Barnstable County, Massachusetts - Chapter 16: Town of Barnstable, 1890 (part 2 of 2)

With the notable personages and the historical interest clustered here, no doubt very early stores were started, but tradition only furnishes facts for the century last past. Seth Parker, now an aged resident of West Barnstable, was in business in Boston with David Snow prior to 1 833. For thirty years prior to ] 863 he kept a store near his old house, on the county road west of the West Barnstable cemetery. In 1863 his son, J. W. B. Parker, then twenty-one years of age, began business near West Barnstable depot. Until 1870 Seth and David Parker were . interested in the business, but for the last nineteen years J. W. B. Parker has been the sole proprietor. The venerable Seth Parker is the son of Seth and grandson of Dr. Daniel Parker.

Among other stores was one kept prior to 1830 by Shadrach N. Howland, in the old house just east of his present residence. He moved to the square adjoining the cemetery about 1854, where, November 29, 1872, the building and contents were burned and with them his son George H. He soon prepared another building on the east side of the street, to which he removed and continued business until 1880. In 1855 Frederick Parker opened a store one-half mile west of West Barnstable depot on the county road, in a building now owned by his son, Howard N. The center of business was there until the railroad was opened. Another son, Melvin Parker, in 1881 built a general store, where he still continues the business. The father died in February, 1882, and the business at the old place was discontinued.

George B. Rowland and his brother, Nathaniel P., in 1859. began a store in what had been the barroom of the Old Meadow House, and carried on the business until the death of Nathaniel P., in 1883.

James T. Jones, who had been in business at East Sandwich, came here in 1873, locating on the street west of the depot, where he remained until 1876, when he erected and removed to his present commodious store.

The travel along the Cape on the county road made an early tavern at West Barnstable necessary. On the north side of the road near the cemetery are the remains of the old Howland stand. In 1802 Ansel Howland passed this property to his son Jabez, who had managed the tavern and kept a store in part of it, before the beginning of this century. His son Albert opened, in 1848, another tavern west of this, where George B. Howland now resides. This was known for years as the Meadow House, and before the death of Jabez in the old tavern, the Meadow house became the principal tavern on this part of the line, and the favorite stopping place for the stages until the railroad superseded them. Albert's son, George B. Howland, preserves the old sign which bears the legend, " Meadow House, 1848."

The early mails were brought here on horseback by John Thacher. The postmaster, who filed his first report with the government July 1, 1816, was one Samuel Bassett, who was followed by his son Charles, each keeping the oflBce in the house then standing southwest of the present residence of William C. Howland. The old well and a few moss-grown apple trees mark the spot. The next postmaster was Albert Howland, commissioned January 29, 1824. Jabez Howland, as his deputy, kept the oflBce in the old tavern and store mentioned, and in August, 1841, Jabez Howland, jr., was appointed, and after a time removed the post office to a building where Josiah Jones now lives. Shadrach N. Howland says that he was postmaster in 1840, but the government records have the first mention of him dated April 8, 1847. He kept the office near where he lives. Part of the old building, with the letter hole through it, is now a wood house for the recently built residence; and part was moved in 1854 to the square adjoining the cemetery, where the office was kept until the burning of the store. Mr. Howland kept the office a few months in the depot until he prepared a building, now the residence of Fred. Childs. His term was interrupted by the appointment of David Parker, 3d, November 18, 1864, when it was kept in the store of J. W. B. Parker. In 1880 Mr. Howland's second term was closed by the appointment of Melvin

One of the important industries is the manufacture of brick. In 1878 Benjamin F. Crocker, Levi L. Goodspeed, Noah Bradford and Charles C. Crocker purchased the Fish property here, and with James F. Eldridge as superintendent, commenced the manufacture of brick, as The West Barnstable Brick Company. In 1887 a new company was formed, adding steam power and other facilities, and its capacity is now the manufacture of two million bricks annually. In 1889 the kiln sheds in the yard were extended, twenty men were given employment, and the business was extended to the full capacity of the works. The ofiBcers since 1887 have been: B. F. Crocker, president; A. D. Makepeace, treasurer; and William F. Makepeace, secretary.

Since the advent of the railroad West Barnstable has been the point for leaving mail and passengers for offices and resorts on the south shore. Washburn Bursley had run a stage from the time the cars came until his death, and since then Daniel P., his son, has been the proprietor, conveying mail, passengers and express matter. The mails for Osterville, Centreville and Wianno are placed in pouches on the trains and left at West Barnstable to be conveyed to their destination. These mails are received twice a day and delivered by Mr. Bursley, who also delivers express matter and passengers at other localities. He uses eighteen horses for his business, and has wellequipped barges, coaches and express wagons. Another line of stages from West Barnstable was opened at the same time to supply Cotuit and Marston's Mills with mail, and to carry passengers. William F. Jones was proprietor of this until April, 1887, when he was succeeded by William H. Irwin, who properly continues it.

