USA > Rhode Island > Kent County > Greene > A history of Greene and vicinity, 1845-1929 > Part 4
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Greene and its surrounding territory has been represented in most of the contests in which our country has had part, and its sons have done their share in upholding the flag of our country which still waves over the home of the free and over those brave soldiers who served under its colors in time of need.
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Only two Civil War veterans still live here at the present time, out of the many who once were present, and these two are both past the eighty mark in years.
Early in the eighties of the last century an order was issued by General John A. Logan for our first Memorial Day, and soon after it became by law a national holiday over the entire country. What was known as the Grand Army came into being, and posts were organized in all the cities and larger towns and villages. These Grand Army Posts were made up only of veterans of the Civil War who could show an honorable discharge from war duty, and all such veterans were urged to join the post nearest to them. Several of the veterans of this community joined the McGregor Post at Phenix, Rhode Island, which was named after Dr. John S. McGregor, a native of this community who lived at Phenix for many years and is buried there.
Soon after McGregor Post was organized and set going its attention was called to the many graves of veterans which were not decorated in Hopkins Hollow and other small cemeteries in this neighborhood, and arrangements were made to come to Hopkins Hollow the Sunday after Decoration Day. This was done for many years in succession, the Post bringing its music and speakers. William V. Slocum, an associate, was one of the favorite speakers who made an address here for several years. One or two years they came by train, but most of the years in moving vans drawn by four or six horses. This continued for several years, when an association was formed to look out for the exercises to be held at Hopkins Hollow, and the time was changed to Memorial Day. A drum corps was formed, which furnished the music, and the addresses were made by the ministers and other speakers in the neighborhood. Among those who have made the addresses were Rev. Charles A. Meader, Rev. Harry Filmer, Rev. W. C. Newton, Rev. Samuel Thatcher. Senator Edward E. Arnold made ad- dresses several times, and always had a deep interest in the Memorial Day services until his death a few years ago. The veterans becoming more and more feeble and few in number, the memorial services for the past few years have been in charge of the sons of veterans, who will have charge of the sad services of remem- bering those who have gone from here to see their Great Com-
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History of Greene and Vicinity
mander. They were true to their country while living. Let them be remembered after they have gone.
GREENE AND ITS POLITICS
In the years before Greene was created a village the farmers which made up this community were divided into Henry Clays, Whigs and Jefferson Democrats. About the time Greene was put on the map the new political party to be known as the Republican party was formed, and most of the citizens of this territory became followers of that party and helped to elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and again in 1865,-and in fact all of the Republican candi- dates for President, as well as State and Town officers from then until the present time with few exceptions.
This community has had several of its citizens honored by election to the State Legislature as Senators or Representatives. Men of both parties have been elected, but Republicans have been in the majority. The men so honored have always represented this community to the best of their ability and with credit to themselves.
Among those who have been elected Senators and Representa- tives from this community were the following:
ADELBERT K. GREENE, Democrat
AMBROSE H. NICHOLAS, Republican. Senator 1912, Repre- sentative 1926 and 1927, Senator 1928 and 1929
GEORGE G. PHILLIPS, Republican, Senator
WILLIAM R. POTTER, Republican
EDWARD E. ARNOLD, Republican, Senator
JOHN Q. KETTLE, Democrat, Representative
STEPHEN H. POTTER, Republican, elected Representative, but did not serve because of being Postmaster
Of course conditions politically have changed very much between 1856 and the present time. Only free holders of real estate could vote in the days of 1856. There were then no personal property or poll tax voters, the acts in regard to these coming many years later. In the state and town meetings the total vote was small compared with that of today when all classes of voters
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History of Greene and Vicinity
may vote at every election with the exception of financial town meetings where only taxpayers can vote to assess a tax or to spend the town money. This village and community have always been greatly interested in town affairs as well as those of state and nation. Many have held office as members of the town council or as other town officers,-in the early years elections being held each year but now every two years.
