USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Northfield > History of Northfield, New Hampshire 1780-1905: In Two Parts with Many Biographical Sketches and. > Part 19
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In the spring of 1853 he purchased the Dea. John A. Chamberlain farm in Canterbury, to which he removed and upon which he spent the remainder of his life. October 12, 1853, he married Mary Ann Morse,. daughter of Charles and Eunice Lake Morse of Canterbury. To them were born six children, the youngest only living to maturity. The loss of three children, within a month during an epidemic in the spring of 1863 was to him a blow from which he never recovered.
He was gifted with a keen eye for mechanical work and was indus- trious during his long life to a remarkable degree. He cared nothing for politics or public life, but held the respect of his fellow-townsmen for his honesty and uprightness. He took a keen interest in the. town of his birth and was a constant and interested attendant at the Glines reunions on Mount Polly. In politics a Democrat, a member of the Free Baptist Church, an honored citizen, he passed away, October
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20, 1902, and his remains were laid beside those of his wife and children in the Williams Cemetery.
Leroy Arthur, youngest son of Charles and Mary Ann Glines, was born August 10, 1867. Married, October 9, 1900, Jessie P. Raymond of Boscawen. Their children are: Raymond, born October 3, 1901, Mary Eunice, born December 4, 1903. Although not active in politics, Mr. Glines has held many positions of trust within the gift of his fellow- townsmen. He was elected a deacon of the Congregational Church, of which he is a loyal member, in 1898, and he held the office continuously until the present (1905). He was secretary and treasurer of the Can- terbury and Boscawen Telephone Company from its beginning in 1896 until the present year. At present he is engaged in the lumber business in addition to farming.
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BOARD OF HEALTH.
Northfield established a board of health in 1886. Its duties are the same as those of similar organizations elsewhere, being defined by statute. Each branch is a part of the state board and amenable to it. At first the members were chosen by the citizens in annual meeting; later, in 1898, by a change in the law, they were appointed by the selectmen, one being appointed each year for a three years' term. The present members are J. E. Smith, George Morrison, with John Senter as chairman. He is com- pleting his tenth year of service.
WOMAN'S CLUB.
Mrs. Croly, "Jenny June," debarred from the Press Club in New York City, when Charles Dickens was entertained by them, said, "Let the women have a club," and so the first one sprang into existence. Its declaration of principles was the occa- sion of sneers and abusive criticism and failure to obtain either sympathy or pity. Thus came "Sorosis" and, later, the "North- field and Tilton Woman's Club." If that was the beginning, this is not the end. A movement with such leaders as Julia Ward Howe, Mary A. Livermore, Elizabeth Peabody and Louisa Alcott could not long be unpopular. ·
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The first clubs had generally for their object the raising of funds for benevolent purposes and Merrimack County claims to have the earliest in America for any object, the "Female Cent Union," originated by Mrs. McFarland in Concord. It has now passed its centennary, has grown from a five-dollars income in 1805 to $4,000 yearly.
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES.
When the war broke out Soldiers' Aid Societies and Christian Commissions developed a great power for good in many ways, so when there was no longer need of service in war, the energy devel- oped sought other fields of labor and other objects and the present century has come to be called the "Woman's Age," for the reason that she has come to the front as never before in the annals of history. A practical writer has said: "There have been notable women in all ages, women who have ruled empires and exerted a · powerful influence on government; women who have led armies; or have stood high in literature, art and philanthropy, but it has been accomplished more by individual effort than by the effort of many." A writer in the Chautauqua said: "America has reason to be proud of her women, and in every walk of life, in every human pursuit, in literature, science and art, in society, on the stage, in every field of human endeavor, American women have shown themselves the peers of American men."
The Tilton and Northfield Woman's Glub was organized No- vember 16, 1895, and is consequently 10 years of age. Of its 33 charter members, 15 were residents of Northfield and thus its right to a place in her annals is assured. Its object was to estab- lish a social center for united thought and action and at the same time to investigate and discuss the many questions not only pertaining to the club but the whole community and the world at large. It swung into line with Mrs. Frances S. Spencer as president; Mrs. Mary E. Boynton as vice-president; Miss Lizzie M. Page as secretary ; Mrs. Sophia T. Rogers, treasurer, and Mrs. Kate C. Hill as auditor. The board of directors consisted of Mrs. Georgia L. Young, Mrs. M. D. R. Baker and Mary M. Emery.