The depot building was moved from the north side of the track a few years ago and placed on its present site. The buildings and conveniences are creditable to the company and village. The land on which the buildings stand is the poor house or town property, and is leased. Shadrach N. Howland was agent for the company at their depot until 1881, and his son, Andrew J., has since filled the position.

The only mill to be seen in this vicinity is the Jones mill at the pond just west. It is a study for an antiquarian, and has fallen into disuse; it was run by the water from the large pond.

Old Cotuit, as it is called, to designate it more distinctively from Cotuit Port, is on the road from Sandwich to Centreville and Hyannis, along which a stage line was early run, to connect with the Plymouth stage. A post office was established here as Cotuit Village, December 24, 1821. Roland Thacher Crocker was the first postmaster until his death in 1846, when he was succeeded, November 17th, by Rev. Phineas Fish. On the fifth of June, 1848, the name and location of the office was changed to Cotuit Port, and for a time the g-overnment maintained no office at Old Cotuit, but Zenas Crocker, sr., received and distributed mail for the locality. In January, 1850, an office was established here as Cotuit, with Phineas Fish, postmaster. It was discontinued May 29, 1854.

To have a tavern upon so important a stage line would not seem strange, and it is said that Ezra Crocker opened one in the present residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Crocker, which he ran many years, until his death in 1842. This, which was a favorite resort of Daniel Webster during his fishing tours in the vicinity, was the only tavern ever in this community.

R. Thacher Crocker had a store, which at his death he was conducting in the Joseph Folger house, with the post office. This accommodated the inhabitants of Mashpee and Cotuit for many years. On the inside of the board shutter to the store window, readable from without when it was open, were these cabalistic letters, still legible through many coats of paint:

Brandy

This sign seemed to promise wine to the passer-by, but on closer inspection it assured him of a good supply of West India and New England rum.

Charles F. Crocker had a store on the corner opposite Mrs. Elizabeth Crocker's, which he discontinued in 1861. Zenas Crocker also had a store where Elmer Lapham lives.

Cotuit Port. - The inhabitants here were compelled to go to the office a mile above - at Cotuit - while the stage and mail lines emanated from Sandwich as the terminus of the Plymouth line. After the railroad was built many changes in the mail routes were made. The first postmaster here was Alexander Scudder, commissioned June 5, 1848. He was succeeded by Randall Kelley, September 23, 1850, and he by Charles C. Bearse in 1870 for twelve years, after which Andrew Lovell filled the position until 1885, when Adaline F. Bearse was appointed. She was succeeded by Mr. Lovell's reappointment in 1889. Very early the shipping and fishing business was the occupation here, which led to stores of various kinds.

on what is now the property on the bank belonging to the estate of Samuel Hooper, deceased. Hezekiah Coleman built the wharf close by, known as " Uncle 'Kiah's wharf," where he also had a store soon after Mr. Crocker's. These were prominent stores and business places for many years; Mr. Crocker's was continued till his death in 1841. The Coleman store is now a part of Sylvester R. Crocker's house. Daniel Childs, about 1840, started a store on the site of Andrew Lovell's present ofiBce,and a portion of the building he occupied then is now doing service as Esquire Lovell's laundry room.

Samuel Nickerson carried on a shoe store and clothing store here fourteen years prior to his death in 1884. Leander W. Nickerson there carried on a mercantile business for several years, when in May, 1869, Asa F. Bearse opened his present store. John M. Handy was engaged in the mercantile business here from 1884 until his death in 1889. Others also in business are Julius Nickerson and Henry Hodges. On the Heights, as it is termed, although in the same village, Aaron Nickerson started a store nearly twenty years ago under the firm name of A. Nickerson & Son, the son, Alexander E., buying the business and stock in 1887. Daniel Nickerson was a merchant at this part of the village until his death a few years ago.

About 1875 the late Ensign Nickerson began a grocery business at Highground, Cotuit. His son, George W., succeeded him, and in 1877 Aaron Nickerson & Son took the business, which, in January, 1889, the son, A. E. Nickerson, moved to his present store building. Ensign Nickerson had a small store here, which was burned about 1858.

An old landmark here is the residence of General John H. Reed. It was built in 1793 by Ebenezer Crocker, father of Braddock Crocker. Alexander Scudder, who married Braddock's daughter, next owned it and in 1849 he sold it to Hon. Samuel Hooper, whose granddaughter, Mrs. Balfour of Scotland, now owns it.

