History of Coos County, New Hampshire, Part 110

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1194

USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > History of Coos County, New Hampshire > Part 110

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).

915

TOWN OF GORHAM.

feels none of the chilling winds of the seaside that go through and through a man even with an overcoat on. Here, on the contrary, he feels a peculiar exhiliaration of spirits not found in the cities."

In 1870 the population had increased to 1.161. Magnificent six and four horse coaches carried tourists from the Alpine House to the Glen House and the top of Mt. Washington. Tradesmen, shop-keepers and mechanics of all pursuits incident to a prosperous and well-to-do community were in busy existence. The town was supplied with lawyers, physicians and re- ligious services. The Grand Trunk railway distributed a steady sum weekly to its employés, whose earnings added to the wealth and prosperity. The changes incident to every community went on here; firms changed; here and there an old resident dropped out of the busy throng on the streets, and a new monnd was upheaved in the " silent city of the dead "; new faces came, with new energies and business, and remained as citizens. In 1835 came the first fire, when the railroad shops were burned. One of greater disaster occurred in 1872 when the Alpine House became a prey to the devouring element. The great fire which destroyed Exchange street and the Grand Trunk railway's extensive shops and offices occurred April 28, 1879. This was the most serious catastrophe the town had ever experi- enced. The business men knew not what to do. If the shops were not rebuilt, there was nothing to induce investment here, and several months were passed in intense and anxious suspense. To set this matter at rest Capt. Noyes very wisely addressed a letter, July 28, 1879, to the Hon. Joseph Hickson, managing director of the G. T. R., to ascertain his views in the matter and the question of rebuilding the burned district wholly de- pended on his answer. A letter from Mr. Hickson in reply gave the public assurance that not only would the shops be continued but that their business would be increased in the future. This gave assurance to all parties, and from that date to the present Gorham has continued to increase in popu- lation, industry and wealth.

Twitchell's Block, erected in 1879, on Exchange street, by A. S. Twitchell, was the first building constructed after the fire. It is the best business building and location in Gorham, and now contains, on the ground floor, the postoffice, Mountaineer office, Demond Brothers' hardware store; lawyers, physicians, etc., occupy the second story with offices: the Masonic hall and Grand Army hall are in the third story.

Opera House Block was erected in 1581, by A. S. Twitchell and Dr. Henry Marble. It is one of the finest buildings in the county, with a hall among the best in Northern New Hampshire, having a stage fully equipped and furnished in good style. On the ground floor are two excellent stores. In the basement is a very convenient and attractive restaurant, now kept by Hobbs Brothers, and a meat market. Gorham House block and Gor-

916

HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.

don's block, are devoted to business purposes; Greenlaw's is for residents. This was built in 1881.

Lawyers .- For fifty years the town had no lawyer. Disputes were settled in a primitive way ; sometimes by a fight, at others by mutual agree- ment, or by the interposition of friends. A justice of the peace attended to the making out of deeds, occasionally solemnizing a marriage and ad- ministering oaths when necessary. There were but few suits in the courts at Lancaster. The first lawyer to come here was one Thomas B. Hinkley, who became a victim of the fever, which was so prevalent in 1870, and died. Some time after came Daniel W. Scribner, who only remained a short time. Next came Thaddeus S. Chase, who remained several years, but did not make a permanent home. Albert S. Twitchell was the first to settle permanently, which he did in 1866. Since then several others have practiced here, among them Capt. M. A. Hastings, Edwin F. Philbrook, James B. Chaffin, Alfred R. Evans, and Carl Abbott. [For sketches of Gorham lawyers see "Bench and Bar " in County History. ]

Physicians .- In the early settlement the people often suffered much for the want of a good physician. The exposure to the extremes of heat and cold, and wet and dry, was greater than at the present. Acute diseases were frequent, and often resulted in a settled and chronic state of disease only relieved by death. Many suffered terribly from that most painful disease, rheumatism. "Lung fever," typhoid fever, and other diseases found their victims the same as now.