Its papers for the first year were all given by home talent and covered a wide range of subjects and were very meritorious. The social idea was made prominent and many happy occasions enjoyed. With increase of membership, outside talent was avail- able and the interest greatly increased. The executive committee arranged the programmes and sub-committees had charge of the meetings, thus bringing many into its working force.
Its musicales have been appreciated and home talent generally encouraged, while "gentleman's night," with its added attraction of dainty costumes and toothsome lunches, has ever been looked
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forward to by the younger members as their own especial occa- sion, and in spite of all this our mothers and sisters still continue to bake and wash, and nowhere will be found more shining ex- amples of domesticity.
Mrs. Alice Freese Durgin (recently deceased), Mrs. Kate C. Hill, Mrs. Ellen Crockett, Mrs. Georgia L. Young, Mrs. Hannah S. Philbrook, Miss Georgia Page, and Miss Lela G. Durgin have filled its chair with honor and profit to the club. As to results, it is acknowledged to have broken down many of the old walls of church and class prejudice and been the occasion of pleasant and profitable friendships, and is one of the agencies which is bringing in "the kingdom."
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ISLAND AND SUMMER HOUSE.
CHAPTER XII. ATTRACTIONS AND FESTIVALS.
THE ISLAND.
One of the most pleasing ornaments of our town is the little island in the Winnepesaukee River at the east of Main Street. It was at first of small size. In 1847 Solomon McNeil Wilson, relative of the Ingalls brothers, artists at Sanbornton Square, seeing possibilities in the location for a studio, engaged Warren H. Smith, who was then constructing the railroad through the deep cut in the village, to construct a temporary bridge or way across the river and deposit their superfluous grade there to the value of $50. This was done; but Mr. Wilson had then made other plans and, receiving no compensation, Mr. Smith took the land which he sold later to Jeremith Tilton.' When it became, with the mill, the property of James Bailey, he constructed a cable bridge to it from the east shore and used it as a drying · place for his cloth and, later, as a vegetable garden. When the canal to this mill was widened and deepened the superfluous soil was added to it and, later, a similar enlargement added still more to its size.
Mr. Bailey sold it in 1865 to Hon. C. E. Tilton, who. at first erected a wooden bridge, to be followed later by the present iron one. A bank wall was constructed around it, the surface raised and a fine summer house erected and other attractive features added. It has not only been a thing of beauty but a joy forever to those who have found a real place of rest in its coolness and shade. It is wholly within the limits of Northfield. The design for the summer house was taken from one at the Vienna Exposi- tion, plans being drawn on the spot while the "Bee Hive" on the top is à la Brigham Young.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
MEMORIAL ARCH. (See picture.)
Tilton Memorial Arch is a copy of the one erected in ancient Rome in the year 79 in honor of the Emperor Titus and is one of three similar structures leading from the Palatine Hill to the Coliseum at the foot of the hill. It was erected after his death to commemorate his conquest of Judea. Its ornamentation represents his victorious return and the spoils he brought are represented on it.
Our arch is located on an eminence 150 feet above the river and commands a varied and extensive view. It is of hewn Con- cord granite, 55 feet high and 40 feet wide. Between the col- umns of the arch is a device.in Scotch granite bearing up a Nu- midian lion, the pedestal and figure weighing 50 tons, which bears this inscription :
TILTON 1883 On each end of the keystone is also this inscription :
"Memorial Arch of Tilton 1882"
It was erected as a tribute to the memory of the Tilton family by their appreciative descendant, Hon. Charles E. Tilton. It stands in the midst of well-kept grounds, directly facing his late home across the river, and comprises a dozen acres and is illu- minated by four gas lamps of elaborate design. It is not only a constant joy to those living near it but it is visited by large num- bers of people from all parts of the country. The foundation extends 16 feet below the surface and is of the most perfect construction. The plan was made by the late Edward Dow of Concord and Leonard Conant had charge of the construction, with Daniel Donovan of Concord as expert stone-worker.
OLD HOME DAY, 1901. (See group picture.)