Mariners Lodge, A. F. & A. M., was instituted in 1870. Preliminary meetings were held in the chambers of John M. Handy, Cotuit Port, early in the year 1870, and March 10th a dispensation was granted to George J. Miller, W. M.; John B. Baxter, S. W.; John B. Lovell, J. W.; Thomas Chatfield, T.; John M. Handy, S.; Asa F. Bearse, S. D.; vSimeon L. Ames, J. D.; Alonzo L. Phinney, C; Sylvanus Porter, M.; Bennett W. Dottridge, S. S.; Frank Cammett, J. S.; and Stephen B. Tallman, T. A charter was granted to the lodge December 13, 1871, and in August following the number of members was thirty-seven. The installation of the first officers was held in Freedom Hall, and by arrangement with the proprietors of the hall, a suitable lodge room was, in 1872, prepared over the hall, which is still in use by the order.

OSTERVILLE. - This thriving post-village in the southern part of the town is beautifully situated on Vineyard sound and enclosed by East and West bays. The name is a contraction of Oysterville, from Oyster island, names properly given from the early business here carried on. Ship building was also one of the early industries by Andrew Crosby and Daniel Crosby, and as early as 1830 Oliver Hinckley, an apprentice of Jesse Crosby, whom he succeeded in the business, built thirtyfive or forty vessels of seventy-five to one hundred tons in West bay. This business of the Crosby's has been carried on by various branches of the family since 1835, when they launched the first sailboat built on this part of the coast. Two brothers, C. Worthington and Horace S. Crosby, early started a boat-building business, which has been since subdivided and their sons are carrying on three separate yards, and building at West bay the finest boats ever built on the south shore. Horace S. retired about 1880 and his son, Herbert F., continues the business, in which also three younger sons - Wilton, Joseph and Horace M. - are engaged. Herbert F. started a separate place in 1882. C. W. Crosby, who had been in the business since 1835, took his sons, Charles H. and Daniel, into partnership for a while, and now the sons have a business of their own. Isaac Hodges, sr., also built vessels in that bay. Many also have been built at East bay, and foremost in this, about 1830, was Seth Goodspeed, who built a number. One sloop was built by him at his place, now Alexander Till's, and carted to the beach, which is related at the present time as a marvelous feat. It is said that nearly two-score vessels of various kinds were built atOsterville prior to 1850. At East bay Nelson H. Bearse and Jehiel P. Hodges built boats a few years prior to 1885, and Mr. Hodges still continues the business. Both bays are now more or less used for the construction of small craft.

The manufacture of salt from sea water was extensively carried on here, especially at or near East bay. We learn that prominent in this industry were Thomas Ames, Seth Goodspeed, Eben. Scudder and George Hinckley. Jacob Lovell had works near O. D. Lovell's boat house, first from the eastward; he used two wind mills to pump the water to the works. Henry Lovell's was next west, then came Deacon Scudder's, then George Lovell's. These shores were covered with vats. The business was at its height in 1812, and gradually declined.

With the building of vessels stores were started. We find Retire Crocker selling the necessaries of life in the building occupied by Freeman L. Scudder, before 1830, when it was a low, one-story build- ing. He was succeeded in the same building by Josiah Scudder, brother of Judge Scudder. He was succeeded by his son, Freeman L., and son-in-law, Asa E. Lovell. In 1857 George H. Hinckley, the present merchant and postmaster, purchased the stock, and afterward built his present place of business.

Another early merchant was Daniel Crosby, who was succeeded by his brother Asa, and he in 1866 was succeeded by Israel Crocker, who has now the largest general store in the place. Soon after 1840, Erastus Scudder started a store in the building now occupied by Parker and Crocker. These gentlemen, after three years of co-partnership, April 6, 1889, made two stores of the one - the dry goods business being continued by Charles F. Parker, and the grocery by Henry P. Crocker. In 1889 Joseph F. Adams was also in the mercantile business. Warren Marchant, after he was at Centreville, came here, married, and built a store, which he carried on for a few years.

A free library was opened here January 21, 1882, by this enterprising people. A sum equal to $3,600 was given, besides 1,209 volumes, exclusive of the bound periodicals. The building and site are owned by the association. A fair for the sale of fancy articles is held each summer, and the proceeds go to the support of the library. Mrs. Eliza P. Lovell was librarian in 1889.

The mails were received here by horseback in the earliest days of the post office. An office was established here January 30, 1822, and was kept by Retire Crocker in his store. Josiah Scudder, jr., kept the post office in the same building from July 23, 1825, until August 6, 1850, when Isaiah Crocker was appointed, and removed it to his blacksmith shop, serving the public for eight years. In 1858 Erastus Scudder, who was made postmaster, again removed the office to the building now occupied as a store by Charles F. Parker. Isaac Hodges succeeded him in the building now the store of Joseph F. Adams, and in 1862 he was succeeded by Asa Crosby, who removed the office to where Israel Crocker is in business now. In 1865 George H. Hinckley was appointed, and about ten years ago he moved the office to its present quarters, where he faithfully serves the public.

