1892
January 1892
This year, as the 20th century draws to a close, I have chosen to review the last complete file of the Hollis Times printed in the 19th century, from the year 1892.
Although life in Hollis 107 years ago was very different than it is today, some of the issues covered in the 1892 newspapers are similar to those featured in modern-day Hollis Times. However, the attitudes and opinions about these issues have certainly changed.
For example, the January 15, 1892 Hollis Times contained the statement, “Good roads are cheaper than poor ones, and any slight increase of taxation is more that made up by the increase in the value of the adjoining property.” And the January 8, 1892 issue proclaimed that “Mr. Warren A. Colburn has added a Village Improvement Society (of one member) to the many societies now running in Hollis and has placed a street lamp in front of his house.” Today there is a definite difference of opinion in Hollis as to whether road improvements or street lighting actually increase the value of one’s property.
An opinion which I am almost certain most Hollis residents would disagree with today was voiced in an article titled “Monson of Long Ago,” which was printed in the January 15, 1892 Hollis Times. The history of this 250-year-old abandoned town on the Hollis-Milford border has been in the news a lot this past year. Many have traveled its tree-lined paths, examining old cellar holes, reading the histories of its inhabitants and imagining their simpler, more idyllic lifestyles. Thanks to the generosity of countless people, this ill-fated town has recently been saved from the hands of developers and preserved for future generations. Most agree that this was a worthwhile thing to do. However, at least one Hollis resident living in 1892 would not have concurred. And thanks to the Hollis Times, his opinion has been recorded for us to read today.
“The long-dead town of Monson, N. H., appears to have died a natural death at the hands of its cranky and benighted inhabitants. G. A. Ramsdell, who is writing a history of the town of Milford, has unearthed many curious records of the long-forgotten town of Monson. It was incorporated in 1746 and its charter read ‘Erected to have confirmation forever in the name of Monson.’ But in twenty-five years it perished and the world is probably just as well off. It was wrecked through its own meanness and selfishness. Through the quarrels of its townsmen it never had a church nor a school and never expended a cent for public improvements except to build the cheapest kind of a pound. Its inhabitants seem to have been entirely destitute of Christian charity and to have driven all people out of town whom they thought likely to become a burden. After many violent quarrels at all its town meetings, the town, twenty-four years and six months after its incorporation, had its charter revoked at its own request. Half was annexed to Amherst and half to Hollis.”
Remember, whoever penned this article was looking back only 150 years and might have had a clearer vision. But at any rate, whether or not this account was historically accurate or this opinion widely held, I doubt that the preservation of the town of Monson would have received a lot of support 107 years ago.
February 1892
Beginning in the February 5, 1892 Hollis Times and continuing through the September 23, 1892 issue, a series of thirteen letters, titled “Hollis Seventy Years Ago – Personal Recollections,” was published. The letter writer, identified only as H.G.L., claimed to be “reviewing the history of my early home and refreshing my memories of the noble men and women who have dwelt there.” One by one, H.G.L. describes his friends and neighbors who lived in Hollis in the 1820’s. Without exception, they are portrayed as truthful, earnest, faithful, honest and diligent. This month I would like to devote the major part of my column to looking back over 175 years and sharing with you H.G.L.’s personal recollections of two of these Hollis citizens.
“Thomas Cummings, who dwelt a little north of the centre of the town, was in many respects a typical New England man. Though thoroughly matter-of-fact in disposition, he had also a strong religious bent. There was no mirthfulness in his composition, but there was nothing austere or repelling. To his earnest goodness, life seemed too serious and sacred for anything but active duty. Few men have ever made a stronger impression upon my mind, of genuine goodness and integrity. His stout, rather large though not tall figure always seemed to me good all over. He followed the trade of shoemaking, but was also a small farmer and for some years acted as sexton. He might usually be found at his shop, which stood east of his residence on the main road.
“The name I have given above was, no doubt, that by which the shoemaker was designated in the family Bible, and upon the church roll and in the town records; but throughout town he was familiarly known as ‘Uncle Tom Thumper.’ I don’t think there was anything of derision in the title; it was, in fact, a tribute to the faithful, honest work turned out from his little shop. The boots and shoes which he made were of the most substantial kind; not at all like the delicate, fancy article with paper soles and fragile uppers fit only for ballroom use; and if Uncle Tom Thumper told you that the leather was oak tanned, you might be sure it was oak tanned. The wife and mother who presided over his home was among the best in Hollis. The children were numerous, well trained, and an honor to their parents. As I remember them, they were – Constantana, Mary, William, Thomas, Nancy, Samuel, Charles, Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah.
“John Bunyan gives his pilgrims travelling from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City names indicative of their characters, as Mr. Greatheart, Valiant for Truth, Timid, Mercy, Much Afraid, etc. I think if Thomas Cummings had been in his company, he would have called him ‘Thomas the Faithful and True.’” (Reprinted from the February 5, 1892 Hollis Times)
“Passing the home of Thomas Patch, Jr., we come next to that of Captain Jonathan Taylor Wright. To him I should be inclined to devote an entire letter, were he not well remembered by many yet in Hollis. But even if I were to do so, I could not mention all his virtues. What was it that made him a man trusted and honored by all? He was not brilliant nor learned, for his education was only that of the common school. He lacked both culture and polish, and there was nothing unusually attractive in his personal appearance. He was something of a musician and very fond of singing, but he had not a full, mellow, highly cultivated voice; in fact, there was in it something of the proverbial Yankee nasal twang. But none of these defects could disguise the true simplicity, honesty and sincerity of character, which made the man what he was, and commanded the confidence and affection of all who knew him, and brought him forward often to fill places of responsibility and honor in the town and in the state Legislature.
“I remember that at one time he owned a fine bay horse worth at least $125. A man was talking of buying the horse, and I heard Mr. Wright say, ‘I have some reason to fear that my horse is diseased, and with that fully understood I would take $25 for him.’ The purchaser took the horse at that price and, having cured him of a little cold, found he had a sound and very valuable animal.
“When John Woods was lost at sea, the heirs sent Captain Wright to New Bedford to settle the estate; not that he was the most skilled and competent of men for such business, but because they knew that the work would be done by him with the strictest honesty.
