USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Brookline > History of Brookline, formerly Raby, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire : with tables of family records and genealogies > Part 34
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 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
The charter was obtained by the personal and persistent efforts of the citizens of Brookline, aided and assisted by Thomas S. Hittinger, super- intendent of the Fresh Pond Ice Company of Cambridge, Mass. To Mr. Hittinger, in a very large measure, belongs the credit of the road's exis- tence. Hon Franklin Worcester of Hollis was also a zealous advocate of the road from its inception; giving freely of his time and money in further- ance of the enterprise; and under his skilful guidance the bill was sucess- fully engineered through the legislature, in spite of the strenuous oppo- sition of one or two powerful railroad corporations in this State. Shortly after the road obtained its charter, the railroad commissioners of Massa- chusetts granted a charter for a new railroad in that State, extending from some point in Groton to the State line in Pepperell. This road was subse- quently built and connected with the Brookline road; and at the present time (1914) the entire line of the two roads is being operated under the name of the Brookline and Pepperell railroad.
The road is fourteen miles in length; of which three miles are located in New Hampshire. It connects with the Peterboroughi and Shirley rail- road, a branch of the Fitchburg railroad, at West Groton, Mass. From West Groton it follows down the west side of the Nashua river to Pepperell, Mass .; thence, turning at nearly a right angle, it follows up the west bank of the beautiful Nissitisset river to its terminus in Brookline, on the shores of Muscatanipus pond. From the date of its being opened for traffic to the present time, the road has done a profitable business.
Originally this road was under the management of the Fitchburg railroad, by which corporation it was built. Subsequently, when the Boston and Maine railroad company leased the Fitchburg system, it passed into the control of the former company. At the present time (1914) it is controlled by the N.Y. N. H. & H. under its lease of the B. & M. system of roads.
Celebration of the Opening of the Brookline Railroad Company to Public Traffic, Sept. 8, 1892.
The Brookline railroad was formally opened to public traffic on the 8th day of September, 1892. The opening day was made the subject of a public celebration-for which elaborate preparations had been going on for weeks before the event-by the citizens of Brookline and their friends
371
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
in its vicinity. The following account of the celebration, and the events attendant upon it, is compiled from an article written and published at the time in a New Hampshire newspaper.
At about ten o'clock, A. M., the first train, consisting of seven coaches loaded down with humanity, with Henry A. Hall and Herbert W. Bout- well, both natives of Brookline, at the throttles of the engines, and con- ductor Frank W. Barns in charge of the train, came in from the south. Immediately the train came to a stop in the village depot, Capt. Frank Eaton let loose the Lyndeboro Lafayette artillery, and thirty times the cannon boomed above the valley town. Ere the train upon the track had departed, forty-eight school girls, under direction of George H. Bridges, chairman of the school board, decked the already flagged engine with beautiful flowers. Then the train drew out, and another of nine coaches, Conductor Sexton's, came thundering in. On this train was the East Pepperell brass band, Gilman Robbins leader. Half an hour later the procession proceeded down Main street in the following order: Chief mar- shal, D. D. Rockwood; aids, A. A. Hall, G. P. Huff, O. D. Fessenden; platoon of Nashua and Brookline police; Second Regiment Band, W. A. Cummings leader; Brookline firemen in line; barge containing school children; other barges; carriages with some of the State's distinguished citizens. In a carriage with James H. S. Tucker were his excellency Gov. Hiram A. Tuttle and Senator Jacob H. Gallinger. Gen. Henry M. Baker, Gen. Charles Williams and the orator of the occasion, a native of Brookline, Judge E. E. Parker, followed in carriages. Behind these came visitors and citizens in their carriages. The line proceeded through the principal streets, with the accompanying music of the bands. Under the most beautiful old flag that ever floated over this old earth, the procession marched. The names of Harrison and Reid greeted them on "the old flag" as they passed Tucker's store. In front of the hotel, Cleveland and Stevenson's names were attached to the stars and stripes. The column halted in front of E. C. Tucker's residence and Governor Tuttle, Senator Gallinger and the other prominent guests entered Mr. Tucker's hospitable home. Many entered to greet the governor and his friends.