As in the state, so in the town, most of the elections have gone in favor of the Republican party, but there have been some exceptions when the town officers have been elected by the Demo- crats, or, as in the past few years, by a new party called the Citizens' Party, made up of dissatisfied Republicans and Demo- crats to hold the balance of power and thus elect their officers.
Among those who have had much to do in town affairs during the late years of the past century and nearly thirty years of the present century are the following, who have been members of the town council, the body of men elected by the voters to do the business of the town during the term for which they were elected. In the years of the past century Caleb R. Nicholas, Joseph T. Hopkins, James H. Harris, John Brown, Daniel Freeman, and A. K. Greene were elected and served well. In the new century Edward E. Arnold, Charles M. Perry, Chester B. Andrews, Louis I. Andrews, and Fred A. Brown have served the community well as men who worked for the interest of the town, and this com- munity has been much benefitted by their service. Others have held other offices less responsible, whose names are on the town records as serving well in the offices to which they were elected by the town.
REPUBLICAN CLUB
In the fall of 1896, before the Mckinley campaign was started, a Republican Club was formed. The first meeting was held in a hall under the residence of William F. Matteson, and officers were elected. Weekly meetings were held during the campaign and a large number were enrolled as members of the club. Open air meetings were held, and a grand rally was held just before election night. The organization was kept up for some time, meetings
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being held monthly,-but the interest decreased and the atten- dance dwindled and it was decided to close up its affairs. The organization was partly revived in a later campaign and several meetings were held, but it is now a thing of the past. During recent campaigns no effort has been made to revive it and the campaigns have been very quiet. The club may come back some day to help the cause of the Republican party.
GREENE AND ITS AMUSEMENTS
In the early years of the village the young folks were much handicapped in the matter of amusements because of no hall as a meeting place, until the small hall now owned by S. T. Briggs was built by W. V. Phillips, when several dances were held by the young people of that day.
Afterward upon the completion of the large hall, so called, ample room was furnished for all kinds of exhibitions, and several were given to packed audiences. One in particular in the early seventies was a play in which the late J. S. McGregor, Lucius E. Capwell, George Albert Brown and several others took part. The play had a murder plot which was very cleverly carried out, and was repeated one or two nights. Later several other plays were given, and for several winters the large hall was used as a skating rink during the roller skating period, during the early eighties. Later dancing parties were held, but as the young people went away these were gradually discontinued.
The small hall having been changed into a tenement and the large hall having been occupied by Ionic Lodge of Masons for several years, there has been no place where social gatherings could be held, and for many years there have been no entertain- ments of this kind given.
A few years ago one or two plays were given at the schoolhouse under the direction of Leander Capwell, which were very successful and furnished much pleasure to those who were present. Christ- mas entertainments held for the scholars of the public school and the School Break, so-called, at the end of the term, have been the main entertainments during the last twenty years of the village.
Early in the history of the village the ladies connected with the Rice City Church formed the Ladies' Aid Society and they gave
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History of Greene and Vicinity
monthly suppers in the rooms now occupied by C. H. Arnold as a store. In recent years a similar ladies' society has been in exis- tence, known as the Ladies' Sewing Circle, which meets once a week for work, and which has furnished suppers and entertain- ments for several years for the benefit of the Methodist Church in the village. This society is still active and doing good work.
While Greene was at its best a debating society was formed and held its meetings in the rooms under the large hall. Those who took part were Rev. G. W. Hunt, the pastor of the Methodist Church; Dr. Frank B. Smith, Leonard Tillinghast, W. V. Phillips. The debates were very interesting to all who took part and to those who listened. With the departure of these men to other places this club was forced to discontinue.
In the late nineties what was called The Literary Club was formed for the purpose of furnishing an evening of social enjoy- ment once a month. The officers were a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. This club was continued for several years and then by general consent it was voted to discontinue it.
In recent years another club has been formed of members from this community and Summit, called the Merry Fourteen. They have a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, and hold monthly meetings at the homes of the members in the vicinity. It is a social club which includes most of the young people in the community and is the only social club in this end of the town.