“ Mr. C. A. Wood writes me, ‘No truer man ever lived in Hollis than Captain Wright.’ When I married and began business for myself, he said to me, ‘Take my advice and always be honest.’ Had Capt. Wright been in John Bunyan’s company, I think he would have dropped his title and part of his name and called him simply ‘Wright Honest.’” (Reprinted from the February 5, 1892 Hollis Times)
I hope to be able to share more of H.G.L.’s letters in future issues of the 1999 Hollis Times.
March 1892
Two more lengthy articles, titled “Hollis Seventy Years Ago” and written by H.G.L., appeared in the March 4 and March18, 1892 Hollis Times with recollections of the Hillsborough County Fair and the Hollis residents who lived in the “Corner District.” I had originally planned to focus on these recollections in this column. However, March is Town Meeting month in Hollis, and the March 11, 1892 Hollis Times contained a report of 1892 Town Meeting, which I found even more interesting than H.G.L.’s epistles, especially since it included a copy of the 1804 Town Warrant, which is now almost 200 years old!
Town Meetings at the end of the 19th century followed a different format than they do today. Voting for Town officers was held in the morning, followed by a noon dinner in the Vestry of the Congregational Church. After dinner, the men addressed the Town Warrant, and in the evening a dance was held at the Town Hall.
The March 4, 1892 Hollis Times printed a report of the Town’s expenses for the past year, as follows: “Schools, 2,332.41; Support of Poor, 87.00; Town Officers, 884.50; Highways, 3,312.41; Winter roads, 219.09; Miscellaneous, 639.18. The increase of the Town debt the past year has been 1,769.20.” I found it very interesting that Hollis spent more in 1891 on maintenance of roads than on the schools!
At the turn of the century, elections for Town officers were held using the Party system with Democrat and Republican candidates nominated. The report in the March 11, 1892 Hollis Times began by noting that “the Republicans still manage the ship of state as far as old Hollis is concerned. Only a very small vote was polled for town officers.” The Democrats cast only about sixty votes whereas the Republicans supported their ticket by over ninety votes. Evidently there were no hard feelings, however, according to the local press. At the dinner that day, “One would hardly discern by look or word that those present were not all of the same political household, and at the dinner hour, the jolly Democrats and Republicans sat down together in the Vestry, and partook of the dinner provided by the ladies.”
After dinner these men addressed the Warrant and voted to raise a tax of one percent on the Town’s valuation, and to appropriate “$500 more than the law requires” for the schools, $150 for the Town Library, $95 for Memorial Day, and $1200 for highways. They also voted “to have the leasing of the Engine Hall to J. H. Worcester Post to the Selectmen, to pass the article in regard to adopting the Secret Ballot, and also not to purchase a new Road machine.”
The expenditure of $3512.41 for road maintenance was discussed at great length at 1892 Town Meeting. I chuckled when I read the report in the March 11, 1892 Hollis Times, as it reminded me of other such discussions that have taken place not so long ago. “As the Road Commissioner presented testimony that the money was not squandered but judiciously spent, the discussion resulted mainly in giving the wise men a chance to make themselves heard both pro and con, as the matter was dropped without action, except that of the elocutionary powers of those who took part in the debate.”
Finally, the editor of the 1892 Hollis Times evidently also felt it was worthwhile to look back at the Town Meetings of the past, as he printed the entire Hollis Town Warrant from 1804. The Warrant was brief, authorizing the Town Treasurer to pay $197.10 to the County, $90.74 to himself (no purpose listed), $1202.74 to the Selectmen (no purpose listed but assumably to run the Town), and $300 to the Parson. The Warrant was dated August 16, 1804. There is no mention in the Warrant of the any other salaries or what the Town funds were to be spent on. The lack of detail printed in the Warrant may be an indication of Hollis townspeople’s lack of interest in Town affairs in 1804!
April 1892
April is usually a busy month in Hollis, and it was especially so for Hollis women in 1892. In addition to the usual spring chores of airing and cleaning the house after a long winter, the women of Hollis were attending meetings and voicing their opinions in two formats. The April 1, 1892 Hollis Times reported that the Hillsboro County W.C.T.U. held its annual Convention in Wilton on March 24, and “a large delegation of good and true women, loyal to the white ribbon, were in attendance from all parts of the County and were heartily welcomed by the citizens of Wilton.”
Needless to say, many of the speeches and discussions were on temperance; however, another paper was on a completely different subject – women’s suffrage. Titled “Why should women exercise the right of school suffrage,” the paper stated, “If the polls are not a fit place for woman, then it is not for our boys. We should put our hands on the helm of the Ship of State, and save our boys, our men and our country.” A Mr. M. G. Brown remarked that he hoped “ the time was near at hand when woman should purify the ballot box by her vote.” At the end of the meeting thirteen resolutions were adopted by the Convention. Number 9 read “that we urge all our women entitled to the school ballot to use it for the best interests of the children of our State.”
I found it very interesting that in 1892, almost 30 years before women received universal suffrage, Hollis women were allowed to vote in School Board elections but were not allowed to participate in any other elections or in town meetings. This was called school suffrage. However, men were evidently at least somewhat curious about how women would handle more civic responsibility. Three articles in the April 15-29, 1892 Hollis Times illustrate this curiosity.
From the April 15, 1892 Hollis Times, first page, first article under “Hollis and Vicinity”: “All the ladies qualified to vote in town affairs, and all the men who have a curiosity to see how they would manage an election, should make an effort to be present at the Mock Town Meeting, next Wednesday evening. Some very important matters will come before the meeting, and a full attendance of voters is desirable. Admission 10 cents; Supper 25.”
From the April 22, 1892 Hollis Times, same article placement: “An adjourned session of the Mock Town Meeting will be held at the Town Hall Wednesday evening, April 27 at 8 o’clock. There will be a spirited discussion upon the following subjects, Women’s Suffrage and Salaries of Town Officers, after which there will be a social entertainment. Admission 10 cents.”
From the April 29, 1892 Hollis Times: “As all the business which was to have been transacted at the Mock Town Meeting was not completed, the meeting was again adjourned, this time to the first Wednesday in September.”
It appears to me that the ladies were doing a pretty fair job of addressing the issues!
May 1892
When reading the Hollis and Vicinity section of the May 1892 issues of the Hollis Times, I noticed two articles which, except for the terminology, could have been written today, 107 years later. Both appeared in the May 6, 1892 Hollis Times and illustrated that some of the adults who lived in Hollis were interested in studying their town’s history whereas some of the less mature residents were much less principled!