At 11 A. M., as the governor ascended the rostrum, which was on the east side of Main street in front of the M. E. church, the second Regiment band, which was near by upon a raised platform, rendered the stirring strains of "Hail to the Chief." Rev. G. L. Todd, pastor of the Brookline Congregational church and president of the day, then called the assembly to order. A most touching prayer was made by Rev. Daniel Goodwin, an aged and retired clergyman of Mason, who years ago was a pastor of
372
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
the Congregational church of Brookline. President Todd then gave a brief and happy welcoming address. The Second Regiment band after- wards played the "American Hymn." The president then introduced the orator of the day, Judge E. E. Parker, of Nashua, a native of the town, who gave a scholarly and eloquent address.
Following Judge Parker's grand and appreciated effort, the Second Regiment band again did itself proud. It was now 1 o'clock-the dining hour-and so President Todd at this point, announced a pause in the proceedings, during which time he invited the guests and as many as could be accomodated to repair to Tucker's hall, and there partake of one of P. & J. Besse's best and most celebrated Boston repasts. Assembled at the festive board, a brief silence was maintained while Rev. C. F. Cra- thern of Mason invoked the Divine blessing in a few well chosen words. Then the cheerful company dined to their hearts' and stomachs' content. R. B. Pope, the colored head waiter, gave a dinner to 444 people at the first sitting. He had a score or more of able and gentlemenly colored waiters at his command. The banquet hall was tastefully decorated with bright colored paper fans and with evergreen strung overhead, and wreaths hung here and there. Dinner ended, the company re-assembled at the grand stand. The president invited the press representatives upon the platform. He then called for three rousing cheers for the governor, and got them in good shape. Then he introduced his excellency to the sea of upturned faces.
Governor Tuttle in substance, said that he was pleased to be present and take part in the day's proceedings. He referred to the time when the first train of cars came plunging into his old home, Pittsfield. He had visited Brookline for the first time only recently, and was so well pleased then that they found him here again on this gala day. He referred to the fine pure water of their shining lake, spoke of the people of these little country hamlets furnishing the sinews of the country. They could bring muscle as well as brains to the front. In closing he pronounced himself proud to have had the privilege of signing their railroad bill, thanked them for their cordial reception and polite attention, and then gracefully withdrew.
Gov. Tuttle's address was followed by brief speeches by U. S. Senator Jacob Gallinger, Gen. H. M. Baker of Bow, Hon. Robert M. Wallace of Milford, Hon. John McLane of Milford, Hon. Franklin Worcester of Hollis, Albert L. Fessenden, Esq., of Townsend, Mass., Hon. George A. Wason of New Boston, Rev. A. Woods of Pepperell, Mass., Rev. Daniel Goodwin of Mason, Edward Wason of Nashua and many
373
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
others. As night came on apace the gathering lessened, but many tarried for the fireworks and the music of the later hours.
Among the names of the many out of town people present were Col. Dana W. King, James H. Hunt, E. W. Eaton, C. J. Hamblett, John A. Spaulding, and J. W. Howard of Nashua, Henry S. Gilson, James A. Mixer, Col. F. E. Kaley, F. E. Bartlett, Dr. H. S. Hutchinson, Dr. D. S. Dearborn and lady, O. H. Foster and lady, Mrs. John McLane and a party of ladies from Milford. The press representatives present were Edward M. Stanyan and W. S. Towner, New Hampshire Republican; Frank J. Maloney, Associated Press; W. B. Rotch, Farmer's Cabinet; J. G. Faxon, Boston Herald; Col. F. E. Pecker, Boston Journal; and A. E. DeWolfe, Nashua Telegraph.
Three thousand people were on the street at noon. The evening was enlivened by the music of the band and a brilliant display of fireworks; which closed the festivities of one of the most notable days in the town's history.
The Brookline and Milford Railroad Company.
The Brookline and Milford Railroad was incorporated by act of legis- lature February 22, 1893. The grantees under the act were John McLane, R. M. Wallace, H. H. Barber, F. E. Kaley, O. H. Foster, Clarence J. Gutterson, of Milford; Franklin J. Worcester, L. B. Dow, of Hollis, and James H. S. Tucker and Thomas L. Hittinger of Brookline.
By the terms of the act the road was to be built from some conven- ient point on the Brookline railroad in Brookline to some convenient point in the town of Milford; with the right to connect with the Brookline rail- road in Brookline and with the Wilton road in said town of Milford. The road was built and said connections made in little less than one year and nine months from the date of its incorporation. It was opened to public traffic Thursday, November 15, 1894; and the event was made the oc- casion of a grand celebration at Milford.