Northfield celebrated its first Old Home Day, Wednesday, August 21, 1901. The event had been anticipated and funds appropriated at its annual meeting. Circulars of invitation had been sent out bearing the following invitation :
"The Northfield, N. H., Old Home Week Committee cordially invite you to unite with them in the observance of
SOUVENIR GROUP, 1901.
TILTON MEMORIAL ARCH.
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Old Home Week, August 17 to August 24, 1901, and especially to be present at the public exercises in the Con- gregational Church (1794) at the fair grounds on Northfield Old Home Day, Wednesday, August 21. "Very respectfully, "MISS KATE FORREST, "MRS. CARRIE B. MORRISON, "J. E. SMITH, "O. C. WYATT, "FRANK FRENCH, "E. J. YOUNG."
One saw the sure promise of abundant success in names of those chosen to arrange the exercises of the day and the event more than fulfilled the promise.
The response to this was gratifying and the presence of so many gave great satisfaction to those who had the matter in charge.
The newspaper reporter said of the occasion: '
All roads led to the fair grounds on that day, and all the morning trains brought new visitors to swell the large number already shaking hands and recalling old times together.
At half past ten the greater part of those present repaired to the old church, where the literary exercises were to take place. Here in this venerable structure, which has witnessed the chang- ing scenes of more than a century, were gathered some who had seen it in its prime and worshipped beneath its roof; others to whom it was a new and novel sight, still others who remembered it as the neglected and decaying structure where town meetings were held, and where the winds of winter held carnival. On this day, restored to something of its former glory, brightly decorated with streamers of red, white and blue, filled with happy faces, the old church looked as if it had found itself again and seemed entirely in keeping with the occasion. Above the ancient pulpit the face of the honored ex-Governor, Frank West Rollins, looked down benignly upon the people whom his happy thought had caused to assemble there. Decorations of golden-rod added to the brightness and beauty of the scene. When the president of the day called to order, he said that he disliked to break in upon the
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sociability of the occasion, but a long programme had been pre- pared, for which there was too little time. After a few appro- priate remarks, he announced as the first number a song by the Shaker ladies' quartette of Canterbury. The sweet-voiced sisters rendered the "Old Oaken Bucket" and nothing could have been more timely. The Rev. C. C. Sampson was then called upon to offer prayer. He stood in the high pulpit and once more the old sounding-board echoed words of devotion.
Letters were read from Gov. Chester B. Jordan; Hon. Napo- leon B. Bryant, who was unable to be present on account of the celebration at Andover the same day; and from the Rev. B. A. Rogers of Houston, Tex., a son of Northfield, who sent a letter of interesting reminiscences in response to his invitation. Next came a solo by Mrs. Emma Carleton Parker of Franklin, whose mother sang in the choir of that very church in the years gone by. Mrs. Parker's song, "Home Again," was very appropriate and touching.
The pavilion with its long tables, adorned with flowers, loaded with viands, and waited upon by a corps of ready and efficient attendants was the place toward which all turned during the in- termission, and here fully 300 people were entertained in a man- ner which appeared to be entirely satisfactory. If "chatted food is half digested food," then this should not have been a dyspeptic- making occasion. The social spirit of the day was so fully in the ascendancy at this time that it was hard for the people to stop talking, and it was nearly two o'clock when the president again called to order. The church was thronged at this session and many were unable to gain entrance. Probably 600 people lis- tened to a part of the exercises and it is not too great an estimate to say that very nearly 1,000 people were on the grounds during the afternoon. A solo by Mrs. Alida Cogswell True very charm- ingly opened the programme, after which Prof. Craven Laycock of Dartmouth College was introduced as an adopted son of North- field (a son-in-law would, perhaps, be more appropriate), and spoke for a few minutes wittily and eloquently upon subjects near to every heart. Another selection by the Shakers was followed by the speaker of the day, Col. William A. Gile of Wor- cester, Mass., whose address was all it was expected to be-elo- quent, reminiscent, inspiring. Colonel Gile, who is one of the legal lights of his adopted state, was born in that part of North-
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field afterwards taken possession of by Franklin. He spoke of having cast his vote for town officers in the place where he was then speaking, and recalled some of the old town-meeting-day scenes. He drew a vivid picture of the district school of the olden time, as he experienced it in the Hodgdon district under the tuition of James N. Forrest. A eulogy upon the present govern- ment of the United States and some amusing stories composed part of this address, which we would gladly give in full did space
permit. Mrs. Parker's sweet voice was heard again at this point, after which Hon. James O. Lyford was called upon. He re- sponded in his usual happy manner and kept his audience pleased for 15 or 20 minutes. A violin solo by Mr. Bryant came next, and then Mrs. Lucy R. H. Cross, Northfield's "poet-historian," was introduced. She mounted the pulpit stairs and stood where no woman would have been allowed to stand and speak 100 years ago. She read an original poem, descriptive of the old church in its palmy days, and then spoke for several minutes upon the sub- ject of home and its association. Quotations from the poets and original verses made her address beautiful and appropriate. Dr. Dearborn of Nashua, an aged man, spoke briefly. The exercises were fittingly closed with a selection by the Shaker quartette, "Tenting Tonight," which was encored. The company then separated with many expressions of satisfaction over the success of the day and the pleasure which it had afforded them, and on every side was heard the remark that Old Home Day would cer- tainly be repeated next year.