Wianno Beach, near Osterville, has recently become one of the most popular resorts on the south shore. Bursley's line of stages and express connect it with the Old Colony railway at West Barnstable, and the government maintains a post office here during the season, sending a mail pouch from West Barnstable. Jennie L. Hinckley was postmistress in 1889.

The name is a corruption of lyanough or Yanno - the name of the friendly sachem. It is more compact than the* model inland New England village, which indicates a more brisk business. Prior to the opening of the Hyannis branch of the Old Colony railroad, which terminates here, packet lines connecting with large cities and vessels of large size touched here. It had formerly extensive fisheries and packing establishments, which were largely instrumental in giving the village its present importance. These industries are still continued, although not so extensively. At Lewis bay, east of the village, vessel building was extensively carried on soon after 1800. Abner W. Lovell had fishing vessels built at the foot of Ocean and Sea streets before the war of 1812; Richard Lewis owned the land from the lyanough House back to the bay, where he carried on an extensive business in shipping of every kind, and built and furnished several vessels. Gorliam Lovell was also, engaged in the business. Watson Holmes built small vessels on Lewis bay, where M. L. Hinckley's oyster and boat house now stands. Vessels of one hundred tons were built on this bay.

The first house erected here, near Baxter's wharf, was by Edward Coleman, who was admitted as a citizen of Barnstable in October, 1662. The first building erected by the whites here was a store-house, by Nicholas Davis, near where Timothy Baker's store stood. Jonathan Lewis, about 1703, built the second dwelling.

In connection with the fisheries, the manufacture of salt was naturally developed, and the shores at the east and south were white with acres of vats. During the war of 1812 it was a prominent industry. Alvin Snow, Henry and Joshua Hallett had extensive works where is now the Sears lumber yard; A. W. Lovell manufactured near the present lumber yard of B. F. Crocker & Co. This, like most of the works, was discontinued about 1831. Lot Crocker had works where his descendants now reside, and Ebenezer Bacon's were adjoining. Zenas Gage engaged in the manufacture near his wharf; Simeon Freeman had works at Dunbar point, and Zenas D. Bassett and Warren Hallett had their works next west. Other manufacturers were Elnathan Lewis, Warren and David Hinckley, and Gorham Lovell.

That that portion of Barnstable was an important shipping port is evinced by the action of the selectmen, who in 1742 gave to Elisha Lumbert permission to build a wharf at Hyannis; but the inhabitants living there were to be privileged to land their goods and persons without charge. In 1778 the town gave Captain Sturgis Gorham permission to build a storehouse thirty by forty feet, and a wharf at Lewis cove. Hyannis harbor is an important one and in 1826 the government appropriated $10,600 for the erection of a breakwater for its further protection. Storehouses and wharves have been erected

There are no mills here at present, the last being that of Owen Bacon, a wind grist mill, which he ran many years on South street, near the old burying ground.

The mercantile lines of business of this village have been varied and extensive. In 1823 Seth Baker had a small store in the leanto of his house. After this Lewis Thacher had an early store east of the present depot, on the south side of Main street, then the only store here. It was known for years as the old " Red Store." In 1829 Alexander Baxter and F. C. Tobey built the Boston store building, then the only one on the east side of Pleasant street, and the only one on the south side of Main street between Lot Hallett's corner and the present railroad track, except the old red store. Baxter & Tobey were .succeeded in their business by Alexander Baxter, he by his tenants, Brimhall & Goodspeed, and they by George L. Thacher, who, with A^arious partners, did business here about twenty-five years. In 1882 Eggleston Brothers, as successors of George L. Thacher, gave it the name of Boston store, and they in turn were succeeded in April, 1887, by Prince M. Crowell, who enlarged the business to its present importance. After the dissolution of the firm of Baxter & Tobey, Mr. Tobey erected the building on Plea.sant street, now the market, which he ran as a general store until his death; he also built the Leonard Chase house.

Another historic old business corner is where the venerable Captain Albert Chase has his store. We have noticed it in connection with the post offices. The building was erected in 1820 by Sampson, a shoemaker who lived where Dr. Pitcher now does, and was occupied as a blacksmith- shop by Allen Draudy. Warren Hallett & Sons converted it into a store, and were succeeded by Joseph H. Parker and his brother-in-law. Freeman L. Scudder. Gorham F. Baker was the next merchant at this site, and was succeeded in the fall of 1860 by his brother, Joshua, and Albert Chase, as Chase & Baker. Joshua Baker died in 1885 and the business passed to Captain Chase.