Like the Brookline railroad, this road was built by the Fitchburg railroad corporation. At the present time (1914) it forms a part of the Boston and Maine railroad system in New Hampshire under lease to the N. Y., N. H., & H. railroad; by which company the entire line of railroads from Milford to Ayer, Mass., is controlled and operated.
374
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
CHAPTER XXI.
Current Events, Incidents and Happenings, Continued.
1890-1914.
Population-Concrete Sidewalks-The Public Drinking Fountain- Burning of Sampson Farnsworth House-Burning of the Rufus Woodward House-The Fresh Pond Ice Company-Sketch of Life of Noah Farley-Bond Street Laid Out-The Caroline Brooks Legacy-The Grange-O. D. Fessenden's Gift to the Town- Brookline Improvement Company-Burning of the Alpheus Shat- tuck House-Burning of the John Sanders House-The New Eng- land Type Factory-Congregational Church Struck by Lightening -New Hearse-Murder of Adelbert Parker-Old Home Week Celebrations-The James Carlton Parker Legacy-The Freshet of 1900-The Harriet Gilson Legacy-Burning of the Thomas O. Heren House-Burning of the Emma S. Dunbar House-State Roads-The Imla M. Williams Legacy-Orville D. Fessenden Steam Sawmill-Burning of the J. A. Hall and Joseph Hall Houses-The Dodge Legacy-Brown Tail Moths-New Valuation of the Town-The Emily M. Peterson Legacy-The Eliza J. Parker Legacy-The Martha E. Perkins Legacy-The Bertha Hutchinson Legacy-Burning of the "Beehive" and Deaths of Edward O'Brien and John Powers-Water Plant-The Brookline Public Park-Electric Lights.
1890-Population-501
At the annual March town meeting of this year, for the first time in its history, the town voted an appropriation of money to be used exclusively in improving the conditions of its sidewalks. The amount of the appropri- ation was over one hundred dollars. It was expended the following summer in the construction of a concrete sidewalk on the east side of the village Main street between the stores of Walter E. Corey and Everett E. Tarbell.
375
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
From time to time during the years immediately succeeding 1890, appropriations similar to that of the latter year and for the same purpose, but frequently of much larger amounts, were raised and expended on the sidewalks; principally on those in the village. As a result of those ex- penditures, at the present time (1914) concrete sidewalks have been con- structed and are in use on portions of the following named streets: Main street on its east side from a point opposite the residence of E. E. Parker continuously to the summit of meeting-house hill; on its west side from the same point at its east end to a point opposite the dwelling house of widow Charles N. Corey; Bond street, on its west side from its junction with Main street to the railroad depot; Milford street, on its east side from the Congregational meeting-house northerly to the residence of Widow Eddy Whitcomb; the street running easterly from Main street near Tar- bell's store, on its west side for the entire length. In addition to the fore- going, concrete sidewalks have been put in on the highway to Townsend opposite the residences of David S. Fessenden and William B. Rockwood in South Brookline.
The Public Drinking Fountain.
At the same meeting, March 11, Charles W. Smith, David Hobart and Charles N. Corey were elected as a committee to enquire into the cost of erecting a public drinking fountain in the square at the west end of Main Street near the store of James H. S. Tucker. At the March meeting of the following year this committee reported; and, upon considering the report, the meeting passed the following vote ;- "To establish as a common such part of the triangle near J. H. S. Tucker's store as is necessary for the purpose, and to improve the same by placing thereon a public drink- ing fountain. Also to appropriate a sum not exceeding one hundred and seventy-five dollars to make such improvements and to furnish the water for the same." At the same time the committee of the previous year was re-elected, under the title of "Trustees of the drinking fountain," with power to carry the vote into effect.
In the summer of 1892 the board of trustees erected the bronze drink- ing fountain at the present time standing upon the square at the west end of the village Main street, and at the same time constructed the reservoir which supplies it with water, at an expense to the town, including the cost of the fountain, of four hundred and odd dollars.
1890. April 30, the old David J. Stickney house in North Brookline was destroyed by fire.
376
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
July 24, the Rufus Woodward house on the plain south of the village was destroyed by fire.
The Fresh Pond Ice Company.
The Fresh Pond Ice Company of Somerville, Mass., removed its plant from Somerville to this town in the fall or spring of this year, 1890, and established its business in its present location on the south shore of Muscatanipus lake.
Prior to its location here, the company had purchased from its owners all of the land surrounding and contiguous to the lake; with the exception of a small tract, on its west shore, which at the present time(1914)is owned by Frederick Farnsworth.