The Tilton Cornet Band furnished music on the grounds.
OLD HOME DAY, 1905.
Although the first Old Home Day in 1901 left nothing to be desired by way of attendance, cordiality or literary feast, the an- ticipated gathering in 1905 had a deeper significance, since it was to be in part a celebration of the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary, postponed from the date of its organization, June 17. The same loving and unanimous interest prevailed as on the former occasion, and the forces, under the leadership of Mrs. Ella Nelson, chairman of the woman's board, and Miss Mary E. Foss, secretary, with their able assistants, left nothing undone in the line of culinary triumphs and literary feast. Let it here be said that Northfield women are never found wanting
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
when occasion calls. Major Wyatt, as presiding officer of the day, and Messrs. Shaw, Hills, Chase, French and Robertson were equal to all other requirements, and the day-August 24-arrived with no doubts and passed, leaving no regrets.
The old church had been made beautiful with bunting and flowers and the day was all that could be wished. It was hard to call the chatting crowd to silence for the well-arranged pro- gramme, much of which is herewith given.
The Cecilia Quartette of Franklin; the soloists, old and young; with Kempl's Orchestra left nothing to be desired in the musical line. The short and graceful address of Col. Thomas Dearborn of Dover was well received. Mr. Dearborn has never before ad- dressed the gatherings of his native town. He took for his theme "Home," the foundation of all society, and "neighborhood," the real center around which the world revolves. His thoughts were reminiscent and his words graceful and forceful. He made a happy allusion to the sentiment on the tombstone of one of New Hampshire's most brilliant men, one who had raised himself from obscurity to be one of the leading jurists of the day, viz .: "The true touch-stone of civil liberty is not that all men are equal, but rather that every man may become the equal of any man if he can." Were we born equal, there would be no incentive. We must struggle to be equal and then for supremacy. The fact that one has fought to excel is sure to bring out what is best, and this is what the world calls success in life. He closed with the following sentiment: "May the rising generation, to whom the future affairs of this old town will ere long be entrusted, ever maintain her honor and protect her boundary lines."
Mrs. Nellie Oliver Shaw gave a semi-humorous paper, in which she addressed herself to the returning sons and daughters in the following graceful words:
What a numerous family is gathered in response to Mother Northfield's invitation to celebrate her birthday; sons and daughters, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, step-sons and daugh- ters and children by adoption; also, the usual number of grand- children, all gathered with union of sentiment, resolved to make this a gala day which will linger in memory as one of the happiest occasions in our lifetime. It needed no beacon lights on the hills to guide the children home, though their appearance indicated good cheer and a hearty welcome to all. As we turned the key
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in the door of our homes today, we fastened life's cares all inside and came in the spirit of a troop of happy children, invited out for a play-day.
Hands will be clasped today which have been severed for years and, as old friends meet, their thoughts instinctively fly to the home of childhood which, in many instances, has greatly changed in the passing years, yet the mental vision sees it the same as in the sweet long ago. In their hearts it is a spot where the sun- shine was brighter, the well-water cooler and the birds' carol sweeter than elsewhere.
