USA > Rhode Island > Bristol County > Bristol > Sketches of old Bristol > Part 8
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One of our games, and a dangerous one, was called "snap the whip". A line of boys joined hands and took a long run "com- pany front". The head boy suddenly stopped, and no one letting go hands, the whole line came 'round, each one toward the end getting fresh impetus. If the line broke, the last boy went ahead as if shot from a cannon. If he kept his feet, all right, if not, he did some "ground and lofty tumbling".
The great dread of our boyhood days was "examination day" when the school committee and our parents assembled to hear the boys and girls do their best, after twelve long weeks of study and instruction. Squads of boys were sent to the neighbors to borrow chairs to seat the visitors and soon after the opening of the after- noon session the fathers and mothers, mostly the latter, dropped in. The scholars were "dressed in their Sunday suit of clothes" and did their best to "show off". The worst ordeal was for the boys who were chosen to "speak a piece". Some went through with honors, others who were good enough speakers during school hours, went under at the examination crisis and failed then and there. To a nervous, sensitive boy a whipping was more to be desired than the demand to be an embryo orator. There was one boy, however, who was never abashed. He was always a good speaker and his voice, gestures and bold bearing before the crowd
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were our admiration and as he generally took high-toned selec- tions from "Paradise Lost" and the like, he was ever a success. He was always one of the best pupils in the school. I feel that I may mention his name, for all who were with us in those well remembered days will agree with me that Edward Fales was worthy of all the friendship that can cling to old associations, especially those of our boyhood. He left this school to enter Brown University. I recall a slight dispute he once had with a fellow pupil named Burt. This latter was not a Bristol boy, he came from New York. In a lesson the French term "aid de camp" occurred, Fales did not give it the proper "twang" and Burt came to the rescue with the correct pronunciation. Fales was a little cast down but he retorted, "I can't say it like that but I don't say New Yorruck", referring to the peculiar manner in which Burt pronounced that word.
How many of my schoolmates can remember a series of rules printed on a green cloth and hung on the east wall of the room near the clock? The first lines were "just as the twig is bent, the tree is inclined". It was a series of rules for the better govern- ment of the school. While in this school we had the first and only evening exhibition; it took place up stairs. A stage was erected at the east end of the room, the windows were ablaze with candles and our parents and friends filled the room to see the pupils in dialogue, singing and declamation. I can, after all these years, remember only one of the gems of the evening. It was a duet by two of the young girls, the name of only one of whom I now recall, that of Mary Ellen Pearse. I have never forgotten the purity of their young voices, or the melody.
I now come to speak of my last school in Bristol, that which is now known as the High School. This school was organized in the autumn of the year 1848, at a meeting of the school com- mittee held in the study of the Reverend Doctor Shepard and was called the Select School. The scholars who were to constitute this school were selected from the various schools in the town; they were forty-five in number. The school opened auspiciously with William E. Jillson at the head. The committee were most
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fortunate in the selection of this teacher. He was a man of genial disposition, easily accessible and regarded his pupils as his per- sonal friends. I remember the opening of the new school. Mr. Jillson's speech to us was one which every pupil understood. We felt that we had in him a master, but at the same time, a friend. I do not recall that he told us that there was to be a rule of kind advice and no flogging but we knew that the severe discipline of former schools was a thing of the past and our instinct was true in this case. I wish his entire speech was on record. I remember one part, not in the exact words, but clear in its meaning. He said "I shall never tell my scholars to do anything. I shall always ask them." We understood exactly his meaning and a scholar asked to do his duty always had a pleasant wish to do it and to do it at once. I think I only remained one term under Mr. Jillson's care, as I left school for a year, to enter the employ of Mr. James M. Gooding. When Mr. Jillson, after about a year's service, retired from the post of teacher, the scholars united in presenting him with a testimonial of esteem. The gift was a handsome writ- ing desk and as the order to procure it came to my employer I had the pleasure of first seeing it. The desk came from Boston, and had a secret drawer, the finding of which cost me an hour's search. I think this was the first testimonial from scholars to teacher ever given in Bristol.
Reading through the early records of the High School from its beginning in the year 1848, I find that, as one of the original pupils entering the new school, I left school during the third term of 1849 and reentered in 1850. I remained there until the spring of 1851, when I left to re-enter the employ of Mr. Gooding and that was the last of my school days.