The first article reported on and announced what we would today refer to as a historical walk. “Messrs. C. S. Spaulding, D. W. Hayden, C.F. Burge, and Messrs John and Freeman Foster of Milford, with Mr. G. A. and Mrs. A. Ramsdell of Nashua, spent Arbor Day, in part, tramping about the old town of Monson, gathering facts for the Milford History.
“Tomorrow, a Historical Tramping party will take a ramble through School District No. 2, to Pumpkin Yard Center, and along Flint’s Brook. All interested in our town-yore are invited to ‘fall in line’ with lunch, at the late L. C. Whitcher place, to move at 9 a.m.”
The other report illustrates that even in 1892, Hollis was not a totally idyllic town.
“Even the quiet suburbs of Hollis are not exactly free from the insults of unprincipled marauders. On last Friday, in the wee small hours of the morning, the inhabitants of Patch’s Corner were awakened by a crowd giving vent to their hilarious ‘spirit’ by emptying their wagon of its contents of beer bottles, throwing them, hit or miss, at the houses they passed.”
July 1892
As has happened in the past when writing this column, I found very little interesting news to look back on in the newer issues of the Hollis Times, those printed five, ten and fifteen years ago. Fortunately, I found the five July 1892 issues very interesting so this month I decided to devote my entire column to the oldest news.
When looking at these issues, it is difficult not to notice that the banner of the July 8, 1892 newspaper is very different from that of any other issue printed from 1886 to when publication temporarily ceased at the end of 1892. Instead of printing "Hollis Times" in much larger print than "Brookline Reporter," the editor printed a new banner for this one issue, reversing the size of the titles. And in place of the seal of New Hampshire, which to this day appears between the words "Hollis" and "Times," a halftone image of a steam engine separated the words "Brookline" and "Reporter." I have attempted to reproduce the banners from the July 1, 1892 and July 8, 1892 issues of the newspaper.
My first thought when I saw this was that the railroad must have begun providing service to Brookline in early July of 1892 and that this special banner was created to commemorate this newsworthy event. I realized when I read the issues that I was partly correct. The railroad was coming. However, as the following articles illustrate, it had not yet arrived.
The July 1, 1892 issue stated, "The citizens' meeting held last week resulted in the choice of an executive committee, with J. H. S. Tucker as chairman, to whom is directed the work of making arrangements for the anticipated railroad 'opening' and of soliciting the necessary funds."
Two more articles in the same issue reported on the progress of this endeavor. According to one, "Since May 9, Mr. J. A. Hall has delivered over 19,000 railroad ties, a large proportion of them being used by the B. and P. railroad." Another noted, "Many of our people have found it interesting to witness the workings of the steam shovel which the railroad builders have in operation at a gravel bank in the southerly part of the town; 65 seconds being the minimum time required to load a gravel car, by this process."
The July 8, 1892 issue, despite its commemorative banner, contained only two brief references to the railroad. The shorter one said simply, "The engine got off the track near the ice houses on Monday but was soon put in place." The second described an accident that befell a pair of horses at work on the railroad. The horses "took flight and dashed madly down Depot St., through the yard of the Cong'l church and down Main St. to the corner near Miss Sawtelle's residence, where the wheels to which they were attached struck a tree and the horses were thrown to the ground. They were then secured without having sustained injury." The article is not clear about what the horses were pulling, what kind of wheel was involved and whether the horses were being driven from the ground or not.
The July 15, 1892 Hollis Times announced that "Mr. Charles Miller of Pepperell has taken the contract for building the railway station in this town." More progress, but no still information as to when the railroad was to begin service and why it had not yet done so.
The July 22, 1892 issue finally printed an article that explained that the opening of the railroad, which had been expected this month, had been delayed. "The people hereabouts begin to learn a few points, in regard to the amounts of labor and time required to build a railroad. The completion of the B. and P. road, which was confidently expected ere this time, is still an event so far in the future that no date can be named for it. Although a large gang of men are constantly employed, there is yet much to be accomplished before the work will be complete. The contractors are carrying several carloads of ice over the route every evening, to connect with the Fitchburg road at Ayer."
Looking ahead, I discovered that the Brookline and Pepperell railroad finally opened exactly two months after the special commemorative banner graced the front page of the local newspaper, on September 8, 1892. The banner was not resurrected for the occasion. I plan to report on this gala event on its 107-year anniversary!
Both the July 15 and July 29 issues of the Hollis Times contained lengthy installments of "Hollis Seventy Years Ago" with its wonderfully unique sketches of the townsfolk who lived in Hollis in the 1820s. In the July 15 issue, H. G. L. described some of the citizens living in the Spaulding or North School District. As usual, the profiles in this issue are written with humor and sensitivity and enough detail to make these Hollis residents seem very real to us, almost 180 years later. In closing I would like to share with you H. G. L.'s personal recollections of Hezekiah Kendall.
"Near by, lived Hezekiah Kendall, of Kendall Mills celebrity. He was three times married and had six children. One of his sons served in the War of 1812. Mr. Kendall was a man of weight in more senses than one. It was a question between him and our shoemaker, Mr. Avery, as to which could tip the scales to the highest notch.
"The weight of his influence was especially felt in Town Meeting. Being a man of positive character and good judgement, his fellow citizens always listened with deference to the expressions of his opinion. Bringing down his right hand with a sharp snap of the thumb, which could be heard all over the old meeting-house, he would commence his speech with the characteristic expletive, 'I vum!'
"An extract from his speech made on a certain occasion, when the matter under consideration was the repair of Runnells bridge, has been sent to me. "I vum' he began, 'you are foreverlastingly quarreling over that Runnells bridge. You say the present is stronger than the old one, and you had to take powder to blow the old one out of the way. I wish the whole thing was sank in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean!'
"Mr. Kendall came to a tragic end; he was killed in 1833 by Richard Orcott whom he had 'dunned' for rent due; Orcott being, according to the old-fashioned phrase, 'in liquor' at the time."
Thus, one Hollis resident lived his life in the early 19th century, I'm sure never imagining that 175 years or so later, residents of a much different Hollis would be reading about his personal activities. I always wonder whether future residents of this town will be as interested in the lives we are living today. They are certainly well documented in the current issues of the Hollis Times!