Soon after locating here, and during the same year, the company through its agent, Thomas S. Hittinger, who was also one of its members, commenced the erection of its ice houses. They were all completed in the following year. The houses, which were nine in number, were all covered by one and the same roof. At the time of their completion, their storage capacity was sixty thousand tons. The dimensions of the building as first erected were 245 feet in length by 180 feet in breadth.
Since its erection, the original building has, at various times, been en- larged by the addition of new houses, until at the present time it encloses within its walls thirteen houses, with a capacity for holding eighty thous- and tons of ice; and is said to be the largest ice plant under one roof in the State
Practically, the company's entire product is sold in Cambridge and Somerville, Mass., to which cities it is shipped via the Fitchburg division of the B. & M. railroad. Its daily shipments during the summer months average from twenty to forty loaded cars. In addition to its plant at the lake, the company also owns the sites, and controls the water power con- nected with the same, of the two saw and grist mills formerly owned and operated by the late Ensign Bailey, and located on the river below its outlet from the lake.
Thomas S. Hittinger, the company's superintendent from the time of its establishment in this town, died at his home in Cambridge, Mass., Oct. 26, 1904. His death was a severe blow to the company, in whose interests he was an indefatigable worker, and a cause of sincere regret to the citizens of Brookline; by whom he was highly respected. It was owing to his efforts, as much perhaps as to the efforts of any other one man, that this town
PUNE ICE
FRESH POND ICE CO
FRESH POND ICE COMPANY PLANT
377
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
finally obtained its railroad; and it was through his influence that the ice business was established here.
Mr. Hittinger was succeeded as the company's superintendent by E. A. Davenport; who in his turn was succeeded by Edward L. Hadley, the present occupant of the position.
The Brookline Granite Company.
1891. During the construction of the Brookline and Pepperell rail- road in 1891, Fayette Cutler and William Burnham of Barre, Vermont, purchased of Vernal Barber and Joseph A. Hall two separate lots of land located on the west side of Ramond hill and, under the firm name of The Brookline Granite Company, commenced to quarry granite from the ledges located on the purchased premises.
Subsequently, on the 24th day of October, 1892, the company through its agent, Jacob McClure, purchased of Samuel Gilson, Jr., a tract of land containing granite ledges, and consisting of sixteen acres located on the easterly side of said hill.
The company, under the management of Col. McClure, began its first operations upon the ledge located on the northwest side of the hill, near the terminus of a spur-track of the Brookline and Pepperell railroad which led up the hill on its westerly side, and which had been built for its accomodation. It employed a large number of quarrymen; and, under the active and constant oversight of the manager, the work of developing the ledge progressed rapidly and satisfactorily; and the prospects for the future success of the enterprise appeared to be most auspicious.
Such was the state of affairs when on the evening of September 7, 1893, Col. McClure was suddenly stricken down by heart failure; from the effects of which he died on the third day of October following.
Soon after Col. McClure's death the company suspended its oper- ations on the ledge and apparently abandoned the enterprise. The work was never resumed and from the day of its abandonment to the present time the plant has remained idle.
Noah W. Farley.
December 28 Noah W. Farley died of heart failure at his residence in Auburndale, Mass., aged seventy years. Mr. Farley was an adopted son of Christopher and Ruth Jewett Farley, and a native of this town.
378
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
At the age of twenty-one years he removed from Brookline to Boston, Mass., where he started a retail business on Hanover street. From that time until his decease he was one of Boston's most successful business men. During that period he was connected as a partner with several of the city's largest and most successful business firms. At the time of his death he was senior member of the firm of Farley, Harvey & Company on the corner of Chauncy and Bedford streets. He was a member, and for many years treasurer of the Park Street Congregational Church. As a business man he was honest, upright and conservative. As a friend he was constant and sincere.
In 1849 he married Pamelia Thayer of New Ipswich. He was sur- vived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.
Badger Brothers.
During this year, Charles L., William, George L., Charles F., and Fred L. Badger, all of Quincy, Mass., where under the name and style of Badger Brothers they were extensive manufacturers of and dealers in granite products, located a branch of their business in Brookline.
The scene of the company's operations here was the ledge located on the east side of the highway to Milford about one half mile north of the village Main street, and known as the Samuel Gilson, Jr. Ledge; which was purchased for it of Henry A. Willey.
