USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Wentworth > History of the town of Wentworth, New Hampshire > Part 15
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The library grounds include the site of the old vil- lage hotel and the store building formerly owned for many years by Eaton and Davis, and is thus in the heart of the village.
The building itself is of stucco with natural field stone trimmings. It is ample in size, attractive in de-
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sign and in every respect reflects credit upon its builders.
The following detailed description of the building is from the pamphlet issued at the time of dedication. It conveys to the reader a clear idea of the interior and its contents.
The building is fire-proof, 23 by 50 feet. It has a stone portico and arch entrance with cement steps from the sidewalk leading to a commodious hallway.
A stack room, a reading room and a ladies' retiring room lead off this hallway. The finish of the first floor is all in natural oak. The stack or book room has a capacity of 4,000 volumes, with ample opportunities for enlargement. A beautiful fireplace of field stone graces the reading room. Over the mantel of the fireplace is a panel in which has been placed photo- graphs of the donors of the library as well as those of their parents. This room has a six-foot oak wains- coting.
The East Room of the library has been set apart and designated as a historical room. This room is provided with large glass cabinets. All the modern conveniences for the public and the librarian have been installed throughout the building. The basement is a gymnasium, and has, as well, a gallery floor. Re- tiring rooms are provided and shower baths have been installed. A tennis court and croquet lawn are pro-
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vided upon the spacious grounds on the southerly side. The building has its own heating and water system. The latter is furnished from an artesian well by a pump worked automatically by electricity and carrying an average pressure of fifty pounds. Wood- work of the interior of the library is finished in dark oak. The structure was designed and built by the Allen, Hall Company, Architects and Builders, Bos- ton; modern methods were employed in its construc- tion from start to finish. There are electric lights, with concealed conduit wiring, a 500-gallon storage water tank, and hot and cold water summer and winter.
The donors have fitted out the book room with a thousand volumes, and the Cutter library system will be used. Miss Jennie Hall, a lady of culture, intellect, and a Wentworth native has been engaged as libra- rian, and Arista Eames will be janitor, having charge of the building and grounds. The view from the library is to the south, looking down Baker's River valley, and the large bay window, extending from the basement up to the eaves, affords a most excellent and picturesque view.
The library is open to the public daily during July, August and September, and three days of each week during the remaining months of the year.
The building was formally dedicated and presented to the people of the town on August 23, 1917.
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There was a large attendance at the exercises and much interest was manifested, not only by the towns- people, but by many who came from other places to be present on the occasion.
The perfect weather of a late August afternoon added to the pleasure of all who participated.
The exercises at the dedication were as follows:
Starting at 2 o'clock Rev. F. C. Bradeen read an interesting paper on early history of the town, after which the principal address of the day was delivered by Col. Stephen S. Jewett of Laconia, followed by a brief address by Dr. William A. Shanklin, President of Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. Miss Der- isthe Hoyt, with a few well-chosen remarks, for the people of Wentworth, presented George K. and Henry A. Webster each with a gold-mounted cane made from rock maple which grew on the old home farm. George K. Webster fittingly acknowledged the token and gave a message to the townspeople. A musi- cal program was given by a delegation of young peo- ple from Camp Pemigewassett, under the direction of Joseph W. McLeod of Wentworth. A delegation of little folks from the Sunday School sang "The Star Spangled Banner," after which Dr. Shanklin offered an invocation.
1
The exercises were held in the open air in front of the library. Main Street was roped off and traffic sent around east of the Common.
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The excellent address of Col. Stephen S. Jewett is of much historical interest, and follows with only a few omissions made necessary by the lack of space. It deserves attention inasmuch as it correctly repre- sents the sentiments of those who were privileged to hear him on this well-remembered occasion. Colonel Jewett spoke in part as follows:
Mr. President, Citizens of Wentworth, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is indeed a distinguished honor which has been accorded to me by the invitation to speak to you on this occasion.