I am glad to be able to give the names of the scholars who entered this new school on the 12th of November, 1848. The names are: Charles H. Alden, Charles A. Bourne, George T. Bourne, Joseph B. Burgess, Stephen W. Church.
Richmond Daggett, William R. DeWolf, Henry W. Diman, William E. Fales, Thomas S. Gladding, Edward M. Gushee, John B. Kilton, William J. McIntyre, Crawford Munro.
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William H. Spooner, Henry H. Tilley, Theodore Waldron, Francis D. Waldron, Wm. T. C. Wardwell, Benjamin G. Wyatt.
Emily Adams, Aphia Adams, Emily J. Allen, Mary A. Bennett, Mary A. Bradford, Hannah N. Browning, Caroline B. Cook, Harriet B. Luther, Elizabeth P. Manchester, Anna C. Munro.
Harriet E. Norris, Sophronia K. Perry, Mary J. Pitman, Catherine M. Storrs, Eleanor D. Slade, Harriet V. C. West, Phebe A. Wright, Gertrude E. Gardner, Jane S. Gooding, Abby W. Shepard.
The following entered at the beginning of the second term, February 5, 1849: Samuel W. Church, William H. Douglas, James A. Easterbrooks, Grafton W. Gardner, Lucious H. Norris, Mary E. Blye, Mary F. Chadwick, Mary C. Peckham.
Mr. Jillson's stay in Bristol was far too short, only four terms of twelve weeks each. His system of teaching and his treatment, impartial to us all, had greatly endeared him to each and every one and I have much doubt if ever a better school could be found.
Upon my return to school, after a year's absence, I found it in charge of Mr. Lafayette Burr, of whom I have pleasant mem- ories. He was a good teacher and worked hard to maintain the standard of excellence obtained by the former master. During Mr. Burr's regime there occurred an incident which I would like to narrate. I refer to the attempt to restore corporal punishment and all who are now living and witnessed the attempt, the first and the last, will recall the scene. The three scholars called up for punishment were boys of entirely opposite temperament. After the teacher had well decided that a whipping could alone atone for the offense he called up the youngest boy who took the lick- ing calmly as he was one of the best boys in school as regards taking things easy. When the second boy was called up we knew there was fun ahead. He knew that we did not expect he would take a whipping and in this he did not disappoint us. The first stroke of the ruler was met by a book thrown at the teacher's head. This brought matters to an end. The third and largest
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boy was not called up, for which we were rather glad, as we felt sure that had he been, the teacher would have received severe handling. The affair made much talk in the town and I feel sure that was the first and last whipping in the High School.
Here I must leave my memories of "the days, the days that are no more". I left school to enter a second year, my former employer's service, where I remained a year, then in the autumn of 1852 I removed to New York. For the past twenty years my home has been in a foreign city, where these lines were written.
The march of improvement in schools has been greatly devel- oped since 1852. That ancient, time-honored landmark, the Academy, has gone and the new "Byfield" has changed many old fashions. "Class exercises", "Graduating exercises" have taken the place of the former "examinations". The next fifty years will see even greater changes and improvements in our public schools.
Dennis S. Gushee became master of the Grammar School in this village in the year 1836; he continued to teach until 1849, a period of 13 years. Mr. Gushee came from Providence, R. I., and at the time was invited to take charge of the "Common School" in our village, as it was called. More than a half century had passed when his son wrote:
"I remember hearing my father often describe the school which he found on his arrival. It was gathered in the old brick building which stood at the north- west corner of the Common. The building was capable, not of accommodating, but of holding a large number of children. I scarcely dare to state the number ; as I remember it, there were nearly two hundred, occupying benches, crowded together, and sitting on stools in every available space. There were no assistants. Here were little children longing to grapple with the alphabet. Here were larger boys expecting soon to be proficient in 'the rule of three.' 'The Common School' had assembled.
"How that session and the immediately succeeding sessions were conducted it is difficult to imagine. I only remember my father's description of the termina- tion of the first session, When he had declared the school dismissed all the win- dows in the place flew open and immediate exit was made from every one of them as well as from the doors.
"The school committee or the town authorities realized that the Common school was crowded and proceeded to further my father's plans for suitable pro- vision in the future."