GREENE AND ITS LIBRARY
In the early days of the village of Greene the principal reading was the weekly newspaper, and, in some homes, a weekly story paper to be read by all in the home and then lent to the neighbors to be read by them. One of the great story papers of those days was called the New York Ledger, printed in New York City by Robert Bonner & Sons. It was made up of continued stories of western life with the Indians, and love stories by both English and American writers. The paper had a very large circulation through- out Rhode Island, and several families in Greene had it in their homes every week in the year. Another story paper in those years was called The Saturday Night, also published in New York
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History of Greene and Vicinity
City, and several copies were taken in Greene each week. Some years later Robert Bonner & Sons failed in business and their paper was discontinued. The Youth's Companion, published in Boston, Massachusetts, by Perry Mason & Company, was also taken by several homes. This was an excellent young folks' paper, and it is still published. Every home had a few books such as the Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and such religious books as were then published suitable for the older portion of the community, who seldom read anything but the newspaper and the story paper each week. The only books outside of the home were in the small Sunday school libraries at Hopkins Hollow and Rice City, but these were soon read by those who attended, and as only a few were added each year the book reading was small in those days.
In 1885 a public library was started at Summit through the efforts of George B. Parker, Halsey M. Tillinghast and others, and an invitation was extended to Greene and vicinity to use the new library. For many years this library furnished all the book reading for those interested in this kind of reading. As years rolled on and new books came in each year the circulation of the library was helped very materially from this section, visits being made each two weeks and new reading matter secured for several of those who patronized the library from Greene.
Some time in the late nineties an effort was made by Dr. Charles L. Ormsbee to start a new library here, but the time had not yet come for this to be done. Quite a few books were collected but the interest died out. Nothing more was done, and Summit furnished our library books as before.
In 1923, through the efforts of Howard Smith, at that time teacher of the public school here, a small library was started, and an association was formed in 1924 to take over the accounts, and a new set of officers was elected. The first president was Fred A. Brown, Charles H. Arnold, secretary, and Mittie Arnold, treasurer. The primary schoolroom was secured from the town school committee and enough books collected to make State aid possible,-and at the next financial town meeting aid was secured from the town, which, with the private subscriptions, has placed the library on a good working basis. At the present time the new library has several thousand books on its shelves, all in good con-
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dition, and a large number of them are new books. Fred W. Arnold has been the very efficient librarian most of the time since the beginning of the library.
At the annual meeting in 1927 a committee was appointed to decide upon the place to build a new library building, the present room being too small,-and to see what arrangements could be made for the land selected to build upon,-and to report later. Nothing except this was done until the next annual meeting in 1928, when the committee made its report. It reported that land for the building proper had been donated to the library association by George Ames, and a strip adjoining had been donated by S. T. Briggs. It was voted to accept these gifts of land. A building com- mittee was appointed to secure funds and plans for the new build- ing. As a result of this the committee,-Miss Mittie Arnold, Mr. Fred A. Brown and Mr. William H. Brown,-have had the founda- tion and basement completed, the work being done under the supervision of Ethan Moore of Bowens Hill. At this writing the erection of the building is proceeding under the direction of William H. Brown. The new library building will be situated very close to the village and when completed will be an ornament, as well as a public benefit to the community for several miles around. It is hoped to have it completed and dedicated and in use some time in the early fall of this year. This will make the third library in the town,-the other two, located at Anthony, R. I., and Summit, having been used by the public for many years. The Pawtuxet Valley Library at Phenix is serving the extreme east end of the town, being the largest library in the county. All the libraries are doing good work for their several communities and will continue to do so in the years to come.
GREENE AND ITS FIRST SECRET SOCIETY
Early in the sixties of the last century the first secret order to be started in Greene and its vicinity was organized at the Hopkins Hollow Church. This was a lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars, a temperance body which at that time was flourishing throughout the State. Not much is known of its history here, as it existed for only about a year in this vicinity. It
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History of Greene and Vicinity
was organized here through the efforts of W. V. Phillips, who was elected the first chief templar, with C. T. Wood as vice chief templar, and a full set of officers. This was a society for both men and women, and many of those living here were members,-but dissension and lack of interest caused the loss of the charter, and the first secret order in this village and community was closed.