This assembly is an epoch of Wentworth which will have an important place in the history of the town as the years go by.
We have met in a beautiful and historic locality of the "Old Coos Country" to dedicate a structure erected by the munificence of two distinguished and loyal natives of the town of Wentworth for the use and benefit of its people.
Someone has said that New Hampshire is a good state to emigrate from, but as I look into your faces I know you will agree with my statement that it is a good state to return to. New Hampshire! How dear is the name to every native of the state. Wherever he may be and whatever his environment, the name brings back to him the place of his nativity and the scenes of his childhood. Its mountains piercing the clouds, its rivers singing the songs of industry, and its lakes reflecting "the smile of the Great Spirit," it is no wonder every loyal son cherishes its name and is proud that he can claim it as the place of his birth.
Few towns in New Hampshire can boast of a more charming location and a more honorable history than the town of Went- worth.
While its situation is not such as to make it a place for large business enterprises, yet to whomsoever is so fortunate as to become acquainted with the village of Wentworth it possesses attractions of mountain, meadow and stream which endear it
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to the lover of the beautiful and at once creates a desire to tarry within its precincts.
Its location on either side of one of the historic streams of the state, Asquamchumauke, now known as Baker's River and near its confluence with Pond Brook, gives proof that the first settlers of the village well considered the site as an attractive one for a settlement. The great mountain Moosilauke in the near north stands sentinel over the valley.
Surely the village may well take the name of the river which flows through it, "The place of the mountain waters."
The history of the town dates back to the early days of our republic. Its charter bearing date November 1, 1766, regranted March 30, 1772, proves it to be one of the earliest chartered towns of the north country. It takes its name from a distinguished Provincial Governor, Benning Wentworth.
While the town was granted to John Page and fifty-nine others, it is not probable that many of the original proprietors, except two or three members of the Page family, ever came to settle in the town. It is said that a settlement was made in 1765, the year before the town charter, by Mr. Abel Davis.
In this immediate neighborhood, therefore, more than one hundred and fifty years ago, a settlement was started by the hardy pioneers of that period who braved the perils of the wilder- ness to make their homes and do their part in establishing a permanent settlement.
The history of this section of New Hampshire, early known as the "Coos Country," is replete with interest, showing the hardihood of the early settlers and their determination to hew their way to success in the work they had laid out for themselves to do.
The history of Baker's River is of absorbing interest and is well worth perusal by the student of the history of our state.
Its original name given by the Indians was Asquamchumauke, as I have before stated. It received its name of Baker's River from Lieut. Thomas Baker, an early explorer of the river.
In passing, it may be of interest to state the names of the
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town grants in the neighborhood of Wentworth: Plymouth, July 15, 1763; Rumney, October 4, 1761, regranted March 18, 1767; Warren, July 14, 1763, regranted July 5, 1770; Dorchester, July 8, 1761, regranted November 21, 1761, and again May I, 1772; Orford, September 25, 1761, renewed February 8, 1772.
Until the advent of the railroad, which took business away to centres more advantageously situated for manufacturing enterprises, the village had quite unusual prosperity for a north country settlement.
In the early days some parts of the village were quite different from the present; the village common was then the cemetery, and the main street went south of its present location and near the brook.
The great freshet of Pond Brook in the year 1856 did irrepara- ble damage, from which the village never fully recovered.
While the town has lost some of its old-time activity and its population has decreased from 1,197 in 1850 to 595 in 1910, it has not deteriorated in the character of its citizenship and it still occupies a conspicuous place in the affairs of the county and state.
The village is still a beauty spot in our beloved state.
The history of the people of Wentworth has been one of good achievement. Its citizens have been patriotic and law-abiding. Natives of the town have performed conspicuous public service for the state and nation.
The time at my command will not permit me to enumerate the names and achievements of men of Wentworth who have won distinction and prominence in many lines of human endeavor; who have "acted well their part" in the upbuilding of this state and the nation as well. Suffice it to say that the list includes names familiar to all who are acquainted with the history of our state, men of talent and education, whose skill, enterprise and activity in various businesses and professions with integrity of character has brought credit to themselves and honor to their town and the state.