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BRISTOL in the year 1855
YOUR correspondent, G. W. Gardner, has called to mind names once very familiar, but now almost forgotten. One of the men he mentions in particular was one for whom I always had the great- est respect-Jonathan Waldron was a man of whom it could be truly said, "Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no guile."
I remember well your correspondent "Graft." He was a schoolmate of mine and must have left school about the same time. His interest in the fact that "scup has come" and "poor people can live," I noted. He states that the scup caught in Bris- tol harbor beats them all; I heartily agree with him. However, do not forget one of the sweetest fish that ever swam in these waters, the "nippers" we used to catch from Perry's wharf more than fifty years ago. The "Harvest" was owned in those days by the Chases at the south end of Prudence; she was a very able boat and one which in her day was never beaten. She was remark- ably fast, and was built by the late William Manchester. At that time there was no better shipbuilder on Narragansett Bay. Mr. Gardner's account of Allen Usher's nap in church was very amusing. It reminds me of another story I heard of the Usher firm, which shows in a measure the method of doing business in those days, and also the scarcity of money. The Ushers had a clerk Stephen Chafee; a great part of their business was buying and selling onions. A great many of the onion raisers were in the habit of buying their supplies and paying for them in onions when the crop was harvested. One day a stranger, the skipper of one of the vessels in the harbor, purchased quite a large bill of goods and tendered cash in payment. The shock almost upset Chafee, re- covering himself he hurried into the office and anxiously in- quired: "Mr. Usher, there is a man out there that wants to pay cash, what are you going to do about it?"
Mr. Gardner is right about the "fourth" in Bristol; the old town can always be relied on for a suitable observance of the
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glorious day. What memories come back of the fifty years ago or more. How we boys used to forestall the regular salute, in the small hours of the morning, with a piece of gun barrel on a block of wood. Blazing away in different parts of the town, we must have made ourselves a nuisance. How plainly memory brings back the face and form, aye, and the very voice of Major Jacob Babbitt, as he directed the getting of the artillery pieces on the common. And when those brass pieces rang out their salute we felt that the celebration was on. A few hours later the rising tide of patriotism ran full flood as the Artillery company came march- ing down "Pump Lane" with Col. Wm. R. Taylor (at that time our idea of a military hero) at their head and the band playing that soul inspiring air: "Why don't you Marmaduke round here?"
In these days the common seems to be the center of the cele- bration, but in my boyhood "Pump Lane" and Ben Gifford's corner* used to be the headquarters on Fourth of July. This latter locality was the same that was afterwards for years occupied by James Gooding, and where George Bourne, Joe Burgess and Fred Wright first made their entree into the business world. NEWPORTER, 1900
*N. W. corner of Hope and State streets.
BRISTOL in the year 1856
AN ACCOUNT of the principal business establishments in Bristol in 18 56 when the town had a population of around 5,000. Many of these old concerns appear on the 1851 map.
Bristol Steam Mill-Cotton cloth- Hands employed, 175. Started in 1836.
Pokanoket Steam Mill-Cotton cloth -Hands employed, 170. Started in 1839.
Bristol Steam Sugar Refinery-Hands employed, 80. Started in 1849.
Bristol Fire Arms Co .- Firearms- Hands employed, 60.
Two Oil and Candle Wks .- Hands employed, 20.
Steam Planing Mill - Hands em- ployed, 12.
A large Oakum Wks.
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Twenty sail of Barks, Brigs, Sloops, and Schooners.
2 Shipyards
8 Carpenter Shops
8 Cooperages
5 Blacksmiths
3 Cabinet Makers
7 Shoemaking establishments
4 Tin and Sheet Iron Manufactories
I Saddle and Harness Maker
4 Clothing establishments
3 Hotels
4 Boarding Houses
3 Livery Stables
4 Wheelwrights and Coach Mfgrs.
46 Hardware, Dry Goods and Grocery Stores
4 Provision Stores
2 Barber Shops
5 Banks
8 Churches
I Printing Office
I Auction Room
3 Coal Dealers
4 Lumber Yards
2 Wood Yards
2 Lime and Brick Yards
2 Watchmakers and Jewelers
3 Apothecary Shops
7 Painters' Shops
5 Millinery Establishments
I High School
3 Grammar Schools
8 Primary Schools
A Town Market
I Fish Market
Court House
2 Victualling Houses
5 Confectioneries
5 Oyster-Shops
2 Sailmakers
I Block and Pump Maker
I Brass Foundry
Custom House and Post Office
I Rope Walk
I Carving Establishment-(Slaughter House)
I Gas and Steam Pipe Fitting Estab- lishment
2 Soap Manufacturers
2 Bakeries
Marine Railway
5 Fire Engines
A Large Armory (B. T. A.)