August 1892
I am constantly amazed at what events and happenings were considered newsworthy enough to be printed on the front page of the local newspaper at the turn of the century. To me, these short anecdotes, which are printed on the front page of the old Hollis Times, are interesting not only for their amusing content but also because somebody deemed them important enough to share publicly with all of their friends and neighbors. I have chosen four of the best ones from the August 1892 Hollis Times to share with you and have also added a few editorial comments for your consideration.
“Miss Mabel Hodgman caught a live weasel on Monday. His weaselship was so imprudent as to attempt to explore the kitchen, when Mrs. H. ‘went for him’ and after a lively chase, succeeded in capturing the nimble creature.” (How did she catch him and what did she do after she caught him?)
“One weapon is as good as another, provided it accomplishes the purpose well; no doubt this was Mrs. William H. Hall’s conclusion when, the other day, she brought down a hen hawk with the chopping tray. Mr. Hawk had entered the barn and was helping himself to a chicken lunch when discovered by Mrs. H., who gave battle with just what she had in her hand, scoring a complete victory.” (Why was this hen hawk called Mr. Hawk, and again, how did she “bring him down?” Did she kill him?)
“Mr. William Taylor was thrown from his carriage, while driving near the Bohonon bridge on day this week. The carriage was badly demoralized but Mr. Taylor was only slightly injured.” (How is a carriage demoralized?)
“A party of eleven from this town spent last Wednesday in Purgatory. They enjoyed themselves muchly, and all got out safe at last, although some found it a hard job.” (Where is Purgatory and what were they doing there?)
Remember, all of this was front-page news in 1892!
September 1892
“Thursday, September 8, was a ‘red letter day’ for the little town of Brookline, celebrating as it did the 123rd anniversary of its incorporation and also, and primarily, the opening of the Brookline & Pepperell Railroad.” Thus began a two-column article titled “Brookline’s Gala Day” in the September 9, 1892 Hollis Times and Brookline Reporter.
According to the report, between 4,000 and 5,000 people attended the celebration, arriving in carriages, on foot and, of course, by train! The first train arrived at the town line at 5 minutes past 10, announced by the “booming of the cannon.” It consisted of an engine decorated with flags and buntings and seven cars “loaded to their utmost capacity with invited guests.” As the engine slowed to a halt, “48 young ladies and misses dressed in white, each carrying a bouquet of flowers, . . . showered the engineer with their floral offerings.” Another train of nine cars arrived shortly thereafter.
Of course, speeches were the order of the day, as was band music, artillery salutes, a dinner, an evening concert and fireworks. According to one of the speakers, Hon. E. E. Parker of Nashua, “Various railroad projects . . . have been started and come to naught, the present successful effort being the fourth that has been agitated during the last 50 years.” Other speakers hailed from Concord, Bow, Milford, Hollis and Mason, in New Hampshire, and Groton, Pepperell, Townsend, Ayer, Cambridge, Billerica and Swampscott, in Massachusetts. “All were pithy and interesting, and abounded in congratulations to the people of Brookline on their being connected by rail to the outside world.”
According to the September 30, 1892 Hollis Times, regular passenger service began on the line on Monday, September 26 with service from Brookline to Boston, Massachusetts. Stops were made in South Brookline, North Pepperell, Pepperell, Hollingsworth, Ayer and Boston. Three round-trips were made each day, with the first train leaving Brookline at 6:30 am, stopping in Hollis at 6:37 am, in Ayer at 7:05 am, and arriving in Boston at 8:34 am. Trains also headed out of Brookline at 11 am and 5:25 pm. Return trains departed from Boston at 8 am, 11:30 am and 5 pm. Fares were listed as follows “To Pepperell, 22 cts; Ayer, 47 cts; Boston, $1.37.” I assume this is one-way. One freight train traveled the route each day, carrying “ice, wood, ties, barrels, stone, apples, etc.”
Hollis residents were evidently quite pleased with the service provided by this new railroad line. The September 30, 1892 Hollis Times reported, “A petition has gone to Washington to have the contract for carrying Hollis mail changed from the Hollis depot on the Worcester and Nashua to North Pepperell on the Brookline and Pepperell railroad.”
October 1892
October 1892 was time for campaigning in Hollis, not just for State elections but for Town elections as well. This is because in 1892, Town Meeting was held in November instead of March. Interestingly, candidates for Town positions ran on a party ticket just like State candidates. Campaigning was a serious business for the political hopefuls, and their followers were quite vocal and active in the support of their candidates. Several articles in the October 1892 Hollis Times illustrate their enthusiasm.
“Last Saturday evening, the Hollis Democrats flung to the breeze a fine flag bearing the names and pictures of their candidates, after which they adjourned to the Town Hall, where several speakers were greeted by an audience from both parties.
“The caucuses held last Saturday evening resulted in the selection of David N. Hayden as the candidate for Representative by Republicans and George B. Cleasby by the Democrats. The voters do the rest.
“Henry M. Baker, the Republican nominee for Congress, will speak at the Town Hall, Hollis, next Tuesday evening, Oct. 18th. A male quartette from Nashua will be present to enliven the occasion.
"Rev. D. C. Babcock, D.D. and Dr. Edgar L. Carr, the Prohibition candidate for Governor of N. H., will speak upon the political issues of the day, under the auspices of the Prohibition National and State Executive Committee, at the Town Hall, Hollis, on Thursday evening, Oct. 27. Exercises to commence promptly at 8 o’clock. Singers from Nashua will furnish music during the evening.
“A good audience were out to the Republican Rally Tuesday evening. During the evening, the Leighton Minutemen from Pepperell with 40 torches marched through part of the streets, headed by a Drum Corps. This company has a very handsome uniform and made a fine appearance.
“As intimated last week, we have completed arrangements so that our citizens can have the Election Returns on the night of Election and the next day, by telephone at as early an hour as they are received by their city cousins. Hildreth Hall will be open all night and the next day, and the returns will be announced there as they are received. To pay the expense of the telephone service, an admission of 25 cents will be charged, good for that night and the next day. This will not be confined to any party or sex, but all are invited, both ladies and gentlemen. Doors open at 8 o’clock.”
Thus the Town of Hollis staged its pre-election activities 107 years ago!