The occasion of this assembly this afternoon is by reason of the
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fact that two brothers, one resident of Massachusetts and the other in New York, both natives of this town, each of whom has achieved success and distinction in great business enterprises, have not forgotten the town of their birth, but have kept its welfare constantly in mind and have come back to you today to present this beautiful memorial building, with its ample grounds and its library, for the use and benefit of the people of the town and its vicinity.
Every right-minded man cherishes in the inmost recesses of his heart an innate love for the place of his birth and a desire so far as lies within his power to promote its welfare and prosperity and the general uplift of its people along high lines of human endeavor. No matter where he may be located or what his en- vironment may be, there comes back to him the scenes of his childhood, and love for his old home where he first saw the light, and a desire to be of assistance to the people of his home town.
Fortunate indeed is the town that can number among its natives men of high aims and lofty endeavors.
George K. and Henry A. Webster are natives of the town of Wentworth, the sons of Edward Kendall and Betsey Johnson Webster.
The family home was on the Plains, a short way above the village. Their early life was passed in this town, acquiring their education in the town schools and in an academy in an adjoining state. They were both industrious, doing such work as came to them to do. Each left his native town in early manhood to fight his way in the world. The departure of Henry preceded that of George.
The history of the business achievements of these two men, had I time to relate it, would surely be an incentive for right endeavor to every young man within the sound of my voice.
These brothers have long entertained the desire to erect in this village a memorial building in memory of their parents, to be used for a library and such educational purposes as are properly connected therewith for the perpetual use of the people of this community, thereby providing a constant source of enjoyment,
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education and enlightenment for all who shall see fit to avail themselves of its privileges; and this beautiful building, with its contents of books, its gymnasium and the ample grounds sur- rounding the building is the consummation of their desire.
It is a pleasure and a privilege for us to be here this afternoon to assist in the ceremonies of dedication and pay our tribute of esteem and regard to the men whose generous-hearted kindness and unbounded liberality have caused this building to be erected for the purpose I have named.
Few towns in New Hampshire, certainly none of its size, can claim a more attractive building and a better selected library than that which is being presented for the use of the people of Wentworth this afternoon.
I can conceive of no greater benefit to the people of any com- munity than to have the opportunities for education and en- lightenment which a good library affords.
It is a constant source of enjoyment to those who are scholarly inclined.
"He that loveth a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion and an effectual comforter." .
It gives the people of the community opportunities which can be acquired in no other way. Constant association with good books establishes good character, encourages lofty aspirations, provides knowledge which no vicissitudes of fortune can take away. Character which is stimulated by the reading of good books is the sheet anchor of right living.
"Life is opportunity. The products of life are property and character. We know property is perishable; we know character is immortal."
To the citizens of Wentworth I offer my congratulations that you have had established in your village this library, and I feel sure you will agree with me that no greater gift for the benefit of your community could come to you.
This week in New Hampshire is known as Old Home Week, and this day as Old Home Day. It is particularly appropriate
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that the dedication of this beautiful memorial should take place on a day which brings back to this and other towns of the state many whose various callings in life have taken them to abodes outside the state of their birth.
I bespeak, as I have before stated, for the residents of this village and community much enjoyment from this library that is opened today. May the structure long stand as a monument to the public spirit and generosity of its donors.
I know I voice the sentiment of every citizen of Wentworth when I express sincere gratitude to the great hearted men who have presented this library to the town.
The library building was uninjured in the great fire of 1921, and it is sincerely hoped will continue, for many years to come, to be an ornament and addition to the town.
REGARDING CEMETERIES
Of the three cemeteries in town, the first to be es- tablished was the one on the East Side. At a meeting of the proprietors held at South Hampton in June, 1785, it was voted to donate to the settlers the plot of ground which now constitutes the East Side Cemetery for public use as a burying ground.