Among the first who acted the part of a physician was the squaw Mol- locket, who travelled across the country from Vermont and Canada to Bethel, and acted as nurse and doctor. By her gentle manner, kind dis- position, and willingness to be useful, she found a welcome in every house. People are still living who like to say she rocked them in the cradle in their father's home. Her remedies for the sick were very simple. The inside bark of the spruce was one of her favorite remedies. There was an air of mystery about her prescriptions which served to increase and strengthen the faith of the sick in her ability to cure them. Another travelling doctor was Granny Stalbird. She had a circuit extending from the Con- necticut river to Gilead.

Dr. A. Bartlett is said to be the first physician who became a resident. Dr. Buffum and Dr. Worthley were here for a short time. Dr. Oliver B. Howe, although residing in Shelburne, practiced regularly here. Dr. Henry F. Wardwell was the first who made a permanent home in the town, coming here in 1855. During the Civil war he received the appointment of assistant surgeon, and served six months with the Fourth New Hamp- shire. He practiced in Gorham for nearly a quarter of a century. He removed to Berlin in 1579, where he is in active practice. Dr. Horatio Torrey and Dr. Luther W. Houghton were here about ten years ago, but did not remain.

917

TOWN OF GORHAM.

Dr. Edward M. Wight, a native of Maine, commenced practice in Gor- ham about 1865. He is a physician and surgeon of merited reputation, and has a practice extending over a wide radius. He is often called great distances for consultation, and to perform delicate operations of surgery. His success in these has been phenomenal. His offices are fitted with all appliances of a medical institute; and operating rooms, laboratory, etc., etc .. are connected. There is nothing to compare with it along the line of the Grand Trunk from Portland to Montreal. Few physicians have such an extensive library either of medical, scientific or literary works.

Dr. Nathan D. Hyde has been in practice for nearly ten years; has made many warm friends; is a successful practitioner, and a citizen who is interested in and promotes the welfare of the community.

Dr. Henry Marble removed to Gorham in 1880 from Auburn, Me., where he was city physician. As a surgeon his skill and ability is recognized. He takes an active part in town matters, and is the present representative to the legislature.

Dentist .- George H. Hoadley is building up a fine practice, is a good citizen, and has a branch office in Berlin.

Business Interests .-- C. S. Peabody & Co. (Timothy N. Wight and John T. Peabody) manufacture all kinds of long and short lumber on or near the site on Moose river one mile above the village, where Jonathan Lary built mills in 1834, and. in 1836, with A. G. Lary, put up more extensive ones. When John T. and Caleb S. Peabody purchased them, in 1542, there were in operation a clothing-mill, a fulling-mill, a shingle-machine and a turning-lathe. They at once changed the old "over-shot" mill to an "under-shot " one. and introduced an "up-and-down" saw. They afterwards put in a shingle and clapboard machine, a turbine wheel, a rotary saw, and in 1860 commenced sawing long lumber. Since 1872 it has been run by steam. During the war Moose river was turned into Moose brook by a canal. which makes a good water-power for planing and grist-mill all the year. During the last fifteen years the steam mill has cut an average of 6,000,000 feet of lumber, and now produces about 10,- 000,000 feet annually. The firm employs from 125 to 150 men in the win- ter, and fifty in summer, and conducts a mercantile establishment in connection. What is known as the " Peabody settlement " has sprung up: a thriving little village, mostly due to the thrift and enterprise of this company. The venerable senior, Caleb S. Peabody, is now hale and hearty. in his eightieth year, and preserves the same nnassuming and pleasant ways which have endeared him to so many all along his active and busy life. Timothy N. Wight has been a member of the firm since 1565. He has done good service on the broad of education. E. M. Watson, now foreman of the lumber department, has been with this firm fifteen years.