This year, as the 20th century draws to a close, I have chosen to review the last complete file of the Hollis Times printed in the 19th century, from the year 1892.
Although life in Hollis 107 years ago was very different than it is today, some of the issues covered in the 1892 newspapers are similar to those featured in modern-day Hollis Times. However, the attitudes and opinions about these issues have certainly changed.
For example, the January 15, 1892 Hollis Times contained the statement, “Good roads are cheaper than poor ones, and any slight increase of taxation is more that made up by the increase in the value of the adjoining property.” And the January 8, 1892 issue proclaimed that “Mr. Warren A. Colburn has added a Village Improvement Society (of one member) to the many societies now running in Hollis and has placed a street lamp in front of his house.” Today there is a definite difference of opinion in Hollis as to whether road improvements or street lighting actually increase the value of one’s property.
An opinion which I am almost certain most Hollis residents would disagree with today was voiced in an article titled “Monson of Long Ago,” which was printed in the January 15, 1892 Hollis Times. The history of this 250-year-old abandoned town on the Hollis-Milford border has been in the news a lot this past year. Many have traveled its tree-lined paths, examining old cellar holes, reading the histories of its inhabitants and imagining their simpler, more idyllic lifestyles. Thanks to the generosity of countless people, this ill-fated town has recently been saved from the hands of developers and preserved for future generations. Most agree that this was a worthwhile thing to do. However, at least one Hollis resident living in 1892 would not have concurred. And thanks to the Hollis Times, his opinion has been recorded for us to read today.
“The long-dead town of Monson, N. H., appears to have died a natural death at the hands of its cranky and benighted inhabitants. G. A. Ramsdell, who is writing a history of the town of Milford, has unearthed many curious records of the long-forgotten town of Monson. It was incorporated in 1746 and its charter read ‘Erected to have confirmation forever in the name of Monson.’ But in twenty-five years it perished and the world is probably just as well off. It was wrecked through its own meanness and selfishness. Through the quarrels of its townsmen it never had a church nor a school and never expended a cent for public improvements except to build the cheapest kind of a pound. Its inhabitants seem to have been entirely destitute of Christian charity and to have driven all people out of town whom they thought likely to become a burden. After many violent quarrels at all its town meetings, the town, twenty-four years and six months after its incorporation, had its charter revoked at its own request. Half was annexed to Amherst and half to Hollis.”
Remember, whoever penned this article was looking back only 150 years and might have had a clearer vision. But at any rate, whether or not this account was historically accurate or this opinion widely held, I doubt that the preservation of the town of Monson would have received a lot of support 107 years ago.
February 1892
Beginning in the February 5, 1892 Hollis Times and continuing through the September 23, 1892 issue, a series of thirteen letters, titled “Hollis Seventy Years Ago – Personal Recollections,” was published. The letter writer, identified only as H.G.L., claimed to be “reviewing the history of my early home and refreshing my memories of the noble men and women who have dwelt there.” One by one, H.G.L. describes his friends and neighbors who lived in Hollis in the 1820’s. Without exception, they are portrayed as truthful, earnest, faithful, honest and diligent. This month I would like to devote the major part of my column to looking back over 175 years and sharing with you H.G.L.’s personal recollections of two of these Hollis citizens.
“Thomas Cummings, who dwelt a little north of the centre of the town, was in many respects a typical New England man. Though thoroughly matter-of-fact in disposition, he had also a strong religious bent. There was no mirthfulness in his composition, but there was nothing austere or repelling. To his earnest goodness, life seemed too serious and sacred for anything but active duty. Few men have ever made a stronger impression upon my mind, of genuine goodness and integrity. His stout, rather large though not tall figure always seemed to me good all over. He followed the trade of shoemaking, but was also a small farmer and for some years acted as sexton. He might usually be found at his shop, which stood east of his residence on the main road.
“The name I have given above was, no doubt, that by which the shoemaker was designated in the family Bible, and upon the church roll and in the town records; but throughout town he was familiarly known as ‘Uncle Tom Thumper.’ I don’t think there was anything of derision in the title; it was, in fact, a tribute to the faithful, honest work turned out from his little shop. The boots and shoes which he made were of the most substantial kind; not at all like the delicate, fancy article with paper soles and fragile uppers fit only for ballroom use; and if Uncle Tom Thumper told you that the leather was oak tanned, you might be sure it was oak tanned. The wife and mother who presided over his home was among the best in Hollis. The children were numerous, well trained, and an honor to their parents. As I remember them, they were – Constantana, Mary, William, Thomas, Nancy, Samuel, Charles, Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah.
“John Bunyan gives his pilgrims travelling from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City names indicative of their characters, as Mr. Greatheart, Valiant for Truth, Timid, Mercy, Much Afraid, etc. I think if Thomas Cummings had been in his company, he would have called him ‘Thomas the Faithful and True.’” (Reprinted from the February 5, 1892 Hollis Times)
“Passing the home of Thomas Patch, Jr., we come next to that of Captain Jonathan Taylor Wright. To him I should be inclined to devote an entire letter, were he not well remembered by many yet in Hollis. But even if I were to do so, I could not mention all his virtues. What was it that made him a man trusted and honored by all? He was not brilliant nor learned, for his education was only that of the common school. He lacked both culture and polish, and there was nothing unusually attractive in his personal appearance. He was something of a musician and very fond of singing, but he had not a full, mellow, highly cultivated voice; in fact, there was in it something of the proverbial Yankee nasal twang. But none of these defects could disguise the true simplicity, honesty and sincerity of character, which made the man what he was, and commanded the confidence and affection of all who knew him, and brought him forward often to fill places of responsibility and honor in the town and in the state Legislature.
“I remember that at one time he owned a fine bay horse worth at least $125. A man was talking of buying the horse, and I heard Mr. Wright say, ‘I have some reason to fear that my horse is diseased, and with that fully understood I would take $25 for him.’ The purchaser took the horse at that price and, having cured him of a little cold, found he had a sound and very valuable animal.
“When John Woods was lost at sea, the heirs sent Captain Wright to New Bedford to settle the estate; not that he was the most skilled and competent of men for such business, but because they knew that the work would be done by him with the strictest honesty.
