lodges:


Woman's Club, first,


25.00


Elks, second,


15.00


W. C. T. U., third,


10.00


Methodist Church, fourth,


5.00


School and Boy Scouts :


Congregational Boy Scouts, first,


15.00


Allen School, second,


10.00


Gonic Boy Scouts, third,


5.00


·


42


ANNUAL REPORT


Paraders, Seniors :


Odd Fellows, first,


6.00


Red Men, second,


4.00


Juniors :


St. Charles Orphanage, first, 6.00


Holy Rosary Parochial School, second, 4.00


Special Class, Antique :


D. A. R., 2.50


Comique :


Knights of Birmingham, 2.50


AFTERNOON Sports at Cold Spring Park


100-yard dash (over 16 years of age) : Melville of Dover, first; Bowering of Gonic, second.


100-yard dash (under 16 years) : Regan of Dover, first; Palmer of Rochester, second.


Half mile race : Melville of Dover, first; Bowering of Gonic, second.


Shoe race : won by Charles of Rochester.


Two-mile bicycle race: Peter Richards, first; Ray- mond Tucker, second.


Baseball: Knights of Columbus team and East Rochester team. Score-4 to 3 in favor of the former.


EVENING ON CENTRAL SQUARE


Band Concert by Hanson American Band.


Moving picture exhibition.


Fire Works.


43


CITY OF ROCHESTER


ANNIVERSARY BANQUET


Anniversary Banquet at Masonic hall, at 7.00 o'clock P. M.


MENU


Bouillon - En Tasse


Grape Fruit Cocktail-Au Cerise


Fresh Penobscot Salmon Supreme Sauce


Peas


Cucumbers - Tomatoes


French Dressing


Roasted Capon Currant Jelly


Asparagus on Toast


Potatoes à la Delmonico Green Peas


Plover - Regal


Lobster Salad - Rolls


Fruit and Flower Ices


Frozen Pudding


Strawberry Mousse


Pineapple - Natural


Petits Fours


Strawberries


Crackers


-


Cheese


-


Café Noir


44


ANNUAL REPORT


COMMITTEES


General Committee :


Mayor William K. Kimball Fred F. Seavey Harry H. Meader Representing the City Government.


Willis McDuffee Erlon H. Neal


Frederic E. Small


Representing the Chamber of Commerce. Oliver C. Peterson


Representing the Merchants' Association. Elihu A. Corson Representing East Rochester.


Hon. William K. Kimball, Chairman. Frederic E. Small, Secretary. Bernard Q. Bond, Treasurer.


Invitations and Publicity :


Charles G. Jenness, Chairman ; Samuel D. Felker, Mrs. Granville F. Grant, Sidney B. Hayes.


Picnic on Haven's Hill :


Justin A. Emery.


Banquet : Edwin L. Shorey.


Pictures and Stereopticon : John M. Stevens, Chairman; Maitland J. Berry. Lawrence L. Willey.


Sports :


J. B. Conlon.


45


CITY OF ROCHESTER


Parade :


Solomon H. Feineman, Chairman; Mrs. Faye Sea- vey, Mrs. Lillian Cooper, J. E. Alcide Bilodeau, James F. Cassidy, Miss Edith Ball Sampson, Leon S. McCombe, Edgar J. Ham, Frank H. Shaw.


1


Decorations :


Thomas A. Baril.


Finance :


J. Levi Meader, Rolland H. Spaulding, Albert H. Linscott, William H. Champlin, John N. Emerson, (from the Manufacturers) ; Herman E. Feineman, Leonard R. Wentworth, Lewis B. Tuttle, Charles F. Ayers, (from the Merchants) .


TOASTS


"And thus in memory's bark we shall glide To visit the scenes of our boyhood anew."