J. H. Parker built the Hartson Hallett store and commenced in it in 1860 a business which was continued by him and his estate until 1867, when Mr. Hallett purchased it.

A general variety and news store is kept by Henry H. Baker, who was the first news dealer at Hyannis. In 1854 he opened a restaurant at the depot, and in 1876 he built and located in his present business place.

business from Barnstable village after a three years' trial there. He built in 1873, and removed the building in 1885 to its present site on the northwest corner of Main and Ocean streets, where clothing and furnishing goods have been added to his former business.

The American Clothing House at Hyannis was opened in November, 1885, by Louis Arenovski, and is now the best equipped establishment of the kind in the county west of Harwich Port. Coming to the United States in 1881, he began his business on Cape Cod in a small way, and has been very successful.

In 1866 A. G. Cash purchased the store and hardware business of N. O. Bond, who had continued it several years. In July, 1886, Myron G. Bradford became an equal partner, and the business of plumbing and roofing, with that of general hardware, is continued by Cash & Bradford.

The lumber and carriage manufacturing business has become prominent very naturally. The carriage business now carried on by C. C. & B. F. Crocker was established in 1849, and since 1851 they have occupied their present' site. In 1857 B. F. Crocker and his brother, Charles C, opened the lumber yard of B. F. Crocker & Co., still continuing it; also together manufacturing and painting carriages, and keeping paints and like materials for builders. Later, in 1869, two brothers, J. K. & B. Sears, bought of Samuel Snow the lumber yard at the head of Railroad wharf. In 1881 two sons of B. Sears - Isaiah C. and Henry W. - became partners, creating the present firm of J. K. & B. Sears & Co. Branches from this yard are at Woods HoU and Middleboro.

Prominent among the other industries here is the grain and flour business, by the Chase Brothers, near the depot. The father, Heman B"., began it in 1848, and was running a packet from Hyannis to New York at the time, loading with fish westward, and returning with goods for merchants and grain for himself. In 1856 David S. Marchant became his partner, and they built a store on Railroad wharf, where for a few years they did business and continued the packet line as Chase & Marchant. In 1868, after the decline of freighting by water, Mr. Chase and his sons, Heman B. Chase, jr., and Clarence, engaged in the grain and coal business, near the depot, admitting, in 1874, a third son, Edward L., to the firm of Heman Chase & Sons. The father died in June, 1880, and Clarence in 1884. The remaining members of the firm still continue, the only change being the addition of hay to the list of merchandise.

The only commission fish business is that of Timothy Crocker & Sons, on Railroad wharf. In 1860 Mr. Crocker started as a shipper of fish, and in 1882 Gideon Hallett became a partner for a short time, adding ice, coal and wood to the business.

Doctor Doane's office had been regarded as a drug store for some thirty years prior to 1883, when Arthur G. Guyer, who had been educated as a practical druggist, became Doctor Doane's partner, and they, as Doane & Guyer, opened the first regular drug store at Hyannis, January 1, 1883. The only other is a store started in 1887 by Dr. E. E. Hawes.

There were, undoubtedly, ancient ordinaries here; but the present lyanough House, by Thomas H. Soule, jr., is of more interest to the present generation. It was first erected by Captain Charles Goodspeed in 1832, and was purchased in 1859 by Evander C. White, who enlarged and beautified it, and called it the White House. The name lyanough House was adopted in 1874, when the Hyannis Port Land Company controlled it. Mr. Soule purchased it in Janiiary, 1888, and has successfully conducted it since. He is a native of New Bedford, and had managed the Sherburne House, at Nantucket, prior to coming here. The lyanough House, throughout the year, is the principal hotel on the south shore, and entertains a fair proportion of the summer sojourners. The accompanying engraving shows the place in a scene looking toward the sound.

Until within twenty-five years the business men of Hyannis and vicinity did their banking business chiefly at the old Yarrnouth Bank; but on the tenth of March, 1865, the First National Bank of Hyannis was chartered as No. 1107, and authorized to begin business May 2d, with a capital not to exceed three hundred thousand dollars. Its business, however, was not begun until August 16th, and one-third of the authorized capital has been found sufficient. The institution has continually been under the most conservative management and has never passed a dividend. Its board of directors has included the ablest and strongest men of this part of the Cape. The first president was Alexander Baxter, who was succeeded at his death in 1870 by S. B. Phinney. The present head of the institution is Joseph R. Hall, one of the most conservative and successful financiers in the county. He was the first cashier, and on his promotion to the presidency was succeeded by his oldest son, Joseph T. Hall, who had been assistant cashier some fourteen years as successor to Frank Thacher, who was bookkeeper and assistant cashier until 1874. The president's only other son, Russell D. F. Hall, has been book-keeper since November, 1885.