“ Mr. C. A. Wood writes me, ‘No truer man ever lived in Hollis than Captain Wright.’ When I married and began business for myself, he said to me, ‘Take my advice and always be honest.’ Had Capt. Wright been in John Bunyan’s company, I think he would have dropped his title and part of his name and called him simply ‘Wright Honest.’” (Reprinted from the February 5, 1892 Hollis Times)
I hope to be able to share more of H.G.L.’s letters in future issues of the 1999 Hollis Times.
March 1892
Two more lengthy articles, titled “Hollis Seventy Years Ago” and written by H.G.L., appeared in the March 4 and March18, 1892 Hollis Times with recollections of the Hillsborough County Fair and the Hollis residents who lived in the “Corner District.” I had originally planned to focus on these recollections in this column. However, March is Town Meeting month in Hollis, and the March 11, 1892 Hollis Times contained a report of 1892 Town Meeting, which I found even more interesting than H.G.L.’s epistles, especially since it included a copy of the 1804 Town Warrant, which is now almost 200 years old!
Town Meetings at the end of the 19th century followed a different format than they do today. Voting for Town officers was held in the morning, followed by a noon dinner in the Vestry of the Congregational Church. After dinner, the men addressed the Town Warrant, and in the evening a dance was held at the Town Hall.
The March 4, 1892 Hollis Times printed a report of the Town’s expenses for the past year, as follows: “Schools, 2,332.41; Support of Poor, 87.00; Town Officers, 884.50; Highways, 3,312.41; Winter roads, 219.09; Miscellaneous, 639.18. The increase of the Town debt the past year has been 1,769.20.” I found it very interesting that Hollis spent more in 1891 on maintenance of roads than on the schools!
At the turn of the century, elections for Town officers were held using the Party system with Democrat and Republican candidates nominated. The report in the March 11, 1892 Hollis Times began by noting that “the Republicans still manage the ship of state as far as old Hollis is concerned. Only a very small vote was polled for town officers.” The Democrats cast only about sixty votes whereas the Republicans supported their ticket by over ninety votes. Evidently there were no hard feelings, however, according to the local press. At the dinner that day, “One would hardly discern by look or word that those present were not all of the same political household, and at the dinner hour, the jolly Democrats and Republicans sat down together in the Vestry, and partook of the dinner provided by the ladies.”
After dinner these men addressed the Warrant and voted to raise a tax of one percent on the Town’s valuation, and to appropriate “$500 more than the law requires” for the schools, $150 for the Town Library, $95 for Memorial Day, and $1200 for highways. They also voted “to have the leasing of the Engine Hall to J. H. Worcester Post to the Selectmen, to pass the article in regard to adopting the Secret Ballot, and also not to purchase a new Road machine.”
The expenditure of $3512.41 for road maintenance was discussed at great length at 1892 Town Meeting. I chuckled when I read the report in the March 11, 1892 Hollis Times, as it reminded me of other such discussions that have taken place not so long ago. “As the Road Commissioner presented testimony that the money was not squandered but judiciously spent, the discussion resulted mainly in giving the wise men a chance to make themselves heard both pro and con, as the matter was dropped without action, except that of the elocutionary powers of those who took part in the debate.”
Finally, the editor of the 1892 Hollis Times evidently also felt it was worthwhile to look back at the Town Meetings of the past, as he printed the entire Hollis Town Warrant from 1804. The Warrant was brief, authorizing the Town Treasurer to pay $197.10 to the County, $90.74 to himself (no purpose listed), $1202.74 to the Selectmen (no purpose listed but assumably to run the Town), and $300 to the Parson. The Warrant was dated August 16, 1804. There is no mention in the Warrant of the any other salaries or what the Town funds were to be spent on. The lack of detail printed in the Warrant may be an indication of Hollis townspeople’s lack of interest in Town affairs in 1804!
April 1892
April is usually a busy month in Hollis, and it was especially so for Hollis women in 1892. In addition to the usual spring chores of airing and cleaning the house after a long winter, the women of Hollis were attending meetings and voicing their opinions in two formats. The April 1, 1892 Hollis Times reported that the Hillsboro County W.C.T.U. held its annual Convention in Wilton on March 24, and “a large delegation of good and true women, loyal to the white ribbon, were in attendance from all parts of the County and were heartily welcomed by the citizens of Wilton.”
Needless to say, many of the speeches and discussions were on temperance; however, another paper was on a completely different subject – women’s suffrage. Titled “Why should women exercise the right of school suffrage,” the paper stated, “If the polls are not a fit place for woman, then it is not for our boys. We should put our hands on the helm of the Ship of State, and save our boys, our men and our country.” A Mr. M. G. Brown remarked that he hoped “ the time was near at hand when woman should purify the ballot box by her vote.” At the end of the meeting thirteen resolutions were adopted by the Convention. Number 9 read “that we urge all our women entitled to the school ballot to use it for the best interests of the children of our State.”
I found it very interesting that in 1892, almost 30 years before women received universal suffrage, Hollis women were allowed to vote in School Board elections but were not allowed to participate in any other elections or in town meetings. This was called school suffrage. However, men were evidently at least somewhat curious about how women would handle more civic responsibility. Three articles in the April 15-29, 1892 Hollis Times illustrate this curiosity.
From the April 15, 1892 Hollis Times, first page, first article under “Hollis and Vicinity”: “All the ladies qualified to vote in town affairs, and all the men who have a curiosity to see how they would manage an election, should make an effort to be present at the Mock Town Meeting, next Wednesday evening. Some very important matters will come before the meeting, and a full attendance of voters is desirable. Admission 10 cents; Supper 25.”
From the April 22, 1892 Hollis Times, same article placement: “An adjourned session of the Mock Town Meeting will be held at the Town Hall Wednesday evening, April 27 at 8 o’clock. There will be a spirited discussion upon the following subjects, Women’s Suffrage and Salaries of Town Officers, after which there will be a social entertainment. Admission 10 cents.”
From the April 29, 1892 Hollis Times: “As all the business which was to have been transacted at the Mock Town Meeting was not completed, the meeting was again adjourned, this time to the first Wednesday in September.”
It appears to me that the ladies were doing a pretty fair job of addressing the issues!
May 1892
When reading the Hollis and Vicinity section of the May 1892 issues of the Hollis Times, I noticed two articles which, except for the terminology, could have been written today, 107 years later. Both appeared in the May 6, 1892 Hollis Times and illustrated that some of the adults who lived in Hollis were interested in studying their town’s history whereas some of the less mature residents were much less principled!