Here were buried the bodies of all who died in town previous to the year 1788, except those buried on pri- vate land.
After the establishment at the village of what was considered the main cemetery of the town, this cemetery on the East Side was used almost exclu-
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sively by the families who have been so long and prominently identified with that portion of the town. Here lie buried many members of the Clifford, Stevens, Pillsbury, Currier, Kimball and Rollins families, as well as many others.
As there has been for thirty years room for only a few interments at the village, there has been more general use made of the cemetery on the East Side, until it is now nearly all allotted. There is an associa- tion in charge of the affairs of this, our oldest burying ground in the town, of which John P. Currier is the present head.
It has already been related how Phillips White in 1787 gave the land, which is now the village Common, for cemetery purposes. Burials were made here until the year 1812.
The first burial on this land was a child of John Aiken, Jr. The next was Samuel Wooster, in all prob- ability. Here was buried John Aiken and Ephraim Page, the pioneers; Jonathan Eames, Esq .; William White, and doubtless many others.
By 1810 it had become clearly apparent to all that the location on the Common was not a suitable one, there being only a small amount of ground, and that in what was becoming the center of the village.
In 1812 the town bought from William Moore for forty dollars the land which constitutes the present
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Village Cemetery. It was cleared off, fenced and- made suitable for the use to which it was then dedi- cated. All expenses incurred in this work were, so far as any record exists, paid by the town.
Jona Eames, Jr., Ebenezer Gove and Benjamin Page were chosen a committee to attend to the re- moval of all bodies from the Common to the new. cemetery, and did the work, it is believed, in 1814. Previous to this time the town had paid various persons for their services as "Saxton." In 1815 they paid Nathan Keith for such service by "giving him: the grass that grew on the burying ground in that; year." In 1813 the town "paid Johnathan Eames $12.00 for stones for boundaries in burying ground." These are the stones that mark the different ranges. and are numbered. They "paid Capt. Page for fencing. the burying ground. $19.00." In this connection it may be of interest to add that in 1802 the town had "paid William White for a paul cloth, $20.00." A pall or "paul cloth" was then held to be a necessity and used at every burial service. In 1822 they "paid John Hoit Sexton, repairing grave yard and trimming pall cloth, $3.25." These items of expense are quoted to show the cemetery was at first the town's property. and maintained by the taxpayers.
Here in the village many members of the Gove, Eaton, Page, True, Hoyt, Johnson, Ellsworth, Kim-
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ball, Eames, Aiken, Whipple, Stanyan, Clark, Jewett, Kezer, McQuesten, Sanders, Webster, Atwell, Blod- gett, and numerous other representative families are buried. Soldiers in all the wars, and in many cases. their wives also, lie here.
The cemetery cannot be enlarged, and is now filled nearly to capacity.
There is an endowment fund, the income from which is sufficient to care reasonably well for the grounds. At the present time the affairs of this ceme- tery are in the hands of an association who have full charge of all matters relating to its upkeep and main- tenance, the town having long since retired from this field of usefulness.
The Village Cemetery Association, Inc., dates from 1898, and was first composed of Charles Turner, David Gove, John A. Davis, John P. Eaton and Frank Goodell. Charles Merrill soon was added to this num- ber and also Harry M. Turner.
The third and last cemetery to be established in the town is the Foster Cemetery, located on the state road rather more than a mile from the Rumney line. : This cemetery is well and pleasingly located on the farm known as the Joshua Foster place. The farm was held by James Foster and his kindred for about one hundred years.
At its inception soon after the arrival of James
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Foster, Sr., in town this appears to have been a bury- ing ground for the Foster family. It in time was used by other families in the same neighborhood and, since about 1840, has been the principal cemetery for the residents in the south part of the town. :
The families of Foster, Colburn, Brown, Clough, Whitcher, Rowen, Downing, and Breck, are largely represented in this burying ground, beside others which space will not allow us to enumerate.