The Hyannis Savings Bank was chartered by the act of April 28, 1868,with S. B. Phinney, president; Joseph R. Hall, treasurer; and Frank Thacher, secretary. F. G. Kelley was the second president and Frank Thacher succeeded Mr. Hall as treasurer in 1874. The board of trustees included such shrewd men as Joshua Baker, Owen Bearse, Charles C. Bearse, F. G. Kelley, S. B. Phinney and Alexander Baxter. The depreciation of real estate had been such that prior to 1880 the affairs of the bank went into the hands of Frank Thacher and Joseph R. Hall as receivers.

The Old Colony Railroad Company has a very pretty depot, with telegraph and other offices on the second floor. Edwin Baker was appointed agent in 1854, and was succeeded for a few years by Obed Baxter until 1870, when Leonard Chase was appointed. On the first of April, 1889, the present agent, William F. Ormsby, received the appointment.

A post office was established here in 1821, with Lewis Thacher in charge, with a commission dated December 26th. Otis Loring was made his successor October 26, 1825, and was followed in office by Freeman Scudder, June 23, 1831. In March, 1833, Mr. Loring was again appointed and kept the office in the house now occupied by Mrs. Copeland on Main street. During Mr. Scudder's term it was located where Alexander Hinckley lives, January 14, 1837. In January, 1837, Abner W. Lovell was appointed, serving until April 27, 1852, in the store building since occupied as a clothing store by Louis Arenovski. Mr. Lovell was eighty-six years old in 1889, and tells with boyish glee why he was superseded by Joseph H. Parker, who removed the office to the present store of Albert Chase, where the plain outside letter box is still attached. Mr. Parker soon sold out and went to sea, and Gorham F. Baker was the successor in the same place. This was under the administration of President Pierce and prior to 1856. He was succeeded by Daniel Crowell a short time, and he by Roland S. Hallett. In the administration of President Buchanan, George L. Thacher was appointed and held the office until F. C. Tobey was appointed early in the first term of the lamented Abraham Lincoln. He kept the office in his store by the stables of Leonard Chase, Pleasant street. His term was short and he was succeeded by R. S. Pope in the building now used by the library association. In 1871 Theodore F. Bassett was appointed, who removed a private school house to the site and inaugurated the present post office conveniences. The boxes and para- phemalia of this oflBce, compared with the nine large and only boxes of the office in 1850, indicate one of the improvements of the pretty village of Hyannis. Charles G. Perry was appointed in 1885, and in June, 1889, the present efficient officer, George W. Hallett, assumed the control under the present administration.

Besides the churches Hyannis supports several lodges and societies. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, years ago, embraced here 112 members; and the Sons of Temperance, also the Daughters, separate organizations, now extinct, once flourished.

Orient Chapter, R. A. M., has a large membership. It was instituted September 9, 1856, and meets in Masonic Hall. Sylvanus Baxter was the first H. P. in 1857, succeeded by Rufus S. Pope in 1858, who served until 1865, and again between the years 1868-70 inclusive. Joseph K. Baker served in 1866 and George J. Miller in 1867; Miller was re-elected in 1871, serving to 1875 inclusive, and again in 1881-86; J. W. Chapman was H. P. in 1876-80; George H. Smith, 1887-88; and N. A. Bradford was elected for 1889.

Fraternal Lodge, A. F. and A. M., now at Hyannis, held its meetings at Barnstable village until 1854. It was chartered and the first meeting was held July 21, 1801, at the house of Robert Lothrop. Among its antiquities is the bill for its seal receipted by Paul Revere, November 19, 1801. The lodge leased a small hall where the present Masonic Hall is at Barnstable village, and purchased and remodeled it in 1830. After the removal of the place of meeting to Hyannis and the dedication of their fine hall there in 1855, the hall at Barnstable village was sold to the I. O. O. F.

The New England Order of Protection is a mutual life insurance association confined to New England. This branch of the order was organized October 17, 1888, with seventy charter members; only one other Lodge on the Cape had so many charter members, and that was at Chatham. The officers elected to serve until July, 1889, were: Simeon F. Letteney, warden; Alex. B. Chase, V. W.; Joseph T. Hall, treas.; and O. F. Robinson, sec. It numbered ninety-four members in 1889.

The Hyannis Library Association was commenced by subscription, each one subscribing a fixed sum, which entitled him or her to a membership. In 1868 the association was organized. The library has been kept in the building east of the depot for several years, and is open to the public on Saturdays. It is free to members, others paying a small weekly fee for the use of books. The library in 1889 con-' tained 959 volumes of well-selected literature.

The Hyannis Cornet Band was organized in 1884, and is a credit to the village. A band stand was erected for its use in 1886, on Main street, near Park.