The first article reported on and announced what we would today refer to as a historical walk. “Messrs. C. S. Spaulding, D. W. Hayden, C.F. Burge, and Messrs John and Freeman Foster of Milford, with Mr. G. A. and Mrs. A. Ramsdell of Nashua, spent Arbor Day, in part, tramping about the old town of Monson, gathering facts for the Milford History.
“Tomorrow, a Historical Tramping party will take a ramble through School District No. 2, to Pumpkin Yard Center, and along Flint’s Brook. All interested in our town-yore are invited to ‘fall in line’ with lunch, at the late L. C. Whitcher place, to move at 9 a.m.”
The other report illustrates that even in 1892, Hollis was not a totally idyllic town.
“Even the quiet suburbs of Hollis are not exactly free from the insults of unprincipled marauders. On last Friday, in the wee small hours of the morning, the inhabitants of Patch’s Corner were awakened by a crowd giving vent to their hilarious ‘spirit’ by emptying their wagon of its contents of beer bottles, throwing them, hit or miss, at the houses they passed.”
July 1892
As has happened in the past when writing this column, I found very little interesting news to look back on in the newer issues of the Hollis Times, those printed five, ten and fifteen years ago. Fortunately, I found the five July 1892 issues very interesting so this month I decided to devote my entire column to the oldest news.
When looking at these issues, it is difficult not to notice that the banner of the July 8, 1892 newspaper is very different from that of any other issue printed from 1886 to when publication temporarily ceased at the end of 1892. Instead of printing "Hollis Times" in much larger print than "Brookline Reporter," the editor printed a new banner for this one issue, reversing the size of the titles. And in place of the seal of New Hampshire, which to this day appears between the words "Hollis" and "Times," a halftone image of a steam engine separated the words "Brookline" and "Reporter." I have attempted to reproduce the banners from the July 1, 1892 and July 8, 1892 issues of the newspaper.
My first thought when I saw this was that the railroad must have begun providing service to Brookline in early July of 1892 and that this special banner was created to commemorate this newsworthy event. I realized when I read the issues that I was partly correct. The railroad was coming. However, as the following articles illustrate, it had not yet arrived.
The July 1, 1892 issue stated, "The citizens' meeting held last week resulted in the choice of an executive committee, with J. H. S. Tucker as chairman, to whom is directed the work of making arrangements for the anticipated railroad 'opening' and of soliciting the necessary funds."
Two more articles in the same issue reported on the progress of this endeavor. According to one, "Since May 9, Mr. J. A. Hall has delivered over 19,000 railroad ties, a large proportion of them being used by the B. and P. railroad." Another noted, "Many of our people have found it interesting to witness the workings of the steam shovel which the railroad builders have in operation at a gravel bank in the southerly part of the town; 65 seconds being the minimum time required to load a gravel car, by this process."
The July 8, 1892 issue, despite its commemorative banner, contained only two brief references to the railroad. The shorter one said simply, "The engine got off the track near the ice houses on Monday but was soon put in place." The second described an accident that befell a pair of horses at work on the railroad. The horses "took flight and dashed madly down Depot St., through the yard of the Cong'l church and down Main St. to the corner near Miss Sawtelle's residence, where the wheels to which they were attached struck a tree and the horses were thrown to the ground. They were then secured without having sustained injury." The article is not clear about what the horses were pulling, what kind of wheel was involved and whether the horses were being driven from the ground or not.
The July 15, 1892 Hollis Times announced that "Mr. Charles Miller of Pepperell has taken the contract for building the railway station in this town." More progress, but no still information as to when the railroad was to begin service and why it had not yet done so.
The July 22, 1892 issue finally printed an article that explained that the opening of the railroad, which had been expected this month, had been delayed. "The people hereabouts begin to learn a few points, in regard to the amounts of labor and time required to build a railroad. The completion of the B. and P. road, which was confidently expected ere this time, is still an event so far in the future that no date can be named for it. Although a large gang of men are constantly employed, there is yet much to be accomplished before the work will be complete. The contractors are carrying several carloads of ice over the route every evening, to connect with the Fitchburg road at Ayer."
Looking ahead, I discovered that the Brookline and Pepperell railroad finally opened exactly two months after the special commemorative banner graced the front page of the local newspaper, on September 8, 1892. The banner was not resurrected for the occasion. I plan to report on this gala event on its 107-year anniversary!
Both the July 15 and July 29 issues of the Hollis Times contained lengthy installments of "Hollis Seventy Years Ago" with its wonderfully unique sketches of the townsfolk who lived in Hollis in the 1820s. In the July 15 issue, H. G. L. described some of the citizens living in the Spaulding or North School District. As usual, the profiles in this issue are written with humor and sensitivity and enough detail to make these Hollis residents seem very real to us, almost 180 years later. In closing I would like to share with you H. G. L.'s personal recollections of Hezekiah Kendall.
"Near by, lived Hezekiah Kendall, of Kendall Mills celebrity. He was three times married and had six children. One of his sons served in the War of 1812. Mr. Kendall was a man of weight in more senses than one. It was a question between him and our shoemaker, Mr. Avery, as to which could tip the scales to the highest notch.
"The weight of his influence was especially felt in Town Meeting. Being a man of positive character and good judgement, his fellow citizens always listened with deference to the expressions of his opinion. Bringing down his right hand with a sharp snap of the thumb, which could be heard all over the old meeting-house, he would commence his speech with the characteristic expletive, 'I vum!'
"An extract from his speech made on a certain occasion, when the matter under consideration was the repair of Runnells bridge, has been sent to me. "I vum' he began, 'you are foreverlastingly quarreling over that Runnells bridge. You say the present is stronger than the old one, and you had to take powder to blow the old one out of the way. I wish the whole thing was sank in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean!'
"Mr. Kendall came to a tragic end; he was killed in 1833 by Richard Orcott whom he had 'dunned' for rent due; Orcott being, according to the old-fashioned phrase, 'in liquor' at the time."
Thus, one Hollis resident lived his life in the early 19th century, I'm sure never imagining that 175 years or so later, residents of a much different Hollis would be reading about his personal activities. I always wonder whether future residents of this town will be as interested in the lives we are living today. They are certainly well documented in the current issues of the Hollis Times!