2 Lawyers
4 Doctors
A Brick Gas House
A Railroad Depot
About 20 men engaged in the Men- haden Fishing business.
About 1825 the commerce of this once active little sea-port began to decline. In the year 1810, the number of vessels arriv- ing from foreign ports was 96. This was the peak, for in 1825, the arrivals had dropped to 42, and from then on the decline was slow but steady. By 1856 the earlier industries, the grist-mills, distilleries, rope-walks, etc. had entirely disappeared and new industries had taken their places. The wharves, which at one time groaned beneath the rich cargoes from foreign climes, brought here in the romantic old square-riggers, were fast be- coming deserted. (The West Indies trade ceased when the firm of A. T. & T. J. Usher was dissolved in 1873.) The busy seaport of the early days, when its streets were thronged with seamen, was a thing of the past.
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TOWN OFFICIALS in 1856
By J. A. REID (1848-1924)
LOOKING over a recent issue of the Phoenix my recollections of many delightful years spent in the dear old town of Bristol were freshened by a perusal of some of the names quoted from that old Tax Book of 1856. In that year I was a youngster of eight years of age, but somehow I seem to remember most of the men mentioned in that list.
General Burnside at that time lived in the old brick mansion on Hope street next north of the home of the late Major Babbitt, who was a distinguished Union Democrat and an honored soldier in the Civil War. The General was then in the freshness of his young manhood, with a fine face, dark side whiskers, and a bear- ing of exceptional grace and dignity. His presence on the street was noteworthy, and I remember him as one of the best ideals of American manhood. His career was followed by the boys of Bristol with as much interest and pride as if he had been born in Bristol instead of Liberty, Indiana. From a surveyor of roads and streets in Bristol, in 1856, to the command of the Union army at Fredericksburg in 1863, was a long way; the simplicity and nobility of his character find illustration in both spheres of action.
William H. S. Bayley, auctioneer, the founder and proprietor of the Phoenix, represented Bristol for a number of years in the Rhode Island senate. He was also a gentleman of distinctive character, with a pleasing manner. The Phenix office was then located on Bradford street, near Thames, he occupying the greater portion of the building as his residence. He was an earnest and sincere Republican, as well as a good townsman, and the edi- torials of his paper were always looked for with interest. He was a good Methodist. That Mr. Bayley was a successful auctioneer was evident from the fact of his retaining most of the business in that line in the town. To his ability as a printer and publisher of
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liberal ideas many of the Bristol boys were indebted for a good trade and an opportunity in life.
Peter Gladding, the old Town Clerk, how cheerful and pleas- ant he was. He always had a kind word and an amiable greeting for those who had business with him. He made his position se- cure by a natural aptitude which all public servants do not so happily possess.
The Town Council of the year 1856 was made up of strong men, of positive and distinct personalities: John Peckham lived on Bradford street; he was a director of one of the banks, a quiet, self-possessed man. Samuel Sparks was a short, stout man with a jolly air and a genial face. The old rope-walk on Constitution street was where he could be found most of the time, and I can see him now pattering up and down the walk. Later he was president of the council. In early life he had been a prisoner in the old Dartmoor Prison in England; he was a good story teller naturally.
Stephen T. Church lived over on Poppasquash, he was an earnest, honorable man, one of the most successful farmers in the town, and very much interested in the West India trade. He was prominent in all good measures for the town's benefit, and a lead- ing member of "Dr. Shepard's church," which at that time was located in the middle of Bradford street and fronted on Hope street.
David Waldron had been a shoemaker by trade, later a coal merchant; he was a quiet, unassuming man, a good Republican and a staunch Methodist.
Philip B. Bourn was a carpenter and builder. His residence, on Hope street, adjoined that of Parmenas Skinner, one of Bristol's noted shipbuilders of those days. Mr. Bourn was an active, public-spirited man, full of energy and push.