E. Libby & Sons (Elihu, Walter (, Alna B .. and Charles C.) manu-

91S

HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY,

facture all kinds of long and short lumber on Peabody river. Mr. Libby, better known as "Deacon " Libby, came to Gorham in 1861, and became a member of the Gorham Lumbering Company, soon sold his interest to George Goodrich, and took charge of the mills for him, and the succeeding firms of Clement & Goodrich, and Clement, Goodrich & Benson, until 1867, when the business passed into the hands of Clement, Benson & Co., the members of which firm were Edwin and Frank M. Clement, A. M. Benson, and Mr. Libby. In 1870 the firm was Edwin Clement & Co. Since then Mr. Libby has acquired possession and admitted his sons into partnership. They own a large tract of land contiguous to the upper Pea- body which has supplied not only the one mill now operated, but one, which has been burned, located five miles above. They derive their power from a twelve horse-power steam engine which drives their rotary, clap- board, lath. shingle, and planing machines. They employ a large force of men in connection with their mill and in the "woods," eighty-five in winter and forty in summer. A grist-mill, a machine shop, and a store are connected. Annual production of lumber about 8,000,000 feet.

Albert H. Gerrish came to Gorham in 1864, built the mills on the Berlin line, and manufactured lumber until 1872, when he sold to the Berlin Mills Company.

The Grand Trunk railway makes, in its shops located here, all parts of a locomotive engine, all "tenders " used on the eastern portion of the road, and maintains a large and efficient body of intelligent and skilled me- chanics of a high grade in steady employment. Eleven thousand dollars are paid out monthly to the 100 or more men constantly at work in the shops, and their attractive homes, mostly owned by themselves. are one of the features of the village.

The Gorham Five Cent Savings Bank was organized in 1872. It is a solid and substantial monetary corporation. Capt. Warren Noyes has been president since its incorporation. Rufus F. Ingalls has been treasurer since March, 1873. These gentlemen rank in the highest circle of prompt, accurate, conservative, and reliable men, have been honored with posi- tions of honor and trust by their townsmen, and. under their manage- ment, the bank cannot fail to be a prosperous and beneficent institution.

Merchants .- Charles G. Hamlin, a veteran of the Civil war, became a member of the firm of Twitchell & Hamlin in June, 1875. He purchased Mr. Twitchell's interest in March, 1882, and is still in trade at the corner of Maine and Exchange streets. His stock consists of general merchandise, and he transacts a large business.

Twitchell & Goodridge (Alfred N. Twitchell and William W. Good- ridge). Mr. Twitchell commenced merchandising in Milan, where he was largely engaged in manufacturing. In 1875 he became the senior member of the new house of Twitchell & Hamlin, in Gorham. This was one of

919

TOWN OF GORHAM.

the reliable business houses of this whole section. Retiring from this firm in 1852, he afterwards formed a partnership for general merchandising with Mr. Goodridge. They have traded in the Gorham House block until this year (1887), when they have removed to Odd Fellows' block. Mr. Goodridge was formerly a clerk for E. Clement & Co.

Simon Stahl opened his store on Main street in October, 1875. He is extensively known, and sells general merchandise, with a penchant for dry goods and clothing. [See Stahl Brothers, Berlin. |

G. E. Clark & Co. (Hyman Stahl and Abraham M. Stahl) deal in cloth- ing, furnishing goods, etc., on Exchange street.

Orren Tubbs commenced trading in dry goods and groceries on Ex- change street, in 1851, and was in trade for thirty-one years. His son, George E. Tubbs, now deals in hardware, stoves, etc., in the same place.

Demond Brothers (George N. and William R.) were the pioneers in the hardware business of Gorham. They commenced business in January, 1876. Their store is on Exchange street.

Sabin M. Leavitt has built up a prosperous and valuable business. He began trade in April. 1865, and occupies the corner of Main and Exchange streets. He has a very neat and artistically arranged establishment; and deals in clothing. fancy goods, books, stationery, etc.

Cyrus H. Howe established a furniture store in April, 1875. He is now located in Opera House block, where he also conducts undertaking.