If to bear life's burdens cheerfully, discharge its duties faith- fully, to be contented in the sphere in which the higher power has placed them, never beating against the bars, is to be great, this town has produced some noble women. The diploma with the seal of some famous institution transfixed is to be prized, certainly, as it certifies to the fidelity with which its owner has pursued a certain course of study, but it is of less value than the document, angel-recorded, which an illiterate woman sometimes earns, and on which our Lord has written, "She hath done what she could."
One hundred and twenty-five years old ! By no stretch of im- agination can we picture Northfield in its baby existence. The struggles to maintain the right of a township are all unknown to us, yet we appreciate all that our ancestors did to make this town a desirable location for a home, and that it has many attractions is evident from the fact that other towns have petitioned for some of her fair lands and on several occasions she has responded with generosity.
While we would not give a melancholy shade to this happy day, it is proper to give a few thoughts to the loved friend" so recently called to rest; also to those who once made sunshine in the homes of our childhood. On the bright shore of the Eternal River they wait for us and today we may wander, perhaps, to that Silent City where their hallowed dust reposes, as thus we muse: "Oh, City of Rested Hearts and Folded Hands! Over against your walls no cares shall gather like an army with lances all unsheathed -for you no broken dreams, no vain regrets. 'Your inhabitants shall never say the day is long and I am weary, or the road is
* Kate Hills.
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rough and my courage far spent, but in every sense their repose is true rest."
Mr. Samuel Warren Forrest, one of Northfield's returning sons, now master in chancery in Massachusetts, spoke on "Grit," not only of the sort which filled his shoes as he guided the plow be- tween the rocks on the home farm in East Northfield, but the grit, the intentness of purpose, which everybody must have to amount to anything in these days of fierce competition and stren- nous life.
After a reminiscent speech by Hon. W. A. Gile of Worcester, Mass., who was the orator of the day in 1901, and a timely paper from Prof. Lucian Hunt, came the eloquent address of Hon. James O. Lyford, an able son of our mother Canterbury, who has on several previous festal occasions entertained and in- structed us. Mr. Lyford was for some years a factor in the business life of Northfield and always practically interested in her welfare. He has generously given it entire for publication and I earnestly commend its noble sentiments to the careful con- sideration of the boys and business men of the future.
ADDRESS OF HON. JAMES O. LYFORD. .
Fellow Citizens of Northfield:
I desire to express to you my deep appreciation of your invi- tation to deliver the address at this anniversary. I can but regard it as the survival of that friendly interest so often shown to me by the people of Northfield in days that are past. It is now nearly a quarter of a century since I had neighborly association with the citizens of this town. At the time of my residence in this community, I could call by name most, if not all, of the citizens of Northfield. As I look about me today, I miss many familiar faces. They are the faces of those whose generous greeting and helpful spirit encouraged me in my undertakings. They and others who still survive were the friends of my youth and early manhood, and there is no friendship more dear.
. I should have preferred to appear here today as a former neigh- bor and friend and speak to you in a reminiscent vein, recalling incidents within the memory of many of us which contributed to the pleasure of our association. I should like to acknowledge my personal obligations to such men as your chairman, Otis C. Wyatt, to Jeremiah E. Smith, Charles P. Herrick, A. B. Winslow
JAMES O. LYFORD.
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and others of the living, to James N. Forrest, Isaac Mooney, Franklin J. Eastman and their contemporaries who have passed away, and tell you how much their friendship meant to me in the past and how pleasant is the recollection of it in the present. As a practising lawyer, my first client was a respected citizen of this town. If I mistake not, I performed the last legal service he re- quired when I drew his will. His sincere regard for my welfare continued until his death. Another citizen of Northfield signed my first official bond, and there is no better evidence of friend- ship. From time to time others responded to calls of mine with a cheerfulness which admits of no misinterpretation.
I should like to individualize and give a just estimate of the men of Northfield in my time, but any inadvertent omission would mar the tribute I wish to pay to all and which is justly due to all. They were men of character and purpose, strong in rugged hon- esty, clear in their conception of duty, public-spirited citizens, and an honor to any community. They were faithful to the trusts, public or private, given to their keeping. They had a pride in their town and managed its affairs with the same scru- pulous care that they did their own. As I think of the leading men of both Northfield and the mother town of Canterbury in those days, I am glad to acknowledge my indebtedness to the in- fluence they exerted by precept and example upon the young men of the towns.
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