George B. Monro was the Town Treasurer, but I have a better remembrance of him as the Superintendent of Schools at a little later date, when his office was headquarters for books, slate pen- cils, writing books, etc., and the place of final punishment for un- ruly boys, whom the principals of the various schools concluded
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needed most condign chastisement. He was round-favored and short in stature. Mr. Monro lived on "Crooked Lane", in a house overlooking the town. His horse and buggy were familiar sights on the streets and both owner and steed were known to all the boys and girls of the town.
William P. Monro, a brother, and one of the road surveyors was another man of keen intellect, a good storyteller, and of a delightful personality. His home was in the old stone house on Thames street, opposite William R. Taylor's store, where for many years it was his pleasure to gather about him in the evening the younger generation of the town, who loved to listen to his stories of the men and incidents of by-gone days. He was a great student of the Bible and his presence was in great demand by the Sabbath schools in the town. Like his brother he was a man of generous build, broad and stocky. He had a noble countenance, and the brightest of brown eyes which would sparkle with a quiet delight while telling his stories. His experience in the Dorr War was always related with racy enjoyment to both listener and narrator.
Capt. Allen T. Usher, one of the Sunday constables in '56, head of the Usher brothers' shipping firm, was one of the most notable men of that day; he was tall and somewhat angular in build, wiry and nervy, and what we would call a hustler. His ships from the West Indies landed their cargoes at the firm's wharves off Thames street, and the hogsheads of molasses from Cuba and Puerto Rico often covered the docks, to the great grati- fication of the small boys who were "thick as flies" about the bungholes when the captain was not looking. He would never harm a boy if caught pilfering, but with a long piece of "hoop- pole" try to scare him off. For many years the firm of A. T. & T. J. Usher was known in the States as leaders in their line, bring- ing honor and renown to Bristol. Their ships and their comman- ders, Lindsay, Camm, Leete, Ingraham, Morris, and others, were noted in the trade.
John Gray, senior, was another of the Road Surveyors, and one of a family of three sons. The brothers, Gideon and Elijah
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were also farmers, living on the "Back Road". Mr. Gray was one of the most zealous Methodists and a leading exhorter in the prayer meetings.
Jonathan D. Waldron, one of the best of blacksmiths, had a shop on Thames street near the "Down Town Mill". He was one of the staunchest citizens of the town. His word was as good as his bond. He was tall and rugged in appearance, of an earnest and sincere character, and a most respected member of St. Michael's church.
Mason W. Pierce, the elder, was also one of the strong men of the town. He was both merchant and farmer. The store on Thames street, at the head of the steamboat wharf, was for many years his headquarters. Here he met his customers and friends with a genial courtesy and a kindly ready wit which made him popular and respected. He was a leading member of the South Christian church.
Messadore T. Bennett is given in the list as one of the Auc- tioneers. He was one of the men who are blessed with the tact and affability of manner which make them noticeable without effort. He succeeded Moses Wood as Superintendent of the Namquit Mill and held the position for many years. The town elected him Moderator for so many years that it proves him to be a most efficient and popular public officer. He was a strong partisan, a Republican from the formation of that party, and a devoted worker for the interests of the town. His brothers, Martin, cashier of the First National Bank, and Captain Albert F., were also men of fine character, and have helped make Bristol what it is today. Messadore and Martin were leaders in the councils of the Congregational church and active in its affairs.
George Hazard Pearce came from Newport, and was a tailor by trade, having at one time a shop on the corner of Thames and State streets. He was the first agent at the Bristol depot. When the road was completed for the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railway, he was placed in charge of the business at this end of the line. In religious belief he was an Episcopalian.
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Hezekiah C. Wardwell, who is given as a Fire Warden, was the father of Samuel Drury, and Lieut. Gov. William T. C. Wardwell. He was of slender build, a keen, elderly gentleman, as I remember him at this time, living in the homestead on State street. He had retired from active business and was devoting his time to looking after his investments and property. He had a number of good houses in town, and was a judicious and consid- erate landlord. The Methodist church had just been erected on the north side of State street; this with the Wardwell and Smith property on either side of it, and the residences of Dr. L. W. Briggs at the corner of High and that of Lieut. Gov. Dimond on Hope street corner, gave the street the attractive appearance and air which it has today.
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