Henry Marble & Co. established a drug and medicine store in 1878. This firm has been succeeded by Fred W. Noyes, whose store is in Noyes block, corner of Exchange and Railroad streets.

L. S. Barrett commenced business as a druggist, on Main street, in 1882. The admission of his son as partner has since formed the firm of L. S. Barrett & Son.

Woodbury B. Gates founded a grocery store here in 1874. J. F. Brown has since been admitted, forming the house of Gates & Brown. They do a large business in groceries, meats and provisions.

O. E. Twitchell, groceries, fruits, etc., has an establishment on Ex- change street.

Stephen Gordon was in trade from about 1860 until the great fire.

Jonathan Jeweil came to Gorham in 1866, and has since been continu- ously engaged in the flour and grain business in connection with farming and lumbering. He has been very active in temperance since 1876, was president of the temperance league, and became noted for his original and effective oratory.

Rufus F. Ingalls began trade as a merchant in 1865, and, in connection with important public business and responsible monetary positions, has done as much business as any resident of the town, and in a quiet, unos-

920

HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.

tentations manner. We are indebted to him for assistance in the prepa- ration of this history.

Livi Shedd, one of the present board of county commissioners, was in trade from 1873 for ten or twelve years as a dealer in groceries and family supplies.

Barak Jackman came to Gorham in 1872 and went into trade with J. C. Gordon. The firm continued six years. Mr. Jackman, having a compe- tency, then permanently gave up all business.

A. S. Twitchell sells coal, brick, lime, etc.

R. H. Emerson engaged in trade as a manufacturer and dealer in har- nesses in 1879.

J. P. Dunham manufactures and sells carriages, sleighs, etc., on Androscoggin street.

Thomas Gifford is well known as the reliable and efficient express agent.

John O'Connor is a wholesale dealer in wines, liquors, and ales.

H. H. Mandigo has a nice stock of clocks, watches, jewelry, etc., on sale on Main street.

M. N. Norwood & Company (L. M. Norwood) keep millinery and fancy goods for sale in Noyes block on Exchange street, and attend to millinery work and dress making. They are widely known for their artistic skill in designing, fitting, etc.

Mrs. M. B. Farr began business in 1871 as dress-maker. In connection with this she now carries on a store of fancy-goods and millinery on Exchange street.

Mrs. M. J. Gifford opened a fancy-goods store in 1872. She also sells millinery goods.

Several others have traded in Gorham for longer or shorter periods, but are not now actively engaged.

Tradesmen .- Among the other tradesmen of the day are J. C. Richard- son, E. D. Kilgore, H. Kerr, blacksmiths; A. Twitchell, W. Wight, boots and shoes: F. Buck, carriage-maker; C. H. Hobbs. photographer; A. N. Gilbert, builder.

[For Gorham Mountaineer, see "Coos County Press" in County History. ]

There are some fine farms in town, and intelligent and prosperous farmers.

921

TOWN OF GORHAM.

CHAPTER CNV.

Hotels-Societies-Postmasters-Mascot Mine-Thirty Years Changes.

OTELS .- Lary House .- Gorham has been a grand place for hotels from the time of the opening of the Lary House in 1834 to the present. After its service as a wayside inn, this good old-fashioned hostelry was a favorite resort of the summer tourist who knew of the pleasant courtesy of the host, the acknowledged excellency of its table, and the advantages it possessed as a charming center for walks and drives. All this has changed. The old-time gentleman who presided over its. destinies has passed on to a fairer land, modern houses have taken the patronage of a public who knew not the place, and the large and hospit- able mansion. closed as a hotel, is only sought and found by a small circle of its former guests.