August 1892
I am constantly amazed at what events and happenings were considered newsworthy enough to be printed on the front page of the local newspaper at the turn of the century. To me, these short anecdotes, which are printed on the front page of the old Hollis Times, are interesting not only for their amusing content but also because somebody deemed them important enough to share publicly with all of their friends and neighbors. I have chosen four of the best ones from the August 1892 Hollis Times to share with you and have also added a few editorial comments for your consideration.
“Miss Mabel Hodgman caught a live weasel on Monday. His weaselship was so imprudent as to attempt to explore the kitchen, when Mrs. H. ‘went for him’ and after a lively chase, succeeded in capturing the nimble creature.” (How did she catch him and what did she do after she caught him?)
“One weapon is as good as another, provided it accomplishes the purpose well; no doubt this was Mrs. William H. Hall’s conclusion when, the other day, she brought down a hen hawk with the chopping tray. Mr. Hawk had entered the barn and was helping himself to a chicken lunch when discovered by Mrs. H., who gave battle with just what she had in her hand, scoring a complete victory.” (Why was this hen hawk called Mr. Hawk, and again, how did she “bring him down?” Did she kill him?)
“Mr. William Taylor was thrown from his carriage, while driving near the Bohonon bridge on day this week. The carriage was badly demoralized but Mr. Taylor was only slightly injured.” (How is a carriage demoralized?)
“A party of eleven from this town spent last Wednesday in Purgatory. They enjoyed themselves muchly, and all got out safe at last, although some found it a hard job.” (Where is Purgatory and what were they doing there?)
Remember, all of this was front-page news in 1892!
September 1892
“Thursday, September 8, was a ‘red letter day’ for the little town of Brookline, celebrating as it did the 123rd anniversary of its incorporation and also, and primarily, the opening of the Brookline & Pepperell Railroad.” Thus began a two-column article titled “Brookline’s Gala Day” in the September 9, 1892 Hollis Times and Brookline Reporter.
According to the report, between 4,000 and 5,000 people attended the celebration, arriving in carriages, on foot and, of course, by train! The first train arrived at the town line at 5 minutes past 10, announced by the “booming of the cannon.” It consisted of an engine decorated with flags and buntings and seven cars “loaded to their utmost capacity with invited guests.” As the engine slowed to a halt, “48 young ladies and misses dressed in white, each carrying a bouquet of flowers, . . . showered the engineer with their floral offerings.” Another train of nine cars arrived shortly thereafter.
Of course, speeches were the order of the day, as was band music, artillery salutes, a dinner, an evening concert and fireworks. According to one of the speakers, Hon. E. E. Parker of Nashua, “Various railroad projects . . . have been started and come to naught, the present successful effort being the fourth that has been agitated during the last 50 years.” Other speakers hailed from Concord, Bow, Milford, Hollis and Mason, in New Hampshire, and Groton, Pepperell, Townsend, Ayer, Cambridge, Billerica and Swampscott, in Massachusetts. “All were pithy and interesting, and abounded in congratulations to the people of Brookline on their being connected by rail to the outside world.”
According to the September 30, 1892 Hollis Times, regular passenger service began on the line on Monday, September 26 with service from Brookline to Boston, Massachusetts. Stops were made in South Brookline, North Pepperell, Pepperell, Hollingsworth, Ayer and Boston. Three round-trips were made each day, with the first train leaving Brookline at 6:30 am, stopping in Hollis at 6:37 am, in Ayer at 7:05 am, and arriving in Boston at 8:34 am. Trains also headed out of Brookline at 11 am and 5:25 pm. Return trains departed from Boston at 8 am, 11:30 am and 5 pm. Fares were listed as follows “To Pepperell, 22 cts; Ayer, 47 cts; Boston, $1.37.” I assume this is one-way. One freight train traveled the route each day, carrying “ice, wood, ties, barrels, stone, apples, etc.”
Hollis residents were evidently quite pleased with the service provided by this new railroad line. The September 30, 1892 Hollis Times reported, “A petition has gone to Washington to have the contract for carrying Hollis mail changed from the Hollis depot on the Worcester and Nashua to North Pepperell on the Brookline and Pepperell railroad.”
October 1892
October 1892 was time for campaigning in Hollis, not just for State elections but for Town elections as well. This is because in 1892, Town Meeting was held in November instead of March. Interestingly, candidates for Town positions ran on a party ticket just like State candidates. Campaigning was a serious business for the political hopefuls, and their followers were quite vocal and active in the support of their candidates. Several articles in the October 1892 Hollis Times illustrate their enthusiasm.
“Last Saturday evening, the Hollis Democrats flung to the breeze a fine flag bearing the names and pictures of their candidates, after which they adjourned to the Town Hall, where several speakers were greeted by an audience from both parties.
“The caucuses held last Saturday evening resulted in the selection of David N. Hayden as the candidate for Representative by Republicans and George B. Cleasby by the Democrats. The voters do the rest.
“Henry M. Baker, the Republican nominee for Congress, will speak at the Town Hall, Hollis, next Tuesday evening, Oct. 18th. A male quartette from Nashua will be present to enliven the occasion.
"Rev. D. C. Babcock, D.D. and Dr. Edgar L. Carr, the Prohibition candidate for Governor of N. H., will speak upon the political issues of the day, under the auspices of the Prohibition National and State Executive Committee, at the Town Hall, Hollis, on Thursday evening, Oct. 27. Exercises to commence promptly at 8 o’clock. Singers from Nashua will furnish music during the evening.
“A good audience were out to the Republican Rally Tuesday evening. During the evening, the Leighton Minutemen from Pepperell with 40 torches marched through part of the streets, headed by a Drum Corps. This company has a very handsome uniform and made a fine appearance.
“As intimated last week, we have completed arrangements so that our citizens can have the Election Returns on the night of Election and the next day, by telephone at as early an hour as they are received by their city cousins. Hildreth Hall will be open all night and the next day, and the returns will be announced there as they are received. To pay the expense of the telephone service, an admission of 25 cents will be charged, good for that night and the next day. This will not be confined to any party or sex, but all are invited, both ladies and gentlemen. Doors open at 8 o’clock.”
Thus the Town of Hollis staged its pre-election activities 107 years ago!