Toastmaster, Captain Conrad E. Snow


Our City, Hon. J. Levi Meader


"The lov'd community in which I'm linked And in whose welfare all my wishes center."-Miller


Our Old Families, Mrs. Nellie F. McDuffee


"We inherit nothing but what our actions make us worthy of."-Chapman


Sons by Adoption, Rev. A. P. Boire


"Nothing truly can be termed mine own But what I make mine own by using well."-Middleton


The Northwest Parish, Edwin H. Thomas


"Ever in the new rejoicing Kindly beckoning back the old."-Whittier


46


ANNUAL REPORT


Our State, Ex-Governor Samuel D. Felker


"O Granite State! Land of majestic mountains, Of many a lovely vale and flowery lea, Of placid lakes, of purest streams and fountains,- Where'er thy children stray they turn to thee."-Bela Chapin


Historic Witchtrot, Sidney B. Hayes


"Thy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent. All are needed by each one; Nothing is fair or good alone."-Emerson


The Bench and Bar, Judge Leslie P. Snow


"Man is unjust; but God is just and finally justice triumphs."-Longfellow


Women, Past and Present, Miss Annie Wallace


"They called for tea and chocolate And fell into their usual chat, Discoursing with important face On ribbons, fans and gloves and lace."-Swift


The Northeast Parish, Joseph H. Avery


"And you shall still survey yon glistening lake When generations yet unborn are gray."-Ammidown


Old-Time Schools and Pupils, James W. Applebee


"Oh, ye! Who teach the ingenious youth of nations, I pray ye flog them upon all occasions, It mends their morals, never mind the pain."-Byron


Loyal Sons, Though Absent, Fred Allan Walker


"Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see My heart untravel'd fondly turns to thee."- Goldsmith


Our Nation, Senator George H. Moses


"Breathes there a man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land !"-Scott "We live our life again, The pictures of the past remain, Man's work shall follow him."-Whittier


47


CITY OF ROCHESTER


ANNIVERSARY POEM


By J. C. Pringle.


Read at Exercises on Haven's Hill.


The Glories of the future Are an unsolved mystery, That may never be enjoyed By either you or me; But "Hope it springs eternal


Within the human breast,"


And man is very apt to think That the future holds life's best.


The "Glories" of the present Are ours to have and hold, And everywhere about us Is God's goodness manifold. Right gladly would I lift my voice To praise this generation, But that is not the purpose Of this glorious celebration.


So let the unknown future Be what it will or may, And only lightly will we speak Of the "Glories" of today. Let us give to this oration A more reverential tone, As we try to sing the praises Of the days long since by-gone.


48


ANNUAL REPORT


It might be said and truly, too, Men today would do the same, And under like conditions Would secure undying fame; But no one knows what men will do 'Twixt sunrise and setting sun And history is only written About the deeds that men have done.


Then let us roam in retrospection To the days of long ago, The days we can but read about With their warm historic glow, To the days of our ancestors Whose deeds, on history's page, Are graven deep in letters bold, To live through every age.


Let us think about those pioneers, Those trusty men and true, Who settled here long years ago And paved the way for you ; Whose struggles with the wilderness Were filled with care and strife, Who battled with the Indian To protect his home and wife.


Who had a rifle lying near, As he turned up the sod, Who carried one slung o'er his arm, As he went to worship God, Whose days were filled with anxious cares, His nights with silent fears,


49


CITY OF ROCHESTER


Who bravely struggled through it all, Those hardy pioneers.


The grandsons of those pioneers Their fame did well uphold, When they took the field of battle 'Gainst the British soldier bold, Who battled manfully and well Against home treachery and deceit, Who only fought the harder When they met with a defeat.


Let us therefore pay a tribute To those boys of Liberty Who threw aside the oppressive yoke Of the king across the sea; Who answered to their country's call With grim determination And left to us the heritage Of an independent nation.


Then let us also honor The boys of Sixty-one, Who rallied to the battle-cry To keep a nation one, Who saved the nation from herself, Who freed the negro race, Who placed the grand old U. S. A. In her undisputed place.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.