FIDELITY GRANGE No. 20
The Patrons of Husbandry, or, as it is more widely known, The Grange, was established in the State of Rhode Island in 1887, the first Grange being organized at Wakefield early in that year. This was followed by the installation of Granges in both the northern and the southern counties of the State. Summit No. 15 was the first Grange organized in Kent County, in November, 1887.
In 1888 Dr. C. L. Ormsbee became interested in the Grange, sending for a history of the order and for such other helps as would give him an idea of what the order stood for, and finally took steps with the then State Master, J. G. Peckham of Wake- field, R. I., about the formation of the Grange in Greene and its surrounding community. A Charter was issued and circulated in this community and soon enough members were secured to form a Grange. In the Methodist Church on the evening of May 17, 1889, Fidelity Grange No. 20 was formally instituted by the State Master J. G. Peckham and his suite of State officers. Some forty charter members were present, besides visitors from other Granges. The first Master elected to office was Dr. C. L. Ormsbee,-John Brown, Overseer,-Grace Whitman, Secretary,-Ambrose H. Nicholas, Treasurer,-and the other offices were filled by members of the new Grange.
The first year was a very successful year, the Grange receiving many new members, and holding sessions which were well attended by its members and by visitors from sister Granges. At the next election of officers John Brown was elected Master, and so con- tinued until the end.
The Methodist Church finally objecting to the Grange holding meetings in their building, a change was made to the church at
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Hopkins Hollow, and finally a return was made to Matteson Hall under the home of Wm. F. Matteson. This being a basement hall it was not fitted for the meetings of a secret order, but as it was the best that could be had at that time the Grange held its meet- ings there once in two weeks.
This Grange, while a new thing in this section, prospered,-but finally many of its members moved away, others were suspended because of unpaid dues, the attendance became smaller and smaller,-and it was finally voted to disband and surrender the Charter. The main reason for this action was the lack of a suitable meeting place.
The Grange, while a secret order, is also a social and educational order. It was first started in Washington, D. C., and was designed to include men and their wives, and their sons and daughters at an age capable of understanding the work of the order. The original idea was that farmers only should join the order, but in time other classes of workers were admitted, and today anyone of good moral character may join.
The subordinate Grange consists of four degrees. Then comes the next higher Grange, the Pomona, which is built upon the fifth degree of the order. Then comes the State Grange, which is built upon the sixth degree, which all must have had in order to enter. Then comes the National Grange, which gives the seventh degree, the highest in the Grange. These high degrees may be taken by any member of the subordinate Grange in good standing. Since the going out of Fidelity No. 20, several of its old members have been admitted to membership in the Grange at Moosup Valley, which has had a long record of good work, and is still prospering.
With a good meeting place a new Grange could be formed at Greene, for those now members,-and we believe many new mem- bers might be induced to join, so as to make a good working Grange again a certainty in this community.
UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS
In the year 1892 at Sterling, Connecticut, was formed a council of members of the American and Patriotic Order of the United American Mechanics called James Pike Council No. 86, after
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History of Greene and Vicinity
James Pike, the founder and builder of the Sterling Centre as it is today.
This council was started through the efforts of the Connecticut State Organizer.
It was organized with forty-two charter members, including two candidates from Greene, Wm. F. Matteson, an old soldier, and S. G. Wood, then working at Sterling for the Sterling Dyeing and Finishing Company, now the United States Finishing Company.
This council had among its first officers S. G. Wood, Recording Secretary, and Wm. F. Matteson, Inside Sentinel.