Hyannis Port is a post-hamlet one mile southwest of Hyannis, on the coast, and has every advantage for being one of the best summer resorts along the south shore. The settlement and business of that part of Barnstable commenced here, and this community and Hyannis village are inseparably one, although differing in name somewhat. Schooners and coasters were built here by Crocker Marchant very early, he being owner of the yard and a practical builder. Frederick Scudder, David Hinckley, Dea. James Marchant and Freeman Marchant made .salt here soon after 1800. The plain, west toward Squaw island, was once active with these industries. The first store here was built by David Scudder, on the corner near the present Tower House. Freeman Marchant and Frederick Scudder succeeded him for several years, and Frederick Scudder closed this store about 1860, a portion of which is still on the site. Previous to the closing of this, he had built a wharf and store at the foot of Sea street, where the fishing and other business was mainly conducted.

run as a hotel for years, and is pleasantly situated. The entire vicinity , was laid out by the Hyannis Port Land Company years ago for a village of much importance, but by some mismanagement or misfortune the undertaking did not succeed. Much of the property is now in possession of the bank at Framingham, where the company was formed. In September, 1872, Gideon Hallett built a hotel here, which was opened to the public in 1873. He added to it in the same year, making a large and convenient house,which is called " Hallett House." In 1888 Mrs. Emily Whelden purchased it and is the present proprietress. David Scudder started a post office when he had the store, in which he was succeeded January 2, 1829, by Frederick Scudder. Daniel Bassett was postmaster from April 18, 1840, until November 10, 1852, when the office was discontinued. In 1873 W. L. Hinckley revived the office and was appointed postmaster. The people receive a daily mail from Hyannis for nine months, and two a day in July, August and September.

Centreville, the Chequaquet of the Indians, occupies, as the name implies, the central position among the hamlets on the south side. It is one of the most fertile and beautiful portions of the town. In the history of the town this portion was selected for settlement soon after it was purchased from the natives. Of its development prior to 1800 but little can be said, but it became prominent soon after that date as a favored locality for building vessels, in which James Crosby, Jonathan Kelley, Dea. Samuel Crosby and others engaged. Mr. Kelley, as early as 1830, built two a year for several years, and Mr. Crosby continued the business later where the store and house of Enoch Lewis stands. It is said that the last coaster built here was about the middle of the century and was sunk by the rebels while on a trip south during the civil war; Captain Ephraim Crowell was the master. Deacon Crosby built at Centreville wharf the last vessels built in this vicinity.

Soon after 1830 Freeman Marchant built a small store here, now a part of Ferdinand G. Kelley 's, in which his sister, Tirzah Marchant, kept the merchandise sold in Centreville. In 1837, after Warren Marchant had succeeded his aunt Tirzah, a company was formed called the Centreville Trading Company, with Warren Marchant agent. In 1841 Jonathan Kelley and son purchased the site and business, and in 1854, the son, Ferdinand G. Kelley, became sole owner and is still in the business. A second store was started in the spring of 1847 by Alvin Cro.sby and Ansel Lewis, from which Mr. Lewis retired in March, 1868. Mr. Crosby continued the business until April, 1886, when he sold to Nathan H. Bearse and Harrison Phinney, who under the name of Bearse & Phinney continue in trade. The store has been by them given its modern form.

The third store at Centreville was built in the fall of 1847 by Wilson Crosby and his son, Frederick W. They continued a general trade until 1857, when the son went west, and Wilson Crosby continued in grain and flour until his death in December, 1874; Enoch Lewis, his son-in-law, has continued the business since. James Cornish had a small store prior to 1857 near where he lives. Another store was started in 1868 by Moses F. Hallett, who in 1874 took his son, Samuel H., into partnership, and they still continue. The building has been enlarged from a smaller one - the shoe shop of Captain John C. Case.

A drug store was run by Sylvanus Jagger during the last years of his life, and the business is continued by Maria G., his widow. Among those of the past is the store of Nelson Phinney, in a building in which he had previously and for many years carried on considerable of a carriage business; also the little store of Job Childs at his house. Other industries here are the tinshop of Clark Lincoln, operated since 1860, and the harness store of A. B. Gardner.

An important feature in the mechanical department of Centreville's business is the part filled by Henry B. Sears. The shop was first started by Leander Gage, who sold to Clark Lincoln. William Jones purchased the shop and removed it to its present site, subsequently selling to its present proprietor.

As a summer resort Centreville is preferred to many others. Its quietude and beauty, its shaded drives, fanned by the cool breezes from the' sound, and other superior attractions, induce prolonged visits from people far and near.

Howard Hall is a fine building erected in 1877, at a cost of two thousand dollars, by a stock company. On the lawn near the hall is a library building, containing a large and well-selected library, free to its members, and only a small fee is required from others.