For several years following its purchase, the company worked the ledge at intervals; expending considerable sums of money in an effort to quarry the granite in blocks of dimensions suitable for its requirements. To that end the ledge was excavated to a very considerable depth. But with but indifferent results. For the granite, although excellent in quality and abundant in quantity, continued to develop in layers too thin to be available for the use for which the company intended it. Discouraged with the results, the company finally abandoned the enterprise, and sold its plant to Samuel Swett.
1892. March 8, the town voted to convey a narrow strip of land from the east side of the west cemetery bordering on Muscatanipus Pond to the Fresh Pond Ice Company. The conveyance was subsequently made.
March 8, Bond Street was laid out.
February 14, The Timothy J. Wright dwelling house near the rail- road crossing in North Brookline was destroyed by fire.
379
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
July 20, the old Samuel Farnsworth house in North Brookline was burned down.
Brookline was represented in the Constitutional Convention of this year by Orville D. Fessenden.
1893. May 24, the old Mathew Wallace place in the southwest part of the town was totally destroyed by fire.
The town voted to accept a legacy of one hundred and eighty-eight and 36-100 dollars from Caroline W. Brooks, the income of the same to be used for the perpetual care of her family burial lot in the south cemetery.
Brookline Grange No. 211.
1894. "Brookline Grange No. 211 P. of H. was organized March 14, 1894. The Hillsboro Co. Pomona Grange records give the following events which preceded its organization :
'At a Pomona Grange meeting held at Goffstown Feb. 7, 1894, Brook- line was presented as a favorable field for the organization of a subordinate Grange. George Tarbell of Milford, Andrew H. Spalding of Hollis and George A. Wason of Nashua were appointed a committee to go to Brook- line and investigate and report, and Pomona Grange voted to hold a public meeting there providing the citizens were willing to have them do so.
This committee reported at the next Pomona meeting held at Mason, Feb. 27, that the citizens of Brookline would gladly receive them at an early date. They voted to hold said meeting March 7. On that date a load of enthusiastic patrons came over from Milford and in all there were one hundred and ten present. And all arrangements were made to organize a Grange in Brookline. David D. and Martha A. Rockwood at this time became interested, and they kindled the fire of enthusiasm for the organiz- ation of a Grange among the citizens of Brookline, and they ever remained true and loyal to the end of life.
The record of the first meeting, on the night of the organization of Brookline Grange is as follows:
Brookline, N. H., March 14, 1894.
Agreeable to a previous notice a meeting was held in the small vestry of the Congregational church, on the evening of March 14, 1894, for the purpose of considering the question of organizing a Grange ,there being present several of the citizens of the town, and E. C. Hutchinson of Mil- ford, Sec. and Special Deputy of the N. H. State Grange, H. O. Hadley of Temple, District Deputy of the N. H. State Grange for district No. 10, A. H. Spalding, Master of Hollis Grange, and a few other patrons of neigh-
380
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE
boring Granges. A petition was presented containing the following names, who were the charter members of the Grange: Joseph A. Hall, Mrs. Eliza A. Hobart, Charles A. Stickney, Mrs. Clara A. Stickney, Mrs. Susie E. French, Miss Abbie F. Barrett, Clarence R. Russell, Mrs. Clara E. Russell, Hattie S. Williams, David S. Fessenden, David D. Rockwood, Mrs. Ella F. Rockwood, William B. Rockwood, Mrs. Etta E. Rockwood, George H. Kendall, Mrs. Alice Kendall, Mrs. Mary F. Barber, Martin A. Rockwood, Mrs. Mary E. Rockwood, David Hobart and William J. Bailey; and the requisite fee having been paid by each, they were presented at the Altar and obligated as Patrons of Husbandry by State deputy E. C. Hutchinson.
Proceeded to the election of officers resulting in the choice of the following: Master, David D. Rockwood; Overseer, Clarence R. Russell; Lecturer, Mrs. Susie E. French; Steward, David Hobart; Ass't. Steward, William J. Bailey; Chaplain, Joseph A. Hall; Treasurer, Martin A. Rock- wood; Secretary, David S. Fessenden; Gate Keeper, George H. Kendall; Ceres, Mrs. Ella F. Rockwood; Pomona, Mrs. Eliza A. Hobart; Flora, Mrs. Mary A. Rockwood; Lady Ass't. Steward, Mrs. Clara E. Russell. And the aboved named officers were duly installed by Deputies E. C. Hut- chinson and H. O. Hadley, who then proceeded to instruct them in the work of the order.
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.