The candidates were limited to Connecticut residents until the spring of 1895 when, several in this vicinity wishing to join the order, a dispensation was sought of the State Council of Rhode Island, asking that within certain limits residents of Rhode Island be allowed to join the council at Sterling. This dispensation was granted, with the provision that a meeting be held at Greene once in two months or as often as needed to accommodate those joining from this community. In accordance with these provisions meet- ings were held quite often in Matteson Hall, which had been fitted up by its owner for these meetings. As a consequence some twenty or more from this and surrounding territory became members of the order and several passed through the chairs, becoming Past Councillors, and so able to attend the sessions of their State Council. Many of those who were members at that time have gone to the Great Council above. A few are still living. Among those who joined from this neighborhood were the following:
JOHN BROWN, a Past Councillor
FRED BROWN, son of John Brown
CHARLES T. JORDAN
CURNEL S. BROWN
LUCIUS E. CAPWELL
NELSON G. CAPWELL
EMERSON GREENE
WILLIAM R. POTTER, a Past Councillor AMOS JORDAN
S. G. WOOD, a Past Councillor
ELISHA TEW of Rice City
ETHAN MOORE of Bowens Hill
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History of Greene and Vicinity
WALTER CAHOON WALTER R. POTTER, a Past Councillor
WILLIAM F. MATTESON
CHARLES H. MATTESON, a Past Councillor
The council was continued for some ten years, when through a fire in the building where their hall was located, they lost all their furniture, regalia and working equipment, and soon after they were forced to disband. It is hoped that at some future time a new council of this great patriotic order may be organized in this community, as every American-born man should be a member of it, on account of its objects and the principles for which it stands. If carried out it will make any man a better citizen in his com- munity.
THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
The Order of the Eastern Star is an auxiliary to the Order of Free Masons, and its membership is composed of wives, sisters and daughters of members of the Blue Lodge of Free Masons. Mem- bers of the Blue Lodge may also become members in the Order of the Eastern Star, and may hold offices therein. The Order has become quite large in Rhode Island and dates back many years. The Lodge of Eastern Star in Greene had its beginning after the Great War, and its inception and institution here was due to the work of Miss Alice Hutchins, now Mrs. Alice Cargile, who worked hard to get the charter list started, and finally secured enough members to warrant forming a lodge here.
On June 21, 1923, Ionia Lodge was instituted in the Masonic Hall at Greene by the Grand Officers of Rhode Island. The follow- ing list of officers were installed for the first year:
ELMER HAVENS, Worthy Patron ALICE M. HUTCHINS, Worthy Matron
ELSIE D. ARNOLD, Associate Matron
HARRIET L. BRIGGS, Recording Secretary JOHN R. PERKINS, Treasurer
HAZEL C. KRESGE, Inductress EVA M. DEXTER, Associate Inductress
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History of Greene and Vicinity
CHARLES H. ARNOLD, Chaplain
ETHEL M. HOPKINS, Organist EDITH M. BROWN, Adah MARION A. JOHNSON, Ruth EVA J. OLSON, Esther CATHARINE E. HAVENS, Martha
LETTIE T. BRIGGS, Electa
CORA M. KRESGE, Marshall
CARRIE M. DEXTER, Warden ERNEST H. OLSON, Sentinel GEORGE KRESGE, Trustee
FRED A. BROWN, Trustee WILLIAM R. POTTER, Trustee
Through the hard work of its first presiding officers and the assistance of the officers and members, this Lodge has prospered and its membership has increased until at the present time it is one of the best lodges in the State. Meetings are held monthly and are well attended, many members from sister lodges visiting the meetings. The Eastern Star has given several suppers and entertainments open to the public, which have been very success- ful. It has been fortunate in having good presiding officers from the beginning. The following have served in that office up to the present time:
ALICE M. HUTCHINS, to December, 1922
ELSIE M. ARNOLD, to November, 1923
HAZEL KRESGE, to November, 1924 MILDRED E. BROWN, to November, 1925 MARION JOHNSON, to November, 1926
EMMA F. WAUGH, to November, 1927 LUCY J. STEVENS, to November, 1928
Catharine Havens is the present presiding officer, whose term will expire November, 1929. The Lodge suffered the loss of one of its Past Worthy Matrons, Mrs. Lucy J. Stevens, who died in the spring of the present year, mourned by all who knew her.
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