About twenty years ago a handsome and substan- tial stone receiving tomb was built and donated to this cemetery by the descendants of Isaac Brown, one of the pioneers in the valley of the South Branch.
This cemetery has been enlarged from time to time. It is now used as the principal burying ground for the whole township, and bids fair to be henceforth the largest and most generally used of all our three cemeteries. Its affairs are now managed by an association.
It might be proper to add here that in 1849 the town voted to buy a hearse and build a hearse house, which was done. Up to this date, there is no reason to think a hearse had been in use. This old hearse house is the present tool house in the Village Cemetery, the present new hearse being kept in a house on the Town Hall lot.
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OLD HOME DAY
OLD HOME DAY
Several Old Home Day celebrations have been held in town from time to time, the last one being in 1927. The one of August 25, 1904, held in the afternoon and ' evening at the Town Hall was perhaps the most no- table of these gatherings. The meeting was addressed by the Hon. Rufus Blodgett of New Jersey and Hon. Charles H. Turner of Washington, D. C .; both former townsmen, who, as members of the United States Senate and of Congress respectively, had gained much distinction. Both addresses were timely and eloquent, in every way appropriate and befitting the occasion.
A feature of the program of the afternoon was the reading by its author, Mary M. Currier, of her poem entitled, "Lines Written for Old Home Day." This poem was written and first read at the Old Home Day held August 20, 1903. It was re-read by request on this occasion. It well deserves a place in this work being a sincere and touching tribute, from the pen of a talented young writer, whose ability, character and devotion to the locality where she was born and raised were notable. Her death in later years in far-away Nebraska caused great regret among the people of her native town in which nearly her entire life was spent.
The verses are here reprinted in full:
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I
"'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." Be that home in a vale, on a plain, on a hill, By lakeside, or ocean, or murmuring rill,
The heart will still long for the pleasures of yore, And yearn to revisit the old home once more; And among the old scenes, 'neath Heaven's blue dome, How soft falls the whisper, "There's no place like home."
II
'Mid pleasures, though many a pleasure we've known, The pleasures of youth we have never outgrown. The pranks of our school days we laugh over yet; Our huskings and paring bees can we forget? And picnics and parties, what pleasure they gave To maids that were fair and youths that were brave, In the jolly old days when we cared not to roam Beyond the blue hills that encircled our home!
III
'Mid palaces, beautiful though they may be, The cot of our forefathers still we can see.
No temple is purer in lands far away Than the white village church where we gathered to pray; No college is fairer, whatever its plan,
Than the schoolhouse low where our learning began;
No castle can tell us a legend more sweet
Than the old sugar camp in its maple retreat.
IV
"'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." And what homes are happier, near or afar, Than these homes between Mt, Cube and Mt. Carr,
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Where singing all summer its beautiful song Our fair Baker's River goes winding along Past emerald meadows of grass and of corn That sparkle with dew in the light of the morn?
V
Good, sturdy old Wentworth with love and with pride Has called back her children once more to her side. She looks in your faces and to you would say, "O children of mine that have wandered away, Should riches and honors and pleasures allure You again from the arms that would hold you secure, 'Mid pleasures and palaces though you may roam, Forget not old Wentworth, for Wentworth is home!"
CHAPTER VI
SOME PHYSICAL FEATURES AND NATURAL ATTRAC- TIONS - FIRST FRAME HOUSE AND SOME OTH- ERS - OLD BRICK YARD
SOME OF THE TOWN'S PHYSICAL FEATURES AND NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
To properly describe and appraise the many scenic attractions abounding in all portions of the town is a task beyond the capacity of the writer.
In the language of Byron, "Their praise is hymned by loftier harps than mine."
The mountains and valleys, fields and forests, lim- pid brooks, rippling streams, cascades and waterfalls of Wentworth, have evoked words of praise even from the unwilling.
Captain Powers noted in his journal the existence "of a considerable quantity of high mountains" in the town.
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