The Alpine House .- In 1851 the managers of the G. T. Ry. decided to build a first-class hotel near Gorham, for the accommodation of summer boarders as well as for furnishing meals for passengers. Accordingly, in the winter of 1850-51, Capt. Edward Merrill, of Bethel, contracted to put the frame of a large hotel on the spot where the present Alpine now stands. He built a shanty, hired his men and had the hotel ready for raising in the spring of that year. The main house was of the same size as the one now standing, having a front of 100 feet, but the " ell " was much larger. It was designed to be a first-class hotel, costing about $20, - 000. It was opened about the first of July, 1851. under the management of Mrs. Margaret Hayes, a lady of great energy of character, who acquired a deserved popularity for her successful management. She ran the house about two years, when J. R. Hitchcock, who had been chief managing clerk, became proprietor. He at once brought it to the highest possible standard, and for nearly twenty years, until the house was burned in 1872, conducted it with marked ability, and acquired wealth. Under his admin- istration it was the pride of Gorham. In 1875 the house was rebuilt at about the same cost as the original house. The new house was opened by W. & C. R. Milliken, proprietors of the Glen House. The house is heated by steam, and can accommodate from seventy-five to one hundred. After having been under the management of G. D. Stratton for a time, it is once more under the charge of C. R. Milliken.

Glen House .- To John Bellows must be awarded the credit of the es- tablishment of this grand caravansary of the mountains. It is not located in Gorham, but its business interests, and its connection with the Alpine

922

HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.

House, bring it properly in the province of the Gorham historian. An old clearing was made years ago and a primitive house built on the hotel site. In 1850 Mr. Bellows, who owned Martin's, Green's and Pinkham's grants, was attracted by the wonderful beauty of the glen at the head of the Pea- body river. This is a narrow valley between mountain sides through which, for, perhaps, countless ages, the Peabody river has held its stead- fast northern way. It took its name from the river, but is most generally called "The Glen." It is in the southern half of Green's grant, and the Glen House is about midway its length. Here a full and unobstructed view of the highest peaks of the Mt. Washington range meets the eye, while its altitude (1,632 feet) gives the purest and most tonic of atmos- pheres. Through the Pinkham Notch, leading south up the narrow valley to Glen Ellis, the carriage road seeks the Saco valley fifteen miles distant. Gorhanı is eight miles off on the Grand Trunk, but the lovely carriage ride makes it seem not half the distance, the scenery along the Peabody river being so picturesque and grand. On this site Mr. Bellows built a small house where he entertained a few guests in 1851. In 1852 Col. Joseph M. Thompson purchased 700 acres of land, including the hotel site, paying $11,000 for the property. He enlarged the building at once to twenty-five or thirty rooms. In the winter of 1852-53 he built a house 120 feet long. 44 feet wide, and of three stories. Patronage increased so as to necessitate enlargement in 1865-66, and he made additions which gave a front of 414 feet in length. The parlor was then the largest in the United States, being 100x44 feet. This house became one of the most fashionable places of resort in the country. Col. Thompson was drowned October 4, 1869, in the Peabody river at a time of freshet. In the spring of 1571 the property was sold to W. & C. R. Milliken, and, in 1874, became the sole property of Charles R. Milliken, who now conducts it. A mag- nificent new building has taken the place of the old one, and stands on a gently-sloping grassy hill at the foot of Mt. Carter. Right in front, only a leagne away, is a view unparalleled for beauty. The five highest of New England's mountains-Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, and Clay-give a permanent grandeur to the view in any of the moods, vary- ing though they are, in which they may appear. During the season the Glen is headquarters for mountain visitors. Carriages leave for the Summit, for Gorham, for Glen Station: while numerous parties plan ex- peditions and walks in the wild, untamed solitudes on every hand, or to Glen Ellis falls and Crystal Cascade, the finest water-falls of the mount- ains.

The Gorham House is situated on Main, and fronting Exchange street, and is seventy rods from the railroad station. It was built in 1853 by Hazen Evans, who ran it for a short time and sold it. After several changes it passed into the hands of Walter Buck, who enlarged it and

923

TOWN OF GORIIAM.

built a large and commodious hall, which is the principal hall in the village for public occasions. After several more changes it passed, in 1881, into the hands of Mr. G. D. Stratton, who conducted it until he took charge of the Alpine House and removed thither, when the Gorham House was closed. In the latter part of 1887 it was again fitted up for a hotel and occupied by Mr. Stratton. It has a central location, and, under the care and personal supervision of Mr. Stratton, is a quiet and satisfactory resting-place. and an appetizing cuisine may be expected. Mr. Stratton is also proprietor of the Umbagog House in Errol.