The old cemetery here was long ago supplemented by a later one near the church, and this in turn is now but little used. In 1855, November 9th, a meeting was held by the citizens, and the Oak Grove Cemetery Association was formed. Five acres of suitable land were purchased just north of the village, on the West Barnstable road. This has been well fenced, and is the general burial place for the community. The oflBcers for 1890 are: F. G. Kelley, treasurer, and Eli Phinney, clerk. Three directors are elected the first Monday in January of each year.

A post office was established in 1834, with Warren Marchant, postmaster, from March 4th. He was succeeded, April 23, 1839, by Ferdinand G. Kelley, who has held it since, covering a period of over fifty years. Mr. Kelley 's commission was signed by Amos Kendall, postmaster general.

In 1837 Gorham Crosby began making his house a stopping place for travelers. The old house was replaced by a new one in 1869, where Aaron Crosby, the son, continues to accommodate the public.

Craigsville is a beautiful resort, just southeast of Centreville - between it and Hyannis - and is famous for its camp ground. Its visitors, attracted by its beauty and novelties, may be numbered by thousands each season. A post office is maintained here by the government during the season, a mail pouch being received from Hyannis. Miss Susie V. Aldrich was postmistress in 1889.

Marston's Mills is the Indian Mistic, and is pleasantly situated between Osterville and Cotuit. Its importance, early in the history of the town, is largely due to the excellent power for mills, which were erected very early on the stream issuing from the several ponds at the north, flowing into Cotuit harbor. A fulling mill, a cloth dressing mill, a jewelry establishment, a grist mill and blacksmithing existed here at an early date. Here, as has been mentioned, was the ancient fulling mill of Thomas Macy - in 1689 - on what was called Goodspeed river, for those families were the first here. This mill was used manj' years as a fulling mill. Benjamin Marston, through a long course of years, ran it. He was here in 1738, from which time it took its present name. In 1829 the former business of the place had dwindled to a grist mill, and to carding, cloth dressing, fulling, etc., by Robert Francis and A. B. Marston. Francis sold out in 1829 to Nathaniel Hinckley, who enlarged the building and added one of Copeland's first-class carders. He continued the carding and cloth dressing until 1852, when Rufus Churchill became a partner. They purchased cotton in Boston, and here made cotton batting until 1855, when the death of Mr. Churchill's son, for whom it was purchased, caused its decline. Neither party wished to purchase the share of the other; the old mill was subsequently removed, and the remains of the dam, on the land of Lilly Backus, is the only remaining memento of this important fulling mill, except this history.

At a proprietors' meeting, February 13, 1704-5, at the request of John Stacy (or Stasye), the privilege to erect a dam on the Goodspeed river, or Cotuit, was given, if he would build a grist mill for the benefit of the inhabitants, and charge only two quarts to the bushel for toll. This dam was not to interfere or"damnifie or pen any back water to hinder the fulling mill already .set up." Chipman Hinckley and Ebenezer Scudder subsequently owned the old mill, which was purchased in 1842 by Nathaniel Hinckley, who put it in order, adding a corn and cob cracker. Mr. Hinckley now made an unsuccessful attempt to put the two dams together, for the purpose of starting a paper mill to work the beach grass of the Cape into paper. The mill, in 1889, with its dam, was still to be seen as of yore, and Mr. Hinck- ley, venerable in age and good works, was still seen passing to and fro between it and his residence. Not only do these mills render this hamlet of historic interest, but it was the home of Judge Nymphas Marston, who died in the house now occupied by Heman .Thomas, on the knoll just west of the mill.

Early stores were established, but the first of which any record can be found was that of Nathan Hinckley, in 1820, in an addition to his house. He lived northeast of the present village, and this was for fifty years the leading store of that part of Barnstable. In 1826 Nathaniel Hinckley had a store at the mills, which in 1833 he sold to William Marston, his clerk, who was in business forty years or more before L. N. Hamblin & Co. began business. George L. Hamblin now keeps the only store here, having succeeded the last named company.

Nathaniel Hinckley was the first postmaster and we find him in his office in January, 1828, at his residence, where he kept it until November 8, 1854. Charles Bassett was then appointed, who, with Russell Hinckley and John J. Backus, filled the time to 1879 - the date of the appointment of Dennis H. Mecarta. Mrs. Harriet A. Mecarta has been postmistress since the death of her husband in 1886-6. Nathaniel Hinckley has filled various offices of trust in the town. He was elected ten different years representative to the general court, and in the years 1836 and 1869 was appointed by the respective speakers on the committee on revision of the public statutes. He has also been register of probate and sheriff of the county, and was appointed by President Lincoln commissioner of the board of enrollment during the rebellion.