The Eagle Hotel, on the corner of Main and Alpine streets, was built by B. C. Flanders as a combined store and dwelling, and, in 1870. it was enlarged and opened as a hotel by Sargent & Jewett. In 1879 L. L. Jack- son became proprietor.

Several cottages for summer visitors are open for guests during the sea- son, and are well filled by desirable patrons. Among those we would note as worthy of mention are Riverside cottage, Willis cottage, and Woodbine cottage.

Societies .- For history of Gorham Lodge, No. 73, Free and Accepted Masons, see " Masonry in Coös." in General History.

Glen Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 54 .- Glen Lodge was instituted February 5. 1874. through the personal efforts of the eight charter members who with - drew from Mt. Abram Lodge, Bethel, Maine, for the purpose of institut- ing it. They were: J. W. Greenlaw, Timothy N. Wight, A. A. Carter. M. A. Hastings. George E. Cross, H. M. Blackwell, E. S. Mason and Addi- son Dolley. The ceremonies took place in the room over Barrett's drug store, in the Mason block, on Main street, at which time sixteen new mem- bers were initiated. After the great fire of 1879. the Odd Fellows purchased the lot known as the Burt lot, on Exchange street, and erected a fine block. and now have a building of which any lodge in the state might well be proud. The block is 45x55, with two stores on the first floor which they rent.

The hall is forty-eight and one-half feet long and twenty nine feet wide, and the walls are adorned with emblems of the order, tastefully arranged. There are three ante-rooms connected with the hall: one 12x15, one 15x22 and the other 15x19, the last two named connect by folding doors, which. when opened, makes a grand reception-room or banquet-hall, to which are attached coat rooms and every appliance needful for convenience. The stairway leading to the hall is wide and commodious, and elegantly finished. Glen Lodge building cannot be excelled in the state for attractiveness and convenience, and with the additions has cost between $4.000 and $5, 000. The officers for the present term were installed July 9. 1887, by District Deputy Grand Master E. W. Evans, assisted by Past Grand A. M. Hub- bard as grand warden, Past Grand J. W. Greenlaw as grand secretary,

924

HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.

Past Grand Nathan Stewart as grand treasurer, Past Grand Thomas Gif- ford, 2d, as grand marshal, and Past Grand E. Y. Vernon as grand guard- ian. The following are the officers for the ensuing term: Noble grand, Charles H. Hobbs; vice grand, John A. Burbank; secretary, V. V. Twitchell; treasurer, Nathan Stewart; warden, Walter A. Heath; conductor, Thomas W. Buck; inside guardian, George F. Woodsum: outside guardian, Isaac Woodsum; right supporter to noble grand, Allen M. Hubbard; left sup- porter to noble grand, Ambrose Wheeler; right supporter to vice grand, E. Y. Vernon: left supporter to vice-grand, I. W. Mclellan; right scene sup- porter, Frank M. Thurston; left scene supporter, William A. Burbank; chaplain, N. D. Hyde; marshal, Warren Noyes; representative to grand lodge. Charles H. Shorey; visiting committee, Gorham, noble grand, vice- grand and treasurer; Shelburne, Ellery Wheeler; Gorham upper village, Isaac Peabody; Berlin, Joseph Tucker; Milan, R. A. Twitchell; Dummer, A. J. Magill. Investigating committee, George H. Hersey, R. F. Ingalls and Walter C. Libby. Finance committee, A. J. Graham, A. S. Twitchell and Urban Shorey. The present membership is 203.

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.

History of Coos County, New Hampshire, Part 110

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson Number of Pages: 1194

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1194